Hinata quickly fixed her hair before clicking the answer button on her screen.

"Hi!"

Naruto smiled broadly and waved at her enthusiastically.

"Naruto, how are you? Have you eaten yet?"

It's been almost half a year since Naruto decided to leave to pursue his dream. It was hard the first few months but after Hinata began to accommodate to the routine. Every day at around six in the afternoon, Naruto would call to Skype with her. They'll talk about everything and anything and even study together. Sometimes they'll even while eating to watch a movie together. It felt like he was there beside her.

But lonely nights would be a grim reminder that he wasn't really here and she'll have to wait at least a few more months before he comes back home to visit. Her physical needs began to grow with each passing month and sometimes she wishes that masturbation can cool down her burning desire to have sex with Naruto but there's only so much her fingers can do. Not only that but hugging her pillow can only do so much when it doesn't smell like her boyfriend or hug her back.

"I ate some ramen," he chuckled nervously when she pouted.

"Naruto, you know you need to eat some vegetables!"

"I know," he said sheepishly before smiling sadly. "I miss cooking with you…"

Both stayed quiet before she smiled tightly, tears gathering in her eyes.

"When you come back, we'll cook something delicious!"

For the rest of the night, they both talked for hours and once the call ended, Hinata curled into her bed crying herself tonight.


"Good morning, Hinata!"

She looked up to see Toneri walking towards the counter with two coffee cups in hand.

She smiled tiredly and waved.

"You look dead," he said painfully before handing her one of the cups.

"Thanks," she whispered before drinking it. The hot liquid cappuccino soothed the tension in her body and she sighed out of relief.

"Wanna talk about it?" He looked around the almost empty shop.

She said nothing as she kept sipping the coffee but in the back of her mind she already knew that he knew what was causing her to be like this.

"When's Naruto coming back?" He took a sip of his own drink.

"Soon…I think…"

He quirked a brow. "How's Sakura and Ino?"

"They're both really well. Ino was talking about having kids but they still don't know if they should. You know, since Sai got this big arrangement with the local art museum. I'm glad his work is being recognized. Sakura is a bit…stressed." She bit her lip, remembering a few nights ago Sakura finally confessed how she felt for a few months now.

"I want to marry Sasuke but he's not ready…I don't know what to do…"

"I see." Toneri said nothing else. He's gotten closer to Hinata ever since Naruto left. He's been watching the decay of her personality as each day passes by. She told him that the scholarship Naruto received was being extended for one more year. The school immediately realized that his works and talent should not go to waste and granted him at least that much to finish school and find a full time job in a good company.

Toneri can still remember seeing Hinata's face mixed with emotions. She was happy for her boyfriend but that meant one more year of being apart from him. At this point, Toneri knew she was too kind-hearted to say anything. She wanted Naruto to achieve his goals after all. But Toneri also knew that Hinata missed her boyfriend dearly.

He sighed and looked at her.

She watched the store with a faraway look. She loosely held the cup as she bit her lip in thought.

He grabbed her cup suddenly making her jump and placed it on the table.

"Hinata, want to go out tonight?"

"Um, I have to study for this exam coming up."

"You need to get out of your studio." He looked around and leaned over the counter. "Do you want me to tell Sakura and Ino how you haven't been sleeping that well?"

Her eyes widened.

He chuckled before drinking more of his coffee. "Your face says it all, you know."

She stayed quiet before finally nodding. "I guess going out won't be so bad." She can remember a few nights ago going out with Sakura and Ino and the distraction made her feel light and happy.

Toneri smiled. "Okay, so what about 11?"

She nodded and he couldn't help but feel glad that he'll be helping her at least a little.

'Naruto,' he thought, looking out the window. 'You better get your ass back here soon.'


Naruto smiled at his finished project. Finals were this week and one of the most important ones was to finish a whole design of a building of your choice within a week time. It had to be hand written, drawn, and digitalized and oh boy was it hard to do. But with enough determination, ramen, and energy drinks, the task was simply done within a few days.

He's learned so much ever since he started to attend classes here. This was only a dream he'll fantasize about, something he thought he'll never be able to do since it was so much money. It was hard leaving behind everything he loved but he knew that this was a once in a life time opportunity. He knew that he had to grasp it before it's too late.

But one thing he did regret leaving behind was Hinata. She was constantly on his mind. Every waking moment and every night before he closes his eyes, he'll see her. She was smiling, calling out his name in that loving voice he loved, and holding his hand ever so gently. Sometimes he'll remember her feather touches and how she'll moan out his name when he touches himself late at night.

He sighed, looking at his finished project. If he can pass his classes and finish school with outstanding grades then he'll be able to get a good job and…support Hinata and himself.

He jumped when his phone rang and for a second he thought it might be Hinata. But it was already 12 in the morning so the only one who stayed up that late was—

"Kiba!"

He opened the message and saw an image of his best friend holding onto a girl in one arm and holding onto a puppy with another. Under it was a message that read, "Hey Naru, guess what? I met this amazing chick in the adoption center a few weeks ago and we clicked! Today we both went to adopt an animal and decided to take a pic! Bad thing is she likes cats ;-; but ill overlook it cuzz she cute!" That's when Naruto saw the small kitten the young lady was holding. "Anyway how's school been?"

Naruto paused, looking around his lonely dorm room.

"I think I'm going back home soon…

…I miss you guys."


Natsu held onto Hanabi as her younger daughter sobbed out loud. Neji paced the hallway and scrunched his noise at the smell of chemicals and that hospital smell.

"Aunt," he spoke suddenly, turning to his side to see his aunt crying and clinging onto Hanabi, "want me to call Hinata?"

Natsu looked up quickly, tears streaming down her face.

"I-I don't know…doesn't she have school and work?"

"But sis needs to know what happened to dad…" hiccupped Hanabi before nodding at Neji.

Neji sighed and took out his phone. He went outside and dialed Hinata's number. When he heard her sweet voice, he knew that he'll also break down once he tells her the news.

"Hinata, it's Neji," he took a shuddering breath.

"Your father's in the hospital and he's dying."