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During the entire meeting, Hinata could not keep her eyes off the man. There was just something about him that made everyone attentive. Maybe it was the way he spoke or his looks. Either way, the entire department was captivated by their new executive manager whose name they learned was Naruto Namikaze
Would he be different from the slime ball they had before? Did the complaints they reported to their HR department make their way to corporate?
"I know some of you may have heard that Mr. Akashi is no longer working here, and it is true. After a thorough investigation, we've decided to let him go due to the numerous reports provided to the department. We sincerely apologize for any ongoing issues that may have happened during his time here." Mr. Namikaze spoke as he reviewed each employee's face. Suddenly, his ocean blue eyes dawdled to the Hyuga girl a few seconds longer than the rest of the employees. It wasn't long enough for everyone to notice, but Hinata did. "We also noticed that Mr. Akashi has been pocketing bonus money and incentives that should have been given out to each department. It's unfortunate to say that some of you may have not been paid out accurately, but please bear with us as we fixed this situation." He ended up with a warm smile. "I'll be more than happy to answer any questions to the best of my ability."
When all questions were answered, the employees felt a sense of peace washed over them. There was a rumor going around that Mr. Akashi and some of his entourages were pocketing the money and the raises they were supposed to get were not correct. Some were afraid of the challenges they would face if Mr. Akashi or his team were to find out, but it had been ongoing. Especially with his sexual advances to the female employees and the rumor circulating that he had slept with one of the female workers to make her a part of his team. After he got what he wanted, he fired her.
Hopefully, this new executive manager would do everything by the books, and their work lives would be a little better.
"That new manager is a work of art!" Ino sighed dreamily.
"Somebody has been spending a lot of time with Sai," Tenten commented.
Ino's pale skin turned red in embarrassment. Hinata, noticing, couldn't help but smile. She'd look so adorable when she blushed.
"I'm going to leave now," Ino said, grabbing her purse from under her work desk. "I'll see you tomorrow!"
"Drive safely," Hinata said as she waved at the young woman.
When Ino was gone, Tenten turned to Hinata and placed her hand on her shoulder. "Hinata, are you sure everything is fine? You don't have to tell me if you don't want to, but I'm sorry I didn't realize you had been crying."
"I'm fine!" Her voice squeaked out. "Seriously, I am!"
Tenten gave her a suspicious look, but she could only sigh. In the short amount of time, she knew Hinata, she knew the girl didn't speak about her personal life, or if she was going through any hardships. However, Tenten was very observant and eventually, she learned about her parents and sister and their hardships. It wasn't much, but she understood why Hinata was a little stressed out and worked overtime every time they offered it. She was so young to be going through something like this, but she did not want to stress her any further.
Smiling, Tenten nodded. "The new manager sure is cute, huh? Like Ino said, he's a work of art!"
Hinata couldn't help but giggle. "I'm going to the restroom." She stood up. "I'll be back."
Her walk to the restroom felt longer than usual. She was thinking about all the events that happened. Breaking up with Kiba felt like her world had ended. It felt empty waking up to him not being beside her. How did she even manage to make it to work? The man she cried to in front of her was her manager. What if he thought she was incapable of doing her job now? Or how she might have been an emotional wreck? What if he believed she was unable to work and let her go? Her heart sank to the bottom of her stomach. There was no way she could lose her job, not with her family's situation. Who would help put groceries in the house? Or help Hanabi through school? They would be homeless. Then it dawned on her. She needed to save to find her own apartment. Would she be able to afford it?
While during one of her many "overthinking" sessions, she didn't realize someone had approached her until she had collided with them. The force didn't shove the person back, but it caused her to stumble onto her bottom.
"You should pick your head up when you walk."
Hinata froze by the known voice. A hand was extended towards her, and she looked up at the person. Now she had a name. Mr. Naruto Namikaze- the new executive manager, twenty-six years old.
He wore a dazzling smile that captivated Hinata's attention. Just looking at him made the whole room brighter. "Ar—"
Before he could even utter another word, Hinata had got up and ran away from the man. She didn't even know why she ran, but she did, and she regretted it. He would surely believe she was an emotional wreck now.
All day, Hinata avoided the man. He wasn't stalking her, but everywhere she went, he was there looking over the place. The only place she could escape him was the women's bathroom.
"Just look for a new job, Hinata! He's going to think your incompetent, and emotional." She spoke aloud. Some tears gathered in the corner of her eyes, but she wiped them away. Right now, it wasn't time to cry. She did not want to worry Tenten.
The day was almost over, and Hinata could not wait to leave. She would ask Tenten for a ride home and go straight into her room to cry herself to sleep. That was the plan until it was mentioned that overtime was available.
There was no way she could pass up this offer. So, she did just that. People were slowly leaving for the day, and the work floor was becoming quiet by the minute until there were only a few people left. Eventually, it was only Hinata. She was so focused on her work that she had completely forgotten the breakup and today's "exercise".
9 o'clock came, and she had saved the last piece of documentation needed as well as saved it on a USB that she stored in her dresser. Looking around, she noticed the office was empty. Hopefully, it wasn't raining. It was going to be a long walk home.
The twinkling sky caught her attention, and a gentle breeze brushed past her. At least it was not raining tonight, so it made her a little happier. She would have called Tenten for a ride, but then that would mean she needed to confess everything about Kiba and she did not feel like crying- yet.
"I'm sorry if I frightened you before." Her body instantly froze. "Did I do it again? Gomen. Gomen." Turning around, her pale eyes locked onto his blue eyes. "I promise I'm not stalking you." He laughed when he saw her gaze.
"I'm not afraid," Hinata mumbled. "Um… thank you for the other day." She whispered as she tried to avoid his eyes.
"It's no problem! How are you doing today?"
"Fine." She lowered her head.
"Breakups aren't easy. Trust me, I know. Just don't let it tear you down, okay? Think about yourself and focus on what needs to be done." He encouraged.
Hinata was surprised to hear such a thing that she couldn't help but stare into his blue eyes. All this time she was under the assumption that he would fire her. "I thought you would have fired me." She admitted.
"Why would you think that? Did you do something wrong?" He asked, his smile never ceasing. She nodded as she tried to wipe the ongoing tears. "And what did you do wrong?"
"My emotions," Her voice cracked, "I cried and—" Why was she constantly embarrassing herself in front of him? Wasn't this unprofessional? How could she cry, again, in front of her new manager?
Naruto hummed as he took out a handkerchief from his pocket. "I don't think I can fire someone for crying. Please take this."
Nodding, she took the handkerchief and wiped her teary eyes. "T-thank you."
"As I said, it's okay to cry. It's best to let it out, right?" He tilted his head to the side.
"But would if you think I am incapable of doing my job?" She sniffled.
"I've only been here for a few hours, and I can tell you're a hardworking employee. Despite what happened, I saw someone who was focused on doing their job."
"So, you have been stalking me," Hinata said, teasingly.
Unknown to her, Naruto's face turned slightly red. "I-I just wanted to know who was left."
Hinata felt herself smiling. "T-thank you, again."
"Do you need a ride home?"
"No, no. I don't want to be a burden." Hinata replied. "I—"
"I would feel better knowing your home safe," His smile brightened which left Hinata flustered. "Do you still live in the same place?"
"Yes," Suddenly she went quiet. The same place? Her heart quivered. Once the lease is done, she would need to find a new place, and start all over without Kiba. She had never lived on her own… Would it be any different?
"It'll be fine." Naruto rubbed her head.
"Come on."
Without a word, Hinata strolled behind the tall figure. A smile couldn't help but form on her lips as she was glad their new boss was somebody understanding.
The drive home was quiet, besides the soft music playing from the radio. Hinata tried to rid her mind of Kiba, but she couldn't. A part of her still loved him, and the other part was grateful she left him. He didn't think of her as a partner. Her needs were never satisfied, and she was always put on the back burner. Why would she want to continue a relationship like that? Why would she continue to love somebody like that? Were all men this way?
The car came to a stop, and she stared at the tall looming apartments. Looking at them made her feel mixed emotions. There were so many memories implanted there, both good and bad. Then an idea came to mind. Maybe Kiba would want to continue their relationship and promised to change. Maybe a breakup was what they needed for him to see the error of his ways.
Would he rush to the door when she opened it and give her kisses? Beg for her forgiveness and say how sorry he was? Those questions made her feel excited for some reason and she couldn't wait to enter her home.
"Well, you're home,"
"Thank you again. How can I ever repay you?" Hinata asked, never breaking her gaze from his dreamy eyes.
"No repayment is necessary." He looked away. "Well, I do have a favor." He said, glimpsing at her.
She nodded eagerly. "What can I do for you?"
"Promise me you're going to look after yourself, eat a well-balanced meal and do the things that make you happy. That's a way you can repay me."
Hinata didn't know why, but her heart fluttered upon hearing that. Her hand trembled as she touched the handle of the door.
"Do you think you can do that, for me?"
"Y-yes. T-thank you again, Mr. Namikaze." She looked at him briefly.
"You're welcome… hm… it seems you know my name, but I don't know yours." He chuckled when he saw the horror that dawned on her face.
"My name is Hinata! Hinata Hyuga, sir! I'm sorry. I thought, no I didn't." Her mind was scattered. "I'm sorry," She bowed slightly.
"You're fine, Hinata," Naruto reassured her. "Well, I don't want to keep you out so late. Please get a good night's sleep."
"Yes! Thank you!" Hinata shouted. She quickly left the car and ran up the stairs of the apartment's entrance.
"She sure likes running," Naruto thought aloud.
Hinata bent over as she tried to steady her breathing. "Seriously, Hinata?" She spoke to herself. "Did you have to shout and then run away? Ah, he's going to think I am incapable of doing my job." She inserted the key into the door, and her heart skipped a beat. Would she be right….?
Pushing the door opened, a cold breeze brushed against her, and the lights were off. She swallowed the lump stuck in her throat and her heart shattered when she heard a sex noise coming from their old bedroom.
Her feet were glued to the floor and her hands were clasped together as she prayed it was just porn Kiba was masturbating to. Her eyes watered when she heard his name being screamed out in pleasure.
She ran to the opposite side of the apartment and slammed the bedroom door behind her. Sliding to the carpeted floor, she hugged her knees and let the tears slide freely. What was she even expecting? They weren't together, so why was she to be mad?
Still… there was a lingering thought that maybe everything would change.
Executive Manager, Naruto U. Namikaze was amazed at how one individual could screw up so badly. How did they not catch on to this sooner? Payroll was screwed up, funds were not issued, and some complaints were not filed. He was surprised that a lawsuit didn't happen.
There was so much paperwork that needed to be sorted through and fixed. Although this branch didn't have the pharmaceutical field, it was just as important as it depended heavily on accuracy and quality.
"Ah, I would have quit long ago if I had a boss like him," He mumbled.
He leaned backward in the chair and stared at the ceiling for a long time. Although it was inappropriate, he couldn't stop himself from thinking about that young girl. She was cute and quite charming to be around. It had been a long time since he'd felt that way about a woman.
A noise sounded on his laptop, and he looked at it. It was almost time for his meeting to highlight his discoveries.
Tenten was worried about Hinata. She was so indulged in her work that she didn't even speak to anyone which was strange. She understood how Hinata can be so wrapped up in her task, but to enter work without so much as speaking to anyone was unusual. Also, it was obvious she hadn't a wink of sleep.
"Hinata, is everything okay at home? Did you get into a fight with Kiba?" Her eyes never left the screen, but Tenten noticed how stiff she became. So, she was right. "I understand if you don't want to speak about it, but I'm just a little worried about you."
"I'm fine," She mumbled. "I just don't want to speak about it now."
"Would you like some coffee? Do you want to take a lunch break with me?"
Hinata shook her head, her eyes never leaving the computer screen. One look at Tenten would make her explode into tears.
"I'll leave you alone then," Tenten spoke in a sad tone as she got up from her workstation. "But if you ever need anyone to speak to, I'm here."
How could talking possibly help? What could she say? "I'm upset because my ex-boyfriend was having sex with someone last night?"
She grabbed the napkin and quickly dabbed the tears away as this morning played in her mind.
This feeling was so sick and nauseating to her. All she could think of was Kiba and this unknown girl having sex. Was she better than her? Was she pretty? How did they meet?
The steam from the cup of tea faded in the air and her shoulders lowered. She couldn't sleep, because they were constantly on and off having sex, with little regard for her.
Her muscles tensed up when she heard his room door open. She wasn't expecting them to still be here. It was too late and there was no way she could make it to her bedroom without looking like a lunatic.
"Who is this, Kiba?"
Taking in a deep breath, Hinata turned around and her eyes slightly widened at the beautiful woman. Long pink hair complimented her pale skin, and she had the most beautiful set of green eyes she had ever seen. She smiled gently at Hinata.
"This is my roommate, Hinata," Kiba said, glaring at her. "I didn't know you were home."
Hinata wanted to scream at him. "Is this not my home too? How shameless. We just broke up, yet you already have another woman."
"Hinata," The pretty lady hummed. "That's such a beautiful name. I hope we did not disturb you last night."
She shook her head furiously at that memory. "I don't want to go home."
.
.
.
Another late night, but if it meant more money to have then she was willing to sacrifice the sleep she needed for it.
"I should probably look for an overnight job since I'm no longer dating Kiba."
The stars twinkled in the sky, and they captivated her attention. They looked so nice, sitting there, showing the world their full beauty. "Why am I here?" She looked at the entrance of the door, then at the time. Why was she even expecting him to offer her a ride? Surely, he would have been home already.
Her grip around her purse strap tightened. Everything looked so scary as she walked down the pavement. She had only been walking for three minutes so far, but she was afraid. Anything could happen.
"Should I call Tenten?" Her voice quivered. "I don't want to bother her, but I don't have enough for a taxi."
She froze when she saw some car lights flickered behind her. What if this was a kidnapper? Before she could run, the car stopped beside her, and her name was called. "Hinata!"
Instantly, her racing heart calmed down and she turned to look at the cheery blonde man.
"Mr. Namikaze—" Her eyes watered, and she began to sob. Why did he have this effect on her? Why couldn't she keep her emotions in check while in his presence?
"It's okay, it's okay." He wrapped his arms around her and embraced her. She hadn't even heard when he left the car.
At this moment, she couldn't care. She cried into his chest as the pain was unbearable to withstand. No one knew what she had to endure, being the oldest, financially supporting her family, and her time with Kiba. Everything was on her shoulders, and sometimes she wished someone was there to remove that pain.
After several minutes of crying, she calmed down but would sniffle every so often. "I'm sorry," She wiped her eyes. "I got your shirt wet."
Naruto looked down at his shirt, then smiled. "It's fine. I'm sorry I was late. My meeting ran a bit over the scheduled time."
"No! I- you're not my driver, it's okay. Honestly." She squeaked.
"Well, it's not safe for a young woman to be roaming the streets late at night."
"But—"
"No buts." He smiled cheekily. "You spent another late night at the office? Did you have dinner yet?" Hinata held her stomach as it growled. She laughed nervously. "Would you like to accompany me for some fried chicken? My treat."
Hinata's face turned red, and she shook her head. "No, I couldn't do that Mr. Namikaze. I've already been a burden. I couldn't possibly ask you for any more favors."
"I understand. The offer is still up on the table, Hinata."
Just hearing him say her name made her heart skip a beat. When she looked at him, he still wore a bright smile and his blue eyes glistened even in the dark. How could anyone deny such a face?
"Okay, just this once," She mumbled.
Naruto grinned excitingly. "Let's go, shall we?"
Hinata didn't know how it all started. One minute she was eating fried chicken with her new manager, having a friendly conversation about the work environment, and the next she was intoxicated. He had offered her some sake, and it was not his intention on getting her drunk, but who knew she couldn't drink more than two cups.
"I didn't know you were a lightweight, Hinata. I'm sorry."
"Thanks for apologizing," Her voice slurred. "I think, I think you're the only man who has ever apologized to me." She began to sob. Naruto felt his shoulders getting wet as he carried her to the car. "He brought home another woman and they had sex."
"I'm sorry to hear that," he said, placing her in the car.
"A-and I thought he would try to change b-" She ended up hiccupping. "I don't want to go home," She cried.
Naruto laughed nervously at the woman's demeanor. "But Hinata, where will you sleep?"
"Under a rock," She pouted. Her cheeks were stained red, and she had an adorable pout to her.
"How would you get under the rock?" He asked in amusement.
"Patrick star can sleep under a rock. Why can't I?"
Chuckling, Naruto nodded. "You're right. He can, but it won't be safe for you."
She felt her eyes watering once more. "I don't want to go home."
"Do you have a friend you can go to?"
"I don't want to burn them," She said, her eyes feeling heavy.
"Burn?" Naruto cocked his head to the side. "Oi! Hinata!"
Her head lowered and she fell fast asleep.
Naruto stared at the sleeping girl on his bed. He ran his fingers through his hair and let out a soft sigh. This was not his intention, and he only wanted to get to know her a little, but he understood this type of interaction could be considered unprofessional.
But how could he ignore such a face? Tears? A heartbreak?
His eyes drifted to the black picture frame on his dresser, and his eyes lowered at the sight of red hair.
Maybe that's why he couldn't ignore such a person.
Review.
AN: NarHina, this story was supposed to be called Desires of the heart. I don't know why I typed Lovesick. Ha.
Thank you for the reviews!
