Thank you, my lovely readers!

Credits to Yves_Liong (writer from Wattpad) and Masashi Kishimoto (maker of Naruto).

Warning: OOCness

Battling With A Hot Guy

.

.

.

31

As I said those words, Gaara looked at me with critical eyes. As if he is looking for any signs of weakness in me. It annoyed me even more. How could he be so sure that I got hurt badly by what he did? He is like Uchiha Sasuke, too full of himself.

"What's wrong? Why are you looking at me like that? You think that just because you're responsible for my first valentine, I'd like you already? You're not the only one responsible for that. Sasuke also took part that day. Are you trying to say that I like you because you gave me a cake? Sasuke gave me a cake too, and it happened to be my favorite. What else did you do that makes you think I like you? So you protected me from Karin once, but was that even for real? If it was, well, Sasuke also protected me from Karin by letting me know the scheme you two were trying to pull on me even before you confessed. In fact, Sasuke saved and protected me a lot of times." I remarked coldly.

He frowned at me. "You mean, you already knew yet you didn't confront me?" He asked, his tone much more calm than before.

For some reason, I just knew how to answer him coldly, even though I barely treated people this way. I guess it was because I really hated what he did to me. "Why do I need to confront you? I knew that you were going to quit anyway since it wasn't worth your time, right? Would you leave me alone if I offer you money?" I knew what I said is too harsh when I saw the slight look of hurt in Gaara's eyes.

He shook his head in disbelief. "I can't believe you are acting this way." He said, then started to turn away from me but then he suddenly turned back with a disappointed expression. "You want to know why spending time with you isn't worth all the debt I had from Karin? It was because I thought nothing could replace your trust in me. I cared for you more than my debt on her but I guess you'll never see that."

After he said that, he left the room. Even though I felt bad for hurting his feelings, I didn't stop him. I know Sabaku Gaara doesn't really make contact with lots of people the way he did for me. He was untouchable even before we became friends, now I see the impact I had on him. But I still couldn't forgive him. I just watched him leave.

When Gaara is totally gone, Sakura approached me, she called my attention by tapping my shoulder. When she noticed my sad expression, she gave me a reassuring smile. "You did the right thing." She said in an encouraging tone.

I know that she was right, so I tried to shake those thoughts away and managed to cheer up until the end of the day. In fact, my mood is better as I walk towards my locker after class. Ino is waiting for me there with an impatient look on her face. Suddenly, I tried to recall whether or not I am supposed to meet her.

"Hina!" She exclaimed excitedly, her expression changing upon seeing me walking closer to her.

When I reached her, I raised my brow at her. "What's up?" I asked immediately.

"What's up? You just got yourself a boyfriend and you're acting like nothing's up?" She remarked. "So tell me, is it for real or is it just part of your plan?"

I gave her a smile. "What do you think, Ino-chan? Wil you believe me if I tell you it's for real?" I answered mischievously.

She returned my smile. "Okay, you're right. You couldn't have done it for real. But still, Sasuke did save you so I thought you might have had a change of heart?"

"You were there?" I asked, surprised since I didn't see her.

"Of course, I was! I'm always where the action is!" She answered with a grin.

"Then I'm sorry for treating Gaara badly. You like him, right? I hope you understand that I had to do that." I said, thinking that she might have been upset with my actions against Gaara.

"Oh, no. Don't apologize. He deserved what he got earlier. He should have known better than to fool you and associate with the likes of Karin, the biggest bitch in school. I don't like him anymore." She said in a serious expression. "And it's really annoying how Sai tries to alter my thoughts about Gaara. Saying Gaara is forced to act by moral standard of paying back a debt or something. Shouldn't he just be glad that I don't like his friend anymore and make a move on me now?"

I couldn't help but laugh at Ino's statement. "You like Sai now, do you?" I asked her with a grin.

She blushed deeply. "What? What are you talking about? I'm just trying to analyze his actions. After all, I do have the right to do so since I'm his friend." She remarked quickly.

Even though she wouldn't say it, I know the answer is obvious now. Why else is she wearing that pink bandana Sai gave her? "I was just asking because you sound like you do. But I guess not." I answered otherwise, not wanting to annoy her by insisting. I knew that in time, she'll admit it. "Anyway, I have to go home now so I'll just talk to you tomorrow, okay?"

She nodded. "Yeah, I should get going too. But before I go, I just want to tell you to be careful with your plan. That's the real reason why I waited here for you. Be careful, okay? Think of it this way, all your previous plans against Sasuke seemed foolproof but they all backfired on you. It might happen again if you're not really careful." She said, her tone dead serious. But when she finished her cheery expression returned. "Anyway, I'm leaving! I still have to meet Sai or something. See you tomorrow!"

She waved at me as she left and I waved back. Afterwards, Sakura arrived and we started towards our home. As we walk, Sakura seem like she has questions to ask but something is stopping her. Having a feeling I know what it was, I decided to start a conversation.

"He asked me.. No, he implied that we should have rules in dating." I said, knowing she is anxious about what happened when Sasuke and I left the classroom.

She immediately lit up she she turn to me with a raise brow. "Rules in dating? What for?"

I knew it, typical Sakura. "He said that it's because of this book so he thought it's a good idea. Isn't he weird?"

She disagreed, somehow, whenever it came to Sasuke matters she often sided with Sasuke. And she actually said she doesn't like the guy anymore. "No, he isn't. I think it's rather cute. What are the rules you agreed upon?"

I scowled as soon as it was opened. "I have no right to disagree in the first place. The first rule is fine since it really isn't nice if I go with other guys while dating him but the second rule is actually absurd! He actually wants me to call him everyday!" I complained.

"What's wrong with calling him?" She asked as she laughed at my reaction.

"What's wrong? Have you completely forgotten how our conversations usually end up?" I asked her sarcastically.

She shook her head. "That's not a problem, Hina-chan. Look at me and Naruto, I'm getting used to his loud voice. Just give it a time."

"But there's a difference between you and Naruto and me and Sasuke. You and Naruto are friends. Sasuke and I are not, never have been, never going to be as well. Everything he says just angers me."

"That's because you hate him too much. Stop hating him and you'll feel different." She adviced.

Is she serious? "If I stop hating him, why would I continue to date him? I'm only dating him because of revenge, remember?"

"I know that. But think about it, you can't possibly work this plan out if you continue hating him that way. At least let your guard down a bit. Or you might end up telling him you're doing all this to get revenge." She pointed out in a serious tone.

Seeing her point, I let out a sigh. "Fine, I'll try to treat him better." I finally agreed.

After that, we went our separate ways. When I got home, I debated with myself on whether or not to call Sasuke. I'm not exactly afraid of the punishment he'll give me if I don't call him because I know no matter what punishment he could come up, it would be something very light and immature. But then I promised Sakura I'd try to be nicer to him.

So I took my phone from my pocket and dialled his number.

"Hello?" Sasuke's voice spoke after two rings.

"It's me, Hinata." I said, trying to sound nice.

"Hn. You must really miss me to call so soon." He replied and I could only imagine the smug smirk plastered on his face.

"Ha-ha. Very funny. Look, you just told me to call, right? There's no need to say anything so I'll hang up now okay?" I said in a bored tone.

"Wait, I have something to ask you. Remember the third rule? I want you to do something for tomorrow's basketball game." His voice turned a little more serious.

"What?" I asked anxiously, wanting to hang up immediately.

"I want you to hold up a big banner for me. Write something like 'Go hubby, Sasuke!' or something of the sorts." He replied seriously, but I already knew he's smirking on the other line.

"What?! No way!" I exclaimed instantly.

He let out a sigh, as if disappointed with my answer. Then he threatened me in an annoying tone. "If you don't do it, you'd be breaking a rule. If you're going to then I'll break your rule as punishment."

Finding no way out, I finally agreed. "Fine." I wouldn't want his hands or lips anywhere near me now, would I? But I decided that two could play the game. "But you have to do something for me too. On tomorrow's game, I want you to shoot 30 shots."

He suddenly chuckled. Wow. Well, that was a nice, manly chuckle. Wait. What? Focus, Hinata. "Hyuuga Hinata, do you even watch basketball? An average player can shoot about 5-10 shots a game." He said in a knowing tone. "And besides, you can't ask me to do something because there's no rule that says you can."

Ignoring his second statement, I spoke. "But everyone says you're the best player in the team. That means you're more than average. So prove it to me. See, I really think you're overrated." I really do think he's overrated. "But to make it easier, just shoot 25, and I'll believe that you're the best player."

He still didn't agree. "Forget it." He responsed.

"Fine, I'm hunging up."

After that I didn't wait for Sasuke to say anything. I just hung up and decided to prepare the stupid banner.

The next day, I tried to hide my rolled-up banner as I walk across the hallway to get to my locker. I know that if Sakura or Ino sees me, they would be suspicious about it. And seriously, I am too ashamed to answer. I'd rather they just see it when the time comes, and I am lucky because neither of them saw me. After putting the locker in my locker, I took my books and went to the classroom.

Why was it when a person wanted time to go faster, it would go otherwise? And the same went for someone who wanted time to go slower. See, I am dreading the basketball game because I know Sasuke is going to make a fool out of me because of that stupid banner. Unfortunately, time really came quickly.

Like the first varsity game a couple of weeks ago, our afternoon classes are cancelled for the whole school to watch and support the team. As Sakura and I walk towards the gym, I suddenly remembered that I'm not holding the banner.

"Hey, Sakura-chan, can you go ahead? I need to get something in my locker." I said, starting to turn around.

"Alright, I'll just save a seat for you."

I nodded in thanks and sped up to my locker and took her banner. Upon heading back to gym, more and more people are going there too. So I found it hard to enter. When I got in, the game already started. The other team is ahead by 10 points. I quickly searched for Sakura and took my seat.

"What's happening?" I asked her, seeing a frown on her face.

She turned to me. "Hina-chan, Sasuke can't shoot since Gaara won't pass the ball to him." Sakura said franctially.

I focused on the game. Sai called for a time-out. Having been seated a row behind the bench, I was able to hear what he said.

"What are you doing?" Sai asked Gaara in a serious tone.

It's the first time I have ever seen him angry and it definitely doesn't look good.