I woke with a gasp, looking around only to not recognize my surroundings. A sharp pain shot through my temple, making me wince, and I brought a hand to cover my eyes. What even happened last night? Where am I?
The sheets, blankets, and pillows are all black on the bed I'm in, not to mention the room is so dark that I can barely see more than an arm's length away.
A wave of dizziness washed over me. I'm still a little drunk, I think. What time is it, anyway? The sun hasn't come up yet. Sighing, I lay back down and closed my eyes. I'm probably at a hotel. In the past, when drunk, I've always managed to somehow get myself somewhere safe for the night. That's likely what's going on this time, too.
"-kill that Hyuuga bitch! Where is she?"
I sat up again, this time with frightened, wide eyes. It was a man's voice to yell those terrifying words somewhere nearby but outside the room. Who is that? I don't recognize their voice! If I don't know them, why are they so upset that they'd want to kill me?
A thump followed by a crash sounded outside in the same direction as where the voice had come, and I scrambled out of bed, feeling around the dark room for my belongings.
A lower timbred voice responded something, but it wasn't loud enough to be understood. Then the first man yelled again, "Get the hell outta my way! What do you care what happens to her?"
They're closer to this room than before, which means I need to get out of here before they come in and try, and possibly succeed at, killing me. Finally, my fingers found the strap of my purse, and I slung it over my shoulder before frantically turning to shove the lamp from the nightstand in front of the window, fumbling to unlock and open it with trembling fingers.
This is the second time I've had to escape a situation like this, though the first was directly related to my family.
My father, Hiashi, runs one of the two most prominent law firms in Konoha, and one of our clients' enemies, who'd been sentenced to prison time, kidnapped me in an attempt to collect a ransom and disappear with the money. As someone who's always been quiet, it was relatively easy to sneak away and run for help. The fact that they made countless mistakes in the process of kidnapping and tying me up didn't hurt, either.
Only when the cold of the metal stairs outside the third-story window met my foot did I realize I didn't have any shoes on, but that's when I heard the door of the room slam open, so I threw caution to the wind and ran for my life. The soles of my feet got cut on the sharp, grated texture of the emergency steps, but I didn't pause even to look back and verify if I was being followed. No, I sprinted with all my might until my legs became jelly.
Sitting on a park bench, I stared at my bloody feet with tears slowly running down my cheeks. Now that I was out of direct harm's way, the fear began to sink in. Who were those men, and why was I in an apartment on the shady side of town? Was I targeted by another disgruntled criminal because of my relationship with my father?
Shivering in the fall breeze, I reached into my purse for my phone to call Dad or Neji, only for it not to be there. After verifying thoroughly that the device was missing, I sighed and got to my feet, waving down a passing taxi.
The cab driver's eyes widened when he turned in the front seat to look my way, "What happened to you, Miss? Should I take you to a hospital?"
I can't do that, or news would get out about it. No, I must get to my father and have him take care of this.
"Please take me to this address."
It took a surprisingly long time to arrive at Dad's estate, almost two hours, meaning I'd been on the opposite side of Konoha, a place I'd never set foot in. Upon approaching the security guards at the main gate, the two people manning it immediately recognized me. One rushed up to offer me an arm, while the other began babbling into their radio, likely for assistance and to notify my father of the situation.
"Miss Hyuuga, what is your condition? Would you like me to carry you? It appears your feet have been injured." The tall, emotionless man guiding me through the gate and toward the massive front doors was professional.
I shook my head and tried not to limp. Due to an almost-assault when I was in high school, it's challenging to allow men close. Just holding the guard's arm like this made my skin crawl. It'd been one of my father's ex-employees who'd been fired for trying to embezzle money. Luckily, Neji arrived in time to prevent the act from being performed, but the trauma's still there.
"Hinata, my God! What happened? Come, sit down," Dad motioned for the guard to help me to one of the oversized chairs in the den, "Call a doctor. Have them come immediately." My face warmed uncomfortably as he knelt to gently inspect one of my feet, "Who did this? Did you get a look at their face? I can call a sketch artist."
I shook my head, "I don't know. I woke up and heard two men fighting. One was talking about killing me, so I ran away but couldn't find my shoes, so…."
Hiashi released my foot and rose, placing a calming hand atop my head as I tried to keep my sniffles to a minimum. His voice was softer as he tried to calm me, "You did well removing yourself from danger. I'm very proud of you."
Nodding, I averted my watery gaze to my lap, clutching my purse with trembling fingers, "A-And I couldn't find my phone, either. Whoever they are, they likely still have it. Can it be remotely locked, just in case?"
"Of course, but don't worry about that when you're injured like this," he motioned for a maid to approach, "Please prepare some chamomile tea and serve it hot." The middle-aged woman bowed before heading off to do as asked.
Though I'm grateful for my father's supportive attitude, especially when he used to be much less doting, I inwardly cringed because I know he's going to make me start retaking the anxiolytics.
Anxiolytics are medications used to reduce and manage anxiety. After the attack in high school, I was so shaken that a psychiatrist prescribed them, and they helped a little, but the dull, almost underwater feeling they cause makes me dislike them immensely. After many months of therapy and hard work, I was given permission to stop the medication, but lately, Dad's been talking about having me start it again.
That's because I'm already twenty-two, which is old for a daughter of a family like ours to remain unmarried. Most marry at the age of seventeen or eighteen, and almost all marriages are arrangements to create relationships between families.
Upon graduating high school, I begged him not to force me into something like that, and he promised to give me until the age of twenty-one to find love naturally. He even swore to give his blessing so long as the man had an at least decently respectable upbringing, regardless of status or wealth.
To be quite honest, I was so focused on college and my career that I've yet to go on a single date, much less have a boyfriend. At the ripe age of twenty-two, I, Hinata Hyuuga, haven't even had my first kiss. How humiliating. Of course, I lied and told him through the years that I had short-lived relationships and dates, so he wouldn't take back his offer to give me a chance.
I'm not interested in that sort of thing, even now.
Though my family never gives out high-ranking titles or positions within the company just because of names or status, I was given an entry-level position as a receptionist upon graduating early in May of this year. Since I devoted all of my time to studying and didn't need to work to afford things, I managed to shorten what was supposed to be six years of schooling into three.
Already, I've been promoted to being the personal assistant of Neji, my older cousin and one of the most successful attorneys in the office. He's strict and demanding despite our being related, but I never expected anything else, so I take it in stride.
"Here is your tea, Ma'am. The doctor should arrive within the next ten minutes. Please call for me if you have any further needs," the sweet-natured maid sat the tray on the nearby table before bowing and returning to her post near the room's exit, where she stood tall and resolute in wait for more orders.
Dad handed over one of the two steaming cups of tea before taking the other himself. Then, he sat in the chair across from me, "I must apologize for allowing something like this to happen. It never occurred to me that you'd be targeted again after all these years."
I shook my head, sipping the soothing beverage and closing my eyes as the tears had finally ceased, "It's not your fault. Besides, I'm alright. These cuts aren't very deep."
"Starting tomorrow and until the culprit is found, I'll assign you a bodyguard. Do you have a preference among the staff?"
It'd be useless to argue because Hiashi Hyuuga is a man who will see to it that his desires are met. So, I shook my head, "I'd prefer a woman, if possible. I understand if that's not an option, though."
He nodded, sipping his own drink, but said nothing else because one of our family's personal doctors arrived with his assistant and immediately came to begin treating my wounds.
The following day, I woke, showered, dressed, and came downstairs at the family estate, having spent the night rather than returning to my apartment so late. Neji and my father were speaking quietly over coffee, and both turned to wordlessly greet me upon my arrival.
I prepared my to-go cup and sighed when Dad said, "It'd make me more comfortable if you took a few days off to allow your injuries to heal."
"There's no sense in allowing work to pile up. I'll just stay off my feet as much as possible. Besides, I'll just get bored sitting at home with nothing to do." In truth, I'm a bit of a workaholic, an OCD one at that. This type of work, organizing, planning, and being delegated, suits me well.
Neji nodded in agreement.
Seeing it was two against one, Hiashi relented, "Alright, then. So long as you take it easy," he motioned for us to follow him to the cars, "I'll be reviewing our security staff this morning. Would you like me to provide a few options for you to select from for your guard?"
Since it's unlikely any women will be in the lineup, it doesn't matter to me, so I shook my head, "No, I trust your judgment."
Once at the office, I got right to work without delay. Making calls, scheduling meetings, filling out and filing paperwork, and many other tasks distracted me from last night's scary events. Well, for the most part. How did I even end up in that dark apartment?
I remember walking out of the restaurant where I'd met Sakura. (She's my closest friend. We met in college.) Then, everything goes black.
Around one in the afternoon, Neji stepped out of his office, and I rose to my feet, "Are you leaving for your lunch with Director Uchiha's son?"
"Yes. Come along."
With my jacket folded over my arm, I pulled my purse onto my shoulder and did as requested. Accompanying him to lunches, dinners, and parties is something I'm very accustomed to. It's not that bad, really. I'm not expected to speak, and I even get to eat and drink tasty food and drinks for free.
Upon exiting the elevator on the ground floor of the building, I paused, "I'll meet you at the car in a moment." My cousin nodded, barely taking a moment to glance back before continuing toward the exit.
I took a detour to the restroom, barely making it into a stall before hissing and sitting on the closed lid to bend and take my shoes off. I shouldn't have worn heels with these injuries, but I hadn't thought about it while dressing because I always wear them. The bandages did little to stifle the pain, and I've spent the past few hours gritting my teeth, even while sitting.
Maybe Dad was right that I should've stayed home, but I don't want to admit that now, halfway through the work day. My pride, though tiny and fragile, won't allow it.
After letting the wounds rest without shoes on, I took a deep, strengthening breath before putting them back on and leaving the restroom to head for the exit, where Neji was likely waiting with a car. Upon turning out of the hall that led to the large, open lobby, a sharper-than-usual pain stung the sole of my right foot, and I stumbled.
With my eyes closed as I fell, I cringed, thinking about how embarrassing it'll be when I open them and see everyone staring because I'd fallen like a clumsy idiot. That didn't happen, though. A strong hand grabbed my waist, another wrapped around my wrist, and I was pulled steadily upright again. The moment my balance was restored, the hands disappeared, and my eyes shot open in surprise.
"Ah, I see you've already met your new guard! Hinata, this is Gaara. He's new to the staff but has a stunning resume with experience in the field, so I expect no hiccups."
Dad came around the corner before I could even blink, a professional smile on his aging face. I followed his gestured hand to my right, only to see a tall man with pale skin, blood-red hair, bright teal eyes, and a terrifying aura.
This guy is my bodyguard? He's glaring like he wants to murder me, though!
Having years of masking this sort of discomfort, I bowed politely, "I look forward to working together. Thank you for the help just now." Gaara said nothing but offered a single nod before gazing at my father.
"You're leaving with Neji, correct? Gaara, please begin your work now. Contact me if anything troubling occurs, even the smallest incident," Hiashi's eyes narrowed slightly, a familiar expression of dominance arising, "I trust you understand how important my precious daughter is to me."
Maybe Hinata's a little scared of her new guard, but he hasn't done a single thing to deserve her father's poorly masked threat, so she softly hissed, "Dad, that's unnecessary," then she gently motioned for the redhead to follow her, "Please ignore him. He's overprotective."
The man remained two steps behind her with no sound coming from his shoes or clothes as he moved. He was like a ghost. Once they were further away from her father, Hinata's discomfort skyrocketed, not to mention her feet were still killing her, but she kept her composed facade up.
Neji reacted little to the new addition to their lunch party, only introducing himself in his usual short and gruff manner before falling silent again. Upon arriving at the high-end sushi restaurant, the driver opened the car door, and the two Hyuugas exited, Gaara in silent tow.
When I noticed the chauffeur returning the vehicle, I anxiously glanced at my guard, hoping he wouldn't get upset at me for having a request so soon after being assigned. I whispered, "Can you please ensure the driver comes inside once the car is parked?"
He offered a single nod, just as he had at the office. I glanced at the sky one last time before entering the building. It's supposed to begin raining soon, and I'd hate for him to be stuck outside.
While Neji spoke to the hostess about our reservation, I flagged down another, noticing Gaara turn to go back out and retrieve the driver as I requested.
"May I assist you, Ma'am?"
I nodded, pulling out my wallet and, subsequently, my ID and a card to hand them over, "Two gentlemen are coming in behind us. Can you please ensure they're given a table near ours? Anything they order will be placed on this card."
The young woman nodded, "Of course, Miss Hyuuga. Please leave it to me."
Feeling less stressed since they wouldn't be standing awkwardly nearby with nothing to eat, I nodded at Neji when he glanced to ensure I was following and remained close as we were guided to a private room at the back of the restaurant. There were four tables, though only two were to be used.
The Uchiha Director's sons were already there, plus a man I recognized but never expected to be present, and they stood to bow politely as we approached. The Uchiha firm is our family's biggest competitor. We constantly battle for the number one spot, taking turns holding that title. This is the first time any of us are meeting outside of the courtroom for a case, and it's all due to Neji's hard work.
He made me hand-deliver request after request to meet for a meal in an effort to calm the turbulent waters between our families until they finally agreed. I was beginning to feel like a leper to the Uchihas because each time I'd step into their main office building, everyone around would become quiet and stare coldly.
When I heard they finally agreed to meet, I quite literally sighed in relief. It'd gotten to the point that I half-expected them to start having their security intercept me before I could enter their offices.
Neji and I returned the two men's bows with our own before joining their table. I was surprised upon entering because I'd been under the impression that we were meeting only with the eldest son, who would be joining us, plus maybe his aide, but three men stared back at us across the table.
It's my job to gather as much intelligence about people and relay it to Neji, so he is well aware of who Itachi Uchiha is, his personality, and his accomplishments. Just in case, I'd also provided information on the second son of Fugaku Uchiha, Sasuke. He's the same age as me but hasn't finished his schooling yet because he does the opposite of me and spends a lot of time partying, dating, and having an authentic college experience. I'm honestly a little jealous of his carefree approach to life.
Both sons are incredibly handsome, so much so that I'm finding it hard to meet either of their gazes for more than a few seconds.
The third man at their side is someone about whom I don't know as much: Naruto Uzumaki.
He's the adopted son of Fugaku and Mikoto Uchiha. All I know is that his parents died in a car accident when he was a child, and Mikoto, being his mother's best friend, adopted him when no other family came forward to claim him. The man was raised as one of their own and even works as an aide, like me, while finishing school. Other than that, he's an enigma.
Stealing a glance at him, my face warmed, and I averted my eyes to the table. He's even more handsome than the two dark-haired men at his side. His skin is tan, his hair blonde, and his eyes are so blue they look like the ocean resides within. It's difficult to judge since we're all seated, and I didn't pay attention when they rose to greet us, but he seems tall, too.
"Please allow me to begin the introductions. My name is Itachi Uchiha. I'm the eldest son of Fugaku Uchiha and the heir to the firm. It's a pleasure to finally make your acquaintance." The long-haired man who sat between the other two spoke first.
Then, the younger brother said, "Sasuke Uchiha," and nothing else.
Neji and I turned our gazes onto Naruto, who seemed surprised but introduced himself anyway, "I'm Naruto Uzumaki. Thanks for inviting us to lunch."
A smile tugged at the corner of my lips. His speaking voice was naturally raspy, and the way he spoke was slightly more casual than the Uchihas but by no means rude. He wasn't frightening to me at all, which surprised me. He seems like a warm person.
"I am Neji Hyuuga, nephew to Hiashi Hyuuga, and this is Hinata, his eldest daughter. Thank you for accepting my invitation."
My gaze hardened because he didn't allow me to introduce myself, but I outwardly kept my composure. This isn't something new to me. Neji loves me as my cousin, but he's often made it known that he thinks my future in law isn't bright. Even if he's correct, though, it wouldn't hurt him to be kinder while on business. It makes him seem cold to others. Just now, Itachi and Naruto gave him odd looks, if only for a millisecond. I wonder if he noticed.
"I hope you don't mind, but I told them to have the chef prepare a variety of entrees," the eldest son said politely. My cousin nodded, "That's quite alright."
Gaara and the driver arrived and sat at the table closest to the door, ours being the furthest. Neji glanced at me, whispering as a waitress delivered sake, cups, and glasses of water, "I told you to stop doing that."
With a frown, I hissed back, not one to sit there and take his bullying, "You're the only one who minds. Look, they don't care at all." It was true. All three of our lunch companions were paying no mind to the two gentlemen across the room.
Feeling a little smug at having won a tiny argument with Neji, I gestured at the tall bottle of alcohol, "May I pour your drinks?"
"Please do. You have our thanks," Itachi said warmly, a small smile on his mouth.
I could feel the annoyance rolling off of my cousin but ignored it and chose to start a conversation so things wouldn't become awkward while pouring the sake. Though I'm incredibly uncomfortable surrounded by these strangers who are men, I've had a lot of practice making it through these situations.
"I apologize if my visits to your office caused any trouble. We're simply eager to make your proper acquaintance."
The man in the middle spoke again, appearing to be the one most inclined to respond compared to the two younger men at his sides, "No apology is necessary. In fact, we should be the ones asking for forgiveness. You see, it'd become entertaining to see your determined face each time you'd arrive. We hadn't expected you to have such strong resolve."
An intense blush met my cheeks, and I swallowed nervously, sitting down the bottle and attempting to answer appropriately, "Ah, I see. Well, I'm glad you finally accepted."
Those jerks only waited so long to respond to Neji's request because they wanted to see how long it'd take me to give up! They didn't have to tell me to my face, even if it's the truth. It's too embarrassing!
"May I pour your drink? They say it's bad luck to pour your own, and you've kindly done it for us," Naruto finally spoke, a cute grin on his lips. Flustered by his direct attention, I nodded but couldn't find the words to say, so I remained silent.
Waitresses arrived as he did, sitting multiple entrees on the table between us and at the others' table. Once they were gone, Neji lifted his glass toward the center, "To our new friendship. May it become strong and remain so." The five of us toasted before taking the drinks.
I could've sighed with relief when, for the remainder of the meal, the others filled the air with conversation, both professional and personal in nature. Speaking as much as I did took a lot out of me, leaving just enough energy to continue appearing calm and collected.
After a few drinks, maybe an hour and a half later, my new cellphone began to vibrate in my purse, and I quietly excused myself from the room, stepping outside and finding the restroom to receive it, "Hello?"
My father said, "Sorry for interrupting your lunch, Hinata, but we've narrowed down the cab drivers from yesterday evening to four, and I need you to return to the office so we can identify and contact the correct one. I've already sent a car. It should arrive within the next half hour. Please send Neji and the Uchiha son my apologies, as well."
Nodding, I said, "I understand. I'll be back soon."
After the call ended, I turned to face the mirror, only to touch my cheek with a frown. One of the downsides of being so pale is it's obvious when I've been drinking. My face is flushed a soft red, especially across the bridge of my nose and cheekbones. I'm a lightweight, so the few drinks with lunch affected me more than the average person.
Stepping out of the room, I returned to the private area and interrupted as respectfully as possible. Taking my purse from my chair, I bowed, "I'm delighted to have finally made your acquaintance, and I apologize, but an important matter has arisen that requires my immediate attention. Please excuse me for now."
The three men were understanding. Neji spoke stoicly, "Is it regarding yesterday evening?"
I nodded, pulling my purse onto my shoulder, "Stay and enjoy your meal. I'll see you at the office."
"I hope we see one another again soon, Miss Hyuuga. Have a good afternoon," Itachi said.
With one last bow, I left the room, letting my smile disappear the moment I did. Today's been rough, to put it lightly. Dad said he'd have a car sent, so I retrieved my ID and card from the hostess and slid my jacket on while approaching the exit, only to jump with a slight squeak when Gaara suddenly appeared at my side to open it.
Feeling pretty tipsy, I held a hand to my chest but stepped outside with a hot blush, "Thank you." Once the door was closed behind us, I realized two things. First, it was raining hard, and second, I pulled the redhead from his meal by leaving early.
Turning to face him, I held my hands to my cheeks, "Oh, gosh! I'm sorry. Were you finished eating? That was so rude of me. You can go back in and finish up if you'd like. The car won't be here for a bit."
The man shook his head, teal eyes staring firmly at my face without betraying any emotion. Then, it felt awkward standing there in the harsh wind under the overhang of the restaurant. Unsure of what to do, I headed for the bench nearby, only to stumble, hissing at the pain on my feet.
Strong hands grasped my shoulders from behind, steadying me like earlier. Alarms went off, and the sake dulled my ability to fight my instinct and not shy away. I turned swiftly, trying to put some distance between us, only to stumble again. This time, Gaara wrapped an arm around my waist, grabbing my arm just in time to prevent me from falling backward onto my bottom.
My hair fell to hang as I stared, stunned, into narrowed teal eyes. To an outsider, it probably looked like he was flirting, holding me like a dance partner. Maybe it was the alcohol, or perhaps I was too nervous to notice before, but they're charming. Beautiful, even.
I didn't realize I was holding my breath until he released my arm to gently grasp my hand, which had panickedly fisted a handful of his suit jacket. The blush that heated my face then was too much to handle, and I gasped, feeling a little dizzy as the silent man helped me stand on my own two feet before maneuvering my fingers to release his clothing and letting go of me completely. All the while, I couldn't tear my gaze from his, and he didn't look away, though his stare felt dutiful while mine was due to bewilderment.
Gaara's scarier now, for some reason. I can't even complain because he's been stellar at his job all day. If not for him, I'd have fallen not once, not twice, but three times.
A car's honk met my ears, snapping me out of it. I quickly turned my back to Gaara and tried to hide that I was actively imagining ways to change my identity and disappear so I'd never have to face him again. It was the ride sent by my father, so the redhead opened the door for me. It was silent, tense, and exhausting in that car.
"Stop at this store," an unfamiliar, soft, yet commanding voice came. I tore my gaze from out the window to see the driver turn into the parking lot of a boutique. As soon as we parked, Gaara left, sparing me a firm glare that told me not to follow or leave.
Ten minutes later, the door opened again, the redhead returning with a bag and his clothing almost completely soaked through. The car began moving again, and the man handed the bag over. Peering inside, my chest tightened when I realized he'd purchased a pair of shoes, flats.
Did he get them so he wouldn't have to keep helping me? That's probably it. Feeling guilty, I removed my heels with a red face and began unboxing the new shoes.
No matter how much he doesn't like me or how uncomfortable I am around men, especially strong ones who could easily hurt me, I said, "You could get sick from walking around with wet hair and clothes." Gaara simply kept his gaze out the window, not looking my way. Frowning, I texted my father and asked him to have someone prepare a change of clothes and some towels for our arrival.
Then, I put my heels in the box the flats had been in and stared down at my feet as the car fell silent. Even if he only bought those shoes so I wouldn't fall anymore, it was unexpected. Bashfully, I turned my face away from Gaara and whispered, because that's all I could manage in my bashful state, "Thank you."