Hey, sorry for not updating! I've been busy! Even if I don't get a lot of reviews, I plan on finishing this story. Popularity doesn't matter to a writer, the opinion of those who do like it matter. : )

Chapter 4

"K-Kiba…" I whispered, looking into his eyes.

"Come on, let's go back in. They might be gone now." Kiba sighed, helping me to my feet.

"Kiba wait…" I paused.

"What is it Hinata?" He asked, turning around to face me.

"N-nothing…"

He smiled warmly at me and led me back to the restaurant where Shino and Kurenai were waiting.

"Is everything ok?" Kurenai-sensei asked me.

I nodded and smiled slightly, trying to show honesty.

She knew I was lying. I knew it when her smile shrank into a sad frown and she backed off.

I'm sorry… I thought in my head and looked down.

Kiba lightly smiled at them to show reassurance and I glanced up at him. As I caught his eye, he turned to me and gave me a light hug.

"I didn't mean to force anything upon you back there. I just had to tell you so you know that you are never alone. I will always be there for you." He whispered. "And sorry for bringing all this mushy-gushy stuff up… You know I was never one for that." He chuckled.

I smiled softly at him and he grinned back.

He offered to drive me home but I said I would be fine on my own. It gave me more time to think.

As I left, I watched his car pull out of the parking lot. I saw him wave through the window and I waved back. I started off towards my house, hoping to escape everything.

His words rang through my head. "You don't need to love him… Because I love you!"

I shook my head slowly. What was I going to do? I didn't understand it at all. Kiba doesn't really love me… right?

I sighed and zipped my jacket further up to stay warm. I stuffed my hands in my pockets and shook slightly. It had gotten pretty cold outside…

"Hinata, wait a second!"

I knew that voice. It was Naruto's… what did he want?

I glanced behind me to find him sprinting up to me. I averted my gaze and ignored the approaching footsteps.

"Hold on! I just wanted to say something!"

As he caught up, I could tell I had gotten pretty far before he came running after me. He was panting and sweating despite the cool breeze.

"I'm really sorry… I never meant for Sakura to hurt you like that. She could be pretty jealous sometimes… I don't get why though… I already told her that we were just friends." He sighed and ran a hand through his golden hair.

I didn't reply. I had no idea what to say. I fumbled with my sleeve and looked at anything but him, mostly the ground though.

"Do you forgive me?" He asked.

I nodded my head and I could feel the presence of his grin.

"That's great!" He shouted triumphantly.

I nodded again and began walking, knowing I was getting close to the Hyuuga mansion. I heard him following me though and I didn't understand why. I glanced at him slightly, watching as he casually strolled about a foot behind me.

I shrugged and kept walking until I felt him lightly tap my shoulder. I stopped.

"Hey… I never really got to say this… but I'm glad we are still friends… It's great to still be friends with everyone from our age group pretty much…" He was trying to think of something to say.

"Not Sasuke." I replied hastily, but I immediately regretted it. His eyes widened then he looked down a bit, his eyes devoid of his usual light.

"No… Sasuke will come back… I know it… I will stop him."

I smiled at him and patted his shoulder for comfort. I didn't know how to do it without making it awkward. He smiled back and straightened out.

"I should be going. Neji might be getting worried." I whispered.

"Same here. I mean not that Neji is worrying about me… it's Sakura! She didn't want me to take too long…"

I laughed slightly and he grinned and waved as he ran away. I waved back.

As he disappeared into the shadows I realized something. I was completely over him. We were never meant to be. But him and Sakura aren't meant for each other either. It just doesn't match. Maybe I used to love him but now it's more a brother and sister kind of love… I just feel the need to look over him even if he's a very strong and capable ninja.

Now, what to do about Kiba…?

A/N: Hey… don't know if you are still reading this but I totally planned out how I'm going to make this story. I have the whole story line made out already. But anyway, please review for more chapters. It gives me motivation!

REVIEW! PLEASE!