Response
Hinata met a familiar face at Ichiraku Ramen. The blonde future Hokage slurped down his ramen happily. She was a little shocked to see he was alone given how many times she saw him surrounded by admirers lately.
"Naruto-kun hello," she greeted.
"Hello Hinata," he said motioning for her to join him.
"So how did it go with Sakura-chan," she asked. Hinata willed herself to be different. She was sure she could move on.
Naruto blushed and rubbed the back of his head happily grinning he exclaimed, "She loves me back. I kept my promise."
Teuchi eyed the shy girl seated to his left about to ask if she wanted anything but thought the better of it and quickly went back to work.
Typical Naruto unaware of everything. Well it looks like you made your choice anyhow.
"I'm happy for you," Hinata said twiddling her fingers and staring down at the counter.
She doesn't look so happy…oh why am I eavesdropping on the younglings anyhow.
"The thing is…well I just don't want to hurt your feelings. If you see us…I mean I-
"I'm okay. I-I want my friends to be happy," she said forcing her face up to look at him.
"Hinata you don't seem too happy," Naruto said fearing the worse.
Best to leave that alone Naruto.
"Truthfully I-I'm still a bit jealous but I really want you to be happy," she said staring back at the counter willing herself not to cry.
Why is this hurting still? I thought I resolved to let Naruto-kun be happy.
"Hinata I-
"S-so don't be sad Naruto-kun," she forced the tears away and looked at him, "Don't look like that it's not you."
He gave her a weak smile, "well I better get going."
I can't let him leave thinking that I am devastated by this. I have to let Naruto-kun be happy.
"Naruto-kun I'll be fine seeing you with Sakura-chan…I-I'll be happy to see the two of you together," she said determined to see his bright smile again.
"I'll see you around sometime Hinata. Maybe we could eat Ramen or something," he grinned brightly at her.
It was bittersweet that he asked her to spend time with him.
"Yes, Naruto-kun I'd like that. Goodbye Naruto-kun," she stood and started to walk away. He gave her a wave and headed off to his apartment.