I'm here for you

Chapter 9

Naruto made his way towards Chouji's restuarant, his hands trembled a liitle, he knew that he would have to face Hinata and Shino, honestly he was not quite to ready to face them.

Naruto walked in and was greeted by his friends, he felt a bit happy that he had managed to save them but he felt horrible that he couldn't save all those who died, Naruto forcefully pushed back the bad thought and walked towards his friends, a grin plastered on his face.

Naruto sat besides Shikamaru who greeted him with a smile, Naruto started being loud with Kiba as usual, but Shikamaru somehow could see through the facade Naruto was putting, this wasn't usual, yes Naruto has always been energetic but this looked like he was forcing himself to be loud, he really wondered why others couldn't see this.

Shikamaru sighed,"Naruto, Kiba quiet down a bit, you are not kids anymore and you are disturbing others."

Shikamaru would normally not interfere as it was troublesome but this time he did because he wanted to tell Naruto to stop forcing himself, Naruto pouted and sat down besides him, quietly.

The small bell on the door chimed, Hinata and Shino walked in hand and hand, everyone's attention turned towards them then towards Naruto.

Hinata and Shino sat infront of Shikamaru and Naruto.

Everyone went silent for a second.

Ino asked,"Hinata are you dating Shino?" Hinata nodded and Sakura asked,"What about Naruto?" By saying this she turn to look at Naruto.

Hinata said with a smile,"We broke up, I don't love him anymore."

When she said this, Shikamaru felt Naruto tensing, Shikamaru wondered how this shy girl got a mouth to say such things, he felt bad for Naruto.

Ino wanted to ask how Naruto felt but she kept her mouth shut, everyone fell into silence, they felt bad for Naruto and was quite annoyed at Hinata,  they were not objecting her for dating someone else but she should atleast not say things like 'I don't love him anymore' infront of Naruto atleast. It could hurt his feelings.

Naruto was getting uneasy when he saw hinata and Shino acting all lovey-dovey, Shikamaru noticed this too but he didn't know what to do so he just placed his hand on Naruto's which was on his thigh.

Naruto turned his head towards Shikamaru who just smiled, Naruto felt relaxed and smile, assuring that he was okay, they both didn't pull their hand back though.

Everyone were chatting and enjoying themself, time went quickly and soon it was late in the night. Shikamaru stood up,"Let's  go home Naruto~"

Once again everyone looked at them, shikamaru sighed and explained,"Naruto is staying at the Nara compund because his house is a bit damaged."

Everyone let out a 'Oh

Naruto smiled a bit and got up, they both waved,"We are going then, bye~"

Eveyone else too started getting up and started leaving to their respective house.

Shikamaru and Naruto were walking towards the Nara compound when suddenly Naruto asked,"Am I that bad?"

Shikamaru stopped on his track and looked at Naruto, he sighed, he knew what hinata said earlier had affected naruto. He cupped the blonde's cheeks,"Look here Naruto, you are not at all bad, you are great, Don't listen to her, she doesn't realise how amazing you are."

Naruto's eyes brightened a little bit,"Really?"

Shikamaru nodded,"Yes Naruto~"

They both looked deep into each other's eyes, but after a second they realise how close they are, shikamaru hurriedly moved away,"Let's go home Naruto and also don't let what Hinata said bother you."

Naruto nodded and they both continued walking.
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Author's Note:

Sorry guys for the short chapter, the teachers are too cruel, they keep giving me too much HW.