Forbidden Attraction

Chapter 15: Struggle of Emotions

After a long day at school, Hinata returned home and gently set her bag on the kitchen counter. She released a deep, weary sigh and made her way towards the inviting couch, eager to unwind. As she drew closer to the comfortable haven, a curious sight captured her attention – her playful feline companion, Mochi, engaged in a spirited game on the floor. A sense of intrigue led Hinata to investigate further, only to reveal the source of her unexpected horror: Mochi was toying with a cockroach, a creepy crawly that sent a shiver down her spine. With a blood-curdling scream, she hastily vacated the apartment, unable to bear the unsettling sight.

Hinata bolted from the building, her hand clutching her chest as she gasped for air. Abruptly, a solitary raindrop landed on her head, and her gaze instinctively shifted upward, revealing the onset of a drizzle. Within moments, the sporadic droplets evolved into a relentless downpour. She pivoted, intending to return indoors, only to realize with a sinking feeling that her keys had been inadvertently left behind.

"Really?" she muttered to herself in frustration, watching as a puddle formed near the door.

After approximately ten minutes, Hinata sensed the absence of raindrops pelting her skin. She raised her gaze skyward, discovering an umbrella now providing shelter above her. Her eyes traced the hand holding it, ultimately settling on Sasuke's form, standing there, shielding her from the rain.

"U-Uchiha-san," she uttered, her voice tinged with surprise.

"Hn," Sasuke replied, opening the door to the apartments. "Why are you outside?"

Hinata looked away, feeling embarrassed. "W-well, there's a c-cockroach in my a-apartment," she stammered, shivering from both the cold and the thought of the disgusting creature.

Sasuke sighed and let Hinata in first, then followed her inside. "Do you need help getting it?" he asked, not really interested and still feeling a little high.

Hinata nodded and then felt something warm cover her up. Sasuke had taken off his jacket and draped it over her shoulders. "T-Thank you. I-I would greatly appreciate it," Hinata said as they waited for the elevator.

"Hn," Sasuke replied. There was a tension between them, something that they couldn't quite explain but could both feel.

As the elevator doors slid open, Hinata and Sasuke stepped inside, commencing their ascent to Hinata's apartment. While walking towards the apartment, Hinata surreptitiously stole a glance at Sasuke. A familiar fluttering sensation rekindled within her stomach, a sensation she couldn't remember experiencing even when she had a crush on Naruto. Hinata felt perplexed; it seemed wrong on numerous levels to be feeling this way. Nervousness began to creep over her as they approached her apartment. The thought of being alone with Sasuke, just the two of them, stirred her anxiety. With trembling fingers, she reached for her door, heart pounding, and allowed Sasuke to enter first. Her nerves got the best of her, and she was too scared to step inside alone. In her frazzled state, she left the door ajar.

As they ventured inside, both intently scanning for the elusive cockroach, they discovered no sign of the pest. Just when the anxiety was peaking, Hinata's peripheral vision captured a fleeting movement. She was startled and, without a second thought, sought refuge by running into Sasuke's arms. In her hasty attempt, she clung to him tightly, inadvertently getting him wet in the process.

Calmly, Sasuke asked, "Did you see it, Hyuga?" His gaze fixed on Hinata, who was clutching him for dear life, leaving him uncertain about where to place his hands to support her. A shivering nod from Hinata was all he needed. She pointed towards the kitchen, still trembling from the encounter. With great care, Sasuke maneuvered towards the kitchen, securing her by her thighs as she clung to him. Hinata felt her safety was in his hands, and his protective hold only reassured her.