Author Note: We'll spend some time with Hinata running some wedding-related errands in this chapter. We'll also make a small step forward in NejiSaku's relationship.

Chapter 5

Sakura's life continued to be eventful in the following days. After practicing with Neji, they decided to grab a meal at their favorite traditional restaurant. They have previously visited this place after their training. The dinner was going well, and they were both enjoying themselves. Sakura did most of the talking, and the prodigy occasionally chimed in.

Sakura had just wrapped up her shift when she strolled through the hospital hallways. Despite having time off, she couldn't stay away from work. She experienced true fulfillment and aliveness during those moments as a medic. She hurried to meet Hinata for their date, almost running late. Today, Ino called Hinata to let her know that her white mountain lilies for the wedding ceremony had arrived.

Sakura arrived at the Yamanaka florist ten minutes late. She looked at the building she knew well. The quaint little flower shop had been renovated and given a modern makeover. As she entered the shop, the delightful aroma of blossoming flowers overwhelmed her. Hinata and their fair-haired friend were already waiting for her.

The wedding preparation was going smoothly, and the bride was happy with the progress.

Later that day, a final fitting for the bridal gown and groom's suits was scheduled. However, before joining the ladies for the wedding photo that will be taken for the media, the men must first complete their meeting with the other leaders of the Konoha Alliance.

They left the florist after an hour. Ino smirked at the pink-haired girl, clearly aware of her upcoming double date. Sakura couldn't help but roll her eyes, dismissing her remark with a disapproving look. Her stomach was filled with fluttering butterflies as she pondered the idea of a double date.

The bride-to-be and her maid of honor were warmly welcomed at the wedding boutique. Today marked the final fitting for their wedding attire as well as the momentous occasion of capturing their official wedding portrait. The bride had a special request for a photo of the maid of honor and best man, wanting them to stand together.

They were led to the hair and makeup station, where the makeup artists made them look beautiful. The crew offered various services to make sure everything was perfect.

After two hours of meticulous attention to detail, the Hyuuga princess saw herself in the mirror and gasped at her reflection. Her hair was styled in a beautiful updo, and her makeup complemented her beauty. Her bridesmaid was equally lovely.

Once their flawless makeup and perfectly styled hair were complete, they made their way to the dressing room. Hinata, feeling like royalty, gracefully adorned her exquisite wedding gown with their help. The maid-of-honor looked beautiful in her floor-length bridesmaid gown.

Sakura recognized the resonant, joyful male voice as well as the familiar, deep male voice. It was when the cool air conditioning hit her bare back, sending shivers up her spine.

With his best man by his side, the groom strode into the room. The Anbu captain had a composed, assured face. He came along for the shoot today, even though it wasn't his scene.

The pink-haired girl emerged from behind the curtain, holding onto the edge of her dress. The dress, in a soft gray color, enhanced her complexion and made her appear beautiful. The halter-neck design accentuated her collarbone and shoulders. The outfit had a plunging v-neckline that tastefully displayed some cleavage, as well as an open back for added allure. The fabric gracefully hugged her curves. Their eyes locked.

Her makeup only served to accentuate her already radiant natural beauty. Her bubblegum hair was pulled back into a stylish bun, framing her face with a few loose waves. She looked elegant and perfect. Neji couldn't take his gaze away from her. He may not have had much practice with women, but he had seen enough to form an opinion about their attractiveness.

"You are absolutely stunning," he complimented, his voice low and smooth.

"Thank you for the compliment. You've been really good with words lately," she replied. His gaze seems to be locked on her, but he was trying to maintain a composed demeanor. In a way that almost made her melt right then and there.

"You're welcome," he said, a slight smile gracing his lips.

Naruto, with a big smile on his face, looked at his former teammate and exclaimed, "Whoa, Sakura-chan, you look great in that outfit!" His eyes were totally checking her out, up and down. His gaze shifted to his bride before the pinkette could reply.

The Hyuuga heiress stepped out of the fitting room, her wedding gown trailing behind her, with the assistance of the staff. Her flowing veil, stretching for miles, fluttered behind her as she gracefully wielded her staff. With each step, her gown billowed elegantly as she walked up the pedestal, cascading from her hips to the marble floor. Hinata admired her gown's craftsmanship and adornments in the full-length mirror.

Cerulean orbs locked onto his beloved, drinking in every detail of her appearance. The gown hugged her upper body so... perfectly. With a tantalizing neckline, showcasing her elegant collarbones, before capturing his gaze towards her remarkable bosom! The size was mind-blowing, allowing him to lose himself in sheer ecstasy! He was drawn to her without looking away.

Hinata noticed her fiancé's lingering gaze. He openly admitted that he enjoyed the sight!

"Naruto-kun, stop staring!" She blushed pretty and couldn't stop feeling butterflies in her chest.

Naruto got caught staring and was gently reprimanded. He knew he was practically drooling over his fiancée. There was just something about her that always drove him wild, and he could never get enough of her. He still couldn't believe they were getting married.

Her three-inch stilettos did little to enhance her height, for he easily towered over her. Her amethyst locks cascaded down her back, expertly arranged in a chignon. She had beautiful makeup that enhanced her beauty to ethereal levels.

Just as she was about to speak, he gently raised her chin and drew her into a tender, lingering kiss. As their lips touched, she couldn't help but place her hand on his chest, a joyful squeal escaping her lips.

Meanwhile, a pair of intimidating white eyes fixated on them. His gaze matched only by the deep furrow of his brow.

During their courtship, Neji found himself constantly by their side, dutifully accompanying them. It had become second nature to him, a role he had grown accustomed to. But being a Hyuuga, he couldn't help but feel a surge of surprise at their shameless flirtation, leading him to scold them for their lack of decorum. But as of today, he had decided to let it go.

Sakura found Neji's expression amusing.

"Naruto-kun!" She scolded. Her cheeks blushed as a delightful sensation stirred within her.

Unknowingly, it caused shivers down their spines whenever her cousin, who in a previous capacity served as their courtship chaperone, cast that look their way.

Excitedly, she urged the two handsome men to get ready for the upcoming photoshoot.

The best man was a sight to behold. Well, he was Hyuuga Neji after all. The boutique staff gave him their full attention and assistance. With their expert touch, they made sure his coat was styled just right and his bow tie was straightened to perfection.

He was told by his cousin that he was just as good-looking as the Uchiha. Not that it mattered to him. As soon as word got out that his engagement had been called off, the nobles and clan leaders promptly presented their daughters to him. His base of admirers grew, with people vying for his attention. He couldn't help but notice a certain pinkette's intense gaze on him.

Sakura looked at them from afar with green eyes that were filled with jealousy. She did her best to hide it, not wanting it to come off as too obvious. He was dressed in a stylish grey suit, complete with a pristine white dress shirt and coordinating waistcoat. His captivating appearance and elegant presence drew everyone's attention.

It was a rare sight to see a Hyuuga with such luscious hair. The man can pull off a man bun, top knot, ponytail, or wavy curls effortlessly. He gladly rejected the stylist's recommendation, opting instead for a more traditional appearance.

He wore his long mane with pride, it having been a part of his upbringing. In his youth, his loyal retainer would style his and his cousins' hair while they played.

The crew gave him a few modest, not overly drastic, style adjustments. His hair, styled in a neat fishtail at the back, was elegantly tied up in a manly bun. Being so divine was practically a crime.

Naruto and Neji, resembling handsome brothers, took their positions as groom and best man, joining the ladies. The crew guided them to the photo shoot spot.

Her sworn brother looked handsome in his white tuxedo, complete with a white dress shirt and black bow tie. He had a professional close shave, which polished his golden spikes and gave him an air of sophistication and maturity. Despite the weight of being Hokage, his youthful spirit never wavered.

Soft, bright lights surrounded the Hokage couple, casting a gentle glow over them and accentuated by intermittent bursts of camera flashes.

With their contagious smile, the couple's love was visible in the photo, spreading warmth and joy to all who saw it. The fair-haired groom focused on his blushing bride during the photo shoot, and she returned his gaze with love.

Sakura admired the beautiful couple. They reminded her not to pass up the chance to spend her life with a special someone. The perfect place for her wedding would be a small, romantic ceremony in a charming chapel, with their closest loved ones by their sides and the lovely gardens as their backdrop.

Sakura and Neji were sitting together on the couch in the waiting room, engaged in conversation. Just as they were talking, the crew called them over to start the shoot.

The photographer dedicated additional time to capturing photographs of the two couples. The couples looked stunning together, whether it was their outfits or their overall look, and the photographer captured their beauty perfectly.

Sakura and Neji were standing next to Naruto and Hinata with smiles on their faces. Despite his typically stoic demeanor, the best man managed to display a gentle smile. The photographers began by capturing wide shots before transitioning to closer ones.

The Hokage couple looked magnificent, exuding a sense of power and grace. The maid of honor and the best man looked equally beautiful. The camera crew noticed that the Anbu captain and the Sannin looked good together. They all agreed to take a photo of them together, knowing it would look amazing.

Neji, being a gentleman, would accept the invitation unless Sakura felt uncomfortable.

"Are you nervous?" His voice was low and soothing. Honestly, it made him happy. With a smirk on his face, he extended his hand, indicating his desire to take a photo with her.

At first, she was worried about their situation because of all the attention they were getting. "Huh? There's no chance I would ever get nervous!" She happily held his hand.

Clearly pleased with her response, Neji allowed himself a small smile.

Neji gently placed his arm around her back and rested his palm on her waist in a polite manner as they posed, following their instructions.

He had always respected her boundaries, until the photographer signaled for them to get closer.

Being an INTJ, he was quiet and reserved, with few social connections. He had always struggled with socializing, especially with women. However, as time passed, he gradually became more comfortable. He realized that flirting came easily to him when he was with Sakura.

He tenderly placed his hand on her stomach, enveloping her in a loving embrace from behind. He gently brushed his lips against her rosy locks, enjoying the pleasant scent that emanated from it. He was pleased to notice that the cherry blossom didn't resist his touch, indicating that she was comfortable with it.

More photos were taken, and they tested each other's boundaries.

Soothe your nerves and calm down.

Sakura was surprised by his sudden display of affection during the photo shoot. She felt a tingling sensation on her skin from their embrace. She leaned against his strong chest and rested her head on his shoulder. He rested his head on hers closely. More photos were taken.

Sakura faced the tall man and placed her hands on his biceps. She looked up, and she saw that he was also looking at her. In turn, he grabbed her by the waist with his powerful hands and pulled her in. At the end of the photo shoot session, he planted a gentle kiss on her forehead.

Sakura felt her heart skip a beat when he kissed her. They knew that the Hyuuga heiress was staring at them with a frenzied gaze.

Hinata smiled as she watched the couple, glad that her plan for a double date had worked. She believed Sakura and her cousin made a cute couple. Their eyes communicated a profound understanding without using words.

Interesting.

Hinata was surprised by her cousin's intimate reaction to the kunoichi. It was wonderful to see him act so romantically.

After the wedding photo session concluded, the wedding gowns and suits were meticulously packed into ivory boxes and sent to the Hyuuga compound.

The dance lessons went well, and the wedding was only two weeks away. After receiving the heels from Hinata, she gained confidence and began practicing dancing with grace. Thanks to the Hyuuga, her waltzing skills had improved.

They began practicing the Varsovienne Waltz. Learning the new waltz steps made her feel like she had to start over completely. She winced and moved back, worried about tripping over his shoes again. With a graceful gesture, the Hyuuga extended his hand towards Sakura, who eagerly clasped it. He reached out and held her tightly, bringing her back into his arms.

Neji admired her natural ability to easily learn different skills, even though they were taking their time and moving at a leisurely pace.

The kunoichi occasionally stepped on his foot while dancing. But mostly, they pressed against each other in all the right places, which added to the excitement of their graceful fight. Approximately thirty minutes elapsed during this ongoing activity.

"Don't give me that look. You will quickly become skilled in dancing with your intelligence."

An hour after their practices, Sakura received occasional critiques from the discerning Hyuuga, known for their keen eye and high standards. She enjoyed spending quality time alone with the man and had no complaints.

"Fine, continue if you please," she gave in.

"Very well."

The Hyuuga gracefully guided her through countless dances, patiently teaching her each step and move. She grasped the new steps, and he gracefully guided her across the dance floor to the soft melody.

"Am I doing the movements correctly?"

"Yes, you're getting it."

Sakura smiled, agreeing with him.

"How did you start ballroom dancing? Apart from your Juken training, this is not a desirable skill to acquire. Sorry if I offended you..."

"No offense was taken."

"Clan responsibilities?"

"I was compelled to do that, rest assured. I had the responsibility of being Hinata-sama's chaperone at clan gatherings and ceremonies. So, yeah…"

"Being born in a branch house is incredibly frustrating!" She said her brows were delicately knitted together in a pout, giving her a beautiful yet dejected expression.

With a tight smile, he replied, "You may have heard about the challenges of being born into a branch family. I must assume the tasks that are solely my own responsibility." He nodded in agreement, smiling slightly and assuring that he would occasionally oppose it if he found it unfair.

After surviving the fight with Kidoumaru and recovering from a close brush with death, he made amends with his clan.

Sakura considered his words and agreed with a nod.

In the final moments of the music, he gracefully lifted her arm, and she spun flawlessly in a perfect circle. He smoothly led her into another graceful dip, marking the peak of their dance. Locked in a gaze, he lifted her up, bringing their faces tantalizingly close. The pinkette wrapped her arm around his neck, snuggled up to him, and paused in their stance.

Holding her close, their faces were just inches apart. He could feel her body pressing against his own. He wondered if she could feel his racing heart.

The Hyuuga looked at her intensely, which was both charming and annoying because he seemed so superior.

"What now, Hyuuga?" She found a fresh, playful sparkle in his gaze, one she hadn't noticed until now. "I got a question about formal dancing, is eye contact a must?"

"Definitely," he replied, smirking. "Connecting souls, locking eyes. That's what dancing's all about. Oh, come on, Haruno! Show some professionalism!" he quipped, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"Nice smile you got there. It was eye contact that added spark, not distraction," she retorted.

"Can't blame me if my charm overwhelms you."

His smile had an undercurrent of teasing banter. Sakura couldn't help but roll her eyes, realizing her comeback fell flat.

Neji looks at the kunoichi for a while, noticing that she has a faint blush on her cheek. "How adorable," he whispered.

Sakura blushed at his words. He looked at her full, luscious lips as she gaped at him. He could taste her lips with a dip of his head. He forced his eyes to look away from them.

He reluctantly pulled away and said, "Shall we wrap up today's lesson? Regrettably, I can't postpone my daily training for too long."

Wait, did he just say I'm adorable?

Sakura hesitantly withdrew her hand from his shoulder. "I'm sorry if I inconvenienced you, Neji, and took up a significant amount of your valuable time!" She grinned, engaging in some light-hearted banter.

"Thank you for expressing your gratitude. I am absolutely thrilled to be able to assist you."

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