Chapter 1 : Closer
It's been quite some time since Konoha gained peace. Everyone had settled down and found their places. Now, Hinata is a medic-nin and works at the hospital. Her cousin, Neji is an ANBU, a very skillful one. Neji is waiting for promotion to be an ANBU squad captain anytime soon. Hinata was proud with him. At least, there's someone from the Hyuuga clan that can live up to it's reputation. Hanabi is already a Chuunin, one that have great potential to become a Jounin. Another Hyuuga's success. " I'm the only Hyuuga's loser. Always had…," Hinata murmured as she sat at the hospital rooftop, looking towards the setting gun. Her shift was over an hour ago but she didn't feel like going back to the Hyuuga mansion. Finally, she let out a heavy sigh and walked towards the ladder. " I must be home for dinner tonight. Father has something to announce to everyone."
Hinata walked slowly. There's lots of time to kill before dinner. She passed a row of shops. Suddenly, she stopped. She saw Neji came out from one of the shops in front of her. She intented to run but Neji saw her. Neji bowed as a sign of respect to her. Hinata bowed back. Hinata stood there for a while, doing nothing when Neji asked, "You're going back for the dinner Hinata-sama?." Hinata nodded. " Then, we're heading the same way," Neji continued. Hinata nodded. She was fiddling with her fingers, a sign that she's nervous. She never talked much with Neji before.
Neji walked away. Hinata followed from behind, keeping a distance between them. She knew Neji doesn't like her much. The road towards the Hyuuga mansion is quiet. There's only the two of them, walking in a distance, Neji's in front and Hinata at the back. They walked in silence. Himate dared not to lift her face to see Neji. She kept on walking. Looking to the ground. Pace by pace. Step by step. That is until she hit something hard in front of her. She was thrown to the ground. She sat on the ground mumbling from the shock.
When she looked up, it was Neji that she had ran into. Neji looked emotionless towards her. Hinata lowered her head saying. " Gomen nasai…," repeatedly. She stopped when she saw Neji's hand in front of her face. Hinata lifted her head and looked Neji in the eye. He actually offered her a hand. " Neji-niisan…." Still, those white eyes showed no emotions. Hinata placed her hand on Neji's palm. She could feel Neji effortlessly pull her up. When she already back on her fett, Neji pulled his hand way. " I stopped suddenly and made you ran into me. Sorry, I was thinking." Hinata's eyes grew wide. Neji is saying sorry to her. Hinata shocked her head. " It's okay.. Really… it is." Neji nodded and continued walking. Hinat just smiled and continued walking behind Neji, keeping their distance a little closer than before….