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Naruto saw Hinata the first time when he went to Neji's house to gather with his fellow badminton athletes to have a little trip to Yuki. Being a world-class badminton athlete was not an easy way for him, 5 out of 7 days were spent to train in National Training Center. So, everytime he got free days or holidays, Naruto liked to visit his parents or spend time to do his hobbies with his friends outside badminton.
It was actually Naruto's spur-of-the-moment idea. Initially Naruto told his on-court partner, Shikamaru, on their way back to Konoha after not being able to win the World Tour Finals as the defending champion last December.
He thought both of them deserved a good rest after their hardwork. Especially, when they still proved that they deserved the title of the WR1 in Men's Doubles discipline they've had for 120 consecutive weeks. Naruto and Shikamaru could still mantain as the current best MD despite all new competitors from other countries. Their win in the World Badminton Championship also strengthened their dominance in MD. There were sure hardships tears, and losses, but last year was still a good year for Naruto and Shikamaru in their 4th year in being partners.
After Shikamaru agreed and added that it would be better to go with the rest of the MD team, Naruto demonstrated his idea and the team approved. They all thought that it would be fun and it could even strengthen their bond since there would be a team event this year.
Thus, it led to the day when the team gathered at Neji's house. Naruto was the first to arrive as he had a lot of things to re-check as he was the one who proposed the idea. After checking and coordinating with Neji, they sat on the living room to wait for their friends.
It was when he sipped his tea that he smelled some sweet fragrance.
"Oh? I thought you're still alone, Nii-san." A soft and hesitant voice followed. His eyes then drawned to a woman with a long dark hair.
She's beautiful. He thought. There was something classic and elegant in her beauty that Naruto could not describe, but could only feel.
"Hinata." Neji spoke. "No, my friend is already here. Why?"
"I thought I wanted to give a hand." She replied. Her eyes shyly stole a glance at Naruto.
"No need. We're done and we're waiting for the others. Thanks though."
"Okay, then." Hinata nodded. Naruto and Hinata's eyes caught at each other.
"Ah." Neji then stood and walked to Hinata's side. "Naruto, this is Hinata, my cousin. And Hinata, you know him, Naruto."
Naruto could be wrong, but he swore that he saw how Hinata's cheeks turned slightly pink.
"Of course, I know you, Naruto-san. Our WR1."
Naruto laughed. "Well, yes, I'm that Naruto." He then faced Neji, "I knew you have a cousin that you like to talk about, but I didn't know that she would be this beautiful."
Neji scoffed. "That is exactly why I don't tell you nor any in our team more about her."
Naruto shook his head, then walked closer to Hinata. "Well, Hinata-san, it's nice to meet you. Even from our fist encounter, I could tell that you're not as rigid as your cousin right here."
He knew Neji was ready to punch him, but he could not care less about that when he heard her giggle. Her cute giggle that made his heart ripple.
He was enamored. He truly was enamored by this woman whom he barely knew and only met few minutes before.
And that cute and exciting moment between Hinata and him had to be disturbed by the sound of car honks.
Damn. What a nice way to ruin the moment. Naruto thought to himself while trying his best to move his legs towards the arrival of his friends.
*****
The trip was short, but fun. They got to eat seasonal dishes from Yuki, did snowboarding together, and even went to one of its winter festivals to catch fish.
And most importantly, their bond got stronger. These people whom he literally knew for almost of his life were his family, his friends, his brothers, but they were also the ones who stood on the opposite court of him and Shikamaru as his enemies.
Well, he thought that it was better that they were only enemies in sport, not some kind of wars that could easily end someone's life.
At least, being a badminton athlete, Naruto knew that since their foot touched the court winning Olympics, or Badminton World Championship, or even being the current World Number 1 didn't matter as they always had the same 50:50 opportunities: to win or to lose.
And being a badminton player who dedicated almost of his life to badminton, Naruto suddenly became amateur when it came to love. Of course, he had a crush before. She was a mixed double player from another country.
But, it was just a mere crush. Naruto could not even call it love as his feelings did not result to a real relationship. It was hard because of language barrier and not enough time to communicate with different timezones and different schedules.
But, Naruto realized what he felt for Hinata was different.
Four months had passed. But, despite the lack of communication and meetings, his heart longed for her.
He already got her contact, though, thanks to Lee who fortunately had Hinata's contact as Neji's on-court partner.
Sometimes they would chat about their days. Often times, Hinata would send supportive messages right before and after his matches.
The other time, he had told Hinata about his routine before a match. He liked to have a time just for himself to gather his focus and control his emotions.
At those times, he usually had his headphones and listened to classical music, yeah, it baffled him too how he actually enjoyed those pieces. Those times were crucial for him, so he didn't open his phone in fear of getting distracted.
After telling her that, Hinata liked to send her recordings of playing piano. And it had been months since he listened to those recordings which Hinata recorded herself.
It felt so much better than before because it felt as if Hinata was right exactly beside him, when she was actually thousand miles away from him during his world tour tournaments.
Sometimes when it was the time for his match, it was also the time for her to go to bed. He knew, she didn't sleep, though. He knew she watched him play and that reassured him in a way he had never felt before.
Their lives were so different. However, those differences did not cower him and made him want to run away, but actually made him want to know and understand her better. To know her not only as Neji's younger cousin, but Hyuuga Hinata who was gentle, kind, supportive, and had grown as Konoha's aspiring pianist.
During the world tour tournaments, often times he would think and daydream about her. Shikamaru even pointed out about this to him and told him to be careful not to lose focus.
Natuto then realized, messages and videos calls from her were not enough. He needed to meet her in person.
That's why, after he touched down in Konoha, he liked to ask her to meet him. Sometimes he was so tired due to jetlag and previous tournaments that Hinata scolded him not to meet her. But, he still did. He still came to her house even if it was only for a few minutes before Hinata dragging him out of her house, so that he could rest.
Sometimes, Hinata would be the one who visit the training center to meet him for a while or send him gifts to cheer him up. Naruto even started to read a book recommended by her although it was not something he was used to do.
If he had time, he would watch Hinata's performances on YouTube or even came in person to support her.
The other day, Hinata ever told him how she actually had been supporting him even before he made a name in badminton.
"You're my fan?" His brows moved higher in disbelief. "I didn't know that."
Hinata nodded. Her hands on her lap tangled with each other. "Well, I actually had known you since BWF World Junior Championship 8 years ago."
"Really?" His eyes were sparkling in surprise and happiness. "But, I lost against your cousin, though." The light in his eyes dimmed a little bit as Naruto remembered Neji defeated him when he used to play in Men's Singles. It was one of his dreams, sadly he could not achieve it.
"Yeah, I know. But, that loss doesn't mean that you're a failure, right? I mean, look at you now, being the WR1 and winning almost all major titles." Hinata smiled supportively at him. She knew that it might sadden him as Naruto never won any Junior Championship.
Naruto also smiled at that. "You're right. I don't think playing as MS is the right place for me. I love playing as MD more. It's nice to have a partner that I'd love to help and know that would do the same for me, too." He paused, then added, "And the court doesn't feel as empty as when playing singles." He ended it with a joke.
Hinata giggled at him. But, then her eyes turned serious. "Well, I know that you're gonna be where you are today, Naruto-kun. Don't tell Neji-nii-san this, okay? But, he ever told me that you like to train earlier and finish later than anyone else and it inspired him to train harder."
Naruto snapped his fingers. "Ah! That's why all of a sudden he liked to train with me." He laughed.
"Yes. You actually inspire a lot of people without even realizing it." She paused for a moment. "Including me." Hinata sent a sweet smile at him.
Just a memory of that conversation made his heart race fast. Naruto realized Hinata was his number 1 fan. Well, outside his parents, she indeed was.
What did she see in him when he used to likely lose than win a game? He thought with a blush on his face.
And since he knew that she was his #1 fan, he aspired to be one for her.
That's why it led him to hurry himself after Saturday training because Hinata would have a performance today. He could not be late, particularly, since he had to pick up a flower bouquet at a florist.
"Damn, Naruto. Where are you going wearing all formal clothes like that?" Kiba made that comment the moment he reached the living room.
The dorm was loud. With the rule from National Team not to live outside dorm, unless married or had certain conditions, the male athletes from MS, MD, and XD around his age mainly were in the dorm.
"I had occasion, y'know." He replied while wearing his socks.
"Are you going on date, Naruto-kun?" Lee asked.
Naruto grinned bashfully while tousling the back of his head. The boys could not believe it as they roared as if in disbelief. "You little shit. Do we know her?" Kiba asked again.
That question made Lee came to a conclusion. "Wait, don't tell me that the woman is Hinata?"
"Hinata that I know is Neji's litter cousin." Shino added.
"Damn, Naruto. Does Neji know about this, though?" Shikamaru even suddenly got curious.
Naruto had enough with them. "Yes, it is Hinata as in Neji's little cousin. And, yes, he does know."
"Really? And Neji is fine with that? I once tried to ask about her, but he literally ignored me. That bastard." Kiba rolled his eyes.
"Well, maybe, Neji liked me better to get closer to her beloved cousin." Naruto said teasingly before grabbing his car key.
*****
As expected, Hinata executed her performance wonderfully. After greeting and talking briefly with her parents, Naruto asked Hinata to have a dinner with him.
"Do you like the flowers, Hinata?" Naruto asked after the waitress left their table to deliver their dinner.
Hinata smiled at his question. "Yes. Thank you, Naruto-kun. You remember that I like flowers."
"Of course." Naruto replied proudly. "I remember everything about you, y'know."
After that they enjoyed their dinner in silence. Actually, Naruto was so nervous since he planned that he would confess to her today. He knew that it had only been months since he knew her, but Naruto could not lie to himself anymore that there was something between Hinata and him.
He felt that kind of thrill and excitement everytime he played badminton. And it doubled when he joined the National Training Center and could wear Konoha's jersey proudly. And it trippled when he was on the highest podium with a gold medal enveloping his neck.
But, he always thought that there was something missing. Something that could not be filled with the collections of his gold medals or the the increase of his followers on Instagram.
Then he met Hinata and he found what had been missing all this time. The feeling he felt for her was different. Because it was more intense and it made his heart full. And somehow it made him dream of something new: to have a person like Hinata in his life.
That thought somehow made him feel small. He rubbed the back of his neck and stared at Hinata shyly. He wondered if Hinata also wanted that. He wondered if Hinata ever thought of that.
His hand reached for his wine, then sipped it to calm his racing heart.
"Hinata." He called.
"Yes?" She replied after finishing chewing her food.
"All these time I've known you have been wonderful to me." He stares genuinely at her. His hand reached for her hand on the table. "Since you came into my life, your presence makes me dream something more, something new. Your presence makes me wish that you will not only be my supporter in badminton, but also my supporter in every aspect of my life as I will also do the same for you. And I wonder if you feel and want the same."
"I do, Naruto-kun." Hinata was surprised as she didn't know that Naruto would confess to her today. "I also will be happy to have you as my supporter, too."
They smiled warmly at each other. Naruto then kissed the back of Hinata's hand. His kiss trailed to her inner hand where he could feel her pulse there. "I love you, Hinata," He whispered.
"I love you, too, " replied Hinata before they continued their dinner.
"By the way, do you want to come as my supporter for Konoha Open next two weeks?" Naruto asked.
"Of course, I would love to," Hinata answered excitedly.
"That would be lovely, sweetheart. I can't wait to see you in the arena screaming my name." He grinned at her before a thought came to his mind, "but, will Neji be okay about this?"
*****
"It's okay, Hinata." Neji said while preparing himself to exercise before match.
Today was Konoha Open's final day. Neji and Lee would face Naruto and Shikamaru.
During this tournament, she would sit with the Hyuugas when Neji had a match, then sat with Naruto's parents when it was Naruto's turn.
At first, she felt nervous to meet Naruto's parents. But, they were so kind to her and Hinata understood where Naruto got his kind, emphatic, and fun personality.
But, today, she had to choose either Naruto or Neji. She's not like Coach Jiraiya who was able to choose not to assist any of his athletes as today's finalists were compatriots.
That's why after she arrived in the arena, she went to meet Neji first.
"You know that I will always root for you, right?" Hinata asked.
"I certainly do." Neji said while brushing her head lovingly. His hands moved to each of her shoulders. A smile hung on his face. "But, I also am aware how you've supported him since you've watched him play in Junior Championship."
"Y-you know?"
"Of course. The smile on your face can't lie how happy you are everytime he wins or how you act nonchalantly to ask about him to me." He then moved to his bag to search for his earphones. "So, support him like you've always wanted to do all these time. I will never think that your love for me is any less."
Hinata smiled. "Thank you, Neji-nii-san. Good luck on your match today."
"Thanks. It surprised me that you did not ask me to let Naruto win." He smirked jokingly.
"What do you take me for?" She pretended to be mad at him. "Of course because I know Naruto-kun will defeat you today."
They both laughed at that.
*****
"Naruto-kun."
"Hey. Are you done talking to Neji?"
Hijata nodded and moved closer to him. Her hands reached for his.
"Why? Why are you being the one nervous?" Naruto laughed at her. "Are you afraid that I will lose today?"
Hinata shook her head. "I know that you will aways do your best. I just hope that you will not get more injured." She said worryingly while her hand moved to reach Naruto's taping on his right arm.
"Well, it's true that I'm not in my best condition today, but I don't play alone, okay? There will be Shikamaru who will cover me."
Hinata stared at him. "Don't get more hurt, okay? For me your winning is important, but your health is way more important."
"I understand, baby. Thank you for being concerned about me." Naruto smiled to reassure her.
"So, I think it's time for you to prepare for the match." Hinata said while hugging him. "Good luck for today, my champion."
"Thank you, my love." Naruto said then kissed her on her lips.
*****
The points on the score board showed 21-17 20-22 19-18. Naruto and Shikamaru were two points away to come out as the winner of this tournament.
Hinata sat with her heart racing. The clamorous cheers from the crowd intensified her thrill and nerves. She thought that her heart could fall to her stomach if not for Kushina's hands which interlocked with hers.
"Oh my goodness. Can Naruto and Shikamaru finish it already? I can't stand with this feeling anymore." Kushina said and that made both Hinata and Minato ease a little.
Both pairs still continued their long rally to win a point as this time they chose to play lob shots. And it made Hinata became more on edge as she knew that lob shots is not Naruto's favorite.
Naruto and Shikamaru were both players who played in fast paced, thus led them to easily achieve quick points from the opponents. On the other hand, lob shots required the players to be patient in a tiresome rally and forced either player to make their own mistake.
All eyes on the arena were on them. Lee suddenly made aggressive shot in hope to end the rally, but Shikamaru seized the opportunity and placed the shuttle in the middle of the court which was hard to be reached by both Neji and Lee.
Shikamaru and Naruto roared at that. Their supporters also cheered altogether. One point away to match point. One point away for Naruto and Shikamaru to achieve their hattrick win in Konoha Open.
The whole arena focused again when Naruto tried to make a serve. This time, Naruto did his famous flick serve, which was the clever way to win a point in an effective and efficient way. After the shuttlecock bounced from Naruto's racket and flew towards the opposite court, both Neji and Lee could not return his serve.
Seeing that his serve could not be returned, Naruto expressed his thrill of winning by roaring in joy and clenching his fist. He then moved to hug Shikamaru. Their supporters filled the arena with screams of joy as their favorite pair winning the match.
Kushina made a group hug with Hinata and Minatro after knowing that her son win the game. "Naruto! My baby!" She said happily.
Hinata felt complex feelings. Yes, she was sad that her cousin could not win. But, she surely was overjoyed for Naruto and Shikamaru. She truly was proud of him.
After the crowd went calmer. The MC moved to Naruto and Shikamaru to have a little interview before the medal ceremony.
"Nara-san and Uzumaki-san, congratulations to both of you. How does it feel to have a hattrick win in your own home?"
The mic moved to Naruto. "Thank you. We're extremely happy. It's always a thrill to play in your home, but winning and having a hattrick here, is wonderful. We are beyond grateful." Naruto spoke with a big smile on his face. His eyes were gleaming with happiness and pride.
"Is there anyone who you feel grateful the most?"
This time the mic moved to Shikamaru first. "Of course we are so thankful to our supporters. Thank you for being here to support us. And to my parents and Temari, thank you so much."
The camera moved from Shikamaru's face to his parents and Temari who sat side by side.
"And you, Uzumaki-san?"
"Yeah, we can't thank the supporters enough. Especially since I knew that some even came from a long way just to come here." Naruto's eyes then were searching to find some of his most precious people. After he could find them, his smile grew even bigger. "And I'm so grateful for my parents. Thank you, mom, dad. And, for my girlfriend, Hinata. I love you."
The camera then moved to where the three sat. They smiled happily. Kushina had her hand around a blushing Hinata.
Hinata did not know that Naruto would call her name since it's only been more or less 4 months since they got to know each other and more than two weeks since they officially were lovers.
But, as much as Naruto's public announcement made her a little bit surprised, she felt truly happy and loved.
After the little interview and a not-so-lowkey announcement that the current WR1 of MD already had girlfriends, it was time for the medal ceremony.
"And the winner, Uzumaki Naruto and Nara Shikamaru!" As the MC spoke, both Naruto and Shikamaru stood on the highest podium.
With the medal hung on his neck, Naruto reminisced how he found a new meaning of life ever since he met Hinata. He felt that his heart was full as he knew that there was Hinata who loved and support him wholeheartedly. And he realized that he didn't only want her to be his #1 supporter in badminton, but also the one who would be by his side for the rest of his life.