003rd saving smile [action]

[selfdoubt]

[Action]

[It's a nice clear day and Hinata wants to take advantage of this. She has been staying in her room for days now (not that it's something she didn't initially choose) and today seems like a good day to be staying outdoors.

Of course, this doesn't mean she's engaging on outdoor activities because the moment one passes by the park, she's peacefully seated on one of the benches reading her book. There's a small smile on her lips as she turns its pages. Whatever it is she's reading, it seems interesting enough for her that any outer distraction flies over her head. Proof of this is that when the gentle wind dances along her tresses, she only tucks one stray strand of hair under her ear in a careful motion while her pearl eyes never left the text of her book.

From where she's seated, sunlight tries to peek through the leaves of the tree behind her, casting playful lazy beams on her serene form. Flipping another page, Hinata uses her pressed flower as a bookmark when the wind picks up.]

Ah-!

[The flower then escapes her grasp as it glides through the wind. She tries to catch it but it proves futile. Now if only someone will be able to find it for her.]

Comments

[selfdoubt]

[Well, she'll still have to get used to this. >>

As she falls step beside him, the grip on her book tightens as if she's trying to cover her slowly racing heart with it. That spray-on grin had saved her so many times that having it so close is almost like a dream. Good thing she had already grown from fainting whenever he's this close even if it doesn't mean her cheeks won't burn red.

Well, she shouldn't stare at him for long because that'd be weird. Maybe she should just stare ahead or look down. Her free hand shakes a little in nervousness, though.]

[jinchuuriki]

[Sure, you don't have to stare at Naruto's natural good looks. But you know who is going to be stealing glances every few seconds while they walk their way to the store?

Naruto.

He likes to look at himself He's just going to look at Hinata once in awhile out of the corner of his eye, because she can be cute sometimes. And hey, it's not like they're having a deep and meaningful conversation. It's sort of quiet.]

[selfdoubt]

[While Naruto's stealing furtive glances at her, there might even be a moment wherein their gazes will meet and Hinata will quickly look away and blush beet red. This might also be one of those cute moments Naruto thinks she has sometimes.

Adjusting her grip on her book, she does notice the silence and wants to break it but she doesn't know how. Maybe if she comments on something obvious-]

You look really well today, Naruto-kun. I- I'm glad. [As well as this moment they're now sharing.]

[jinchuuriki]

[Is that how it's going to be, Hinata? This sort of conversation? Naruto can humble, locking his fingers together behind his head as he walks and lets loose another grin at her.]

Not as good as you're lookin', right? [Because this is how he will play this game.]

1/2

[selfdoubt]

[Oh Naruto, so smooth.]

A- Ah? You- You think so?

[She instantly becomes a little self conscious as her eyes dart from side to side whilst looking down, but Hinata gazes up again to glance at Naruto. His face just - why is he so handsome?? - sends her cheeks flushing bright pink.]

Well, um, I really don't invest on my- [She fixes the end of her sleeves and tells him what's most important.] but, thank you.

[selfdoubt]

[Though Hinata takes in a deep breath. She should overcome this nervousness, especially now that Naruto's actually dating her. No more anxiety. No more running away. She shouldn't feel timid anymore and show him just how much he means to her. Despite the fact that her heart's still beating fast, she gives him a gentle smile. When the wind picks up, she tucks her hair behind her ear with her free hand and then offers this same hand to Naruto.

Her cheeks are still pink.] Thank you for the compliment. Um- [Hinata's smile turns a little lopsided as she decided to seize this moment.] May I hold your hand? [Because that's how people dating should walk when they're together, right?]

[jinchuuriki]

[Yes. Only the cool cats hold hands while dating and waking together, especially in public. And Naruto considers them cool cats, so he takes the hand without hesitation and offers her a grin as they continue their little walk.]

Y'know, you don't gotta ask from now on. Just sayin'. [...] Unless I'm holdin' something! Then you gotta ask.

[selfdoubt]

[The moment he takes hold of her hand, her cheeks turn a brighter pink but after hearing his words, an understanding smile replaces her flushed state. It still feels surreal to be holding his hand securely in hers. A part of her wants to pinch herself to know if she's actually dreaming, but she stops.

No, she shouldn't give in to her doubts anymore and that's the whole point of what Naruto just said. Faith, Hinata. Faith. So the only reply he gets from her right after was a solemn nod and a smile. A smile fitting for her name.]

I will remember that, Naruto-kun.

[His hand feels solid as if expunging all fears and second guesses she has on herself. Her softer hand, the very same hand she uses to protect the ones she loves, grows bolder and tries to firmly hold his in return.

She continues to stare at him as if she's almost afraid the moment she blinks, she'll wake up, but she doesn't want to admit this to herself because of her resolve. He looks so handsome and everything about this moment seems so perfect.

That grin will save her time and again.]