He had always been too timid to approach her directly. For so long, Hinata Hyūga's gentle gaze had only lingered from afar, hidden behind shy glances and a faint blush.But today, something was different."This is not enough…"The soft yet teasing voice came from behind her, cutting through the silence like a sudden breeze. Hinata froze, her heart skipping a beat. Slowly, she turned her head and found herself staring into the bright, mischievous eyes of Yamanaka Ino."Ino…?" Hinata whispered, startled.The blonde girl smiled warmly, her lips curved but with faint traces of tears still glistening at the corners of her eyes. She stepped closer and gently placed a hand on Hinata's delicate shoulder."What's with that face? Surprised to see me?" Ino teased.Hinata blinked rapidly, caught completely off guard. She had never shared much with Ino. Their personalities were worlds apart—Hinata was quiet and reserved, while Ino was bold, lively, and outspoken. The few times they interacted in class were polite exchanges, nothing more.But here she was, standing before her with a smile that carried both mischief and sincerity."Come on," Ino continued, "we're classmates. Don't tell me you're afraid of me."Hinata shook her head so quickly that strands of her dark hair brushed against her cheeks. "N-no, it's not that! I just…""Relax, I'm joking." Ino chuckled. "You really do take everything so seriously, Hinata."Hinata's lips curved into a small laugh despite her nerves. Ino's energy was contagious."Ino… what did you mean earlier? You said something wasn't enough."Ino leaned back slightly, her expression shifting into a mysterious grin."Your feelings," she said softly."M-my… my feelings?" Hinata stammered, her voice trembling."Of course," Ino replied. "You love Naruto, don't you?"The words struck Hinata like a bolt of lightning. She gasped, her face flushing crimson almost instantly. Her hands flew to her cheeks, trying to hide her embarrassment, but it was no use. Her entire body trembled, and she looked as though steam might rise from her head at any second."How… how could you…" she stuttered.Ino burst into laughter. "Oh, please. Anyone with eyes can see it. You're so obvious, Hinata. Only Naruto is too dense to notice. Honestly, that idiot wouldn't recognize a confession if you wrote it across the Hokage Monument."Hinata's heart pounded wildly. She wanted to deny it, but she couldn't. Ino's words were true. For so long, her feelings had been her most carefully guarded secret, yet somehow, Ino had seen right through her."D-did everyone else notice too?!" Hinata's voice cracked in panic.Ino waved her hand dismissively. "Not really. Most people are too busy worrying about themselves. I just happen to be more… perceptive. Let's call it a talent of mine." She winked playfully.Hinata let out a shaky sigh, though her face was still as red as a tomato."Ino… Sakura… are you still angry at me?" Hinata asked timidly.The mention of Sakura's name darkened Ino's expression instantly. A shadow crossed her face, and she gave a small, bitter smile."If anyone's angry, it's probably her with me," Ino admitted softly.Hinata's gentle heart immediately understood. Though Ino and Sakura often bickered like rivals, their bond had always been deep, forged since childhood."I know what you mean," Hinata said quietly. "The two of you have always been best friends, no matter what it looked like on the surface."Ino gave a short laugh and patted Hinata's silky hair. "It's funny, isn't it? From the outside, it's so easy to see things clearly. But when it comes to yourself, everything gets blurry."Hinata tilted her head. "Then… is Sakura really okay?"For a long moment, Ino didn't answer. She looked away, her blue eyes clouded with conflicting emotions."In her eyes, I probably look like a traitor," Ino admitted at last. "After all, I sided with you and Naruto instead of her… my closest friend."Hinata's chest tightened. She didn't know what to say.But then, Ino forced a smile. "Don't worry. She'll be fine. Sakura's strong, even if she doesn't show it all the time. It's just… lately, some things haven't gone the way she wanted."Hinata hesitated. "Because of Sasuke?"Ino shook her head. "Not exactly. It's more about Naruto."Hinata blinked in surprise. "N-Naruto?"Ino smirked knowingly. "See? Mention his name and you light up immediately."Hinata's blush deepened, but Ino continued. "Sakura's not someone who changes her feelings easily. She'll always have Sasuke in her heart. But back then, Naruto was always there—chasing after her, protecting her, making her laugh even when she pushed him away. And now… he's different. He's changed these past few days."Hinata thought about it and realized Ino was right. Naruto had changed. He was more confident, more determined, like someone who had found his path. But to her, he was still the same Naruto she admired."Is she… disappointed?" Hinata whispered."Maybe a little," Ino admitted. "Sometimes people don't realize how much they value something until it's gone. Even if she never loved Naruto the way you do, losing his attention still stings."Hinata covered her mouth to hide a quiet giggle."What's so funny?" Ino asked, narrowing her eyes.Hinata smiled shyly. "It's just… you sound so mature, Ino. Like a wise old man giving life advice."Ino pouted. "Hmph! That's called being sophisticated, thank you very much."But when she saw Hinata's soft smile, Ino's irritation melted away. Instead, her curiosity grew. For a while now, one question had been circling her mind, and she couldn't resist asking it anymore."Hey, Hinata…""Yes?"They were walking side by side now, the setting sun casting long shadows across the ground. Ino turned her head, her voice quieter this time."When you saw Naruto chasing Sakura all the time… didn't it hurt? Didn't you feel wronged, even just a little?"Hinata's steps slowed. She lowered her head, her face burning, but she answered without hesitation."No."Ino blinked in surprise. "Really? Not even a little?"Hinata's pale eyes shimmered in the fading light. "Even if he never looks my way… I'll wait for him. No matter how long it takes."Ino stopped in her tracks, stunned."And if he never loves you back?" she pressed.Hinata hesitated for a heartbeat, then whispered firmly, "Then I'll watch him from afar. I'll pray for him. I'll wish him happiness, even if it's not with me."The golden glow of the sunset fell over Hinata's small frame, giving her an almost ethereal radiance. Ino stared at her in awe. For a moment, Hinata seemed less like a timid girl and more like a saint, pure and unshakable in her devotion."You say I'm mature, but you're the one who's truly amazing, Hinata," Ino murmured. "You're younger than me, yet you already understand love better than I do."Hinata shook her head quickly. "No, I… I just think too much sometimes."Ino chuckled, but her thoughts drifted elsewhere. If it were me… could I wait like that for Sasuke? Could I endure seeing him with someone else?Hinata's soft voice interrupted her thoughts. "What about you, Ino? What would you do?"Caught off guard, Ino blushed and looked away. "M-me? Uh… well, honestly, I don't know. If I saw Sasuke with another girl, I'd probably be jealous out of my mind. Definitely not as graceful as you, Hinata."Hinata gave a small nod. "It would hurt… but even so, when you truly like someone, you want them to be happy."Ino placed her hands on her hips, half teasing, half serious. "And what about us, Hinata? If we keep giving and waiting like this, what happens to girls like us?"Hinata looked at her gently, her voice steady despite her shyness."Then… we'll keep walking our own path. And maybe, one day, the people we love will notice."For a long time, Ino was silent. The sun dipped lower, painting the sky in shades of gold and crimson, as if sealing Hinata's words into the evening air.And for the first time in a while, Ino felt something stir deep within her heart—not jealousy, not rivalry, but admiration.
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