Chapter Text
"Oh Naruto, I'm so sorry that he is this dense." Apologized Hinata as Naruto dramatically slumped forward on the desk In front of them.
He holds his back up and runs a hand through his hair.
"HE IS IGNORING ME! ME Hina, I don't know what to do anymore, I'm just so tired you know?" He sighs and continues devouring his 2nd bowl of ramen for the evening.
The moon shines softly on the village's empty and quiet streets.
Few people walking by and the sound of grasshoppers can be heard along the silent hum of the outside wind.
Inside of Ichiraku Ramen were Naruto and Hinata alone, talking and eating the night away. The soft light illuminating peacefully on the small place.
"Things have been very hard ever since he came back. I'm sure he likes you, you should just tell him how you feel." She sighed and took another bite of her sixth serving.
"Noooo, I don't know, I don't want to ruin things, what if he didn't like me back, he might never want to talk to me ever again you know?" The blonde sighed as one of his best and dearest friends chuckled.
"I just got him back, I can't loose him again" he mumbled, he was very upset, and for a split second, she could see the melancholy in his eyes.
Hinata knew for a fact that Sasuke liked Naruto, he doesn't see how the noirette looks at him, or how he acts with him versus with other people, they were both too dense, but Hinata was too sweet to tell Naruto that.
Whatever had happened, they were going to get through it.
He was one of her best friends, she felt comfortable with him, despite his exuberant nature, he was easy to be around, she could take her time, and talk to him about anything. Naruto also could be more of himself around her, she never rushed him and truly understood him. He could just relax around her, and it just felt right between them. No forced emotions or words, they were truly happy and comfortable with each other, always laughing and talking about god knows what.
"I really don't understannnnnd! That teme." He muttered as he slurped the remaining soup in his bowl, and lightly slammed his head on the table in frustration.
He looked up with sad eyes at Hinata who was also finishing her bowl.
She turned to him and placed a hand on his shoulder
"You really should just talk to Sasuke-kun, after all you two have been through, he wouldn't just stop talking to you out of the blue."
She smiled as he looked up at her and sighed.
"I tried! He won't even let me approach him, we haven't been on a mission in so long, and it's starting to really get on my nerves. Ugh, nevermind that Hina, how is it going with Sakura?''
A wide smile spread on his face as he saw her face turn red in record time.
"Wh-what are you t-talking about N-naruto k-k-kun???"
She squealed under her breath as she brought both hands onto her face and sunk into her stool.
He playfully rolled his eyes and laughed
"Come on Hinata, you should talk to her too, just know that Sakura likes you, really, do believe me dattebayo!"
She slightly shakes her head as he peaks up from behind her hands.
"I c-can't, what is she doesn't like me and i ruin what we have?" She whispers as she takes in a few deep breaths, her face still pink.
"That's exactly what I said, you have been giving me advice, so why not take it ehh? I understand how you feel, trust me, I believe she likes you, even an idiot can see it"
She smiles, but it doesn't quite reach her eyes, she sighs and looks to the side
"If only there was a way to help know if they liked us before we go and confess"
They both stayed silent for a while, before Hinata' s face lights up and she turns back to face him.
"You have an idea don't you?" He gasps in excitement as she blushes again.
"Im not sure it's a good idea, but-"
"Its fineeee, tell me, I trust you" he waits before she gains the confidence to speak.
"W-we could pretend to date different people, if they do like us -" she pauses, hoping that Naruto would complete her train of thoughts
He waited for her to finish before he understood what to do
"Then they will be jealous, and we would know! You are amazing dattebayo!"
She chuckled in response, glad that he caught on, although everyone always joked about Naruto being an idiot, which he was alot of the time, he was very sharp.
"Ehh? But Hinata-chan, who would we fake date?" He asked, his tone completely showing his confusion.
They sat for a while, before they both turned around to each other at the same time.
"Are you thinking what I'm thinking" said the blonde with a stupid grin on his face. Hinata nodded and smiled.
"We can tell them it's one of my pranks by the time we are done, and that I convinced you to help me." He paused, "that is, if you are comfortable with this Hina"
"Sounds good to me Naruto-kun." She smiled her sweet smile, making his heart melt. God she was the sweetest thing ever.
They sit down a little more, discussing part of their plan and then chat together a little more. They pay for their food and bid the owner goodbye. They walk out, full and tired. Naruto decides to walk Hinata to her home, both so that they can chat more, and so that he can make sure she gets safe home, not that she couldn't handle herself, but because it was the right thing to do according to Sakura.
The night sky is clear other than a few clouds around. A beautiful dark blue spread across the sky scattered with shining starts. The breeze was cool, leaving the weather nice and enjoyable, unlike that past few mornings, where you could probably boil water for noodles on the pavement.
They continued talking and laughing the entire time until they reached her family home, where they bid each other goodbye and goodnight.
Naruto took the long way around back home, trying to enjoy the soft cool breeze rushing past his hair and caressing his face. He heard a few birds on the distance, unusual, but not interesting, before he heard a quick twig snap.
He looked around, not spotting anyone. He felt no threat, but was tired and decided not to linger anyways and went back to his apartment.