Author's Note: Hi, everyone! Sorry it took quite a while for me to update. I was short on ideas, but all is fine now. So here it is, chapter ten!
Chapter Ten
"Neji-nii-san might join us for today. Is that okay?"
Sakura looks at her friend, standing before her with her cheeks a bright shade of red.
Both of them plan to hike that morning. Sakura is truly excited to go see the woods near Hinata's house, despite the cold weather. When Hinata tells her that Neji might want to come, she doesn't really know what to feel. She doesn't know him that well. However, looking at her best friend's flushed face makes it hard to complain. Besides, maybe she can get to know him through this hike.
"Of course, Hinata." Sakura smiles genuinely.
Hinata's pale eyes sparkle. Seeing this makes Sakura's heart flutter.
"Oh, yeah, how about Hanabi?" she asks.
"She wants to stay at home. She's not really in the mood to go out."
"Oh…that's okay, then. It'll be just the three of us!"
Sakura is dressed warm enough for the weather. Her dark green parka with fur lining on the hood covers the black sweater she is wearing. She wears her dark blue jeans with leggings underneath it, and she puts on her black knee-high boots. She is ready to go.
"Let's go!" says Hinata enthusiastically when they meet up on the entrance.
The moment they walk out of the house, the cold air pierces through Sakura's multiple layers of clothes and she begins to shiver. She tries her best to ignore the weather as they walk up the hill towards the woods.
Slim fingers of the pale sunbeam touch Sakura's vibrant emerald eyes. She inhales the cool air inside her lungs and exhales, feeling as calm as Buddha. They walk up along the trail leading up towards the hills. After a long hike, ever so softly the snowflakes fall from the sky and land upon the cold ground. Sakura looks up to see them fall and sighs in awe.
She continues to walk behind Hinata and Neji, giving a safe distance from the two of them, but close enough to hear them talk.
"It's such a lovely weather, don't you think, nii-san?" she asks with her infamous gentle voice.
"It sure is, Hinata."
Sakura finds herself being frustrated on the two of them. Walking behind them makes her imagine how cute it would be if they were to hold hands as they walk together along the trail, while it is snowing. It is a very romantic fantasy, and despite how badly she wants it to happen she knows how timid Hinata is and how she wouldn't dare to even touch her cousin's shoulder.
She listens to the soft sounds of the crushing of the snow beneath their feet. Her mind lingers back to Hatake-sensei, and how nice it would be if he were with her as they walk together in the forest like this.
After taking a long hike along the hill, they stop at a clearing with tall, slim trees surrounding them. Their gazes are fixed on the gloomy sky. Not long ago, the sun was shining bright, but now it is snowing heavily.
"I can get used to living in a place like this," Sakura remarks with a faint smile playing on her lips.
She imagines building a large mansion next to the woods. She pictures herself sitting while sipping a hot beverage and looking out the window to appreciate the gods' masterpiece. This imaginary place of hers will be covered in snow for months, and she would call it the Winter Wonderland. Along with this fantasy, she pictures herself with Hatake-sensei, enjoying a peaceful morning.
A bead of tear trickles down the side of her face, which she quickly wipes away before either Hinata or Neji can notice. What's the point of thinking about Hatake-sensei when in the end it only makes her cry? Despite realizing this, a part of her still wants her relationship with him to be like what it used to. Another part knows that it will never be the same ever again.
Author's Note: Sorry if it's a bit short. I promise the next chapter will be a bit longer. Thank you for reading and don't forget to leave a review!