The morning sun filtered through the delicate paper windows of Hinata's room, casting a soft glow over her as she stood before the mirror. She smoothed the fabric of her new kimono, the elegant design a perfect balance of soft lavender hues and white floral patterns that complemented her pale complexion. Her hands trembled slightly as she adjusted the obi, her nerves a swirling mix of emotions—nervousness, excitement, and a lingering anxiety she couldn't quite shake.
Hinata picked up a delicate hairpin from her dresser, a small butterfly adorned with sapphire stones that sparkled in the sunlight. It was the one Naruto had bought her during the village they previously visit. She smiled softly, remembering the way his face had lit up when he handed it to her.
Even after everything… I still can't stop feeling happy when I think of him. Is it wrong to want this moment with him, even with all my doubts?
She carefully slid the hairpin into her dark, silky locks, arranging her hair into an elegant style that framed her soft features. Her reflection in the mirror revealed a young woman who looked poised and radiant, yet her lavender eyes betrayed the storm of uncertainty within.
As she straightened her posture, Hinata let out a deep breath."This is Naruto… I'll trust him to show me his heart tonight,"she whispered, though the weight in her chest lingered.
Gathering her courage, she picked up a small silk purse, slipping it over her wrist. With one last glance in the mirror, she left the room, her heart thundering in her chest as she prepared to meet Naruto for the evening he had planned.
In a room across the inn, Naruto stood before his own mirror, frowning as he adjusted the stiff collar of his formal haori. He had chosen a traditional ensemble for the night—a dark blue hakama paired with a black haori embroidered with subtle golden swirls along the edges, reminiscent of his Rasengan. The outfit was more formal than anything he usually wore, but tonight was special, and he wanted to make sure Hinata knew how much effort he had put into this moment.
Man, I hope she likes this. This isn't exactly my thing, but… it's for her.
His stomach churned as he thought about everything he planned to say tonight—the truths he had kept from her, the secrets that weighed heavily on him.
I've got to tell her. She deserves to know everything, even if it means she'll hate me after tonight. But maybe… maybe she'll understand. Maybe… she'll still stay by my side.
He shook his head, his reflection scowling back at him."Stop overthinking, Naruto. You're gonna mess this up if you keep doubting yourself,"he muttered aloud, running a hand through his blond hair, which he had styled a bit more neatly than usual.
Steeling himself, he picked up one of Hinata's gift and tucked it into the folds of his haori."You've faced things just as scary as this, so don't chicken out now. Hinata's counting on you to get this right."
Taking a deep breath, he glanced out the window at the setting sun. The golden rays bathed the village in a warm glow, but all he could think about was the woman he was about to meet.
Tonight has to be perfect. For her.
Naruto approached Hinata's door, his heart pounding harder with each step. He raised a hand to knock but hesitated for a moment. Taking a deep breath to steady himself, he finally tapped his knuckles against the wood. When the door opened, his mouth fell slightly ajar, and all his carefully rehearsed words evaporated into the air.
Hinata stood before him, radiant and breathtaking in her kimono that truly complimented her in every possible way. The butterfly hairpin he had bought for her glittered in her dark hair, which she had styled elegantly. Her shy smile and faint blush only amplified her beauty, leaving Naruto utterly speechless.
Is she… a goddess? Can someone actually get more beautiful every time you see them?
Hinata shifted nervously under his gaze. "N-Naruto? Are you okay?"
Snapping out of his daze, Naruto awkwardly scratched the back of his head, his cheeks turning red."Oh! Uh, yeah, I'm fine! I mean… wow. You look… beautiful, Hinata. Like, seriously beautiful."
Hinata's blush deepened as she looked down, her fingers fidgeting with the edge of her sleeve."Th-thank you, Naruto,"she murmured, her voice barely audible.
Naruto grinned, his nervousness melting into excitement."Alright, let's get going. We've got a bit of a journey ahead of us to get to the surprise!"
Hinata nodded, her curiosity piqued."That's okay, Naruto. I'm looking forward to it."
As they walked into town, Hinata's eyes widened in surprise. The streets were alive with vibrant colors and music, lanterns strung high above the energetic crowd. Stalls lined the roads, offering an array of delicious foods, intricate crafts, and festive games.
Hinata turned to Naruto, her expression filled with awe."There's a festival going on? Did you know about this?"
Naruto rubbed the back of his head with a sheepish grin."Yeah, I might've known. I thought it'd be fun for us to check it out before heading to the main surprise. What do you think?"
Hinata couldn't help but smile despite the turmoil in her heart."I think it's a wonderful idea, Naruto."
They began exploring the festival, starting with a food stall offering freshly grilled skewers. Naruto handed her a perfectly charred yakitori, and they shared a laugh as he bit into his own, only to burn his tongue.
Next, they tried their hand at some festival games. Naruto, competitive as ever, threw all his energy into winning prizes for Hinata. At a ring toss game, he hit the jackpot and proudly handed her a plush fox.
"Here,"he said, his grin wide."It's not as cute as you, but I think it suits you!"
Hinata's cheeks turned pink as she clutched the plush."Thank you, Naruto. I'll treasure it."
They continued strolling, stopping at a booth selling colorful masks. Naruto picked up a fox mask and tried it on, striking a silly pose.
"What do you think? Do I look mysterious and cool?"he asked, wagging his eyebrows.
Hinata giggled, covering her mouth with her hand."You look… like Naruto,"she teased gently.
Naruto laughed, pulling off the mask and handing it to the vendor."I'll take this one,"he said, then turned to Hinata."It'll remind me of today every time I see it."
He then scanned the masks one more time before his eyes landed on a bunny mask, he grabs it and hands it to her, "And this will remind you of today."
Hinata studies the mask before deeming it adorable, her cheeks tinged pink as she smiles at Naruto. "Thank you, Naruto-Kun… I'll take care of it."
As the evening went on, the two found themselves standing at a bridge overlooking a small stream illuminated by lanterns floating on the water. The glow reflected in Hinata's eyes, making her look ethereal.
Naruto leaned on the railing, glancing at her out of the corner of his eye."Hey, Hinata,"he said softly."Thanks for coming with me today. I know I've been… a lot to deal with lately, but I really wanted to make this special for you."
Hinata turned to him, her heart aching with conflicting emotions."Naruto, you don't have to thank me. I… I'm happy to be here with you."
For a moment, everything else faded away. The distant sounds of the festival, the crowd, and even her own worries seemed to vanish as they stood there, side by side, the warmth of his presence making her feel safe and cherished.
Naruto reached over and brushed a strand of hair from her face, his touch lingering for just a moment."You really are amazing, you know that?"he said, his voice filled with sincerity.
Hinata looked down, her blush deepening."Naruto…"
"C'mon,"he said, breaking the moment with a bright smile."We still haven't gotten to the main surprise!"
Hinata nodded, clutching the plush fox and her bunny mask close as they left the bridge, her heart torn between happiness and the nagging doubts that lingered in the back of her mind.
Naruto led Hinata up a winding path that grew steeper with every step. The town's festive noises faded into the distance as they climbed higher, the lantern-lit streets below becoming a sea of twinkling lights.
Hinata's breath hitched when they finally reached the top of a hill. Spread out before them was a clearing adorned with soft glowing lanterns strung from tree branches, bathing the space in a warm, golden light. Blankets and cushions were arranged neatly on the grass, with a small table in the center holding a variety of Hinata's favorite foods. Flower petals were scattered everywhere, creating a delicate, dreamlike atmosphere.
For a moment, Hinata felt like she had stepped into a memory—the scene reminded her so much of their first date, where Naruto had gone out of his way to create a special moment for her.
"Naruto…"she whispered, her voice catching in her throat as she took in the sight.
Naruto turned to her, rubbing the back of his head awkwardly."It's not perfect or anything, but I wanted to make this special for you. You've been so patient with me, Hinata, even when I didn't deserve it. I just… I wanted to give you something that would make you smile."
Hinata smiled softly, her chest tightening with emotion."It's beautiful, Naruto. Thank you."
The two settled on the blanket, sitting side by side on the cushions. The soft breeze carried the scent of flowers, and the quiet hum of crickets filled the air. For a moment, Hinata was lost in the peace of the moment, but she noticed Naruto fidgeting beside her.
"Hinata,"he began, his voice uncharacteristically serious."I know… there's a lot you probably want to ask me. I know you've noticed things about me—things that don't make sense or that I've been keeping from you."
Hinata's heart ached as she watched him struggle to find the right words. She reached out, placing a gentle hand on his."Naruto, you can talk to me. Whatever it is, I'm here to listen. I'm here for you."
Naruto glanced down at her hand on his, drawing strength from her touch. He took a deep breath before speaking."The truth is, I'm not as bright and cheery as I make myself out to be. I put on this mask for everyone because… it's easier than letting people see what's really inside."
"Growing up without a family, being treated like a monster by the villagers… it left scars, Hinata. Scars I've tried to ignore, but they're still there. Every cruel word, every cold glance—it all stayed with me. I told myself I'd prove them wrong. That I'd become someone they could look up to, someone they'd respect. But the more I tried to stay positive, the harder it got."
Naruto's voice wavered, and he clenched his fists tightly."Some days, it felt like I was barely holding it together. Like no matter how much I smiled or how hard I worked, it wasn't enough. A darkness was building within, another side of me I tried ao hard to contain but that only backfired. And then… you came into my life."
Hinata's eyes widened, her heart pounding.
"You were this… this light in all that darkness. You saw me, the good in me, when no one else did. You believed in me when I didn't even believe in myself. And I'm terrified, Hinata. Terrified that if you knew everything about me—if you saw all the broken pieces—you'd stop believing in me too."
Hinata felt tears sting her eyes as she squeezed his hand tightly."Naruto… I could never stop believing in you. You've been through so much, but you're still here. You're still fighting. You can acknowledge your flaws and that takes courage. That's what makes you so amazing."
Naruto turned to her, his eyes filled with vulnerability."You mean that?"
Hinata nodded firmly, her tears falling freely now."I mean it. You're not alone anymore, Naruto. Whatever burdens you're carrying, you don't have to carry them by yourself."
Naruto swallowed hard, his throat tight with emotion. He reached out, gently brushing away a tear from her cheek."Thank you, Hinata. I… I don't deserve you."
Hinata shook her head, smiling through her tears."You don't have to deserve me, Naruto. I'm here because I want to be."
Naruto's breath hitched, and for a moment, the weight of everything seemed to lift. He leaned forward, pressing his forehead gently against hers.
Naruto's breath was unsteady as he leaned back slightly, his gaze locking onto Hinata's tear-streaked face. The golden light from the lanterns made her look like an angel, but it also highlighted the pain and confusion in her eyes. He couldn't hold it back anymore; he had to tell her the truth about how he really felt.
"Hinata,"Naruto began, his voice trembling."I've done some horrible things. Things I'm not proud of. I told myself it was for the greater good, that it was necessary, but it doesn't make it right. And I'm so scared... so scaredthat if you knew everything, you'd walk away. But there's one thing I need you to know…"
Hinata's heart raced as she waited for him to continue. She could see the conflict in his eyes, the war he was fighting within himself.
"I've always noticed you,"Naruto said softly, his words taking her by surprise."Even back then, when you used to hide behind trees and bushes, watching me. You thought you were invisible, but I saw you, Hinata. I saw you."
Hinata's eyes widened, her hands gripping the fabric of her kimono."Y-You did?"she whispered, her voice barely audible.
Naruto nodded, a small, bittersweet smile tugging at his lips."I didn't understand it at first. I didn't know why this quiet girl would watch me from a distance, why she would blush and run away whenever I got close. But then I started paying more attention, and I realized… you weren't like anyone else. You didn't look at me like the villagers did. You didn't see me as a monster or a nuisance. You just… saw me."
Hinata felt tears streaming down her face again, but this time, they weren't just from sadness.
Naruto continued, his voice thick with emotion."You were always so pure, so kind. I used to wonder how someone like you could exist in a world like this. And I was scared for you, Hinata. Scared that someone would take advantage of your kindness, hurt you, break that light inside you. That's why… even before I really understood how I felt, I wanted to protect you. I didn't know how to say it or show it, but you were always in my heart. Always."
Hinata's breath hitched, her hand flying to her chest as she tried to steady herself. Naruto reached out, gently taking her hand in his.
"I know Sasuke's probably told you things,"Naruto said, his voice dropping to a near whisper."About me, about what I've done. And he's not wrong—I've made choices that no one should have to make. I've carried secrets that I can't let go of, but I swear to you, Hinata… everything I've done, everything I am, has been because I wanted to protect the people I care about. Because I wanted to protect you."
Hinata's mind raced, flashes of everything Sasuke had told her the night before. The pieces of the puzzle were still jagged and didn't quite fit together, but Naruto's words brought a sliver of hope—hope that maybe, just maybe, his actions were born from love rather than obsession.
"Hinata,"Naruto said, his voice breaking slightly."I will tell you everything. I promise you, I will. But I need you to be patient with me. Please… just give me time. I don't want to lose you. I can't lose you."
Hinata's heart ached at the raw vulnerability in his voice. She knew she should be doubtful, that she should question everything he said, but the love she felt for him was stronger than her fears.
She reached up, cupping his cheek with her hand, her thumb brushing away a tear he hadn't realized he'd shed."Naruto,"she said softly, her voice steady despite the storm of emotions inside her."I'll be patient. I'll wait as long as it takes. Because I want to stay by your side, no matter what."
Naruto closed his eyes, leaning into her touch as if it were the only thing grounding him."Thank you,"he whispered, his voice full of gratitude and relief."Thank you, Hinata."
The stillness of the night suddenly broke as a streak of light raced across the heavens, slicing through the darkness like a glowing ribbon. Hinata gasped softly, tilting her head to the sky. Within seconds, multiple meteors followed, cascading like streams of molten silver and gold. The celestial display painted the heavens in strokes of light, as though the stars themselves had decided to join hands and dance across the universe.
The meteors shimmered in hues that seemed otherworldly—soft blues and violets intertwined with fiery orange and gold. Some streaked by fleeting bursts, while others lingered, leaving trails of light that faded slowly, like whispers of a dream. It was as though the entire sky had come alive, the vast canvas above telling a story of wonder, beauty, and timeless magic.
Hinata's breath hitched, her hands unconsciously clasping over her chest. She stood, her gaze fixed upward, her eyes wide and filled with awe. The cool night breeze kissed her cheeks, but all she could feel was the warmth of the moment, the light of the meteors reflecting in her pale lavender eyes.
Her voice came out as a soft whisper, trembling with emotion."It's… it's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen…"
Naruto watched her, his eyes never leaving her face. The way her expression lit up, the pure joy radiating from her—it was more mesmerizing than the meteor shower itself. Her beauty, illuminated by the shimmering glow of the night sky, made his heart ache with love.
Hinata took a step forward, lifting her hands slightly as if she could reach out and catch one of the falling stars. Her lips curved into a smile, the kind that lit her entire face. For a moment, she closed her eyes, letting the sound of the night and the sight of the meteors fill her senses.
"Being here… with you… seeing this…"she murmured, her voice trembling as tears welled up in her eyes."It's the best thing I've ever experienced."
Her heart swelled with emotions she couldn't fully describe. All the pain, all the doubts she had carried over the last few days seemed to melt away in the light of the meteors and Naruto's presence beside her. In this moment, she felt an overwhelming sense of happiness, a peace she had never felt before.
Naruto stepped closer, a warm smile tugging at his lips."I'm glad you think so,"he said softly."Because… this is part of your surprise."
Hinata turned to him, her eyes shining with unshed tears, her cheeks glowing with the happiness she could no longer contain."You planned this?"
Naruto scratched the back of his head, his grin turning sheepish."Well… I didn't plan the meteor shower itself. But I made sure we'd be here for it."
Hinata's heart skipped a beat. Her gaze softened as she looked at him, her love for him filling her chest so fully she thought she might burst."Thank you, Naruto,"she said, her voice breaking slightly."Thank you for sharing this with me."
The meteors continued to cascade above them, their glow illuminating the clearing in flickering bursts of light. Hinata let out a soft laugh, tilting her head back once more, her hands stretched out as if embracing the heavens themselves. She spun lightly, her kimono flowing around her, feeling freer and happier than she had in her entire life.
When she finally turned back to Naruto, ready to thank him again, she froze. Her breath caught as she saw him kneeling on one knee, a small box in his hand. Her heart skipped a beat, then another, as the world seemed to fall silent except for the sound of her own racing pulse.
The ring sparkled in the soft light of the meteors—a gem like no other, its hues an intricate dance of lavender and golden amber, colors that mirrored her eyes and the warmth Naruto always radiated. The delicate silver band cradled the stone like a precious treasure, its intricate design resembling intertwining branches, strong and unbreakable.
Naruto's voice was soft but steady as he spoke, his eyes filled with love and vulnerability."Hinata… I've been holding this in for so long. You've always been my light, even when I didn't know how to tell you. You've been there for me, believed in me, and loved me in ways I didn't think I deserved. I can't imagine my life without you in it."
Hinata's tears flowed freely now, her hands trembling as they covered her mouth.
"I want to spend every day making you smile,"Naruto continued, his voice thick with emotion."I want to be the one to make you happy, to protect you, to love you. It would be my greatest honor if you'd marry me, if you'd stay by my side… forever."
Hinata choked back a sob, her knees trembling as she nodded frantically. When she finally found her voice, it was shaky but filled with certainty."Yes, Naruto. Yes, I'll marry you. I'll stay by your side, no matter what. Forever."
Naruto's face broke into a grin so wide it made her heart skip again. With trembling hands, he slid the ring onto her finger, where it fit perfectly, as if it had always belonged there.
Without hesitation, he stood and swept her into his arms, lifting her off the ground as he spun her around. Hinata let out a surprised laugh, her tears still streaming as she clung to him, her heart soaring higher than the meteors above them.
When he finally stopped, they were both breathless, their foreheads touching as they gazed into each other's eyes. Naruto leaned in, capturing her lips in a kiss so full of passion and love that it felt like the universe itself was holding its breath for them.
Above them, the meteors continued their descent, illuminating the world below with their celestial beauty, as if the heavens themselves were celebrating their love.