Ino gave Sakura a speechless look. "Sakura, stop teasing Hinata. Can't you see she's about to cry?"
Only then did Sakura look down at Hinata. Seeing how distressed she was, Sakura floundered. "Hinata, don't cry! I was joking. Even when we get to the Ninja Academy, we'll definitely be in the same class!"
Hinata looked up, holding back tears that threatened to spill. "Really?" she asked cautiously.
The sight of Hinata's tear-filled eyes made Sakura feel terribly guilty. "Of course! Even after we graduate from the Ninja Academy, we'll still be in the same class!"
Hinata nodded firmly, her expression saying that Sakura would be a bad person if she lied. Sakura nodded back again and again, as hard as she could, as though that were the only way to prove she meant it.
At last, Hinata believed her. She slowly fought back her tears and gave a soft hum of assent.
Watching from the side, Ino finally burst out laughing. "That's what you get for teasing Hinata. Regret it now?"
Sakura looked helpless. "All right, enough!"
Only then did Hinata realize how embarrassing her behavior had been. Her face flushed bright red. "I didn't mean to cry," she said quietly.
Sakura and Ino hurried to reassure her. "It's okay. I went too far. We're about done eating, so let's go out and play for a while!"
Hinata immediately looked up, her face full of hope. She had visited plenty of interesting places with Sakura and Ino before, so of course she was excited.
Seeing Hinata's interest, Sakura relaxed considerably. "Mm. I know a great spot. The water's beautiful. Let's go!"
The three girls promptly set down their tea and snacks and left in high spirits.
They jogged along and soon reached the place Sakura had mentioned. It was a