[Starting Author's Note]

Memo:
Guys. You know what I did after posting the last chapter? I spent my time writing chapter summaries up until Chapter 15 and beyond [not telling you how many chapters I'm at now!] and hear me out. It will be a while until I post the chapters where Hinata and Sasuke actually recollect the memories. Oh yeah and this is a super short chapter.

Review Replies:
kandita | I can see why you'd be confused. I seem to have forgotten somewhere in the beginning chapters that Neji and Hinata were put in an orphanage together. Neji was then adopted by a wealthy family [Hyuuga Corp.] and since Neji and Hinata are pretty much inseparable and look alike most of all, she was adopted too. Hinata stayed at the village while Neji worked hard to get where he is now and as for Hanabi.. Lord knows where she is. I honestly have no idea how to fit her into this story that'll make it more interesting. I'm not sure if I want her in this story at all actually. I mean, I have an idea of how I can fit her in [a good one at that!] but throwing in characters that don't contribute to the progression of the story isn't my cup of tea. I feel like it would only confuse me more with the upcoming chapters because what happens is that I write a chapter summary and along writing I may have an idea of what's going to happen. Then, further along, I have to think: "Oh, wait, but didn't I use that character already?" and then I have to GO BACK and.. It's yeah. I try my best to keep it as concentrated as I can for myself, but also the readers.

hinaanime | Thank you for reading my story! And your wish is granted.. in this chapter! Woohoo!

Everyone Else | Thank you so much for following, reviewing, favoriting. It means a lot, it's what makes me motivated to write! Anyhow, I think the most appreciative thing is how much you guys pay attention to the story and by that, I mean the chapter details. I think it's really great! I just love it. Thank you, really.

Chapter Summary:
He's here. In the flesh. He really is. Hinata's been waiting for him all this while. She spies and squished through the crowds to meet him again but somehow misses every opportunity?

Disclaimer:
I do not own Naruto

[Ending Author's Note]

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| Is this really happening? |

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"Wow.. Would you look at that, Kiba!"

A half hour in and many people gathered from both companies joined in fine suits and gorgeous dresses. The mix was colorful like the swirls inside a gumball. "Everyone looks so great.." Hinata's eyes flickered back at Kiba whom seemed occupied with the crowd. His scrunched eyebrows and concentrated eyes sunk into the unknown according to Hinata. Kiba's chocolate eyes melted into the into the crowd and solidified towards the entrance. "Say, Kiba, is something the matter?" She followed his eyes leading to the entrance. Her eyes, too, held; however held not by purpose but curiosity.

"No, I'm.. I'm.. Sorry, It's just I've never been to an extravagant event. This is.. breathtaking." He lied, speaking to her through his periph. Itachi's words still sunk deep in his mind, sucking him of his energy like poison numbing him to paralysis. It's your move now, Kiba. Do you want to do this?

"Kiba.. It's practically your first time in the city. Go have fun! Maybe you can escort a pretty young woman yourself tonight." Hinata laughed at the thought. She wasn't sure if Kiba could score a girl. It's not that she doubted him in his appearance or get-up but rather he's very awkward when it comes to approaching girls. Especially, city girls. "Kiba.. I think you look rather dashing." She laughed some more, a little more audibly. Enough for only her and Kiba to hear. But she looked at him, and he had reacted no more no less. His gaze was still focused on the entrance, and Hinata watched with softness glazed over her pearly orbs.

A flicker of tension crossed Kiba's face. "Hinata.. I thi-" It's your move now, Kiba. Itachi's voice called Kiba once more. He vigorously shook the pressure off his skin and dragged Hinata downstairs where the main event was held. "Hinata.. Sorry, but.. I think I saw someone you may know."

Hinata's attention arose and she asked, "S-Sasuke..?".

Kiba stopped in his tracks suddenly now that the crowd seemed to fill the space and the air thickened with heavy perfumes and foods. He stood guard beside a pillar and wrapped his hands over Hinata's cheeks, directing it towards the entrance. "Look familiar?"

At first she was fixed in confusion but with a sure double-take, it was real. Kiba watched her eyes sparkle with anticipation in its highest and she exuded so much warmth and affection. Fearlessly, she never dared to avert her attention from him. He was here. Sasuke.

Kiba thought about Neji and his motives in tonight. He understood that he agreed to keep them as far from each other as possible, he'd come to ask himself: Was there any point in keeping up the pretence?

Wary of giving her any encouragement, he slid his hands away, occupying his attention elsewhere. "Hear me, Hinata. Tonight is a night not for you but have fun. I know you're excited and probably dying to stumble into him in the flesh but know that you should wait for him to come to you." With that he escaped from beneath 10 percent of Hinata's attention, leaving her attention full-heartedly dedicated to seeing and sensing Sasuke only.


It was strange trying to meet with Sasuke. It was as if there was some protective shield around the man. Whenever she was 5 paces closer, he was 5 paces further. It was a crowd of obstacles. Many mistook her for Neji which was the common greeting of the evening for her but then it developed into a casual conversation, discussing her connections with Neji. It was the same inevitable cycle Hinata struggled every time to break away from. Many had either passed a glance at her or stopped in her tracks in which she dreaded in changing her route just to meet the man!

One incident, she was the closest to Sasuke but within arm's reach, a trio of well-dressed women snatched him from her. Then her body became trapped and sent away in a sea of gentlemen and women surrounding Sasuke. Frustration wavered over Hinata and watched from a silent distance to see him engage with the girls. She could see the women be captivated by him. Not only is there bittersweetness here but pure bitterness too, which drained her and shook her with a vigorous collection of mood swings. She was upset to see Sasuke seem as though she did not exist, she felt frustrated to see Sasuke flaunt himself in a flock of women but at the same time she was happy to say: "That man is mine and I to him."