Chapter 2: Yellow-Haired Prince

The Hyuga is one of the oldest noble family of the Leaf, it is the second largest city in Japan. The head of the Hyuga clan, my father, Hiashi Hyuga, is known for his cold-hearted attitude and expressionless eyes. His smile is rarely seen and his laugh is rarely heard.

So, who is this man? Is he really my father?

"How was your trip Mr. Uzumaki? I hope there are no any casualties."

"You can just call me Naruto. It was nice, there are a lot of things to see and the weather is absolutely perfect" he said with a smile on his face.

"I've heard a lot about your hometown. Your family is pretty famous there. Everyone speaks so highly of you. It is such an honor to be called as your father-in-law" my father said with an approving tone in his voice.

"Likewise, sir Hiashi."

It looks like my father really admires him. Naruto have my father's full and undivided attention to whatever he has to say.

'Father was never interested with whatever I do.'

Naruto suddenly spoke "I'd like to see and know more about the Leaf sir Hiashi. I manage to see some of it but I want to experience more. I want to go around the city first before discussing the details about the engagement."

"Then I'll let Hinata accompany you" father suggested.

"That would be great sir Hiashi, but only if Ms. Hinata will agree."

My father looked at me, the message he wants to convey is clear 'You better say yes Hinata', I know I have to obey my father but…

"I'm sorry but I won't be able to accompany you, I have someone to meet today." I politely respond. I can see the disbelief in my father's face and Naruto wasn't oblivious to it as well.

"Hinata," said my father, his tone is back to the one he often used "I thought I reminded you last night to clear your schedule? Didn't I?"

"As much as I'd like to accompany Mr. Uzumaki, the meeting I have with this person is pretty urgent."

Father was about to say something but Naruto quickly cut him off.

"There is nothing to worry about sir Hiashi, I have Kakashi to accompany me" referring to the silver-haired man.

Father just nod and continued with the topic they were talking about earlier.

It looks like whatever Naruto will say, father will always agree with it.

I lied about meeting someone. I just have to get away from that suffocating house. 'It's not like I am running away from responsibilities, right?'

Instead of wandering around the streets I went to my favorite café. I often went to this place, to the point where they don't have to ask my order anymore.

"Good morning! Welcome to Love Delight's Café!"

The owner of this voice, Ino Yamanaka is one of my closest friends from the coffee shop. She has a bright personality and she often talks about handsome customers she come across with.

This place is like my second home, I love this place so much and there are three reasons why I do.

First, the food and drinks. Second, the staff and third…

Toneri.

This is the place where we first met, where we fell in love and where we constantly meet each other.

Oh right. I haven't told him about the arranged marriage. Argh, this is making my head hurt.

"Hi Hinata! Are you going to order the same one?" I nod my head in response.

After making my usual order, Ino started her storytelling.

"You are not going to believe what I am about to tell you Hinataaaaa! I think I've finally found the one." Ino said with a squeal.

"Ino you always say the same thing" I said with a small laugh

"Well, you have a point there. But no! This time it's definitely trueeee."

"So, who is it this time?" my curiosity is at its peak again

"I wasn't able to get his name, he is such in a hurry." Ino said while pouting "But he is incredibly handsome. I swear I've never seen anyone like him before. And his smile, it's so captivating. It's like he wasn't from here, his probably from another city, it's not like I care though"

I can practically see the heart in her eyes.

"I wish I can see him again you know," Ino continued "Well, you already have Toneri so there's nothing to worry about for you. Oh, I forgot to tell you, he dropped by this morning.

"Is that so? We haven't met since last week. He must be pretty busy."

We were interrupted by the opening of the door.

"HINATA! THERE HE IS MY YELLOW-HAIRED PRINCE!" Ino shouted, the other customers looked at our direction, I have to cover Ino's mouth and bow my head due to extreme embarrassment.

Then it suddenly struck me 'Yellow-haired prince?! Wait Ino said he looks like his not from here. Wait! Could it be?'

It looks like my guess is true. 'How did he end up here? Of all coffee shops in the Leaf, why here and why now?'

Flashback

A few moments ago

"Hi, may I take your order?" Ino said enthusiastically

"Hinata?" This voice. I am sure of it, its him.

Ino looked bewildered "Huh, you know each other?"

What excuse should I give? Should I tell Ino that he is my fiancé?

And what about Naruto, I told him a while ago that I am meeting someone.

I faced the both of them and said "Oh, w-were j-just-" here goes the stuttering again. 'Calm down Hinata!'

"Were acquaintances." Naruto responded.

End of Flashback

Naruto and I were sitting in one table in the far corner of the shop. I have to clear things with Ino later, but for now my alibi is what's important. What do I do?

"Uhm, I didn't expect to see you here." Wow, that's definitely an awkward start.

"I dropped by this morning before going to the Hyuga Manor."

'This morning? Did he saw Toneri here?'

"Do you like the coffee here?" I asked 'Come on Hinata he came back here so it definitely means he likes it'

"I like it." He said while sipping on his coffee.

I have to leave now, "Mr. Uzumaki, I'll be going ahead. I have some business to take care of. Sorry if I have to leave you."

"It's alright, no need to apologize. Then I'll see you at dinner." He said with a smile

I was about to leave when he said something again "Can I ask you a favor?"

"Sure. What is it?" I asked

"Can you please drop the 'Mr.'? I know we just met this morning and neither of us are comfortable with each other given the occasion why we met in the first place," he contemplated before continuing "But it's okay if you still use it though, I completely understand"

This man is really something, despite hating the fact of being forced to this marriage, I cannot deny that the man I am about to marry is such a kind-hearted one.

If we met on a different time and circumstance, is it possible to…?

"It's okay. See you at dinner then, Naruto."

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