Even Though My Song Has No Form

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Thirteen

"You seem a lot happier nowadays." Jiraiya sipped on his coffee as Naruto looked up from his breakfast.

"I get to see a pretty girl who is my parole supervisor. How can I not be happy?"

"So you need to thank me for coming up with that idea eh?" Jiraiya chuckled.

"No. You had other intentions when you assigned me to her." Naruto muttered as Jiraiya turned serious.

"Are you dating her?"

Naruto choked on his bacon.

"W-what?!?" he said weakly as he composed himself. "N-n-no! I'm not dating her! We're just good friends!"

"Well be careful." Jiraiya said with a raised eyebrow as he sipped on his coffee again. "She is a Hyuga heiress. Hiashi Hyuga will give you and I a hard time if you are an item with her."

Naruto swallowed his saliva nervously.

"Why? Is she not allowed to date?"

Jiraiya shook her head.

"From what I know, no. And Hyugas never marry outsiders. They always marry another Hyuga. It's just their rule. There's no record of any Hyuga being married to another family."

Naruto looked down at his food in deep thought.

"Besides Naruto. You only have till graduation with her before you go back to your family bungalow." Jiraiya reminded him gently. "You have to manage your father's banking business and take care of that house like what he and your mother wished for..."

Naruto whipped his gaze onto his godfather.

"I... know... But... If I am serious about Hinata... Is it... possible to have a future with her... In that house?" Naruto asked uncertainly.

"You just only met this girl this year and you're already thinking of marrying her?" Jiraiya frowned.

Naruto shook his head.

"I've known her since kindergarten. I thought she was weird because she always stalks me... And furthermore she's always the one dishing out my punishment when I have to serve detentions... But honestly in all those times we never interact much... However, this year was the first time I got to see a different side of her... She's actually... Wonderful and amazing..." Naruto chuckled softly. "I can just see a glimpse of my future with her..."

Jiraiya sighed and shook his head.

"Naruto... Like I said, she is a Hyuga heiress. Hyugas are very well known to have their future planned out for them, what more the heiress..." Jiraiya tried to explain but Naruto shook his head defiantly.

"Then I'll convince Hiashi to change his mind. He can't just plan his daughter's happiness! She has a right to choose!" Naruto argued as Jiraiya gave a slight smile.

"Have you even confessed to her?"

There was an awkward silence as Naruto's cheeks turned red.

"No."

AT THE PIANO RECITAL

Naruto again watched Hinata's pale fingers flutter over each key as one of her leg from time to time step on the pedal while she played the song "Carols" by Ayumi Hamasaki.

Halfway through the song, Naruto suddenly broke the silence.

"Neh... Hinata..."

Hinata wasn't perturbed by his voice though as she continued playing.

"Hm?"

"Eto... Ano... Ahm..." Naruto stammered as Hinata continued playing without missing a beat.

"Yes?"

"Eh... I wanna ask you something..." Naruto began then took a deep breath.

"Are you going to the Hanami Festival anytime soon?" he blurted as he cursed himself.

"That wasn't the exact question I wanted to ask!!! Damn it!!!"

"Hanami Festival eh? I don't know. I have ever gone only with my younger sister, Hanabi. But only when I have nothing on. Usually my schedule is packed with educational activities planned by my father. Why'd you ask?" was Hinata's reply.

Naruto gulped nervously.

"I was thinking... of going to the Hanami Festival..."

"Eh? Is it? Who are you going with?" Hinata asked curiously as her fingers still moved over the different keys.

"I was thinking... of... going... With you..." Naruto said softly as he stared at the name of the piano, refusing to look at Hinata in case she rejects him.

"With me?" Hinata asked in surprised but her fingers never stopped playing. "Hmm... I'll have to see whether or not I'm busy on that day..."

Naruto's head whipped towards her.

"Eh? You don't mind going with me?!" he exclaimed.

Hinata finally stopped playing as she turned to him and smiled.

"Why not? You did say you enjoyed my company didn't you?"

"Anything to spend a longer time with you Naruto... Even if you just see me as a friend..." Hinata mentally sighed.

Naruto managed a weak smile as he nodded his head.

"Yea... I really enjoy spending time with you... Why not I pick you up at your house on 5th April, a Saturday at 7 pm?"

Hinata's eyes widened as she shook her head.

"No no Naruto! My father will kill me if he finds out I'm going to a celebration with you!" Hinata squealed in panic as she calmed down. "We'll just meet at Ueno Park at 7 pm, how about that?"

Naruto nodded in agreement and ruffled her hair.

"Okay! Better don't be late or you owe me something!" he winked at her, making Hinata blushed.