"Go Sasuke-kun!" yelled Sakura with all her might, her hands by the sides of her mouth to put an effort in her cheering.
"Shut up, Forehead girl!" Ino scolded the medic with her hands in her waist. "You're stealing my job."
Upon entering the gymnasium, the shouts of the girls greeted Hinata.
Hinata could only smile as the popular bright haired girls of Konoha kept bickering about their purpose and whatnot, leaving the cheers that was supposedly dedicated to the Uchiha forgotten.
It was only a practice game inside the school, so the gymnasium was pretty empty. Aside from the basketball team, the medic, and the pep squad, only Hinata and a few students were there.
From afar, she saw a glimpse of silver hair which she assumed was the coach. He stood from the other side of the court with the referee who Hinata recognized as sir Gai — another teacher who taught Physical Education in higher levels.
Covering her ears and the most part of her head with her backpack, she ran her way towards the coach. Hinata was muttering a small prayer underneath her breath with hopes that no one would accidentally hit her with the ball. . .and it had happened a lot whenever her father and Neji would play.
Thankfully, she got over to where Coach Kakashi stood without the threat hitting her. Sir Gai was now on the other side of the court where the players were.
"Kakashi-sensei?" Hinata panted, slightly slouching as she tried to catch her breath.
"Drink, Hyuuga-san," Kakashi, the coach, ordered, giving her a bottle of water that was reserved for the players which Hinata took by the way. When she gasped after drinking, the coach continued with a, "Yes I have received the letter last Monday, and yes, I have agreed."
"Th-thank you for the confirmation, c-coach," Hinata stammered, putting a hand on her chest as she still couldn't catch her breath properly. "There w-was no response s-so I th-thought I'd come here m-myself."
Hinata winced at her own broken sentences. The streak of stutters: it's not like Hinata does it intentionally. It just happens when she's nervous, out of breath, or when she's uncomfortable.
"Very well then. You can begin the interview after the game." The coach squinted his eyes at the players as a raven haired boy managed to block the blond's shot completely. "For now, just catch your breath and check the folder by the committee table."
"C-can I r-reschedule, coach?" she asked the man who had his eyes on the game. "I have a m-meeting with the press l-later."
"Let me think," Coach Kakashi replied, scratching his masked chin as if he was thinking. "Tomorrow is Sunday, so we couldn't meet. Next week Friday, we'd invite the Suna High here for another practice game which means the team would have to practice the whole week as the week after that, we'd have to go to Suna High itself for the exhibition game. And the week after that is hell week for the team since they'd have to do the activities they have missed."
"W-what about the week af-after the h-hell week?" Hinata asked, taken aback at how the silver haired coach managed to elaborate everything in just a few sentences even though he seemed bored enough to talk to her.
"But if I'm not mistaken, there was a detail in your letter that says that your copy of the article should be passed in two weeks," the coach replied briefly, sharing a small glance at her before putting his droopy eyes at the game once more. "So it's either you'll wait, miss the appointment of yours, and have that interview or lose the opportunity."
Her cheeks reddened in embarrassment so she hid her face in her hair.
"Waiting it is." She could only sigh in defeat before putting her eyes at the game.
Hinata knew everyone in the team since they have been the players of the school aside from rookies that she did not know who couldn't join the games. It was upon the rules that rookies could not join the official games against other schools, and the representatives who will play were personally picked by the Principal Tsunade herself.
Neji is a cousin of hers while Kiba and Shino were her childhood friends. The rest were just classmates, acquaintances, and just popular people she knew because of the team.
Uzumaki Naruto, Inuzuka Kiba, Lee Rock, and Nara Shikamaru used their dominant white jersey with streaks of red and black. Against them were Uchiha Sasuke, Aburame Shino, Akimichi Choji, and Hyuuga Neji who used their dominant red jersey with streaks of white and black.
It was a good match of course. Having several classes with the Nara, Hinata knew of his tendencies. As well as having cousin who was a prodigy in basketball. Hence why he was the team captain.
So she had assumed that Shikamaru became the team captain and the strategist of the first group, while her cousin, Neji served as the captain and the strategist of the other group. They lacked one member in each team so it was a 4v4 type of game, not the usual 5, but it was fine. They were perfectly equal and it was all that mattered. Neji might have said that in some practice games, instead of using a timer for 48 minutes each quarter, their games would be "first team to reach 150 points wins." Seeing as the timer wasn't glowing, it must probably be the race to reach 150 games.
A good match meant a good game, and a good game meant a long one. As much as Hinata wanted to watch a good game, she really wanted to do her job as soon as possible. So she silently prayed that it'd end soon enough.
"Can you keep it down?" one of the students asked loudly, making Hinata avert her eyes from the game to look at who the student was talking to.
"We can't and we won't!" Ino replied in her usual loud voice.
And so Hinata realized that both Ino and Sakura continued their argument from when Hinata had entered the gym. This had been blocked out of course when she started talking to Coach Kakashi.
The nagging of the cheerleading captain, Ino and the medic, Sakura was amusing at first. It was until Hinata heard a few exchange of curses that made her frown. Instead of looking at Ino and Sakura, Hinata focused herself on watching the basketball game in front of her. The squeaking sound of multiple sneakers rubbing against the gymnasium floor and the sound of the dribbling ball echoed as the players run to the other side of the court.
It's now on Neji-niisan's team, she thought to herself with a small proud smile.
It was after three minutes when Hinata remembered she needed to grab the folder by the committee table that was only several yards away from her. No trouble, she just needed to repeat the prayer that played in her mind earlier.
"Please don't hit me, please don't hit me," she sang quietly as she put her arms around her head securely. "Please don't hit me, please please please."
Running in a mid pace, she finally found herself in front of the committee table.
Finally, she thought with a smile before leaning in to get a hold of the folder.
Just as the tip of her fingers touched the stacks of paper, she heard an alarmed scream from the cheerleading captain and several manly cries from around her. And in a split second, Hinata's face fell flat against the table. Her forehead hurt against the impact, and another thing was hurting too, it was her…ass?
It took two whole seconds for Hinata to realize that the ball hit her bottom.
"Call it a break," she heard Coach Kakashi's voice.
When a pair of feminine hands grabbed her wrist, she looked up, only to see Ino's cerulean blue eyes.
"Are you okay?" asked Ino with her eyebrows furrowing in a concerned way. "Forehead girl! Quick! Her nose is bleeding."
"It is?" asked Hinata with confusion.
"No, but she's starting to flirt with Sasuke-kun!" Ino whispered, her eyes widening to indicate that it was alarming.
Yamanaka Ino. Hinata did not know one bit about her except from the fact that she's the cheerleading captain who's very popular, mind you. Aside from that, she also models for a certain make up line. It's also surprising that she haven't dated anyone yet — at least not that Hinata know of.
So why did Hinata act like she was indeed hurt to help Yamanaka Ino in preventing Haruno Sakura from flirting with the Uchiha? No reason at all. It just felt like it needs to be done at the moment.
"Hinata-chan," Neji murmured and Hinata felt his hand on her back. "Do you think you need to go to the infirmary?"
Now that was alarming. Neji had always been overprotective towards her and her little sister, Hanabi. Not that she was complaining, but it could be too much to handle at times.
"I'm here, I'm here!" Sakura announced, her first aid kit on her hand. Then Hinata felt another pair of feminine hands by her shoulders as if someone were trying to turn her around. Once Sakura succeeded, her pale lavender eyes met her green ones, Sakura continued, "Hey, your nose isn't bleeding."
"I might have been exaggerating but she needs help!" Ino said, looking at Sakura as if she needs to do something. "She's too dizzy to even respond."
Suppressing a giggle, Hinata covered her lips with the sleeve of her uniform. And she knew, that to others, she looked like she really needed help. When she roamed her eyes around, Hinata felt her heart race as she realized that the whole basketball team were surrounding her.
It could be someone's dream, not hers.
As regrets slowly creep their way into her mind, a blush began spreading to her whole face and she could not find the time to breathe.
"Give her space," Shino said in a monotonous manner, which made Kiba start pulling some of the players out of the way. "You're overwhelming her."
"Lee, by call it a break it means that we should apologize to the lady and not waste our energy more!" Kiba shouted at the man who started walking using his hands.
"It's a youthful action to apologize so I must do it with atonement!" Lee replied, flashing Hinata a grin before putting his signature thumbs up.
It alarmed Hinata, for he might lose balance. But then he started doing what he wanted to do. An atonement?
"I-it's okay," Hinata said, slowly roaming her eyes around to indicate that she was talking to everyone. "Accidents l-like this happen all the t-time. Y-you don't really need t-to s-say sorry."
"I'll take it from here," a manly voice said. It was not that familiar, so Hinata could not put her finger on to who it was. "It's my fault anyways."
"Uchiha Sasuke admitting his fault? I've never thought I'd see the day. Shika am I dreaming?" Naruto looked at the boy with a high ponytail. "Choji, can you tell me that it's real?"
It was the Uchiha's fault? He must have accidentally hit the ball to her direction which landed in her bottom. Yep, that must be it. But he did not need to apologize or do something about it.
A large grunt echoed the gymnasium which startled Hinata from her thoughts. It came from Choji who hastily pushed the Uzumaki away.
"It's no one's fault, Uchiha," murmured Neji irritably as he put his arms below her knee and in a second, Hinata was already in his arms. "I'll take you to the nurse."
"Neji-nii, no please!" Hinata managed to say. "I need to write an article about the basketball team. Please don't blow this for me." Sighing, she continued, "And i-it's not even that bad."
"Are you still on that article?" Cocking an eyebrow as he placed her in one of the seats, he continued, "Very well then. My advice is to stay with Kakashi."
The lack of respect to the coach made Hinata wince. It's not that usual for Neji, not unless he was really pissed or just not in the mood.
"Thank you, Neji-nii!" ecstatic, Hinata said before wrapping her arms around Neji. When she broke the hug, she said, "But please help me with interviewing the p-players. . .please."
"No need to plead, Hinata-chan," Neji assured, nodding his stoic face before grabbing her hand and almost forcing her to stand. Walking her towards the committee table, he started, "If any of them tries to flirt with you, tell me immediately."
There was the familiar heat in her cheeks and Hinata knew that she was probably as red as an apple by then. Not that many people tried to flirt with her, in fact there was a few, but she would not want to remember any of those.
"I'm pr-pretty s-sure n-n-no one w-would." The stutter was unbearable. Even she was irritated at herself.
"I won't push you anymore," Neji said dismissively before grabbing the folder which contained copies that include simple details about the basketball team. "Here's your basis to help you with the interview."
"Thank you Neji-nii."
The conversation was obviously done so she made her way towards the silver haired coach with the folder in her hand. Thankfully, the athletes were either warming up or resting by a corner of the building.
Once she got there, she took two seats and sat while her bag rested on the other. Gently, she opened the folder, only to reveal that it's just the files of the players. There was not much in the folder. Only the basics were there so it wasn't much confidential — height, weight, birthdays, address, pictures of the players, and etcetera.
"I thought the chair was for me," a voice said from close to her. And though his eyes were on the game, Kakashi said, "Don't bother to remove the bag now. It's just an assumption."
"S-sorry," Hinata managed to say, making the coach laugh before looking at the game intensely.
Basketball is not something Hinata knew with all her heart. Though she knew the basic rules from the past Physical Education lectures. Aside from that, she and Hanabi also tried to play with Neji when they were a lot younger but that had stopped when they reached high school.
The ball was on Shikamaru's team now, seeing as Naruto had the ball with Uchiha guarding him. Even from a distance, Hinata could feel the tension between the players. The blond had a plastered fox-like grin on his face while the raven haired was almost glaring at his opponent.
"Go Sasuke-kun!" Sakura shouted once more.
At that moment, Hinata thought that Sakura might have a crush on the Uchiha. Or he might be her boyfriend. But who was she to know anyways?
Looking back at Naruto and Sasuke, they seemed to be talking while playing. Thank goodness for Hinata's blessed eyesight, she could almost see what was exactly happening at the court.
Watching intently, Hinata saw how the Uchiha managed to steal the ball away from Naruto by pushing it to one side without touching the boy's hand — which could have resulted in a foul. The ball was caught by Neji who stood not far from the duo who was being guarded by Shikamaru.
Neji — like Hinata or the rest of the Hyuugas — had been blessed with wonderful eyesight. That may have contributed to his skills when it comes to three-pointer shoots.
Just like everyone's expectations, Neji took a shot in the ball and gained his team two points.
That's my cousin, a small voice inside Hinata said.
If anything, the team obviously lacked someone tall. That's always the reason why they could hardly beat the Akatsuki University basketball team. It was upon their rival school's advantage that they had tall members.
The game ended promptly at around five in the afternoon. By Shikamaru's team with 143 points and Neji's 151, because Shino got the chance to perform a free throw.
"The power of youth!" the referee, Sir Gai had exclaimed with a toothy grin. "We wish to see more of that in the following games! Isn't that right, my all time rival, Coach Kakashi?"
Hinata turned to look at Kakashi who stood not far from her. The visible eye he showed had an expression that said true towards Gai-sensei's words. She could only smile.
"Gather up!" Kakashi called, waving his hand in the air. Once the players were close enough from Kakashi, "That was quite a game but you still have a lot to improve. Let's start with you, Neji."
At Neji's name, Hinata's ear perched up.
"You've been chosen as this year's captain and we've seen the potential in you ever since you tried out in your rookie years," the silver haired coach started. "In our time together, I have assumed that you'll be able to contribute with your teammates in terms of teamwork. You know what I mean."
Hinata's heart was already beating loudly. So Neji and Coach Kakashi don't get along, she gets it now. The implication in his statement was enough but Neji seemed calm about the whole situation — or at least that's what he shows.
Deciding Hinata wouldn't listen more until the coach decides to introduce her, Hinata opened the folder and started taking notes. It was arranged in alphabetical order and it was rather organized. The only thing that almost bothered her is the penmanship of the players.
As a campus journalist, it was almost a requirement that she needs to improve her handwriting. Especially when it comes to school press conferences and contests. And she also understood that not everyone can write properly.
The only penmanship she could read was Choji's. It was nowhere close to her penmanship but it was passable.
When she stopped scanning the folder's contents, Hinata looked at Kakashi once more who still stood at where he initially stood. He was still talking to the team and their flaws in a rather professional way.
Seeing as the speech of Kakashi would come to an end any second now, Hinata closed the folder and chose to listen to them. Normally, she would only focus on who's talking but her eyes landed on Neji who did not bother to glance at her. Though she knew Neji knew she was looking at him.
There was a figure behind Neji so Hinata's eyes darted over there. Dark eyes met light ones.
Her cheeks heated once she realized it was the Uchiha and he was looking at her. And though with such bored eyes, it was with such intensity. Hinata almost doubted if she was even imagining things. If there was a known fact about her, it must be the fact that she gets intimidated easily.
Hinata could not handle it anymore. Her chest also felt weird.
"And Sasuke, what were you thinking when you blocked the ball?" asked Kakashi, stealing Hinata's attention — she looked back at the coach, stealing glances at the Uchiha briefly from time to time. "If it's a real game, you know it would hit one of the committees."
"I wasn't," the raven haired boy said, wiping his sweat with the back of his hand. "Thinking, I mean."
"And what do you mean by that?" asked Neji, crossing his arms. It was only Neji who had the power to ask aside from Coach Kakashi.
"Look, I thought it was you from my peripheral," the Uchiha answered, looking at Neji from the corner of his eye. "Only when she bent down did I see."
It was only when it dawned on her. They were talking about that incident.
"Wow Capt Neji! That must mean you have a nice body!" said Naruto, tapping Neji's back almost violently.
If it's still possible, Hinata reddened more.
"What did you say?" Neji asked, glaring at Naruto.
"I sai—"
"Yeah you don't need to repeat it, Naruto," Shikamaru said, cutting Naruto off.
There was a pregnant pause. Even if Naruto had not meant it that way, it was as if he did. Thankfully it was over.
"Sasuke, your recklessness would get you nowhere." A sigh escaped Kakashi's lips. "Same goes with you, Naruto."
Naruto bowed his head as if it would suffice for an apology while Sasuke just kept his eyes by Kakashi before drifting to her direction again. This time, she looked away before their eyes would meet again.
Even if this was the case, Hinata sincerely hoped her cheeks would not betray her.
"That's a wrap, people. Good game," Kakashi said dismissively. "Take a shower and be back in 10 minutes. I still have another announcement as to why Hyuuga-san is here."
As if on cue, Hinata shyly smiled at roamed her eyes around the basketball team. Only did she notice that Uchiha was already walking towards their shower/locker room.
"He's in an awful rush today, even rushing to score," Naruto commented while fanning his armpit with his hand. "Not that I blame him. We stink."
"You're the only one who stinks," Kiba shot before walking his way to the locker room.
And then almost everyone from the team left, leaving Hinata with the coach again. Her eyes wandered to where Ino and Sakura were earlier, only to see the cheerleading squad perform some tricks while Ino's counting. Sakura then was nowhere to be seen.
After a few minutes, Hinata got enough basic notes for the article she needed. Only a few questions for the players to be answered and she could write everything in no time.
Smiling with much joy, she hadn't noticed the players were already coming back.
"About the announcement I have mentioned, it is our school newspaper's request to have you guys in it before the actual games start — if I'm not mistaken, that is," the coach started. "Hyuuga-san is here to borrow some of your time, so cooperate well."
There was a warning in his tone which sent shivers down her spine. It didn't cross her mind that she will need to introduce herself or something close to that. If she did, then she could have prepared. Too late for regrets. Hinata stood once the players were standing in front of her. Most of them wore their PE shirts while Neji was the only one who wore his school undershirt and pants.
"Uh hi?" she started, shyly, awkwardly, not looking at them.
The little stunt made the blood rush up to her face and she knew to herself she's as red as a tomato.
"Hello." Some of the guys were kind enough to response, even with chuckles and amusement in their faces.
"I am…" she started lamely, looking at her feet.
It was uncomfortable to know that all of their attention was on her — or maybe the majority's.
"Go ahead," a voice said boredly.
At this, Hinata's eyes widened as she realized it was Uchiha Sasuke who spoke. Bewildered, Hinata looked at him, only to see that he was not even looking at her. . .rather at his nails.
How she thanked him for that. Taking several deep breaths, Hinata turned to look at the boys in front of her who did not find the whole thing funny — which is so nice, she appreciated it.
"I am Hyuuga H-Hinata, and I'm the school n-newspaper's news editor," Hinata stated, thankful that her stutters were not as worse as they usually were. There was a small pinch of confidence in her and thank goodness for that. "I was asked by our school p-paper adviser to write an a-article featuring our s-school's b-basketball team. So...uhm, I'm i-in f-front of you to a-ask for your cooperation."
Closing her eyes briefly, Hinata found herself feeling a little bit proud that she managed to say those words in front of eight boys who were too famous to even talk to her — well except for Neji, Kiba and Shino — with only a few stutters. And she knew how her stutters could go so much worse.
"Can I ask a question?" asked Naruto. She gave him a nod. "How will this interview go?"
"Uhm, I'd ask you…as a t-team, and then one b-by one and y-you j-just have to answer my h-handouts."
Okay, she was beginning to feel a little bit comfortable with them. Maybe she did imagine that they would stare so she was relieved once she realized it was not like that at all. Most of them weren't looking, but Hinata was almost pretty sure they were paying attention.
"Oh okay, so can we start now? I'd have to go home early, ya know?" Naruto spoke once more with hopeful eyes. In return, Hinata nodded. "Great!"
At this, the blue haired girl almost giggled.
"Can I b-borrow your phone, Neji-nii?" Hinata asked, eyes falling on her cousin.
He only nodded and handed his phone to her without any second thoughts. The players looked shocked and surprised, or something in between, so she chose to pay no mind to it. Hinata knew of Neji's password so she got it correctly even with slightly shaky hands. She pressed the record button and figured she needed to start the interview soon enough.
With her journal and pen in her hand and Neji's phone in her lap, she started.
"What do you think makes you a team?" she asked and fought the urge to stutter for the sake of the recording.
"I think it's the will," Kiba stated loudly. "The will to be the number 1."
It is no longer a secret that Konoha Academy had always been second to Akatsuki University in terms of basketball. The rivalry between two schools had been ongoing ever since their generation could remember.
"Yeah with our will, we sort of persevere, 'ya know?" commented Naruto who had his hands around his hands at the back of his head."It's become our inspiration."
After a few more questions, Hinata was already contented with their answers even though it's mostly bored Shikamaru, talkative Kiba, and hyperactive Naruto were the ones who talked. But then, she was already happy with how it turned out because the stutters were almost unnoticeable. The interview was decent and all the questions were answered.
"It's getting late so uhm…I want you t-to j-just answer these handouts," Hinata said, slowly giving the team a kit of her colored pens and the pieces of paper with questions. "It w-would only take you a few m-moments. It's only f-five questions so don't worry m-much."
They only had to write their names and answer the questions written, for the campus journalist already had the basics in her folder that Kakashi provided. Chaos erupted when the boys began to pick their pens as the Uzumaki insisted he'd have the orange colored pen. There were several shouts here and there concerning their absurdity about the pens — mostly from Neji. It was a funny sight.
Once they were all settled and started writing, Choji gasped loudly. All eyes settled on him and Hinata saw a large splotch of scattered green ink on the paper she had provided.
"I'm sorry!" Hinata said suddenly, her eyes widening in alarm.
"Nah nah, tis fine," Choji said, dismissively, running round the corner where the trash bin was placed.
As if on cue, Hinata started writing down the questions in a new piece of paper. Once she was on the first question, someone from the team stood up.
Looking up, her eyes locked with Uchiha Sasuke's.
"I have somewhere to go," the Uchiha announced. "Give Akimichi my paper."
"B-but how about y-your answers?" But the boy did not look like he was going to answer her so she continued, "I r-really need it. P-please."
"Hn," Sasuke silently agreed with a small nod. "I'll just text them to you. Give me your number."
For a second, the shy girl did contemplate whether she would tell him or not. But then, she really needed the answers as early as possible so she could begin writing and be done by the following week.
"I…don't h-have a phone," Hinata admitted, almost averting her eyes but managed to look at the Uchiha still.
Not one bit of emotion crossed his features. At least the girl had expected just a little bit of amusement or disbelief — since it's mostly what she receive.
"Fine then," the raven haired boy muttered before averting his eyes from her. "I'll be back after an hour or so. Be sure to be here."
Before even waiting for the answer, Sasuke exited the gym. For a split second, Hinata saw a flash of pink by the door. Ignoring it all, Hinata observed the boys as they wrote their answers on the paper. It would serve as the fact sheet for the article. And deep inside, the hope that the fact sheets would be enough for her to write.
"Alright! I'm done!" Naruto announced, unintentionally throwing the orange pen out of surprise. He picked it up and went over Hinata's direction before saying, "Sorry for that. I was just excited, 'ya know? I need to be home before Baachan Tsunade does, otherwise I'd be dead before I know it. Well, here's your pen."
The academy already know of Principal Tsunade being the Uzumaki's guardian.
His hand brushed over hers lightly, making the blood rush up to her head. It's just a simple action, so Hinata brushed it off.
The blond left after bidding his goodbyes to his teammates and even at Ino who just changed into a white shirt, but her cheering skirt still on.
After some time, the boys began to leave one by one. Even the coach and Sir Gai left. It was only Neji, Hinata, and some students from the cheering squad that were inside the gymnasium.
The Uchiha was extremely rude, but Hinata knew better than to judge one's character in one meeting or interaction. He did not even wait for Hinata's confirmation, but she figured he did have something to do. There was assurance that he'd come back to say the least.
"It's getting late," Neji said, grabbing his phone from Hinata. "I'll just call your father and tell him everything."
By everything, Neji meant everything.
"Please don't tell him about the incident," Hinata said as fast as she could, earning a nod from her cousin. Thank goodness he knew what's not to report.
It had been over an hour since Uchiha said he'd come back and Hinata was beginning to feel anxious about it. The interview with the Uchiha was very much needed — since well, it was almost on demand.
Not that Hinata paid a lot of attention to the trends around their campus, but it was her job to do so as a campus journalist who publishes their newspaper once a month. Of course they had to write whatever's needed to satiate her fellow students.
And what will definitely satisfy the readers would be an article featuring the basketball team. . .or just Uchiha Sasuke.
The girls had called him 'mysterious,' much to Hinata's dismay. Just because someone does not express emotions as much as a normal teenager would, doesn't really mean that they're mysterious. She found the whole thing absurd but kept her mouth shut. Oh how Hinata disliked those teen fictions with the mysterious-boy-plot. It's not like her opinions mattered anyways.
Well, maybe his looks were an addition to the so-called mysterious trope. The basketball player was undeniably handsome, but not exactly Hinata's type.
Perhaps it was his vibe that caught a lot or his looks, but never mind. It's not like it's something worth thinking of anyways. Just get the job done and it'll all be okay.
"It's been an hour and 43 minutes, Hinata," Neji announced from the gymnasium door, his eyebrows furrowing. "We should head home."
It had been an hour and 43 minutes and she did nothing but read her respondents' responses. She even giggled several times when even Kiba had a lot of incorrect grammar and spelling errors in his answers.
The skies were already dark and her stomach began grumbling.
Signs of protests would be useless. After all, if Neji already made up his mind, there would be no changing that.
"I guess we should." A sigh of defeat escaped her lips. She stood up from the chair and was about to walk over to the door.
Just as Neji opened the door of the gymnasium, a very bored-looking Sasuke showed up by the doorframe. From the PE shirt he was wearing earlier, he has now changed into a dark blue sweater.
"Where have you been?" Neji asked, rubbing his temples out of frustration. "We've been waiting for you. What? Kakashi rubbed off you?"
"Not your business anymore, Hyuuga," the Uchiha mumbled, practically shoving Neji by the chest lightly — not in a friendly way either.
The raven haired boy continued on walking, not minding Neji who looked infuriated at what he did, but did not make a move. Once he was about two meters away from Hinata, his eyes met hers. The usual icy stare may be intimidating at first, but the effect faded.
"Let's get this over with," grasped Sasuke before sitting in one of the chairs from earlier.
That's it? No apologies or whatever?
"Fine," mumbled Hinata. Avoiding to construct an annoyed face, she continued, "Y-you already know th-that it's o-only f-five ques-questions."
"Hn," confirmed the Uchiha. He brought out his phone and started typing.
"T-tell me w-whenever y-you're r-ready, o-okay?" she requested, her voice almost betraying into a plea.
"I am," the raven haired muttered before putting his phone back in his pocket. With this, he turned to look at her. "Are you?"
"Have already been," said Hinata softly, her eyes dropping on her questionnaire as she could not bear to look at the Uchiha more. "An hour and 45 minutes ago."
The lack of stutter did not surprise her — she was slowly adjusting. Not that it meant she was comfortable with him, she wasn't. It simply meant Hinata was beginning to adapt to the atmosphere.
"Ah you must be hungry then," the Uchiha mumbled, still looking at her intently.
"Not r-really," Hinata replied.
Just as she was beginning to look at the questionnaire in her lap, her stomach grumbled once more. The irony indeed.
"Hey Hyuuga, make yourself useful and buy your sister something to eat," called Sasuke, briefly looking at Neji before gazing back at Hinata.
As much as Hinata wanted to say that his actions weren't nice and as much as she wanted to correct him that Neji was in fact her cousin, it all vanished. Neji cleared his throat and the sound echoed in the almost empty gymnasium.
"You should know better by now that I am your superior," Neji said, his voice as deep as they could be. "And calling me useless will gain you nothing."
"Nothing but satisfaction if you bite onto it," Sasuke shot back. "Get your sister something to bite."
"Are you alright being alone with him, Hinata-chan?" asked Neji in a slight irritated tone. In return, Hinata nodded. "Very well then. I'll take my leave."
Once Neji got out of the gym, Hinata turned to look at Sasuke. Her thin eyebrows furrowed out of annoyance. Usually, she would have more patience in her classmates' noise compared to the patience she had with Sasuke's rudeness.
"I'll take my leave," Sasuke echoed in a deep voice, much like Neji's. "Who the hell speaks like that?"
Neji was trained to use a formal speech pattern — much like every Hyuuga. There was the urge that screamed inside her to go ahead and tell the little fact to the annoying boy in front of her, but she kept her mouth shut. Instead she just closed her eyes and sighed. It would just be a waste of breath. No point at all.
"That wasn't nice," Hinata mumbled with a frown.
"And whoever said I was nice?" deadpanned Sasuke with a smirk. The smirk disappeared right after. "So you're a journalist then."
"Yes," Hinata answered, clicking the pen in her hand to start writing Sasuke's answers when she begin asking. "A c-campus journalist."
"Isn't it unfair?" asked Sasuke. "You have the chance to ask me questions while I don't?"
"I b-believe you're asking one right now," Hinata countered, keeping her head low to not meet his eyes.
The Uchiha let out what seemed like a snort or a huff. Still, Hinata did her best to not look at him.
"Then let's make a deal," started the Uchiha.
"I d-dont like the s-sound of that."
"Sure you do," muttered Sasuke. "You'll ask me a question and I'll ask you one in return. If you can't answer, you'll owe me another answer. It's a win win situation."
Hinata made a face of distaste before proceeding to say, "I d-don't know about that."
"You do," the boy mumbled. "Otherwise, you won't get your answers."
And what's in it for you? Hinata wanted to ask, but couldn't. The worst part was the fact that the Uchiha was not even persuading her. Yet there she was, feeling cornered.
It was almost suffocating, if it weren't for the wide building.
"F-fine," Hinata said, defeated. "F-first question: why did y-you join the team?"
"If you know the legendary Uchiha Fugaku, then you'll know the answer," answered Sasuke with nonchalance. Hinata shot him a care-to-elaborate look. "Basketball's a family thing."
The mere fact that Uchiha Sasuke was not boasting about it made Hinata confused. Uchiha Fugaku was known all over the world because of his undeniable greatness in the sport. Given the fact she hadn't thought much about the Uchiha, but looking at it now, it seemed like Sasuke's the type to be too proud of himself.
And then there was Uchiha Itachi who was a former player of the Konoha Academy before he transferred to the Akatsuki University. Hinata did not know much about the elder Uchiha aside from the fact that he was considered as a prodigy.
"Legacy then," mumbled Hinata before writing whatever Sasuke said — rendering most of it. Not a good journalist trait, but sometimes it just had to be done. It's not like they would mind.
"Sort of," Sasuke agreed. "Not really my choice, grew to like it, I guess."
"I w-won't include th-that in the p-papers, hope you don't mind."
"Oh I don't," the Uchiha assured her. "If you're a news editor — if that's what you call it — then why are you writing for the sports?"
"Feature. . ." the journalist corrected slowly, as if she was being too careful about her words. "I'm w-writing a mixture of feature and s-sports."
"That doesn't answer the question." His tongue clicked. "So why are you featuring us instead of doing your usual news things?"
"Not m-my choice either." She bit her lower lip before saying, "M-most of our m-members have g-graduated already. And I. . .need to a-adjust for my o-own versatility's s-sake."
The stutter had become worse as it was beginning to feel uncomfortable. And oh goodness gracious how she wanted the Uchiha to just stop.
There are at least three kinds of people who tries to talk to Hinata. There's a.) the one who tried but failed miserably and never tries again, b.) the one who tried and figured would never try again unless necessary because she had annoyed them, and c.) the persistent ones. Uchiha Sasuke falls under C, together with her sister, Hyuuga Hanabi.
"That's cute," the Uchiha commented, his grin turning into a lopsided smirk. "When it comes to relationships, adjustment is essential."
"And w-why are you telling me this?" retorted Hinata, not even expecting a reply.
"Because I felt like it," the basketball player replied. He rubbed his hands and smiled menacingly. "My turn to ask."
"That…that wasn't p-part of the questionnaire!" Hinata stammered, her pale colored eyes widening in alarm. "Y-you tricked me! It's n-not counted!"
"Sure it is, and I didn't trick you," Sasuke said, his smirk turning into a devilish grin as amusement started to dangle in his dark eyes. "You said you don't have a phone, why is that?"
"Because I don't."
Now she learned that she needed to choose her words when she's speaking to the Uchiha. And Hinata's not even naive to figure out that the Uchiha would just stop pestering her after this sort-of weird meet-up. But she deeply hoped he would soon stop.
"You left me completely unsatisfied," said the Uchiha, squinting his eyes playfully.
"As it should be."
The comeback was the probably the most satisfying phrase had ever muttered all her life. The fact that she did not stutter made it so much better. Fighting the urge to smirk, Hinata looked at the Uchiha who seemed very amused of the situation. In his eyes were glint of mischief.
"Okay next question." At least it was the boy who pushed through what they were supposed to do.
"Why is your jersey n-number. . ." Hinata paused, scanning through the folder before landing successfully on Sasuke's file. "21?"
"I never really thought about it," answered Sasuke with a smirk. "Random number, I guess."
It startled Hinata how someone who had the opportunity to be an icon with a number did not put any sentimental value to his number. While Hinata was almost pretty sure that everyone in their basketball team had their own explanation with their jersey numbers, Sasuke's however, was just random.
When they were waiting for Sasuke, she had rummaged through the questionnaires she gave to the team. She even remembered Naruto's explanation who had two jersey numbers: nine and 10, depending on his game. The 10 was his birthdate while the nine was based on their school's mascot which was the nine tailed fox.
"Okay, m-moving on," Hinata said, hoping he would forget about the so-called agreement. "Would you pursue basketball after you g-graduated high school?"
"You're cheating. . .it's my turn to ask," muttered the raven haired boy with a small smirk. But he answered, "Probably yes."
"I n-never agreed to the deal," she corrected whilst she was writing his answer.
"When you answered my first question, it already served as the yes," Sasuke shot back with a smirk. "When is your birthday? And how do your friends contact you if you don't have a phone?"
"27th of December. My w-watch has GPS in it, Neji-nii knows." Hinata did not know why he wanted to know, but she just answered for the sake of gaining the answers she needed from the Uchiha. "My t-turn to ask."
Upon remembering the fourth question that she needed to ask, Hinata bit her lip. Why was it really included? Nervously, she looked at the Uchiha for a brief moment before putting her eyes back on the paper she was holding. Was it possible for her to ask it right away?
She needed to put that in the last question. . .just to make it less awkward.
"What or who i-inspired you the most to become a basketball p-player?" asked Hinata with hesitation since it was supposed to be the first question.
"Again, we're a family of players," the Uchiha mumbled, not exactly answering the question. Still, Hinata decided to write it while Sasuke was probably thinking of a question that she is ought to answer. "You're a Hyuuga and Hyuugas are a family of doctors. . ."
"Ophthalmologist," Hinata said, supporting his claim about her family being doctors which is somewhat true since her father was one. "No. . .uhm. . .m-most of them are b-businessmen. Th-they own the Opti-Byakugan C-Corporation."
"The OBC, yes yes, I've seen the commercials. Sells eyewear and whatnot," muttered the Uchiha, nodding his head in a bored manner. In an interesting way, he said, "It's my first time seeing you."
It seemed like the Uchiha wasn't planning on asking something right away. Hinata knew that he was finding a way to talk to her about her. . .knowing her? But she didn't want to assume anything.
"I d-don't stand out," Hinata mumbled, more to herself than to the raven haired boy.
"I've noticed," Sasuke said, leaning closely to her — but not that much. "I'm guessing two things why I don't know you. 1.) You don't go to games that much even though your brother is a player and 2.) You have an overprotective boyfriend who refuses to share you to the world."
Her cheeks reddened at his comments. She was fighting the urge to not correct him with his assumptions, but the smirking Uchiha in front of her made it so hard. From the moment they have spoken, Hinata already knew that she couldn't stand the Uchiha. Now, it was beginning to flow in her system that this would probably be the last time they would talk because she didn't want it to happen again.
But if he was right about one thing, it's the fact that she does not go to the games. Crowded places are too much for her. Most of the time, she would lose her breath and would find it hard to breathe. Hinata did not want to be someone who would faint in the middle of the game.
"Neji is my c-cousin and I don't h-have a boyfriend," Hinata frantically said with wide eyes when Sasuke smirked wildly. She bit her lip when she realized she bit on his bait. Then Hinata thought of a perfect excuse to get him to ask, so she proceeded to say, "Neji-nii might be c-coming b-back soon so pl-please let's get this over w-with."
"Fine then." The Uchiha blew some of his bangs away from his face before asking, "If I ask you out, will you go out with me?"
Hinata's eyes widened at the Uchiha's question. It could be a dream. Or maybe a scene from a movie. It may happen to anyone, but not her. Definitely not her.
There was no way Uchiha Sasuke was making a move on her. Her cheeks felt warmer than its usual warmth whenever she blushes. She could have a fever anytime soon, or maybe even an asthma attack as her heart started to pound violently against her chest. Finding it hard to breathe, she took her bottle of water before drinking — even spilling some in the edges of her lips.
"It's just a question. . ." Sasuke trailed off as he watched her intently. Hinata could almost see herself from his point of view — a mess and a lousy excuse for a journalist. The way he said it could almost comfort her since it was just indeed a question but then he was back to his usual self when he continued, "But you have to answer it."
If possible, she choked on her water. Immediately putting her handkerchief in her lips, Hinata refused to meet the raven haired boy's eyes.
"I d-don't th-think I'm r-ready f-for th-that," she replied once she was okay. No more games, she thought to herself. So she asked the last question, "L-last question. A-are y-you in a r-relationship?"
She knew herself too well to know that her stutter meant discomfort and maybe a hint of anxiety. And when she thought that it couldn't get any worst, the man right in front of her grinned widely. His eyes bore mischief and a hint of something that teased the heck out of her.
"If that's your way of asking me out, then I'll take the chance," Sasuke said with a lopsided grin. The raven haired boy looked at the ground before looking at her again — giving an effect that made her heart leap. "I can be your boyfriend whenever you want to."
"W-wait, n-no, y-you got it all wro—"
"I was just messing with you," Sasuke mumbled with an annoyed expression, cutting her off completely from her rambling. "No, I'm not in a relationship. Never have been in one. I'm wondering why it's a part of the questionnaire. . .unless you made it up."
"N-no, y-you got it all wrong," Hinata managed to say quickly. "I-We, uhm. . .the staff thought it'd b-be nice if the stu-students know of the re-relationship status of the pl-players be-because it w-would attract the r-reader's attention."
"That's a lot of stutter," commented Sasuke with an amused grin. "You stutter a lot when you're anxious, 'no? Got it."
Hinata was an open book. Well not necessarily, except for her display of emotions. So if a lot of people can read her, Uchiha Sasuke can do the same. The only difference was the fact that the Uchiha showed a slight interest in her while majority of the people she passes by every day don't.
"My last question would be—"
His voice was cut off when the gymnasium door suddenly opened, revealing Neji with a paper bag in hand. From afar, or maybe because of Hinata's hunger, the smell of a freshly cooked burger entered her senses. At this, her stomach grumbled louder than it did earlier.
She completely forgot that she was hungry because of Sasuke, but upon remembering, Hinata could almost feel herself faint.
"Your brother's here," commented Sasuke who still sat on his chair.
"He's my cousin," Hinata corrected without paying attention to the Uchiha.
"I'm leaving," mumbled Sasuke before walking his way towards the other side of the gymnasium where the other door was. "Bye."
Hinata did not know why but she felt relaxed just when he was from a distance. Her eyes was still on him, following the Uchiha as he walked.
"Oh," Hinata managed to say, making him look at her. "G-goodbye, then."
Because it was really goodbye. There was no way she would talk to him again unless it was necessary. And she doubt they would have to talk again. Even with circumstances given, it was clear enough that after the day, there would be no interaction or whatever between them. It was a one time thing, but it was both frustrating ang relieving.
"Oh and by the way," he paused, turning his head a little bit to flash his smirk. "I like your stutter."
With furrowed eyebrows, Hinata did not know if he was being serious or not. Either way, she figured that if that's the case: she'd rather not feed his satisfaction. Hinata would not stutter around him.
But her heart was beating rather loudly. Either because of the way he said he liked her stutter or because he didn't ask the last question.
Hi. It's me againnn. I will still continue a matter of choices of course but something happened with my files. It may take a while but I assure you that I will complete my stories as long as I live. While I'm recovering my files, I started this new fic. I love AUs and thought I'd give it a try. I already know how the story will go and basically its whole plot. . .
Reviews, Favourites, and Follows are always appreciated in the house. All the love.
