Bonus chapter
Hinata hummed as she sat on her porch swing. Her older cousin was across from her, reading a book that was probably for one of his Advanced Placement classes . It was mid-summer and they had just been released from their high school to enjoy a month long break in the heat. The Hyuga girl had just completed her freshman year and had met many of her new friends through her own classes. She was invited to sit with a group of girls at lunch who were in her English class and soon they had become great friends. Her cousin was one of the popular ones. Him and his two friends were at the top of the food chain at school and by association, made her popular as well. However, popularity was seen as a pain to Neji and he never played into it. Though, Hinata swore that he was living in a teenage lifetime show since him and his friends fit the stereotypical mold of the energetic Jock (Lee), the Academic heartthrob (Neji himself), and the attractive Cheerleader (Tenten). Within that stereotype though, they weren't like a lifetime drama; Rock Lee wasn't being whisked away by girls left and right along with the fact that he wasn't into parties unless Tenten and Neji went with him. Tenten was neck in neck with Neji in being the top of her class, and she didn't fit the mold of a cheerleader to one's usual expectations due to her sass as well as her nonchalant attitude. She cheered for the thrill of being lifted into the air and for the workout; she barely hung around her cheermates outside of practice. Then, there was her cousin. There wasn't much to say really; Neji was Neji. He was a genius by birth and studied twenty-four-seven. He wanted to be a lawyer and had the grades and money to do it for sure. However, he was a bit aloof and unfriendly to those who threw themselves at him. Granted, he's had a rough life. His parents decided to focus purely on the family business and left him to his own condo once he graduated from middle school. And he was tasked with the responsibility to be a guardian for his younger cousins. It was a lot, and Hinata indeed felt a bit sorry for him but she knew he didn't take pity. But this year, he had changed a bit. As mentioned earlier, he had two friends. Well, he had just became close with them this year. Rock Lee and her cousin had been in the same middle school, so they knew each other already. Tenten was introduced to him last year, however, they had gotten close this term and the effects were certainly showing.
"Are you hanging out with Tenten today?" Hinata asked her cousin.
Neji glanced up from his book and shook his head. She had left right after the last day of classes to visit some family out of the country. She'd be gone for a week or so. Hinata nodded and watched as he returned his gaze to his book.
"Why do you ask?" He murmured.
"Oh, no reason. I thought you'd make plans with her and Lee since we're on break now." His cousin explained as she leaned back on the porch swing.
"No...no plans. Not until she comes back, anyway." Neji replied nonchalantly. "Did you want to do something with me?"
"I mean… if it's alright. I don't like staying inside when the weather is nice."
"Alright, I'll think of some things we could do when I'm finished with this book for next term."
That was the change. He was being more talkative and social with others after he became friend with those two. She had never seen it before until this year. And Hinata knew specifically who had caused that change. Tenten was with him all the time in the hallways, he'd pick her up from her classes, and they'd sit together for lunch. Neji had joined the track and field club as well so he would have something to do as he waited for Tenten to be released from cheer practice. Whenever she was brought up in conversation, his tone would change to a more brighter, warmer tone and his mood would lighten to the point where his eyes would shine. His face would become soft whenever she smiled at him. Hell, they were each other's favorites in their contact lists and texted constantly. Hinata would catch him going through her Facebook posts and liking Instagram pictures of her. Tenten has even come to this very house a few times to hang out with herself and Hanabi while Neji was out running errands. And whenever, she'd smile at him there would be an almost nonexistent smile on his lips (you got to squint in order to see it). It was like this girl was an angel or something the way Neji looked at her.
"Hey Neji?"
"Hn?" He grunted.
"I have a deep question for you." Hinata stated.
"Deep? Alright, what is it?" His ivory eyes didn't leave the page, but stopped moving.
"Out of your friends, who would you say you had more of a connection with?"
He shrugged in response but answered anyway. "Probably Tenten. We get along well and I enjoy her company."
"Is that all?" Hinata pressed. "I see you smile a lot more when she's around."
At this, Neji looked up.
"Hinata, are you implying that I have feeling for her?"
Hinata grinned. "There's nothing wrong with a crush."
He rolled his eyes and leaned back. He enjoyed her vibe and her personality. She was a firecracker that lit up his mind. The bunhead held her arguments up very well and challenged everything he said to her. She always took his words with a grain of salt and just flashed him a smile. Tenten was a quick best friend that he didn't see coming. He was intrigued by her personality and way of thinking. Her sense of adventure was refreshing to him and her smile was always genuine.
"Ah, that sounds like something out of a love story." Hinata mused longingly.
Neji's cheeks turned red and he pursed his lips together. "I enjoy her presence in my life, Hinata. That's all."
"Oh, sure." The younger Hyuga hummed. "I bet she makes your chest tingle when she looks at you. I see the way your cheeks get pink whenever she holds your hand in the hallways and-"
"Alright." Neji snapped. "Enough. What of it?"
Hinata squealed in delight. This was good for him, she thought. He had found someone like Tenten to balance him out and keep him company.
"Have you told her yet?"
"I just met her this year, that's a bit much." He replied. "Besides, things will get weird."
The younger Hyuga sighed. "You don't know that until-"
"Do me a favor, and keep your mouth shut." Neji cut her off. "I don't need and issues for once in my life. Especially with Tenten."
Hinata closed her mouth and nodded. She understood completely and promised to keep his secret.
