Chapter 4
Hinata was pouring hot water over the tea leaves when she heard the front door creak open.
Her hand hesitated over the teapot. Sasuke?
She didn’t remember him ever coming home this early. The familiar silence of the house had lulled her into assuming she would be alone for most of the day, as always. He was either gone for missions, spending time with Sakura, or simply choosing to be anywhere but here. If he was back, it could only mean one thing, he was here to grab some clothes before leaving again.
Still, she didn’t turn around. She simply continued what she was doing, placing the lid over the teapot before setting the cups aside. While the tea steeped, she moved to the stove, deciding to prepare breakfast for herself. It was a quiet, simple routine, one she had long grown accustomed to.
Then, the scrape of a chair being pulled out cut through the silence.
Hinata stiffened.
Her fingers tightened around the handle of the pan as she turned her head slightly, glancing over her shoulder. Sasuke had taken a seat at the small dining table, his posture relaxed yet unreadable. He wasn’t looking at her, his gaze instead focused somewhere off to the side, lips pressed together as though he was trying to ignore her presence entirely.
She turned fully now, brows drawing together in quiet confusion.
He caught her staring and his jaw twitched. "What?" The sharpness in his voice was automatic, but she recognized it for what it was, deflection.
She hesitated. "I was just wondering why you're here."
Sasuke exhaled through his nose, fingers tapping once against the table before stilling. His gaze flickered to the pan she had set on the stove. "Have you eaten yet?"
Hinata blinked. The question caught her off guard, unexpected in its normalcy. "No, I was just about to make breakfast," she answered cautiously.
Sasuke made a quiet noise of acknowledgment before leaning back in his chair. "I'm hungry," he muttered after a beat, voice slightly awkward. He glanced away, as if embarrassed by his own admission, then added, quieter this time, "If it's okay with you."
Hinata froze.
For a moment, all she could do was stare at him, wondering if she had misheard. Sasuke had never asked her to cook for him before. In fact, they had never even shared a meal together in this house.
The floor could have been pulled out from beneath her, and she wouldn’t have been more shocked than she was now.
Sasuke must have taken her silence as refusal, because he shifted, pushing back his chair as if to stand. "Forget it," he mumbled. "I'll—"
"I can make breakfast for you too," Hinata said, cutting him off.
His dark eyes lifted to meet hers, searching for something in her face. Her voice had been even, indifferent, as if the decision didn’t mean anything to her. But the truth was, she wasn’t sure if she’d ever get this opportunity again.
She turned back to the stove, pretending not to notice the way her heart was fluttering in her chest.
Sasuke hummed in response, settling back down. He didn’t say anything else, but she could feel his gaze on her. Watching. Studying.
His stare was heavy, so much so that her skin prickled under the weight of it.
Hinata wasn’t unused to people watching her. She had spent years being observed by her father, her clan, her teachers, scrutinized for every little thing she did or didn’t do. But Sasuke’s stare was different. It was intense in a way that was natural to him, like he wasn’t even aware of how piercing his gaze could be.
She swallowed, turning her back to him. If he was going to stare, then she would pretend not to notice.
"Is there anything in particular you want?" she asked, reaching for the ingredients she needed.
"Anything’s fine," he answered. Then after a pause, "Just…nothing sweet."
Hinata nodded. "Okay."
She moved with ease, preparing a traditional breakfast, grilled salmon, miso soup, rice, tamagoyaki, and pickled vegetables. It was something she could make without much thought, her hands moving automatically as she cutand plated.
But every now and then, she felt the weight of his gaze, and each time, she glanced behind her, only to find him still watching her carefully.
The silence between them stretched, filled only by the quiet sounds of cooking.
Then, Sasuke spoke. "Did you sleep well last night?"
Hinata nearly dropped the knife in her hand.
The question was so unexpected that she found herself pausing in the middle of slicing the tamagoyaki, fingers tightening slightly around the knife. She didn’t answer right away, trying to gather her thoughts.
She nodded, not daring to ask him the same. She already had an idea of where he had been.
There was another stretch of silence before Sasuke said, "That’s good."
She heard the subtle shift of his weight against the chair before he added, "I didn't sleep very well."
Hinata’s hands stilled, not knowing how to reply to that.
She turned to look at him, brows raising slightly. "Are you okay?"
Sasuke met her gaze, mirroring her raised brow. "Why wouldn’t I be?"
Hinata exhaled quietly. "I think it’s obvious why I’m asking."
His jaw tightened for a brief second before he managed to grit out, "I’m fine. I was just trying to have small talk with my wife. But if it’s too much, I’ll—"
"Leave?" she finished for him.
Sasuke’s expression didn’t shift, but there was something slightly irritating in his gaze. "I was going to say I’ll just be quiet."
Hinata studied him for a moment longer, then slowly turned back to the stove, focusing on finishing breakfast.
By the time she finished, she prepared the bowls and placed them on the table. "It’s ready," she murmured.
Sasuke didn’t say anything as she set his food in front of him, then took her own seat across from him.
They both murmured their thanks for the meal before beginning to eat.
Hinata eyed him through her bangs, trying to read his reaction.
He ate in silence, face impassive as always. She had expected as much, but a small part of her had still wondered if he would say something. Just as she was about to dismiss the idea, Sasuke spoke.
"What do you have planned for today?"
Hinata blinked, caught off guard once again. Not used to casual conversation with him, she answered slowly, "Nothing specific. I was just planning to roam around the village."
Sasuke nodded once. He picked up another bite of rice, then, after a pause, said, "Would you like to have lunch with me later?"
Hinata nearly choked on her food.
She stared at him in pure disbelief, mouth slightly open.
Sasuke frowned. "Close your mouth." There was a teasing edge to his voice that she didn’t know what to do with.
Hinata still wasn’t entirely convinced that she hadn’t stepped into some bizarre alternate universe.
Sasuke’s words lingered in the air, his offer hanging between them like something fragile and easily shattered. She searched his expression, looking for any trace of sarcasm, any indication that he was only asking to make himself feel better. But there was nothing. Just quiet patience, a calm expectancy that made her heart beat faster with uncertainty.
She wasn’t sure what unsettled her more, the fact that Sasuke was asking her to have lunch with him, or the fact that he genuinely seemed to want her to say yes.
Sasuke frowned. “You don’t have to if you don’t want to,” he said, his voice blunt, as if already preparing for her refusal. “I wouldn’t be mad if you said no.”
Hinata’s fingers curled around her chopsticks, her gaze flickering down to her half-empty bowl as she mulled over his words.
What she didn’t tell him was that Kakashi had stopped by earlier, about thirty minutes before Sasuke had come home. He had dropped off one of his books for her, one that she had been wanting to finish reading, and had casually mentioned meeting up at a bookstore later in the afternoon. Afterward, he invited her to lunch at Ichiraku.
She had agreed.
At the time, she hadn’t thought anything of it. Kakashi had been a steady presence in her life for the past few months, someone she could talk to without expectations weighing between them. Having lunch with him wasn’t something that required second-guessing.
But now, Sasuke was asking.
She thought about turning him down. After all the times he had chosen Sakura over her, after all the moments where she had been left to sit in this house alone while he spent his days somewhere else, shouldn’t she refuse? Shouldn’t she say no, just as he had so many times before?
But then, there was the other reason.
The possibility of an argument.
They had spent more time fighting than speaking lately, and the idea of sitting across from him at a restaurant, trapped in another tense conversation, made her stomach churn.
Her grip on her chopsticks loosened slightly as she exhaled through her nose. Setting them down, she straightened and met his gaze, finally speaking. "I don’t know if it’s a good idea," she admitted carefully. "I don’t want us to argue again."
Sasuke didn’t react right away. He simply sat there, watching her, unreadable as always. Then, slowly, he nodded. "I understand."
He didn’t press her for an answer. Didn’t try to convince her. He simply let it be.
The rest of breakfast passed in silence.
Hinata focused on finishing her meal, though her thoughts remained distracted. Sasuke’s presence at the table was an odd thing, something she wasn’t used to. Every time she glanced up, he was still there, still eating, still present.
When they finally finished, she moved to clear the dishes, but before she could stand, Sasuke spoke again.
"I’d prefer it if we did," he said.
Hinata blinked, confused. "What?"
"Lunch," he clarified, pushing his empty bowl forward slightly. "I’d prefer if we had lunch together." His voice was calm, steady. Not demanding, not pleading, but firm in a way that made her pause.
She hesitated. "I told you, I don’t want to—"
"We won’t argue," he cut in. His gaze held hers, unwavering. "Let’s just…be in the moment."
Hinata stared at him.
Be in the moment.
The words sounded foreign coming from him. Sasuke, who always carried the weight of everything he had done and everything he had yet to do. Sasuke, who spent more time looking ahead or behind than he did standing still.
She wasn’t sure if she believed him.
But before she could think about it too hard, the words were already leaving her lips.
"Alright."
It happened so quickly that she almost didn’t catch it, but for just a split second, something flickered across his face. Relief.
The moment passed as quickly as it had come. Sasuke stood, his chair scraping softly against the floor as he straightened. "Give me two hours," he told her. "If I don’t wake up by then, wake me up."
Hinata nodded.
He turned, making his way toward the doorway, but just before he stepped out of the kitchen, he paused.
"Breakfast was good."
Hinata’s eyes widened slightly.
By the time she processed his words, he was already gone.
She stared at the empty space where he had been sitting, her hands still resting against the table, her thoughts a tangle of confusion.
She didn’t know what to think.
Didn’t know what to feel.
Sasuke wasn’t the type to say things he didn’t mean. He wasn’t the type to offer empty words just for the sake of it. If he said breakfast was good, then he meant it.
And yet, hearing it felt strange.
It felt…nice.
Too nice.
Hinata exhaled quietly and reached for the dishes, shaking her head to clear her thoughts.
She had no idea what had gotten into Sasuke today, but she wasn’t going to hold her breath waiting for it to last.
x-x-x-x
Two hours had passed. Then thirty minutes more.
Hinata had been keeping track, her eyes flickering to the clock every so often as she stood by the mirror, smoothing out the soft fabric of the sundress she had bought. The dress draped over her frame comfortably, the color complementing her skin in a way she hadn’t quite expected when she put it on. It was modest yet elegant, though she couldn’t deny that Kakashi’s opinion had swayed her decision.
She turned slightly, glancing over her shoulder at her reflection.
It felt strange to wear something like this, something that made her feel…lighter. It was the kind of dress she imagined someone happy would wear.
A quiet exhale left her lips, and she let her hands drop from the fabric, turning toward the door.
It was time to wake him.
Except when she stepped into the spare bedroom, she found herself hesitating.
Sasuke wasn’t there.
Confused, she wondered if he had changed his mind and decided to leave. It wouldn’t surprise her. Sighing she went into the bedroom to grab her earrings, but when she reached the door, she froze.
There was Sasuke.
Not in the spare bedroom where he had slept since the start of their marriage. But here. In their room.
Hinata’s grip tightened slightly on the doorknob as she blinked at the sight of him. His presence was unexpected, so unfamiliar that for a moment, she wondered if she had stepped into the wrong room. But no, this was their bedroom, the one she had always slept in alone. And yet, there he was, lying in the bed, the blankets drawn over his body as he slept soundly.
Her gaze softened despite herself.
He looked…peaceful.
It was such a rare sight that she found herself staring, taking in the even rise and fall of his chest, the way his dark lashes rested against his skin, his face completely relaxed in sleep. She had never seen him like this before. Or rather, she had never had the opportunity.
She wondered if he always looked this at peace while sleeping.
The thought made something tighten in her chest, but she pushed it aside, focusing instead on the fact that she needed to wake him.
Slowly, she stepped forward, stopping just beside the bed. She reached out hesitantly, her fingers hovering inches from his shoulder. But then, just as she was about to shake him awake, she froze.
She remembered.
The last time she had reached for him after teasing him for hiding from his fan girls, he had recoiled. Told her not to touch him.
Her hand curled into a fist before she withdrew it.
Instead, she opted for the safer choice.
“Sasuke-kun,” she called softly.
Nothing.
His brows furrowed slightly, as if he had heard her but wasn’t quite awake yet.
Hinata hesitated before trying again, this time a little louder. “Sasuke-kun.”
This time, she watched as his eyes fluttered open, unfocused and groggy. There was a brief flicker of confusion on his face, like he wasn’t sure where he was.
Did he think he was at Sakura’s?
The thought made her stomach twist uncomfortably.
But then, his gaze landed on her.
He blinked, then quickly averted his gaze. Without a word, he pushed himself up, rubbing a hand through his hair. His other hand scrubbed at his face before he let out a long breath, stretching slightly.
Then he yawned.
Hinata froze.
She had never seen Sasuke yawn before.
It was such a normal, human thing to do, but it startled her. The way his jaw slackened for a moment, the brief, vulnerable sound of tiredness escaping him, it was oddly disarming.
Dare she even think it, but it was almost…cute.
She quickly shoved the thought away before it could settle.
“I let you sleep an extra thirty minutes,” she informed him, trying to regain some sense of normalcy.
Sasuke didn’t respond at first, simply stretching before rising to his feet. As he stood, his gaze slid over her, taking in her appearance.
Hinata stiffened slightly.
Then, he spoke.
“That’s what you’re wearing?”
She blinked.
Her arms crossed almost on instinct, a frown forming on her lips. “Is there a problem?”
Sasuke didn’t answer immediately. He staggered slightly, still groggy, heading toward the bathroom. His movements were slow, unhurried, like his body hadn’t quite caught up to his mind yet.
Then, just as he reached the door, he muttered over his shoulder, “Not a problem. You look nice, is all.”
Hinata’s mouth parted slightly.
Before she could say anything, the bathroom door closed behind him.
She stood there, stunned.
The way he said it, so casual, so thoughtless, as if he hadn’t even realized he had spoken, left her completely flabbergasted.
For a long moment, she simply stared at the closed door.
What kind of morning was this?
x-x-x-x
The diner was packed. The sheer volume of voices, the clinking of dishes, and the hum of conversation layered over one another in a way that immediately made Sasuke reconsider this entire outing. He frowned, his first instinct to turn around and find somewhere smaller, quieter, with fewer eyes and less of a crowd. His grip on the door twitched, ready to pull it open and step right back onto the street.
Just as he opened his mouth to suggest they go somewhere else, a hostess approached, a bright smile painted across her face. “Just the two of you today?”
Sasuke glanced down at Hinata beside him, noting the way her fingers curled together in front of her. The crease between her brows, the way her lips pressed together, he knew that expression. Overwhelmed. She wasn’t comfortable here either.
His hand hovered for a second, ready to push the door open, but he stopped himself. He wasn’t going to decide for her.
“What do you want to do?” he asked, his voice low enough that only she would hear.
Hinata hesitated, shifting slightly, but before she could answer, the hostess spoke again. “We have free seating at the bar,” she offered. “It’s not a table, but it’s tucked into the corner, so it’s a little more private.” She gestured toward the back, but with the way the crowd filled the space, Sasuke couldn’t see what she was referring to.
He looked down at Hinata again, waiting. “What do you think?”
She was quiet for a moment before giving a small nod. “That’s fine.”
Sasuke exhaled slowly through his nose. He wanted to leave, but if she was fine with it, then he wasn’t going to argue. Keeping his irritation off his face, he gave a short nod to the hostess, allowing her to lead them toward the seating.
The bar stools were bolted to the ground, but when they reached the corner, Sasuke still reached out to hold Hinata’s stool steady as she climbed onto it. He caught the way she glanced at him briefly, but she said nothing about it, only adjusting herself as she settled into her seat.
The hostess handed them menus. “Your server will be with you shortly.”
Hinata offered a polite, “Thank you.”
Sasuke didn’t respond, already glancing down at the menu in front of him.
Beside him, he caught Hinata’s fingers tracing lightly over the words, her lavender eyes scanning through the options with quiet interest. Her focus was so intent, so careful, that it almost felt like she was studying a scroll rather than deciding on a meal.
Then, suddenly, her fingers stopped. Her eyes widened slightly, and she set the menu down with a quiet finality.
Sasuke quirked a brow. “Figured it out already?”
She nodded, but she didn’t say what it was.
Sasuke hummed, his gaze flicking back to the menu. He could ask her what she chose, but conversation between them had never been easy. He was still figuring out how to navigate this, how to fix something that had never really been whole to begin with.
After everything Kakashi and Naruto had thrown at him, and with his own guilt growing heavier by the day, he knew he had to make an effort. Even if it was just starting with the little things.
Hinata’s voice pulled him from his thoughts. “Do you know what you’re getting?”
He looked at her again, then back down at the menu, shrugging slightly. “Still deciding.”
A few minutes later, their waitress arrived from behind the bar, her expression bright and welcoming. “Good afternoon! Are you two ready to order?”
Her gaze lingered on him, cheeks flushed, and Sasuke immediately regretted choosing a public place.
Suppressing a sigh, he motioned toward Hinata with a small tilt of his head. “Start with her first.”
The woman quickly turned her attention to Hinata. “And what can I get for you today?”
Hinata’s voice was as polite and measured as ever. “I”ll have the chicken sandwich, fries, and a chocolate shake.” A slight pause. “And a cinnamon bun, please.”
Sasuke watched her as she spoke, noting the way her posture remained poised, the subtle grace in the way she held herself. Even the way she ordered her food reflected her upbringing.
Prestigious clan. Trained to be precise, to be deliberate in her choices. Even if he hadn’t grown up knowing who she was, he would have been able to tell.
When the waitress turned back to him, her anticipation clear, he only glanced at the menu once more before saying, “I’ll have the same, but no cinnamon bun. Tea instead of a shake.”
The woman scribbled down their orders. “Alright! Your food will be out shortly.” She lingered for just a second too long before walking off.
Sasuke exhaled through his nose, already feeling the beginnings of a headache. When he glanced at Hinata, he found her staring down at the polished bar top, her expression unreadable.
“Are you okay?” he asked.
She nodded. “Yes.”
That was it. Nothing else.
He frowned slightly, but let it drop, shifting his focus elsewhere. Conversation was still something he was figuring out, but there was only so much he could do when she barely met him halfway. Not that he could blame her.
The silence stretched between them. He thought about how the last time they were together, it had ended with her hand across his face. He could still remember the sting of it.
Just as he was about to say something, anything, Hinata spoke first.
“Were you with Sakura-san last night?”
His body went rigid.
He had been hoping she wouldn’t bring it up. Of course, that was wishful thinking.
He pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed, forcing himself to keep his irritation in check. She had the right to ask. Even he knew that.
“Yes,” he answered honestly.
Hinata’s lavender eyes stayed locked onto his, quiet, searching. But she didn’t say anything else.
The breath he let out was slow. The silence between them thickened, but it wasn’t anger that sat between them this time. Just something tense, unspoken.
When their food arrived, they ate in silence.
Sasuke had never been one for sweet things, but he noticed how Hinata had saved her cinnamon bun for last. The moment she took her first bite, her entire expression shifted, the corners of her lips curling up into a small, contented smile.
He had never seen her smile like that while sitting next to him before. It wasn’t for him, not in the slightest, but there was something about it that stirred a feeling within him. It was warm.
Once they finished, Sasuke paid, and they stepped out into the afternoon light.
Hinata turned to him. “Thank you for lunch.”
She hesitated, as if unsure what to say next.
He filled the silence for her. “What else do you have planned?”
Another hesitation. Then, “Kakashi invited me to meet him at a bookstore. And for lunch.”
His eyebrow twitched. “Lunch? Again?”
He didn’t even try to keep the annoyance out of his voice.
Hinata shook her head. “No, just–”
Before she could explain further, he heard her voice.
“Sasuke-kun!”
His entire body tensed, and when he turned, there she was, Sakura, hurrying toward them.
From the corner of his eye, he caught the way Hinata’s expression shut down completely, all traces of warmth vanishing.
A headache was beginning to form behind his eyes.
Sasuke felt the tension press against his ribs like a slow-building storm. The moment Sakura arrived, the shift in atmosphere was undeniable. He knew it was coming, had felt it creeping in the moment he spotted her approaching them, but that didn’t make it any easier to navigate.
Sakura’s gaze flickered between him and Hinata, her expression carefully neutral, though he could see the thin thread of unease behind it. Tucking a stray strand of pink hair behind her ear, she smiled, too polite, too measured. “Sasuke-kun, are you still available to help me with that thing you said you’d help me with?”
Sasuke understood her meaning immediately. There was no ‘thing.’ That was just her way of trying to pull him away from Hinata without directly saying it.
His lips parted, but before he could respond, Sakura’s attention shifted fully to Hinata, her voice light, almost too casual. “Would you mind if I borrowed Sasuke for a bit?”
Sasuke turned his head slightly, gauging Hinata’s reaction. He wasn’t sure what he expected—an awkward nod, a quiet acceptance, maybe even indifference.
What he did not expect was an immediate, unwavering, "Yes. I do mind."
Sakura stiffened.
Sasuke blinked.
Hinata’s refusal came so fast, so firmly, that it left a moment of silence hanging between them.
Sakura’s lips parted, as if caught completely off guard, before she quickly composed herself, her green eyes flickering toward Sasuke, searching for something—perhaps for him to step in, to smooth the awkwardness, to assure her in some way.
He said nothing.
Instead, he studied Hinata, who stood there without the slightest hesitation in her posture. She wasn’t glaring, wasn’t scowling, but there was something unwavering in her stance, something final.
Sakura let out a breath, her fingers tightening slightly at her sides before she forced another polite smile. “I didn’t mean to intrude. I just needed his help with something, that’s all.”
Hinata’s lavender eyes locked onto her, unreadable. “Then you can wait.”
Sasuke felt something stir inside him, something unfamiliar, something sharp.
Hinata turned fully toward Sakura now, and despite the evenness of her tone, there was an underlying weight behind her words. “Sasuke-kun is my husband,” she said smoothly. “If he chooses to go with you, then that’s his choice. But you do not need to ask me if you can borrow him.”
Sasuke’s jaw tensed.
He didn’t know why, but those words—my husband—sounded strange coming from her. Like they didn’t belong, like they were borrowed from someone else.
Sakura’s expression faltered, her mouth opening slightly before she quickly closed it.
And then, before anyone could stop it, the words spilled from her lips like venom.
“If Sasuke-kun cared about you, he wouldn’t be sleeping next to me most nights.”
Sasuke’s entire body went rigid.
The air between them snapped, the weight of those words heavier than anything that had come before.
Sakura froze, as if realizing what she had just said a second too late.
A sharp, unbearable silence settled over them.
Sasuke’s gaze flickered toward Hinata, unsure of what he’d find there. He expected anger, some flicker of outrage, a sign that she had been wounded by Sakura’s careless admission.
But Hinata merely stared, her expression unreadable.
Then, with a quiet sigh, she exhaled, the sound almost dismissive. “I can’t say I’m surprised.”
Something in Sasuke twisted at those words.
Hinata turned fully toward Sakura now, her expression unreadable, and her voice, though still polite, was anything but kind. “Actually,” she said, tilting her head slightly, as if reconsidering something. “I’ve changed my mind.”
Sakura blinked, confused. “Changed your mind?”
Hinata exhaled, as if the conversation itself was a waste of her time. Then, with a small, dismissive shrug, she continued, her voice light, almost casual, but the edge in it was razor-sharp.
“You can take him.”
Sasuke’s entire body went rigid.
Sakura inhaled sharply, her fingers twitching at her sides, her face draining of color.
Hinata wasn’t finished. She turned her eyes toward some distant point beyond them, as if she had already moved on from this conversation, as if neither of them mattered enough to hold her attention. “You don’t need to ask me,” she added, tone effortlessly smooth, but there was a lethal precision in every syllable. “It’s not like my answer would have ever changed anything before.”
Sasuke clenched his jaw so tightly his teeth ached.
Sakura swallowed hard, visibly uncomfortable.
Hinata turned to Sasuke now, her gaze steady. “Thank you for lunch.”
A pause. Then, with a polite, almost dismissive tone, she delivered the sharpest cut of all. “You can go play with your little distraction now.”
Before he could even process her words, she turned on her heel to leave.
Sasuke didn’t think. His hand moved on its own, fingers wrapping around her wrist before he even realized what he was doing. He needed to say something. Anything.
Hinata froze mid-step.
Slowly, she turned her head, her eyes dropping to where his hand held her. When she lifted them back to his face, there was no anger, no frustration. Just a look of sheer repulsion, like his touch was something vile.
Something beneath her.
She yanked her arm free with more force than necessary, as if even the briefest contact had left something unpleasant on her skin. “Don’t touch me.”
The words were quiet, but they struck him harder than any slap could have.
Sasuke’s chest tightened, a whirlwind of emotions surging at once. He was irritated, livid even, at her words, at her attitude, at the way she so effortlessly dismissed him. But beneath that, something deeper twisted inside him.
Because he realized…
He had really fucked up.
Not in the way he had dismissed it before, not in the way he had rationalized it in his head. She wasn’t simply upset with him, she was disgusted by him. She wanted nothing to do with him, and that realization landed like a rock in his stomach.
She walked away without a glance back, her posture steady, her steps confident. She didn’t hesitate.
Sasuke stood frozen, his fingers curling into a fist at his side. His morning with her had been…fine. Awkward, yes. Strained. But fine. Lunch had been quiet, tense in places, but nothing like this. Now, in a matter of minutes, the atmosphere had turned into something unrecognizable.
And it was Sakura’s fault.
He turned sharply, his glare cutting into her.
She flinched.
Sasuke clenched his jaw, the irritation boiling under his skin. But deep down, he knew the truth. He knew who was truly to blame.
Sakura may have thrown the match, but he had been the one to let the fire burn.
The silence that followed was unbearable.
Sakura let out a shaky breath, shifting uncomfortably. “I wasn’t trying to start anything.”
Sasuke’s eyes flicked toward her, his voice devoid of warmth. “Then why did you say it?”
Sakura’s fingers curled into fists at her sides. “Because it’s the truth.”
He exhaled slowly, willing himself to stay composed. “Truth or not, what was the point of saying it like that?”
Her jaw tightened. “I don’t know,” she admitted, voice strained. “It just...came out.”
Sasuke dragged a hand down his face. He should have expected this. The moment Hinata refused to back down, the moment she had held her ground and faced Sakura with nothing but poised defiance, something had shifted. And Sakura, whether she realized it or not, had lashed out.
It had been a reflex, a desperate attempt to regain control of a situation slipping from her grasp.
A humorless laugh left her lips. “Are you going to spend more time with her now?”
Sasuke didn’t answer right away.
“Weren’t you the one who suggested I should?” he muttered eventually, his voice laced with something unreadable.
Sakura let out a scoff, shaking her head. “You were so adamant about not wanting to get to know her.”
His shoulders tensed. “Things change.” He felt confused. He didn’t like feeling confused and conflicted.
Sakura studied him, her green eyes searching his face as if trying to decipher something unspoken. A flicker of uncertainty, of something close to doubt, passed through them.
“You’re going after her, aren’t you?”
Sasuke didn’t answer.
His lips parted, but no words came. He didn’t want to confirm it, didn’t want to admit that his feet were already angled in the direction Hinata had gone, that something in his chest felt wrong just letting her walk away like that.
Instead, he inhaled slowly, releasing a controlled breath through his nose. “I need a breather.”
Sakura’s expression faltered for a split second, something vulnerable flickering across her face before she buried it beneath forced composure. Her voice was quieter this time, careful. “Will you come by later?”
A pause. Barely a fraction of a second. But enough to be noticeable.
Then, a nod.
“I’ll see you later.”
He didn’t wait for a response.
Sasuke turned on his heel, walking in the same direction Hinata had left.
x-x-x-x
Kakashi trailed a finger along the spines of the books lining the shelves, his single visible eye scanning their titles with idle curiosity. The bookstore was quiet this time of day, the faint scent of paper and ink hanging in the air like something familiar, something grounding. He had arrived a little early, but he didn’t mind waiting. Books were good company, after all.
Still, his mind drifted, wondering why Hinata was running late.
Not that he minded that either. He knew better than to assume anything. If she was taking her time, there was likely a reason, and Kakashi wasn’t the type to pry. But still, something tugged at his curiosity, a subtle itch in the back of his mind.
Shifting his weight, he stepped out of the aisle, slipping past a few browsing customers. Just as he emerged into the open space near the entrance, movement caught his eye.
Hinata had arrived.
She stood just inside the doorway, eyes scanning the store before landing on him.
For a moment, the world around them seemed to still, the quiet hum of the bookstore fading to the background. Kakashi lifted a hand in an easy wave, his lips curving slightly beneath his mask.
She returned the gesture, her wave small, her smile polite.
But even from a distance, he could see it. The mild tension in her shoulders, the way her fingers curled around the strap of her bag a little too tightly. It wasn’t enough to be obvious to just anyone, but to him, it stood out.
Something had happened.
He tilted his head slightly, observing, but didn’t say anything just yet. Instead, he watched as she moved through the store toward him, her steps light but deliberate.
Kakashi could guess what was on her mind. He had seen that look before, the one that meant she had something weighing on her but wasn’t quite sure how to speak on it yet.
So, when she reached him, he leaned casually against the nearest shelf, eyeing her with lazy amusement. “Took you long enough. I was starting to think you got lost in another dimension,” he mused. “Or maybe you were just avoiding me.”
A small, breathy laugh escaped her, but it didn’t quite reach her eyes.
Kakashi filed that away for later.
For now, he’d let her set the pace.
Kakashi kept his movements easy, his posture relaxed as they wandered through the bookstore. He made a few comments here and there, lighthearted observations about the titles they passed or half-joking recommendations that he knew she probably wouldn’t take seriously.
But Hinata’s responses were lukewarm at best. A small nod here, a polite hum there. The occasional smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes.
He noticed the way she ran her fingers over book spines without really looking at the titles, how her gaze seemed distant even when she was standing right beside him. She was here, physically, but her mind was elsewhere.
And he had a pretty good guess as to where.
Still, Kakashi didn’t pry. At least, not yet.
Instead, he kept the conversation moving at an easy pace, giving her room to settle into the moment if she wanted to. Eventually, they found their way to a section focused on chakra theory, the shelves lined with everything from ancient techniques to modern applications.
Kakashi plucked a book off the shelf, flipping it open with one hand. “Ah, I remember reading this one years ago. Nearly put me to sleep.” He glanced at Hinata. “I think you’d like it.”
This time, she managed a real, if small, smile. “I don’t think that’s much of a recommendation, Kakashi.”
He chuckled. “It depends. Some people find reading about chakra flow thrilling.”
She hummed softly, but he could tell she wasn’t really invested in the conversation.
He turned the page idly before shutting the book with a soft thud and slipping it back onto the shelf. “Still up for lunch afterwards?” he asked casually.
There was a pause, just barely long enough for him to notice, before she spoke.
“I already had lunch,” she said, voice quiet. “Sasuke-kun invited me.”
That gave him pause.
He tilted his head slightly, watching her reaction more than her words. “Did he now?”
Hinata gave a small nod, fingers brushing absently over the edge of a book. “Yes.”
Something about the way she said it, the way she still wasn’t really looking at him, made things click into place.
She wasn’t just distant. She was weighed down.
And whatever had happened at lunch with Sasuke, it was still lingering with her now.
Kakashi sighed lightly, slipping his hands into his pockets. “Did you have a good time?”
Another pause.
And then, “It was fine.”
Kakashi didn’t believe that for a second.
He studied her for a moment, then exhaled softly through his nose. “That so?”
Hinata only nodded again, her gaze still set on the bookshelf in front of her, but he could tell she wasn’t reading a single word.
Kakashi clicked his tongue, resisting the urge to press further.
But now, he knew for sure.
Something had happened.
Kakashi tilted his head slightly, pretending to examine the book in his hand, but his attention never fully left her. After a beat, he casually remarked, “By the way, that dress looks really good on you. Apologies for not saying something sooner.”
Hinata blinked, caught off guard. A soft blush colored her cheeks, and she glanced down at the floor, fingers playing with the hem of the skirt. “Oh—thank you,” she murmured, smiling shyly.
Behind his mask, Kakashi smiled. There it was. A real, genuine smile. Seeing it warmed his chest, and he was glad she had chosen the dress. He still remembered the hesitation in her eyes when she had tried it on, the uncertainty in her expression. But now, she looked lovely. And more importantly, she looked happy, at least for the moment.
“That’s a dangerous smile,” he teased, shifting his weight as he leaned slightly against the bookshelf.
Hinata looked up at him, puzzled. “What do you mean?”
Kakashi crossed his arms, his eye crinkling slightly. “Just that it might make an old man like me feel a little special.”
Hinata let out a small laugh, shaking her head. “You’re not old, Kakashi.”
Kakashi hummed. “Mm. I suppose that’s a matter of opinion. Otherwise would say otherwise.”
Hinata opened her mouth to respond, but before she could, a voice cut through the moment.
“Hinata.”
Kakashi recognized it instantly. His jaw tightened, but he forced himself to turn casually, keeping his expression neutral as he watched Sasuke approach.
The Uchiha’s dark eyes flicked toward him briefly, a slight glare, before locking onto Hinata.
Hinata, on the other hand, didn’t look pleased. She straightened slightly, schooling her features as she regarded her husband. “What are you doing here?”
Sasuke stopped just in front of them, his gaze unwavering. “I was looking for you.”
Kakashi watched as Hinata’s expression remained unreadable, but he didn’t miss the way her fingers tightened against the spine of a book. He also didn’t miss the way Sasuke’s stance was different.
Something was off.
Before Kakashi could place it, Hinata spoke again, her voice quiet but firm. “Shouldn’t you be with Sakura-san right now?”
Kakashi flicked his gaze toward Sasuke at that, catching the brief flash of shame that crossed his features.
Interesting.
Sasuke clenched his jaw. “Forget about Sakura,” he said, voice low. “I want to talk to you. Alone.” His head turned sharply toward Kakashi as soon as he said it.
Kakashi gave no reaction, acting as though he didn’t care. But he did. He wasn’t fond of Sasuke interrupting his time with Hinata.
Hinata let out a sigh. “You have one minute.”
Sasuke frowned. “That’s not enough time.”
“Take it or leave it,” she replied.
Sasuke exhaled sharply through his nose before turning back to Kakashi. “Leave.”
Kakashi raised a brow, unimpressed. “The bookstore is a public place, Sasuke. If you need privacy, you might want to go somewhere else.”
Sasuke grunted in frustration, but before he could argue, Hinata began counting down. “Fifty-nine…fifty-eight…”
Kakashi smirked, finding amusement at the fact she was actually counting down the minute. He looked at Hinata and nodded toward the register. “I’ll grab a book, pay for it, and wait for you outside.”
Hinata smiled and nodded in return.
Kakashi felt Sasuke’s glare burning into the back of his head as he walked away, but he didn’t bother acknowledging it.
As he reached the register, he risked one last glance over his shoulder. Sasuke was speaking, looking something between frustration and urgency, but Hinata’s expression remained impassive. Whatever he was saying, it wasn’t swaying her.
Kakashi took his time paying, then stepped outside, leaning against the building as he waited. A few minutes passed, longer than the one-minute deadline Hinata had given.
Eventually, the two of them emerged.
Hinata looked less tense. But Sasuke? He looked stressed. That conversation obviously didn’t go in his favor.
Sasuke’s eyes immediately found Kakashi. “Are you still going with him?”
Hinata barely had a chance to answer before Kakashi spoke, his voice carrying an amused lilt. “Only if she wishes to continue spending time with an old man.”
Hinata’s brows knitted together, lips pressing into a slight frown as she turned to him. “Kakashi, you’re not old. Stop saying that,” she said, frowning.
Kakashi chuckled softly behind his mask, but before he could respond, Sasuke scoffed. “Right. He’s pushing forty,” he muttered, crossing his arms. “Might as well start carrying around a walking stick.”
Hinata’s frown deepened as she turned toward Sasuke now, her expression firm. “That’s unnecessary,” she said, her voice calm but unwavering.
Sasuke rolled his eyes. “I’m just stating a fact.”
Hinata’s gaze didn’t waver. “And I’m stating one too. Kakashi isn’t old. He’s experienced, wise, and well-respected.” She tilted her head slightly. “And unlike some people, he doesn’t need to put others down to make himself feel better.”
Sasuke’s eyes narrowed slightly, his posture stiffening. “You don’t have to defend him.”
“I’m not defending him,” she corrected smoothly. “I’m just being honest.”
Kakashi watched the scene unfold with quiet amusement, his gaze flicking between the two of them. It wasn’t often that he got to see Sasuke at a loss for words, but right now, there was a flicker of something in the Uchiha’s expression—annoyance, certainly, but also something else. A slow simmer of frustration that he wasn’t used to receiving from Hinata of all people.
He is was somewhat amused watching them have a martial spat over him.
A touch of pride swelled within Kakashi at the sight. She was holding her ground. And from the look on Sasuke’s face, he was getting a taste of his own medicine.
Sasuke let out a sharp breath, looking away with a scowl. “Whatever.”
Kakashi hummed, thoroughly entertained. “See?” he mused. “She doesn’t think I’m old at all.”
Sasuke shot him a glare sharp enough to cut through steel.
Sasuke scoffed. “Shut up, old man.”
Hinata frowned. “Be nice!”
Sasuke exhaled sharply, looking away. “Whatever.”
After a beat, Hinata spoke again. “I’m going to visit Kurenai-sensei and Kakashi is walking me there.”
Kakashi glanced at her. That was news to him, he hadn’t offered to walk her, though he certainly wouldn’t mind. His eye flicked back to Sasuke, who was watching Hinata closely, his expression unreadable.
Sasuke clenched his jaw as if he were trying his hardest not to say something as he let out an annoyed grunt. “I’ll see you at home, then.”
With that, he turned and walked off, but not before glaring at Kakashi.
Kakashi raised a brow. “Are you actually going to visit Kurenai, or was that a lie?”
Hinata gave him an apologetic smile. “It was a lie.”
Kakashi tilted his head. “Ah.”
“I just–”She hesitated, fingers brushing against her arm. “I’m upset with Sasuke-kun right now, and I don’t want to be around him.”
Kakashi wanted to ask what had happened. He wanted to pry.
But instead, he offered, “How about a walk in the park?”
She looked at him, then nodded. “I’d like that.”
Kakashi merely smiled behind his mask.
x-x-x-x
The park was quiet, the late afternoon sun casting long shadows over the neatly paved path. A few people were scattered in the distance, an elderly couple walking hand in hand, a mother guiding her toddler along the trail, a lone jogger making slow rounds, but for the most part, the area was peaceful.
Kakashi walked beside Hinata at a leisurely pace, hands tucked in his pockets. He glanced at her every now and then, waiting, sensing that she was gathering her thoughts. Her fingers fidgeted slightly at the hem of her sundress, a habit he had come to recognize when something was weighing on her mind.
He didn’t press her. If she wanted to talk, she would.
And eventually, she did.
With a quiet breath, she finally said, “Sakura-san told me that Sasuke-kun spends most nights with her. Sharing a bed…”
Kakashi’s footsteps slowed slightly before he caught himself and continued walking. His gaze flickered to her face, but she wasn’t looking at him. Instead, she kept her eyes ahead, her expression looked…hurt.
He exhaled through his nose. “I see.”
Hinata let out a soft, humorless laugh. “I don’t know why I was surprised, even though I said I wasn’t. I suppose I always knew, deep down. I just…never had it said to me so plainly before.”
Kakashi’s jaw tightened. He had his own opinions about Sasuke’s choices, ones he had made clear in the past. But he also knew that, right now, she didn’t need someone to agree with her anger or fuel the fire. She needed someone to listen.
“So what did you say?” he asked.
Hinata sighed, shaking her head. “I didn’t yell. I didn’t cry. I just…told him and Sakura-san exactly what I thought. And then I left.”
Kakashi hummed. “Good.”
She finally turned to him then, surprised. “Good?”
He nodded. “You didn’t let them push you into something messy. You said what you needed to say and walked away with your dignity intact.”
Hinata glanced down, kicking a stray pebble on the path. “ It didn’t feel dignified,” she murmured.
Kakashi gave her a sidelong glance. “Did you mean what you said?”
She nodded without hesitation.
“Then it was dignified.”
Hinata bit her lip. “He tried to stop me,” she admitted after a beat. “Grabbed my arm before I could leave.”
Kakashi’s expression darkened slightly, but he kept his voice light. “And?”
“I pulled away.” Her fingers tightened at her sides. “I told him not to touch me.”
Kakashi stayed silent, letting the words settle. He could imagine Sasuke’s reaction, the irritation, the frustration, maybe even the slightest flicker of guilt, perhaps. But whether it was guilt for hurting Hinata or guilt for getting caught, Kakashi wasn’t sure.
“Do you regret saying that?” he asked.
Hinata hesitated. “No,” she said finally. “I just, I didn’t expect him to look so…” she stopped herself.
“So what?”
She shook her head. “Never mind.”
Kakashi didn’t push, but he already had a good guess as to what she meant. Sasuke wasn’t used to rejection at least, not from her. His feelings were probably hurt.
They walked in silence for a while, the sounds of rustling leaves and distant bird calls filling the spaces between them. Eventually, Kakashi spoke again.
“What do you want to do?”
Hinata’s brows furrowed slightly. “What do you mean?”
He slowed his steps, turning his head to look at her fully. “You don’t owe him anything, Hinata. If you want to leave, you can. If you want to fight for something better, you can. The choice is yours.”
Hinata let out a quiet breath, looking ahead. “I don’t know. It’s not that simple.”
Kakashi nodded. He expected as much.
They reached a wooden bench along the path, and Kakashi gestured to it. “Let’s sit for a moment.”
She followed, smoothing out her dress as she settled onto the bench. He sat beside her, stretching his legs out in front of him.
“You’ve been trying,” he said after a pause.
She glanced at him.
“I can see it. You’ve been trying to make things work with him. I’m sure he sees that too, even though he won’t admit it.”
Hinata’s gaze dropped to her lap. “I don’t know if it’s worth it. Sometimes I think we should just live separately.”
Kakashi sighed, tilting his head back to stare at the sky. “That’s something only you can decide.”
They sat in comfortable silence for a while. Kakashi could still feel the weight of the conversation lingering, but he didn’t want to push her any further. She had already said a lot.
Instead, he smiled under his mask and changed the subject.
“I still think you should let me treat you to lunch,” he teased lightly.
Hinata huffed out a small laugh. “I already ate, remember?”
“Yes, yes,” he sighed dramatically, “but that doesn’t mean I can’t try to steal you away for dessert.”
She laughed, but the smile that crossed her lips was warm.
And for now, that was enough.
x-x-x-x
The walk home was peaceful, the afternoon air crisp as the sun began its slow descent beyond the rooftops of Konoha. Kakashi walked beside her, hands in his pockets, his usual relaxed demeanor masking whatever thoughts were running through his mind. He had always been like that, steady, calm, a quiet presence that made her feel secure even when everything else felt like it was falling apart.
As they neared her home, Hinata slowed her steps, hesitating for just a moment before turning to him. “Kakashi…” she started softly, shifting on her feet.
He stopped beside her, his head tilting.
She swallowed, suddenly feeling shy, but she pushed through it. “I just wanted to say thank you. For being in my corner.” She exhaled, eyes flickering down for a brief moment before she reached out, her fingers wrapping around his hand in a gentle squeeze. “I really appreciate you.”
Kakashi stiffened, just barely, his entire body going still. For a moment, she thought she had overstepped, but then she saw it, something she had never seen before.
He was blushing.
It was faint, just a light dusting of pink across his exposed skin, but it was there. His eyes widened slightly before he quickly averted his gaze, his hand slipping from hers in a smooth but obvious retreat. He coughed into his fist, rubbing the back of his neck, as if trying to compose himself.
“I…appreciate you just the same,” he said, his voice carrying a rare note of hesitation.
Hinata blinked. She hadn’t expected that.
Kakashi cleared his throat, falling back into his usual ease. “And don’t let Sasuke get under your skin,” he added, though there was something softer about the way he said it. “You’re doing a good job standing your ground.” His voice dropped just a fraction, a seriousness settling over his features. “But if he ever goes too far let me know. I’ll handle it.”
Hinata stared at him, warmth curling in her chest. He always knew what to say, even when she wasn’t sure what she needed to hear.
A small smile touched her lips. “I will,” she promised.
For a brief second, there was a beat of silence between them. Then, before she could process what was happening, his fingers brushed against her cheek, just the barest touch, of the knuckles of his index and middle fingers grazing her skin in a fleeting caress.
By the time she registered the contact, he was already stepping back, turning on his heel with a lazy wave of his hand. “See you around, Hinata,” he called over his shoulder.
She stood there, frozen, her hand instinctively rising to press against her cheek. Her skin tingled where he had touched her, and a deep warmth spread across her face. Blushing, she quickly shook her head, exhaling sharply.
Kakashi was just being Kakashi…right?
With that thought, she turned and stepped inside.
The house was quiet. Too quiet.
She hadn’t expected Sasuke to be home, but for some reason, the absence still settled heavily in her chest. Maybe it was foolish, but a small part of her had hoped…hoped for what, she wasn’t sure.
Hinata walked into the living room, letting herself sink onto the couch. She turned on the television, letting the noise fill the empty space around her.
But her mind wouldn’t settle.
Sasuke had been so apologetic earlier, but she hadn’t let him explain. She didn’t care to hear it. Because no matter how many times he said he was sorry, it wouldn’t change the reality of the situation.
She had always known where he went. She wasn’t stupid. But knowing and hearing it were two very different things. The way Sakura had just blurted it out, so confidently, so sure of her place in his life…it made Hinata’s stomach twist painfully.
She clenched her jaw, gripping the fabric of her dress.
She wasn’t even angry anymore.
Just tired.
The hours passed in a blur. The next time she looked at the clock, the sky outside had darkened, casting long shadows through the room.
Still no Sasuke.
Hinata let out a quiet laugh, though there was no humor in it. Why had she even thought, why had she hoped, even for a second?
She shook her head, forcing herself to move as she turned off the television. She walked to her bedroom, fingers moving mechanically as she reached for her pajamas, slipping out of her dress and into the familiar comfort of soft fabric.
Her reflection caught her attention in the mirror.
She looked exhausted.
Sighing, she turned away and turned off the light, slipping beneath the covers.
As soon as her head hit the pillow, the weight of the day settled over her.
Everything had started fine. It had even felt normal, for a moment. But now, it was as if the rug had been pulled from beneath her feet once again, leaving her stumbling, grasping for something that wasn’t even there.
The thought of Sasuke and Sakura together, still together, made her stomach knot. The image of them lying in bed together, like it was the most natural thing in the world, made her nails dig into her palms.
She squeezed her eyes shut, forcing herself to breathe.
But it didn’t stop the quiet sting at the back of her throat.
Or the tears that slipped down her cheeks.
x-x-x-x
Sasuke stood motionless in front of Sakura’s door, his hand hovering inches away from knocking. The night was quiet, save for the occasional rustling of leaves and the distant hum of Konoha’s nightlife winding down. The streetlamps above cast a dim glow over him, his shadow stretching long against the wooden frame.
His fingers twitched, but he didn’t move.
What was he doing here?
His thoughts flickered back to her. The quiet weight of Hinata’s voice when she told him she wasn’t surprised, the detached way she had looked at him before walking away. The sharp cut of her words still lingered, settling in his chest like a dull ache.
He had apologized, not for something surface, level, not to dismiss or pacify, but because he had meant it. He wanted to be better. He wanted to try. But wanting and doing were two different things.
And standing here, outside this door, was proof of that.
His jaw tightened. It hadn’t been this hard for Hinata to let go of Naruto. She had done it, and she had done it right, with respect, with distance, with finality. Yet here he was, struggling to untangle himself from the past, from the one person who had always been there, always waiting.
He exhaled slowly, dragging a hand through his hair. His head was a mess. He was confused and conflicted. It wasn’t a good feeling. He needed to think. He needed to—
The door creaked open.
“Sasuke-kun?”
Sakura’s voice was soft, but he could hear the faint surprise in it. She stood in the doorway, her green eyes searching his face. “I sensed you,” she admitted, stepping forward. “Why didn’t you just knock?”
Sasuke’s throat felt tight. He had to be honest with her.
Sakura didn’t wait for an answer. A gentle smile crossed her lips as she reached for his hand, her fingers curling around his wrist as she pulled him toward her. “Come inside,” she murmured, tugging lightly. “It’s late.”
But he didn’t move.
Sakura blinked up at him, confusion flickering in her features. “Sasuke-kun?”
His gaze flickered to her hand on his wrist, then back to her face. The warmth of her skin against his own felt familiar, comfortable. But for the first time, it felt wrong.
His fingers twitched before he pulled away.
Sakura’s smile faltered. “What’s wrong?”
He let out a slow breath, his voice low. “I don’t know what I’m doing here.”
Her brows knitted together. “What do you mean?”
He swallowed, glancing to the side, as if avoiding her gaze would make this easier. “I just—” He shook his head. “I think I’m going to go home for a while.”
Sakura stiffened.
Her lips parted, and for a moment, she said nothing. Then, in a voice barely above a whisper, she asked, “Home?”
He didn’t miss the weight behind the word. The way it lingered between them like an accusation.
Sasuke didn’t answer immediately. He could see the way her fingers curled into the fabric of her shirt, gripping it tightly, as if bracing herself.
He forced himself to look at her. “I need to clear my head.”
Sakura’s eyes searched his, looking for something, anything, that would tell her this wasn’t what she thought it was. But Sasuke didn’t have any reassurances to offer.
A small, bitter laugh escaped her lips, but it lacked amusement. “You mean you need to clear your head there.”
He clenched his jaw.
She didn’t say Hinata’s name. She didn’t have to.
The silence between them stretched, heavy with things neither of them were willing to say.
Finally, Sakura took a step back, nodding slightly, though the tension in her shoulders betrayed her. “Alright,” she said, voice quiet, unreadable.
Sasuke exhaled. He hesitated for a fraction of a second, then, without another word, he turned and walked away.
The moment he stepped off her porch, something in his chest twisted as he heard him call his name softly, but he pretended not to hear.
He had to try, even if it hurt him to see the look on Sakura’s face.
x-x-x-x
Sasuke stepped into the darkened house, shutting the door behind him with a quiet click. The air inside was still, undisturbed, as if no one had been home for hours. He shrugged off his jacket, hanging it neatly on the hook by the door before toeing off his sandals. His eyes flickered toward the empty living room, then down the darkened hallway.
Was she here?
He wasn’t sure if he wanted the answer.
Not bothering to dwell on it, he made his way into the kitchen. He grabbed a glass from the cabinet, filled it with water, and took a long drink. The cool liquid settled the unease creeping in his chest, but only slightly. As he stood there, his gaze wandered toward the refrigerator, where a cluster of small notes was haphazardly stuck to the surface.
Hinata’s handwriting.
He had seen them before in passing but never paid attention. Most of them had dates written on them, little reminders for things he didn’t know or understand. Appointments, events, notes about grocery runs. He was about to look away when one caught his eye.
July 23rd.
His fingers tightened around the glass.
His birthday.
Sasuke stared at it, unmoving, a strange weight settling in his stomach. How long had that been there? And why? Was it just another one of her meticulous reminders, or…did she actually intend to do something for it?
He sighed, finishing the rest of his water in a single gulp. He set the glass down in the sink and turned away, walking out of the kitchen and down the hallway. His first instinct was to go into the spare bedroom.
For a moment, he considered going in.
But his feet carried him forward.
He stopped when he reached their bedroom. His hand hovered over the doorknob for a second before he turned it and pushed the door open.
The room was dim, bathed in the soft glow of the moon filtering through the curtains. His eyes landed on the bed, where a familiar figure lay curled up beneath the blankets. Her back was to him, her breathing steady.
She was here.
Sasuke hesitated.
It wasn’t like he could just…get in. They had never shared a bed before. And given how their last conversation ended, he had no doubt she wouldn’t take kindly to waking up and finding him beside her.
He sighed through his nose, running a hand through his hair before stepping forward. He crouched slightly, reaching out to give her shoulder a gentle shake.
Hinata stirred, a soft, sleepy murmur escaping her lips. Her brows furrowed slightly before her eyes fluttered open, still hazy with sleep. She blinked up at him, confused.
“…Sasuke-kun?”
“Yeah.”
Her head shifted against the pillow. “What do you want?”
Sasuke swallowed, suddenly feeling ridiculous. He had fought in wars, survived countless battles, and yet this…felt harder than anything else.
“Can I sleep in here?”
Hinata stilled.
He watched as her body tensed, her sleep-heavy mind clearly snapping to full awareness. She sat up abruptly, blinking at him as if she hadn’t heard correctly. “…Huh?”
He cleared his throat. “I said—”
“I heard you,” she cut in, shaking her head as if trying to process it. She looked at him fully now, searching his face. “Why?”
He hesitated.
The answer should’ve been simple. But it wasn’t.
Hinata’s gaze sharpened slightly, as if she already knew. “…Where were you before you came home?”
Sasuke’s jaw tightened as he exhaled through his nose. “I was at Sakura’s.”
Hinata didn’t move, her expression unreadable.
His fingers curled slightly at his sides. “I didn’t go in,” he muttered. “I thought about it, but I left.” His gaze flickered to the floor for a brief second before settling back on her. “I came home.”
Silence.
He could feel her eyes on him, weighing his words, searching for something unspoken.
Then, without hesitation, she turned away, her back to him as she settled into the blankets. “You can sleep in the other room.”
Sasuke’s jaw tensed. “Hinata–”
She cut him off. “I don’t want to share a bed with someone who’s been sharing a bed with someone else.”
His throat felt tight. He opened his mouth, but whatever words he had, whatever explanation he thought he could give, died before they could form.
She didn’t want to hear it, anyway.
“Goodnight, Sasuke-kun.”
Final. Dismissive.
His fingers curled into fists at his sides, frustration and something heavier pressing in his chest. The rejection sat uncomfortably in his gut.
This was his own doing, and he knew it. But knowing didn’t make it any easier to swallow.
His jaw tightened, and before he turned to leave, he muttered, “I’ll be home tomorrow morning. And the day after that. And the day after that. I’m going to try.”
She said nothing.
Sasuke lingered, waiting, hoping, for some kind of response. A glance, a shift, anything.
But she remained still with her back to him.
With a slow, quiet exhale, he turned and left the room, making his way to the spare bedroom.
The space felt colder than ever.