Sui Ryuu

12. Ramen Noodles

She lifts her hand tenderly, rubbing her forehead, and sighs. She wishes she could take the bandages off, and let her forehead cool in the breeze that flutters about the streets. Along with the wind are the millions of smells a village as large as Konoha creates. She does like this village, despite the looks she sometimes receives and despite the resentment many people have for the Hyuuga. But sometimes, she allows herself to walk out of the Academy, and she lets go, just a little, of her stony Hyuuga face, and allows herself to be just another student.

And she loves it. It's like a split second of freedom, and she relishes the moment, savours it, and despite its ultimate insignificance, the flutter in her heart makes it worth it. She walks in town, away from her father's frosty gaze. The walk from and to school is her favourite part of her day: it's lonely, sure, but it's the calm, peaceful kind of loneliness where she can just breathe.

She steps lightly, forgetting about where she's going and why. It's an ordinary day, there is really no reason for her cheerfulness...

And suddenly, there is a voice that startles her out of her reverie.

"HINATA!!!"

The girl nearly falls over in surprise. She wasn't paying very much attention to her surroundings.

There's a blonde and two dark haired boys in front of her, as well as a chubby boy and a dog. They're all grinning.

The dark haired boy with a ponytail looks at her, his eyes constantly judging: she recognizes him as Shikamaru, by far the smartest boy in her class.

"Jumpy, aren't you?" In her mind, she suddenly finds herself resentful: in her mind, she dares him to call her an inadequate Hyuuga, another failure, but he stays silent. The blonde speaks again, arms flailing about and the most happy smile on his face.

"We want to invite you to some ramen!" Naruto says, exited.

Hinata stares at them. The fat boy, Choji, shudders at the sight of her white eyes.

"Come on! You know you want some! Ramen's great!" Naruto exclaims.

Hinata hears their words, but understanding them is another matter.

She blurts out a shy, barely audible: "Why?"

The four boys look at each other. Shikamaru rolls his eyes. "I knew this was a stupid idea." Kiba glares at him.

"Shut up, you moron."

Choji speaks up, his voice just as squeaky as hers. "We think you're a cool person!"

The three other boys look at him, murderous looks in their eyes.

Hinata wants to cry, but her heart isn't heavy.

Naruto looks at her, smile back on his face. "Wanna come, or not?"

She looks at the road, and knows where it will end.

And she decides to let the pretend continue. She smiles shyly, and nods.