Beyond The Camera: The Sequel

Chapter 9

This story WILL have a happy SasuHina ending!

Thanks for reading!

-Sasuke's POV-

The only thing that kept me from losing my cool was the knowledge that Hinata would only suffer for a few more days. It's the only reason I let her leave that motel room without an argument. Something had to have happened between her and Toneri that caused her to end things so firmly, especially after we agreed to start seeing one another again.

Gaara did everything he could to keep me distracted over the weekend. It was apparent, and I appreciated his efforts, but they were in vain.

Finally, Monday arrived, the day we'll officially press charges against those involved in the blackmail. The four of us only have vocal lessons today, meaning we'll be finished at the agency by noon. The meeting with our attorneys is at two o'clock.

At eight in the morning, the three of us arrived in the practice room to find Jiraiya sitting at the piano like usual. Hinata didn't show up, even after half an hour of us waiting.

"You don't think...?" Sakura asked, her fear evident in her tone.

I cut her off, "No." She wouldn't give up on her last six months of freedom just because things were awkward. Her music means too much to her for something like that.

"I'll try calling her," Gaara offered, pulling his phone from his pocket.

Everyone, Jiraiya included, waited with baited breaths as he did. Hinata's more likely to answer for him out of the three of us because she knows he won't try to emotionally manipulate her into something like Sakura or I might. That being said, the call rang through to her voicemail.

Gaara frowned, obviously more concerned than before. He met my eye and spoke firmly, "Call Itachi."

Hinata apologized profusely for leaving us worried after hiding from us after leaving the hospital. She swore never to do it again, no matter the occasion. Even if her messages have been short and professional, not to betray her emotions, she's been actively informing us of her whereabouts via text in the group chat. I looked down at my phone's screen at the last message she sent to us. She confirmed she'd safely arrived at Toneri's condo on Friday night.

A bad feeling was eating at my gut, a sense of dread.

I called my brother, who answered but sounded panicked, "I can't talk right now." Then he hung up.

My mouth fell open slightly.

Something's definitely going on.

No one moved momentarily, but then we were hurrying to the exit. Jiraiya didn't say anything because he likely understood something serious was happening. Without speaking, we rushed to Kakashi's office. Sakura didn't bother knocking before bursting inside, only to stop in her tracks. Itachi sat in a chair in front of Kakashi's desk.

I breathed out, feeling more apprehensive because my brother appeared highly apologetic when he turned to look our way, "What's going on?"

Kakashi quickly interjected, "Come inside and close the door."

We did as asked but immediately set our sights on Itachi and waited for him to explain. He stood from his seat and turned to face us, "I just arrived, so I haven't told Kakashi anything-" "Where is she?" I cut him off.

His gaze met mine before averting guiltily to the floor, "That's why I'm here. No one's been able to reach her or Toneri since Friday night. He didn't show up for work this morning, and when his apartment was visited, it was empty."