Chapter Text
The breeze picked up sharply when Neji settled himself on the banks of the Nanako River. Stones and dirt pricked into him through his yukata's fabric, and he welcomed this distraction from the morning cold nipping at his skin. His gaze wandered to the ripples gliding across the water's surface, with his heart beating in time to each trickle that whispered in his ears. Images flooded through his mind as he closed his eyes, though none were more than a fleeting impression - until he pictured flaxen hair, wavy and unbound. He could almost breathe in what he knew would be its apple scent, leaving a fresh, tangy taste upon his tongue. Light slithered over the individual strands, highlighting each one to glory.
Blue irises snapped back to observe him, and the image dissipated.
And when he opened his eyes, sunshine blazed through the clouds, bathing him in warmth.