I'll Always Love You. (Minato x Reader)

The Dance

After the Chunin Exams were over, only one team in Konoha was promoted to Chunin. (Y/N), Keiko, and Tadashi stood proudly in front of Lady Tsunade who boasted about her students. "You three were the only team that was promoted together, great work! You'll have the next few weeks to yourselves. I'm going on a mission. When I return, I expect you all to do your best, got it?" she informed her students. Each of them bowed and wished Lady Tsunade luck on her mission. Afterwards there was a meeting they needed to attend. Apparently Konoha was hosting a small festival and there would be a dance. Keiko was excited to help out with decorating, Tadashi was interested in the food, and (Y/N) was unsure about attending. Keiko, Tadashi, Kou, and Minato were her only friends. She wanted to spend time with Minato, but he was busy with Kushina. (Y/N) understood, because Minato was Kushina's only friend. "Hey! Congrats on making the cut, I had no doubts you'd make it!"

Your P.O.V.
I turned around to see Kou smiling at me. I returned the smile and sheepishly explained that I was afraid during the exams. The older boy assured me that fear wasn't such a bad emotion to experience. "Sometimes fear pushes you further to protect the ones you care about." he concluded. "Are you coming to the festival tomorrow?" I questioned. He nodded and grinned. "Keiko and Tadashi are going together. Their feelings are obvious, I'm hoping something will happen. I don't want to get in the way. Want to come with me?" I asked. "Of course, you're great company. I'll meet you by the ramen shop. See ya!" he stated before walking away.

I started to walk home, admiring the stars. I missed hanging out with Minato, we hardly get to spend time together. My missions are going to take up most of my days and he's beginning to train for the next Chunin Exams. Approaching the house, I stopped at the sound of laughter. Minato and Kushina. A pang in my heart made me smile sadly at the fact they're growing closer with each passing day. I'm jealous. It didn't help that he didn't show up to watch me fight. I opened the door, which caught their attention. "Oh, hey (Y/N)!" She greeted. I smiled and waved. Instead of lingering around, I decided to go sleep. Before I could open my room door, Minato's voice stopped me in my tracks.

"I made dinner and saved you some food. I miss eating together." he stated. "Minato, I'd love to join you, but I'm exhausted. I have to wake up early tomorrow and help decorate for the festival." I explained. Minato nodded and returned to Kushina. I jumped into my bed and snuggled into the blankets and pillows. After a long day, there's nothing better than this.

Waking up from a dreamless sleep, I looked towards the East and groaned. The sun was barely rising, I woke up too early. Going back to sleep would be a risky gamble. Instead of waiting around, I decided to do a little training. My accuracy could improve. Keiko startled me when she snuck up behind me. She informed me that our assignment needs to be completed right away. I didn't know much about decorating, but Keiko was creative. Things went smoothly and time went by so quickly.

Keiko invited me to her house to get ready. I wasn't good at fixing my hair, so she helped me dress nicely. By the time we were finished, we had some time to kill before the festival started. Tadashi was waiting for us in the living room, he talked with Keiko's parents. They praised him for being protective over both of us during the chunin exams. Once he laid eyes on Keiko, he blushed and awkwardly complimented her. Keiko happily accepted it. We took the longer route to the festival, but once we arrived, all of our peers praised us for our choice in decoration. Tadashi and I awkwardly accepted the compliments, because Keiko did most of the work.

"Hey (Y/N), you look great." Kou stated with a small smile. I returned the compliment, unsure about how to compliment a guy without coming on too strongly. Tadashi and Keiko were inseparable, so I stayed with Kou. We followed closely behind them as they talked about everything. Tadashi looked back at me and I gave him a thumbs up. I mouthed the words "You got this". He grinned and turned his attention to the game Keiko was interested in. Kou leaned close to me and whispered "Do you think he's going to do it?". I chuckled and shook my head. "Nah, he's going to miss the perfect chance and beat himself up for it for the rest of the night."