Sasuke's twin sister, But Neji's first love

Tea & Dangos (Neji's POV)

(Neji's POV)
The morning light filtered through the paper screens of the Hyuga compound, waking me before the rest of the household stirred. I rose, dressed, and moved outside in silence, training alone in the courtyard long before anyone else would emerge.

By the time Hinata arrived, I had already gone through most of my morning routine. She approached hesitantly, as always, but I motioned for her to join me.

"Let's begin," I said calmly.

We started sparring, and I quickly realized she had been training harder than usual. Her movements were more focused, her stance firmer. I adjusted my own techniques slightly—not to hold back, but to guide. I gave her corrections, even praise now and then.

She smiled. That soft, grateful smile I remembered from childhood. It was... nice.

Then I sensed it.

Chakra. Familiar. Strong.

I turned, eyes narrowing, and sure enough—there she was.

Ryuko Uchiha stood near the edge of the courtyard, arms crossed, watching us with that unreadable look in her eyes.

I immediately felt my shoulders tense.

Of all people.

Hinata noticed her too and stepped back. "O-oh, hi Ryuko."

I tried not to stare, but failed. My gaze locked with hers.

She walked up casually, hands in her pockets. "Hey, Hinata. Just came to check in. Maybe hang out."

Hinata beamed. "Big brother's been helping me train."

"Big brother, huh?" Ryuko smirked.

I felt my ears burn. "Shut up."

"Wow, rude," she teased, clearly enjoying herself. I looked away.

"I'll leave you two alone," I muttered and turned.

"You know, Hyuga," Ryuko called after me, "you can join us if you want."

I paused. "I wouldn't want to intrude."

"I invited you."

The firmness in her voice made something inside me shift. She wanted me there.

Reluctantly... I came back.

Hinata suggested tea. I said nothing, but followed.

As we walked through the village streets, Ryuko's presence felt... distracting. Her voice, her teasing, the way her hair swayed when she moved. Why was I noticing this?

"Did you get home safely last night?" she suddenly asked, looking over at me.

"Yes."

Hinata perked up. "What are you guys talking about?"

I stiffened.

"Neji and I hung out yesterday," Ryuko explained before I could say anything. "He walked me home since it was dark."

I looked away when Hinata asked if it was a date. My pulse quickened for some reason. Ryuko deflected it easily.

"It's okay," she added. "Naruto assumed that too."

Wonderful. Even he thought it looked like a date?

We reached the tea shop. Ryuko insisted Hinata go first when ordering. Then she gestured to me. I motioned for her to go ahead, because—well, I didn't want to make it a thing. But she looked... caught off guard. Almost shy.

She ordered dangos too. Of course she did.

"I'll have the same," I said quietly.

After she excused herself for the restroom, I was alone with Ryuko again.

"Why are you quieter than yesterday?" she asked, clearly suspicious.

I shrugged. "I don't know what you're talking about."

She leaned forward, studying me like I was a puzzle. "Really? You've spoken, like, ten words."

I looked away, then said, "I didn't want to intrude. You said you hadn't seen Hinata since the exams. I thought this was your time."

She laughed softly. "Hyuga, if I thought you were intruding, I wouldn't have invited you. And besides... I enjoy spending time with you."

Those words stopped me cold. I stared at her, caught completely off guard.

"What do you mean by that?"

Before she could answer, Hinata returned. I didn't get a chance to follow up.

The waitress arrived with our tea and dangos. Ryuko reached for one—so did I. Our fingers brushed. She pulled back quickly, face a bit red. I picked it up and handed it to her.

Her fingers touched mine again as she took it.

"Thanks," she mumbled.

I nodded, trying to act like my heartbeat hadn't just doubled.

Hinata giggled. "I've never seen you blush before, Ryuko."

She denied it. I smirked. She stuffed the dango into her mouth to avoid further teasing.

After we finished, we stepped outside.

Hinata smiled at her. "I had fun today, Ryuko. It was really nice seeing you again. But I should get back—I need to help with Hanabi."

"Let's do it again soon," Ryuko said.

I gave Hinata a nod. "You've improved. Keep pushing yourself."

She smiled and left, leaving me alone with Ryuko.

"So," she said, folding her arms. "Are you going to keep pretending you're not having fun?"

"You're full of it," I said, but my voice lacked bite.

"And you're cocky."

That one made me chuckle.

"I guess... I don't mind spending time with you either."

The way she looked at me after that—soft and quiet—nearly made me look away.

"Careful, Hyuga. You're starting to sound almost friendly."

"Don't get used to it."

"I might have to," she teased. "You always seem to find a way to spend time with me."

"You're the one who invited me."

"And you're the one who accepted."

There it was again. That magnetic pull. I couldn't help it.

"You're something else, I swear," I muttered.

Then she smirked. "So... you gonna offer to walk me home again?"

She was joking. Teasing, like always. But I wasn't.

"Let me walk you home."

She blinked. "I was kidding."

"I'm not."

"Tenten's gonna get the wrong idea."

Let her, I thought.

"Let her think what she wants," I said aloud.

We walked in silence. For the first time, it wasn't awkward. Just... quiet and natural.

"It was nice spending time with you again," I finally said. "Maybe next time..."

I hesitated. My palms felt a little clammy.

"...it could just be us."

She stopped walking and turned toward me. "Are you asking me out on a date?"

My face heated, but I held her gaze. "Something like that."

She was quiet. My stomach tightened.

Then she smiled—genuinely.

"I'd like that."