CHAPTER 11

The day of the Ties of Spring festival arrived in a flurry of color and excitement. Hinata stood in front of the mirror, her blue kimono adorned with delicate floral embroidery shimmering faintly in the soft morning light. Her hair was swept neatly to the side, tied with a simple ribbon. She hadn't wanted to dress up, but Hanabi had insisted. Now, as she walked through the bustling streets toward the central square with her younger sister, she could feel the weight of the stares following her. Boys turned their heads as she passed, murmuring quietly to one another. Hinata kept her posture poised, her gaze steady and serene, though inside she was quietly mortified by the attention.

In her hand, she clutched a small embroidered handkerchief—a gift she had prepared for her cousin Neji. It was simple but meaningful, something she had poured care into crafting. Hanabi, ever the social butterfly, soon spotted a friend and darted off, leaving Hinata standing alone under the pavilion that overlooked the busy festival grounds. Around her, the air buzzed with energy as villagers darted about, laughter and chatter filling the air. The faint smell of roasted chestnuts and sweet dango wafted through the breeze.

Hinata's eyes roamed the crowd, taking in the playful competitions, and the warm lanterns swaying gently in the breeze. In the distance, she spotted Tenten, who was waving at her enthusiastically. Tenten was with Lee, and Hinata felt a small smile tug at her lips. She stepped closer to ask if they had seen Neji around.

As Hinata approached them, the vibrant energy of the festival enveloped her. Nearby, Ino stood near one of the bustling game stalls, her eyes narrowing as she watched Neji maintain his stoic gaze fixed firmly on Hinata as she walked towards his friends.

"Seriously, Neji?" Ino muttered under her breath, rolling her eyes. His overprotectiveness was grating on her nerves. Hinata was a grown woman, perfectly capable of enjoying the festival without her cousin hovering like a hawk.

Deciding she'd had enough, Ino sauntered up to him, her hands on her hips. "Neji, don't you think you're being a little... overbearing? Hinata's fine. She doesn't need a babysitter."

Neji barely glanced at her. "I'm ensuring she is not bothered by anyone unworthy of her time."

Ino let out an exaggerated sigh. "Yeah, yeah, noble and all that. But you're going to ruin her fun. If you're going to stand here like a statue, at least look the part!"

He frowned slightly, turning to her. "What do you mean?"

Grinning mischievously, Ino held up a decorative leaf charm bracelet she had purchased earlier from one of the stalls. It was a popular festival trinket, meant to symbolize protection and good fortune.

"This!" she said brightly. "Everyone's wearing these. It'll make you look less like a bodyguard and more like someone who's actually enjoying the festival."

"I don't need such frivolities," Neji replied coolly, but Ino was undeterred.

"Come on, Neji. It'll suit you! And it's symbolic—protection and all that, right? Perfect for you."

Without waiting for his approval, she grabbed his wrist, her movements swift and deliberate. Neji's eyes narrowed as he started to protest, but Ino was too quick. She tied the charm bracelet snugly around his wrist, giving it a final tug.

"There! Now you look festive," she said, her smile widening as she stepped back to admire her handiwork.

"Ino…" he started, his voice low, but before he could finish, she grabbed his arm and started pulling him away.

"Come on, Mr. Protector! You've done your job. Now help me look for Shikamaru. Let's put that Byakugan to good use!"

"I am not your personal locator, Ino—"

"Shh, no complaints!" she interrupted, dragging him along with surprising strength.

Neji sighed, glancing at the charm now adorning his wrist. It wasn't worth arguing. For now, he would endure Ino's antics, though a part of him suspected she had ulterior motives.

Hinata approached Tenten near a bustling stall where festival-goers tried their hand at tossing rings onto bottles. Tenten greeted her with a bright smile, but Hinata hesitated for a moment before speaking.

"Tenten, have you seen Neji-niisan?" Hinata asked softly, her gaze scanning the crowd.

Tenten blinked, then tilted her head thoughtfully. "He was just there a little while ago. Strange…" She turned in a slow circle, her eyes narrowing. "He's usually easy to spot, but now he's nowhere to be seen."

Before they could ponder further, a familiar voice boomed from nearby. "Ah, the flames of youth! The strength of your bond will surely shine forever!"

Both girls turned to see Lee passionately encouraging a young couple trying to play one of the festival games. The boy looked bewildered while the girl seemed torn between laughing and embarrassment. Lee, overcome with emotion, clasped his hands together, tears streaming down his face.

"This! This is the power of true determination! I am so moved!" he wailed, drawing the attention of several amused onlookers.

Tenten let out a sigh, pinching the bridge of her nose. "I swear, I can't leave him alone for five minutes." She turned back to Hinata with an apologetic smile. "Are you going to be okay by yourself for a bit? I need to go rein him in before he scares someone off—or floods the festival with his tears."

Hinata nodded quickly, her voice gentle. "Of course, I'll be fine. Thank you, Tenten."

Tenten gave her a quick thumbs-up before hurrying off toward Lee, who had now begun dramatically recounting a story about his and Guy's training days to the confused couple.

As she disappeared into the crowd, Hinata watched her retreating figure, a small smile gracing her lips. For a moment, she felt a little freer, as though the lively energy of the festival was beginning to draw her in. She was just about to turn toward a nearby stall when a sudden ripple of murmurs passed through the crowd like a wave, drawing her attention.

She turned, wondering what had captured everyone's attention. And then she saw him.

Sasuke Uchiha, in all his glory, had arrived. His dark hair gleamed under the sunlight, his sharp features set in an expression of quiet confidence. He wore traditional attire that seemed to enhance his already imposing presence, his tall figure cutting a striking silhouette against the vibrant backdrop of the festival.

Hinata could feel the heat rushing to her face as her fingers tightly gripped the small embroidered handkerchief she had prepared for Neji. The delicate fabric crinkled slightly under her fingers as she gripped it tightly, a small anchor to keep her nerves in check. Inside, however, her heart raced wildly. Why does he look so magnificent?

But wait. Was he… was he coming closer?

Her heart leapt into her throat as panic set in. He's walking this way! She tightened her hold on the handkerchief, her knuckles whitening as she struggled to maintain her serene expression. Meanwhile, her mind was screaming in chaos. What do I do? What do I say? The logical part of her tried to assert control, but the fangirl buried deep inside her was on the verge of a complete meltdown.

Sasuke was irritated. Very irritated. Not that his face betrayed any of it, of course. His expression remained as impassive as ever, but inside, he was seething. Tsunade had forced him—no, commanded and blackmailed him—to attend this ridiculous festival. No doubt she had done so purely for her own amusement. He didn't have the time or patience to deal with the antics of swooning women and their tokens.

Arriving at the square, he scanned the crowd, his sharp eyes taking in the scene. People were whispering and gawking, and he inwardly rolled his eyes. He had every intention of standing in some corner until Tsunade deemed his participation "sufficient."

But then he saw her.

Hinata Hyuga stood near a stall, her blue kimono catching the light. She was clutching something in her hand—a handkerchief, by the looks of it. And judging by her flustered expression, it was obvious to him who it was meant for. Him.

Without a second thought, he strode toward her briskly.

"Is that for me?" he asked, his tone low and even. It wasn't really a question. It was obvious, wasn't it?

Hinata's eyes widened slightly, but she maintained her calm facade. "I-It isn't," she said softly, her voice measured but quiet. Inside, she was a whirlwind of panic. What is he doing? Why does he think this is for him? "I prepared it for my cousin…"

Sasuke raised an eyebrow. "Neji?" His patience was already thin, and her response didn't help. He reached out, intent on taking the handkerchief, but Hinata held firm, her grip steady despite her fluttering heart.

"It's not for you," she said more firmly, her voice gaining a touch of strength.

Sasuke exhaled sharply, his eyes narrowing. "Then where is mine?"

Hinata hesitated, her mind scrambling for a response. She had heard from her friends that Sasuke never attended this event, so she hadn't thought to prepare anything for him. What was she supposed to say?

Sasuke's gaze bore into her, and his irritation deepened. He glanced at her hair, where a ribbon was tied neatly to the side. Without a word, he reached out and tugged it loose.

Hinata let out a small gasp, startled by the sudden action. "S-Sasuke-san?"

He held up the ribbon, inspecting it briefly before handing it back to her. "This will do," he said simply. Then, with the ribbon still in his hand, he added, "Well? Aren't you going to tie it?"

Hinata stared at him, her mouth slightly open in confusion. "Tie it?" she repeated, uncertain of what he meant.

Sasuke's patience was wearing thin. "To my wrist," he clarified, his tone clipped. "Isn't that what you're supposed to do?"

Realization dawned on Hinata, and her face turned crimson. He wants me to claim him? She fumbled with the ribbon, her hands moving carefully to hide the trembling as she tied it around his wrist. Her mind was racing. This isn't happening. This isn't happening.

When she finished, Sasuke glanced at the ribbon, then back at her. His expression remained unreadable, but there was a faint glimmer of satisfaction in his dark eyes.

"Good," he said simply, before turning to walk away.

Hinata stood rooted to the spot, her posture graceful but her mind in chaos. Around her, people whispered and stared, the murmurs growing louder as they realized what had just happened.

Tenten and Lee reached her just as she was trying to calm herself. Tenten's eyes immediately went to the ribbon tied around Sasuke's wrist, then back to Hinata with a teasing smile. "Well, well, Hinata," she said, her voice light with amusement. "Seems like someone's claimed Sasuke."

Lee, grinning broadly, suddenly jumped in. "Ah, youth! The most youthful bond! Sasuke is clearly moved by Hinata's strength and dedication! Such vigor, such passion!" His hands were clasped dramatically in front of his chest, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "This is what true youth is all about!"

Hinata flushed even deeper, unable to form a coherent response. "I… it…"

Tenten raised an eyebrow, her teasing smile never fading. "So, what exactly happened here, Hinata?"

Before she could answer, the deep sound of a drum echoed through the square, signaling the start of the festival's games. The crowd's attention shifted, and the murmurs quieted as people began gathering for the opening events.

Hinata used the distraction to regain her composure. She glanced over at Sasuke, who had positioned himself near the central square, his expression unreadable as always. The sight of the ribbon still tied to his wrist made her cheeks flush again.

"I… I need to participate in the games," she said quickly, eager to escape further teasing.

Tenten gave her a knowing grin. "We'll be watching, Hinata. Enjoy the games."

With that, Hinata hurried toward the games, her thoughts still reeling. The festival buzzed around her, but her mind kept returning to Sasuke. The ribbon tied around his wrist lingered in her thoughts, and her heart fluttered with the unexpected intimacy of the gesture. He was her fiancé, after all, but the way he had acted—so decisively, so unlike his usual aloof self—left her wondering if he saw their relationship in a way she hadn't fully understood.

Author's Note:

Made me miss Shattering Perfection haha