Hinata decided walking around her neighborhood was better than being locked inside her studio. Her boyfriend was meeting with his ex at this moment. It was odd to think that this was actually happening. She had every right to tell him how she felt. She wanted to tell him that she was a bit worried that Shion might try something. She wanted to tell him that she was scared to lose him. But a part of her scolded herself. She trusted Naruto so why would she be so worried? Was she getting jealous?

She sighed, remembering the words Toneri told her.

"Jealousy is a horrible thing that can even turn the nicest people into monsters."

She began walking back to her studio when someone bumped into her.

"Oh, pardon me," she said quickly and glanced up.

Toneri smiled back at her.

"Oh! Toneri, well…i-it's a surprise to see you here."

He hummed and stuffed his hands into his coat pockets.

"Why are you walking around at night without your boyfriend?"

"He's…busy." She avoided his gaze. "Why are you walking out with this weather?"

He laughed. "I always love to see the moon." He looked up. "I find it soothing."

She looked up as well. Looking at the stars and taking note just how beautiful the bright, white moon looked up there with the dark sky made her agree.

"It is soothing," she whispered, momentarily forgetting about her boyfriend's situation.

"If you don't mind," he said, "would you join me for some coffee?"

"Maybe it wouldn't be such a good idea…" She looked at him and smiled almost sadly. "I'm sorry."

"No, you're right." He blushed slightly. "I shouldn't rush things." He smiled once more. "I'll let you go on then. Goodnight, Hinata. Please stay safe."

"I will. You too!" She waved at him before he disappeared around the corner.

Once again the people walked past her, each talking about their own lives and figuring out their own problems. Each not caring about her dilemma. Life keeps moving on but she feels like she's standing still. These conflicted emotions are making her feel like a horrible person. Was this jealousy? This feeling she had that made her over think about the situation and made her replay scenarios where her boyfriend ends up choosing Shion over her.

She shook her head. Why did she agree to this in the first place?

"I don't know but I think she won't do anything out of hand," commented Naruto, kissing Hinata's hand. "I'll stop her if she does."

She trusted him. But even now, walking into her empty studio knowing her boyfriend was with an ex-girlfriend, the trust she so unwillingly believed in was crumbling.

It was all because she was getting jealous and scared.


Naruto stared at the lanterns hanging from the trees surrounding him. He remembered this part of town when he was younger. The mall was in front of him and right behind him was a small park that was decorated beautifully at night. He'll usually play in the arcade after school with Kiba in the mall. He remembered this one time he brought Hinata here and she was left in awe with the colorful glows surrounding the small park. And he'll never forget the look on her face when the colors will paint her beautifully. How her eyes shone with the orange glow of the lanterns and her smile was wide as she took in the scenario.

He'll never forget it.

"Oh, Naruto! You're here early."

He smiled a small smile and waved.

"Hi Shion."

"Sorry to keep you waiting. I'm actually really happy that you agreed to this."

"Well," he scratched his cheek, "I have a feeling you want to talk to me about something important."

She hummed and avoided eye contact.

"Can we go sit on one of those benches?"

He nodded and walked stiffly towards the wooden benches. They sat in awkward silence, neither wanting to speak up. He glanced up at the sky and the moon immediately reminded him of Hinata. Why wasn't he with her again? Oh, right. He sighed, not one to avoid confrontation, and turned to look at Shion.

"What did you want to talk about?"

"You always go straight to the point." She smiled and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "Do you remember w-when we came here for one of our dates?"

He tried remembering back but he can only remember bits of it.

"Kind of." He bit his lip. He felt uncomfortable talking about his past relationship with her. The past was meant to remain in the past. "Why are you talking about our relationship?"

"A-And remember when I told you how much I loved you." She looked away. "Do you remember?"

"Shion, if you don't tell me right now why you wanted to talk to me, I'll—"

"I'm sorry!"

He stopped, stunned by her exclamation. She gripped her hands and sobbed, not caring for the looks given their way.

"I'm so, so, sorry," she cried out, wiping away the tears. "I did such a horrible thing to you. Y-You didn't deserve it."

He slumped against the seat and stared at the night sky once again.

"It's okay, ya know."

"No, it's not. This damn personality of yours is making it hard for me to apologize. But I am. I was stupid and spoiled. I thought I could have anything I wanted. I really did love you back then. But once my ex-boyfriend started flirting with me and showed that he actually cared for me, I thought that if I left you you'll welcome me back with open arms.

"But that wasn't the case," she whispered. "I hurt you so badly. Kiba confronted me and yelled at me. He said I was stupid and didn't deserve you."

He chuckled. "That's Kiba for ya."

"He was right," she said, taking in a deep breath. She looked at him and couldn't help but admire his sharp jaw and stunning blue eyes. "I was stupid. I came here to find closure. I want to apologize from the bottom of my heart. Even though you've left that part of us behind, I need to know your answer."

"Do you mean it?" He stared at her. Really stared at her. He waited for an answer and saw her gulp.

"Yes, I do. I really do mean it."

He smiled widely.

"Then it's settled." He sat up straighter and grabbed her hand, shaking it. "You realized your mistakes and you came to apologize. That's good enough for me."

"W-Wait, what?!" she stuttered, eyes widening at the carefree look he gave her.

"Well, you mean it, right?"

"Yes!"

"Then why should I keep you here any longer? Yeah, you did hurt me in the past but if it wasn't for you then I wouldn't have met Hinata." He smiled. "Thank you for taking your time to apologize to me. I really admire that."

She smiled and blushed slightly. She stood up and he followed suit.

"Thank you, Naruto." She shook his hand. "I'm so happy. Like a weight got lifted off of my shoulders!"

He chuckled.

"Anyway, I shouldn't keep you from your girlfriend any longer. Goodnight, Naruto, and stay safe!"

He nodded and raced out of the park, an eager smile on his face.

She simply looked at him as he ran. While it did leave a bittersweet taste, she was happy that he was able to accept her apology. Her cell phone rang and she answered immediately after seeing the caller ID.

"Oh, Ms. Sakura, what can I do for you?" Shion stayed quiet before nodding. "I understand. I won't be able to see you tomorrow or Ms. Ino. Would you be sending another representative?" Shion nodded once more. "Tell her to report to my office tomorrow and tell my secretary that she's with your company." Shion smiled. "Goodnight! Thank you for informing me." She hung up.

Tomorrow would be the last business she'll be doing before leaving town. She suddenly snapped her fingers and slapped her forehead.

"I forgot to ask him!" She took out her phone and checked if she had time tomorrow after her appointment. Seeing that she had time, she sighed out a relief.

This was the least she can do for him. Naruto deserved the best after all.