The road was too short. Before long, they reached the end, and Hinata still hadn't come back to her senses.
They'd only said a few things, yet they were already standing outside her family's estate.
"Goodbye, Naruto-kun."
"See you tomorrow," Naruto said. "Shizune's been waiting for you to come learn Medical Ninjutsu."
Hinata wanted to say that her father had grounded her, but she didn't want to spoil Naruto's impression of him, so she kept quiet.
"Okay."
Naruto looked at Hinata's young face, flushed red like an apple with a fever, and reached out to ruffle her hair.
Ever since he'd brought her a birthday cake, Hinata had been no different from a little sister to him.
"Hinata, go home and tell your father that everyone in my family likes you."
The breeze stirred the leaves, and the wind chimes rang.
Hinata's mind instantly went blank. "Naruto likes you" echoed endlessly in her ears, warmth rushing all the way to her earlobes.
Even though she'd been mentally prepared and had spent time alone with him several times before,
when she really heard those words—when she really heard a confession—her mind went completely blank, and the world stood still.
It was as if she'd died.
Seeing Hinata freeze up again, Naruto knew she was starved for affection. He reminded her worriedly, "Hinata, I'm a good person. But don't just believe whatever other people say."
Snapping out of her daze, Hinata shook her head vigorously. "I only believe Naruto."
Naruto felt warm inside. No one disliked being trusted and cherished. "See you tomorrow."
"Mm!" Hinata climbed back over the wall into her home once more. She was afraid her heart and face would give out if she stayed another moment.
Being in love was so dangerous.
Hinata panted, her breath hot, and