I Found You

Black Butterfly

It was five in the morning when Hinata woke up from her sleep. She wasn't fully awake at the moment, but even she could figure out that she did not get enough sleep. Still not fully awake, she stared at the ceiling with a blank expression and after a while, the memories of what happened yesterday rushed into her mind, reminding her of the seal marking on her upper back. Hinata instantly sat up with a horrified expression, her hair was all tangled and messy. Her feelings were all mixed up, but mostly she thought of Neji and his sorrow of bearing the cursed seal. With her thoughts and feelings still jumbled, she raised her hand and rested her palm on her shoulder as if trying to reach her back. She then let out a deep sigh.

'No!' Hinata couldn't believe she remained in the same position for a good minute and got all depressed early in the morning. She quickly shook her head, causing her messy hair to flutter in response. She then raised both of her hands toward each side of her cheek and slapped them hard enough to bring her back to her senses.

'I can do this, I can figure this out!' Hinata thought, trying to hold herself together. Feeling much better, she got up from the bed and walked into the bathroom.

Starting from the top, Hinata put on her mission clothes and gear carefully. She looked into the mirror and began brushing her hair, then she continued with tidying her front bangs by slightly tapping on it. 'Mm! That should do it,' Hinata thought while still looking into the mirror, her face showing determination. As Hinata opened the door from her room, she spotted Shino in the garden right in front of the porch.

"Good morning, Shino-kun," Hinata greeted with a smile, while walking to Shino.

"Good morning, Hinata," Shino replied. "Kiba and Akamaru are still sleeping, probably because they haven't got any good food and sleep since the mission."

Hearing those words made Hinata imagine how Kiba had endured those days traveling with Hisao, it made Hinata chuckled.

The morning was indeed beautiful. The sunlight gave color to all the beautiful flowers and plants in the garden, and the wind grazing their skin wasn't hot nor cold, it was the perfect breeze which brought the scent of morning freshness. They could also hear the sound of the fluttering leaves and birds chirping in harmony, it was peaceful.

"Oh?" Hinata turned her head to the right when a butterfly suddenly landed on her shoulder. She wasn't startled at all but once she saw the butterfly, she was awed. Hinata raised her left hand and put her finger near the butterfly, hoping it would climb onto her finger, and the butterfly did. She then brought her hand forward and to the front of her chest to have a better look at it.

"A black butterfly, what a rare sight," Shino said while adjusting his glasses.

After a while, it flew away. Hinata looked up and stared at the butterfly that was going further and further into the light. Still looking up, she was silent the whole time and didn't notice that Shino, who was right beside her, had been staring at her for quite some time.

"Is there anything wrong, Hinata?" asked Shino.

Upon hearing Shino's concerned voice, Hinata lowered her head. Everyone knew that Shino was a quiet person, at the same time, he cared deeply for his friends. He always knew what his friends were feeling just by observing them. Knowing this, Hinata then turned her head to Shino and calmly answered him, "Nothing, it's just.. this place is really peaceful, don't you think, Shino-kun?"

Shino then turned his head to the front. The Aburame clan was known to always wear dim glasses for various reasons. It might not look like it, but behind those glasses, Shino was quietly observing Hinata's gestures and expressions from the side of his eyes. Her answer just now could not deceive him. He knew Hinata was keeping something from him, but even knowing that, Shino did not force it, nor demanded her to tell the truth.