Chapter 3
Hinata, sensing someone nearby, glanced up—and froze.
Sasuke Uchiha was staring at her.
Her breath caught slightly, not because she feared him—no, Sasuke wasn't that person anymore. But it wasn't every day that he stopped to look at someone like this. His gaze wasn't hostile, but it wasn't exactly friendly either. It was… unreadable.
Realizing she had been staring back for too long, Hinata quickly bowed her head slightly in greeting. "Good morning, Uchiha-san."
Sasuke's eyes flickered to her bag again. He wasn't one for small talk, but curiosity won over his usual indifference.
"That keychain." His voice was calm, but there was the faintest hint of interest. "You do know that's my Susanoo, right?"
Hinata blinked before glancing at her bag. Then, she smiled softly. "Yes. But I just liked the color."
Sasuke's brow twitched. He wasn't sure what he expected her to say, but it wasn't that.
"Hn." He folded his arms, staring at her for a moment before shaking his head slightly. He turned away, about to resume his jog, but paused mid-step. "…It's a strange thing to carry around."
Hinata tilted her head slightly, her lavender eyes warm with quiet amusement. "Says the man whose plushies are selling out."
Sasuke exhaled sharply—not quite a sigh, but not a laugh either. With that, he resumed his jog, leaving Hinata standing there, watching his retreating form.
She let out a soft giggle. Of all the ways she imagined talking to Sasuke Uchiha, this was definitely not one of them.