After a while, along the way, they

After a while, along the way, they could actually talk with an ease she found comforting. Even though the conversation was mostly initiated by him, she tried and learned to do it, too.

They talked about simple, trivial things, like food or the shape of puddles on the street. He said trees would be the best dancers ever if they were humans, and she laughingly agreed. She remarked that most dancers didn't have green afros, and he laughed; he told her that he never knew she could tell good jokes. Hearing that, she immediately – naturally – blushed, and felt her chest bubble yet again.

Suddenly, they were reminded of their childhood, and he nostalgically recounted their memories.

"I remember," he grinned, "that I was a really, really famous prankster back then."

She softly laughed. "I remember you drew on Iruka-sensei's desk one day."

"You remember? You know, that was a long time ago; in kindergarten, I guess? You got a great memory, Hinata," he chuckled. "He sure gave me a good detention that day. But hey! That's payback for giving a hard assignment – he knew I can't draw. He was just being mean."

Hinata giggled, although a small melancholic feeling surfaced in her heart. She knew quite well about his sorrow and loneliness in those days back then; back when people would put him down and kids wouldn't ask him to play. Moreover, he had no parents to back him up. Perhaps it was because of that, he would often pull silly pranks and do extravagant things to gather attention. She couldn't blame him – or anyone, really.

People said he was a child of unknown – there were even rumors that his parents died because they had a dispute with members of the localyakuza; some also claimed that they weren't people of good-will and honor, which she thought was wrong. People thought he was dangerous, too, much like a delinquent. But luckily, after time passed, they realized that they had been mistaken.

Still, in all those hard times, he never gave up even once. He never stopped practicing to be the best, never cried or showed any quiver in his determination. She could see the loneliness in him, sometimes, but then he would always be able to brace himself up.

He would always try.

And just like that, he had caught her heart.

After sharing each other's stories, when they weren't exchanging words, Naruto filled the silence by humming a song. The cheerful tune seemed to be contagious, because she found herself smiling along. He would also mumble the words 'ramen, ramen' and 'chicken soup' while singing them in random melodies.

She laughed a little.

"What? What is it?"

His lighthearted tone earned him a shook from the head and a slightly louder laugh. "N-Nothing."

"Hm. Playing secret are we?" he clicked his tongue, smiling. "If I'm a singer one day, I won't buy you a ticket to my concert. My heart is a raaamen~!"

He stridently sang and her laugh grew even more.

But, surprisingly, she didn't even stop to worry about how her laugh might sound; she only felt free. It was still unclear how, but he could effortlessly put her at ease. It was yet another power that he had over her, and she wondered if she would ever have enough.

Although the reality that she was there with him, together on his bike, laughing without any restraint… if anyone told her that she was dreaming at the moment, she would have easily believed.

Yet she might not want to wake up.

"Hey, Hinata?"

She replied almost reflexively. "Yes?"

"You know, you should laugh more."

She blinked.

"I really like your laugh!"

He peered at her over his shoulder, smiling wide.

… He made her feel the happiest.

And suddenly, her heart was filled with years and years of longing and affection; of admiration, determination, craving, and at the same time, a sudden courage.

It was that of love.

The sky was turning amber with streaks of light, pale blue. The sun's flimsy shine painted the sky with hues of bright, beautiful golden. She glanced at his figure, illuminated by the tawny shade of the firmament.

Her feelings swelled. Her heart seemed as though it could burst at any moment, since it hammered against the walls of her chest in a really fast pace. Then almost entirely on impulse, she acted upon her feelings; she didn't notice the warmth on her cheeks, she didn't talk, she didn't feel nervous or awkward or even considering the consequences –

She did not think.

If this was a dream…

Hinata let her head gently rest on his back and closed her eyes.

…

He was warm.

Really warm.

She could feel his figure tensing for a fleeting second, but at that time, she didn't quite pay attention.

After a moment or two, he broke the silence between them and lightly coughed. "Hinata…? Are you sleeping?"

She simply hummed.

He cleared his throat, but said none thereafter. The small trip continued even as it turned into a quiet one for a while. Hinata began to be aware of her actions, feeling her cheeks reddening more than ever, but she remained leaning against his back. Her mind started to twirl and whirl; what could happen after this? Would he be mad? Was… was she too bold? Oh, what a silly, thoughtless person she wa –

He suddenly stopped.

She sat straight, surprised, wondering what could have happened.

"N-Naruto-kun, is there something wro –?"

"Can you hold out your hands towards me?"

She blinked, unable to utter a longer reply. "H-Huh?"

Naruto coughed. "Hold out your hands?"

When she stayed still and didn't react, he looked at her over his shoulders with a small smile. She couldn't help but flush under his stare as she peered at his blue eyes for a long, long moment, before she held back a gasp.

He had grasped her hands.

As soon as he turned his head back to face the front, he put her arms around his waist.

Her heart beat in its ultimate speed.

… If this was a dream…

He put a hand on a handlebar, one foot on a pedal, ready to continue riding towards her house. Before moving, he loudly sighed while she said not a word because she couldn't.

"In case you fall asleep," he said, one hand still holding both of hers, "you won't fall."

Her heart leapt.

Once again, he cleared his throat lightly before pedaling ahead. He started to hum again, although this time slightly quieter than before. Hinata rested her head on his back and closed her eyes with a smile she didn't quite notice tugging her lips.

She clutched his shirt in her small hands.

Just this time, she would hold on tight. Just this time, she would let herself be a little selfish.

Just this time, she wouldn't let go.

Because she really, really, really liked him.

.

… Please don't let this moment end.

"... Hinata?"

"Y-Yes?"

"Is it alright if I take a shortcut?"

"Um, s-sure."

He beamed.

Turning the bicycle to another path he knew, he hummed and took a longer route.

.

.

Fin.