Oh God, it's been so long since I last updated. I'm so sorry. I've been wanting to update this for a while now but I can't seem to write anything useful these past weeks.

Of course I would like to thank all of you who continue to read and support this story despite the irregular updates and such. Hopefully, I'd be able to continue this story and update it regularly from now on. Okay, so, here goes. R/R please. :)

Aaaand, on another note, if there's anyone who'd be kind enough to make a cover image or whatever it's called for this story, I'd love you forever. Haha. Thanks!

Chapter Seventeen.
Raindrops.

Tenten.

The path to the school's gym was heavenly. A little piece of paradise, if you may. The flowers were in full bloom. The trees were greener than ever. But really, what did the trick were the colored lanterns hanging all over the place. Apparently, the student council had them put up in preparation for the upcoming school festival this month.

It was almost six. Judging by the sky's orange tint, I guess the sun'll be setting anytime soon. What was taking them so long anyway? Practice should be over by now.

The urge to burst through the gym's steel doors was overwhelming, and yet, there's no way I'd do that. At least not without settling this thing between me and a certain team captain. I guess I would just have to wait here.

The memory of what happened at the auditorium was still so clear, it was scary. How long has it been? Two weeks maybe? I don't know. The only thing I do know is that I've never felt more messed up my whole life.

And yet, as much as I wanted to get these things sorted out with him, I found myself terrified at the thought of confrontations. I couldn't bring myself to the point of approaching him and breaching out this topic. He did not make any move regarding this as well. And so, the days went by. We haven't spoken since. Of course, after all, this was Hyuga Neji we're talking about.

The gym's doors opened with a loud creak. It would seem silly but I immediately ran away. Oh great, just great. Here they are, finally leaving, and what? I'm here hiding behind a tree. Just what am I doing with my life.

Naruto was the first one to exit, wearing that same grin he had when he finally won against Gaara in a one-on-one game. He was followed by Sasuke, who had a pink long stem rose with a white ribbon in one hand, his school bag on the other. And I can only guess who that's for. Sakura's pretty fond of roses.

"Is that a rose you've got there, Uchiha?", Inuzuka Kiba, who was following closely, teased from behind him.

"Hn. So you managed to figure that out all on your own?", Sasuke answered in a low tone, lifting up the long stemmed flower and then staring at it as if he was in awe. "That's quite a brain you've got there."

"What did you say?", the similarity between his and a wild dog's growl was sort of scary.

"Hey, hey. Easy. Let the bastard be.", Naruto interfered. I couldn't help it but giggle at Uzumaki's words. I guess he hasn't thought much about what he just said. At this rate, they'll be ripping each other's throats out any minute.

Sasuke turned to him with those cold eyes of his. "Who you calling a bastard, Baka?"

Naruto started laughing. "Don't tell me you've already forgotten how I kicked your ass a while ago?"

"Hey.", and just when I thought I was finally going to see the much awaited brawl between Naruto and Sasuke, the two were frozen all of a sudden. It was amazing how a mere word from their team captain was enough to straighten these guys.

Neji was in his school uniform, though he did not have his blazer and necktie on. His hair was loosely tied at the bottom. Seeing him like this, it was as hard to imagine how he was the school's superstar athlete.

"Captain!", the team members chorused.

Neji. looked at them for a short while and then sighed. "Conserve your energy for more important matters.", and he started to walk off. He didn't notice me. Figures. Before I knew it, he was already out of sight.

So here's the damn question. What do I do now?

Neji.

Seriously, what is this girl thinking? Does she really think that I haven't noticed her yet? I couldn't help it but smile. It really makes me wonder, is she even aware of how much she messes me up? To the point that I've decided to take the long way home.

Somehow, the idea of Tenten following me all the way home sent this strange warm feeling running all over my body. It was.. nice.

It was getting dark, and she's been following me for the past half hour now. I guess it'd be best if I asked her to go home now. Of course, that'd be so much easier to do if it weren't for the fact that we haven't spoken in a few weeks. Why, you ask? It's because I'm stupid, that's why.

For some reason, I couldn't bring myself to talk to her after the auditorium incident. I couldn't even approach her. Seeing her.. it's as if there's this something stabbing my chest. Actually, 'stabbing' isn't the right term. I'm quite sure it's much more painful than getting stabbed.

Don't get me wrong, I've tried to push the memory of said event to the back of my mind, thinking how it would hurt so much less if I just forget about the whole thing. But I couldn't really do that.

She ran away. I can't help it but think that it wasn't really supposed to end that way. Maybe that's why it crushed me. Probably because I was so damn sure that she felt the same way.

But I can't tell her that.

We were at a busy street just a few blocks from the clan district. There were lights everywhere, restaurants in every corner. There were so many people around. It would definitely be a better idea to leave her here. There were several taxis around the area. Surely, she'd be able to go home safely.

Without turning, I called out. "Tenten! I know you're out there." A few seconds later, I heard footsteps slowly approaching.

"Neji.", she said in a voice that was almost inaudible. That was when I felt someone hug me from behind.

I wanted to turn and face her. Tell her how late it was and that she had to go home. Scold her for following me all the way here. Put on a straight face. Treat her coldly and act as if the auditorium incident never happened.

But I couldn't. Instead, I remained silent. Why do I always run out of words when it comes to her? This girl is going to be the end of me one day.

Several dark clouds were hovering above us, I just noticed. "It's going to rain soon. You better go home.", I told her, but she didn't seem to hear a word.

There was a slight shake in her usually playful and carefree voice. "I'm sorry.", I felt her lean her forehead against my back. "I'm so sorry."

With that, I took her hands and released myself from her hold. I turned to face her. Tears were streaming from those beautiful hazel eyes of hers. That painful feeling in my chest was back. Just how much does she want me to endure? Does she really plan on driving me over the edge?

"For what?", I asked her as I swept her bangs away from her face. "There's no need to apologize. I suppose some things can't really be forced, right?"

She averted her gaze, then she gave my chest a punch, and then another, and another. When it looked like she was finally satisfied, she leaned her forehead against me once again. "I'm sorry I ran away...", she trailed off.

And then it started to rain.

Seconds later, the street was empty. Everyone must've retreated indoors.

It looked like the downpour didn't even bother her, of course, what else would I expect of Tenten. "Let's find shelter somewhere.", I told her, immediately grabbing her arm.

But she seemed to be bent on not letting me drag her some place else. "No. Wait. I need to say this now.", she said. I froze, finding myself intrigued at what she wanted to say.

It was surprising how her words poured out. "I'm sorry I ran away. I'm just so sorry. I got scared.", and then she wrapped her arms around me once more, her head leaning against my chest. "I didn't know what to do.. or say.. Because.."

I'm already at my limits. All thoughts of permanently deleting her from my memory, gone. I just can't hold it in anymore. "Because?", I prompted her as I returned her embrace.

"Because.. I've never felt like this before...", she said as her grip on me tightened. "Neji.. I've already said it before right? How I've never been in love?"

I loosened my hold on her, wanting to look her in the eyes as she revealed what was left unsaid in the auditorium. She lifted her head and faced me. The street lights reflected on her eyes, taking me in even more.

"Not until you.", then she reached up wound her arms around my neck.

And a moment later, her lips were on mine. The brief touch made my heart race. I looked at her for a moment, thinking about how I've never felt this complete, how never planned on letting her go.

Really, this girl is going to be the end of me one day. But I wouldn't really want it any other way.

The rain was starting to intensify even more, but right now, I couldn't care less. I held her even tighter, as I finally gave in to the urge to kiss her once more.