It was now spring and Hinata decided on taking just four classes than her regular five or even six. She had nothing to do, back then, but now that she decided on working in the sex shop she knew that she had to balance out her work and her school. Sure, financial aid can help her—it can't now however since she's already working—but how much would that help once she graduates? She needs money for her apartment, books, school supplies, bills, and much more. She supposed that the small job she had wouldn't cut out. Why was she avoiding getting an actual job for a while? Maybe she was afraid that once she took the responsibility of a full-time job that she won't be able to do it. Sometimes you just have to put yourself out there in order to get what you want and what you need, she concluded.

As she reread her notes and glanced at her textbook, her eyes wondered to her clock and she involuntarily rubbed her eyes. It was ten at night and even though she knew that her boyfriend was working and taking classes, she felt her heart tighten just a little at the thought that he hasn't texted her. She grabbed her phone and sighed when she saw no notification. It's been about five days since they last saw each other. They're just so busy with their studies that they can't make time.

Naruto's profession, a biologist specifically in the forensics field, requires many biology classes including math—honor classes mind you—and she just knew that right now he was probably studying his butt off for an exam tomorrow just like she was. She didn't want to bother him. She wanted him to succeed and pass his classes so he can be one step closer in achieving his major. So she hasn't bothered in texting him too. But how much longer can she just sit around and wait for him to text her?

She decided that enough studying was done for today and closed her textbook, putting both her book and notes into her backpack. Once she changed, brushed her teeth, and turned off the lights, she settled in her bed, the glaring light of her phone shining on her face. She bit her lip and unlocked her phone, deciding on just sending him a goodnight text. She fell asleep quickly after and grabbed her phone that was on the nightstand the next morning.

He never responded.

Naruto was tired. It was hard enough being a full-time student but add a part-time worker then you just might get a tired and half-dead young adult who's ready to go into a coma once he got home. Here's the thing, however, he knew that his parents would drop anything in order to help him financially. He knew that he can call them right now—heck, even Kiba—and ask for some money in order to focus more on his school. But he also knew that ever since he was able to get the job he has now, he knows he can balance the two. Both the money and his education were important but so were his family. He didn't want to depend on them anymore. He vowed to his mother, however, that if he's ever in a crisis so deep that he even knew he couldn't make it out, then he'll call them as quick as he can.

But right now that was not the time. It was ten and he just came back from school. He was only able to get five classes and those classes were just hell. He needed good grades in order to apply in a really good school and adding to the fact that those classes were honors, he knew that he can't mess this up. He had a quiz tomorrow and he's been studying his ass off in between breaks from his work and school.

Ever since spring semester has started, he hadn't had time to talk to his girlfriend. He felt the need to call her, just to hear her voice, and chat for hours but he couldn't afford such luxury in the moment. He knew that Hinata would understand that. It's been five or so days that he's last seen and talk to her and honestly the time apart has been killing him. If he can, he'll screw his education and go over to his girlfriend's studio to stay overnight. Just to cuddle and hold her close, they don't even need to have sex. But the rational and awful truth is that he needs his education in order to get a degree of the major he wants and to get a better job. He can't find the time to even text her something. And it hurt, honestly.

He snapped his fingers and his tired eyes landed on his phone. Right now, he'll text her right now before he can forget and get caught up with his school work. He pushed the lock but cursed when he saw that his phone was turned off.

"Fuck, where did I leave my charger?"

He got up and looked around his living room then his room. It was nighttime for fuck sakes and it occurs to him right now to start looking for his charger when it's been gone since this morning and he promised himself that later he'll find it. Well, later became night and it was too fucking late to find it because he needs to study some more for his test tomorrow. He threw his phone on his bed and gripped his hair. He was sleepy and he was so tired. One more hour of studying then he'll knock out. Tomorrow in the morning he'll find his charger to text Hinata.

If he can find his fucking charger.

She was finally done with school for the week and Hinata has never felt so great like in this moment. She's lying down on her bed, eagle spread and enjoying the feeling of the air condition hitting her hot skin. It was hot outside and nearly unbearable and god was she happy that she's done with school until Monday. She grabbed her phone from her belly and looked at the screen. Nothing, no notification or missed call. She felt slightly ashamed when she found out this morning that he didn't text back. What if he saw it and decided on ignoring it? She shook her head, put her phone on her bed, and walked towards her kitchen.

Naruto wasn't like that. He loves her and he's such a kind man that the idea of him doing that seemed almost absurd. But, her mind whispered, there was always a time to try new things. She distracted herself with feeding herself some ice cream and watching some Netflix. But every once in a while her eyes would go back to her room where her phone was wondering if Naruto has texted or call.

When she placed her bowl on the sink, her ringtone blared throughout her studio. She practically speed walked towards her room and grabbed her phone, a wide smile on her face and her heart thumping a millions hours per hour. Her smile faltered when she didn't see his name and she answered with as much control she can muster right now.

"Hi Sakura, how are you?"

"Great, closing shop early as usual for Thursdays. You know the drill." Hinata looked at her clock and saw that it was already seven at night.

"I didn't even notice the time. I thought it was still five."

Sakura hummed and Hinata heard a door shut. "You were having fun with Naruto?" she asked playfully.

Hinata didn't answer and instead her eyes watered. Why was she so emotional?

"Hinata?"

He just hadn't texted for six days now and she just had a feeling that he was busy with school but what if he had other plans and just decided on ignoring her?

"Hinata?! Are you okay?"

What if he decided on ignoring her because he wants to dump her but doesn't know how? Oh god, maybe he has every right to do so. She wasn't so pretty, she wasn't perfect. What if he was leaving her?

"Hinata! Breathe! What's wrong? Hina, what's wrong? Please talk to me."

Hinata didn't realize she was breathing hard and when she tried breathing out, a sob came out. And it all came out. Five days wasn't much, she knew, but when you're in love with someone so much like she was with Naruto then you can't help but conjure up thoughts. She has low self-esteem issues and she thought that she's buried that deep down. But somehow it found itself near her heart and mind, where it tainted the memories she had of her boyfriend. Five days seems so far away and god was she just being clingy?

"Sakura…" she cried, cupping her mouth with her free hand. It hurt.

"Hinata!" She was alarmed. "What happened? I think I'm going to cry too. Hina, tell me what's wrong?"

"N-Naruto hasn't texted me for six days…"

"Why? That jerk! If he's been ignoring you, I'll hunt him down!"

"No! Sakura, I think he's just busy with school and work."

"Those are no excuses for him not to text or call you. If he really cares about you, he'll make time." She stayed quiet and Hinata bit her lip, sniffling and feeling her cheeks burn with embarrassment. "Hinata, are you busy tomorrow?"

"No—well besides from the job. Why?"

"We're taking you clubbing!"

"Eh? Sakura, I have work tomorrow. Plus, I think I can study a bit too."

"No excuses. You haven't been out for such a long time!"

"But you know I don't like clubbing…"

"Fine. Let's go to the promenade near the school then."

"The one that just opened up?'

"Yeah, there's a bunch of different stores and restaurants. And I heard from Ino that it's really pretty at night."

Hinata thought about it and didn't really know what to answer. On one hand, it'll be nice to go out once more and spend time with her best friends. On the other hand, she had school and work. What about Naruto? What if he comes over and she's not here?

"Hinata, don't worry. We'll close shop early tomorrow too. I just want you to distract yourself from your boyfriend."

"Sakura, I-I think it's my fault for reacting this way."

"Hinata, I already told you. He has to make time for you just like you make time for him. How about this, wait a bit more and see what happens. If he doesn't respond by, let's say, Wednesday then try to go over to his house. Don't forget that communication is really important."

"I-I know, Sakura. And thank you for the advice. I might do that."

"Alright. So tomorrow is girl's night, right?"

"Yes." She couldn't help but smile. "Are you going to tell Ino or…?"

"I'll tell her. Come to work tomorrow and I'll tell you what time we'll be closing, okay?"

"Okay."

"Have a goodnight. Hinata, please don't clean your whole studio."

She laughed. "I'll try not to. Goodnight, Sakura." Then she disconnected.

She sighed, putting her phone on the nightstand. She wiped her eyes and felt her heart heavy. She turned off all the lights and changed, settling into her bed once more. She stared at her wall, her mind replaying the conversation she had with Sakura. What if Naruto doesn't text her by Wednesday? Would that mean that they're done? The thought made her taking a shuddering breathe and she felt a few tears roll down the side of her cheeks.

"I love you so much, Naruto…" she whispered as she closed her eyes trying to find some sleep in her tormented mind.

But all she can think about were scenarios of Naruto leaving her and she only felt heartbreak during the night.