Beyond The Camera: The Sequel

Chapter 1

I just want to issue a warning: This story is significantly darker than the first book. It may seem like it won't for the first half, but it WILL have a happy SasuHina/GaaSaku ending.

Thanks for reading!

-Hinata's POV-

Prestige's most important concert was ruined, and it's all my fault.

A doctor was going over instructions with Kakashi as I sat on the edge of the hospital bed and waited for them to finish so I could leave, but I wasn't listening to anything being said. According to Dr. Inuzuka, everything that happened was a result of malnourishment. She said I was lucky I only received one nosebleed and fainted because most people don't get found out in time to prevent lasting effects.

I've never been so disappointed in myself. I thought I had it under control. After the light-headed spell on the tour bus, I ate at least something at mealtimes, which was hard considering how sick it made me feel.

Tenten swore to me before the doctor asked her to leave the room that no one was upset with me about what happened, but that simply couldn't be true. I let everyone down: my bandmates, the agency, and the fans. God, the fans. Sixty thousand pairs of eyes saw Sasuke have to help me off-stage. Who knows how many cameras caught the moment? I haven't checked my phone because I haven't had the chance, but it's vibrated nonstop since I awoke.

The door to the room shutting snapped me out of my thoughts, and I saw Kakashi taking a deep, slow breath with his eyes closed. The CEO looked so stressed. That's my fault, too.

He turned to me with a frown, "As your boss, I'm concerned about how the media will react to all this, but as someone who cares about you, all I ask is that you tell me what you need to feel better. Do you want to take some time off?"

I shook my head. True Talent is to be filmed just over a month from now.

"What can I do to help you, then? Everyone's worried, Hinata."

My gaze dazed out as my eyes dropped to the floor. What can anyone do? It's impossible to control what's on the internet. You can't forcefully change thousands of people's opinions just because you don't like them.

Kakashi knelt at my eyeline, "Hinata, talk to me. This isn't like you."

There's only one thing I know for sure: I don't want to see anyone right now. I can't see them, or I'll fall apart. I'm too humiliated, too ashamed.

Wiping at my tears, my voice wavered heavily, "Can someone bring my wallet to me? I-I want a few days to myself if that's okay."

My boss's eyes narrowed, his tone softening, "If I agree to this, will you promise to take care of yourself? You won't harm yourself, right?" Genuine concern was written all over his handsome face, making my guilt sting that much more.

Still, I nodded, "I-I-I just want to be alone."

His jaw flexed, but he nodded once more before calling someone and telling them to locate and bring my purse to the room. Barely five minutes passed before a knock came at the door, and one of the security guards I recognized from the agency handed Kakashi the bag before silently stepping out again. I got to my feet and accepted the item, walking toward the back exit of the room so I could avoid the crowd of people in the hall.

The white-haired man stopped me, "Hinata."

My eyes squeezed closed, and I took a deep breath as tears continued to fall, but I turned to give him my attention.