Stitching the Gaps

18. Apples

Snowfall.

The white blanket covered the sluggish city of Konoha. The trees lost their beauty. Less cars passing by as the weather grew cold during the weekends. Many people walked through the central of Konoha catching the winter sales. Some gathered in groups to hang out in some small shops to chill.

A certain group planned to meet up at the grilling place. Still others walked the way towards the place in singles or pairs. Blocks away, the bundle Uchiha casually walked by himself. A yard length velvet scarf wrapped around his head and neck. Part of it shield his mouth yet his nose exposed to the cold air, exhaling clouds through his nostrils. Gloved hands stuffed in his gray hoody pocket on the center of his abdominal area. Over his hoody was a light black jacket with cotton inside keeping him warm. Dark jeans over his black boots.

Passing by, some girls-even guys candy eye him like a gorgeous mysterious man he is. Girls squealed and committed about being with someone so beautiful and tall. Sasuke simply ignored those stares. He kept his focus narrowed and his mind close. He didn't have much to think about. There was no one who caught his glaze.

Stepping on the snow was annoying. He hates going out when snow builds up. Slowing him down from his destination. Turning the corner, he paused to see a girl standing at the very corner holding a stainless-steel bottle in her hands close to her lips.

She noticed a shadow hovering her. She lashes lifted as she looks up to see the confused Uchiha. She parted her lips a bit to sip the hot drink in her hand.

"Hey." Sasuke greeted first. The small girl with a large creamy yellow coat that reached her mid-thighs, wearing a baby blue knitted dress that also reached her thighs along with soft gray leggings, and brown ankle boots. The ends of her hair stuffed in her coat.

"Hello Uchiha." Sasuke sighed. His fist gently bopped her forehead causing her to squeak. A feathery flow in her chest warmed her insides.

"I told you to call me Sasuke." He stepped around her. The indigo haired girl rushed to his side to walk beside him.

"What are you drinking today? Honey jasmine?" Sasuke knew she usually drink jasmine tea with some honey to sweeten up the taste. Hinata furrowed her brows.

"Yo-you always get it right! Ma-maybe I need to swi-switch it up..." She pouted. Sasuke glanced at her as she swallows some more.

"Let me try it." Sasuke held his hand out. This surprised the girl next to him. She nervously looked at the bottle then his lips. Quickly looking elsewhere but there.

"Um... My lips might has germs- Don-t-" He grabbed the bottle from her and tasted the sweet drink. Not as sweet he thought it would be. Enough to notice a bit of honey in the jasmine. The jasmine wasn't as noticeable like the honey flavor. Handing her back the drink, he smirked seeing her cheeks beet red.

"I'm not gonna die by your germs, Hyuga." Hinata closed the bottle shut and held it in her chest. The cold didn't wear off her cherry cheeks.

"...Hinata."

"Hm?" He saw her stop. He stopped too.

"Call me, Hinata." She straightens her face. Sasuke nodded.

"Okay. Hinata."

Hinata held the bottle closer to her pounding chest.

Arriving at the grilling place, everyone removed their coats and scarves to fest in the meal. Nothing big or small about this group. Shikamaru sat next to the talkative blondes who are Temari, Ino, and Naruto. Next to Naruto was Karin and Sai. Gaara, a new friend and Temari's brother came along, sat next to Hinata, Sasuke, and Choji. Lee sat at the head of the table.