Chapter 12
Hinata slipped away from Tenten and Lee's relentless teasing, her cheeks still warm from their playful jabs. She needed a moment to herself, to calm her racing heart and collect her thoughts. The lively energy of the festival seemed to follow her as she wandered to a quieter corner of the grounds, eventually finding herself in front of a small game stall.
The game was simple yet charming: popping balloons with darts for points. Hinata stood there for a moment, watching as other festival-goers cheered and laughed. The festive atmosphere began to ease her tension. She considered trying the game herself but hesitated when she heard a familiar voice behind her.
"Hinata-chan!" Kiba called, grinning as he approached with Shino by his side. "We've been looking for you! It's been a while since we've hung out, huh?"
"Kiba-kun, Shino-kun," Hinata greeted warmly, her posture relaxing as she smiled. "It has been a while. Are you enjoying the festival?"
Kiba nodded enthusiastically. "Of course! Akamaru's around here somewhere, probably sniffing out snacks. What about you? You look… uh, festive." He gestured to her kimono, a faint blush coloring his cheeks. Shino, as usual, said nothing but gave a small nod of approval.
"I was just… looking around," Hinata replied, her voice soft but steady. "Would you like to play this game?"
"Why not?" Kiba said, stepping up to the stall. "Shino, come on. Let's show her how it's done."
Shino adjusted his glasses, his tone even. "I'll observe."
As Kiba began throwing darts with exaggerated flair, Hinata felt a sense of nostalgia. She watched quietly, her mind drifting until movement caught her attention from the corner of her eye.
She noticed several women approaching Sasuke, their intentions clear. Each time, he raised his hand with the ribbon tied around his wrist before they could even get near, deliberately flaunting it as if to warn them off. She couldn't help but smile in amusement, though a hint of embarrassment flickered within her especially since she had assumed the ribbon was something special to him.
So, he's using me to keep them at bay, she thought.
I can't blame them, though, she mused while looking at the women scurrying away, then her gaze briefly lingered on him. Sasuke looked like a snack standing there, effortlessly drawing attention—ironically, the opposite of what he wanted.
She turned subtly and next saw Naruto and Sakura talking to Sasuke. Naruto was gesturing animatedly, his enthusiasm spilling over as he grabbed Sasuke's arm and started pulling him toward another area.
Sasuke looked distinctly unamused, his brow furrowing slightly as he resisted. Sakura crossed her arms, smirking as she joined Naruto in coaxing him. Hinata's lips twitched into a small smile again. Naruto, ever the cheerful instigator, was clearly determined to drag Sasuke into the festivities, and despite his irritation, Sasuke relented, following them with a resigned expression.
"Hinata, are you coming?" Kiba's voice snapped her out of her thoughts. He had finished his turn and was motioning for her to join them as they walked away from the stall.
"Of course," she said, stepping beside them as they strolled through the festival.
The trio meandered through the lively crowd, stopping occasionally to watch performers or sample snacks. As they rounded a corner, they came across Naruto, Sakura, and Sasuke near another game stall. Naruto was animatedly playing a shooting game, loudly cheering for himself as he tried to hit the moving targets.
"Naruto, you're terrible at this," Sakura said, shaking her head but smiling despite herself.
Sasuke stood nearby, arms crossed, looking thoroughly bored as he watched Naruto's antics. Hinata's eyes flicked to him briefly before turning away, her cheeks warming. She focused instead on Kiba, who was grinning mischievously.
"Hey, Naruto! You're making this look way harder than it is," Kiba called, stepping up to the stall. "Let me show you how it's done."
Naruto turned, his grin widening. "Oh, it's on, Kiba! Let's see what you've got!"
Hinata and Shino followed Kiba to the stall, where Naruto and Kiba quickly turned the game into a competition, each trying to outdo the other with exaggerated enthusiasm. The boisterous energy drew a small crowd, and Hinata couldn't help but laugh softly at their antics. She stepped back slightly, standing beside Sakura.
"They're like kids sometimes, aren't they?" Sakura said, glancing at Hinata with a knowing smile.
Hinata nodded, her gaze drifting to the prizes displayed at the stall. Her eyes lingered on a large eight-tailed fox spirit plush toy perched on one of the higher shelves. It was adorable, its soft crimson fur and mischievous grin making her smile inwardly.
Kiba and Naruto both failed to win, much to their mutual dismay. Shino, standing nearby, commented dryly, "It's not about strength. Precision matters."
Naruto turned to him, pointing dramatically. "Then you do it, Shino! Show us your precision!"
Shino shook his head. "I'll pass."
Naruto crossed his arms, pouting briefly before turning his attention to Sasuke. "What about you, Sasuke? Think you can do better?"
Sasuke's dark eyes narrowed slightly. "I don't waste time on things like this."
"What's the matter? Scared you might lose?" Naruto teased, a mischievous glint in his eye.
Sasuke's expression didn't change, but there was a flicker of challenge in his gaze. "Fine." He stepped up to the stall with an air of quiet confidence, accepting the challenge as though it were a test of his skill rather than a simple festival game.
The crowd watched in anticipation as Sasuke calmly took his position. His sharp focus was palpable, and with swift precision, he hit the targets effortlessly, earning the highest score of the night. The stall owner applauded as the crowd cheered lightly, impressed by his skill.
Naruto groaned loudly. "Of course he'd win. Show-off."
Sasuke ignored him, turning to the stall owner. Give me that one," he said, pointing to the large fox spirit plush toy.
Hinata's eyes widened slightly as the stall owner handed Sasuke the prize. To her surprise, Sasuke turned and extended it toward her.
"Here," he said simply.
Hinata stared at him, her cheeks flushing as she hesitated. "F-for me?"
"You were looking at it," he replied, his tone neutral but firm. "Take it."
Hinata reached out slowly, her fingers brushing against the soft fabric as she accepted the plush toy. "Thank you, Sasuke-san," she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper.
"It's nothing," he replied curtly, stepping away without further comment.
Naruto and Kiba exchanged baffled looks, while Sakura smirked knowingly. Hinata hugged the plush toy lightly, her heart fluttering as she struggled to process what had just happened. Sasuke, meanwhile, walked ahead, his usual stoic demeanor betraying no hint of the decision he'd just made.
As the group continued wandering through the festival, the lively energy around them showed no signs of slowing. Bright lanterns swayed in the evening breeze, casting soft light over the crowded paths. It was then that Hinata spotted a familiar figure up ahead. Ino was enthusiastically waving in their direction, her energy as vibrant as the festival itself. Beside her stood Neji, his posture as stoic as ever but his expression betraying a hint of exhaustion.
Sakura raised an eyebrow at the sight. "Is that Neji… with Ino?" she asked, her tone laden with curiosity. "That's… odd."
Naruto squinted as he stared ahead. "Yeah, and Neji looks like he's been through a whole day of Gai-sensei's youth training."
Shino, walking quietly beside the group, adjusted his glasses. "Interesting pairing," he remarked.
Sasuke, however, remained silent, his sharp gaze flicking briefly to Neji and Ino before he returned his focus to the path ahead, seemingly uninterested.
As they approached, Sakura couldn't help herself. "Ino," she said, smirking slightly, "did you find Shikamaru and manage to give him your trinket?"
Ino's cheerful demeanor shifted into annoyance. She crossed her arms, a slight pout on her lips. "No," she huffed. "Not even with Neji's help. His Byakugan is useless."
Neji's gaze didn't waver. He ignored the jab, his arms remaining at his sides as though her words were beneath him.
Hinata stepped closer to her cousin, her soft voice breaking through the banter. "Neji-niisan, I have something for you," she said, holding up the small embroidered handkerchief she had prepared.
Neji nodded, raising his hand to accept it, but Hinata paused mid-motion. Her lavender eyes fixed on his wrist, where a charm bracelet rested snugly against his skin. It was delicate, with small leaves and flowers woven into its design—utterly uncharacteristic of her serious and composed cousin.
Naruto was the first to notice her hesitation and followed her gaze. "Whoa, Neji! Since when do you wear stuff like that? I didn't know you had a girlfriend!" he exclaimed, grinning widely. "I mean, you're so serious all the time, but then again, Sasuke's a brick wall, and even he's engaged, so…"
Hinata tilted her head, her expression curious but calm. "Neji-niisan, do you… have a girlfriend?" she asked quietly.
Neji's eyes narrowed slightly, and he crossed his arms, the bracelet glinting in the lantern light. "No. Ino put it there."
Kiba burst out laughing, clutching his sides. "Oh man, Neji, you're walking around with Ino's bracelet and don't even know what it means? That's priceless!"
Ino rolled her eyes, brushing her hair over her shoulder. "It's just a trinket," she claimed, her tone nonchalant.
But Neji turned his head toward her, his sharp gaze suddenly questioning. "Ino," he said evenly, "what does it mean?"
Ino's confidence faltered for a moment, her eyes darting between the group's curious stares. She waved a dismissive hand. "Nothing! It doesn't mean anything. It's just a cute accessory for the festival."
Naruto leaned in, his grin widening. "Sure doesn't sound like it means nothing," he teased. "C'mon, Ino, you can tell us!"
Ino huffed, glaring at Naruto. "Mind your business, Naruto! Not everything has some hidden meaning."
Despite her protest, Neji's sharp eyes remained locked on Ino. The group's chatter softened as an awkward silence settled over them, punctuated only by the distant hum of the festival.
Hinata shifted slightly, breaking the tension. "Neji-niisan," she said gently, "are you… okay with wearing it?"
Neji's gaze flicked to his cousin, softening slightly. "It doesn't bother me," he said simply.
Shino adjusted his glasses again. "A bold fashion statement," he remarked dryly. "Unexpected, but not unwelcome."
Kiba smirked. "Well, whether it bothers you or not, it's hilarious." He glanced at Ino. "You're not gonna let him live this down, are you?"
Ino crossed her arms, turning her nose up. "Why would I? He's lucky I'm even hanging around to help him. Do you know how stubborn he is?"
"Me?" Neji replied, his tone sharp but controlled. "You're the one who insisted on using me as your personal search party."
As the group erupted into laughter, the sound of their joy filled the lively festival air. Hinata smiled faintly, her gaze drifting to the side. Her eyes settled on Naruto, who was standing beside Sakura. They were elbowing each other playfully, their laughter mingling as they leaned in close. It was the easy camaraderie of a couple deeply comfortable with each other, full of lightness and affection. A small pang of jealousy hit her, unexpected and sharp, like the faint echo of something she couldn't quite grasp.
Hinata's hand rose to her chest, her fingers brushing lightly against the fabric of her kimono. She thought of the real Hinata—the one who used to own the body she inhabitted. Was she still here? The echo of her past feelings for Naruto lingered, faint but undeniable. It wasn't hers, she's sure of it, but it remained, a shadow of the girl who had once admired him so deeply.
She has always admired Naruto in the Anime— his boundless energy, his unrelenting determination, the way he never gave up no matter how dire the circumstances. His kindness, too, stood out, the way he brought warmth and optimism to those around him. She admired his strength for so long, the way he faced the world head-on without fear. But admiration wasn't love, and certainly not enough to feel jealous.
She exhaled softly, her gaze lifting, and her eyes caught someone else instead. Sasuke.
He was standing a little apart from the group, his posture relaxed yet poised, his expression as unreadable as ever. But his eyes—sharp and dark—were focused on her. She froze under his gaze, her breath catching as her heart gave a sudden, erratic thump.
Hinata's fingers instinctively tightened against the plush toy she held as if trying to steady the wild rhythm of her heart. Why was he looking at her like that? The intensity of his gaze felt almost tangible, as though it could pierce through the layers of her thoughts and see something she wasn't ready to show.
Her cheeks warmed, and she quickly turned her attention back to the others, but the pounding of her heart refused to subside. It wasn't the first time Sasuke's presence had unsettled her so profoundly, but it felt different now, more acute, more inescapable.
The laughter of her friends faded into the background as she struggled to process the shift within her. The echo of her old feelings for Naruto seemed so distant compared to the vivid, unspoken connection she was beginning to feel with Sasuke. And yet, she wondered, What does he see when he looks at me like that?