A/N: This takes place some time after the preliminary rounds of the Chuunin final exam. The plot is mildly original, taking aspects from the series and… er… other places. From the POV of Hinata. A little OOC and one shot. Dedicated to the special people in my life.

Disclaimer – such and such, you know the drill; I don't own any of the characters of Naruto, really. Wish I did, but I don't. Especially Kakashi. I wish I could own him. He's kind of yummy...

Heart of the Byakugan

From the day we truly met for the first time, I saw something different in you. You were always so happy and never let anything touch you. All our teachers and friends said that your head was in the clouds. Some said that you were a failure and a screw up. Yet, I always believed in you, Naruto-kun. You have seen more than is fair, but you have become stronger because of everything. You must hurt inside sometimes, Naruto-kun. Maybe that is why you are so special – because you are so strong.

Once upon a time, I harbored strong feelings for you. You were a special person to me. Even though I tried to hide, even though I was so shy, you accepted me as a friend. Maybe you even drew me out a little.

Then our class of genins split into our groups. You were placed into a group with Uchiha-san and Sakura-san. It made me nervous that you were with Sakura. I knew that she was a very special person to you. I was placed with Shino-kun and Kiba-kun. Though Shino and Kiba were a bit odd, I grew to be friends with them, and I tried to forget you.

Then the Chuunin exam came. I watched as you defeated Kiba. I was sad for my comrade, but that did not keep me from being happy about your success. I gave you my special ointment. It made me happy that you liked it so much. Kurenai-sensei was surprised with my actions, but she only smiled and shook her head. She knew me better than anyone did.

I battled Neji and became self-conscious, clumsy, terrified. Yet you continued to cheer for me. You told me to believe in myself. Hearing your words of encouragement, I tried my hardest. At any rate, I lost, but you swore to defeat Neji in my name. I felt as light as a cloud that day (omitting the fact that I was on the verge of death).

Ino and Sakura soon saw through to me. They began to tell me things about you, and they told me how they thought you felt about me. Their words struck me instantly. Now I don't know what to think.

I can't use my Byakugan as well as Neji-nii-san, but I can see that some things aren't meant to be. Even if you did harbor special feelings for me, what would come of it? We will be higher-ranking ninjas soon. We have already gone on very dangerous missions. There is always the high chance that we may have to part ways.

In addition, my father, the leader of the Hyuuga Clan, would never approve. I am to be the head of the Hyuuga Clan one day. He would want me to marry someone who is of equal status, perhaps another Byakugan user, or another high-ranking member of an Advanced Bloodline clan. He may be strict sometimes, but he is a wise man, and I should do well to take his advice when it is time to take my place as the head of the Hyuuga Clan.

Perhaps it would be better for you to remain oblivious to my affections as you have done before, Naruto-kun. Maybe one day Sakura-chan will see how wonderful you are. You will be happy. I will, again, simply watch from afar and know that you are unique. I will watch as you shine. I will watch as you one day become Hokage.

Just don't forget me.

Arigatou, Naruto-kun.