The Love We Never Knew We Had [Discontinued]

Part 10

~HINATA~

Sasuke's question caught me off guard. I didn't think anyone would notice I wasn't trying.

I tried to play dumb, but I knew he saw through it. I really hoped he didn't hate me now, as so many others did.

'It wasn't that I wasn't trying, but rather, I didn't want to hurt Sakura.'

I could never tell anyone that. Rumors would spread that the head Hyuga has raised a weak daughter.

We all filed in the classroom and continued the lesson for that day.

"Alright," Iruka spoke, "that's it for today. Remember, the exams are tomorrow, so please be prepared. Class dismissed."

Everyone began to do their own thing, and I quickly rushed out of there to avoid any unnecessary attention.

As I thought I was going to escape, someone called my name.

I turned around and saw Naruto a few paces away. My heart fluttered a bit.

"Hey Hinata," he said, "where are you going?"

"T-to train," I mumbled.

"Wanna train with us?" Naruto asked. Shikamaru, Choji and Kiba (and Akamaru) showed up behind him. "We're going to the training grounds to practice before the exam."

"Um, alright," I responded. Naruto grinned.

"Let's go!" he yelled fist-bumping the air.

I smiled. It made me happy to see him in a joyous mood.

~-~-~-~-~-~

"Phew, I'm exhausted."

We'd been training nonstop for hours, and all of us were thoroughly tired.

"Well, I'd better head back," Shikamaru exclaimed. "I told my mom I'd help with dinner; what a drag."

"If you need help eating it, you know where to find me," Choji spoke, shoveling chips into his mouth.

"Is food all you think about?" Kiba asked. Akamaru yipped in agreement.

Shikamaru intervened before Kiba and Choji could start arguing.

"I hope you're all ready for the exam, I sure aren't," he said sighing.

"You'll do fine," Naruto declared casually, "you have some of the best grades in the academy."

"And you have the worst."

"Hey!" Naruto protested.

"All I'm saying is be prepared for next week. If you fail the exams, you'll have to wait until next year."

"Yeah, yeah," Naruto grumbled. I laughed.

Shikamaru left, and soon, Choji did as well.

"See you tomorrow," Naruto said standing and stretching. I was disappointed to see him leave, but I'd probably explode if it were just the two of us out here.

I waved goodbye, and listened as his footsteps echoed into town.

Kiba and I sat in silence for a good while. As awkward as it was, watching the stars was relaxing. It took my mind off everything that had been happening.

"Do you like watching the stars?" Kiba asked, gently stroking Akamaru who'd fallen asleep.

"Yes," I responded, "it relaxes my mind."

"Yeah," Kiba agreed. Yawning, Kiba said goodbye. He picked up Akamaru and they both left.

I laid down, breathing in deeply. The wind rustled the grass beneath me and the stars shimmered brightly. I heard the rush of water somewhere nearby.

'If only my problems would drift away as easily as water,' I wished. My eyelids became heavy, and I drifted off into sleep.