A/N: welcome back, hope everyone had a great new year ! i went out with a group of my friends and partied a little bit too hard, haha
slight delay in this chapter - went back to work lol and i have a super important final round job interview in 2 days, so have been slowly wallowing in despair as i try to get all my revision done for that.
enjoy !
Paperbound
x
Chapter 4
Ping!
The blonde-haired woman peers over and raises a brow at the phone on the table.
''Email from your favourite people.''
''That's the one,'' she exhales in amusement before grabbing her phone off the table and glancing at it.
Re: ZHANG Tenten - Hyuuga Group Contract 2021
Gnawing on her bottom lip in trepidation, her eyes flicker towards the open window.
It had been exactly five days since the meeting with the Hyuuga Group: three since she signed the irritatingly long thirty-five page contract (she knew Hyuugas were meticulous but holy shit, she spent three hours just reading) and two since they unceremoniously announced to her that the project was starting full-time next Monday.
The reasoning they gave her was that a business psychology book would need more time to develop as it was a new subject area, and so she spent the better half of yesterday scrambling to apologetically distribute her remaining work to the other Editorial Assistants in her department.
Her eyes focus on a lone bird sitting by the window and she sighs.
Even with all this corporate paperwork, admin preparation and just general stress of taking on an important project looming over her, she couldn't seem to shake the most complex and irksome thing to plague her thoughts since that day;
Neji Hyuuga.
And more specifically, why he chose her list.
When she had initially called Hinata and told her about the bizarre decision, she didn't say much about her respected relative, only that he was really good at his job and that he 'must've seen big potential in you'.
"Nii-san is…well, he's nii-san. He's not very approachable, if I'm being honest, but he's the most talented and promising Hyuuga in our clan - every decision he makes will be incredibly calculated and for good reason. Hiashi keeps a very tight reign on him."
She exhausted Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun reading about his accomplishments (she didn't know whether to feel amazed, jealous or turned-on by the fact he closed his first multi billion-yen deal for the organisation when he was just nineteen), and when Lee innocently asked her what she was so engrossed in, she promptly closed her laptop and said 'research'.
Tearing her eyes away from the window, she reads the contents and exhales. ''Fuck's sake.''
Blue eyes look up in concern. ''What's wrong, Ten?''
During her initial skim of the long-winded contract, she noticed they had requested for her to work exclusively at their Ginza headquarters for the duration of the project. She politely questioned this in a follow up email (the idea of spending four months alongside corporate graduates made her gag a little) and countered they split the visits evenly.
After all, it was them coming to her for help.
''The Hyuuga Group finally got back to me about the office situation,'' Tenten grinds out as she rereads the email on her work phone. ''They're not budging.''
Ino frowns and puts down her orange juice with a loud bang, droplets spilling onto the table. ''You can't be serious.''
The brunette sniffs in defeat. ''I am.''
"Did they at least push back on the start date?" Ino asks curiously. Tenten's eyes glance down to her phone screen.
In response to your query regarding the proposed start date, the project still stands to begin on Monday 6th December, 2021 at the Hyuuga Group's headquarters in Ginza.
She groans in annoyance and puts her hand on her forehead. ''Nope. God, I felt so bad dumping a load of my work onto Moegi - she's only new, and I don't think she even knows what permissions are.''
''Babe," Ino's fork stops midway to her gaping mouth and she scoffs. ''You cannot leave me here alone with these morons. Sakura has lunch with Sasuke half the time and the only other person who I can just about tolerate is…'' she pauses before scowling, ''Chouji, and that's only because we went to school together.''
Tenten scratches the back of her neck. ''They don't even need Shino - it's just my contract that states I have to be in their office full-time.''
Ino contemplates this before slowly nodding. ''I mean, that makes sense. Shino is only in marketing so that's done nearer the end of the project. You, on the other hand, are responsible for the book from start to finish.''
The brunette huffs before looking at her phone once more. ''Your friend is the consultant in my group for this project. I asked him nicely if he could ask Neji Hyuuga to reconsider this, and he just wrote 'Neji does not like people going against his wishes.''' Tenten looks back at Ino and glares. ''Who the fuck does he think he is?''
Ino laughs. ''The future CEO of the company? The head of the business project?'' She pauses before leaning in. ''A dreamy sex god who can get whatever he wants?''
Tenten blinks at the last bit and raises a brow; thank god the cafeteria was empty today.
''Since when did you become a Hyuuga-groupie, Yamanaka?''
Ino laughs heartily. ''Wanted to see if he was as hot as everyone was going on about when he came in last week, so I googled him.''
She felt better for knowing she wasn't entirely alone in this journey of thinking he was devastatingly handsome.
''He's good-looking, I'll give you that.''
''Totally. Man, I'm jealous of you; I'd be trying so hard not to fuck him if we worked together. I bet his abs feel dreamy AF.'' Ino leans in and quietly murmurs, ''I want you to find out how big his dick is.''
Tenten rolls her eyes and mutters something about Ino having a dirty mind and how scarred Hinata would be if she heard this.
Ino glances at her watch and bites her lip. "Oh, fuck. I'm late for a meeting again."
Tenten laughs and watches Ino scramble to fit all the things in her bag. "Again?''
''Shush,'' the blonde snaps as she stands up. ''Your last day here is Friday, right?''
Tenten nods. ''Yup,'' she says, popping the 'p'.
''Cool, I'll catch you for lunch either tomorrow or Friday. Me and Shikamaru are supposed to be meeting for lunch at some point, so I'll let you know.''
Tenten watches as Ino exits the cafeteria in record-speed, her blonde hair flailing wildly behind her as her high heels clatter against the floor. A shudder runs through Tenten just thinking about the ankle pain, and she turns back towards her half-eaten lunch with a small frown.
She wasn't sure why Neji Hyuuga needed her so quickly, but she couldn't deny the small thrill of excitement at the thought of seeing him again.
The next few days in the Shiso office were largely uneventful, bar an instance where Sakura turned up to work sporting bird poop on her hair.
Ino, being hardcore wifey material, had made an immaculate three course meal consisting of sweetcorn and crabmeat soup, Chinese fried noodles, and sweet custard buns for her last day. Tenten almost choked when Sakura walked into the cafeteria to surprise her with her homemade French macarons.
She had also managed to complete most of the tasks she had previously assigned to Moegi, meaning that she left the office worry-free and without premonitions of the young girl crying over her desk at Christmas.
''She's too pure to be polluted by the woes of the publishing industry,'' Tenten says as she holds a red blouse in front of her chest. ''Just because I'm overworked doesn't mean she needs to be.''
Ino had suggested they all go office attire shopping for Tenten after work, stating that 'Tenten still dressed like a matron in the 1900s' whilst mumbling something about 'seducing Hyuugas with miniskirts'.
Much to Hinata's relief, Tenten said she'd rather fuck a cactus than get involved with someone at work.
''You need to stop working so much,'' Sakura chides as she holds up a tweed blazer and examines the price tag. ''Although I imagine it's a very desirable trait to have in your new office.''
Hinata grimaces from where she's sitting on the stool and nods. ''That is true. Most employees do not leave until the evening, and many top Hyuugas stay until late in the night.'' She pauses, before smiling. ''However, because you are not an official employee, you will not be expected to overexert yourself.''
Before Tenten can open her mouth to reply, Ino butts in with an excited tone.
''So you're telling me that Tenten will be alone with the most eligible Hyuuga bachelors in the office at night?'' she squeals and pushes a low-cut blouse into Tenten's hands. Tenten looks down at this and raises a brow. ''Now is your chance. Get that rich hubby.''
''Ino!'' Tenten scolds and hands the blouse back to her. ''Firstly, I do not have your boobs so I can't pull off a low cut blouse. Secondly,'' she returns to browsing through the maxi skirts, ''I am not getting involved with anyone at work. You're the one who told me that, remember?''
Ino tuts and shakes her head. ''Tenten, Tenten, Tenten. You're not even an official employee so you can just have a month-long fling then dip. Also, do you know how many girls would kill to be in your position?''
Tenten rolls her eyes and grabs a brown skirt from the rail. ''Lucky me.''
Much to her displeasure, she did a total of fourteen outfit changes (and by default, fourteen catwalks) for her friends before they all agreed on five outfits that were up to, quote unquote, 'rich people's standards' (thanks, Ino).
After purchasing the clothes she was sure she'd only wear twice in her whole lifetime, the girls decided it was time to call it a day and made a beeline for the lively bar next door.
''Wow,'' Sakura begins as they all sit down at a round table. It's a small venue in central Tokyo and a mix of businessmen and young students fill the tables. ''My legs are killing me.''
''Welcome!'' A young waitress comes over to their table and greets them with a bow. ''What are you ladies having this evening?''
Ino and Sakura order fruity cocktails with candy floss decor, Tenten orders an Asahi and Hinata quietly asks for a cup of umeshu. They hadn't been out as a group since October due to Hinata having a long ass cold, and Tenten notes how nice it is to be a four again.
''How did your dinner with Shikamaru go?'' Sakura asks once the waitress leaves with a smile. ''Or was it lunch?''
''It was lunch,'' Ino replies with a pearly grin. ''We went to a Thai place in Chuo City because it was close to his office.'' She looks at Tenten with a quirk of her red lips. ''Your office.'' Tenten snorts in response.
''And how was it?'' Hinata delicately asks, glancing at the paintings around the room.
Ino grins widely. ''I have to say, he's really intelligent despite his lazy persona.''
Sakura cocks her head to the side and taps her nails on the wooden table. ''I assumed you had to be clever to work at Hyuuga Capital, anyway.''
''No, but, guys,'' Ino says with a dreamy look in her eyes. "He's like, really intelligent. He may not be the best-looking dude and someone needs to tell him pineapples aren't hairstyle inspo, but we spent four hours at the café just catching up.''
Tenten and Sakura exchange confused looks with each other; Ino's dates never lasted past two.
''Four!'' Tenten exclaims before turning to Hinata. ''Don't let your dad know Shikamaru is having lunch with pretty girls on company time.''
Ino slaps Tenten gently on the arm, her cheeks a shade of light pink. "I might ask him to be my date to the work winter ball.'' Upon seeing the girls' collective looks of surprise, she quickly adds, "Platonically, of course."
Sakura raises a brow. "Platonically?"
"Well, yeah. We're old family friends so it would be weird to cross that line. Besides, my rule is don't date someone you're friends with or work with," she explains matter-of-factly. "Sasori was a bad idea."
A small smile graces Tenten's lips. "Are you going to refer back to your saying of-"
"Don't shit where you eat? Yeah," Ino says stonily. "Makes it easier to cut them off."
"I see. I guess that gives me more of a reason to not have a Hyuuga fling," Tenten giggles heartily, "as much as I'd like to let you live vicariously through me, Ino."
"Hey, Hinata,'' Ino smiles wickedly and brushes her hair from her eyes, ''Who can you recommend to Tenten?''
''Ino!'' Sakura hisses, and Tenten is grateful that at least one of her friends condemns this behaviour. ''I was going to ask Hinata that first.''
Never mind.
Hinata, slightly taken aback by the question, is saved by the waitress coming over with their drinks. Once she sets them down carefully and leaves with a bow, Hinata takes a long sip before slowly answering.
''I know...a few relatives who work at the company,'' she begins in a quiet voice, and Tenten can tell she's thinking of all the diplomatic ways she could describe her family members, ''but not that well. I've interacted with a few at family events, but nothing past surface-level small talk.''
''That makes sense,'' Sakura says whilst chewing on her candy floss. ''You wanted to get away from the company and everything.''
Hinata nods. ''I know that cousin Kou works there - I think he is in finance? He was my main caretaker growing up during my elementary years, and he's really patient and friendly.''
Ino claps her hands in glee. ''Wonderful! So that's one possibility for you, Ten,'' she winks at the - very unconvinced - brown-haired girl who was currently trying not to down her beer in one. ''Who else is there?''
Hinata shifts in her seat uncomfortably. ''Well, I only really know one other person.''
Tenten's ears perk up. ''It's Neji, right?''
Of course she knew it was Neji; he'd been on her mind for the better half of the week.
Hinata nods slowly.
''Yes, but he's off limits.''
Tenten contemplates this before looking down at her drink. A feeling of something she can't name quickly passes through her, and she laughs.
''I see,'' she says nonchalantly. ''He's the most important person in the company after Hiashi, right? Makes sense.''
Of course, she already knew he was off-limits. After reading numerous articles on how important and fancy and valued he was and the fact he was a prominent Hyuuga, it was just common sense; he wasn't just going to get involved with just anyone.
She even skimmed a few articles where he was linked to wealthy daughters of the Izuno and Wasabi clans, but she was never really one for gossip columns.
"How come you never told us about this hot cousin of yours, Nata?'' Ino asks with a hair flip over her bare shoulder, ''You really hid away a piece of art."
Hinata laughs before lifting the cup to her lips. "Well, nii-san and I were a lot closer when we were younger because he took over Kou's caretaking responsibilities when I was in high school. But then I went to university in Niigata and he stayed on in Tokyo,'' she explains with a sad expression. ''Now that I'm living with Naruto and he's busy with the business, I don't see him as much as I used to.''
Sakura pops the last of her candy floss into her mouth and leans forward. ''What's Neji like?''
Tenten finds herself holding her breath as Hinata takes another sip of her umeshu.
''He is...very cold and doesn't let anyone in,'' Hinata says finally before fixing her gaze on Tenten. ''So it wouldn't have been a good idea, anyway.''
Tenten laughs awkwardly - did they really think she was stupid enough to try it on with the future CEO?
''Don't worry, I wasn't planning on it.''
''Wonderful!'' Ino laughs and raises her hand to get the waitress' attention. ''Then it's sorted. Tenten, I want to hear updates on Kou, okay? I'm gonna get another drink, Sakura what do…''
The sound of Ino's voice drifts off as Tenten stares at her almost-empty bottle in front of her. She repeats Hinata's words in her head, and it reminds her of when Sakura reminded her of the same thing.
Off limits. Off limits.
She contemplates this as she takes a long swig of her beer, the bitter liquid washing down whatever strange feeling that had lodged itself in her throat.
''Cheers to Tenten!'' Sakura says with a lifted glass. ''May your journey in the corporate paradise be blessed.''
She cracks a smile and clinks her glass. ''Thank you. I need all the blessings I can get.''
It's close to 1am by the time they leave the bar and step out into the fresh air.
''Fuck,'' Ino says as she holds onto Sakura for dear life. ''The place is fucking spinning.''
''I know!'' Sakura giggles and starts dragging Ino around in circles with her. ''We spin!''
Hinata, who had only drank two cups of plum sake over the course of the evening, is faring slightly better on the intoxication front.
''I had a lot of fun tonight, guys,'' she smiles and clutches her lavender coat closer to her small frame. ''It's been nice seeing you all again.''
''Thank Kami you recovered from that nasty cold!'' Ino wails and walks over to cup Hinata's face. Hinata, surprised by Ino's outburst, can only nod in agreement. ''We were concerned why you weren't getting better, but now you're a-okay!''
The Hyuuga woman pauses for a moment when Ino lets go and Tenten notices her knuckles turning white from gripping her bag so hard.
''You good, Hinata?'' Tenten asks in concern. The world is less spinny and more wavy in her current state, and she contemplates holding onto a nearby railing to stop herself from wobbling over.
Hinata casts her eyes down and smiles sheepishly. ''I actually have something to tell you guys.''
''What is it?'' Sakura asks with enthusiasm in her voice. ''What is it what is it?''
''I...'' Hinata begins with her eyes glued to the floor, and Tenten wonders if she's actually drunk and was going to confess something really tame. Pearly eyes look up and blink in awkwardness.
''I'm engaged.''
Oh, Tenten blinks, maybe not then.
As expected, banshee screams belonging to Ino begin to fill the quiet street and Tenten quickly shushes her before turning her attention back to a blushing Hinata. Sakura's also screaming, although with less murderous-sounding intent.
''Since when!? And why didn't you tell us?'' Ino shrieks and places her hands either side of her own face this time in shock. ''This is big news. HUGE. GIGANTIC.''
''I didn't tell you straight away,'' Hinata says softly and with an embarrassed smile, ''because I had to run it by father first. You all remember how difficult it was to get father to agree to our relationship in the first place, so I had to make sure I could go ahead with this wedding. It's partly the reason why I said I was sick for so long - I had to have a lot of talks with my father and the other elders.''
Big grins break over all their faces and Hinata snuggles her face deeper into her scarf in embarrassment.
''Wow, Nata,'' Tenten breathes in surprise and leans forward to hug her, ''that's amazing. I'm so happy for you.''
Ino joins in on the hug and squeals in excitement. ''Bagsy head bridesmaid!''
''Nuh-uh!'' Sakura shouts before throwing her arms around the three of them. ''That's my job!''
Hinata laughs at the girls bickering and slowly releases herself from the tangle of limbs. ''Come on, guys - you know all three of you will be my maids of honour.''
''I'll do all the flowers for you, Nata,'' Ino says with a flick of her hand, ''Just let me know and I'll call my parents.''
''Thank you,'' Hinata giggles before looking at her wristwatch. Her eyes widen momentarily before blinking and looking up. ''Let's do more wedding talk next time - it's almost half-one now. How is everyone getting home?''
''I'm getting an Uber,'' Ino says as she checks her phone. ''I only live a ten minute drive from here.''
Sakura yawns before saying, ''Sasuke just texted saying he can come pick me up from the nearest station. What about you, Tenten? Are the trains still running right now?''
Tenten checks her phone and inwardly curses - she totally forgot that trains to Makuhari stopped running after midnight. ''Fuck. They're not.''
''That's okay, Ten. You can stay with me in my guest bedroom,'' Hinata offers quickly. Tenten nods gratefully and links her arm in hers.
As the girls bid their goodbye and leave their separate ways, Tenten falls into a comfortable rhythm walking next to Hinata. The winter night wind is cool against her flushed cheeks, and Tenten admires all the colourful lights blurring her vision into one big rainbow.
''Congrats again on your engagement, Hinata,'' Tenten says once they reach a large intersection that she recognises as Shibuya Ekimae Crossing. If memory served her correctly, Hinata's apartment was only a four-minute walk from here.
''Thanks,'' she blushes. ''I wasn't expecting it at all.''
''Hmm,'' Tenten contemplates as they cross briskly. ''Naruto loves you more than anything in the world, so it was bound to happen.''
Hinata flashes the widest smile Tenten has see her do all night. ''Thank you. And how is Kankuro-san?''
She purses her lips as they walk past a busy nightclub and shrugs. ''He's okay.'' The smell of alcohol wafts towards her and she fights the urge to gag. ''Nothing much to report, really. We're exclusive but not official, although I am pretty sure he wants it to be.''
''I see,'' Hinata says softly, turning head head towards the sky in thought. ''That must be a difficult position to be in.''
Tenten bites her lip when she sees Hinata glance wistfully into the distance, no doubt thinking about the early years of her unrequited crush on Naruto.
''I do feel like I have to make a decision pretty soon. You know, if we become official or end things,'' Tenten finally says when they turn down a quieter road. ''It's not fair on him and I don't really like the stress of it either. I just want things to be simple, and I'm focusing on my career, anyway.''
Hinata laughs and shakes her head. ''You sound just like my cousin.''
Tenten raises a brow in interest. ''Which one?''
''Neji,'' Hinata replies when they reach the barrier to her private apartment complex. Tenten watches with baited breath as she takes her key out of her bag and holds it to the buzzer. The door clicks open with a 'ping', and Tenten falls into step with Hinata again.
''How so?'' she asks, glancing around at the fancy fountains and tall statues. Her apartment complex is in one of the wealthiest neighbourhoods in Tokyo, and the sheer size of it never fails to impress Tenten every time she visits.
''He's devoted to his work, and that's what makes him such an invaluable asset to father and the company,'' Hinata says as they quietly make their way down the English-style garden area. ''From what I've heard, Neji-san has been involved with a few women before - maybe even a relationship or two - but he inevitably ends things when he thinks they become too much of a distraction from work.''
Hinata's slender fingers enter the passcode to the lobby and the two women silently enter the building. Much to Tenten's relief, her flat is on the ground floor, and she's proud when they enter her apartment without falling over in drunken clumsiness.
Careful not to wake Naruto (although she's certain even a tornado couldn't wake that man), Tenten makes her way over to the guest bedroom and drops her coat and bag down onto the floor.
''Here's a spare shirt and shorts,'' Hinata says as she appears by the doorway with a pink pajama set in her hands. Tenten accepts it with a quick thanks before yawning and rubbing her eyes.
''Got to get my beauty sleep,'' she giggles and begins to take the buns out of her hair. ''This is a my last weekend of relaxation before I start at your dad's company on Monday.''
Hinata watches Tenten's chestnut hair cascade down her back like a chocolate waterfall with a small smile. Turning to leave the room, she gives a small wave before looking over her shoulder one last time. ''You'll be with Neji, so you're in good hands.''
The door clicks softly shut, and the silence rings in her ears as she mulls over Hinata's words. Neji's face flashes before her eyes and she chuckles to herself when she begins to undress and feels heat pooling in her loins.
Maybe Ino was right - maybe there were actually girls who would kill to be in her position.
A/N: just picturing tenten being forced to perform catwalks for ino...iconic, and truly a staple of every tenten fanfiction hahaha