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His excitement was greater than it had ever been, yet his demeanor remained serene. He felt enveloped in an inexplicable peace, his body and mind as relaxed as they had never been before. To anyone else, his state might have seemed like indifference or discontent.
But Naruto was simply happy. Comfortable in a way he was unaccustomed to feeling. For years, he had rejected rest and idleness. He could never remain still, as stillness often led to an unoccupied mind that would drift to dark places.
Yet, as with everything since Hinata had become his girlfriend, there was no corner of his thoughts she did not inhabit. From the moment he woke to the instant he fell asleep, whether she was near or far, his thoughts invariably turned to her.
What was she doing, thinking, desiring? Did she think of him too? Did she yearn to be close to him as much as he yearned for her?
He had never desired anyone like this before; the intensity of it consumed him, leaving him lightheaded. He longed to rest his head in her lap, to breathe in the soft scent of her hair, to feel the smoothness of her skin beneath his fingers. She always responded to his gazes, his words, his touches. She melted in his arms, smiled against his lips, and exhaled her affection onto his skin. Naruto felt as if he was losing something—or perhaps giving it away—something profound and involuntary, yet utterly beautiful. He belonged to Hinata now, and he reveled in being hers.
When she suggested they spend New Year’s together, her words had been a whispered murmur from beneath her bangs, her flushed face avoiding his gaze at all costs.
He had been powerless to resist the impulse; he pulled her into his arms and kissed her. At first, it was impulsive, sudden, desperate. But then his pace slowed, his hand caressed her jawline, and his body leaned into hers to deepen the kiss. Hinata clung to his shirt with surprising strength, making him sigh against her lips.
Now, it was just the two of them in his modest apartment, with its less-than-ideal view of the sky and fireworks, but surrounded by a comfort and stillness that existed solely for them.
He turned to look at his girlfriend and couldn’t help but smile at the sight of her flushed cheeks, her hair tucked behind her ears, and the strap of her dress slipping from her shoulder. Her eyes sparkled in the apartment’s warm yellow light, and her wine-colored lipstick stood out against her soft skin, sending an indecent warmth coursing through Naruto’s body.
She was beautiful. He had always known it, but not like this—as if he had never truly allowed himself to take her in fully. Hinata had always been out of reach, too good for someone like him.
Yet here she was, sitting cross-legged on the rug in his living room, tipsy and radiant. She looked more at ease than ever before, swaying slightly and giggling now and then.
Only a few minutes remained until midnight.
“Are you cold?” Naruto asked. She shook her head, laughing like a child.
He couldn’t suppress the smile that spread across his face. “Come here.”
She blinked at him, her mouth parting as if she’d sobered in an instant. Then her lashes lowered, casting shadows over her rosy cheeks. She unwrapped her arms from around herself and pressed her hands to the floor.
Naruto swallowed hard as he realized she was crawling toward him, her darkened eyes locked onto his. A heat surged through his veins, and the smile slipped from his face, replaced by a flustered expression.
She continued until she lifted herself and settled into his lap, her hands entwining behind his neck, her chin resting on his chest as she gazed up at him with her crescent moon-like eyes.
He held his breath, trying to restrain his desire, his hands planted firmly on the floor beneath him.
“Na-ru-to-kun,” she whispered, her voice almost a moan. His eyelids fluttered as he fought against his instincts. Her voice was a soft plea, a melodic drawl that sent shivers down his spine.
“Yes?” he asked, attempting a tone of normalcy, his gaze fixed on hers, refusing to glance downward at her neckline.
Hinata was intoxicated, while he was fully awake and clear-headed.
“Can I sleep with you tonight, Naruto-kun?” Her voice was tender, almost innocent, her lips forming a small pout reminiscent of when he teased her.
“H-huh? W-what? Hinata… you… you have to go home,” he stammered, one hand gripping her waist—partly to steady her and partly to prevent her movements from worsening his precarious situation.
“Nooo, Naruto-kun. I want to stay here,” she mumbled, burying her face in his shoulder. The faint scent of beer accompanied her breath as it brushed against his neck, sending a tremor down his spine. Her pale blue nails lightly traced the length of his back over his shirt, and he struggled to suppress a shiver.
“I want you.”
His hand tightened on her waist.
“I want you too, you know. I always do. But you’re drunk and tired,” he murmured, running his fingers through her long, dark hair. She nestled deeper into his lap like a kitten, her innocent affection momentarily soothing his turmoil.
Explosions of fireworks filled the air, and Hinata lifted her head to look at the window behind him. He didn't feel the urge to turn around to watch the show, he already had the best view he could ask for.
He tightened his arms around her, thankful for everything he had endured until that very moment. Thankful for her love, strong and patient and everlasting.
Naruto glanced at the clock; the new year had arrived.
“Happy New Year, Hinata,” he murmured, pressing a kiss to her bangs, then her temple. “Thank you for being with me.”
“I’ll always be with you, Naruto-kun,” she replied, her smile serene as she rested her head against his chest once more. Her eyes closed slightly as he brushed his knuckles gently across her cheek, savoring the warmth of her blush and the softness of her skin.
He cherished the tremble of her body, her quiet sigh of contentment. He cherished her love—something so old yet so new, so necessary and magnificent in his life.
“I love you, and I’ll love you even more in the years to come. And then, and then, and then…” he whispered, each repetition punctuated by a kiss that drew soft giggles from her. She was his girlfriend, his future wife, his eternal love. “Forever. Believe it.”
She fell asleep in his arms, secure, content, alight with desire and love. And for Naruto, it was the best beginning and end to a year he had ever known.