CHAPTER NINE

Interlude 2

Lavender orbs were closed as Hinata's lips curved, ready to blow out her candles. They say that the smoke will carry her wishes to whoever would be listening and they will come true. Therefore, her mind had made a decision to ask for one thing; to become a better version of herself each day.

Her eyes opened and the light went out, creating strings of grey to lift her prayers.

Hinata turned 19.

As her friends cheered for her, the Hyūga's eyes lingered on a certain Uchiha who made her heart skip a beat. He was amidst her friends, smiling at her once she found him. Soon after, gifts were given to the heiress. She had her birthday party brilliantly planned out by none other than Sakura. It was an intimate celebration with the heiress, Sasuke, Naruto, Sakura, Ino, and Sai. If not correctly explained, these people were the ones who understood the complicated relationship between Hinata and Sasuke. Even still, they seemed to support whatever decision the two made. And right on her 19th birthday, Sasuke and Hinata were merely friends. They had successfully gone through a whole year without intimacy and romantic relations. Sure, they held hands once in a while, and hugged, Sasuke's hand caressing her cheek, but that was it. Because, lately, Hinata's father had demanded a driver to bring Hinata wherever she needed to go. The only time she could really be herself around Sasuke was when she was in a building where her driver nor Neji could have eyes on her… which was the university itself. With that in mind, the more a person focuses on a university, the lesser time they get to really spend time with each other.

However, amidst all this, Sasuke still managed to make time for her. They would have heartfelt conversations, expressing how much they missed being close to each other only to quickly realize that lingering in that emotion would make them run down a dangerous alley. They would stop and change the subject. Hinata began wondering if self-control was correctly practiced, a person could really handle themselves at a level unimaginable.

It seemed to her that their relationship had become more and more complicated.

Another year passed another set of candles was blown out by the heiress.

Hinata turned 20.

The same group of people committed to celebrating her. She saw how Naruto had gotten to know Sakura's family better and vice versa. Both families had even taken a trip during the summer to another country. Sai and Ino also seemed to be on a great pace in their relationship. Hinata wondered if that was the reason why they all looked happy, joyful, and hopeful. She wondered if that was even normal, to begin with. Because it made Hinata a little bit jealous as she turned to look at Sasuke who was trying to get a candid photo of her. She was wearing a party hat, too. That was a first.

By then, she was certain that she loved Sasuke. And she was certain Sasuke loved her, too. Yet within these strong emotions, she would have thoughts that got her awake most nights. Thoughts that enclose around the what-ifs.

What if he found someone else?

What if he got tired of waiting?

What if he falls out of love?

What if, what if, what if, what if.

What if… she found someone, too?

It was her 21st birthday when each friend group had been busy with the start of their thesis, which was why no celebration was planned. Hinata couldn't blame them because she, too, was busy with her thesis. Streaming into the route of International Business Management wasn't exactly the hardest degree, but one that would demand a lot of her time. Through her regular phone calls with Sasuke, she learned that Konoha University's law school took a toll on most of his sleeping schedules. He told her that being a lawyer or something would tremendously help with the continuation of the Uchiha's empire, and therefore, he must succeed.

She had always liked his ambitious spirits. She had also come to realize that he had taught her that it was okay to dream.

On her birthday night, he had arranged a dinner for the two. Miraculously, this time, she didn't need a driver to take her to said restaurant. And so, she dismissed him by tipping him extra. The man was happy to leave work early, specifically at 2 PM in the heat of the day. She then made sure she looked exquisite for the Uchiha without overdoing it by wearing her olive green satin dress. His favorite.

A rooftop dinner was perfect for her. He had picked a spot that was very much appropriate for a normal conversation. Not to her surprise, the Uchiha looked very attractive in his black buttoned-down shirt. When she saw some girls turn their heads just to look at him longer, she didn't blame them. Well enough into the night, their conversation became interesting.

"Hinata,"

"Hm?"

"Fuck the rivalry. Be my girlfriend."

"W-What?" She would respond, surprised by his firm decision. As a daring red colored her cheeks, Sasuke continued to speak. "I'm tired of it ever since I learned why it started in the first place. We shouldn't submit to their bitterness at all."

Hinata had to blink a few times because she had never really tried to ask her father why the rivalry started in the first place. And she wasn't keen on letting Sasuke know that, either. "So your parents told you."

Sasuke nodded. "Even without having to find out, I still think… we can do this."

The pause in his speech made Hinata wonder. "Is there something else that bothers you, Sasuke?"

He ran his fingers through his hair, a sign of frustration. "I just… would really love to make them proud through my education. So I was thinking that maybe, both you and I, can officially be together after graduation."

She could feel herself gasp internally as her mind recalled her father's request. He wanted her to move out of Konoha for experience in the corporate world. He wanted her to expand the family's business in a certain country… something she had been keeping from Sasuke. She, too, wanted her father to be proud of her so badly.

"I-I…" she paused as if she had to take a breath, "…I have to think about this first. I never thought you would ever bring this up."

Sasuke remained silent, this time observing the girl. When she noticed his stare, she felt obligated to tell him her secret.

"I haven't really tried to ask my father about the rivalry, Sasuke. I guess I kind of just… went on like usual. That's most likely because my father wants me to build our company in a country I am yet to find out."

"After graduation?"

"Yes."

"Hn. I see."

There was silence and for the first time in a while, she couldn't figure him out.

"Do you want to do that after graduating?" He asked.

"No. I do not."

"Then, what do you want, Hinata?"

That question, she hated the most. The worst part of it was, it had to be Sasuke to ask all the time. It was as if he could smell the inconsistency in her heart and mouth. She would say things with conviction that went directly against her desires. And she would end the day wondering if she ever really tasted freedom.

"I want you." Slipped out of her mouth.

She did. She always has.

"Then let's focus all our might to be the best graduates of our year. Give our parents the joy they crave for one last time. And then, Hinata, be mine."

They ended her birthday dinner with Sasuke walking her to her apartment. She thanked the universe Konoha University was too far away from both their compounds. Nobody in their families was around. When they reached her door, Sasuke didn't invite himself in, sticking to their promise. Hinata decided she wouldn't invite him in either.

"Thank you, Sasuke. I enjoyed our date tonight."

A smirk was evident on the Uchiha's face. He leaned close to give her lips a soft peck.

"Happy birthday, Hime."

Hinata was certain that the year passed way too fast because it was almost her 22nd birthday. 365 days went by after their serious conversation to deliberately go against their family's preferences.

"Hina-chan!" Sakura stormed into her apartment as Hinata tried on her regalia.

"Hey S-Sakura-chan-"

"GUESS WHAT!"

"What?" Hinata grinned, removing the fabric off her shoulders, and placing it on the armchair next to her.

Sakura showed a ring on her finger, a bright diamond glistening as the sun ray grazed over the stone. "Naruto and I are engaged!"

Placing both her hands over her mouth, Hinata gasped. "When did this happen?"

"This morning! We went out for breakfast and he went on his knee! I didn't even get to swallow my pretzel!"

The two hugged, and Hinata's heart filled with joy for her friend. "I'm so happy for you."

"Me too! But I'd be happier for me if you can join our engagement party tonight. Ino and I have been planning it since after I said yes. It's not the same without you."

With a nod, Hinata agreed to join. "Sure. Let me know what you need and I'll bring it over for tonight."

"I will. And also," Sakura paused, thinking.

"Yeah?"

"I hope everything's okay between you and Sasuke."

The pinkette looked like she had an odd feeling about their current situation but decided to brush it off. She gave Hinata's shoulder a pat before leaving the Hyūga's apartment, reminding her to dress nicely for the engagement party. She had left Hinata feeling weird for no reason, it seemed. The whole time Hinata got ready, her insecurities began to rise. Did Sakura know something Hinata did not? Or did she merely have the usual female intuition that something was about to happen?

Hinata began to wonder about the times they wouldn't meet for weeks. Was Sasuke really busy with school? Was she the only girl he talked to? Was she the only girl he would meet alone outside of school?

She shook her head as she looked at herself in the mirror.

No, Hinata, you love him. And soon, you are going to be his girlfriend. Everything is fine.

The heiress chose a rose gold silk dress with her hair tied in a low bun. Her earrings could be like ice if they were really frozen. And Sasuke was the first one to notice her exquisite beauty as she walked into the restaurant. It seemed like he had saved a seat empty for her right next to him. Even when there was Neji around, he looked like he didn't care. She sat next to him, trying her best not to give him a kiss.

"Beautiful as usual, Hime," he said.

Close friends were there as well as family and they had a round of very touching speeches. A tear or two was shed, especially coming from the families. It made Hinata reflect back on the days when she was crushing on Naruto, and how she wouldn't want her present reality to be engaged to the Uzumaki instead. She couldn't see anyone better than Sakura herself. They do make such a great duo and Hinata was the happiest to be there on their most important day. "God knows," her mother used to say.

When a round of applause happened around them, the dinner came to a conclusion. Sasuke leaned in to speak close to Hinata's ear, "I need to use the restroom. I'm leaving my stuff on the table. Wait for me?"

Hinata smiled at her beloved Uchiha and nodded. Once he left, she glanced at a friend who had started a conversation with her. Very quickly, Sasuke's phone lit up, and she saw a message on the screen. She didn't get to really read what it said since she wasn't that kind of person and decided to continue talking to that friend. When the conversation ended, quite fast, Sasuke's phone lit up again. This time, Hinata got to read the name of the sender.

It was Hana.

Her curiosity was piqued. She looked around to see if Sasuke was nearby. He hadn't left the restroom.

Would it be wrong to check his phone?

She glanced back at the once again lit-up screen. Another message from Hana.

The heiress was beginning to feel agitated. Sasuke could show up any moment and this might be the only time she could scroll through the messages. Maybe this was the time Sakura's hunch meant something. Very quickly, she grabbed both his wallet and phone. When she swiped the phone to unlock it, he didn't have a password. She tapped on the notification from Hana. Once the text messages were open, Hinata's heart dropped.

Hinata scrolled to see numerous invitations from Hana for Sasuke to come over. Very seldom was the invitation from Sasuke. He would answer a simple "ok" or "on my way". It seemed that they meet at least once in two or three months. Hinata tried to calm herself by convincing herself that maybe it was for his law school because Hana also took the same major. It could also be that they were never really alone.

But her worse nightmare was confirmed when she saw the message;

"The sex was awesome" from Hana.

Sasuke had been sleeping with her.

Hinata could feel her eyes clouding with tears while she tried her best to fight them away. Very gently, she place Sasuke's belongings back onto the table and looked for Sakura. Oddly enough, it was the exact time when Sakura turned to check on Hinata as if she felt something went wrong. Hinata then saw Sasuke walk out of the restroom, and she quickly walked over to Sakura.

"I don't want to ruin your night, Sakura-chan—"

"Shut up. Spill." The pinkette said, grabbing Hinata's hands. "What happened?"

"I-I saw his messages with Hana. I'm hurt. So so so hurt. Would you be okay if I leave now?" Hinata was close to crying again and Sakura quickly understood the situation. It also seemed like she was in the mood to punch an Uchiha.

"Yes. I understand. I'll talk to you later, okay?" Sakura gave the heiress a tight hug before letting Hinata go.

As Hinata walked out of the restaurant, she tried her best to avoid Sasuke's eyes, but that asshole always had a way to get her attention. Sasuke managed to grab her arm right outside the restaurant as she waited for her driver to pick her up.

"Hey, what happened?" He asked.

Hinata couldn't turn around to look at him because her tears were already messing up her face. What would a normal person do? Run? Slap the guy? Scream? But he made her turn to face him, and as always, she yielded. When Sasuke saw her tears, he frowned.

"Who hurt you?"

Hinata let out a small laugh, ironic considering her pain. "You did, Sasuke."

"What are you talking about?"

"I've decided," Hinata cut Sasuke off, "to do what my father asked me to do."

Somehow, his grip tightened around the heiress' arm, "But what about our deal? I thought we were on the same page." It was obvious he didn't know she looked into his phone.

"Sasuke, please, we were never going to work anyway."

"I don't believe that."

"Let me go, Sasuke."

That was when the Uchiha obeyed the heiress' commands. He loosened his grip around her, yet still questioned her behavior. "Why are you like this, Hime?"

"B-Because… I saw your texts with Hana. I looked into your phone and saw all of it."

Sasuke's face showed an expression of shock while trying to remain composed. It wasn't like he didn't want to admit his mistakes. He just didn't want her to run off so fast without explaining himself. That, Hinata knew very well. What she also knew was that he had sent Hana a message that he wanted to stop contacting her in that manner. She realized that their texting and meeting had stopped and that Hana's new messages were just her trying again, hoping Sasuke would respond. But it still hurt like a bitch.

"I don't know if apologizing would be enough for you right now."

Hinata shook her head, more tears choking out of her silently as if she was made entirely out of water. Even when the pain was eating out from inside of her, she still felt so much for him. And she knew he still felt so much for her. They were just too broken to meet in the middle.

"I love you, Sasuke. I h-hope when we meet again, it would be with less hurt within us. Until then," Hinata paused as her driver stopped right next to her on the side of the street. She opened the car's door, glanced at Sasuke for what might have been the last time, and said,

"I wish you well."

Then, she left.

That was a week before her 22nd birthday.

The Interlude series is in its end! Working hard to plan out Season 02. Thank you so much for reading this story so far. I appreciate it. :)