Part 3

Hinata was sitting on a log. Kiba stood with his arms crossed, wearing an exasperated scowl. Shino had a similar frown behind his glasses.

Hinata had just shared, in her standard, non-complaining way, how she wished Naruto would take her somewhere other than Ichiraku's once in a while.

"Hinata, I'm just gonna say it," Kiba began, pacing a bit in front of her. Akamaru sat beside him, tilting his head as if in agreement. "You can't keep doing this."

Hinata blinked, looking up at him. "D-Doing what?"

Kiba threw his hands in the air. "Throwing yourself at Naruto like he's the last piece of meat at a barbecue! The guy barely puts in any effort, and you just… you keep giving and giving."

Shino stepped forward. "What Kiba is trying to say is that relationships should be balanced. This is because, if you do everything for Naruto, he won't see the need to reciprocate."

Hinata's cheeks flushed, and she clasped her hands together tightly in her lap. "I… I just want to show him how much I care," she murmured.

"And that's fine," Kiba said, crouching down in front of her so they were eye level. "But when you make it too easy for him, he gets lazy. Trust me, Hinata, Naruto's a good guy, but he's also kind of a blockhead."

Akamaru barked in agreement.

Hinata frowned. "I don't want to play games, Kiba-kun. That's not who I am."

"It's about setting boundaries," Shino interjected. "If you give too much of yourself without expecting anything in return, Naruto will assume that's how things are supposed to be. That is to say, he needs to put in effort as well, or the relationship will remain one-sided."

Kiba nodded, standing up again. "You've been chasing Naruto for years. He's finally noticed you, which is great. But now he needs to realize that keeping you isn't automatic. He's gotta work for it, too."

Hinata bit her lip, her eyes lowering to the ground. She hated to admit it, but their words struck a chord. She thought back to the night at the ramen stand, how Naruto had barely acknowledged the dumplings she had brought, too absorbed in his own excitement. It wasn't the first time something like that had happened.

"But what if…" Hinata hesitated. "What if he loses interest?"

Kiba groaned, ruffling his hair in frustration. "Ugh, Hinata, no! That's not how it works. If he's really into you, he's not gonna run away just because you stop catering to his every whim. If anything, it'll make him realize how much he stands to lose."

Shino nodded. "A healthy relationship requires mutual effort. You've done more than your share. Let him meet you halfway."

Hinata was quiet for a long moment, their words sinking in. "I… I understand what you're saying," she said, looking up. "I'll try."

Kiba grinned, giving her a playful nudge on the shoulder. "That's the spirit! Don't let him take you for granted, alright?"

Shino placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Yes. You deserve better."

Hinata smiled warmly. "Thank you, Kiba-kun, Shino-kun. I'll do my best."

Perhaps, she thought, it was time to show Naruto that her heart wasn't something to be taken lightly, and that she deserved some of the same effort she had always given.

Neji's concentration faltered yet again, his kunai missing its mark by a fraction of an inch. It clattered against the training dummy, an error that didn't escape the notice of Tenten and Lee.

"Neji, you're distracted," Tenten said, placing a hand on her hip. "That's the third mistake you've made today. And you never miss."

Lee, too, looked at him in concern. "That is true. Something must be bothering you. You should share it with us."

Neji clenched his jaw, retrieving the kunai without answering. His usual composed demeanor was strained, and the slight tension in his shoulders was evident.

Tenten exchanged a glance with Lee, lowering her voice. "It's Hinata and Naruto, isn't it?"

Neji froze for a half a second before continuing to adjust the straps on his wrist guards. "What about them?" he asked, his tone measured but clipped.

"Well," Lee began cautiously, "she and Naruto… they seem really happy together. And, um, we just thought… maybe you… might have a problem with it."

Tenten sighed. "We've noticed how you've been acting around Hinata. It's like you care about her a little more than you're letting on."

Neji turned sharply to face them, his pale eyes narrowing. "You're mistaken."

Was he that bad at hiding it? First, Kiba and Shino had asked him if it bothered him. Now, it was Lee and Tenten asking him blatantly.

"Are we?" Tenten challenged. "Look, I don't know what's going on in that genius brain of yours, but it's okay to admit when something's bothering you. You know we've got your back."

Lee nodded earnestly, adding, "Yes! Even if it's difficult, it's better to share your burden than carry it alone!"

Neji's gaze flicked between them, his expression unreadable. "You're making assumptions," he said finally, his voice cold.

Tenten groaned. "Fine, don't talk about it. But it's not just us who see it, you know. You can deny it all you want. You're… protective, but it's more than that now, and has been since some time, really. And honestly, I don't think Naruto has noticed, but if you feel something, you shouldn't hide it. Even if she's with Naruto."

"Enough." Neji's voice was sharp, cutting off her words. The air grew tense, and for a moment, neither Tenten nor Lee spoke.

Neji's hand tightened imperceptibly on the hilt of his kunai. "Hinata-sama's happiness is all that matters. And she's happy with him."

Tenten frowned, her tone softening. "But what about your happiness?"

For a long moment, Neji didn't answer. His gaze drifted toward the horizon, his expression unreadable.

He didn't understand it. Was it jealousy? Guilt? Or something else entirely?

Finally, he said, "Some things are better left unsaid."

Lee turned to Tenten smugly. "And here you thought he would hide it well. You owe me 1000 ryou. Pay up."

"I'm the one who even got him to admit it," she retorted. "You pay up."

They continued their bickering, and Neji's mind still lingered on Hinata.

It was true. He had started noticing the way her laugh lit up the room, and, from a distance, the warmth in her eyes when she spoke to Naruto.

And then... there was the fleeting memory of a night beneath the cherry blossom tree that no one else knew about.

It wasn't just her happiness he wanted to protect. It was the part of her she had shared with him once. The part he couldn't forget, no matter how much he tried.

Hinata's heart raced as she spotted Naruto ahead, walking with his usual carefree gait, chatting with Chōji about the mission they were going to leave for the next day.

She paused for a moment, gathering her courage. This is it, she thought. I can do this.

Taking a deep breath, she stepped forward. "N-Naruto-kun?"

He turned quickly at the sound of her voice, his face lighting up with that familiar, wide grin. "Hey, Hinata! What's up? I can't wait for tonight!" he winked.

Hinata's pulse quickened. She swallowed, but the words she had prepared - everything Kiba and Shino had said to her - seemed to slip away as soon as she opened her mouth.

She wanted to tell him how she had been feeling, to express that she didn't want to be the one always trying, always giving. But her voice faltered, her throat tightening in hesitation.

Naruto tilted his head, not seeming to notice the struggle behind her words, just as it had always been in the past. "You okay?"

Hinata nodded quickly, too quickly, and let out a nervous laugh. "I-I'm fine… I was just wondering… if you wanted to, um, grab some ramen for later?"

Naruto grinned even wider. "Ramen? You know I'm always up for ramen! Let's go now!"

Hinata felt the lump in her throat grow, but she forced a smile, nodding. "O-okay."

They arrived at the ramen stand, and Teuchi greeted them with his usual warm smile. Hinata ordered quietly. Naruto, on the other hand, was already half-laughing about a prank he had pulled on Lee earlier.

It wasn't that Hinata didn't enjoy his stories - she did, more than anything. But it was in moments like these that she couldn't help but feel as if she were simply a part of his background, a shadow that wasn't meant to be noticed unless she spoke up.

As they ate, she watched Naruto eat with his usual enthusiasm, slurping down noodles like there was no tomorrow.

"I… I wanted to talk about something," Hinata tried again.

Naruto paused mid-bite, looking up at her. "Yeah?"

Her hands clenched around her chopsticks, her palms starting to sweat.

Come on, she thought, just say it. Say how you feel. He needs to understand.

But the words wouldn't come. Everything dissolved the moment his gaze met hers.

"I… I…" She tried again, but the lump in her throat made it impossible.

Naruto, ever oblivious, smiled at her. "It's ok, you can tell me later. Let's just enjoy the ramen, yeah?"

Hinata swallowed hard, her gaze dropping to her bowl as she nodded, a quiet "Okay" slipping from her lips again.

Hinata felt a familiar sense of disappointment creep in, the same sense of longing she had felt for so long.

She wanted more. She wanted Naruto to see her, someone who mattered in ways he hadn't yet realized.

But once again, she found herself retreating into silence, unable to voice the feelings she had kept locked inside for so long.

"Thanks for the ramen, Hinata!" Naruto said, grinning, as they left the stand.

Hinata managed a weak smile. "You're welcome, Naruto-kun."

Her heart felt heavier than before.

Maybe I'm just not cut out for this, she thought. Maybe I'll always be the one who cares too much, while he'll never see me the way I want him to.

"Oh, I almost forgot," he said. Hinata looked up hopefully, but Naruto just leaned in and kissed her.

"Let's go home," Naruto murmured.

She sighed. Though she had failed to speak up, she had tried.

After their training, Neji walked aimlessly till he found himself sitting at the corner of Ichiraku ramen shop.

It wasn't a place he frequented; it was Naruto's spot.

Yet here he was, seated at the counter with no real appetite, pretending to study the menu, trying to decipher what made this place so special that Naruto seemed incapable of dining anywhere else.

"Ah, Neji!" Teuchi's voice interrupted his thoughts as the flow of customers dwindled. The old man wiped his hands on a towel and leaned on the counter, smiling warmly. "Haven't seen you here much. What brings you by?"

Neji merely shrugged, unwilling to give an answer that made sense. Teuchi chuckled and reached under the counter, pulling out a neatly folded scarf.

"Oh by the way. This belongs to Naruto. He left it here just before you came by. Looks important, something Hinata knitted for him, I think." Teuchi held it out, adding with a grin, "You're her cousin, right? And you live close by to her? Mind dropping this off to her on your way home? Naruto said he was leaving for a mission soon - don't know when he'll be back."

Neji stared at the vibrant orange scarf. His fingers twitched, reluctant to take it. And yet, with a curt nod, he reached out, the fabric warm and soft in his hand.

"Okay," he said stiffly, tucking the scarf under his arm.

The next day, she saw Neji waiting for her at the entrance of the compound. His gaze drifted to her overnight bag before looking pointedly away. She flushed, but was glad that he chose to ignore the fact that she was obviously coming back from a night spent with Naruto before he left for his mission.

"Neji-niisan," Hinata said, surprise in her voice after the initial shock passed by. "Were you... waiting for me?"

Neji shook his head. "More like, hoping to run into you. I had to... return something."

Hinata blinked, confused. Neji appeared to reach for something but then appeared to change his mind.

"The dumplings," he reminded her, "I promised to make it up to you."

Hinata's heart skipped a beat. She hadn't expected Neji to actually follow up on it. "It's really not a big deal…"

"I was thinking," he continued, ignoring her protests. "We could go to Teatime. I understand it's a quiet spot you enjoy."

Hinata blinked again. It was a small, quaint teahouse tucked away in a quieter part of Konoha, a place she went to unwind alone, never expecting anyone to notice or join her.

She was speechless, but her heart fluttered relentlessly. "How do you...?" she sputtered.

Neji smiled finally. "I've paid attention to your habits, Hinata-sama. You may have forgotten, but I'm - was - your guardian."

She simply stood there, unsure of what to say. Neji had never been the type to offer grand gestures or seek her attention.

It came to him naturally.

"Thank you, Neji-niisan," she said softly. "I'd really like that."

She sat across from him, the warm aroma of tea swirling around them. She felt her heart beating faster than it should have, a familiar ache blooming in her chest.

She did not understand the why. She had just spent a pleasant night with Naruto, wrapped in his arms. She was coming back happy. Satisfied.

Neji was calm as ever, his posture straight and composed, his hands resting lightly on the table. But there was a softness in his demeanor, a quiet patience that always seemed to disarm her.

As they had reached the counter, Neji glanced at her. "You've been here before. I trust your taste. Please order for me."

The words were simple, yet they made Hinata's breath catch.

He trusted her. Not out of convenience, not because he was indifferent, but because he valued her judgment.

"F-for you?" she stammered, her cheeks warming.

Neji nodded, his gaze steady. "Yes. Whatever you think is best."

Hinata felt the familiar flutter of nerves in her chest, mixed with something else she couldn't quite name. She hesitated only briefly before choosing.

For herself, she ordered a taro boba tea, her favorite. For Neji, she selected a matcha boba tea - something he might appreciate.

When they had taken their seats, Hinata found herself glancing at Neji, her heart tightening. Being here with him felt so different from being with Naruto.

Naruto was always a storm of energy, dragging her into his world of ramen shops and adventures where she often struggled to keep up and often ignored. She adored him, but she often felt like an observer in his story, a quiet presence in the background of his brighter light.

With Neji, it was entirely different. He noticed her. He saw her. Not just the surface of who she was, but the small details she thought no one paid attention to - her hesitations, her quiet preferences, the things she didn't have to explain because he simply understood.

When their drinks arrived, Hinata watched as Neji picked up his cup, his movements deliberate and graceful. He took a slow sip of the matcha tea, his brow furrowing slightly in thought as the pearls hit his mouth.

"This is… different," he said thoughtfully, chewing the pearls. "The flavors are subtle but balanced. I can see why you chose it."

Hinata felt warmth spread through her chest at his words. She looked down at her own cup, nervously brushing her fingers along the straw. "I-I thought it might suit you," she said softly.

"It does," Neji replied, taking another sip, now getting accustomed to the flow of bubbles in his mouth. "Thank you, Hinata-sama."

She felt her pulse quicken once more, her emotions swirling like the steam rising from their drinks.

It was such a simple moment, yet it felt so significant. He wasn't just humoring her. He genuinely appreciated the thought she had put into something as small as a cup of tea.

They continued sipping their drinks, and Hinata found herself stealing glances at him.

Neji wasn't like anyone else in her life. He didn't demand her attention or assume her loyalty. He gave her space to be herself, and in doing so, he made her feel seen in a way she hadn't realized she was longing for.

"Something on your mind?" Neji's voice broke through her thoughts, pulling her back to the present.

Hinata felt her cheeks flush as she fumbled for a response. "Oh, I-I was just… thinking," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Neji's gaze softened, and for a moment, his eyes seemed to hold something deeper, something she couldn't quite read. "You don't have to explain," he said gently and her throat closed up.

He never required any explanation for her actions. Even when she had approached him that night beneath the cherry blossom tree, he had cared more about her feelings than his own confusion.

"Sometimes, it's enough just to sit quietly and think," he was saying.

She nodded, her voice too tight to speak, and returned her attention to her drink.

Neji set his cup down. "So... what've you been up to?" his said lowly, almost hesitant.

Hinata looked down at her hands, nervously clutching the edge of her own cup. She had been expecting him to ask.

It had been a while since she had really opened up to anyone, especially him - no body had cared enough to ask.

She didn't want to burden him with her inner turmoil, but there was something about this moment - something about the way Neji was looking at her - that made her feel like he really wanted to hear her thoughts.

"I've… been trying," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "Trying to do more, to be stronger. But… sometimes it feels like I'm just… not enough."

Neji's gaze softened, and for a moment, his usual guarded expression cracked. He leaned forward slightly, his eyes never leaving hers. "You are more than enough, Hinata-sama. You always have been. I've told you that, and I believe in it."

Her breath caught in her throat at his words. The sincerity in his voice, the way he spoke so plainly and yet with so much weight. She felt her heart flutter, warmth flooding her chest.

But then, almost instinctively, she lowered her gaze, afraid to look him in the eye for too long. The vulnerability she had let slip out suddenly felt too raw, too exposed.

Neji noticed the shift immediately, his expression softening further. "You don't have to carry everything on your own," he said, his voice almost a whisper, "you're allowed to rest, to lean on others. You may have a new a protector now, but I'm still here, if you need me. We can have more of these quiet tea sessions."

Her eyes lifted to meet his, and for the first time in a long while, she felt a wave of relief wash over her.

Neji wasn't asking anything of her. He wasn't demanding her to be something she wasn't. He was simply there, offering her his quiet presence, his unspoken understanding.

A shy smile tugged at the corner of her lips. "Thank you, Neji-niisan," she whispered, the words feeling like a balm to her wounded heart.

Neji didn't smile back, but his eyes softened, and in that small, almost imperceptible detail, Hinata saw a depth of care she hadn't realized she was missing.

He didn't need to say more. He simply reached over, his hand brushing gently against hers. The touch was fleeting, but the warmth of it lingered.

It was a small gesture. Neji didn't need to speak to comfort her. He had always known how to offer his care in the most subtle ways, and somehow, it always seemed to reach her in a way nothing else did.

"Shall we go?" he asked.

Hinata nodded, and he rose, extending his hand to her. She froze, glancing down at his hand before meeting his gaze.

His face was expressionless. She placed her hand on his, and the contact sent a jolt through her. Her cheeks burnt.

They stepped out into the evening. She couldn't explain it, but something about the way Neji treated her... how he noticed her... It made her feel both seen and cherished.

They walked back to the compound in silence, enjoying the scenery.

"I-I'll... see you," she mumbled as they reached the familiar pathway, and shuffled away.

Neji nodded, and retreated to his own lodgings.

He wondered why he hadn't told her about the scarf. Seeing her return home smiling, he had come to the realization that returning the scarf now would do nothing but hurt her.

Naruto doesn't deserve it, he told himself. Not until he proved that he understood what Hinata's love truly meant, that he wouldn't take her for granted like the scarf he had so carelessly left behind.