Chapter 16
The morning had started with Sasuke asking her something unexpected. He requested she spend most of her Saturday away from home and only return late in the evening. Confused at first, Hinata quickly realized what he was asking. This was the date he’d shyly brought up earlier that week, his dark eyes averted as he'd offered her money to buy something nice to wear. Despite her confusion at the unusual request, she’d smiled and accepted. Sasuke always had his own way of doing things, after all.
Still, as she browsed the shops and picked out a new dress, she couldn’t entirely quiet the anxious whispers in her mind, particularly those that conjured Sakura’s name. Hinata hadn’t seen Sakura since Kiba’s party, and Sasuke hadn’t mentioned her at all. Yet even so, Hinata’s heart twinged uncomfortably at the thought of the pink-haired woman. She shook her head, determined not to let old insecurities overshadow the day Sasuke had clearly planned so carefully.
She spent hours choosing, eventually deciding on a lovely sleeveless dress, bright yellow with charming blue dots scattered playfully across its fabric. It flared gently from her waist, reaching just below her knees, giving a delightful feeling of airy elegance. It was unlike anything she'd worn before, but she hoped Sasuke would like it.
When the sky turned a deep shade of evening purple, Hinata finally made her way home. She stepped quietly through the front door, the soft rustle of her shopping bag breaking the silence as she glanced around curiously.
“I’m home,” she called gently, slipping her shoes off neatly at the entrance. She felt an immediate wash of relief seeing only Sasuke’s familiar shoes there. It was proof enough that her earlier worries had been baseless.
Still, silence lingered. She tilted her head slightly, feeling a small flicker of curiosity. “Sasuke-kun?” she called out again, her voice just a touch louder.
“Just stay where you are,” Sasuke’s voice echoed, distant and muffled.
She should hear the nervousness in his voice. Hinata pressed a hand to her lips, smiling. Sasuke was never nervous. Well, almost never. It made her heart flutter to hear that shy uncertainty in his voice.
Obediently, she waited, smoothing her new dress self-consciously, suddenly hoping she hadn't chosen poorly. Her thoughts were halted when Sasuke finally emerged into view.
Her breath caught sharply. He stood in the doorway leading into the hall, dressed neatly in black, sleeves rolled to his elbows, revealing toned forearms she’d come to quietly admire. He looked both effortlessly handsome and subtly formal, an air of seriousness around him softened only by the faint color rising in his cheeks as his dark gaze traveled slowly from her feet upward.
He lingered briefly at her waist, following the gentle flare of the dress, before finally reaching her face. His expression was carefully controlled as always, yet the subtle pink tint to his ears betrayed his thoughts.
“You look nice,” he murmured quietly, the words simple yet sincere.
Hinata’s own cheeks warmed, her fingers twisting shyly in front of her dress. “Th-thank you,” she stammered softly, smiling. “You look nice, too.”
He nodded, seeming relieved at her approval. Then he held out his hand toward her, silently asking her to take it.
Her heart skipped as she placed her hand gently into his, feeling the warmth of his fingers curl protectively around hers. Without another word, Sasuke guided her deeper into the house, toward their dining room.
As they stepped through the doorway, Hinata's eyes widened in awe. The entire space had been transformed. Soft candles filled the room, placed thoughtfully along tables and shelves, casting a warm, romantic glow. Pale blue and white flower petals were scattered delicately along the table, the faint scent of jasmine filling the air. At the table’s center stood a vase holding a single branch of lavender, simple yet elegant.
Her gaze traveled to the carefully arranged meal set out before them,handmade dishes she'd often cooked for Sasuke. Clearly, he'd done his best to replicate them himself. The imperfections, though noticeable, somehow made her heart swell even more.
“You did all of this?” she asked softly, her voice barely above a whisper as she looked up at him, eyes bright.
Sasuke glanced away, embarrassed. His free hand reached to rub the back of his neck in that awkward gesture she’d grown to adore. “Who else would’ve done it?” he mumbled quietly, feigning annoyance to hide his vulnerability.
She gently squeezed his fingers, unable to suppress a smile. “It's beautiful, Sasuke-kun.”
His eyes softened slightly as they returned to her face. “Good,” he muttered, clearly pleased yet trying to remain unaffected. “It took longer than I expected.” His fingers gently slipped from hers, and he smoothly reached forward, pulling out the chair for her.
"Here," Sasuke murmured quietly, his dark eyes flickering to hers briefly. "Sit."
Hinata smiled softly, shy warmth spreading across her chest as she took the offered seat. "Thank you, Sasuke-kun."
He nodded slightly and moved around the table to sit opposite her. For a moment, they sat in comfortable silence, the gentle flickering of candle flames casting delicate shadows across his face. Sasuke’s gaze fell briefly to the carefully prepared dishes in front of them, a hint of embarrassment crossing his features.
"I hope it tastes decent," he admitted, voice low with a slight nervous edge. "I didn't use my Sharingan to copy your cooking methods. I just went by what I remembered you doing. I apologize if it isn’t good."
Hinata felt her heart swell at his honest admission, and her smile widened reassuringly. "I'm sure it's wonderful, Sasuke-kun."
Picking up her chopsticks, she gently gathered a small bite of the food, bringing it slowly to her lips. As she tasted it, her eyes widened in surprise. The flavors were subtle, delicately balanced, and genuinely delicious. Hinata placed a hand over her mouth, smiling brightly at him as she swallowed.
"It's delicious!" she said softly, warmth radiating in her voice. "You cooked it perfectly."
Sasuke’s shoulders visibly relaxed, relief touching his features as he picked up his own utensils, the corners of his lips tugging upward in a rare, faint smile. "Good," he muttered quietly. "I was worried."
As they continued eating, conversation came naturally, the gentle clinking of utensils accompanying their quiet laughter.
After a while, curiosity blossomed in Hinata’s chest, and she set down her chopsticks thoughtfully. "Sasuke-kun," she began softly, catching his attention, "when exactly did your feelings for me begin to change?"
Sasuke paused mid-bite, his eyes narrowing thoughtfully as he considered her question. After a moment, he slowly set down his utensils, leaning slightly forward.
"Do you remember when we sat on the rooftop about four months ago? Looking at the clouds?"
Hinata’s cheeks colored faintly as the memory surfaced. She nodded shyly, her voice soft. "Yes. I remember."
His gaze lingered on her face, eyes quietly contemplative. "You laughed that day," he murmured quietly. "It was…different. It was the first time I had seen you so carefree. Unguarded. You were always reserved around me, understandably, but seeing you like that…it took me by surprise."
Hinata felt warmth rise from her neck to her cheeks, her heartbeat quickening slightly. "It did?"
Sasuke nodded slowly, his gaze shifting briefly away, clearly embarrassed at his honesty. "After that, I found myself noticing small things about you. Little habits, expressions. Things I thought were cute, even if I didn't want to admit it." He paused, a slight frown crossing his face before continuing quietly, "It wasn't until I was away on that mission that I fully understood what was happening. In a strange way, I owe Kakashi for that realization."
Hinata blinked, confusion briefly crossing her features. "Kakashi?"
Sasuke sighed, mildly irritated, though mostly at himself. "He kept pointing out that I was jealous. I didn't believe him at first, but he was right."
Hinata's gaze softened in understanding. Initially, the speed at which his feelings had shifted seemed sudden, especially since he was still seeing Sakura only a few months ago. But then she remembered something from years ago, something she'd overheard Ino mention as young girls.
She recalled Ino’s youthful, serious tone explaining how passionately the Uchiha could love. How deeply their emotions ran, often verging on obsession. At the time, it had seemed like an abstract concept, irrelevant to her young self. But after her engagement to Sasuke, Hinata spent countless nights pouring over scrolls detailing the Uchiha clan's history, psychology, and their emotional dynamics. The reality of it became clearer to her with each passing day.
The Uchiha were a clan known for their intense emotional capacity. Love, in particular, was an overwhelming force that once awakened, could consume them entirely. The strength of their emotions was not something they could easily temper or let go of. From the earliest generations of Uchiha, this deep, burning passion had often manifested as both a driving force and a destructive one. Once an Uchiha’s heart was set on something, it became an inescapable, unyielding part of their existence.
For Sasuke, this meant that once he had made the conscious decision to commit to their marriage, his feelings for her had quickly grown into something profound and all-encompassing. In his quiet, stoic way, Sasuke had always been aware of the weight of his emotions, but after severing his past ties with Sakura and choosing to focus solely on Hinata, those feelings had deepened. It made sense to Hinata now that Sasuke’s heart had followed so quickly, the Uchiha way of loving demanding intensity and devotion once it had fully taken root.
Yet, a gentle ache tugged at her, a compassionate awareness of how difficult it must have been for Sasuke to break away from someone he’d genuinely cared for, like Sakura. Choosing to follow a moral path, to honor their arranged marriage rather than giving in to his personal desires, must have been incredibly hard. That he had chosen to do the right thing, even at personal cost, showed a strength of character she deeply admired.
Swallowing her nervousness, Hinata hesitated briefly, then quietly spoke her thoughts. "Sasuke-kun, do you still have feelings for Sakura-san? Was it difficult, breaking things off with her?"
She noticed the brief tension in his jaw, the subtle tightening around his eyes. But then he sighed softly, his voice measured and genuine as he responded.
"It wasn't easy," Sasuke admitted quietly, meeting her gaze firmly. "Ending things with Sakura, it did hurt. But at that point, the pain was from knowing I was hurting her, not because I wanted to stay." He paused, eyes softening slightly. "I'd already decided I needed to change. I'd been unfair to both of you. If I didn't commit fully to this marriage, I'd just be repeating the same mistakes."
He looked directly into Hinata’s eyes. "You don't have to worry about me stepping backward, Hinata. Sakura and I are done. I'm not going to hurt you like that again."
Her heartbeat quickened at his honest reassurance, warmth blooming steadily in her chest. "Sasuke-kun, thank you for telling me."
Sasuke turned slightly red, clearing his throat awkwardly. "Well, you deserved to hear it clearly."
They continued eating quietly, the air now warmer, freer. When the meal finally ended, Sasuke stood, offering his hand to Hinata once again. "I have one more thing planned," he said softly, leading her gently from the dining table toward the sliding door to the backyard.
Hinata followed curiously, allowing him to lead her outside. Her breath caught as they stepped into the garden. Strings of softly glowing lanterns hung between the trees, casting gentle, golden illumination over their quiet yard. A large, comfortable blanket had been spread out, surrounded by soft pillows, nestled carefully on the grass. Beside it rested a basket filled with small desserts she knew he’d remembered she liked, cinnamon buns, dango, and sweet pastries.
"It's beautiful.”
Sasuke carefully guided her down to sit beside him, the closeness of their bodies warm and comforting. "I figured you'd like stargazing again," he admitted quietly, his voice a tender murmur in the evening air. "But I wanted to make it special."
She leaned into him gently, the intimacy of the moment overwhelming her heart. "You did, Sasuke-kun. It's perfect."
Hinata reached forward, carefully plucking a small pastry from the basket. Her eyes lit up with quiet delight as she took a delicate bite, the sweetness flooding her tongue in an instant. It was warm and sugary, a perfect ending to their dinner. Lost briefly in the blissful taste, she almost missed Sasuke's quiet chuckle beside her.
She paused mid-chew, glancing up at him curiously. "What's so funny?"
Sasuke's dark eyes sparkled mischievously as he watched her, his chin resting casually against his hand. "Nothing much," he drawled slowly. "It's just amusing to watch you eat sweets, Toothless."
Hinata instantly flushed, her cheeks puffing slightly in embarrassment and mild indignation. "S-Sasuke-kun! I've told you not to call me that!"
He merely raised an eyebrow, his lips curling into a teasing smirk. "Why not? It suits you. If you keep eating sweets like that, you’ll lose all of your teeth. I'm only looking out for you."
Hinata’s lips formed a deeper pout, her brows furrowing. She turned her head away stubbornly, attempting to hide the flush spreading across her cheeks. She could hear Sasuke’s low chuckle behind her, his amusement obvious, which only made her puff her cheeks out more.
Sasuke laughed softly again. "Now you look like a toothless chipmunk," he remarked, clearly enjoying her reaction.
Hinata froze instantly, startled by how his playful expression had shifted into something deeper, more intimate. His eyes slowly roamed her face, then drifted down along the delicate curve of her neck, lingering briefly at her collarbone, before rising again to meet her startled gaze. Hinata’s heart stuttered wildly against her ribs, the teasing suddenly forgotten as warmth flooded her chest.
Sasuke leaned forward even further, his face stopping a mere breath away from hers. His eyes softened noticeably, his voice lowering to a gentle murmur. "Can I kiss you again?"
Hinata felt a shiver run down her spine at the softly spoken question. Her voice abandoned her entirely, leaving her only able to give a small, barely perceptible nod, her lips parting unconsciously in silent invitation.
A heartbeat later, his lips brushed tenderly against hers. Hinata felt herself melt beneath his touch, warmth spreading rapidly through her body. His lips were gentle, soft, yet commanding in their slow exploration.
When Sasuke shifted closer, deepening the kiss, her breath caught sharply. His hand slid to the back of her head, fingers gently tangling into her hair, guiding her closer as his mouth moved possessively against hers. Her eyes fluttered closed, surrendering fully to the sensation. His teeth caught her bottom lip, gently nibbling, teasing, coaxing a soft, unexpected moan from her throat.
Hinata immediately tensed, eyes opening wide in mortification, but Sasuke paused only briefly, his lips curving into a smug smirk against her mouth.
Humiliated, Hinata pushed him away quickly, pulling back and turning her flushed face aside. Her heart pounded wildly, the echo of her own small moan replaying relentlessly in her mind.
Behind her, Sasuke chuckled lowly, clearly enjoying her embarrassment. Before she could fully retreat into herself, his arm reached out, swiftly pulling her backward against his chest.
Hinata squeaked softly, startled by the sudden movement. His strong arm wrapped securely around her from behind, comfortably holding her in place between his legs. She tilted her head back nervously, her wide lavender eyes locking onto his amused gaze.
"W-What are you doing, Sasuke-kun?" she stammered breathlessly, her voice barely above a whisper, embarrassment deepening.
He cleared his throat awkwardly, a faint blush rising to his cheeks as well, and avoided her gaze momentarily. "Just look forward."
Hinata blinked, confused, then slowly turned her head as instructed. Her heart leapt again, seeing a camera held casually in Sasuke’s hand.
"Sasuke—?"
Before she could complete her question, Sasuke dipped his head down toward her neck, his warm lips pressing feather-light kisses to the sensitive skin there. Hinata instantly broke into helpless giggles, squirming gently within his hold, completely forgetting the camera until a sudden flash illuminated the room.
"S-Sasuke-kun!" she protested between bursts of laughter, pouting lightly. "Why did you do that?"
Sasuke didn’t immediately answer. Instead, he calmly picked up the Polaroid photo and gently waved it back and forth, waiting for the image to appear. Curiosity overcoming embarrassment, Hinata watched closely as Sasuke’s expression slowly softened, his gaze filling with quiet warmth.
He smiled faintly, almost to himself. "Now I have a tangible photo of that laugh of yours," he murmured gently, eyes focused tenderly on the picture.
Hinata blushed furiously. She bit her lower lip, trying to control her expression. "B-but I wasn't ready," she protested weakly.
"That was the whole point," Sasuke said simply, glancing back at her with a teasing smirk. "If you keep pouting like that, I'll take a photo of that expression too."
Immediately her face relaxed, her pout vanishing. He chuckled softly, eyes still filled with warmth.
"You know," he began quietly, setting the camera aside, "I've been thinking about us taking a picture together even before Hanabi mentioned it."
She tilted her head, genuinely surprised. "Really?"
He nodded slightly, gaze dropping momentarily. "I noticed how you watched that couple taking pictures at the park. You had this look in your eyes," he paused briefly, hesitating, "I wanted to be able to give you that."
Hinata’s heart squeezed tightly, deeply touched by his quiet admission. She smiled softly up at him, eyes glistening gently. "Sasuke-kun…"
He cleared his throat awkwardly again, avoiding her gaze. "I'm not really photogenic, but I don't mind if it's with you."
Hinata’s smile widened softly, warmth blossoming brightly in her chest. She shifted closer against him, her earlier embarrassment entirely forgotten.
Curiously, her gaze fell back to the small Polaroid resting between Sasuke's fingers. Her eyes widened slightly, her cheeks turning a gentle shade of pink as she studied the candid moment captured there. It was, admittedly, a sweet photo. Her head tilted back, eyes closed, mouth wide open in carefree laughter. Sasuke's face wasn't visible at all, hidden instead in the crook of her neck, his dark hair the only clue of his presence as it softly brushed against her skin. It was intimate, playful, and deeply personal. A precious memory frozen forever.
"It's embarrassing," she murmured shyly, biting her lip softly. "You can't even see your face."
He tucked the photo carefully into his pocket, his gaze never leaving hers. "Your expression is more than enough." She needed to take a photo of him actually looking at the camera, though she felt he wouldn’t smile. However, she’d find a way around that, eventually. She dropped her gaze shyly, gently tugging at the hem of her dress. Before she could say anything else, Sasuke shifted slightly behind her. His arm wrapped gently around her waist again, pulling her back against his chest as he slowly lay down onto the soft blanket. Surprised, Hinata squeaked lightly, but his hold was gentle and steady, easing her down alongside him.
Lying beside Sasuke, she felt her heart slow, settling into a calm rhythm. The sky stretched endlessly above them, a velvet blanket dotted with countless shimmering stars. It was breathtaking.
"I don't think I've ever seen the stars look this beautiful," she whispered softly, her eyes wide with awe as she gazed upward.
She felt Sasuke shift slightly, his head turning to look at her. "They're always like this," he replied quietly. "You just have to slow down enough to notice."
She turned her head slowly, eyes meeting his gentle stare. In the dim, silvery moonlight, Sasuke's face seemed softer, more vulnerable. The usual tension in his expression had melted away, replaced by something calm and open.
"I'm glad we're noticing it together," she said, her voice barely louder than the whispering wind. "I wouldn't want to see it alone."
He didn't say anything for a long moment, his dark gaze drifting back to the stars. Then his fingers found hers, interlacing with a natural ease. The warmth of his palm against her own made her heart swell, a pleasant warmth spreading through her.
"Neither would I," he finally admitted. "It's better with you here."
Hinata felt tears prick at the corners of her eyes, not from sadness but from overwhelming joy. Without another word, she nestled closer against him, her head gently resting against his shoulder, breathing in the soothing scent that was distinctly Sasuke.
They lay there quietly for some time, simply existing together beneath the expansive sky. Hinata could feel the steady rise and fall of Sasuke's chest, the gentle thump of his heart beneath her cheek. It was comforting, reassuring. It spoke louder than words ever could.
She felt his breath whisper against her hair, his voice so low she almost missed it. "Hinata?"
"Hmm?" she responded softly, lifting her head just enough to meet his gaze again.
"Thank you," Sasuke said quietly, his eyes serious yet tender, reflecting the stars above. "For giving me a chance, even when I didn't deserve one."
Hinata's heart ached softly at the vulnerability in his words. She reached up gently, her fingertips brushing carefully against his cheek, watching as his expression softened even further under her touch.
"You do deserve it, Sasuke-kun," she whispered earnestly, her eyes bright with sincerity. "We both do."
He watched her intently, his gaze deepening as if committing every detail of her face to memory. Slowly, the corner of his lips curled into a gentle, genuine smile, something rare and incredibly precious.
"Maybe you're right," Sasuke murmured softly, his thumb gently stroking over her knuckles as he held her hand. "I'm starting to believe that, too."
Her gaze softened as she leaned forward, brushing her lips tenderly against his cheek. She lingered there, savoring the soft warmth of his skin beneath her touch, before drawing back and settling against him once more. The gentle pressure of his hand tightened slightly around hers, as though holding onto the moment itself.
X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Two months later…
Sunlight poured gently through Sakura’s apartment window, casting soft patterns across the tidy furniture and freshly swept floor. She’d been cleaning steadily all morning, finding comfort in the simplicity of everyday tasks. A morning breeze rustled gently past the curtains, carrying with it the faint scent of autumn leaves and distant rain.
Pausing to stretch her back, she reached down to gather scattered clothing from the floor, her fingers suddenly brushing against something soft and familiar. Her hand stilled, breath catching momentarily in her throat. Slowly, she lifted the dark fabric, her fingers tracing the recognizable Uchiha emblem embroidered at the collar.
It was Sasuke’s shirt. She hadn’t realized he'd left it here.
A faint smile formed unbidden on her lips. How many times had she watched him casually slip into it before leaving her apartment, always leaving a subtle scent behind, a gentle blend of woodsy soap, training sweat, and something purely Sasuke. Folding the shirt with careful hands, Sakura gently placed it aside, determined to decide later what she’d do with it.
But her eyes lingered on it even as she moved about the apartment, tidying distractedly. The shirt tugged at her heart, echoing memories she'd spent weeks attempting to put aside. Finally, with a quiet sigh, she grabbed it again. Before she could rethink, she slipped it carefully into her bag, deciding she’d return it later—at least that’s what she told herself, though deep down she knew it was just an excuse to hold onto a piece of him for a bit longer.
Exiting the apartment, she began walking leisurely toward the hospital. Her mind was already halfway there, mentally preparing for her shift, when she noticed a familiar figure up ahead on the path. She slowed her pace slightly, narrowing her eyes.
Shino Aburame stood calmly in the middle of the road, hands tucked casually into his pockets. Dark shades hid his eyes, but Sakura could tell he was observing her intently. They rarely crossed paths, and truthfully, Sakura had always found him somewhat odd. Yet she respected him. His unwavering loyalty, especially to teammates like Kiba and Hinata, had always been clear.
As they came face-to-face, Sakura stopped, forcing a polite smile. "Good morning, Shino-san," she greeted him brightly. "It's been a while. How have you been?"
Shino inclined his head just slightly, his voice the same even-toned murmur she always remembered. "I've been well, Sakura. Thank you for asking. And you?"
"I'm good," she replied softly, shifting her weight slightly as an awkward silence stretched between them. It wasn't often she struggled to carry a conversation, but Shino had always been a challenge. He gave nothing away. His expression unreadable behind his dark sunglasses. She briefly wondered what he'd sound like if he laughed out loud or felt excitement.
"Well then," Shino murmured after another uncomfortable pause, stepping around her with slow, deliberate movements, as if their brief conversation was complete. Sakura turned slightly, eyes narrowing curiously.
"See you later, Shino-san," she called softly, uncertainly, more confused than ever by the exchange.
But Shino stopped abruptly, his back still turned to her. Sakura's breath caught as his voice floated quietly toward her, an unexpected edge beneath the calm surface.
"Sakura-san," he began slowly, "I must admit something has bothered me for a long time. May I ask a question?"
A vague sense of dread pooled in her chest. Swallowing carefully, Sakura forced herself to nod. "Of course. What is it?"
He turned around deliberately, his expression still frustratingly hidden. "Why did you continue to see Sasuke even after he married Hinata? I expected better from you."
For a heartbeat, the entire world seemed to halt. Sakura's mouth went suddenly dry, her pulse hammering so loudly in her ears that she barely heard herself draw in a sharp breath. She hadn't expected to be confronted about this, especially by Shino of all people.
Her fingers tightened on the strap of her bag as heat crept up her neck and into her cheeks. His words, spoken so calmly and quietly, stung with harsh truth. For weeks she’d carried guilt and shame quietly, hidden beneath forced smiles and professional demeanor. Having it laid bare felt unexpectedly painful, raw.
"I..." Sakura began, voice barely above a whisper, heart twisting inside her chest. The truth hovered unspoken on her tongue. She searched his face, wishing desperately she could gauge his expression, to know whether he felt anger or merely disappointment.
"I know it was wrong," she admitted quietly after a moment, her eyes dropping to the dirt beneath her sandals. "I was selfish and wanted things to remain the same even though I knew they couldn't." Her voice trembled slightly. "I made a lot of mistakes. I guess a part of me didn't want to accept reality. Sasuke-kun and I—" she paused, breath hitching slightly, "—we had been through so much together. I didn't know how to let him go at first. I realize how wrong I was now."
She didn’t tell Shino how she’d spent that first week sobbing into her pillow, replaying memories and reliving each cruel realization over and over. She didn't mention the ache in her chest or how she'd cycled through denial, anger, bargaining, and depression, before finally beginning to accept reality. He didn't need to hear all of it, didn't deserve to shoulder her burdens.
Shino remained silent, the pause stretching unbearably long between them. Finally, he inclined his head slightly, a subtle nod of acknowledgement. "I see," he said softly. "Thank you for being honest. Perhaps reflection will bring growth."
She lifted her head slightly, eyes widening at his words. Something in his tone had shifted, a gentler understanding easing beneath his usual stoic demeanor. Her chest felt tight, but relief mingled with shame.
"Thank you, Shino-san," she murmured quietly. "I appreciate that."
He nodded once more, the moment of tension gently dissipating as he turned away again. Sakura watched his retreating figure thoughtfully, exhaling a shaky breath as he disappeared into the crowd ahead.
Turning her eyes toward the hospital, Sakura slowly started walking again. Shino’s words had stirred something deep inside her, confirmation that she truly needed to move forward, to keep learning from her past. Maybe it was finally time to truly let go of Sasuke, not just outwardly, but within her heart too.
She squeezed the strap of her bag, the fabric of Sasuke's shirt rustling quietly against her belongings. Soon she'd return it, a symbolic final gesture of closure. She owed it not only to Hinata, or even to Sasuke, but most of all to herself.
It was time to move forward.
X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Sakura moved quietly through the bustling corridors of the hospital, heels clicking rhythmically against the clean, polished floors. The familiar murmur of nurses and doctors faded into the background, becoming a gentle hum as her mind wandered. She’d spent her day distracted, every quiet moment invaded by memories or unanswered questions.
Most of the day went by in a blur. When her shift finally ended, Sakura stepped out into the cool evening air, grateful for the relief it brought. Her daily cupcake routine had become a simple comfort, one of those little things she clung to after Sasuke had slipped out of her life. Tonight would be no different.
As Sakura walked through the village, eyes wandering over vendors preparing to close their stalls for the evening, her steps abruptly slowed. She froze mid-stride, heart skipping painfully.
Kneeling gracefully before a fruit stand, head tilted slightly as she selected apples, was Hinata Uchiha. Her long, dark hair cascaded gently over her shoulders, and her expression was calm, untroubled, everything Sakura herself currently wasn’t.
Sakura’s fingers tightened instinctively around the strap of her bag, heart pounding erratically as she debated her next move. Should she quietly walk by, pretending she never saw her? It would be easier, certainly. But something stubbornly tugged her forward, nudging her feet toward the other woman until she stood just behind her.
She hesitated one final moment before gently tapping Hinata’s shoulder.
Hinata turned, pale eyes widening briefly in surprise. She rose smoothly, facing Sakura with quiet uncertainty. "Oh…Sakura-san."
There was no hostility, just a cautious politeness, yet Sakura still felt her pulse quicken uncomfortably. "Hinata," Sakura greeted quietly, her voice slightly strained.
A silence lingered before Sakura managed to break it. "Are you grocery shopping?"
Hinata nodded gently, eyes softening just a little. "Yes."
Sakura felt a pang. Naruto had often praised Hinata’s cooking. She’d always possessed such a gentle warmth, something Sakura quietly envied at times.
Fingers brushing against Sasuke’s shirt inside her bag, Sakura steeled herself. "I…actually, I found this at my apartment today." She withdrew the folded shirt, holding it out awkwardly. "It’s Sasuke-kun’s. I wanted to return it."
Hinata’s calm faltered subtly, eyebrows knitting together in mild confusion. "Today…?"
Sakura quickly clarified, her voice tense. "No! Not like that. Sasuke-kun hasn’t visited me in a long time. It must’ve been buried somewhere from before."
Relief visibly eased Hinata’s features, and she nodded, accepting the shirt carefully. In that precise moment, Sakura sensed another presence behind her, a heavy, unmistakable one. Turning slightly, she met Sasuke’s gaze. Her heart jolted painfully at the confusion in his dark eyes.
He stepped beside Hinata, gaze flickering warily toward Sakura. "Is everything okay?" he asked, voice low, concerned.
Hinata nodded. "Yes. Sakura-san was returning your shirt."
Sasuke’s brows lowered. "My shirt?" His gaze swung back to Sakura, searching and cautious.
She averted her eyes, throat tight. "You left it at my place a while back. I thought you’d want it."
He stared at her a moment longer. "You didn’t have to do that. You could've thrown it away."
“I-I just thought you’d like to have it back.” She looked at him and noticed his impassive features as he stood a little closer to Hinata. “Like I said, you could’ve thrown it out.” He repeated.
Sakura only managed a quiet nod, her eyes downcast, away from his piercing stare. If she looked at him too long, she'd feel herself being drawn back into the memories she'd tried so hard to bury. Instead, her gaze returned tentatively to Hinata.
Something changed. A gentle, yet oddly firm confidence flickered in Hinata's eyes as she lifted her gaze toward Sasuke, and without hesitation, slid her hand into his, slender fingers curling around his palm. Sakura's breath stilled at the quiet intimacy of the gesture. Hinata turned back toward her, and for an instant Sakura saw something in the other woman's eyes, a brief, subtle spark of possessiveness, but then it vanished before Sakura could even further examine the look.
"We're going to start shopping now," Hinata said softly, giving Sakura a small nod. There were no additional pleasantries. Just the quiet authority in Hinata's voice, as though the statement itself was enough.
Sasuke's cheeks darkened faintly as Hinata pulled him forward, clearly embarrassed by her boldness. He scowled softly, mumbling with mild irritation, "You don't have to pull me," as he gently tugged Hinata back to his side.
Sakura watched, her body feeling suddenly distant and numb. Sasuke glanced at her one last time as they passed, and within that brief nod was something quiet but certain, a mirror of Hinata's earlier claim. This, she realized, was Sasuke’s own subtle way of reaffirming his choice.
It felt as if time slowed, freezing Sakura where she stood. Her eyes dropped to their joined hands as Sasuke shifted their grip, threading his fingers carefully, intimately, through Hinata’s. The simple gesture felt crushingly significant, solidifying the painful truth Sakura had already begun to understand.
Her heart cracked sharply in that moment, a fresh wave of grief nearly drowning her right there in the middle of the street. She could feel her chest tighten, her breath growing shallow, eyes stinging with unshed tears.
Sakura swallowed hard, forcing the painful knot down. She lifted her chin just slightly, her composure slowly returning. Yes, this hurt. Deeply. But hadn’t she known this was coming eventually? Hadn't she seen the gradual distance growing between them?
Sakura remained standing there quietly as Sasuke and Hinata's retreating figures blended slowly into the supermarket. Her heart still ached, of course, bittersweet and raw, but beneath it all was a gentle acceptance she hadn’t fully realized she'd begun to feel.
They looked right, somehow. Sasuke, for once, seemed settled, content even. And though it pained her deeply, Sakura felt oddly comforted by the knowledge that he had found something genuine.
Even if that something wasn't her.
X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Hinata moved slowly through the supermarket aisle beside Sasuke, her fingers still laced with his. The warmth of his palm pressed to hers had long since spread through her arm, up to her chest, lingering at her cheeks. They hadn’t said much since they’d left Sakura, only the occasional quiet murmur of “Should we get this?” or “We’re running low on that.” Nothing more.
But the silence wasn’t awkward. Not exactly. It was the kind of silence that left her thinking a little too much. She was just reaching for a head of cabbage when Sasuke spoke.
“Did you do that on purpose?”
Hinata blinked, her fingers hovering over the produce, before glancing up at him in confusion. “Do what…?”
He stopped walking, lifting their interlocked hands up between them. His expression was unreadable as always, but there was something in the slight angle of his brow that gave her pause. Not annoyed. Not accusing. Just curious. Knowing.
Hinata froze.
Her face flushed instantly as realization struck. “Y-You mean when I…”
He didn’t say anything, but the look he gave her made it obvious he was waiting for an answer.
She lowered her head slightly, avoiding his gaze. “You’re the one who changed how we were holding hands,” she murmured, a touch defensive, a touch flustered.
His ears turned faintly pink, but he didn’t relent. “That’s not what I asked,” he said. “When you grabbed my hand in front of her. Were you trying to make her jealous?”
Hinata’s face turned redder than the tomatoes in the basket. She hadn’t meant to. Or maybe she had. She didn’t even understand the impulse at the time. Iit just…happened. A flicker of something possessive had surged up in her chest the moment she saw Sakura standing there, holding the shirt. She didn’t even realize her body had moved until her hand was already in his.
It wasn’t like her. It wasn’t something she did.
“I…” Her voice caught in her throat. She looked down at their feet, then up at the fluorescent ceiling lights. “I didn’t mean for it to be like that. I just…”
Her voice trailed off. She looked away.
“Sorry,” she whispered.
Sasuke was quiet for a long moment. Then, his hand squeezed hers gently.
“You don’t have to apologize.”
Hinata looked back up at him, eyes wide. He wasn’t looking at her, not directly. He was staring at the milk cartons across the aisle, but his voice was soft, softer than she expected.
“After everything with me and Sakura, it’s understandable,” he said. “Honestly, I’m surprised you’re still here. With me.”
Hinata’s heart thudded unevenly in her chest. She didn’t know what to say to that. Then Sasuke leaned closer, his voice lowering to a whisper that tickled against the shell of her ear.
“You don’t have to make a claim, Hinata. I told you already, you have all of me.” There was a pause, just long enough to make her breath hitch, before he added, almost smugly, “You had all of me even before you gave yourself to me fully.”
Her entire body flushed at the implication. He hadn’t said Kakashi’s name, but she felt the weight of it between his words. She turned her face down, shy and embarrassed, unable to meet his eyes.
Sasuke straightened, letting go of her hand suddenly with a dry grunt. “My hand’s getting hot.”
Hinata’s lips curled in a reluctant smile, her own hand flexing slightly now that it was free. “Mine too,” she admitted under her breath.
Sasuke glanced sideways at her, the corner of his mouth twitching. “I’m not upset about it. I was actually planning to do the same thing.”
Hinata blinked. “What do you mean?”
“If we run into him again,” Sasuke said, casually examining a package of rice. “It’s been a while, but I’ll make sure to return the favor.”
She stared at him. “Sasuke-kun…don’t.”
He turned toward her fully, raising a brow. “So you get to make Sakura jealous, but I can’t make the old man jealous? Are you trying to spare his feelings?”
“It’s not about that,” she said quickly, flustered. “I’m not trying to protect Kakashi or his feelings.”
His eyes narrowed with the faintest glimmer of amusement. “You sure about that?”
Hinata puffed her cheeks in frustration. “Yes, I’m sure!”
Sasuke chuckled under his breath. “Relax. I’m kidding.”
She narrowed her eyes at him, suspicious. He didn’t sound like he was kidding. Not completely. She wouldn’t be surprised if he really would attempt to make Kakashi jealous.
“I never said anything before, but a couple months ago, that woman that’s always hanging around Kakashi mentioned something about a double date.”
Hinata blinked, surprised. Her face gave it away immediately.
“Do you think you could handle something like that?” Sasuke asked, his tone even. “If they still talk, I mean.”
She could feel what he was really asking beneath the words. It wasn’t about Kahyo. It was about Kakashi. About her.
Hinata swallowed. Then, slowly, she shook her head.
“You don’t need to worry,” she said gently. “You have all of me too.”
Sasuke stopped walking. His eyes locked with hers. And then he turned his face away, but not before she saw the tips of his ears flush red. Hinata looked down at her basket and smiled softly to herself.
He could tease her. He could whisper things at her ear and say them with a straight face. But the moment she said something heartfelt, something honest and warm, Sasuke fell apart just a little. It was something she’d come to learn about him.
Despite how stoic he was, Sasuke was surprisingly affectionate.
And bold.
Just the other night, she’d come home from work, expecting him to move his legs so she could sit down. Instead, he reached out, grabbed her wrist, and pulled her down onto the couch beside him, his arm sliding easily around her waist like it was second nature.
She’d nearly fainted right there.
Sometimes she wondered if the real Sasuke had been swapped with an imposter. One who made her blush until she thought she’d combust.
And yet, every time it happened, she didn’t want it to stop.
Though she still hadn’t been ready to share a bed with Sasuke, emotionally, she wasn’t quite there yet, and thankfully, he hadn’t brought it up, Hinata knew things had changed between them.
After that first kiss two months ago, the tension between them had shifted. Not just dissolved. Shifted. Because it hadn’t been tension from dislike, not anymore. It was something else. Something warmer. Magnetic. Strange and new, and sometimes so strong it left her flustered and out of breath, even from a glance.
They had come a long way in a short time, but when she thought about it, it hadn’t been so sudden after all.
For nearly a year, Sasuke had been an absent husband. Physically there at times, yes, but emotionally, he might as well have been on the other side of the world. When they shared space, it was ice. Cold silences. Occasional sharp words. There were nights when they argued, raised voices bouncing off walls and slicing through whatever fragile civility had existed between them. And then there were the worse nights, the quiet ones. The ones where he didn’t come home at all.
Those days had been awful.
But six months ago, everything changed. The arranged marriage they had both spent so long resisting began to take shape into something else, because he said he was going to try, and try he did. First, in small ways. Then all at once.
What most people wouldn’t understand, what she hadn’t at first, either, was that Sasuke’s resistance hadn’t come from a place of cruelty. It had come from guilt. From unresolved feelings. From loyalty to a woman he’d spent years with, even if that relationship had been deeply flawed.
Letting go of Sakura couldn’t have been easy. They had history. Familiarity. Even affection, once. And Sasuke didn’t let people in easily. But that was the thing about him. When he did let someone in, it was all or nothing. There was no middle ground with an Uchiha.
After a few quiet minutes lingering in front of the produce aisle, Hinata finally cleared her throat softly, tugging at the edge of Sasuke’s sleeve.
“We should finish up,” she said gently, breaking him from his thoughts. “It’s getting late.”
Sasuke nodded slowly, his dark eyes shifting back to her. His expression softened subtly, tension slipping away as though she’d pulled him from a complicated maze of thoughts. “Yeah. Let’s go.”
They moved comfortably together through the store, Hinata occasionally glancing up at Sasuke’s profile while they walked. The lines of his face were calm now, the shadows she’d seen moments ago replaced by an ease she hadn’t realized she’d missed.
Pausing near the fresh vegetables, Sasuke reached for a bundle of spinach. Hinata lifted her gaze curiously, suppressing a smile as he hesitated, eyes shifting toward her questioningly.
“This one, right?” he asked quietly, uncertain.
Hinata smiled warmly, feeling a tender flutter in her chest at his quiet vulnerability. “Yes, Sasuke-kun. That’s right.”
He placed it in the basket, expression faintly relieved, as though a test had been passed. As Sasuke moved forward, she found herself reaching out instinctively, her fingers brushing his. Without hesitating, Sasuke curled his fingers around hers, holding her hand again.
His hand was warm still and slightly calloused, grounding her in the moment. They walked side by side, their pace perfectly matched, silently navigating the aisles of the supermarket. Every so often Hinata felt his thumb brushing softly over her knuckles, a subtle reassurance, a silent promise that he was right there beside her.
When they reached the checkout, Hinata moved to help unload their items, but Sasuke quietly nudged her aside.
“I’ve got it,” he murmured, already placing their purchases onto the conveyor belt with practiced efficiency.
She smiled softly, letting herself simply watch him for a moment. The cashier rang up their groceries, offering a polite, cheerful smile that Sasuke acknowledged with a quiet nod. After paying, he effortlessly picked up their bags and glanced back at Hinata, waiting for her to join him.
As they stepped outside into the cool evening air, the warmth of their earlier conversation lingered between them. She glanced up at Sasuke, finding his eyes already on her, watching her closely beneath the soft glow of the street lamps. She smiled shyly, feeling her cheeks warm, and he returned the gesture with a subtle curve at the corner of his lips.
“Ready to head home?” he asked softly.
“Mm,” Hinata murmured softly, falling in step beside Sasuke as the quiet streets gradually emptied of villagers. The sky had melted into soft twilight hues, leaving the marketplace feeling peaceful and calm.
They walked in comfortable silence, the only sounds around them the rhythmic rustle of Sasuke shifting the grocery bags in his arms. Hinata was lost in thought until his voice, low and abrupt, pulled her attention.
“Why are you still so formal with me?”
She glanced at him in confusion. The dim glow of streetlamps softened the edges of his profile, but his expression remained unreadable as ever. “Formal?” she repeated quietly. “What do you mean?”
He tilted his head slightly, gaze fixed straight ahead. “You still call me ‘Sasuke-kun,’” he clarified, voice steady yet strangely reserved. “You don't have to do that. Just call me Sasuke. I'd prefer it.”
Hinata blinked, surprise momentarily catching her voice in her throat. Slowly, she tried the name, hesitating as it left her lips. “Sasuke?”
Sasuke stiffened beside her, a faint flush visible at the tips of his ears, betraying his embarrassment even in the gathering darkness. He turned his face away slightly, mumbling almost inaudibly, “…Thanks.”
Hinata stared at him, mildly startled by his reaction. Seeing him flustered felt oddly satisfying, stirring a rare impulse inside her. A smile formed discreetly on her lips, and before she could reconsider, she softly repeated, “Sasuke.”
He didn't respond, though his jaw tightened slightly.
A playful warmth rose in her chest. “Sasuke,” she said again, just a touch louder.
He continued walking, pointedly ignoring her now.
Hinata bit back a quiet giggle, the strange thrill of teasing him urging her forward. All the way home, she continued to softly murmur his name at random intervals, each time earning nothing but determined silence from him.
Once inside, she slid off her shoes quietly, watching as Sasuke carried their groceries into the kitchen without a word. She followed him closely, lingering near the counter as he began unpacking with practiced ease. Still emboldened by his earlier reaction, she leaned slightly closer, tilting her head with mischievous curiosity.
“Ne,
,” she started again, deliberately emphasizing his name.
He finally paused, placing the groceries down more forcefully than usual. Before she could blink, he turned toward her, closing the distance so swiftly that her breath caught sharply. She tilted her face upward, suddenly aware of how much taller he stood, how his dark eyes captured hers so intensely that it made her pulse race.
"You're saying my name like you're expecting me to do something about it," he pointed out calmly, his voice low but teasingly gentle. "Do you want me to?"
Hinata felt her cheeks ignite, her eyes growing wide as she quickly pressed her hands against his chest, creating space between them. Her heart thudded loudly in her ears, embarrassment flaring rapidly across her features.
"S-Sasuke!" she stammered, flustered beyond belief. "Stop teasing me like that! You’re not being fair."
His gaze softened slightly, a faint smirk playing at the edges of his lips. "You're the one who kept saying my name so provocatively. If anyone's being unfair here, it's you."
Hinata's embarrassment deepened, and she ducked her head to hide her heated cheeks, knowing he had a point. "I...I wasn't—!"
"You were," Sasuke interrupted calmly, leaning away with a satisfied expression. "But I'll let it slide for now."
Wanting desperately to end the conversation and cool her flushed face, Hinata quickly stepped around him, hastily grabbing at one of the grocery bags. "I-I'll put these away. You can go relax now."
Sasuke watched her quietly, a faint smirk lingering. "Fine. Have it your way."
Hinata glanced back at him briefly, still blushing fiercely, and swiftly turned back to busy herself with groceries, heart fluttering helplessly in her chest.
X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Sasuke lounged in the corner of the couch, one ankle crossed over a knee, the lamplight spilling over an open mission scroll he wasn’t really reading. Since returning from the market his mind had wandered, and kept circling the brief run‑in with Sakura.
He hadn’t spoken to her since Kiba’s party months ago. Same village, different orbits. That suited him. Whatever lingered between them had been severed cleanly the night he chose to close that door for good. Seeing her again hadn’t stirred regret, only a flicker of surprise followed by a muted relief that the hollow tug he once felt simply wasn’t there. Kakashi, on the other hand, was another absence he’d noticed. The former Hokage hadn’t shown himself since promising to keep his distance. Sasuke suspected the man was avoiding Hinata more than him, and he couldn’t blame him for that choice.
Six months of steady rhythm with Hinata had built something he hadn’t known he wanted. An easy, quiet contentment. He was still getting used to the word happy, but it fit.
He’d been turning over the idea of a weekend away, perhaps somewhere by the coast where the nights were clear and the horizon unbroken. Itachi had once mentioned a place like that, windswept and quiet. Yet Naruto kept handing him short‑range reconnaissance work. Two days out, three days back, never enough to settle. Hinata, too, was buried in academy schedules, lesson plans, after‑hours grading. Time off for both of them was rare. He filed the thought away; timing would come.
Footsteps padded softly down the hall. Sasuke lifted his gaze.
Hinata eased into the living room. She chose the far end of the couch, tucking her legs under her dress and smoothing the fabric with deliberate care. She was studiously avoiding his eyes, still nursing that small grievance from the kitchen, no doubt.
He let the corner of his mouth curl. “You’re sulking,” he observed, voice low, calm.
Hinata’s shoulders stiffened a fraction. “I am not sulking,” she replied, hardly louder than a murmur.
He arched an eyebrow. “Hn.”
Silence stretched, the familiar, unpressured kind that had become a hallmark of their evenings. Sasuke returned his attention to the unrolled scroll, yet from the periphery watched her fingers fidget with a loose thread on her skirt. She was thinking too much, he recognized the tell.
After a moment, she exhaled softly, gathered her courage, and inched closer, crossing the cushion that separated them until she sat at his side. Her shoulder brushed his arm. She didn’t speak, only rested there, hands folded neatly in her lap.
Sasuke closed the scroll, set it aside, and let his own hand drift, slow, unobtrusive, until his fingertips met hers. She startled just a little, then relaxed, lacing her fingers with his. Warmth settled between them, simple and undemanding.
“I was teasing,” he said, quieter now, eyes forward. “Didn’t mean to push too far.”
Her thumb traced a small circle on the back of his hand. “I know,” she whispered. A shy tilt of her head. “I may have deserved it.”
The smirk returned, softer this time. “You did.”
She huffed, barely a sound, then leaned until her head rested lightly on his shoulder. He allowed himself a small breath, the kind that released tension he hadn’t noticed coiling in his chest.
“We should go somewhere. When missions slow down. When you can get away from the academy.”
Hinata turned, curiosity bright in her pale eyes. “Where?”
“Sea of Fire. Clear skies at night.” He paused, weighing the idea aloud. “A weekend. Maybe longer.”
Her fingers squeezed his. “I’d like that.”
Her fingers tightened slightly around his, and Sasuke glanced down at the small hand tucked into his. He could feel the faintest tremor from her excitement, something she wouldn’t say aloud but couldn’t hide in her grip. She said she'd like it. Just like that. No hesitation. No guarded pauses. Just a quiet, honest answer.
He exhaled through his nose.
She was affecting him more than she probably realized. More than he wanted to admit, even to himself. It wasn’t the obvious things. The softness of her voice, the way she smiled more freely now. It was subtler. The way his thoughts lingered on her when he was away. The way his hand naturally sought hers out now, or how home didn't feel like one unless she was in it. That part scared him sometimes. Not in a bad way. Just in a way he hadn’t expected.
She had done so much for him. Letting him see his family again, which had cracked open something in his chest that hadn’t fully closed since. It was the kind of thing he would’ve mocked as a boy, called sentimental. Now, he thought about it more than he cared to admit.
And still, even after everything, she managed to surprise him.
Like that time at the tea shop near the market.
They’d just found a seat when a woman from one of the nearby shops wandered over. Someone Sasuke didn’t recognize but apparently knew him. She leaned close as she spoke, tucking her hair behind her ear like it was a rehearsed move, her words syrupy and too loud for the quiet setting. She asked questions he didn’t care to answer, brushing her fingers against the table far too close to his hand. All of it done without so much as glancing at Hinata.
He’d opened his mouth to shut it down, but didn’t get the chance.
Hinata set her cup down, then reached across the table and slid her hand over his. Their fingers curled together in a gentle, unspoken claim. She lifted her gaze to the woman, steady, unflinching, and in that quiet moment the message was delivered.
The woman’s smile faltered.
She stepped back.
And left.
Hinata returned to her tea like nothing had happened. But after that, he made sure she sat beside him, not across from him. Close enough that her knee brushed his. Close enough that if anyone else walked in with something to prove, they’d think twice.
Now, he smirked faintly at the memory, his eyes flicking toward her profile. Who knew Hinata could be so possessive.
She was focused on the television, her brows slightly furrowed in concentration, completely unaware of his attention. It was cute. The same woman who once used to flinch away from his presence now had the audacity to get jealous. And maybe he liked it. Maybe more than a little.
His eyes dropped briefly to her lips. He’d been enjoying kissing her far more than he expected. There was something grounding about it. Something intimate that went beyond touch. It was her breathing against him, the way her lips trembled slightly the first time he asked if he could kiss her, and the way her fingers always found the hem of his sleeve.
He still asked every time. Just to be sure. Just to be careful. He didn’t want to move too fast, didn’t want to make her uncomfortable. But there were times, like two weeks ago, when he had to stop before he lost control. That night, their kiss had deepened far too quickly. He’d had his hand on the small of her back, her fingers were in his hair, and then she had moan in his mouth when he got a bit handsy.
He’d pulled away so fast he practically launched himself to the other side of the couch, muttering something about the tea kettle even though there wasn’t one on the stove. Her face had been flushed. His hadn’t been any better.
And there were moments like when he’d come home unexpectedly and found her crouched over, scrubbing something on the kitchen floor. She had been in soft cotton shorts. He’d stopped cold in the hallway, eyes locked on the curve of her thighs before quickly jerking his gaze to the ceiling like it had offended him.
Hinata had looked over her shoulder just in time to catch him. She didn’t say anything, but her face had gone red instantly. He hadn’t even had an excuse that time. He just walked away. Fast.
It wasn’t just about restraint. It was about being careful. He knew what he wanted, but he also knew himself. Knew the kind of lover he was when things finally happened. He liked control. Dominance. And while Hinata wasn’t fragile, she was gentle. Soft in ways that made him second-guess what she could handle.
So he waited.
Still, he didn’t miss the way she sometimes stared too long. Or how her hands occasionally lingered when she passed him something. She hadn’t pushed anything yet. So he wouldn’t. Not until she did.
“Sea of Fire,” he said again, dragging himself from his thoughts. “We’ll stay at the inn with the terrace roof.”
Hinata turned her head, her cheek brushing against his sleeve. “Will we stargaze again?”
He glanced down at her. “If you want.”
“I do,” she said.
He watched her for a long moment. Her expression was warm. Peaceful. “You’re too easy to please,” he murmured.
She tilted her head. “You say that like it’s a bad thing.”
“It’s not.” His lips twitched faintly. “It’s just not what I’m used to.”
Hinata smiled, but then her expression shifted. She reached up suddenly and smoothed a stray piece of his hair behind his ear. The gesture was so natural, so intimate, that he didn’t even flinch.
“You’re not what I’m used to either,” she said gently.
He leaned back into the couch, resting his arm behind her shoulders without another word. She shifted closer instinctively, fitting herself into the space beside him like she belonged there. And maybe she did. Maybe she always had.
After a moment, she tucked her feet up onto the couch and rested her head against his shoulder.
Sasuke stared ahead at the screen, but his thoughts weren’t on the movie. They were on the woman beside him. And the way her presence, over time, had gone from unfamiliar to necessary.
X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Few days later…
Kakashi Hatake sat perched on the wide windowsill of his apartment, the evening breeze rustling the pages of his book. The sun had dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the village. Despite the picturesque scene, his eyes remained fixed on the words before him, though his mind wandered elsewhere.
It had been two months since he last saw Hinata. Their paths had diverged, and he hadn't mustered the courage to reach out. Four weeks ago, he had spotted her in the marketplace, her laughter echoing as she chatted with a vendor. Instinctively, he had masked his chakra, retreating into the shadows to avoid detection. She seemed lighter, happier, a stark contrast to the weight he carried in his chest.
The absence of her presence had left a void he hadn't anticipated. He had grown accustomed to solitude, but Hinata had filled a space he didn't know was empty. Her absence was palpable, a constant ache that no amount of reading or meditation could soothe.
Kahyo had visited frequently, offering companionship and understanding. Yet, despite her kindness, he couldn't see her as more than a friend. His thoughts invariably drifted back to Hinata, her gentle smile and unwavering support haunting his every moment.
He knew it was wrong to harbor such feelings, especially now that Hinata's marriage to Sasuke seemed to be flourishing. But emotions rarely adhered to logic. His heart betrayed him, clinging to memories and what-ifs.
Kakashi closed his book, the pages fluttering shut. He leaned against the window frame, the cool breeze brushing against his face. The village lights twinkled below, a reminder of the life that continued around him. He remained still, lost in thought, grappling with emotions he couldn't suppress.
In the quiet of the evening, Kakashi confronted the reality of his feelings. He had always been adept at hiding behind masks, both literal and figurative. But now, alone with his thoughts, he couldn't escape the truth. He missed her. And that longing, however misplaced, refused to fade.
Knocking echoed through the quiet apartment, jolting Kakashi from his trance-like state. He glanced over his shoulder toward the door, debating if he should even answer it. Maybe whoever it was would give up and leave him to his solitude so he could sulk in peace. But then came that unmistakable voice, loud and clear even through the wooden door.
“Kakashi-sensei! I know you’re in there!”
He exhaled slowly, setting his book down on the windowsill, the breeze flipping a page as he stood. As if by habit, his hand went to his mask, pulling it up over his face, his movements deliberate, almost sluggish. The truth was, he wasn’t in any particular hurry to open that door.
When he did, Naruto’s face greeted him, all wide grin and bright eyes, the Hokage robe hanging from his shoulders and the hat clutched in one hand. The sight of it made Kakashi’s chest twist, part pride and part nostalgia. Naruto had grown up. They all had. Some things were better left unsaid, though.
“Hey, sensei,” Naruto said, bouncing on his heels. “Haven’t seen you around lately. I was starting to get worried.”
“I’m fine,” Kakashi replied simply, stepping aside. Naruto slipped inside, his Hokage robe brushing against Kakashi’s sleeve. Kakashi shut the door quietly, the soft click somehow making the room feel smaller.
“You want something to drink?” Kakashi offered as Naruto took a slow look around the apartment, his eyes lingering on the shelves stacked with books and scrolls.
“Nah, I’m good. Just had ramen with Iruka-sensei.” Naruto’s voice was light, but Kakashi could sense the undercurrent. He had known Naruto long enough to tell when the blonde wasn’t saying everything on his mind.
Kakashi moved to the kitchen anyway, his hands finding the teapot by sheer habit. Naruto’s gaze stayed on the bookshelves, trailing over the spines of well-worn volumes. The longer the silence stretched, the more Kakashi’s unease grew. He was used to silence. Preferred it, really. But this was Naruto, and silence didn’t suit him.
“So,” Naruto said at last, his tone casual but his words too pointed. “I was talking to Sasuke a few months ago. He mentioned some interesting things.”
Kakashi’s hands froze on the teapot. He didn’t turn around. “Oh?”
“Yeah.” Naruto’s voice was still light, but the weight behind it was unmistakable. “Sensei…Do you have feelings for Hinata?”
Kakashi’s heart stopped, or at least it felt that way. The air in the room seemed to thin, and for a moment, he thought he might not answer. His first instinct was to laugh it off, to deflect, to steer the conversation somewhere safer. “Naruto, you’re imagining things—”
“Don’t lie to me,” Naruto cut in. He wasn’t smiling now. His voice was steady, his blue eyes sharp. “You know I hate liars.”
Kakashi sighed, dragging a hand through his silver hair. He turned around slowly, leaning against the counter. “Yes,” he admitted quietly. “I do.”
Naruto blinked, clearly caught off guard by the admission. He seemed to falter, then regained his composure. “How did that happen?”
Kakashi shook his head, a wry smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. “It just did,” he said simply. He didn’t want to get into the details. How it had started so innocently, how she’d been a light in a place he hadn’t realized was so dark. But Naruto didn’t push.
“Have you been interfering with their relationship?” Naruto asked carefully, but Kakashi could hear the tension in his voice.
“No.” Kakashi’s answer was firm. “I haven’t seen Hinata in two months. I’ve been keeping my distance because…because I want their marriage to work.”
Naruto studied him, his gaze steady, and for once, he didn’t seem to know what to say. The silence that followed was heavy, filled with all the things they wouldn’t, couldn’t say.
“You really do care about her, huh?” Naruto said finally, his voice quieter now, tinged with something close to understanding.
“Of course I do!” Kakashi snapped, then immediately softened. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to—”
“It’s okay,” Naruto said, scratching the back of his head. “I get it. I guess it’s just…weird, ya know? I mean, my best friend’s married to my ex-girlfriend, and now my old sensei has feelings for her, too. It’s a lot. I mean, I guess I get it. She’s special,” Naruto continued. “Even back then, I knew. But seeing that you and Sasuke both…” He shook his head with a faint chuckle. “It just proves how amazing she is.”
Naruto watched him another beat longer before his mouth twisted into a faint, humorless smile. “Well, as long as you’re not planning on running off with her, I guess we’re good.”
The edge in his voice was there, even behind the grin. A quiet warning beneath the joke.
Kakashi gave a short, almost dry laugh. “Don’t worry. I’m well aware of the boundaries. I drew them myself.”
The tension in the room didn't quite lift, but it shifted, settling into something more honest, more real.
Naruto exhaled, the corners of his mouth twitching upward again. “Still. I’d hate to have to fight my old sensei.”
Kakashi allowed a smirk to tug at his mask. “You’d lose.”
“Maybe,” Naruto admitted with a shrug. “But I’d put up one hell of a fight.”
Kakashi gave a quiet snort, though the corners of his eyes crinkled faintly, just enough to suggest something close to amusement. Naruto stepped away from the shelves, stretching his arms as he made his way back toward the door, his Hokage cloak trailing behind him in loose folds.
He paused just before reaching for the handle, hand hovering.
“Y’know…” Naruto began, glancing back over his shoulder, his voice a little more thoughtful now. “A broken heart can make you feel like you’re stuck. Like you’ll never move again. But it’s not really the heart that stops moving.”
Kakashi raised an eyebrow, silent.
“It’s everything else,” Naruto said, tapping his temple. “Your thoughts. The stories you start telling yourself. The ones that say you lost something you’ll never get back. That you ruined something before it ever had a chance. But the truth is…” He hesitated a beat. “Sometimes things don’t go the way we hope, but that doesn’t mean they were meaningless. And it doesn’t mean it ends here.”
Kakashi stared at him, not speaking. The air between them shifted, heavy again, but not oppressive. Just thick with things unsaid.
Naruto offered a tired smile, small and sincere. “You’ll be okay, Kakashi-sensei. Eventually. Just don’t let the ‘maybe’ keep you from living the ‘still can.’”
And with that, he opened the door and stepped out, the quiet thud of it closing behind him the only sound left in the apartment.
Kakashi stood in place, his gaze fixed on the door long after Naruto’s chakra signature faded into the evening. The silence settled again like dust on his skin, familiar and unwelcome all at once.
He turned back toward the window, toward the spot where his book still sat, forgotten.
Naruto’s words echoed, low and stubborn in the back of his mind.
"You’ll be okay…eventually."
Kakashi exhaled slowly, dragging a hand through his hair as he walked back to the sill. He picked up the book, though he didn’t open it. Just held it in his hands, fingers resting against the worn spine.
The truth was, it wasn’t the words he needed to hear. It wasn’t advice he lacked.
It was her.
Her laughter. Her eyes. The way she saw him even when he didn’t want to be seen.
And he missed it. All of it. More than he’d ever admit aloud.
Naruto was right. But Kakashi knew better than anyone that healing wasn’t something you could rush. It wasn’t a flick of a switch or a well-timed pep talk. It was slow. Messy. Bitter.
And he wasn’t ready to move on.
Not yet.
So, he sighed, pulled his mask back down, and finally sank back into the windowsill, book in hand, heart still heavy. And he let the silence hold him a little while longer.
X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
The sun had begun to dip below the rooftops as Sasuke made his way through the village, hands in his pockets, his expression unreadable. The streets were quieter now, the late afternoon lull stretching thin across the market district. He wasn’t in a hurry to get home, but he also didn’t care for the slow pace of the world around him either. His mind wandered to what Hinata might be doing, probably putting the groceries away, maybe brewing tea, maybe waiting.
He felt content. Something he was still getting used to.
A voice stopped him in his tracks.
“Sasuke-san.”
He turned his head slightly, catching a familiar figure standing just a few paces ahead. Kahyo stood near the edge of the walkway, her long dark hair swaying with the breeze, eyes warm with recognition. She smiled politely.
“It’s been a while,” she said, stepping closer.
Sasuke nodded once, keeping his posture stiff but polite. “It has.”
He wasn’t good at small talk. Never had been. And he didn’t have the patience to pretend otherwise. But Kahyo had always been respectful, never pushing past what was offered. Still, the last thing he wanted was to stand around and chat.
Kahyo didn’t seem fazed by his silence. “How’s Hinata-san?”
He glanced away for a moment before answering. “Fine.”
“You two seemed a bit strained the last time I saw you. I hope things are better now.”
“They are.”
Simple. Final. Or it should’ve been.
Kahyo studied his face, then offered a polite nod. “I’m glad to hear that.”
There was a pause. Sasuke felt it stretch, heavy and lingering. He was ready to say his goodbyes and keep walking, but Kahyo spoke again.
“I’m returning home tomorrow,” she said. “But I was hoping we could still do that double date. If it’s not too much trouble.”
Sasuke’s eyes narrowed slightly, though not in malice. He hadn’t forgotten the offer from two months ago. He also hadn’t expected her to bring it back up.
His first instinct was to decline, but a thought gave him pause.
An opportunity.
Childish? Maybe. Petty? Possibly. But useful.
“I’ll have to check in with Hinata,” he said evenly, “but when and where?”
Kahyo smiled, soft and easy. “It’s a quiet little tea house near the edge of the district. Lily Roses. Kakashi and I are going either way. But if you two can join us, that would be nice.”
Sasuke gave a noncommittal nod. “I’ll talk to my wife.”
Her eyes sparkled, perhaps amused by the formality of his phrasing. “I hope to see you both.”
With that, she turned and left, disappearing into the soft churn of the street. Sasuke stood still for a moment, watching until she vanished into the flow of villagers.
Sasuke walked, the sky above him bleeding into dusk. The noise of the market faded behind him, swallowed by quiet streets and long shadows. He kept his hands in his pockets, his stride measured, but there was a restlessness beneath the surface, one he couldn’t seem to shake.
Kahyo’s words echoed faintly in the back of his mind, but they weren’t what lingered.
His thoughts drifted toward home.
Not the walls or roof. Her.
Hinata.
The soft scrape of her footsteps on the wooden floor. The sound of cabinets opening and closing. Her voice calling out to him. The small things stayed with him. The way she stood on her toes to reach the higher shelves. How she hummed sometimes without realizing it. The way she tilted her head when thinking, strands of dark hair falling across her cheek.
The path opened before him, quiet and worn, flanked by weathered stone and lanterns whose soft glow flickered like old memories. The rooftops loomed in shadow above, their edges softened by the hush that settled over the village.
Up ahead, their home waited, warm light seeping through the seams of the curtains, casting a soft gold glow into the evening.
He exhaled slowly.
If she wasn’t ready to face Kakashi, that was fine. He wouldn’t force it. But if she was, then he’d be there. At her side. No hesitation.