I haven't spoken to Naruto in almost a week now, but that doesn't help with the constant torment. I see him every day, and he makes sure I know he sees me too. He glances at me every now and then, using the smile I had fallen for, to mock me as I walk the halls. Even my group of friends have noticed, they giggle each time he turns my way, and I quickly avoid his heavy gaze.
"Hinata, I think he might like you. I mean, I understand if it was once or twice, but it's every time you cross his path. It's like he's a moth, attracted to our beautiful Hinata." they giggle without realizing the impact of their teasing.
Their teasing feels like spilled salt and proves to be true when I begin to head home. As part of the student council, I was required to create new forms for the following field trip. We needed to decide on a budget and a location. Tomorrow the final draft will be printed and sent to the teachers for approval.
The process is the same each year, and I can't help but remember last year's field trip. I was a transfer student and had arrived almost halfway into the year. Everyone was nice, but I never managed to find a group of friends. If someone needed to they would talk to me, otherwise they would ignore me, without their need I ceased to exist in that classroom.
The field trip changed everything, though.
We did a simple camping trip, rented a few cabins near a mountain and visited the nearby hot spring during the winter, it was cold, but it was comfortable. That was the first time I really spoke with Naruto. Looking back, I wonder if the Naruto back then was just a petty act. There was no need to pretend in front of me, I had no connections and had no previous knowledge of his class-clown act. Even though we were in the same class, I paid little to no attention to him and slowly closed myself off, distracted myself by joining the student council... I guess that was my first mistake, my first step towards him.
It was time for lunch and someone had forgotten to purchase enough drinks for the entire class, hence, as the student council member of our class, it was decided I would graciously and kindly sacrifice myself for my beloved classmates. I mean, the cold never bothered me anyway. Well, it was time for me to head out when I had run into the golden-headed Naruto. He eyed me up and down, a raised eyebrow obviously questioning my intentions.
"Need to get drinks. Forgot to buy enough." I locked eyes with his and noticed a hint of amusement. "Later." I made my way towards the door before I was yanked by the back of my jacket. He pulled my hoodie and chocked me in the process. Already irritated, I glared at his direction, "What is it?", my voice seemed to oppose my angsty, crooked smile.
"You going alone?" he kept a tight grip on my jacket, refusing to let go.
"It's too cold for anyone to go out right now." I yanked the hoodie, an attempt to free myself.
He laughed before speaking, "Then why are you going? And all alone too?" then finally let go of my now wrinkled jacket. "I'll go too." he patted my head and took one of the jackets hanging from the wall. "I was going out to buy something too anyways, see? I still have my boots on." he smiled for the first time and I noticed how warm my cheeks suddenly felt. The only time I felt warmth in that entire trip was when I was with him.
Anyways, that was all in the past, and it was all an act too. Whether he did it to mess with me, or out of kindness doesn't matter now. Yesterday I finally found out who he really was. A manipulative, ruthless being. How could someone like that fake a smile so warm? Lost in thought I cross the last door leading towards the night and let the fresh outside air glide across my face.
As if planned, the scene from a year ago suddenly replays, my shirt is yanked backward, I cough from the sudden pull and stumble back a few feet until a solid object stops the momentum.
"You're finally out." he releases my shirt shortly afterward and shrugs. "I'll walk you home"