CHAPTER 18
Sasuke stood in the center of the courtyard, katana in hand. He moved through his training katas with practiced precision, each strike clean and deliberate, yet his movements lacked their usual focus.
His mind was somewhere else—on someone else.
He could still see her. Hinata, standing in the kitchen wearing his shirt. The image refused to leave him, creeping into his thoughts no matter how hard he tried to dismiss it.
But it wasn't just that.
Memories of last night surfaced unbidden, sharp and vivid. The way her voice had sounded—soft, breathless—as she whispered his name. The way her hands had gripped him, her touch hesitant at first but growing more certain. The sight of her flushed face beneath him, her lavender eyes wide and vulnerable, completely focused on him.
The memory sent an unwanted heat curling in his chest. And we almost did it again on the kitchen counter.
His thoughts shifted. This morning. She had looked so flustered, her cheeks tinged with pink as she avoided his gaze. He couldn't help but tease her. She had been so tempting, sitting there in his shirt, her hair slightly damp from the shower. When she had said those words—soft, almost a challenge—his body had moved on its own. He had wanted to pull her closer and kiss her until she, too, couldn't think straight.
He exhaled sharply, trying to shake it off. What's wrong with me? If it weren't for Naruto...
Irritation bubbled up when he thought of the blond barging in. He should install more locks to make sure that doesn't happen again. But then he stopped, realizing where his thoughts were heading. He ruffled his hair in frustration. He had always been in control—of his actions, his emotions, his thoughts. Yet last night and this morning too, when he had kissed her, when he had held her close, he hadn't been able to stop himself. She had looked at him with complete trust and devotion, and something inside him had unraveled.
The warmth of her skin against his fingertips, the way she had whispered his name, the trust she had given him so completely, it all lingered.
And it infuriated him.
His grip on the katana tightened as he stopped mid-swing, the blade trembling faintly in his grasp.
It shouldn't have happened.
And yet, despite his frustration, the memories stirred something possessive in him, something he couldn't explain. Seeing her wearing his shirt, with his clan's crest on her back, had only solidified that feeling.
Why does it bother me so much? Why do I care?
He sheathed the blade with a sharp click and turned toward the house, his jaw clenched. The stillness of the Uchiha compound did nothing to quiet his mind. No matter how much he tried to bury the memories, they came back stronger, as though mocking his inability to control himself around her.
He paused at the edge of the courtyard, his dark eyes narrowing as he stared at nothing in particular.
This can't happen again, he thought firmly. I won't let it.
But even as he made that silent vow, her face—soft, flushed, and trusting—slipped into his mind again, and for a fleeting moment, he wasn't sure he believed his own words.
He turned sharply, pacing back into the quiet of his compound, trying, failing, to clear his thoughts. His fists clenched at his sides as his mind betrayed him yet again, replaying flashes of last night in vivid detail.
Her soft voice. The feel of her beneath him. The way her hands had clung to him as though he was the only thing keeping her grounded.
His entire body tensed, and he dragged a hand roughly on his face, his breathing uneven. Why is this affecting me so much?
He came to a halt, exhaling sharply as his brows furrowed.
We're engaged.
The thought hit him with finality. This wasn't some fleeting connection, wasn't a mistake that could simply be ignored. Whether he liked it or not, she was his fiancée.
And when we're married…
The implications sent heat shooting through his body, and for a brief moment, he felt completely unprepared for the idea. The intimacy they shared would likely happen again. More frequently. And the strange part was, it didn't unsettle him in the way he expected.
It should have felt like a burden. A responsibility.
But it didn't.
Instead, his body seemed to remember far too well how easy it had been to lose himself with her. How natural it felt to hold her, to kiss her, to touch her.
"Damnit," he muttered under his breath, his jaw tightening. Heat prickled at the base of his neck, spreading uncomfortably through him. At the very least, one thing was clear, when it came to rebuilding his clan, it wouldn't be a difficult task.
The thought sent another wave of heat through him, and he scowled at the floor as if it had personally offended him.
Stop thinking about it.
But no matter how much he willed it, her face, her voice, her touch, all of it refused to leave him.
And that frustrated him more than anything.
Just when is she coming back here?
Hinata stood in the Hyuuga compound's training yard, her movements swift and practiced as her palm strikes hit the wooden dummy with precision. The rhythmic sound of the impact was soothing, but her mind remained restless. Focus, she reminded herself. But it was futile. No matter how hard she tried to clear her thoughts, they kept drifting back to Sasuke.
She hadn't seen him since that morning. Neji had been constantly hovering. He seemed to be more watchful than usual, his presence like a silent reminder that she was never truly alone. It was as if he knew—though he never said a word—that something had happened between her and Sasuke, and he wasn't going to let her slip away unnoticed.
Stop overthinking, she scolded herself, her hand striking the dummy harder as if trying to force her mind into submission. But the harder she struck, the more her chest tightened, a dull ache that refused to dissipate. She could feel the weight of her own emotions pressing down on her, making each movement seem heavier than the last.
She wanted to see him, so much it hurt. Every fiber of her being ached for him. She missed him already.
She couldn't deny the vivid memories of that night. The way his lips had claimed hers so fiercely, the warmth of his touch that sent a shiver through her body. The rare vulnerability she had glimpsed in his eyes, the way he had let her in, even for just a moment.
Her face flushed at the thought, and she paused mid-strike, pressing her hand to her chest as if trying to still the frantic beat of her heart.
"Why am I like this?" she whispered softly to herself, feeling a pang of frustration at the way her emotions were spinning out of control.
Her thoughts were abruptly interrupted by Hanabi's voice calling out from the side of the yard.
"You're so distracted, nee-san. Are you thinking about Uchiha again?"
Her head snapped around in surprise, her heart leaping into her throat. There, standing by the edge of the yard, was Hanabi, a mischievous grin spread across her face as she studied her older sister with knowing eyes.
She flinched, her cheeks instantly heating up, betraying the truth of the situation. "N-No, I'm just tired," she stammered, her attempt at a calm response faltering under her sister's intense gaze. But the deepening color of her cheeks was a dead giveaway.
Hanabi's laughter rang out, light and teasing. "Sure you are. You know, I think you should go talk to him. It's obvious you're thinking about him, and he probably feels the same way."
She blinked, her brow furrowing in confusion. "Why would you say that?"
Her sister shrugged nonchalantly, still grinning. "Because you look so hopelessly in love it's painful to watch."
She opened her mouth to protest, but no words came. Her blush deepened to an almost painful shade of red as she stammered, "I-I'm not—!" But before she could finish her sentence, a calm voice interrupted the moment, calling from the entrance of the yard.
"Hinata-sama, you have a visitor."
Her breath caught in her throat at the sound of Neji's voice. She turned quickly, her heart skipping a beat as her gaze met the figure standing at the entrance to the compound.
There he was. Sasuke.
She hadn't expected him to come. She hadn't expected him to seek her out. And yet, there he was, standing before her as if he had read her mind.
Sasuke stood there, his dark eyes locked onto hers with an intensity that made her stomach flutter. His usual aloof demeanor was in full force, but there was something else in his expression, something that made her pulse race. His presence was like a magnet, pulling her in, making her feel both exhilarated and nervous all at once.
Hanabi, never one to miss an opportunity for mischief, whistled under her breath, her voice laced with amusement as she muttered, "Speak of the devil..." then she turned on her heel and disappeared.
He took a step forward, and the sound of his footsteps seemed to echo in the silence of the yard.
How she missed him. "Hello, Sasuke-san," she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper. She was acutely aware of how awkward the situation felt, and yet there was an undeniable warmth flooding her chest at the mere sight of him.
His gaze softened ever so slightly at the sound of her voice, but his expression remained guarded. "Hinata," he said, his voice low, and for a moment, he seemed to hesitate.
She stood still, her heart racing as she waited for him to say something more.
Neji's gaze flicked between them, silently assessing the situation. Sasuke, however, ignored him, his attention solely fixed on Hinata.
"I need to talk to you," he said simply, his tone calm but firm, leaving no room for argument.
She hesitated a bit, and looked at her cousin. After a moment, she nodded. "O-Of course." She turned to her cousin. "Can you give us a moment, please, Neji-niisan."
The older Hyuuga raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised by her directness, but after a brief pause, he gave a curt nod. Without another word, he turned and left the yard, though it was clear he was still nearby, his protective presence lingering just out of sight.
She felt her heart race as she led Sasuke through the compound. Her mind was a blur, her steps hesitant, as if walking on fragile ground. The air between them felt thick, heavy with unspoken words and tension that neither of them had yet addressed. His silence only made it harder for her to find her own words.
She brought him to a small tea room, the quiet of the space amplifying the stillness between them. She slid the door shut behind them, the sound of it echoing softly in the room. The tatami mats underfoot muffled their footsteps, but it only added to the weight of the silence. The room felt small, intimate, and for a moment, she wondered if she had made a mistake bringing him here. What was he going to say? What did he want from her?
Sasuke sat across from her at the low table, his posture as rigid. His arms were crossed over his chest, his dark eyes fixed on the wooden surface between them, yet she could feel the tension radiating off of him. It made the air feel even heavier, like they were both holding their breath, waiting for something to give.
She tried to calm herself. Her eyes kept flicking to Sasuke, unable to shake the feeling that something was about to change. He had come here for a reason, and that reason couldn't be good, could it? Is he going to break off the engagement like Naruto suggested?
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, he broke the silence. His voice was low, measured, yet there was a sharpness to it that made her pulse quicken. "You've been avoiding me."
She blinked, his words catching her off guard. Her mind raced to piece together his meaning, her chest tightening as she tried to form a response. Avoiding him? Was that what she had been doing? It wasn't her fault Neji had been around like a guard dog.
"I—" Her voice faltered, her words tangled in her throat. She swallowed, trying to steady herself. "I didn't mean to avoid you. It's just… Neji-nissan's been…" Her voice trailed off, and she glanced away, embarrassed by her own helplessness.
His expression softened, his gaze never leaving her face. He seemed to understand, or at least, he didn't push her to say more. The tension between them shifted, just slightly, but enough to make the space feel a little less heavy.
"I know," he said quietly. "I've noticed." He continued to stare at her, his gaze intense, as if memorizing every detail of her face. Then, almost absentmindedly, he added, "I missed you."
Her eyes widened in surprise, unsure whether she had heard him correctly or if she was just imagining things. But the look in his eyes said otherwise—there was no mistaking the sincerity in his gaze. It was soft, almost vulnerable, as if he had allowed himself to let down the walls he so carefully built around himself. Her heart fluttered in her chest, the words echoing in her mind. He missed me?
For a moment, she couldn't find her voice. Her mind was spinning, her thoughts scattered, but the intensity of his stare kept her grounded. The room felt warmer, the air thicker, as if the space between them had narrowed in a way she couldn't quite explain.
"I…" she began, her voice a mere whisper, her throat tight. She swallowed, trying to make sense of everything. "I missed you too." The words felt right, but they also left her vulnerable, exposed.
Sasuke's gaze softened even more, a hint of something she couldn't quite place flickering in his eyes. It was fleeting, but it was there—a rawness that neither of them usually showed.
"Then," he started, his voice quieter now, as if the air around them had thickened with the weight of their unspoken feelings. "What are we doing, Hinata?"
Before she could process what was happening, he rose from his seat, the cushion rustling softly beneath him. In the blink of an eye, he was beside her.
"S-Sasuke-san?" Hinata managed, startled by the sudden closeness between them.
He didn't answer. Instead, he leaned in, his dark gaze locked onto hers, his hand reaching up to gently cup her cheek. Hinata's breath hitched, her pulse racing as he tilted her face toward him.
"I want to kiss you," he said, his voice taut, the words escaping like a confession he could no longer keep bottled inside.
Her chest tightened, her heart pounding so fiercely it felt like it might burst. She couldn't look away, mesmerized by the intensity in his eyes, as if they were baring his very soul.
She wanted to kiss him too. The words, though unspoken, were clear in her heart. The ache that had grown between them, the pull that neither of them could ignore, was too strong to fight any longer. It was as if the space between them had become an invisible force, drawing them closer, and she couldn't resist it any longer.
Her hands moved almost instinctively, reaching for him, her fingers grazing the fabric of his shirt before finding their way to his chest. She could feel the rapid beat of his heart beneath her fingertips, mirroring her own. His scent, faint and intoxicating, wrapped around her like a blanket, making everything else fade into the background.
Her voice was barely more than a whisper as she met his gaze, her lips trembling slightly. "I… I want to kiss you too." The words felt like a release, a confession of her own, as if saying it aloud made the bond between them even more real.
She could feel the tension in his body easing just enough to let a flicker of something warmer cross his features. He didn't say anything, but his hand on her cheek tightened. Then, finally, their lips met.
This kiss was different—raw, urgent, and filled with an intensity that stole her breath away. His lips moved against hers with an unrestrained passion, as though he'd stopped holding back, as though he'd been waiting for this moment for too long.
Hinata gasped softly against his mouth, her hands clutched the front of his shirt, grounding herself as the world seemed to spin around them. His other hand slid to her waist, pulling her closer until there was no space left between them. His movements were relentless, a desperate need to close the gap between them, to consume her entirely.
"Kami, I missed you," he murmured between kisses, his voice rough and filled with a desperate need. His words, low and vulnerable, sent a shiver down her spine as his lips pressed against hers again, each kiss more intense than the last.
She melted into him, her heart racing as warmth spread through her entire body. The feel of him—his touch, his strength, the way he held her—made her dizzy, as if she was floating on air.
"Sasuke," she said with a sigh.
The kiss deepened, their breaths mingling as they lost themselves in each other, time ceasing to exist. Neither of them noticed the faint sound of footsteps approaching, until a soft knock echoed against the door.
They both froze, their bodies stiffening in unison.
Hinata's eyes shot open, her breath catching as reality rushed back in. Sasuke tensed beside her, the weight of the moment settling in. They both heard it again—the knock, soft yet unmistakable.
They sprang apart immediately, as though jolted by an electric current. He leaned back, his face quickly composing itself, a slight distance forming between them. Hinata, flushed and flustered, scrambled to smooth her hair and regain her composure, her heart still thundering in her chest.
The door slid open, and a voice echoed into the room.
"Hinata-sama."
Her wide lavender eyes shot toward the door, her breath catching as she saw Neji Hyuuga standing there, his sharp gaze narrowed suspiciously.
The silence that followed was suffocating.
Neji's eyes darted between them, taking in every telling detail—Hinata's flushed face, her slightly swollen lips, and her disheveled hair. Sasuke, in contrast, sat beside her with his usual stoic expression, looking unbothered but distinctly aware of the situation.
She tried to shift back subtly, though her heart was pounding so loudly she was certain Neji could hear it.
His sharp eyes lingered on her for a moment longer before turning to Sasuke. His inner disciplined self itched to call him out, but then his logical side reminded him—They're engaged.
Still, there's no need for them to act like they can't keep their hands off each other.
He exhaled slowly, his gaze flicking back to his. "Your father wishes to speak with you both," he said evenly, though the slight narrowing of his eyes betrayed his suspicions.
She swallowed hard, nodding quickly. "R-Right. We'll be there soon."
Neji turned to leave, but paused briefly at the doorway. His sharp eyes flicked back to his cousin, and he said dryly, "You may want to… fix yourself before meeting Hiashi-sama."
The implication struck like a kunai to the chest. Her face turned an impossibly deeper shade of red, her hands flying to her hair in a futile attempt to smooth it.
"I-I understand, Neji-niisan," she stammered, her voice small and mortified.
He offered a curt nod before turning sharply and leaving, though not without one last glance—a silent warning—at the Uchiha. The door slid shut behind him, leaving the room in complete silence.
Hinata buried her face in her hands with a soft groan, wishing she could disappear. This is so embarrassing… Her thoughts were a whirlwind of nerves and self-consciousness. The weight of Neji's words, combined with the lingering warmth of Sasuke's kiss, made her feel exposed and vulnerable in ways she never expected.
Sasuke, however, remained perfectly composed, his usual stoic expression not betraying a hint of emotion. Yet, when he glanced over at her, a faint hint of amusement tugged at the corner of his lips. He chuckled softly, barely audible, as though he found some strange humor in the situation. "He's not wrong," he muttered, a wry smile playing at the edges of his mouth.
Hinata's heart skipped a beat, but not from the humor—more from the unexpected sound that had escaped him. The soft chuckle was so unlike him, a rare glimpse of something lighter that she hadn't anticipated. Her head snapped up, her face flushed with a mixture of embarrassment and surprise. "S-Sasuke-san!" she stammered, feeling her pulse quicken, the sound of his laughter still ringing in her ears.
Unfazed, he stood up with the fluid grace of someone accustomed to control. He brushed off his clothes, his movements deliberate, calm, as if the intensity of the moment hadn't just unfolded between them. "You should fix your hair... and your clothes. I'll wait outside."
Hinata blinked in surprise, still caught between the aftermath of the kiss and the reality of the situation. "You're not worried at all?" she asked, her voice small, almost a whisper.
He shrugged, the faintest trace of indifference returning to his features. "It's not like we did anything wrong." His tone was almost dismissive, but not in a cruel way—more as if to say that what happened between them, despite how intense it felt, was just… natural.
Her cheeks burned even hotter, and she watched him leave the room, his calm demeanor only making her feel more exposed. The door slid shut behind him with a soft click, leaving her alone with her thoughts and racing heart.
She reached up, instinctively touching her hair, and let out a quiet whimper when she realized how tousled it was. Neji-niisan knows. He definitely knows. The thought sent a shiver of panic through her. There was no way he could have missed what had just happened.
Sighing shakily, she stood up, trying to gather her composure. Her reflection in the small mirror by the door showed the chaos that had taken hold of her: flushed cheeks, tousled hair, and the lingering sensation of Sasuke's kiss still dancing on her lips.
"Calm down," she whispered to herself, pressing a hand to her chest as she took slow, steadying breaths. "It's fine. You're engaged. This is fine." She repeated the words like a mantra, trying to convince herself that everything was okay.
Except, it didn't feel fine—not when her heart was still racing, not when her mind was spinning with a whirlwind of emotions. And certainly not when her lips still tingled from the kiss, a kiss that had seemed to shatter the space between them and draw her closer to something she wasn't ready to admit. She couldn't ignore how much she wanted more from him.
Taking one last glance in the mirror, she forced herself to smooth her clothes, trying to restore some semblance of control. I need to focus.
Hiashi Hyuuga sat at the head of the room, his presence commanding as always. His pale lavender eyes bore into the Uchiha and his daughter as they knelt before him. Neji stood silently to the side, his sharp gaze flicking between them, his expression unreadable, though the weight of what he had witnessed earlier lingered in his eyes.
The old Hyuuga clan head's gaze shifted first to Sasuke, his tone steady but with an undercurrent of displeasure. "Sasuke Uchiha," he began, "this engagement was intended to unify our clans and strengthen their standing within the village. However, your actions—or lack thereof—have drawn scrutiny."
Sasuke inclined his head slightly, his posture composed and unyielding. "I understand."
"Do you?" his voice sharpened, his pale eyes narrowing. "I hear whispers of unrest among the other clans. They fear this union will either consolidate too much power under the Hyuuga or place that power in the hands of the Uchiha—who have a history of betrayal and ambition. Your continued absence from key events, where you should stand beside my daughter, only fuels these concerns."
Hinata's hands clenched in her lap as she listened, her heart sinking with each word. Her father's disappointment was palpable, and she could feel her cousin's gaze on her, silent but observant.
The clan leader leaned forward slightly, his gaze unwavering. "This engagement is not merely an alliance, Uchiha. It is a promise. A commitment that reflects on both of our clans. Yet your actions—or lack of them—make me question your seriousness."
Dark eyes met his gaze unflinchingly. "I have honored this engagement," he said evenly. "And I will continue to do so."
Hiashi's eyes flicked briefly to Hinata before returning to Sasuke. "Honor is not enough. I expect respect. And I expect you to value Hinata as more than a symbol of this alliance. If you cannot show her the respect she deserves—if you cannot care for her as your partner—I will not hesitate to call this engagement off."
Her breath caught, her wide lavender eyes snapping to her father in shock. "Tou-sama, please," she began, but her father silenced her with a raised hand.
"This is not about appearances," he continued, his tone softening slightly as he turned his attention to Hinata. "You are my daughter. And while this engagement is a matter of political importance, I will not see you in a partnership devoid of respect—or love."
Silence hung heavily in the room as the old man's words settled. Sasuke remained still, his dark eyes meeting Hiashi's without flinching. "I understand your concerns," he said, his voice measured. "But I assure you, my commitment to Hinata and this alliance is unwavering."
Pale eyes studied him for a long moment, searching for any hint of insincerity. Finally, he nodded, though the weight in his gaze remained. "Very well. But remember, Uchiha, the village is watching. Your actions will speak louder than any promise you make here."
Sasuke inclined his head again. "Understood."
Hiashi turned his attention to his daughter, his tone softening slightly. "Hinata, you are my heiress. You have a duty to this clan, but that does not mean you must sacrifice your happiness. If at any point you feel this engagement is not what you want, tell me."
She hesitated, her heart caught between gratitude for her father's concern and the swirling emotions she felt for the man beside her. "Yes, Tou-sama," she said quietly, bowing her head.
Hiashi stood, signaling the end of the conversation. "You may go."
Sasuke rose effortlessly, waiting for Hinata before turning to leave. She followed, her heart still racing from the intensity of the exchange.
Outside, the cool evening air greeted them, a stark contrast to the tension that had filled the room. Sasuke walked a step ahead, his hands in his pockets, his usual calm demeanor intact.
She glanced at him from the corner of her eye, her mind swirling with thoughts. Finally, she spoke, her voice soft. "Sasuke-san."
He glanced at her, slowing his pace slightly. "What?"
"Thank you," she said, her cheeks tinged with warmth. "For… what you said to my father."
His gaze lingered on her for a moment before he looked forward again. "I meant what I said."
Her heart fluttered at the quiet certainty in his tone. "Still," she murmured, a small smile forming on her lips, "I appreciate it."
He stopped walking, turning to face her. His dark eyes softened just slightly as he reached out, taking her hand in his. The gesture was simple, but the warmth of his touch sent a shiver through her.
"I don't care what the elders think," he said quietly, his voice low but firm. "This is about you and me."
Her breath caught as she looked up at him, her lavender eyes wide. For a moment, it seemed as if there were only the two of them standing beneath the soft glow of the lanterns.
"Let them talk," he added, his thumb brushing against the back of her hand. "I'll handle it."
She smiled softly, her chest swelling with a quiet, fragile hope. "Alright, Sasuke-san."
He smirked, "Just 'Sasuke' is fine. You seem to like calling me that when you were—" Hinata quickly covered his mouth in panic, her heart racing. What on earth was he trying to say now, especially with ears everywhere?
He chuckled, the sound rich and low, a clear contrast to his usual stoic demeanor.
Her breath caught as she marveled at the sound once again. This was the second time she had heard him laugh like that—something so rare and so unlike him that it left her in a state of stunned fascination. It wasn't the cold, emotionless Sasuke she knew. This Sasuke, the one who allowed himself to laugh, was more real than the distant, detached version she often saw.
He really looks like he's enjoying himself, she thought, a mix of amusement and exasperation flooding her. At my expense, of course.
Her heart thumped as she dropped her hand from his mouth, realizing she was still standing far too close to him. The air between them felt thicker now, charged with something she wasn't quite ready to label. He was teasing her—something he rarely did—and she wasn't entirely sure how to handle it.
"You're enjoying this, aren't you?" she whispered, half embarrassed, half incredulous, her face still burning.
His smirk deepened, and he shrugged slightly, his eyes softening for a split second. "A little," he admitted, his voice carrying an unfamiliar warmth.
Then, he pulled her closer to him.
From a distance, Neji watched, his sharp gaze unwavering as Sasuke pulled Hinata into a tender embrace, his arms wrapping around her with a confidence that suggested he was completely unbothered by the possibility of being seen. Without hesitation, he leaned in and kissed her gently, his lips pressing against hers with a tenderness that seemed to defy the usual guarded nature he held.
Neji's eyes narrowed slightly, his expression unreadable as he took in the scene. Sasuke's unguarded affection for his younger cousin was clear, but the way she melted into him—seemingly unbothered by their surroundings—was something he hadn't expected.
They are engaged, he reminded himself. It's natural for them to grow closer.
But still, something about the way they interacted unsettled him. Though Sasuke's behavior was surprising, what unsettled him the most was the way Hinata responded to him. Her reactions were uncharacteristically open. Totally different from her usual timid, reserved nature. It was unlike anything he had seen before—and it troubled him more than he cared to admit.
"I hope you know what you're doing, Hinata-sama," he muttered quietly to himself.
Later that evening, Hinata sat alone in her room, her eyes fixed on a photo she had secretly taken from Sasuke's house. She traced her fingers lightly over the image, her thoughts drifting back to the kiss they had shared earlier. The way he had kissed her with such intensity still sent a shiver down her spine.
Her cheeks warmed as she glanced at the photo again, unsure of what to make of the growing feelings inside her. What was happening to them? To her? But, I want to see where this leads.
Suddenly, a soft knock at the door interrupted her thoughts. Neji's calm voice followed. "Hinata-sama, may I come in?"
Startled, she quickly stuffed the photo into a drawer and closed it, trying to mask the flutter of nervousness that rushed through her. "Of course, niisan," she replied, her voice soft, as she turned toward the door.
The door slid open, and Neji stepped inside, holding a small tray with a neatly plated cinnamon roll and a steaming cup of tea.
"I thought you might like this," he said as he stepped inside, his tone as composed as ever. "It's been a while since we've had time to talk."
"Thank you," she said, forcing a smile as she accepted the plate.
He sat across from her, his sharp gaze watching her closely as she hesitated. The warm, sweet aroma wafted up from the pastry, but she felt a knot tightening in her stomach. It's too sweet. I can't do this.
Still, she picked up the roll, determined to eat it out of politeness. She took a small bite, forcing herself to chew slowly. The sugary glaze and soft cinnamon overwhelmed her taste buds, and despite her best efforts, her face scrunched up in discomfort.
Neji's sharp eyes didn't miss the reaction.
She tried to put the roll back on the plate, but before she could, his hand shot out and gently caught her wrist.
"Hinata-sama," he said quietly, his voice calm but edged with intensity. "Are you really Hinata?"
Her eyes widened, panic flashing across her face. "W-What do you mean, Neji-niisan?"
"You hesitated before eating this," he said, releasing her wrist but keeping his gaze locked on hers. "And when you did, you winced. Cinnamon rolls have always been your favorite. You would never react like that."
Her heart raced as she tried to come up with an explanation. "I-I've just lost my taste for sweets recently," she stammered. "It's not a big deal."
He didn't look convinced. He leaned forward slightly, his piercing gaze narrowing. "It's not just this, Hinata-sama. You've changed. The way you speak, the way you carry yourself, even the way you interact with the family and others… It's all different."
"Neji-niisan, I—"
"You don't even call me 'niisan' anymore," he interrupted, his voice low but firm. "...not until I told you about it. It's always just 'Neji.' That's not something you would forget—not after everything."
She froze, her mind scrambling for an explanation, but the words caught in her throat.
Neji leaned closer, his gaze unwavering. "You don't remember certain traditions. You hesitate during ceremonies you've performed countless times. And today, I watched you with Sasuke. It's like I'm looking at someone else entirely."
"Neji-niisan, I'm not sure—"
He cut her off. "Do you remember the summer when we were ten? The one where we trained together under the oak tree near the southern gate?"
She blinked, her breath catching. She tried to summon the memory, but her mind was blank.
His jaw tightened. "You don't remember, do you?"
"I…" she faltered, her voice trembling. "I've been through a lot. The coma… It's made things fuzzy."
Neji straightened, his tone softening but no less serious. "If you're not her, then tell me the truth. Who are you? And where is the real Hinata?"
Her hands trembled, and she looked down at the untouched cinnamon roll on the plate. "I am Hinata," she whispered, though her voice lacked conviction.
"Tell me your real name," Neji said sharply, his voice rising.
The moment he asked, a sharp, searing pain shot through her head. She gasped, clutching her temples as the ache intensified, her vision swimming.
"Hinata-sama!" his voice was suddenly filled with concern as he moved closer.
"I… I can't… remember…" she choked out, her voice trembling as tears welled in her eyes. "I don't know!"
He knelt beside her, his earlier intensity replaced with genuine worry. "Breathe," he said softly, his hand hovering near her shoulder. "Just breathe."
The pain gradually subsided, leaving her drained and shaking. She looked up at Neji, her eyes filled with tears. "I don't know what's happening to me," she whispered. "But I swear, I'm not here to hurt anyone."
He studied her for a long moment, his sharp gaze softening slightly. "You're not a threat," he said finally. "I would know if you were."
Tears spilled down her cheeks as she whispered, "Are you going to tell anyone?"
He shook his head. "No." He quietly added, "Not yet."
"Thank you," she said, her voice breaking as she began to cry fully, burying her face in her hands.
Neji sat silently for a moment, his gaze steady yet filled with an unspoken weight. When he finally spoke, his voice was calm but resolute. "You've been kind to this family and to the clan. Whatever is going on, I trust that you'll do what's right. But I need to know the truth someday, Hinata-sama. When you're ready."
He hesitated, his tone softening as a flicker of pain crossed his eyes. "But please, tell me… is Hinata-sama safe? Is she happy?"
Her breath caught, and her hands trembled slightly in her lap. The truth clawed at her, an ache she couldn't voice. I don't know…
She met his gaze briefly, her own eyes brimming with guilt and uncertainty, but she couldn't bring herself to speak.
He watched her in silence, the faint glimmer of hope in his eyes dimming as the moments stretched on. The unspoken answer weighed heavily between them.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, he rose gracefully to his feet. His expression was unreadable, but the faint pain in his eyes lingered. "I'll leave it for now," he said quietly.
With that, he turned and left the room, his steps as measured as always, leaving her alone with her tears and the unanswered questions that hung like a shadow over her heart.