Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ Save Your Last Dance For Me ❯ Chapter 4

Chapter 4: It All Takes Courage

 

The next day was what Hinata waited for. Of course, it was since yesterday that Naruto asked to see her yet she was really curious to know the reason. She couldn't ask Naruto straightforward about it but she felt that it was something important and needed to be discussed. Maybe it was a problem Naruto could only discuss with her that needed a solution or maybe an additional resource for their project. But whatever it is, she knew she must go.

 

Hinata wasn't sure of telling Neji that she had to meet Naruto after school. Neji would be curious and would tell her father, who would be curious too and may lead to other circumstances. But Neji noticed her quietness and asked about it. “What's bothering you, Hinata-chan? You seem to be deep in thought.” Neji asked. Hinata glared at Neji as they were walking to school.

 

“Uh, Neji-san? Well… uh, I need to do something after school. It's just a small task or something like that but it won't take me that long. Um, I just want to let you know that I'd be late for a few minutes.” Hinata said shakingly. Neji studied his cousin's face. “Oh okay. It's fine with me of course, as long as it wouldn't cause you any danger. Is that it? Is that all that's bothering you?” Neji said. Hinata nodded unsurely. “Oh okay…” Neji mumbled.

 

* * *

 

After school, Naruto went straight to the giant cherry blossom tree at the Ninja Academy playground. By that time, there were no Academy Students who were playing since being Ninja cadets, they were already at their homes. Naruto reminisced about his memories from this playground. This was where he met his first friends - Shikamaru, Kiba and Chouji; but where he first felt rejection by his playmates. This was where she also saw Sakura and had the feelings for her, which were now gone. Memories of the Ninja Academy went back to him.

 

As he was busy reminiscing, Hinata came quietly. “Uh hello, Naruto-kun.” Hinata greeted shyly and softly. Naruto was overwhelmed by the way Hinata greeted him and the way she is looking great that afternoon. He had already confirmed his feelings for her during the past few weeks especially when they had became partners. Naruto always thought Hinata was cute but it was just then when he realized how much he had been falling for her already. He realized the times Hinata had helped him and took care of him when he was sick or treated him when he was injured. She was also the one who tried to help when he was having failing grades in school. His feelings have developed and now, this was the moment of truth. Good thing he have kept his feelings for quite a long time and haven't chickened out about it.

 

Okay this is it, Naruto thought as he fiddled with his fingers. “Uh Hinata-chan? I have something really important to tell you… It's something else and I don't really know how say this but… Okay, I'll try. I don't know how you are going to react about this but if you wouldn't like it, it's fine. I can accept it. Okay, it's just that…” Naruto took a deep breath. “You know Hinata-chan? I like you a lot. No, it's more than that. I think I'm falling for you… I don't know but I just realized how much you mean to me, how you are the girl that I've always dreamed about. You were always there for me when times that I am down or sick and you always tried helping me, Hinata-chan. You've become an important person in my life already ever since I first met you in Ninja Academy, to the time you gave me that medicine in the Final Match of the Chuunin exam, to the time you made me cookies for our mission once and until now, you're still there. These events? I'd have to thank you for everything, Hinata-chan. But this gratefulness leads to only one thing… that I-i l-love you.” Naruto finally said it. He didn't know, but it was the most dramatic words he have said in his whole life, even more emotional than those he said in his battles.

 

Hinata's eyes filled with tears. She didn't know why but she felt so joyful in her heart that the boy she has loved for a long time is also in loved with her. She was really so sensitive. And now, her cheeks were redder than ever.

 

“Why, Hinata-chan? Didn't you like what I said? Well, I understand because I'm a chicken forever. I'm a coward who never knew how to confess his feelings in the most sincere way. Look, I'm really sor - ” Hinata sealed Naruto's lips with her index and middle finger. “No, Naruto-kun. I'm just… happy. I'm happy that you like me… that you liked me back the way I did.” Hinata replied, smiling.

 

Naruto couldn't understand. “Does that mean you - you have liked me too?” Naruto asked in the most coward way. Oh, he is so immature when it comes to girls. “Yes, Naruto-kun. Ever since, I first saw you that was when it all started. Oh Naruto…” Hinata mumbled softly. Naruto and Hinata fell into a deep embrace. Hinata felt so comforted in Naruto's arms and Naruto felt so blessed with a beautiful girl he loved, in his arms. They soon recovered.

 

“Oh Hinata, I was just going to ask one more thing. Well, uh… Would you go with me to the Christmas Dance?” Naruto asked, this time so sure of himself. “I'd love too, Naruto-kun! But… my father… I don't know if he'd approve of it…” Hinata replied, remembering her father's strictness. “Oh, okay… I'm ready to meet any circumstances even if I'd have to meet him though it'd be hard. But Uzumaki Naruto never runs from his obstacles! I can do it and I will bring you to the dance.” Naruto replied with determination. “That's what I love about you, Naruto-kun!” Hinata remarked.

 

* * *

 

“I saw you at the Academy playground with Naruto.” Neji said almost seriously as she carried Hinata's bag when they met already. Hinata hid a smile. “It's nothing much, Neji-san.” Hinata replied, trying to hide her happiness. “Come on, Hinata-chan. I already know you much. Your smile? It means something. Tell me, what did you two talked about over there? You even looked like you cried tears of joy, cousin.” Neji said.

 

Hinata smiled a sheepish smile. “Okay, Neji-san. I'll tell you the truth. But of course, I know that father has to know this and well, please promise me that you'll help me tell father.” Hinata said. Neji thought about it and guessed in his mind what happened. “Okay, I promise. Now, please tell me. You can always trust me, Hinata.” Neji assured.

Hinata explained everything to Neji.

 

“What?! Naruto confessed his feelings? And he's in loved with you? How did he keep that for a long time? His a loudmouth, remember? He couldn't even keep his embarrassing moments from us! Why, maybe girls are his soft spot!” Neji exclaimed. He certainly can't believe that Naruto did it. Naruto, the chicken the loudmouth the dobe the coward, has a very nice princess for a girlfriend! Why, he beated him at that!

 

“I'm happy for you, Hinata-chan. But of course, uncle must know this. I'll help you. I like Naruto for you. But I worry about his behavior that uncle might not approve of him. Oh well, Naruto can handle the situation. I know him.” Neji remarked. “Thanks, Neji. I hope you're going to experience the happiness I'm feeling right now.” Hinata said.

 

* * *

 

After the Hyuuga clan finished eating, Neji and Hinata were the ones left at the table with Hinata's father. Her father, however was always the last one to stand up since being the head of the clan some issues were needed to be discussed with him by the other members. He then noticed that these two children had something to tell him.

 

“Hinata? Neji? Do you have something to say?” Father asked them. He paid close attention to both of them since Hinata, being his only child barely talks to him about issues. Neji and Hinata glanced reluctantly at each other. “Go on, Hinata… Uncle will listen to you.” Neji answered. Hinata looked straight at her father and took all the courage to speak.

 

“Um… father? There was this Christmas Dance in school about weeks from now… And uh, I'd like to go, father…” Hinata mumbled. Her father studied her. “Okay… I think I know that dance. When I was in high school, we had that too and your mother was my partner back then.” Her father said. Hinata and Neji thought how romantic it was. “Do you have a partner, Hinata?” Hinata almost gulped at the question, and glanced back at Neji.

 

“Well uh… Naruto asked me and I, uh, wanted to ask for your approval if that's fine with you.” Hinata muttered unsurely and nervously. Her father paused and thought for awhile. No one has ever asked her only daughter out and only hearing rumors about Naruto, he didn't know the guy completely. “Is it Uzumaki Naruto, the container of the demon fox and the well-known ninja who dreams to be a hokage? Er-the one Neji competed with at the final matches?” Her father confirmed. Hinata nodded shyly. Her father thought again. “I have to ask you one question.” Hinata looked at her father. “Do you want to go out with him?” Her father asked. “Yes Father! I'd love to! Well, uh… It's fine with me.” Hinata said, being so ashamed of exploding in. Her reaction made her Father smiled a hidden smile.

 

“Very well. I want to meet Uzumaki Naruto.” His father finally decided. Hinata and Neji exchanged glances. “Uh, I expected this to happen.” Neji commented. “Okay, Father. If that's what you want, I'll obey it.” Hinata answered obediently. Her father was so delighted with her and well, he simply realized that she was growing up. “Tell Naruto I'd like to meet him tomorrow after school. Make him eat dinner with the clan.” Her father instructed. “With the WHOLE clan??!! Uh, is that so-… fine. It's fine Father, I'd let him know.” Hinata replied as politely as could be. She can't believe it. She don't know if she can manage the whole clan to know about her first sort-of boyfriend and escort to the dance.