When He Met Her | Prologue |

Chapter 3

Riku was running in the hall towards the Mizukage office due to being late. But it didn't keep him from smiling.

"I can't believe I finally found someone to listen to me!" Riku thought as he continued to grin while blushing.

~ Earlier ~

You were walking beside Riku as you walked the streets of the Mist. Riku kept sneaking glances of you from the corner of his eye. As he was looking at you, you looked at him and you both made eye contact. You both jumped and looked away. Riku's face was completely red as he looked away. You felt yourself cringing from, what you thought, was a stupid and embarrassing reaction.

'That's it. I've had enough of this foolishness, Riku needs to understand boundaries.' You thought to yourself as you exhaled and had your usual emotionless face.

"Alright, Rik-"

"Hey, Hikairi. Can I be honest with you for a second?"

'He cut me off.' You thought to yourself as you frowned in annoyance.

"Fine, what is it."

"I don't really like the current ninja system our village lives by. I understand that we are in war but... is it worth turning innocent children into cold-blooded ninja?" Riku spoke as you became unsure of yourself.

"Well... if it's a means of survival, then do we really have a choice?" You said as you unconsciously had a sad expression on your face.

Riku quickly turned to you as he saw your reaction. He knew he was right, that children shouldn't be taught in the ways of killing. But in the ninja world they live in, is there even a path to peace without sacrifice. Yet that didn't matter at that moment with you, Riku was just worried that he might've triggered some painful memories for you.

"I'm sorry if I overstepped, Hikairi." Riku said as he looked away, hoping he wouldn't continue to bother you.

"Why are you apologizing for expressing your opinion? It's a nice quality to have, especially in these times where no one has the capability to express what they really feel." You said while frowning. Riku quickly looked at you as his cheeks flushed red. You faced him and noticed a smile spread across his face as he blushed.

"Well, we should have more talks like this... THAT IS IF YOU'RE OKAY WITH THAT OF COURSE!" Riku yelled while trying to contain his embarrassment. You only sighed because he was too much for you to handle, but you still enjoyed the company.

"It's alright, I actually enjoy being around you for some reason. You're more annoying than any other person I've ever met." You said as you looked back to Riku. His entire face was red, which made you smirk.

'Geez, he's so easy to embarrass, how cute... wait, cute? WHAT THE HELL NOT CUTE!!' You thought to yourself as you shook your head. You both reached the assassin's base and walked inside. You were wondering why Riku followed you inside. As soon as you reached the gathering area for the majority of the assassins, everyone gasped and got into formation.

"What the hell-"

"Uhh Hikari, they're welcoming me... so just walk a couple steps behind me so we can avoid further speculation. Okay?" Riku said while winking at you. You nodded and tried not to pay too much attention on how your heart rate escalated after the wink he gave.

Both you and Riku started walking among the lined up ninjas. You maintained a suitable distance between Riku to make sure it did not seem like you were getting special treatment. But you noticed the air around him was different, Riku didn't look like the easy carefree man he was when he was around you. But rather, he carried himself with authority. Riku seemed strict, strong, and confident.