日向導 - A Hyūga's Guide

Chapter Twenty One: Night Garden

It was late into the night when Hinata opened her eyes to stare at the ceiling of her bedroom; a habit she could not shake. She had been asleep for some time but she couldn't find it in herself to stay in her bleak dreamworld for very long. Another couple of days spent in the Palace ignoring Sasuke for a little bit because she was battling with emotions she didn't quite understand at all.

She had only ever focused on emotions that were negative, and on some occasions, she would feel happiness; but the longer she spent away from Sasuke, the more intense her emotions were. It was this heavy weight on her shoulder, pushing her down in a pool of water that was so warm and welcoming but she was unsure about any of it.

What was she supposed to do?

Turning on her side, she stared at the panels of her shōji doors, watching the lights outside flicker as the wind pushed the lanterns. It was getting colder these days, and occasionally, there would be a strong gust of wind throughout the night that would knock down the leaves of the surrounding trees.

Hinata sighed, groaning as her thoughts became tainted by the man who made her act and feel a way she wasn't used to. The day in the library had made her lose her appetite, not because of the unpleasant feeling, but she had actually enjoyed being held in his arms — even if it was all an accident.

Throwing off her blanket in her fit of annoyance, she sat up and stared at her hands. Never has she ever thought about someone that way, yet alone a man.

"Are you awake?" His voice called out.

Hinata blinked, contemplating whether or not she should just ignore him. What would he want at this hour of the night? Does he not know that she was angry at him right now?

"I am." She finally answered.

"You can't sleep."

No, she couldn't, because he was tainting her thoughts. It had gotten worse once they discovered that their room was right next to each other. No doubt this was some sort of arrangement either on Sasuke's behalf or his father was playing matchmaker with the both of them. The point was; it did not help in any way.

"What of it?" She laid back down, her eyebrows knitted together as she tried to force herself to sleep so he wouldn't bother her.

There was silence for some time, and she thought that she had succeeded in her attempts, but that illusion was quickly broken by a knock on her door. She did not hide her irritation as she got out of bed and opened her door with a glare on her face.

"Join me." Sasuke stood there, his sleepwear was long gone and replaced by a quickly put together outfit.

"Why would I do that?" She crossed her arms, staring over his shoulder rather than right at his partially exposed chest. "It's late, go back to your room." She turned to leave him then but he pulled her back.

A sense of déjà vu came over her, her cheeks were suddenly dusted pink, expecting him to catch her in case she tripped, but she didn't.

"Meet me in the gardens."

"That's far."

"I take it that you're not rejecting my invitation." He let her go and crossed his arms as he smirked.

She wanted to wipe it off of his face. If her father could see her now, he was sure to be somewhat proud at the look she gave the man in front of her. "I..."

"It will only be for a short while, Hinata."

She bit her lip and closed her eyes to collect herself. "Fine."

"Should I wait?"

"If you'd like to." She closed her door before he could respond.

Standing in the middle of her room, Hinata laced her fingers through her hair and tugged slightly. What the hell was she thinking? He was right, she couldn't even find it in herself to tell him that she didn't want to go. If she had been the same woman she was before she met him, she would have denied his request straight away. Then again, she wouldn't even be at the Palace in the first place.