Chapter 106: By Your Side
Naruto kept quiet for a moment, but then he grinned and said, "How about we hang out somewhere after we finish eating? Are you up for it?"
Hinata looked curious and responded, "Where are we going?"
Naruto chuckled and replied, "That's a secret for now. Let's fill our stomachs first!" Just then, Teuchi brought over their bowls of steaming Ramen.
"Dig in, you two!" Teuchi cheerfully announced as he placed the delicious Ramen in front of them.
"Thanks so much!" Hinata replied, and they both dove into their Ramen with eager appetites.
Once they finished their meal, they were ready to head out of the shop.
Naruto placed the payment for both bowls of ramen on the table and exclaimed, "Delicious as always, old man! Here's the payment. See you next time!"
"Thanks! Make sure to visit again, Naruto and Hinata!" Teuchi replied warmly. Hinata gave a gentle nod as she and Naruto exited the shop together.
"Where are we heading?" Hinata asked, curiosity evident in her voice.
Naruto spun around to face her, stretching out both hands. Hinata gazed at him, puzzled at first, but quickly understood the gesture and placed her hands in his.
"And now?" she questioned.
"Close your eyes!" Naruto instructed.
"But..."
"Trust me! I've got a surprise waiting for you," Naruto reassured her with a warm smile.
Hinata took a deep breath, trusting Naruto as she closed her eyes. She felt a gentle breeze, and when Naruto softly said, "Open your eyes," she did so to find herself in a stunning garden filled with cherry blossom trees. The petals floated lazily through the air, painting the scene with a peaceful, pink hue.
Hinata looked around, her eyes wide with surprise. "Wow, Naruto, this place is amazing," she said, her voice full of wonder.
Naruto grinned, happy to see her reaction. "I thought you might like it. It's a nice spot to just... be."
Hinata smiled softly, feeling the tranquility of the moment. "Thank you for sharing this with me."
Gently, Naruto took her hand, and Hinata felt a familiar warmth spread through her. Without warning, they lifted off the ground, floating gently above the garden. Hinata gasped, her initial surprise quickly replaced by a sense of awe.
"Don't worry, I've got you," Naruto assured her with a confident smile.
As they drifted over the cherry blossoms, the sun began to set, casting a warm glow over everything. The world seemed to pause, leaving just the two of them in the quiet of the evening.
Naruto turned to her, his eyes earnest. "Hinata, there's something I've been meaning to say. You've always been there for me, and I can't imagine going forward without you."
He paused, looking at her with a hopeful expression. "Would you stay with me, through everything that's coming?"
Hinata's heart fluttered at his words. She felt warmth spread through her chest as she met his gaze, her own eyes soft and full of affection. "Naruto, I've always wanted to be by your side," she replied, her voice steady and sincere.
With a gentle nod, she smiled. "Yes, I'll be with you. Let's face whatever comes together."
[A.N : [Note: The story feels a bit rushed and cliché, as the author is trying to wrap things up quickly. Apologies for the speed.]
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