Chapter 3: Label

Its already 5 o'clock in the afternoon. I have only one hour left before going back to the Manor, we will soon discuss the details of the wedding. I'm hoping to see him before that.

"Hinata. Did I made you wait? You look tired."

"You didn't. I'm not tired, I just have a lot on my plate right now." I replied

Here he is the only person who sees me for who I am. I hugged him tight, hoping to forget all the things that had happened today.

"You missed me that much?" Toneri teased me. "I'm sorry I wasn't able to reply on your messages right away, I've been busy."

"It's okay you're here now. It's all that matters." I responded with a satisfied smile.

"Well, do you want to do or eat anything?"

"No. But I have something to tell you though." I took a deep breath. Toneri looked at my face, he noticed how I become uneasy, but I have to tell him right away. We can figure something out together.

I continued "Father wants me to marry someone. He already arranged a marriage for me."

Toneri didn't respond. I understand him, what I said was truly shocking. I bet a lot of things are going on in his mind right now. He is probably wondering about the details of the wedding and the person I am going to marry.

After quite some time he finally managed to speak "Who is he? Is he someone I know? Your father knows we are together right?"

I was about to answer but was immediately cut off by him "You don't have to answer. I am not yet ready to hear it either. What did you tell him?"

"I told him I don't want to, but knowing father he will go on with his plans. I already met him this morning and father seems to really like him."

"If he likes him so much why not marry him?" Toneri scoffed. I laughed at his response

Toneri held my hand and said "Just remember Hinata, even if your father forced you to marry him, do not give in okay. Remember our promise to each other, okay. I'll find a way to break this engagement somehow, so don't worry. We'll get through this together." I can feel his voice shaking, he's just as scared as I am.

"Of course. How can I forget that?" I showed him the pendant he gave me back then, "This is the proof of our love for each other. You came back to me, so I will do everything just so I won't lose you for the second time."

We hugged each other once more before parting ways. This is extremely hard. I have to think of a way to break this engagement and I have to do it as soon as possible. Both for me and Toneri.

We are having dinner together. They went all out today, probably to impress Naruto.

"Were you able to look around the city Naruto?" father asked him

"Yes sir, it was relaxing. I saw some famous spots in the city."

"Well, you would have been able to see more of it if Hinata was with you."

Oh, it's me again. I sighed, 'Wait, what if he tells father that he saw me today?!' I looked at Naruto,

Naruto just smiled and continued to eat. It looks like he doesn't have any intention of telling my father that we met. Guess I worried for nothing, what a nice guy.

"By the way, I'd like to discuss the details about the wedding ceremony since we are all present." Father looked at me and then to Naruto "The wedding will be in 2 months"

I sat there completely stunned. 'Did I misheard what he said? 2 months?! Why are they such in a hurry?'

"Father, isn't that a little too early? We don't even know each other that much." I retorted

"Now that you've mentioned it there is something you must know. Naruto will be staying here in Hyuga Manor until the day of the wedding, after that the two of you will move to the City of Whirlpool, his hometown. And also, you'll meet the wedding organizer in a week."

"What?!" I cannot suppress the anger anymore.

"What's with your reaction Hinata?" My father asked

'Is that all he has to say?' I was trying to hold back whatever emotion I have, the pain and anger, but it's no use "I cannot do this."

I can see how angry my father is right now, but I don't care, I have to give him a piece of my mind as well.

"What are you talking about?! You're marrying one the most powerful and influential family in whole Whirlpool and you're saying you can't do it?"!

Instead of answering, I bowed and quickly left the room.

I ran to the garden and cried. I always went here whenever I am sad. The ambiance of the place calms and comforts me.

I know I shouldn't have said that in the middle of dinner, but they're asking for too much. Leave this place and move to Whirlpool? That's crazy!

The city of Whirlpool is the largest and richest city of Japan and on top of that it is extremely far from the Leaf. Its like my father is giving me away, he doesn't care about me at all.

I was interrupted by the sound of footsteps heading towards me.

It was Naruto. I know that he is a kind person, I can tell it right away, but I can't stop myself from being angry with him.

He cleared his throat, "These are beautiful flowers." Pointing to the lavender ones. I didn't respond, I was so upset about the whole situation.

"I know that you're upset. Who wouldn't feel that way, I didn't expected it as well, ya know" He said in a calm manner.

Is he trying to play with me? Is he using his kindness to penetrate my mind? And what does he mean by that?

"I didn't know my parents arranged a marriage for me before dying."

I was completely shocked. All this time I thought he was the one who arranged it but no, it wasn't him.

"Your parents arranged it for you?" I asked him

"Yes, they did. I was just as surprised as you are."

I want to ask him to break the engagement off, but I know that it would be hard to do it. I'll have to do it myself.

"Why are you here?" I want to know his motives, its better to be safe than sorry.

"I came here to see you. You just stormed out of the dining hall. I am sure you are deeply hurt by all of this." He said with a smile

I don't know why, but I feel calm now. Is it just the effect of the garden? Or was it because of the dreamy moonlight? Or was it him?

"Hinata," he called "do you have someone important to you?" I nod my head in response to him

"Me too. And I don't want to disappoint them. It may sound selfish of me but I made a promise to my parents."

"And what does it have to do with me?"

"You are that promise. They both asked me to marry you." He laughed a little "And I want to fulfill it."

"What do you mean by that?!"

"I'll tell you when we are close enough." I tilt my head to the side and gave him a questioning look

"What I want to say is can we be friends Hinata?" he reached out his hand to me and I saw how his cerulean eyes shine through the dark night and I felt myself trapped in it.

I was supposed to feel angry, to shout at him, slap him or anything else just to make him understand how angry I am right now, but why am I feeling this way? There's this feeling inside me that want to reach out to him. Why though?

He withdrew his hand and said "It's okay if you don't want to." Naruto got up and was about to leave when I called him and said,

"Fine. We can be friends, Naruto."

For the first time that day, I felt comfortable. It was odd, but its something I've never felt before.

'Friends huh? We'll see about that.'

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