Another World | NejiTen

Chapter 5 | Costume Shopping

Before Tenten knew it, days had turned into weeks. By now, there were still two weeks left until Halloween. Everyone believed she and Neji were "dating". In public, they interacted like good friends would, but so nothing intimate happened. When they were alone, the two continued to bicker like normal. No one suspected a thing, probably because of all the stress from piles of work. Classes were getting tougher, so most of Konoha 12 put their homework and classwork as their top priority. Even the normally hyper and chatty Ino was more tired and distracted. The past week was way less busy, giving everyone time to prepare for the upcoming Halloween masquerade costume party, which was held every year in the college gym. 

Ino was ranting about the Halloween party whenever she got the chance. She had dragged Sakura, Tenten, Temari, and Hinata to the mall for costume shopping, blabbering about the party while driving. "Oh, and you can bring dates to the party! Tenten, you and Neji are probably already planning on going together. Sakura, you and Sasuke NEED to go. Hinata, be courageous and ask Naruto. Temari, you and Shikamaru should go. You'd look so cute together! Oh, and-"

Tenten zoned out as Ino rambled about this and that, wondering if Neji planned on going with her. Their "practice" had gone on for more than a month, and she wondered when it would end. Both of them had gotten accustomed to everyone believing they were a couple. She still felt guilt deep down, but she almost enjoyed being Neji's "girlfriend". The two could almost consider themselves good friends at the current rate, and the pretending had made them bond. Whenever they were alone, she would often feel a light, fluttery feeling in her chest, a feeling which she couldn't apprehend. Not once had they mentioned ending the practice. During it, the two would sometimes even "go out" as practice. Tenten wondered, did he feel the same way she did when they were together? 

"...and tonight, we're playing one big game of truth or dare in Temari and I's dorm room. The room is huge, so it can fit the fifteen people that will be in there. I sent out a message right before we left so they should have seen it by now. I'm so excited! I love truth or dare and it's the best time for ships to set sail..." Ino continued.

Sakura heaved a sigh. "It's not fair that you get to tease us but we can't tease you."

"Don't worry Sakura, I'm sure the right person will come along and then we can repay Ino for all the times she shipped us," Hinata said sweetly. 

"Is that sentence supposed to be reassuring towards Sakura or a threat towards me?" Ino asked, peeking into the rearview mirror. Hinata shrugged, leaning back against the seat of the car. 

The five girls soon arrived at the massive mall Ino always went to. When they headed inside, they saw that the majority of stores had Halloween themed items for sale. The group walked into a costume shop, filled with fancy, elegant costumes. The best thing about the shop was that no two costumes were the same. "My favorite Halloween shop," Ino informed the girls, grinning. "Take your pick, I'll pay!"

They all groaned in protest. Ino paid for a lot of things, much to the girls' dismay. "Seriously Ino-pig, how are we ever gonna pay you back?" Sakura grumbled.

Ino winked, saying, "Seeing you and Sasuke together. It's so sweet and will greatly benefit my ships." Sakura scowled, trying to hide a small blush that crept up her cheeks. 

Tenten chuckled at the teasing before turning her attention to a red, white, and gold medieval ballgown. Beside it hung a suit in the same colors. "Ooh, you and Neji should wear these!" Ino suggested, her face filled with excitement. "I'll pay for both."

"Fine, but if Neji dislikes it, I'm telling him it was your idea," Tenten replied, grinning. She grabbed the dress and the suit before being dragged over to a section of the store filled with masks. Ino handed her two that would match the costumes perfectly. Tenten obliged, agreeing that the masks did indeed go well with the costumes. When she finished picking out small accessories, she headed back towards the checkout area. Ino sat on a bench, a garment bag laying on her lap. She had a very large paper bag of items, which Tenten guessed were accessories. Sakura, Hinata, and Temari were nowhere to be seen, probably still shopping for their costumes.