After dropping Shisui off at his home, the car was filled with tunes as background noise. Neither of the Uchiha brothers willing to start a conversation. That is until Sasuke asked, "What?"
"I didn't say anything."
"But you want to, so just come out and say whatever it is you want to say."
"Hinata, she seems to be quite popular." Sasuke shrugged at the statement. And Itachi continued, "Naruto seems quite smitten with her and I have my suspicions that you are as well. So what will you do?"
"There's nothing to do because it's not a competition," finished Sasuke. Itachi interpreted the statement as, it was no competition because Sasuke would easily conquer Hinata's heart. However, what Sasuke actually meant was that it wasn't a competition because Hinata had given her heart to Naruto years ago. So if Sasuke were to attempt anything he would for the first time in his life fail miserably.
How did you like the tea shop? Hinata asked in the group chat.
Terrible. Shisui was insufferable as always. Replied Sasuke.
Then I think that means you actually had a good time :) - Hinata
Naruto read the thread, angry at himself for being angry at Hinata for joking with Sasuke. Angry at Ayame for putting it in his head that he viewed Hinata in a romantic sense. Confused as to why he was suddenly angry at everyone. Angry at the insecurities that were bubbling within him, remembering about the inferiority he felt when he was initially around Sasuke, before they were friends. Naruto let out a sigh as he tossed his phone on his bed. At the moment he didn't feel like knowing what Hinata and Sasuke were talking about. Instead he went to his balcony to water his plants, hoping that a little vitamin D would help lighten his mood.
Sunday had come along and Hinata was a little worried, Naruto had been silent in their group chat yesterday. If anyone was ever late to reply, it was usually Sasuke. Naruto being the social butterfly that he is, tended to stay in the group chat, switching from topic to topic, almost as if they were having in person conversations.
Now Hinata knew she could always ask Naruto about it tomorrow at school, but for some reason there was a nagging voice at the back of her mind urging her to reach out to Naruto.
Are you feeling ok? I heard you had a stomach ache on Friday, is there anything you need? Soup? Rice porridge? Hinata texted as she paced back and forth in her room. The minutes ticking by were making Hinata increasingly nervous. Maybe, maybe she should go check on him. Make sure he really was ok. Neji would understand wouldn't he? Maybe not completely, but he wouldn't deny Hinata checking up on her friend. With her mind made up, Hinata grabbed a few belongings and stuffed them inside her purse. Just as she was about to head out her bedroom, she heard the ping on her phone go off.
Oh yeah, I'm good. Ichiraku ramen helped with that. -Naruto
I'm glad! I was getting really nervous and was on my way to check on you. - Hinata
Sorry, I didn't mean to make ya worry. But if you're free we can still meet up. -Naruto
Is it okay if Hanabi joins us? She heard I was going out and insists she has to come. -Hinata
Lol sure. Ichiraku? -Naruto
Wait! No! Actually not there! -Naruto
Hinata blinked at her phone, Naruto not wanting to get Ichiraku ramen? Something was definitely off.
I actually want to add to my balcony collection, so meet up at the Yamanaka flower shop? -Naruto
Ok see you soon. -Hinata
Hinata wasn't sure what was going on with Naruto, but she would let him know that he could confide in her because she would always be there to support him.