さちこ

The fact that Neji asked Tenten out on a date throbbed your heart. Ever since you found yourself falling for the Hyuuga, for as long as you could recall—a few years—you never dreamed of being with him in the future. You knew there was no chance someone of your status would be suitable to be his partner, let alone all the people that had hots for him. And you—the most ordinary being out of all—already knew that you would not cross the finish line from the moment you joined the race. You could not even muster any expressions when Tenten announced the matter, downing your glass for the umpteenth time of the night.

“I don’t want to turn him down like that, but I do have an appointment that I can’t miss tomorrow.” Your friend pursed her lips as she shook your arm vigorously. “Please help me go on a date with him, just this time. In return, I’ll help you with paperwork, all of them.”

You reflected back on the piling documents that you were supposed to go through this week and her too sweet of a tone, clearing your throat. It was not a bad idea, maybe Neji would be uninterested with you in place of Tenten, and you would not have to experience the whole ordeal. “I’ll immediately leave if it goes, um, inappropriate.”

“I knew it! You’re the best, Y/N!” She quickly assured and thanked you repeatedly, shaking your shoulders into delirium.

And the next morning, before you knew it, you were fifteen minutes late to your date with Neji Hyuuga.

“I’m so sorry!” You bowed down hastily, panting when you accidentally bumped into someone as you rounded the corner. Rubbing your nose now reddened from the contact, you apologized, “I didn’t mean to—Neji?”

“Never thought I’d see you here, Y/N. Are you hurt though?” He asked, head tilting to one side as he observed your disheveled appearance. “Had too much to drink yesterday?”

“I’m fine. And we did drink—wait—how did you know?”

“Lee told me to come yesterday, but I had a report to finish so I couldn’t join. I just guessed you were there. It’s also him who told me to come here to go hang out with the boys later.”

“Lee told you to come here?” You scratched the back of your neck, still trying to clear your foggy mind. “Shouldn’t you be going out with Tenten?”

After a moment of silence, Neji furrowed his brows at you. “I’ve never asked her out.”

“So there’s nothing going on between you and Tenten?” You blurted out and immediately took your words back. “I meant Tenten’s not supposed to be here today?” You were very lost at this point. She told you she could not go on a date with Neji last night, and now Neji was telling you that there was no date whatsoever.

“Yeah, it’s just a hangout with all the guys.” He shook his head, “But I think they are completely knocked out to even remember. So what about you? Are you waiting for someone?”

“Me?” You snapped out of your trance of thoughts. “Oh, no, I was just…” You could not tell Neji the person you were waiting for was indeed, him. You gritted your teeth and swore that you would slice the Lee-and-Tenten dual into pieces after this for putting you in such an inconceivable situation. “I was just, right, I was just getting some fresh air.”

Your reason was absurd, and you were sure Neji knew it too. But fortunately for you, he did not bother its unconvincing nature. Instead, what the Hyuuga said next took you by surprise. “Well, if you don’t mind, can I roam around with you too? It’s been a long time since I’ve been on a walk around Konoha.”

“S-Sure.” With that, the both of you started strolling through the streets, looking at different shops and food stalls with people entering and exiting. Everyone wore a bright smile as they chatted with one another, and the corners of your mouth, too, unconsciously curved up into a beautiful crescent.

“I like how you smile.” Neji suddenly commented out of the blue, and you turned your head at him, pupils wide. He was also surprised at himself, clearing his throat in an attempt to draw your focus away from his flushing cheeks. “Looks like they are having a great morning so far.”

You hummed and returned your gaze back to the surroundings, continuing your path down the street. Then, your eyes lit up when you spotted the sight of your favorite sweet shop. However, Neji’s appearance refrained you from rushing to the place—you did not know if he would like to visit a sweet shop out of all options. As if he read your mind, the Hyuuga casually shrugged. “That sweetshop looks appetizing. How about we stop there for a quick snack?”

You did not waste a second before skipping to the place, greeting the owner with a big grin as the two of you sat down. Despite being the person who suggested the treat, Neji took two bites and stared at you gulping down a feast for the rest of your stay. Before leaving, a waitress buoyantly approached you. “You look lovely together! We have a discount for couples. You just need to take a picture together and let us hang it on our wall here for a fifty-percent discount for your next visit.”

You blinked your eyes several times. “Sorry, but we are not—”

“Where do you want us to pose at?” Neji cut you off, wrapping an arm around your shoulder too naturally.

You could not help but comply with his act, leaning onto his shoulder with a nervous smile spread across your lips. When they printed your photo, you stared at it incredulously, unable to form any coherent thoughts.

“There’s only one voucher.” Neji’s voice brought your gaze to the voucher in his hand. The man continued, “But we’re supposed to share it, right? It’s the effort of two, after all.”

“What are you trying to say?”

“You want me to be plain?” He asked, and you reluctantly nodded. Neji sighed. “I want to go to this shop with you again, Y/N. Now, what's your answer?”

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