What no one understands is that Hinata never expected her feelings to be reciprocated. She loves Naruto. He saved her cousin from crushing bitterness, has been her inspiration for more than half her life, and she loves him. It is as natural as breathing air and the flow of chakra beneath her skin. Standing between him and Pain wasn't about logic or strength or anything except the desire to protect what was most important to her.
She dies and is reborn.
In the moment before waking, she hears a fox laugh, he is a pup yet, and dares to hope.