Hinata Hyuuga appeared to be living the high school dream. She was a kind-hearted girl who had once dated the popular guy she'd always had a crush on, had good friends, and excelled in her studies. However, everything changed when her father introdu...
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Summer was almost over, and Naruto had finally come back home. I missed him so much.
When he rang the doorbell, I rushed down the stairs and threw myself into his arms. I hugged him so tightly he could barely breathe. I missed his warmth, his smell, his beautiful grin—the one he always wore just for me.
Raiden was in the living room. He witnessed the whole scene. He stood up and marched toward us. I had to think quickly.
"Naruto, let's go outside." I grabbed his hand and pulled him out hastily. But just before I could close the door, Raiden stopped it.
"Oi, Hinata. What's the rush?" Naruto asked, puzzled. "Let me say hi to your stepbrother." He turned toward Raiden and held out his hand. "Hi! I'm Uzumaki Naruto. You must be Hinata's stepbrother, Raiden. It's nice to meet you!" he said enthusiastically, flashing his signature grin.
Raiden put on his innocent mask and smiled back at him.
"Hi, Naruto. Nice to meet you too. You must be..." He glanced at me with those wicked eyes. "Hinata's boyfriend?"
"Yep, that's me!" Naruto replied, proudly pointing to himself. "I heard you're a police officer. That's so cool!"
"Haha, well, I'm not just an officer. I'm a police captain. Soon to be promoted to deputy police chief."
"Wow! You really are cool!"
"Thanks, Naruto. The ceremony is next week. You should come—the whole family will be there, and you're part of the family too."
"Woah, really? I'll be there for sure. Thanks, man!"
"No problem. Just take care of my little sister for me."
I felt sick.
"No worries! She's in good hands," Naruto said with a thumbs-up.
Raiden gave me one last glance before returning inside.
"Your stepbrother is awesome!!" Naruto exclaimed.
"...Yeah." I tried to keep calm, but I couldn't hide my discomfort. Raiden had a way of getting under people's skin—especially Naruto's. I didn't know why he was acting nice, but I knew he had a reason. My thoughts raced so much I didn't even realize Naruto had been calling my name.
"Earth to Hina-taaa!"
"E-Eh? Sorry, Naruto..."
"What were you thinking about?"
"Nothing important..."
"I missed you, sweetie." He hugged me tightly.
"I missed you too, Naruto-kun." My eyes welled up with tears. It felt good to be in his arms again... until I glanced up and saw Raiden staring at us through the window. He didn't enjoy the view. His frustrated gaze sent shivers down my spine. I quickly grabbed Naruto's hand and walked him away from the house.
