CHAPTER 16
Hinata sat in the quiet of her room, her gaze drifting toward the servant bustling about, folding freshly pressed linens and carefully preparing ceremonial decorations. The air in the Hyuuga compound had been unusually lively for days, with servants moving swiftly and conversations carried in hushed tones.
She tried to appear composed as she watched. Her mind, however, was a flurry of questions. What exactly is happening here?
Her confusion reached a breaking point when the servant, a middle-aged woman with a gentle smile, glanced her way.
"Hinata-sama, should we prepare the ceremonial attire for the upcoming gathering?"
She blinked, her lips parting slightly in surprise. Ceremonial attire? Gathering?
Realizing she had no idea what was going on, she managed a soft, vague response. "Yes, please."
The servant bowed and continued her work, leaving her with a rising sense of unease. As soon as the servant left, she rose and made her way to her younger sister's room, her mind racing.
She found Hanabi sitting cross-legged on the floor, reading a scroll with an almost casual ease. When she entered, pale lavender eyes like her own looked up, and her expression immediately shifting into a playful grin.
"Hey, Nee-san," the younger Hyuuga greeted, setting her scroll aside. "What's up?"
She hesitated for a moment before taking a seat across from her sister. "Hanabi… what exactly is this gathering that everyone is preparing for?"
A shapely eyebrow raised, and Hanabi's expression turned quizzical. "You don't know?"
She shook her head, forcing a soft, embarrassed laugh. "I've… been distracted lately."
Hanabi tilted her head, studying her sister curiously. It isn't like her to forget something she's been helping with for years. That, and it's also one of the biggest events for the Hyuugas. "It's the annual clan unity ceremony. You know, the one where we invite the elders and reinforce our traditions."
Her heart sank. Of course it is. "Oh, right," she said quickly, nodding as if she had simply forgotten. "I guess it slipped my mind."
Hanabi gave her a strange look but didn't press further. "Well, you better get ready. Father's going to expect you to handle some of the ceremonies again this year. You're the heiress, after all." She smirked, picking up her scroll again. "You're acting weird, Nee-san. Don't mess it up, okay?"
Hinata swallowed hard, nodding again. "I'll do my best. Thank you, Hanabi." She said while forcing a smile.
By the evening of the event, the Hyuuga compound was immaculate. Lanterns hung elegantly from the eaves, their warm glow casting soft shadows across the pristine grounds. The main hall buzzed with quiet energy as the clan elders arrived, their dignified presence adding weight to the atmosphere.
Hiashi sat at the head of the hall, his commanding presence anchoring the room. To his right, Neji stood quietly, his posture impeccable as always. His sharp eyes followed Hinata as she entered, noting the faint flicker of hesitation in her steps.
"Hinata," the leader of the clan said, his tone firm but calm. "It's time to address the elders."
She froze briefly, her mind scrambling. Address them? About what?
She glanced at her cousin, who caught her subtle look of uncertainty. Stepping forward slightly, he spoke in a low, even tone. "Begin by thanking them for their presence and acknowledging their contributions to the clan, Hinata-sama."
Relieved but careful to mask it, she nodded. How was she supposed to know? She'd never seen this event in the Anime or Manga. She turned toward the elders, bowing deeply. "Thank you all for attending and for your continued dedication to the Hyuuga clan," she said, her voice steady but measured.
The elders murmured their approval, and she straightened, her posture regaining its grace.
As the evening progressed, she did her best to follow the rituals and meet expectations, but her lack of familiarity with the traditions became increasingly apparent. During one portion of the ceremony, she hesitated over the placement of incense, glancing at her cousin once again for guidance.
"It should face toward the east," Neji whispered, stepping closer under the guise of assisting her.
"Thank you," she murmured, quickly correcting the position.
His gaze lingered on her longer than usual, his sharp mind noting every detail. What's wrong with Hinata-sama? She wouldn't need reminders for something so basic.
Later, when presenting ceremonial gifts to the elders, she mixed up the order, offering the wrong gift to the wrong person. Though she corrected herself quickly, she caught the subtle exchange of glances among the elders.
Hiashi's expression remained calm, but his piercing eyes hinted at disapproval.
As the ceremony progressed, Neji's unease deepened. Hinata's repeated need for guidance, her hesitation with rituals she should have known instinctively—it all felt wrong.
She was raised with these traditions, he thought, his sharp gaze lingering on her. She wouldn't forget them so easily—not even after her coma.
When the event transitioned to informal discussions among the clan members, he approached her quietly. "Hinata-sama," he said, his tone neutral but laced with a hint of curiosity. "Are you feeling well?"
Hinata turned to him, startled. "Y-Yes, Neji-niisan. Why do you ask?"
"You seemed uncertain during the ceremonies," he said, his words carefully measured. "It's unlike you to hesitate with traditions you've performed for years."
She hesitated, her mind scrambling for an explanation. "I suppose… being in the coma for so long has made some things feel unfamiliar."
He studied her closely, his sharp eyes searching hers for any hint of insincerity. "I see," he said slowly. "But some traditions are deeply ingrained, Hinata-sama. Even after time away, they should come naturally."
Her heart raced, but she forced a calm smile. "You're right, Neji-niisan. Perhaps I just need more time to reacquaint myself."
Neji nodded.
As the evening wore on, her thoughts drifted back to her fiance, whose absence weighed heavier with each passing moment. Every time the door slid open, her head lifted instinctively, a flicker of hope sparking in her chest. But each time, disappointment followed, it was never him.
The elders began to discuss the Uchiha's absence, their quiet whispers turning into pointed murmurs. One elder finally spoke, his voice carrying a weight of disapproval. "It is concerning that the Uchiha has not shown up for such an important occasion. Does he even take this engagement seriously?"
Another elder chimed in, her tone sharp. "His absence is a slight to the clan's unity. We sent someone to ensure he was informed, and he confirmed that Uchiha himself received the letter. Yet, he is not here."
The murmurs grew louder as other elders voiced their doubts. "The engagement already stirs unease among the other clans. They fear it will grant too much power to the Hyuuga if the union produces powerful shinobi in the future."
"And what of the Uchiha clan?" another elder added. "Their history of betrayal and greed for power cannot be ignored. Some believe this union will give the future Uchihas too much influence over us. And now, Uchiha's absence only adds to these concerns."
Hinata sat quietly, her hands folded neatly in her lap. Though her heart raced with anxiety, her expression remained calm and composed. "I understand your concerns," she said in a steady voice. "But please know that this engagement was not decided lightly. Both clans have much to gain from this alliance, and I trust that Sasuke-san's absence is not a reflection of his commitment."
The elders exchanged skeptical glances but said no more, allowing the conversation to shift back to the ceremonies.
When the event concluded, she found herself alone in one of the side courtyards, the quiet night air brushing against her skin. The soft glow of lanterns illuminated the compound, but her heart felt heavy.
She had hoped—perhaps foolishly—that Sasuke would come. As her fiance, his presence would have signaled his support and unity between their clans. Instead, he hadn't even sent a message.
Her fingers tightened slightly around the edge of her sleeve. Why didn't you come, Sasuke?
From a distance, Neji watched her silently. The faint tension in her posture, the way her gaze lingered on the empty path leading to the gate, he could see her disappointment, even if she tried to hide it.
You've really changed, Hinata-sama, he thought, his eyes narrowing slightly. And I'm not sure why.
The thought lingered in his mind as he turned and walked away.
It had been over a month since Hinata last saw Sasuke, and the absence hadn't gone unnoticed. At first, she had assumed he was away on a mission. He wasn't the type to linger unnecessarily in social settings, and while it was strange not to see him at all, she hadn't thought much of it.
But as the days stretched into weeks, and weeks turned into months, unease began to settle in.
Clan events had come and gone—formal dinners, village gatherings—but Sasuke was conspicuously absent. She overheard whispers among villagers, some wondering whether he had left Konoha entirely.
Maybe he's busy, she thought. Maybe I'm overthinking it. Still, there was a gnawing feeling in the pit of her stomach—something she couldn't quite name.
One late afternoon, with the sky beginning to turn golden, Hinata wandered through the market. She paused at a fruit stall, distracted by her thoughts, when a familiar voice called out behind her.
"Hinata-chan!"
She turned to see Naruto waving enthusiastically, a wide grin plastered across his face. He was holding a bag of steaming dumplings, clearly enjoying his mid-mission break.
"Good afternoon, Naruto-kun," she greeted with a polite smile.
The blond shinobi jogged up to her, popping another dumpling into his mouth. "Haven't seen you around much lately! How're things?"
She smiled softly. "I'm doing well, thank you," she hesitated for a moment, then decided to ask, "Naruto-kun, have you seen Sasuke-san lately?"
Blue eyes blinked. "Sasuke?" He chewed quickly, swallowed, and frowned slightly. "Yeah, I've seen him. He's been hanging around the Uchiha compound. Why?"
Her heart skipped a beat. "So he's in the village?"
"Yeah, he never left," he said, tilting his head in confusion. "I mean, he's not exactly chatty, but he's around. Surprised you haven't seen him since you guys are, y'know…"
He stopped mid-sentence at Hinata's expression—a mix of surprise and quiet concern.
He's been here the whole time? She thought, her stomach twisting slightly. She offered Naruto a small bow. "Thank you for telling me, Naruto-kun."
Before he could say anything else, Hinata turned and began walking briskly toward the Uchiha compound.
The Uchiha compound was as quiet and imposing as ever, its dark roofs and wide courtyards exuding an air of emptiness. Hinata hesitated just outside the gate, her fingers tightening briefly on the hem of her sleeve.
Why has he been avoiding me?
She had tried not to dwell on it, convincing herself that maybe he was simply busy or away on a mission. But Naruto's casual comment that he had been in the village the entire time left her restless. Now, standing here, the reality of confronting him felt heavier than she expected.
Steeling herself, she stepped inside, her sandals echoing faintly on the stone paths. She didn't even bother to knock this time, not when it was obvious he was avoiding her.
The compound felt almost abandoned, a place frozen in time. The air was still, the silence amplifying every hesitant step she took. Her heart raced as she finally reached the far courtyard, where she spotted him. Sasuke stood in the center, practicing with his katana. The sharp ring of steel cutting through the air broke the stillness, his movements precise and deliberate, as though trying to focus on something far beyond the blade.
For a moment, she froze, her eyes drawn to him.
He was strikingly handsome, as always. His chiseled features seemed to catch the light in just the right way, emphasizing the sharp line of his jaw and the quiet intensity in his dark eyes. His movements were fluid, his muscles flexing beneath his shirt with every swing of the blade.
She swallowed, feeling her cheeks warm faintly. Even now, after everything, she couldn't stop herself from admiring him. He looked so focused, so untouchable, yet there was something else, something strained about the way he moved.
"Sasuke-san," she called softly, breaking the stillness.
Sasuke froze mid-swing, his back to her. The tension in his shoulders was impossible to miss.
He felt her before he heard her, but he thought he was imagining it. Her voice was soft, too soft to be real. He shook his head slightly, his grip tightening on the hilt of his katana. She's not here, he told himself. I'm just hearing things. But the spike in chakra was unmistakable.
And then she spoke again, her voice carrying a little more certainty this time. "Sasuke-san… it's been a while."
This time, he turned, his dark eyes locking onto hers.
For a brief second, he wondered if he was hallucinating. The sight of her standing there, framed by the fading light, felt surreal. Her hair caught the glow of the setting sun, falling in silky waves around her shoulders. Her pearl-like eyes, always so soft and expressive, looked directly at him with a quiet resolve.
She looks… like a nymph.
His gaze lingered longer than he meant to, tracing the delicate features of her face. Her porcelain skin seemed to glow in the dim light, and the slight flush on her cheeks only added to her ethereal beauty.
"What are you doing here?" he finally asked, his voice quieter than usual.
Hinata stepped closer, her heart pounding. "I… I wanted to see you," she said honestly. Her fingers fidgeted slightly, but her voice remained steady. "It's been a while, and I was worried."
His gaze flickered briefly before he looked away, sheathing his katana with a sharp click. "I've been busy."
"Busy?" she repeated softly, her tone tinged with doubt.
He frowned, his grip tightening on his katana. "You shouldn't have come."
The words stung, but she didn't back down. She took another step forward, her eyes searching his. "Why have you been avoiding me?"
He stiffened and then turned away. He didn't answer immediately, his gaze fixed on the katana in his hand. "I haven't been avoiding you," he said eventually, though the words felt hollow even to him.
She frowned slightly. "Then why haven't I seen you? Not since…" Her cheeks flushed, and she quickly looked away, unable to finish the sentence.
Sasuke exhaled sharply, lowering his katana. "It doesn't matter," he muttered, though the tension in his voice betrayed him.
Hinata hesitated, then stepped even closer. "It matters to me," she said quietly, her words carrying a vulnerability that made his chest tighten.
He finally turned back to her, his dark eyes meeting hers. For a moment, the guarded wall he always carried seemed to crack, and she saw something flicker behind his gaze, something raw and unspoken.
Her breath hitched slightly as she held his gaze, the intensity of his stare making her chest tighten. She had always admired Sasuke—his strength, his resilience—but seeing him like this, so conflicted and human, made her heart ache in a way she didn't expect.
He looked at her, and for a fleeting moment, he allowed himself to admit what he had been trying to deny. She had been on his mind more than he wanted to admit, her presence, her strength, the way she seemed to see through him without trying.
But the thought scared him.
"You don't belong here," he said finally, his voice quieter now. "This isn't your place."
Her chest tightened at his words, but she refused to back down. "And where do I belong, Sasuke-san?" she asked softly, her voice steady despite the emotions swirling inside her.
He didn't answer. He looked at her for a long moment, his expression unreadable, before turning his gaze back to the horizon. The silence between them felt heavy, filled with words neither of them knew how to say.
Her hands clenched slightly at her sides, her heart pounding as she tried to gather her thoughts. She didn't know what she expected from this conversation, but the ache in her chest told her she wasn't ready to walk away, not yet.
"Sasuke-san," she said softly, her voice trembling slightly. "If I don't belong here, then tell me… where do I belong?"
Her words hung in the air, fragile and uncertain, as the distance between them seemed to grow impossibly wide.
For once, Sasuke didn't have an answer.
"Sasuke-san," she said gently, taking another step forward. "If I've done something to upset you, you can tell me. I thought we were… making progress." Her voice faltered slightly at the end, but she held her ground.
He finally looked back at her, his eyes sharp, conflicted. "You haven't done anything," he said bluntly. "It's me."
"What do you mean?" She blinked, confused.
He didn't answer. What did she even expect? It had always been so hard to reach him. Yet, she had truly believed they had grown closer after the mission. So, what changed?
The wind rustled the trees in the courtyard, filling the silence. Then, in a rare moment of vulnerability, Sasuke exhaled, his eyes softening just slightly. "This engagement… you act like it's easy. Like it doesn't bother you."
Her heart skipped at his words. "It's not easy," she admitted quietly. "But I've accepted it. I'm willing to make it work. For our clans… and for us."
His gaze lingered on her, something unspoken passing between them. His walls were there, but cracks were beginning to show. "Why?" he asked softly.
She swallowed hard, searching his eyes for an answer she wasn't sure she could say aloud. But she had promised herself that she wouldn't waver—not when she had come this far.
"Because…" she said quietly. "...I believe we can be something more than just an alliance."
Her words hung in the air, raw and honest. His expression didn't change, but his eyes… his eyes softened, the storm within them flickering just for a moment.
Without thinking, he took a step forward, closing the space between them. She froze, her breath catching as his presence overwhelmed her senses.
"You don't know what you're saying," he murmured, his voice low, conflicted.
"I do," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.
For a second, neither of them moved. The world around them fell into stillness as his gaze searched hers, as though trying to find some fault—some reason to push her away. But he didn't.
Instead, he reached out, his fingers brushing against her chin before gently tilting it upward. He leaned closer.
Her breath hitched as his face hovered just inches from hers, his dark eyes steady on hers. She felt her pulse racing wildly, the moment stretching longer than she thought possible.
And then, slowly—deliberately—he kissed her.
The touch was hesitant at first, as though testing the boundary between them. But when she didn't pull away, his hands moved to her waist, pulling her closer as the kiss deepened.
Her mind went blank, her hands instinctively reaching up to rest on his chest. She felt the warmth of him, the raw vulnerability he rarely showed, and it made her heart feel like it might burst.
This… this was nothing like how she had imagined kissing him would feel.
When they finally broke apart, both of them were breathing softly, their faces close enough that Hinata could still feel the warmth of his breath.
Sasuke looked at her, his expression softer than she had ever seen. For a long moment, neither of them spoke.
"…Why are you doing this?" she whispered, her voice shaky.
His dark eyes met hers, the conflict still there, but quieter now. "I don't know," he admitted. "But I can't ignore it anymore."
The silence that followed was deafening. The faint rustle of leaves, the soft chirp of birds in the distance—none of it registered to her as she stared up into his dark eyes. Her breath was shallow, her heart pounding so loudly she was sure he could hear it.
He didn't move. He was still close, too close. His hands rested at her waist, his grip firm but gentle, as though afraid to let go. His gaze held hers with an intensity that sent a shiver through her, his usual stoic mask faltering.
What is he thinking? she wondered, unable to tear her eyes away from him.
Before she could gather her thoughts, Sasuke moved again, his lips brushing against hers once more, this time with more certainty. The world around her faded. The only thing she felt was the warmth of him, the softness of his lips as they moved against hers. Her arms, almost on their own, slid up to rest around his neck, her fingers curling gently into his hair at the nape.
Sasuke deepened the kiss, his movements more insistent now, as though something inside him had snapped. One of his hands slid to the small of her back, pulling her even closer against him.
She gasped softly at the sensation, her heartbeat quickening as heat spread through her. The sudden closeness left her lightheaded, her mind a blur of thoughts and sensations. She had imagined this moment before, so many times, but nothing had prepared her for the reality of it.
It wasn't a fairy tale. It was raw, overwhelming, and electric.
Her hands slid downward, her palms resting against his shoulders as she tilted her head, giving in completely. Sasuke's lips trailed from her mouth to her jawline, his breath hot against her skin as he pressed soft kisses there. A small shiver ran through her, and she felt her knees weaken.
"Sasuke…" she whispered, her voice breathless.
He froze at the sound of her voice, his forehead pressing lightly against hers as they both tried to steady their breaths. His hands still held her close, his fingers flexing slightly as though reluctant to let go.
"Hinata…" he murmured, his voice low and rough, sending another flutter through her chest.
She looked up at him, her face flushed, her pale lavender eyes searching his. The vulnerability in his gaze caught her off guard—Sasuke, the man who always kept his emotions locked away, now looking at her like she was the only thing that mattered.
Her heart swelled.
Whatever walls had stood between them were gone. In this moment, there was no clan duty, no engagement deal, no pretense, just the two of them.
She reached up, her fingertips brushing against his cheek. "It's okay," she whispered softly, giving him permission to let go.
That was all it took.
Sasuke closed the distance between them again, capturing her lips with more passion this time. The kiss deepened, stealing her breath as he moved her backward until her back hit the wall of the courtyard.
His hands were everywhere—at her waist, her back, cradling her face—as though he couldn't decide where he wanted to hold her most. And she… she responded just as desperately, her own hands tangling in his hair, holding him close as though afraid he might disappear.
The heat between them grew, sparking into something more intense, more dangerous than either of them had anticipated.
Sasuke pressed soft kisses down her neck, pausing to breathe against her skin, as though savoring the moment. She shivered again, her fingers curling tighter into his hair.
She couldn't think, couldn't speak, only feel.
"Sasuke…"
Her voice brought him back. He stilled, his breath ragged as he pressed his forehead to hers once more. For a long moment, they just stood there, both of them trying to calm the whirlwind between them.
His voice was low when he finally spoke. "I… don't know what this is."
She blinked up at him, her own breaths shaky. "It doesn't matter right now."
He looked at her, searching her expression as though trying to find an answer to a question he couldn't ask. Slowly, his thumb brushed against her cheek, his touch lingering.
"You're not like anyone else," he murmured finally, his voice barely above a whisper.
She felt her chest tighten at his words, a soft smile tugging at her lips. She reached up again, her fingertips grazing his face. "Neither are you."
He leaned down and kissed her again, softly, gently, as though sealing whatever unspoken promise had just passed between them. Then, without a word, he scooped her into his arms.
She gasped softly, her arms instinctively wrapping around his neck as he carried her inside the house. In that moment, the boundaries between them blurred entirely, both surrendering to the connection that had been building for so long.
Whatever it was between them, neither of them could deny it any longer.