Neji.

"PRACTICE DISMISSED.", I said. Though no one responded, I was certain that they knew what I meant. I wanted them to leave.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Naruto hinting the others to get out quickly. Maybe he understood why I wanted to be left alone with this girl. And though I don't know the reasons behind this action of his, I'd have to thank him. I have to admit, a minute later, then I would've backed out of this.

"See yah later, Tenten, Captain.", he said as he and the others passed us. Tenten remained standing there. It's surprising how she didn't make a run for it, knowing she'll be left alone with me. The awkwardness of it all.

And with everyone gone, I decided that it would be best to just get on with this.

"Tenten.", I said. I can see that she is uncomfortable. Nervous, even. Well, I'm not really comfortable doing this, too. And God knows how nervous I am right now. Know why? Because I'm afraid. As shallow as it may be, I'm afraid I'll get kicked, punched, and yes, I'm most afraid of being pushed away. Not that I'll admit it to anyone.

"Yes, Hyuga-san?", now what was that? Surely, she's aiming to make me feel like a stranger. And I did. Know what? It sort off stings.

I walked towards her. Step by step. I noticed that she never took her eyes off mine. I stopped my advance when I noticed that she was about to take a step back.

I'd have to take this chance now. It's now or never. And I really won't settle for 'never'. It has to be now.

"No formalities needed, Tenten. I just need to..", I trailed off. How do I say this? "I just need to say something."

Her face remained blank.

And that was when I couldn't take it anymore. Why was I so damn nervous? Hell, I don't even know why I bothered to do this. She's a just a girl, Neji. She's just a girl. Not important.

I turned to the basket on the other side of the gym, trying to remind myself of more important things. Instead of this, I could be practicing my shooting. I could be shooting twenty-thousand jump shots right now. But no. It's no use. Here I am, all shaken up, desperately trying to get these thoughts of mine out of my head. Trying to find the right words.

"Are.. are you made at me?", I asked. I can't believe that I'm stammering.

She sat down. Her legs were crossed, as if she was about to start meditating. As if on impulse, I sat down too, in the same manner that she did, facing her.

"No.", she then said, breaking the room's silence. I looked at her, and she was staring at her palms. It looked like she was counting the lines one-by-one.

I just couldn't stop myself. How on earth was I going to apologize properly when she's not even paying attention? I lifted my hand and cupped her chin, making her look at me. Her eyes widened. Okay, so now, I'll have to say it.

"Look.. I'm sorry.", I said, her face remained blank, though. So I just kept on talking.

"I know.. I may not be the nicest guy around.. Hell, I didn't even know I had a heart until last night..", wait, did I just say that? Stupid. But of course, there was no point in taking things back, especially when they're true. And since I've already started making a complete fool of myself by saying that, I might as well tell her everything else.

"I just, desperately wanted to get rid of you..", I said, resisting the urge to touch her. The proximity was starting to drive me crazy. Surely, someday, this somewhat addiction of mine to this girl right here would be my downfall.

I breathed in, placed my hand on her cheek and then prepared for the worst. Her skin was flawless, and a second later, I couldn't help it but run my fingers over her cheek.

"You wanna know why?", I asked, looking at her. She remained silent, and nodded instead. I answered her as honestly as I possibly can.

"You distract me.", I couldn't help it but smile, I finally got through with it. Once this is over, everything would be fine. I leaned on closer, wanting her to hear every word. "It's like I can't get you off my head.", she remained staring at me.

That was when I lost all control. "Let me show you how much, okay?"

And then I kissed her. I'll have to admit, I'm very surprised with my actions. This wasn't how I planned it. I merely wanted to apologize. I never thought that it would lead up to this.

What even surprised me more was that she didn't bother to push me away. She just remained still, not moving one bit.

Then, I pulled away, I looked at her. Her eyes were closed, and then seconds later, she slowly opened them.

"What was that?", she asked. Her voice was soft, but there's no mistaking the hint of accusation in her tone.

Though I heard her words clearly, I didn't quite understand what she meant.

"What?", I asked her and then she closed her eyes again.

"You heard me.", she answered, her tone now gentle, if I hadn't known better, I'd say she was about to cry.

"I kissed you, Tenten.", I said, leaning towards her again. She didn't move though, in contrast to what I expected.

"Why?"

Was she trying to drive me off the edge or what? Certainly, she herself knows the answer to that question. Maybe she wants it to come from me then.

"Because I wanted to."

It was as if my words shocked her. Her eyes opened immediately. And the next thing I felt was her hand crashing on to my right cheek. The pain was impossible to ignore.

In one swift movement, she stood up and ran for the gym's door, while I remained frozen; stroking the area she made contact with.

I watched her as she grabbed onto the steel doors' handles. She pulled one door back with her right arm, while her left hand made its way to her lips.

"That was my first kiss.", she said, almost inaudible.

"Tenten, are you mad?", I asked. A split-second later, I realized that that question was completely stupid. Of course she was mad. Why else would she storm out.

She shook her head. "No. It's just.. I thought my first kiss..", she trailed off. And then I saw her frown. "Ugh. Never mind. What do you know, you're the campus heartthrob. It doesn't matter, right?" And then she left.

It was only then I finally came to my senses, why was I merely watching her? I stood up as fast as I can and tried to catch up to her. But the moment I opened the doors, she was already out of sight.

"I'm sorry!", I called out, hoping she'd be able to hear me.

There was no response. I was going to run and search for her, but then I realized something.

It's no use looking for someone who doesn't want to be found.

Why was I messing with my feelings anyway? Everything was fine when I avoided thinking about these things. I should've played ball instead.

I made my way towards the locker room and took a nice cold shower. Feeling the cold water on my skin, it was very refreshing, washing out everything. Clearing my mind. Hopefully, my mind would stay clear of any thoughts regarding what happened a while ago.

After I showered, I went to my gym locker, planning to organize my belongings before I leave. The locker door swung open, and the small square mirror hanging on it greeted me. It was only then that I was fully aware of the damage done. My cheek was reddened, and you could definitely make out the shape of a small hand and fingers.

Well, that was my first kiss too. And I got slapped for it.