Chapter 145: Things You Can't Have
The banquet approached its end as everyone gradually took their leave.
When Naruko rose to settle the bill, the server politely stopped her. "The owner specifically instructed that if Miss Sasuko dines here, all meals are complimentary."
This establishment belonged to a certain Konoha family clan. The owner clearly wished to curry favor with Uchiha Yu.
"That won't do." Naruko insisted on withdrawing her wallet. "Please allow me to pay."
She didn't want to benefit from Yu's influence in this matter either. She wanted to treat this meal with her own sincerity.
The server showed difficulty. "Please don't make this hard for us... These are the owner's orders."
This server knew well that accepting this payment would mean not needing to return tomorrow.
Seeing the server's firm stance, Naruko realized further insistence was futile. She put away her wallet, feeling somewhat uncomfortable.
Though today's purpose had been achieved, that insurmountable distance between herself and Yu still couldn't be dispelled.
She sighed lightly.
When she reached the restaurant entrance, she unexpectedly discovered Hinata, who should have already left, standing in the shadows by the door, seemingly waiting for someone.
"Naruko!" Hinata's eyes brightened upon seeing her, quickly approaching.
"Hinata? Why haven't you gone home yet?" Naruko felt somewhat surprised.
Hinata lowered her head slightly, fingers unconsciously twisting her hem. "I... I was waiting for you."
"Waiting for me?" Naruko grew more confused.
The two walked side by side along the gradually quieting street.
"Actually..." Hinata softly began. "I've always wanted to find an opportunity to thank you."
"Thank me for what?" Naruko tilted her head to look at her.
"Do you remember what happened when we were six?" Hinata's voice was light, but she mustered her courage. "That day I ran away from home because training wasn't going well..."
Naruko tried hard to recall, suddenly her eyes brightening. "Ah! I remember! Was it that time in the forest when those bad kids bullied you?"
Hinata nodded, a warm smile appearing on her face. "They snatched my hair ornament and pushed me around. You suddenly jumped down from the tree and stood in front of me."
Naruko couldn't help laughing. "Right, right! Those little brats saw my ninja headband and ran away scared. Actually, I didn't know any jutsu back then—I was just bluffing."
"But to me, you were like a hero at that moment." Hinata's voice carried genuine gratitude. "From then on, I've always... admired you greatly."
Naruko scratched her head embarrassedly. "What's there to thank me for? Anyone would have done the same."
"No, not everyone would." Hinata shook her head. "You're always like this—standing up whenever you see injustice..."
She paused, carefully observing Naruko's expression. "By the way, I could tell that you feel... very differently about Yu-sama."
Naruko's steps faltered slightly, her cheeks heating. "Is it that obvious?"
"Only those paying special attention would notice." Hinata said softly. "Your eyes when looking at him are different from when looking at others."
Naruko sighed, kicking aside a small stone by her foot. "But what use is it? In his eyes, I'm probably forever just her little sister's friend."
"That won't be true." Hinata said seriously. "You're already an excellent jonin now. And... matters of the heart naturally require time and patience."
Naruko looked at Hinata with some surprise. This usually shy Hyuga clan eldest daughter now showed determination in her eyes inconsistent with her personality.
"Why are you suddenly bringing this up?" Naruko asked curiously.
Hinata's face flushed slightly. "I just... don't want you to give up. Though Yu-sama seems difficult to approach, he's actually very gentle toward both you and Sasuko."
Naruko stopped walking, turning to face Hinata. "Thank you, Hinata. But..." She smiled bitterly, shaking her head. "Sasuko and I are different. In Yu's heart, she'll always be special."
"But you're equally special—not just in my eyes." Hinata persisted. "Remember when you demonstrated chakra control in the shop? Even Miss Kaguya glanced at you an extra time, and so did he."
Naruko froze, not expecting Hinata had observed so carefully. Warmth rose in her heart as she couldn't help reaching out to hug this companion who always stayed quietly in corners.
"Thank you, Hinata. Really."
Hinata was left somewhat flustered by this sudden embrace, her cheeks reddening further. "N-no need to thank me... Aren't we... comrades?"
Actually, Hinata's thoughts were far more complex than what she spoke aloud.
Watching the light flickering in Naruko's eyes when mentioning Yu, plus that undisguised loss, Hinata's heart felt gently squeezed.
She'd lied—those encouraging words, rather than genuinely believing Naruko could succeed with Uchiha Yu, were simply because she couldn't bear seeing this perpetually energetic girl show such dejection.
She loved Naruko's smile—those azure eyes curving into crescents, her whole person seemingly glowing. As long as she could protect that smile, even hiding her own feelings forever didn't matter.
Hinata understood better than anyone that this inappropriate affection was destined to remain unspoken.
Love between two girls would neither gain worldly acceptance nor receive Father's approval.
Moreover, Naruko's heart already held someone else.
But that was fine.
Hinata gazed at Naruko's profile still carrying slight loss, quietly clenching her palms.
If ultimately Naruko could gain happiness, then her own unspoken feelings would become happy as well. This was the guardianship method she'd chosen—standing quietly at the nearest distance, watching the beloved person walk toward the future she wanted.
Even if that future contained no place for herself.
On the other side, Yu and Sasuko walked side by side along the street home.
This time Sasuko deliberately suggested walking, using no abilities.
"How did you feel about today's gathering?" Sasuko asked softly.
"Very good." Yu answered warmly. "It had a celebratory atmosphere."
But Sasuko had been observing throughout.
She'd noticed that during the banquet, Yu mostly ate quietly. Though he would smile appropriately when Naruko spoke and cast encouraging glances when Hinata grew shy, deep within those profound black eyes, thoughts remained subtly hidden.
He seemed present, yet his mind drifted elsewhere.
***
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