Creating Love: Reason Enough
In a world where hearts are being broken,
One finds a reason enough to love.
Chapter 14
Neji and Tenten, alongside Sasuke walks towards the backyard where Kagami and Metal are. As they got closer, Neji and Tenten saw Metal playing with his grandfather. Tenten excitedly approach them.
"Dad, Baby Metal!" She greeted as she walks faster towards them leaving Neji and Sasuke behind.
Tenten get Metal from her father and hugged the baby. Metal giggled as soon as he's on her mother's arms.
Neji watched the two of them with a smile.
"Huh, look at you. You look like a real family man with that look on your face." Sasuke commented beside him.
Neji glanced at his friend before raising an eyebrow, "I am a family man though, Uchiha."
Sasuke snickered, "I can't believe this bastard became my in-law." He said as he placed an arm on Neji's shoulder.
"Oh by the way, we have lots of things to talk about, Hyuga." Sasuke added before pulling Neji inside the house.
Sasuke took him in the kitchen and prepared an alcohol drink for them.
"I can't drink. I have to drive us home." Neji said as soon as he saw what Sasuke is preparing.
"Tsk, whatever." Sasuke said before drinking a glass of sake that he already prepared.
He gave Neji a tea before sitting in front of him with his sake.
The two of them drink silently, until Neji broke the silence first.
"I know you have lots of questions, Sasuke."
Sasuke let a long sigh, "You can't blame me, you surprised me Hyuga. I never thought you were dating my cousin. And you even marry her."
"You can't blame me as well. Your cousin is a wonderful person. I can't help but fall for her."
"Hm." Sasuke agreed while nodding.
"Anyway, my questions are not important anymore. I can see that she's happy now because of you and Metal. That's all that matters now." Sasuke said drinking his sake.
Sasuke's statement greatly shocked Neji. He wasn't expecting that Sasuke will let him pass that easily. Among the 3 young Uchihas, Sasuke is the closest to Tenten. And so he thought that it will be hard to win Sasuke's approval.
Confusion is visible on Neji's face. Sasuke smirked,
"I'm a simple man, Hyuga. I'd support whatever makes my cousin happy."
Neji smiles while looking at his friend.
It feels like he didn't know Sasuke too well.
1 year and 6 months ago...
"Good evening, Uncle." Neji politely greeted his uncle, Hiashi Hyuga, as he entered his office.
Neji stopped right in front of his table and bowed politely to his Uncle, a traditional greeting for the Hyuga family. Hiashi, who's sitting on his swivel chair nodded at him, acknowledging his presence.
"Nephew." Hiashi simply said.
Behind his uncle's word lies the question 'what are you doing here'.
"Uncle, did Ko talked to you about a particular matter?" Neji asked.
Hiashi's forehead creased, then nodded afterwards. He leaned on his swivel chair and watched Neji with curious eyes,
"Ko mentioned earlier that you wanted to have his position to transfer in our US branch. Is that right?"
Ko, his older cousin informed him days ago about his transfer to their US branch. According to Ko, Hiashi wants him to manage the company since their 2-year old US branch is facing difficulties in the US market. Of course, upon hearing this, Neji wanted to have Ko's position. Having Ko's position means he'll have to live in US indefinitely. Which also means that he'll see Tenten more often– or if not often, at least, he'll be closer to her, at some point.
Neji already talked to Ko about this, that he wanted to switch position with him (he didn't tell him the reason why. And Thank God, Ko never question him.). Fortunately, Ko agreed, stating that he doesn't even want to leave Konoha so Neji can have his position BUT they have to inform their Uncle Hiashi first and have him agree as well. That's why the two of them decided to talk to Hiashi and asked for permission.
Neji nodded in response, "Yes, that's right Uncle."
"May I ask why do you want Ko's position, dear nephew?" Hiashi asked curiously.
Neji took a deep breathe and his facial expression relaxed, "Change of environment, Uncle." He said, half-lied.
It was a difficult decision for Hiashi to make. Among all his nephews and daughters, Neji is actually the best in handling their business (Hanabi have a great potential too, and Hiashi can see that she follows the footsteps of his Neji-niisan but Hanabi is still young and still needs further education).
Of course, what do you expect from the son of Hizashi Hyuga, the number 1 business tycoon in the whole 5 great nations of Japan. Even Hiashi cannot achieve what his twin brother achieved during their time.
Neji is currently managing the main branch of their company located in Konoha (and eventhough it is running really smoothly, the board members and investors are all pro- Neji, they wouldn't want Neji to be far away from the main company). But, Hiashi realized that indeed, Neji needs a change of environment. For the past 2 years (after his graduation and started working in the company), Neji obviously devoted his life working, and only working. Hiashi knows that Neji doesn't have a life outside working. Also, he knows– and he believes that Neji can solve the problem in their US branch and maybe, just MAYBE, Neji would find and have a life in US.
Surprisingly, Hiashi allowed Neji to have Ko's position. That's why 2 months after their talk, Neji flew to US.
"So... I heard you're going to manage your New York branch, Hyuga?" Itachi Uchiha asked, the man he met 6 months ago, a.k.a his new "intel" about Tenten whereabouts.
They were in the same VIP room from months ago (when they first met). Neji received a call from Itachi exactly 2 days after his arrival to US– Neji immediately thought that Itachi called him because the said Uchiha learned about his transfer– which is actually right.
Itachi is preparing a drink behind the bar island, while Neji is sitting in one of the bar stool just in front of him.
"Hn." Neji simply responded.
Itachi smirked before putting down a glass of liquor in front of Neji.
"I wonder what's the sudden transfer? Hmm... Is that because of my little cousin?" Itachi asked with obvious accusation.
Neji rolled his eyes before grabbing his drink and taking a sip.
After meeting Itachi 6 months ago, Neji kept a communication with him. He wouldn't lose any chances now that he knows where Tenten is.
Neji and Itachi met twice after that first meeting as well. He already know Itachi prior to that meeting because their family have a close relationship since their ancestry were both from Konoha, but because of this "finding Tenten" thing, they somehow became "friends".
As a matter of fact, it was Itachi's younger brother, Sasuke who's actually Neji's friend. Funny how Neji likes the older Uchiha's company than his actual friend (Sasuke). He can talk about serious matter with Itachi, with Sasuke? Oh god, most of the time he annoys the hell out of him- introducing him to different women and all that stupid stuffs. Now, Neji wondered why Sasuke didn't even introduce Tenten to him?
Itachi smirked, "Oh... I shouldn't be asking that right? The answer is pretty obvious."
Neji remains silent, which made Itachi's smirk widen. Itachi shakes his head afterwards.
"You really like her." Itachi stated– very sure of his statement.
"I don't like her." Neji responded slowly- sounding very defensive.
Not anymore. He wanted to add,– his silly childhood crush on her was long forgotten.
What he feels about her now is genuine concern- especially after learning what happened to her in the past years. And as being his first ever friend.
Or so he thought.
Another Flashback:
It was not long ago during one of their usual family dinner when Hoheto suddenly mentioned Mrs. Wang's name, his father's former secretary who happened to be Tenten's mother, stating that the older woman was the best secretary their company ever hard.
"She's also very nice. I remember her babysitting the three of us." Ko commented before glancing to Neji and Hinata.
Iroha then asked Hiashi the sudden disappearance of the said woman.
Hiashi shook his head sadly, "Poor Mrs. Wang... She was killed by her husband."
Everyone in the dining table gasped except for Hiashi (even Hanabi, who never even met the former secretary gasped in shock). Hiashi's revelation caught Neji's whole attention– he looked at his Uncle as soon as those words left his mouth.
"W-What? We didn't even heard about that, Uncle..." Tokuma asked, shocked.
"When did it happened?" Hoheto added..
Hiashi let out a sigh, "I think... a year before the tragedy in our family happened. The police report said that she died from the severe injury she got from her abusive husband– and not only Mrs. Wang was being physically abused but also their daughter."
Hearing his Uncle's last statement, Neji felt his heart suddenly became heavy and painful.
Tenten, his cheerful friend... was abused...?
"Her daughter? Wasn't she the same age as Neji, Uncle?" Iroha asked, then he glanced to Neji, "She was your friend, right?" He added.
"If the daughter is same age as Neji-niisan then that means... She was abused at a very young age. That's very cruel, Dad." Hanabi commented.
His heartbeats rapidly as he thought of one thing: Is Tenten... alive or...?
"What happened to her?" Neji asked Hiashi, his voice sounded stern but his fear leaking on every word.
Hiashi turned to look at him, "She was sent in an orphanage after that."
The next time he met his uncle after that dinner, Hiashi revealed more, stating... "Hizashi wanted to adopt her. It was the best thing he can do to show his gratitude to the former secretary since Mrs. Wang was loyal to the company and to the Hyugas. But then an unexpected tragedy happened to our family that made a full stop to everything: to the adoption, to our lives... It took us years to cope up with your father's loss. By the time I tried to continue your father's adoption paper, it was too late, she wasn't in the orphanage anymore."
"What happened? Where did she go?"
Hiashi shook his head, "I don't know. The orphanage didn't reveal anything about her whereabouts. I assume, it's either she left or another family adopted her."
Continuation...
"You don't like my cousin?" Itachi clarified, sounded not so convince with Neji's response and irritated as well as if Neji said something wrong.
Neji sigh. But then, who is he kidding? Surely not the others, since Itachi wasn't even convince with him.
Of course, the only person he's kidding is... himself.
He still likes Tenten– or in much better words, he likes Tenten AGAIN.
After seeing her for the first time after all those years– smiling brightly, talking to people comfortably like how she used to when they were kids, it brought him back to his memory of her and his silly crush. Tenten is like his oasis, someone that gives relief and comfort. And just like that, his feelings came back like the water in the river- being carried by a strong current.
"That's good to know then, Hyuga." Itachi said with a mocking grin, "Thought you'll gonna join the long list of her admirers we wanted to eliminate."
"What do you mean?" Neji asked with so much curiosity.
Long list of what? Admirers? Admirers?! Is he hearing the right words?
Itachi smirked as he finally got the response he wanted to see from Neji, and shrugged afterwards, "Well, Tenten is beautiful and smart. So of course, she's got lots of admirers."
Itachi's smile faded soon after and gave Neji a serious glare, "I hope you'll hold onto your words, Hyuga. You may be one of the few good people I know but you're not deserving of her. No one does." He said protectively.
Nearly 8 months ago...
As Neji entered his pent house, deafening silence and darkness greeted him. Turning the lights on, he sigh as he looked around his silent household. The sight is depressing. This is one of the times that he'll be willingly admit that he's feeling homesick and lonely. That he misses Konoha... and the Hyuga estate.
Now he felt regretful that he turned down Itachi's invitation of hanging out.
Neji remembered that there's a bar downstairs. Without any second thought, Neji turned around and made his way on the elevator going to 5th floor where the bar is located. He's not the bar-type kind of guy but maybe spending his time over there is much better than staying alone in his gloomy pent house.
As soon as he entered the bar, he could hear loud noises from people and music. Although he hates noises, he didn't even think of turning back to his pad, he only continue walking towards the bartender station when suddenly a familiar face approached him and tugged his shirt.
"Excuse me." A sweet voice was heard.
"I'm sorry, Mister, but I have to do this."
Neji stood frozen and stare at the person in front of him but was caught off guard when the said person suddenly pulled his head lower.
"Wha–"
He didn't even finish what he was going to say when the person in front of him grabbed his face and put her lips on him. His eyes widen while looking at her tightly closed eyes.
For Neji, it feels time suddenly stopped.
And so does his heart.
Like only the two of them are living at the moment.
When he felt that she's about to pull away from their kiss, Neji tightly wrapped his arms around her and never let go of her lips.
They were both gasping for air when they pulled away from each other. His pale lavender eyes finally met her brown eyes. Before Neji can even mutter a word, the person he's been wanting to see turned her heels aways from him without saying a word.
He wanted to follor her but he was frozen in place. His mind couldn't process everything that happened. As if their kisses blown his mind away.
Neji calls it fate. Meeting her again after that faithful night. He even made a mental note to thank Itachi for sending Tenten as his substitute for their business meeting.
"I don't actually believe in fate. Do you?" Tenten retorted when he they met again for a business meeting.
"Maybe... yes." He said with a smile on his face, hiding a meaning with his words.
They met when they were kids.
Met again after so many years.
If it wasn't fate, then he didn't know what it is called.
However, Neji noticed how different Tenten is now.
She's far from being the cheerful child she used to be.
Right now, he could feel the walls she built around herself and to other people. As if she never want anyone to get close to her.
He couldn't help being angry at her father and for what he had done to Tenten. The trauma she had from her childhood turned her into like this. A person afraid of opening herself to others because of the possibility of getting hurt and used.
And Neji wanted so badly to break those walls.
"Baby..." Neji playfully called, and Tenten turned her head on his.
"Will you stop calling me baby." She said, frowning.
Neji laughed, "But you're responding, baby."
"I am not a baby, Neji."
"You're my baby from now on." Neji said.
IHonestly speaking, it was a blessing in disguise for Neji when Tenten asked for his help to be her contractual husband and being an instant father. Of course, he will never wish for her friend's death but he'd grab this opportunity to get close to her. So he can protect and comfort her closely.
And as if no matter what Tenten asked for his help, he will always say yes and help her.
Whatever it is.
Note: Hi! I'm back! I can't believe it's been half a year now. How are y'all doing? I hope wherever you are, you are doing well.
I just want to say thank you for continuing reading this story. I really appreciate it.
Xoxo.