Neji is running the perimeter before his shift ends. He actually requested for double shift in security because he wants to avoid the clan elders. He didn't want to discuss his refusal of the marriage, casting the clan in a bad light.
After the day he spent looking for Sakura everywhere after she failed to show up in her training schedule, without avail. A certain dread loomed over his head. He is not a superstitious person, but the dread started to descend upon him when he first noticed that lack of pink-hair in the crowd. He looked for her everywhere, asked all the people he knows, looked at mission records but there is no trace of her. His mind began weaving disastrous scenarios, and everyone of them includes him losing her, forever.
His heart can't take the pain of her imaginary loss. He broke the engagement that Hyuga Hiashi forced upon him. The Hyuga head threatened to strip him of his title, but he refused to budge, he can take losing the title. But not the loss of her.
If Hyuga Hiashi would strip him of his birthright so be it. He will not be surprised, if his uncle was able to trade his beloved father in exchange of his life, its not a surprise if he can abandon his brother's only child.
He will fight for Sakura the way he should have done from the very start.
Neji's run halted to a stopped as a shadowy figure emerged from the darkness. He squinted, trying to discern the approaching person's features. As the figure drew nearer, the dim moonlight revealed a familiar face – but it wasn't the face he expected.
Neji's breath caught in his throat as he saw a person with long coffee-colored hair tied in a loose ponytail, wide green eyes, and a face that mirrored his own - a feminine version of his face. It took a moment for his mind to process what he was seeing. As the figure stepped closer, Neji's eyes widened in disbelief.
"Sakura?" he whispered, his voice tinged with a mix of shock and confusion.
The disguised Sakura looked at him, her borrowed features betraying a sense of weariness and sadness. She didn't say a word, but her eyes spoke volumes, revealing the weight of the experiences she'd endured during her long-term mission.
Neji's heart pounded in his chest as a rush of conflicting emotions surged within him. Relief that she was alive warred with the sorrow of seeing her bearing a face that wasn't hers. The moonlight cast a poignant glow on their silent exchange.
"Sakura," Neji finally spoke, his voice softer this time. "What happened? Why are you... like this?"
Sakura hesitated, her eyes searching his for understanding. She removed the disguise jutsu, revealing her true self – the familiar pink hair, the glossy green eyes, and the face he knew so well.
"I had to blend in, Neji," she explained, her voice carrying the weight of the sacrifices she made. "The mission demanded it, and I couldn't risk being recognized. I'm sorry for not telling you."
Neji's gaze softened as he absorbed the truth. He reached out, gently cupping her face in his hands. "You don't have to apologize, Sakura. I was just worried about you. I thought something had happened."
"I'm fine, Neji." Sakura said tiredly. "Just please let me enter the gates."
Neji nodded and stood aside. Letting her pass but before she can walk any further, he caught her hand and laced his fingers with hers.
Sakura was startled at his actions. She tried to withdraw her hand but Neji's hold on her didn't waver. "Neji, stop it. You're married already." Sakura reminded him. Its the only thought that is running in her mind as she traveled home. That she lost him, forever. "I love you, Neji, but not enough to be the woman on the side." Then, with a surge of chakra she withdrew her hand and run away.
Neji was left standing there.