CHAPTER 05

Ino's heart raced as she watched Neji's back turn to leave. No, no, no! The panic rose in her chest again as she realized the situation was slipping out of her control. He can't walk away now!

Quickly, she stepped forward, her voice shaky but loud enough to stop him from taking another step. "Wait!" she called out, almost breathlessly.

Neji stopped, his expression still unreadable as he turned to face her again. "What is it now, Yamanaka?" His voice was sharp, an edge to it as though he were barely tolerating her presence.

Ino's mind spun, searching for a way to stop him from walking off and finding Hinata and Sasuke. She had to keep him away from them—anywhere but here!

She opened her mouth, and in a moment of pure desperation, a ridiculous idea sprang to mind. "Hinata might've left a clue in my apartment," she said, her voice a little too quick. "I'm sure she did. I mean, she's been acting strangely, right? She might've written something down, or, I don't know… left something behind that could help you find her."

Yes, that'll work, Ino thought as she forced herself to keep eye contact, hoping she sounded convincing enough to make him doubt his decision to leave. "I think we should check it. It's better than wandering around aimlessly, don't you think? You're wasting your time, Neji. Let's go to my place, and we'll figure this out together."

Her words came out in a rush, desperate to sound believable even though she knew how ridiculous it all was. She had to get him inside her apartment—away from where he might spot Hinata and Sasuke. She needed to keep him occupied.

Neji paused, looking at her as if considering her suggestion. For a moment, he said nothing, his sharp eyes studying her every movement. Then, as if coming to some silent conclusion, he exhaled softly.

"Fine," he said, his voice flat. "Lead the way."

Ino felt a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding escape her lips. This is it. He's coming with me.

She couldn't believe her luck—or her audacity. This is so stupid, she thought as she led him toward her apartment, but there was no turning back now. She couldn't afford to let him find Hinata. Not yet.

As they walked, she kept her eyes trained on him, trying to act as nonchalant as possible. I can't believe this is happening. What if he figures it out? She glanced over at him nervously. He was still quiet, his gaze fixed straight ahead, the expression on his face unreadable. Please don't ask questions, Neji. Please.

Inside, she was a mess of nerves. But she kept her face calm, smiling just enough to make it seem like everything was fine. Everything will be fine. I just need to keep him with me, long enough for them to leave. That's all.

Neji's steps behind her were silent, steady, and as confident as ever. And for the first time, Ino found herself doubting just how much of a control she really had over the situation.

Ino opened the door to her apartment, letting Neji step inside first. The apartment was small but cozy, decorated in pastel hues with frilly curtains and floral accents everywhere. It smelled like her signature fragrance—sweet and floral, with a hint of something warm and inviting. The space had a distinctly feminine feel, filled with personal touches that made it feel like her sanctuary.

Neji walked in, his sharp eyes immediately scanning the room. He didn't speak at first, only crossing his arms over his chest and leaning against the doorframe as if daring her to prove that there was something here worth his attention. His posture was so composed, so controlled, that it made Ino feel like she had to somehow match it, even though her heart was beating wildly in her chest.

She closed the door behind them, her movements smooth despite the nervous energy swirling within her. "So, uh," Ino began, forcing her voice to sound steady, "Hinata, she's a little… unpredictable, right? She could have left something here that's useful."

God, I sound like an idiot, she thought to herself. But I have to keep this going. He can't leave.

Neji raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed with her explanation. "A clue," he said flatly, his voice as cool and calculated as always. "In your apartment?" He glanced around the room once more, taking in the delicate decorations. "This doesn't seem like the kind of place someone would leave clues."

Ino's pulse quickened at his skeptical tone. She had to think fast. She couldn't let him see through her act. She had to rely on her charm.

She plastered on a flirtatious smile, stepping a little closer to him, the scent of her perfume lingering in the air. "Well, Neji," she said, her voice dropping to a softer, more alluring tone. "Hinata's not exactly the type to leave a big, obvious trail, is she?" She tilted her head slightly, giving him a playful look. "She's subtle. Just like me."

She reached for a nearby table, pretending to look through some papers, though she wasn't really focused on them. Her movements were slow, deliberate, drawing his attention as she bent over just enough for him to notice the curve of her back. She was doing everything she could to distract him from his real goal.

Come on, Neji. Don't see through me. Not now.

Neji stood there, arms still crossed, staring at her with that unreadable expression. He wasn't responding to her charm the way she'd hoped. What's going on with him? Why isn't he reacting?

"You're not going to make this easy, are you?" she murmured, glancing over her shoulder at him, her voice low, almost a whisper. "I'm trying to help you, Neji. Can't you see that?"

Ino didn't wait for his response. She stood up, moving toward the couch with exaggerated grace, making sure her movements were slow enough to keep his attention. I've got to keep him here. He's not leaving. Not yet.

As she sat down, she crossed her legs, the action purposeful, and shot him a look of mild challenge. "If you think I'm wasting your time, then you can leave. But I'm not going to sit around doing nothing while you're out there looking for her. We can figure this out together."

Her gaze held his, daring him to say something, do something. She was fully aware of how much she was pushing, but she didn't care. Ino knew that her usual charm would always win. She was confident she could make him fall, even if it took more effort than she expected.

Neji's gaze was locked on her now, the silence stretching between them like a taut string. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, he exhaled sharply.

"Fine." His voice was firm, giving nothing away. "But I won't be here long, Yamanaka. If there's nothing here to find, I'm leaving."

Ino's heart skipped a beat. He was staying.

I can do this, she thought, settling back against the couch and giving him the most seductive smile she could muster. "Trust me, Neji. If there's one thing I'm good at, it's finding things."

And with that, she began searching again, this time with the full intention of making sure Neji would stay exactly where he was—long enough for her to get things back under control.