Pivotal (Sasuke and Hinata)

Backstory 2

After school, Hinata waits outside the school gate to meet Sasuke. Following what happened to her, the bully stopped harassing her and even apologized to her. So she wanted to relay her thanks to him. Then she notices him walking out of the school building. As she wanted to approach him, a group of girls were following Sasuke from behind. Seeing that, Hinata begins to hesitate wanting to go near Sasuke. She just stands still even after Sasuke passes by her. Hinata sighed thinking that she might never say her thanks. Then she quickly shook her head and said, "No, this time I have to say it. It will be a simple thank you and I'm done. That's all. Yeah, that is not so hard right."

She had followed Sasuke from school, her heart racing with the intention of expressing her gratitude, yet her courage had faltered at each step. She watched Sasuke's figure, trailing at a safe distance, unaware of the presence lurking behind her. It was only when she heard the sudden voice that she jumped, losing her footing and stumbling to the ground.

"Why are you following me? Are you a stalker?" Sasuke's accusation pierced the air, his tone cutting and sharp.

Hinata's cheeks flushed with embarrassment, and her words caught in her throat as she attempted to explain. Before she could regain her composure, pain shot through her ankle, a sharp twinge of injury. Her attempt to stand up only confirmed it - her right foot was sprained.

Itachi, emerging from the shadows, intervened. "Why did you yell at her like that, Sasuke? You can't treat a girl that way," he scolded Sasuke.

Sasuke's scowl deepened, but before he could retort, Hinata protested. "Please, it's alright. It was my fault for following silently."

Offering assistance, Itachi insisted, "Let me help you. It's the least I can do."

Sasuke disagreed, his stubbornness flaring. "Just leave her here."

Itachi's patience wore thin, a flicker of annoyance evident. Hinata, caught in the middle, hurriedly interrupted. "Please, don't fight because of me."

With a sigh, Hinata reluctantly agreed to Itachi's help. Itachi gently lifted her, his frame surprisingly sturdy as he carried her on his back. The trio made their way toward the Uchiha household, a tense silence enveloping them.

Hinata glanced back at Sasuke, who looked away, his expression a mix of frustration and hidden concern. Itachi walked ahead and then broke the silence. 

"I'm sorry about that. I know Sasuke didn't mean anything bad."

"Oh, y-yes. I understand that. I'm the one who needs to say sorry. I followed him from the academy and didn't say a thing, of course, he would think that way," said Hinata. 

Itachi smiled and said, "You're such a kind girl."

Hinata blushed as she heard that. Feeling embarrassed, she tightens her grip around Itachi's neck. Itachi coughed a bit but only as a joke but Hinata was flustered and kept apologising. He laughed as the three of them arrived at the Uchiha household. They were greeted by a beautiful lady who was the mother of Itachi and Sasuke.

"Oh my, Itachi why are you carrying a little girl on your back?" asked Mikoto. 

Itachi carefully put Hinata on the ground while still holding her to support her from falling. "She sprained her foot."

"Well if that is the case, let me help you with that. Come inside, little one," said Mikoto as she held Hinata's hand and walked slowly into the house. "Sasuke, help me fetch the medication box inside the kitchen."

"Okay," said Sasuke as he moved reluctantly. 

"Well then, I'll leave her to you, mother. I need to go and have a talk with Father," said Itachi as he smiled at Hinata before he walked away.