You and Me, Always and Forever

Chapter 21 : The rumored boyfriend

It was late at night when they returned to Konoha from a mission. Regardless, Ino had fun with her mission together with Hinata and Naruto. The two had crystal-clear communication. 

It's surprising as she didn't remember them being capable of using any Yamanaka jutsu, but they can understand each other just by looking at one another.

Ah, the wonders of love. Ino mused as she remembered her previous meeting with Sakura. She communicated with her friend her intention to organize a swimming party for their circle, however, Sakura was caught up in assisting Tsunade-sama, not only at the hospital but also with the policies.

She could only sigh. That swimming get-together could be an effective way to execute their plans for their two friends, but they were ninjas and they have priorities other than that.

Now, thinking about it...It's not like she couldn't pull something off for them.

"Why don't you come inside for a while." Ino suggested and the two followed her inside her family's flower shop.

Naruto was talking about the other improvement he did with the Rasengan, seemingly to show off around Hinata. Not that it wasn't a good thing. To Ino, it was actually kind of cute that Naruto was getting this sense of pleasing a girl even in the little way he knew of.

"These are the flowers in bloom for this season. I'm actually reserving them for the upcoming Summer Festival, but since you're my friends, I'm going to let you choose one."

Naruto tilted his head. "Huh?"

Hinata just blinked, waiting for Ino to explain further.

"Naruto, why won't you choose a flower that reminds you of Hinata?" Ino chirped and secretly winked at her friend. Hinata blushed a little.

"Eh? Why would I do that?"

Ino was vexed and it's apparent by how she gripped her knuckle. "Just do it, Naruto!"

"Fine! Fine! Geez..." The blonde glanced around the flower shop and his face instantly brightened up upon seeing a certain flower.

"Ah, this! Whenever I see this one, I always feel happy." Naruto said as he got a stem of the flower and handed it over to Hinata.

"Thank you, Naruto-kun." The quiet girl blushed and accepted the flower. Naruto just rubbed the back of his neck and chuckled. The moment didn't last long as they both waved good bye and thanked Ino for her generosity.

Even though it was very little, Ino couldn't be more satisfied. Despite her outgoing and aggressive personality, deep inside she was such a softy when it came to those matters, that's why she wished all the best for her friend, Hinata. 

Her heart just warmed upon seeing that smile on Hinata's face at the sunflower Naruto gave her. It was sweet, unquestionably befitting Hinata's personality.

Ino looked upon the night sky, hoping that she'd someday found someone who could make her smile that way as well.

Naruto stopped from walking as he passed by Ino's flower shop. Happiness bubbled Inside him. It was certainly the right choice! Just by looking at the flower's bright yellow petals, he felt energized and invigorated, just like how Hinata always made him feel that's why he-

"He gave Lady Hinata a flower last night! She came from a mission, but she didn't look tired at all. If you could've only seen it! She's smiling so sweetly at the flower." A middle- aged woman shared to her friend.

"Oh, maybe he's her boyfriend already. They may be secretly dating?"

Hinata? Boyfriend? She didn't tell him anything about this! And who else could've-