Chapter 3
Now if you lose your one and only, there’s always room here for the lonely.
°∘❉∘°
The academy started today, Hinata was beyond nervous. She was afraid, afraid that she’d get picked on. Because she would certainly burst into tears. And without Neji, —who hated her at this point—wasn’t around, then who would stick up for her? Would anybody stick up for her?
The door slid open gently, gaining her attention then. “Lady Hinata, your father and I are waiting for you.” Ko said as he bowed to her, Hinata nodded and quickly got her belongings, gently taking Ko’s hand.
“How are you feeling, Lady Hinata?” Ko said as he looked down at her, smiling gently. Hinata blushed, “Nervous..” Just as Ko was about to say something, they arrived at the gates of the Hyuga compound. Where Hiashi was waiting for them both.
“As heir of the Hyuga clan, you shouldn’t be afraid.” Ko let go of Hinata’s hand, letting Hiashi take her small hand. Hinata was surprised by this gesture, this was perhaps the kindest gesture he has ever done to her.
The death of her mother softed Hiashi Hyuga’s heart, just a little bit.
“Sorry, father.” Hiashi sighed, signaling Ko to lead the way now.
———
Ko and Hiashi guided Hinata to class, she was one of the few people who arrived early. She looked around and of course didn’t recognize anybody in the room. Hinata was having a hard time finding a place to sit, but thankfully Ko helped her out.
“How about there, Lady Hinata?” Ko pointed to the right side of the room, it was one of the middle rows. There was nobody there so Hinata could choose her seat peacefully.
She nodded her head, letting Ko guide her to the area, Hiashi followed behind. Hinata took the seat that was the closest to the aisle.
“Have a good first day, Lady Hinata.” Hiashi hummed in agreement, leaving Hinata alone. Ko quickly bowed and went to Hiashi’s side.
Now, Hinata was all alone.
She couldn’t be afraid now, her mother went out of her way to enroll her in the academy. Usually the main branch of the clan weren’t allowed to attend the academy, but somehow.. her mother made it happen.
So, she needed to do her best in the academy.
Hinata took out her pencil pouch, delicately placing it on the table and leaving a few pencils out. She let out a big and shaky sigh, closing her eyes.
Everyone seemed louder than her, more confident than her, and maybe even stronger than her. She felt like she didn’t belong in a place like this.
It’ll be okay, she said to herself.
“What’s this?” Hinata burst her eyes open, the sudden loud voice caught her off guard. She met her eyes with a classmate.. and he was holding..
Her pencil pouch?
Why on earth would he want her pencil pouch? She thought
“I-I’m sorry but.. that’s mine..” She whispered, her voice barely above a whisper. It didn’t help because everyone in the class was being loud. The boy turned, meeting her eyes, there was a clear mischief in his eyes.
“Oh? So you’re a Hyuga huh?” The boy got closer to her face, nose touching hers. Hinata scooted back, trying to get room.
“Yes.. I’m Hina-”
The boy clicked his tongue, rolling his eyes, “Those eyes are even freakier in person.” Hinata could already feel the tears coming, but she had to hold off just a little longer.. until a teacher could come and save her, or maybe.. another student.
“Why are you here anyways? I thought the Hyuga weren’t allowed to attend the academy,” The boy raised his hand, the one that held her pencil pouch. “Or what? Are you some kind of disappointment to your clan? Are you just trash?”
The boy raised his hand just a little back farther, he was going to hit Hinata with her own pencil pouch. Hinata shut her eyes, preparing herself for the next move he was going to maybe.
But it never came.
She peeped one eye open, and as soon as she saw another hand grab onto the boy’s arm, she shot her eyes open.
“Sasuke-Kun..”
“What do you think you’re doing?” The boy snarled, taking his arm back from Sasuke.
“Give it back.”
“What?”
“The pencil pouch, give it back to her.” Sasuke repeated again, but this time there was more sternness to his tone. The boy's smirk only grew wider, he threw the pencil case to the ground.
“There.” The boy got all up in Sasuke’s face, usually.. a kid would back down once a person this big gets close to their personal space. But Sasuke didn’t.
“What are you gonna do about it?”
Sasuke sighed, he looked over to Hinata who was trembling as she watched the scene. Sasuke was just about to push him off and leave it like that, it wasn’t worth causing a scene right on the first day.
But he quickly had a change in plans whenever he saw the boy ball up his fist, getting ready to punch Sasuke in the face.
Sasuke narrowed his eyes, in a swift movement he grabbed the boy’s hand, making him punch his nose.
“M-My nose! It’s bleeding!” Sasuke quickly covered his mouth with his hand and walked away with him. He was going to make it look like he was just helping him with a bloody nose. But as he walked away with the boy, he turned over to his shoulder, stealing a glance at Hinata.
She looked like she wanted to say something, but Sasuke was already too far for her to say anything. Sasuke nodded his head towards her and left her alone.
Hinata looked back at the ground, blankly looking at the pencil pouch before she got up from her seat to receive it. Her hands were still trembling.
But for a moment.. she didn’t feel so alone.
She hugged the pouch to her chest, cheeks burning.
…
During the class, Sasuke kept on stealing glances at Hinata. Well, more like one or two. He noticed how she didn’t look as pale as before, there was a bit of more meat on her bones.
She’s getting better, he thought.
Maybe now, she could go back to normal when they went out to train together.
Sasuke went back to paying attention to Iruka once he was sure that Hinata was.. okay.
…
After class ended, Hinata stayed at her desk. She watched as the other kids got up and quickly got into pairs or groups as they exited out of the classroom. She wondered how they could all have this kind of connection already. She didn’t know anyone else in the class except for a few people.
Then, her eyes wandered off to Sasuke, who was still sitting there at his desk. He was waiting for the crowd to die down until he too could take his leave.
Sasuke got up after seeing the crowd die down, finally leaving the classroom. Hinata saw this and panicked, she quickly collected her things and ran out the classroom, hoping she could catch up to him.
She got out of the academy, panting. She looked around, trying to spot Sasuke but he was long gone.
How could she properly thank him?
Sure she could just wait until they trained and just mouth “thank you”, but that didn’t feel right for her. He didn’t have to do what he did, but he still did.
For her.
He did her a favor, she needed to repay him back, right? Well at least that’s what her mother taught her. To repay those who are kind to you..
“When someone shows you kindness, it’s only right for you to return it.”
Hinata gripped onto the straps of her bag tightly, letting out a defeated sigh. She was so lost in thought that she didn’t notice Ko was there until he gently took her hand.
“Ko-San..” She murmured, glancing up at him. Ko ruffled her hair, sensing that something was off. “Is something troubling you, Lady Hinata?” Hinata shook her head no.
There was a comfortable silence on the walk home, but that quickly changed once Hinata spoke up.
“What do you do.. to thank someone?” There was a bit of hesitation and confusion behind her voice.
Ko raised his eyebrows in surprise, but relaxed and let his lips curl up into a smile. “Usually.. I’ll buy them something small. Or offer a good meal. Is there someone you’d like to thank, Lady Hinata?”
Hinata gave a small hum, nodding slowly.
Ko’s smile softened, there was something different in her today. Though he’s seen this look before, he himself hasn’t seen her look this way before in a long time.
“In that case, ” Ko halted, along with Hinata. “Why don’t we stop by the market? We’ll find something together. And afterwards..if you’d like I can teach you how to cook something simple.”
Hinata’s eyes widened, eyes glowing for the first time in what felt like years. “Really..?”
“Of course,” He chuckled as he turned around, walking to another direction now, “You’ve helped your mother before in the kitchen, haven’t you?”
She nodded again, this time more firmly. Hinata would often stand beside her mother as she prepared meals for them. She would help as much as she could, but since she was only a little girl she really only chopped up some vegetables or stirred something.
Ko noticed as her excitement slowly died down , he decided to not push anything but he held her tiny hand more securely.
“Then let’s quickly go, Lady Hinata.”
…
Sasuke walked home with his hands in his pocket. He saw the other kids around him going home with their parents or hanging out with their friends. They were all so loud he thought.
Then out of nowhere, replayed the memory of Hinata’s face whenever he stepped in. He didn’t mean to step in, but it was almost an instinct for him. He just couldn’t look away when he saw Hinata trembling, too scared to even move or speak.
It irritated him.
“Are you some kind of disappointment to your clan? Are you just trash?”
Sasuke had just entered the classroom when he saw this. He saw everyone being loud and minding their own business that they hadn’t noticed Hinata being bullied.
He was just about to let her handle it, but as he stepped closer to find a seat he got a glimpse of her glossy eyes.
She can handle it.
He couldn’t stop himself, his own feet betrayed him.
He took a bigger step forward once he saw the boy wind up his hand, to hit Hinata.
Sasuke clicked his tongue in annoyance, annoyed with himself. “Tch, why do I care?”
He was supposed to focus on becoming stronger, stronger than his older brother. Stronger than anyone in his entire clan. Not wasting his time thinking about a girl who could barely speak up for herself.
But for some reason, he did anyway.
He slowed his steps down as he got closer and closer to his house, his mother was probably waiting for him. Maybe even his father, but what he hoped to see the most was his big brother Itachi.
He slid open the door, slipping off his shoes and hung his bag on the rack. “I’m home” Sasuke yelled out, he saw a little head poke out, Itachi.
Sasuke’s eyes gleamed with joy, “Nii-San!” Sasuke quickly made his way over to Itachi, throwing himself to Itachi. He chuckled lightly, placing his hand on Sasuke’s hair, making his hair messy.
Sasuke pulled back, puffing out his cheeks, “Nii-san..” He flattened his hair back down with his hand. “How was your first day of the academy, Sasuke?” Sasuke rolled his eyes, groaning, “Everyone is so slow and weak. And the girls wouldn’t leave me alone when we took our break.”
Itachi held back laughter, this all sounded all too familiar to him. “I see, so you’re at the top of your class I assume?” Sasuke nodded his head, he was trying so hard to impress his brother, he so badly wanted him to acknowledge his strength.
“I can’t say I’m surprised, I’m proud.” Sasuke’s smile grew more, showing teeth this time.
“Nii-san, do you think you could train with me later this week? We haven’t trained in a long time..” Sasuke said, glancing away as if he were embarrassed.
“That’s right huh? Father started training you with the Hyuga girl.” Itachi paused for a second. He raised two of his fingers, tapping them on his forehead, “We’ll have to see, I have a mission this week.”
Sasuke touched the spot Itachi tapped on, puffing out his cheeks again, “You’re such a big fat liar, you either tell me next time or you’ll see!“
Itachi laughed this time, walking away from Sasuke. Sasuke stayed in place, then Itachi paused, only showing his side profile. “Just keep training okay? And maybe, I’ll even let you in on a secret jutsu.”
…
Even though Hinata and Sasuke had just finished their first day of the academy, both children were required to train. Especially Hinata, if Sasuke wasn’t there for training she was still put in charge of herself for training.
As Hinata walked to the training grounds with Ko, she was a nervous wreck. She doesn’t know how Sasuke would react, he’s never really opened up on the stuff he takes interest in or the food he likes. All she could do is hope for the best and hope that he at least accepts it.
Ko noticed her anxiousness, “I’m sure the boy will like it, Lady Hinata.” He said, reassuring her of her overthinking thoughts.
“Mm.”
As they arrived at the private training grounds, they both spotted Sasuke right away. He was practicing with his kunai skills.
Hinata halted, she stood there in awe, watching him as he trained hard, to become stronger, to be at the top.
Hinata hadn’t realized that she was staring for long, but she was eventually caught. “Are you just going to stand there and watch?” Sasuke threw another kunai, hitting the target. “Or are you gonna come and train with me?” Hinata blinked, quickly nodding.
“I’ll come by later for you, Lady Hinata.” Ko bowed and disappeared into thin air.
Hinata had hidden the gift behind her back, she walked over to a tree and placed it down gently. She planned on giving it to him after the training session was over.
“Come on then, if we both wanna be strong then we need to start now.” Hinata quickly moved her feet, going to the center of the training ground.
After the funeral of her mother, Hinata was thankfully given the option to rest until she started the academy. So it really has been quite a while since she has last trained. She felt a bit self conscious about it, she worried that her skills have dulled ever since.
“Ready?” Sasuke still had his hands in his pockets while Hinata positioned herself. “Yes, I’m ready.”
Sasuke moved first—like always— Hinata barely had time to block his blow but she did. She stepped back, keeping the distance between them.
Sasuke moved again, this time he went down, trying to make her fall to the ground. And again, Hinata barely had enough time to react, when she jumped back she nearly knocked herself over.
This time, Hinata made a move first. She moved her palm to an angle, aiming at his right shoulder. But he saw right through her, he grabbed her wrist, he was just about to do another blow but that quickly failed.
Hinata crushed her palm against his stomach, making Sasuke groan in pain.
Both returned back to their original spots, panting and sweating. As Sasuke was panting, hands on his knees, he was observing Hinata.
She looks.. healthier.
“I can.. still go!” Hinata said, Sasuke raised an eyebrow, but he didn’t say anything. He just nodded and launched himself at her again.
…
The sun was setting, the sky was painted in shades of orange and red. The steady roar of the nearby waterfall echoed softly across the quiet training grounds. Blending in with the soft rustles of the trees.
Hinata sat quietly on the grass, knees close to her chest, arm’s hugging her legs. And beside her, sat Sasuke who was just about a few inches away. He leaned back on his palms, looking up to the sky in silence.
This is my chance..
Hinata cleared her throat, shyly speaking. “Sasuke-kun.. I just wanted to say..” Hinata turned to him, eyes still focused on the sky. “Thank you.”
She watched closely on how he shifted his gaze to her, his eyebrow raised. “For what?” He said, tone flat.
“For standing up for me..at the academy.” She said softly, hugging her legs tighter, turning her eyes away.
“You act like—”
“That's why, I got you this.” She cut quickly, she then pulled out a box, putting it out to him.
Sasuke made a face, he didn’t want to seem rude but he reached out, taking it away from her hands. He lifted the top of it slowly, revealing a leg holster to store his kunai. The Uchiha crest was patched onto the front. Sasuke brushed his thumb lightly over the symbol before closing the led and setting it aside.
“Hinata, you didn’t have to do that.” Hinata shook her head, then pulled out something else again.
“It’s onigiri, tuna pasted.” Hinata handed it to him again, this time Sasuke had no trouble with accepting it.
“Again Hinata, you really didn’t have t—”
“My mother always told me.. it is only right to return kindness.” She said, cutting him off gently.
Sasuke stared at her for a moment. He wanted to argue with her, argue that what he did was nothing, that she can’t always depend on someone to stand up for her. But.. something in her expression, so gentle and skdt, made him stop.
“..Thank you then.”
…
Later that evening..
“Welcome home Sasuke, How was training?” Sasuke stepped into the kitchen, seeing that his mom had just finished cooking.
“It was okay, I’m going to go wash up before we eat.” Sasuke replied, casually walking past.But as he was leaving to go to his room and wash up, Mikoto put her hand on his shoulder and gently pulled him back.
“And what's this?” She pointed to the box and the container of onigiri. Sasuke groaned, showing his mother what he had gotten.
She stared in awe after opening the box that had his gift, “Who gave you this Sasuke?”
“Hinata.” Sasuke said nonchalantly.
Mikoto’s expression softened, handing him back the box, “She’s a sweet girl, isn’t she?”
“She’s whatever.”
Sasuke left the kitchen, he plopped everything onto the bed. As he changed into a fresh new shirt, he looked over at his bed.
Then he sat down, grabbing the container again. Opening the lid. The onigiri looked almost perfect, Did she really make this herself? he thought. They were only children after all, and she is the heiress of the Hyuga. He was surprised that they even let her in the kitchen to make something.
He brought the onigiri to his mouth, taking a big bite out of it.
..
Not bad.
…
And from there on, Hinata and Sasuke continued to attend the academy peacefully. Though now, their training would often be cut short. Hinata would be pulled aside by Ko, telling her that she was needed immediately.
When she was told that, she immediately knew that it meant that her father wanted her to see her skills.
Even though Hinata trained hard—with Sasuke even helping her— She was still weak. She was not at a state where she had to be in.
But she tried, she continued to train hard to have her father believe in her.
But now she was able to hold her byakugan, have better reflexes and she was now slightly physically stronger. She wasn’t crazy strong, but there was a slight improvement. Before, she looked like she could break with just a stare. But now.. it was different.
As for Sasuke, he continued to train as hard as Hinata and maybe more.
Whenever she would leave, Sasuke would stay on the training ground and train by himself until he thought it was dinner time.
But, even with all that. Sasuke and Hinata had become closer than before. They weren’t crazy close, but there was more to them than the first time they met.
Sasuke had told Hinata that her cooking was pretty decent when he gave her the container back. She told him that Ko had helped her all the way through. And for some reason, that motivated her.. to become better at cooking.
She enjoyed cooking, she really did. But what she enjoyed more was seeing how grateful Sasuke was for her food. Could she make other people feel that way with her?
Sasuke and Hinata even had small conversations at school, though it would be Sasuke who came up to her first. But he wouldn’t come up to her for no reason, he would come up to her and ask if she was going to be training today or if she thinks that the training would have to be cut down short