A simple solution to love

Summary: Hyuga Hinata is a twenty-three-year-old manager in charge of the retail department of the Hyuga Corporation. She is constantly pestered by her family to start dating before they take matters into their own hands. One day after stopping to the grocery store, she meets a young man by the name of Naruto. The two exchange numbers and starts their little adventure of love.

Chapter One

Hinata lied helplessly on her bed as she stared at her attacker. Her arms were pin above her head and the intruder sat on her stomach.

"Hinata."

The young twenty-three-year-old rolled her eyes. "Get off me, Hanabi."

"But Hinata!" Hanabi, her sister, cried. "You're about to be twenty-four this year and you haven't found anyone yet!"

Hinata let out a long sigh. "I dated Sai."

Hanabi scoffed as she loosened her grip. "You dated him for- what? A month?" Hanabi scoffed once more.

Hinata rubbed her temple. "I'm just not interested in anyone." She said with a hint of annoyance.

Hanabi had completely let go of her older sister's arms and sat beside her on the bed. "You know mom and dad are going to pair you up with someone and you don't want that."

Hinata groaned. She mumbled something inaudible that Hanabi could not make out what she said.

"Hinata! You're smart and you graduated second in your class." Hanabi reminded her of her accomplishment. "You have your own apartment and you have a decent job."

Hinata mentally rolled her eyes. She frowned. To her those were not accomplishments. Yeah, she graduated top three of her class, but she still couldn't find a job with her profession and thus had to turn to her father. He also provided the apartment for her and a car. Everything she had was handed to her.

Hanabi latched on to her sister's arm and rested her head on her shoulder. "I overheard dad talking to mama about your dilemma."

She wanted to smack herself. "It's not a dilemma!" she responded.

Hanabi rolled her eyes. "But dad does, and you know how he gets! No telling who he's going to pair you with and you know it." Hinata shifted uncomfortably as some of Hanabi's brown hair tickled her skin. "I'm just letting you know what's going on at home Hinata."

Hinata chewed the bottom of her lips. She knew what Hanabi was telling her was true. Her mother already pestered her about finding someone. The woman literally wanted grandchildren, but Hinata didn't want no part. Her mother at least told her to find someone to date (that meets their expectation) and could just think about children later. And then there was her father, he called her to his office at least eighty times to show her some possible candidates.

"I am dating someone."

Hanabi laughed. "I hardly believe that." She got up off the bed and straightened her school skirt. "If you don't want dad and mom to arrange some type of marriage for you, I suggest you find someone. Asap."

Hinata mumbled. "Yeah, I know."

"Well, I'm heading out. Take care sissy." Hanabi said hugging her sister one last time. "I'll see you some other time." She said waving.

"Take care, Hanabi."

A simple solution to love

"Sakura, I don't know what to do." Hinata said as she played with her bowl of fruits. The two were sitting at a round table inside the cafeteria of the Hyuga corporation. "He literally had one hundred files on top of his desk!" she whined.

Sakura nodded her head, understanding her best friend's situation. She swallowed the garden salad she was chewing and took a sip of water.

"Maybe you should start dating again."

Hinata groaned.

"Is it because of the whole Sai thing?" Sakura questioned. Hinata rolled her eyes, something she had been doing recently. "Ever since you caught him cheating on you, you've been- Sakura watched as her friend shifted uncomfortably in her chair.

"That was last year, and I am over it." She replied bitterly. "I mean he did all of that to get with me and still cheated on me. I mean we've been friends for so long." She murmured.

"Is that the reason you're not dating?"

She sighed. "No, I'm honestly over it, but I just don't feel like dating anyone. I guess I haven't found anyone that I'm attracted to yet."

"I understand."

"How is the baby?" Hinata asked.

Sakura smiled. "She's doing fine."

"It's a girl?" Hinata eyed her.

Sakura laughed nervously. "We don't know yet, but it's wishful thinking."

Hinata smiled at her. "I'm happy for you two."

"Thank you." She said as she sipped some strawberry juice through a straw. Hinata eyed the gigantic diamond on her slender finger. "Why don't you just find someone and date them?"

"Because I'm not interested in anyone and besides, I wouldn't want them to fall for me knowing I'm not interested. Plus, I can't just date anyone! They have to be up to my dad's so-called standards."

"Hmm…" Sakura hummed. "Hinata, I wish I could help you."

"It's okay, Sakura. It's not your fault."

Hinata helped her pregnant friend up and the two walked through the entrance of the security exit.

"Don't forget the visitor's badge." Sakura said handing Hinata the card.

"Thank you."

Sakura turned to face her friend and gave her a gentle smile. "I'm pretty sure everything will work out just fine."

A Simple

"Good mornin' Hyuga-sama."

"Kiba-kun, how many times do I have to tell you to call me Hinata." She said placing her hands on her hips. "We've known each other for nearly eight years now!"

Kiba, a young man with brown spikey hair, placed his arms on the back of his head. "I know, I know. But you know your pops. Do you think he'll be happy with me calling my manager, Hinata?"

Hinata sighed as she shook her head. "There is no need to be afraid of that man."

"How can I not?" Kiba said as he and Hinata walked into the building.

"Good morning, Hyuga-sama." Some of the colleagues said as the young mistress walked past them.

"Good morning." She replied.

Hyuga Hinata was a twenty-three-year-old manager of the Hyuga Corporation. She was the eldest daughter of Hiashi Hyuga, who was the chief of executive and founder of the corporation. Hinata was a young talented and beautiful girl who was highly respected by her peers and colleagues. The young girl differed from her family; while some of the workers found the rest of her family (mother, father and cousin) were stern and unapproachable, Hinata was appealing and open minded, but others spoke poorly of her.

"How late did you work last night?" Kiba asked her as the two entered the elevator.

"I didn't leave until ten-

"Hinata!" Kiba shouted.

The two entered the elevator side by side.

"I thought all the reports were updated and correct." Kiba said.

Hinata sighed.

"What happened?" he asked. "Did someone mess up on the reports?"

"Yeah, but it's okay. I took care of it." She reassured him.

"Hinata, you shouldn't have to fix any reports."

"Kiba, mistakes happen."

"I know that, but if you left at ten, I'm pretty sure it was a major mistake." Kiba said. "Who did it? You need to address them… was it me?"

Hinata shook her head. "No."

Kiba sighed in frustration.

The two of them had finally reached their destination. "Would you like some coffee?"

"No thank you."

"Do you need to take the day off? You should have stayed home and rest. When was the last time you spent the day doing the stuff you love?"

Hinata giggled. "Kiba-kun, I'm fine. I'm fine. Besides I have tomorrow off."

"Hinata, I really care about you."

"I know you do Onii-chan!" Hinata said playfully.

Kiba blushed. "Yeah- yeah."

The two friends entered their department and was greeted with good mornings and smiles.

"Can I have your attention, please." Hinata said as she stood in front of her colleagues. There was a hushed silence, and the only thing that could be heard was the sounds of the computer beeping and the fax machine ringing.

"Last night, I left at 10 due to someone's error on one of the reports." Some of them looked amongst one another, trying to figure out who it was. "As you know, these reports were really important and needed to be fax to Hiashi-sama by 10:30."

"Do you know who did it?" Ino asked while raising her hands.

"I will not tell you who, but moving forward if anyone messes up on the reports again, there will be a disciplinary action. We are all here to do our job and to do it to the best of our ability. We are doing so good." She said smiling. "So, please don't disappoint me now." She bowed. "Please continue."

The noise picked back up, and the sound of fingers hitting against keyboard rang throughout the office.

"Miss Hyuga." Kiba said.

"Yes?" Hinata spoke as she entered her private office. She placed her keys on the glass desk and turned to Kiba who was standing by the entrance. "Yes?" she repeated.

"Your father would like to see you."

"Come in." the voice demanded.

Hinata entered her father's office and bowed. "You wanted to see me?"

"Take a seat."

Hinata did as she was told and crossed her leg. She remained silent and waited for him to speak.

"Hinata you're twenty- three years old. You're going to be twenty-four this year and you haven't dated or thought about marriage at all." Hiashi said. He got up and stared out the glass window. "It's a disgrace that pink hair girl married the last son of the Uchihas." Hiashi said squinting his eyes. "If you had acted fast like we told you, maybe the Haruno's wouldn't have gotten to him first."

Hinata sighed mentally. 'He's making it seems like Sakura only married Sasuke because he's a Uchiha.' She thought. 'Besides, Sakura is such a good friend, she was the one that suggested Sasuke to merge with some of our departments.'

"At least they still invested with us." He placed his hands behind him. "I've been very patient with you when it came to you and dating, but it's running short." He turned and glared at her. "Hinata, I'm going to give you an arrange marriage if you can't find someone who is going to support our business the Hyuga's have worked so hard for."

Hinata wanted to smack him. She wasn't some asset, she is a human being who had feelings. "We already found a suitor for you." He scoffed as he slid a yellow folder across his glass desk. Hinata reluctantly got up to review the folder.

Name: Toneri Otsutsuki

Age: 28

Hinata observed the man. He was pale skin with whitewashed shaggy blue hair, and sharp blue eyes. She had to admit he was gorgeous, but she didn't want an arrange marriage. She preferred to choose someone for herself.

"He's head of the Otsutsuki clan. I'm pretty sure you heard of them. Multi billionaire companies across the nation; Europe, America, China, Korea and Japan. He will surely do our business wonders." Hiashi spoke, while fixing his necktie. "I'm not sure why I'm actually giving you a chance to find someone to my standards, it's not like anyone you'll ever find be compared to a Uchiha or Otsutsuki."

Hinata stood out the office, her body shaking. She quickly adjusted herself and walked away.

"You're leaving early?" Kiba questioned.

"Yes. Can you please manage the office for me? If anything goes wrong, please don't hesitate to contact me." Hinata said grabbing her keys and purse from the table.

"Did he do something?"

"I don't want to talk about it right now." She said rubbing her temple.

Kiba nodded his head. "I understand."

"Thank you. Take care." She said before racing out of the office.

Hinata sat in her car and gripped the wheel. She inhaled deeply before letting out a scream. After five minutes of screaming, she fixed herself. Her father was quite aggravating and so was her mother, who texted her ten minutes ago. The woman spoke so poorly of her for not taking her father's offer.

"I'm not going to let them ruin my day." She said aloud. "I'm going to buy some groceries and cook me a nice supper when I reach home."

She was now driving in the car. She turned on the radio and bopped her head to Miss Right by BTS, a Korean boyband.

Hinata sighed. When was she going to find her mister right?

She eyed the super market and sighed. She remembered when she was younger, she and her mother would come her to cook dinner for her father. Of course, the man was never home, but it was nice memories she was fond of.

Strolling the aisle with the trolley, she picked up a few things she needed, such as toiletries, some bread, her favorites- cinnamon rolls, bread and milk.

"What should I make today?" she questioned.

"Maybe some miso ramen with pork." An unknown voice said.

She turned around and saw a young man standing behind her, with a packet of ramen in his hand. A blushed crept on her face when she realized he was smiling at her, his eyes playful.

"Ramen isn't really something you'd make for dinner." She said nervously.

The young man scratched his cheek and grinned. "But it's really good. Have you ever tried miso pork ramen?" he questioned. His voice sounded so enthusiastic.

She gazed at him once more and was stunned by his beauty. His blue eyes and blonde hair that fell all over the place. It really suited him.

"Once in a while." She said, a blush still noticeable on her face.

"There's a good place that sells some nice ramen. It's called Ichiraku."

'Is he…' she thought.

"By the way, my name is Naruto." He said bowing.

Hinata was flustered and she bowed sloppy/clumsy. "Ahh... my name is Hinata."

He couldn't help but chuckled at her antics.

"Kawaii." He whispered.

The tip of Hinata's ears reddened.

"So, did you decide on what you are going to cook?" Naruto asked.

"No, I haven't."

"Well, can I suggest some Ichiraku then? Tonight maybe?"

Hinata heart skipped a beat. Did he just ask her out? She didn't know how to feel. It felt like ages!

'Should I say yes… no.' She screamed mentally. She looked at him once more and it felt like her face was burning up. 'He's cute, but it's been so long.' She took a deep breath. "Yes." She squeaked.

There was a party going on in her stomach because of the way he looked at her. He was genuinely happy.

"Awesome!" he said pumping his fist in the air. She couldn't help but laughed at the playful man. "Can we exchange phone numbers?"

She nodded her head and took out her phone. The two exchanged numbers.

"What time will be good for you?"

"Anytime…"

He smiled. "Does 8 o'clock sounds good?"

She nodded her head.

"Great. I'll see you there, Hinata."

She bowed. "Hai… Naruto."

Hinata was nervous. Suppose this was a practical prank? A hot guy like that asked her out? Impossible. It had to be. So, why was she here? Fixing her hair and making sure none fell out of place.

Naruto had texted her, stating he would be in the front waiting. She took a deep breath. She shouldn't think negatively.

She made her way to the little shop, something she wasn't used to. She was used to those luxury diners that had people waiting for you. Nonetheless, the eating establishment had a homey feeling to it.

She spotted Naruto who was waving at her.

"Hiya, Hinata."

"Hello Naruto."

He held the door opened for her and the two entered the building. They took a seat by the booth and was greeted by Ayame.

"Nice to see you, Naruto!" Ayame exclaimed.

"Hi Ayame."

Ayame smiled brightly when she noticed the young girl sitting across from him.

"A friend?" she inquired. "Or is this a date?" she smirked.

Naruto coughed, a red tint noticeable on his cheek. "You can get me a water." He said glaring at her.

Ayame smirked. "And what about miss?"

"Um… a water will be fine."

"Coming right up." She said as she handed them the menu.

"I'll have the usual, Ayame."

"And you?"

"Um… I'll have what he's having."

Naruto looked at her shockingly.

"Are you sure?" Ayame asked unsurely.

Hinata thought about it for a minute. "Um… yes?"

Obviously, Naruto knew what he wanted, and he's been here a lot of times, so she figured she'll just have what he was having. Had she done something wrong?

There was an awkward silence between them, until Hinata decided to speak.

"Hey Naruto, how old are you?" She was interested in the person before her.

"I'm twenty-three. I'm going to be twenty-four this year. What about you?"

"Me too."

"When is your birthday?"

"December 27th."

"Wow, right after Christmas. Mine is October 10th."

Hinata was intrigued. "Ne, Naruto… what do you usually order?"

Naruto scratched his cheek as he laughed nervously. "I probably should have stopped you, but I was shocked."

Hinata tilted her head to the side. "What do you-

"Here you go." Ayame said placing several bowls of ramen in front of them.

Hinata eyes widened. Before her were five ramen bowls each. Five for her and five for Naruto.

"Enjoy." Ayame said before taking her leave.

"How can you consume this much ramen?" Hinata was baffled.

Naruto laughed nervously. "I can eat more, but I usually start off by eating five."

"More than f… five!" she stuttered. "Naruto, that isn't good for your health." She said scolding him. She quickly covered her mouth. She didn't want to sound motherly.

Naruto tried to hold in his laughter, but he couldn't. "I know. I know. But I'm not good at cooking, ya know." He smirked. "Maybe you can cook for me sometimes?

"I should." She puffed out her cheeks.

"Hey Hinata. Let's make a little bet." Naruto said holding the chopsticks between his fingers.

Hinata raised her eyebrow.

Naruto smiled widened. "Whoever can finish their ramen first won't have to pay the bill."

Hinata thought about it. When she was dating Sai, he always paid for their dinner, truth be told it was always the man that paid, but this sounded interesting. She smiled. "Sure."

"Really?"

She nodded her head.

"Let's dig in!"

"That'll be ninety dollars." Ayame held out her hand. "Thank you, Naruto." Ayame said trying to contain her laughter.

Hinata was fixing her hair, she was smiling. Naruto glared at her.

"I thought you rarely ate ramen."

She giggled. "I don't, but it was really good!" she said patting her stomach.

If her mother had seen her, she would have scolded her. She would have ranted about how much a lady should eat, and that you should be ladylike always.

"You were on your fifth bowl of ramen and I was still on my third." He laughed. "You don't look like the type to eat a lot."

"I get that a lot."

Hinata felt comfortable around Naruto. She didn't want to be something she was not, and if Naruto didn't appreciate her for her, it was his loss. She had learned her lesson when she was dating Sai.

"I really enjoyed tonight, Hinata." Naruto said truthfully.

"Likewise."

"I would like to know more about you." He said.

Hinata placed her finger on her mouth and thought about it. "Well, I graduated second at Konoha University."

"S…second!" he stuttered.

Hinata tilted her head to the side. "Yeah… I was aiming for first, but oh well." She shrugged.

"I bet you're really smart, huh?" he laughed nervously.

"Not at everything." She laughed.

"What about you? Which university did you graduate from?"

Naruto scratched his cheek. Hinata had observed he always did this when he was nervous. "Um… I didn't attend a university."

"Oh… which college?"

Naruto laughed. "The highest degree I have is my high school diploma."

"Oh, okay."

"Uh… yeah."

Hinata noticed he was playing with his hands. "Are you okay, Naruto?"

That caught him by surprise. "Yeah, I'm fine."

That was a lie. He hadn't looked at her. Was he not interested in her, after finding out which university she graduated from?

She did something that was completely out of character and placed her smaller hands in his larger hands. "You can tell me."

Naruto gazed at her and nearly cooed. She looked and sounded so sweet and innocent. Her face displayed a sincere look with concern.

"Well, you probably wouldn't want to do this again since I didn't graduate with a degree." He responded. "You seem really cool, so I wanted to… ah… I mean if you considered this a date… um to another one." He was fidgeting.

"Naruto, I don't think I'm better than anyone else just because I graduated from a university." She said smiling. "So, you don't have to feel like that, okay?' He nodded his head. "And... um..." it was her turn to get nervous. "I would like to go on another one with you… if you want too?"

"Are you free tomorrow?" he blurted out.

"I have tomorrow off." She responded quickly.

They looked at one another and laughed.

"Do you want to spend tomorrow… together. There's an amusement park not too far from here." He suggested. "I can pick you up."

Hinata nodded her head. "Sure. Sounds lovely."

"Great. Tomorrow it is."

Hinata text to Sakura

Hinata: Am I disturbing you?

Sakura: Not at all Hinata. Is everything okay?

Hinata: Well, father pissed me off. He wants me to marry some man name Toneri.

Sakura: What a jerk!

Hinata: Then he told me, he doesn't even know why he is letting me find someone knowing they aren't going to be to his standards.

Sakura: He is so cruel.

Hinata: I know. I left worked early because of it.

Sakura: He probably really got underneath your skin, huh?

Hinata: He did, but…

Hinata: kind of glad he did.

Sakura: Call me.

"Hinata. Details." Sakura said squealing. She was sitting on the bar stool by the kitchen eating some ice cream and buffalo chicken wings.

Hinata took a deep breath. "Well, after he did I told Kiba to take care of the office. I was not going to stay there upset."

"I completely understand. Your father is a petty man." Sakura said.

"I know! But I went to the grocery shop because I wanted to cook something."

Sakura nodded her head. "Mhm. Mhm... mmm…" she was now munching on the wings.

"Wait, are you eating!"

Sakura laughed. "Um… I'm hungry!"

Hinata giggled. "But you know that thing… where I talk to myself."

"Some habits never die."

"Well… it's a good thing! So, I said, I wonder what I should cook and a person behind me said ramen."

Sakura stuck up her nose. "Ramen… wait person?" she placed the wings down. "As in a person… a guy?"

There was a pause. "I went out on a date…"

Sakura screamed. "I'm so excited for you!"

"Is he cute?"

"Yes… well to me he is. You know you and I have two different tastes when it comes to men."

Sakura scoffed. "But that's good. When are you seeing him again?"

"Tomorrow."

A simple solution to love

"Coming!" Hinata said as she ran to the door.

"Hi, Hinata."

"Hello Naruto." She said letting him in.

Naruto took off his shoes and entered the luxury apartment. He stared in awe. "This is a nice place you have."

Hinata peeped her head from the bathroom and smiled. "Thank you."

He walked carefully to the living room and sat down on the patterned sofa.

"I do apologize. I had to go into the office for a brief minute."

"It's okay, Hinata. Work is important." He smiled.

She placed her hair into a low pony tail. She contemplated about putting on a little makeup, but she decided against it.

"All ready." She said closing her room door behind her.

Naruto got up and admired the girl. "You look beautiful."

"Thank you. And you look very… handsome"

Naruto laughed. "Hinata, you're so cute." He said rubbing the top of her head. He was careful not to ruin her hair do. She pouted.

The two drove in silence.

Hinata stared out the window, enjoying the breeze, and Naruto who kept glancing at her every chance he got.

"Hinata, what exactly do you do?" He asked, stopping by a red light.

"Oh, I'm the manager of the retail department in the Hyuga corporation."

"A manager!" Naruto exclaimed. "That sounds exciting." He grinned. "But I've never heard of the Hyuga Corporation."

Hinata was relieved. Usually when people found out she was a Hyuga, they wanted to date her, they bought her stuff. It was just annoying.

"Yeah, we own the Konoha mall- She froze. She had let it slip out of her mouth

"We? Oh, it's a family business." Naruto said as he continued to drive.

She sulked in the chair. Naruto noticing her sudden mood change asked her what was wrong.

She explained to him about the people that bothered her, or just wanted to get what her just to say they were a part of the Hyuga corporation.

"Not with this guy." He chuckled. "Like I said I've never heard of the Hyuga corporation, but it's good that you're working along side with your family."

Hinata beg to differ. Naruto glimpsed as her face twisted.

"You don't think so?"

"No, because my father treats me unfairly and I wanted to be an architect. I couldn't find a job ever since the economy went down." She sighed.

"I understand. But why don't you start looking now since there has been an increase in work."

"I've been working there for two years now, so I don't want my coworkers to feel like I'm abandoning them."

"I know what you're saying, but sometimes you have to do things that will make you happy and not for everyone else. You worked so hard to get your degree, you shouldn't put it to waste."

Hinata nodded her head. "I'm just frightened is all."

"That's normal." He said placing the car in park. "Sometimes you think suppose it doesn't work, or suppose I don't make it. What if I fail?"

Hinata felt her heart beat increase.

"But sometimes you have to take the risk, but everyone is different, and I understand you want to be successful. So, if it makes you happy being where you are, don't change." He said placing his hand on her thighs. "Let's have fun."

He stepped out the car and stretched. Hinata soon followed him and stared at the amusement park.

The two entered the park and decided to start with the slowest ride.

"What do you do, Naruto?"

"I'm a supervisor at a call center."

"Interesting."

Naruto shrugged his shoulders. "I've been there for five years, so I made my way up."

"You've been working since you were nineteen?" Hinata asked dumbfounded.

"I've been working since I was fifteen, but I started this job at nineteen."

Hinata was in school, cram school and any lessons her parents could put her in. She couldn't imagine going to school, then doing all of that and then going to work.

"I prefer to work with my hands, so I do a little mechanic work and carpentry."

"How did you learn?"

"When I was fifteen I used to work under my sensei who taught me what I needed to know. I'm not book smart" he laughed, "Maybe if I put my mind to it, but I just prefer to work with my hands."

"That's nice to know." She said. "You worked really hard, huh? But what do your parents say?"

They had exit the ride.

"My parents died when I was a baby."

Hinata felt her heart tugged. "I'm sorry."

Naruto shrugged. "It's not like you did anything to them." He said patting her head. "Or did you…?" he said squinting his eyes.

'Naruto was alone since he was born.' Hinata thought. 'That meant he didn't had anyone to talk to him, or encourage him in school or even cook home cooked meals for him.' She ranted on. She felt her eyes watered.

"Hinata, I was just pla- oof!"

Hinata had wrapped her arms around him and hugged him tightly. Although she had just met him yesterday, she felt a connection and was genuinely sad to find out he had no one.

"Shouldn't it be the other way around." He laughed.

The girl still hadn't let go of him. He sighed as he wrapped his arms around her. "I'm fine, Hinata." He pulled her gently away from him and went to her height. "I'm enjoying my time with you, so please don't be sad."

She nodded her head. "I'm sorry, Naruto. It's just unfair is all. I get very emotional about…

Naruto wrapped his arms around her, feeling her warmth. "I understand. I understand." He replied in a hush tone. "Let's continue to have fun, okay?"

"Yes."

Solution to

"Do you want something to eat before we leave?"

"Just a cinnamon bun."

"A cinnamon bun?" Naruto questioned.

Hinata nodded her head. "I love cinnamon buns. Honestly, if you buy them for me I wouldn't need anything to eat. I can eat them for lunch and dinner."

Naruto crossed his arms. "Oh really? But that isn't healthy." He said mocking her.

Hinata face reddened. "It's better than ramen."

"You can get constipated!"

She stuck out her tongue, which made Naruto reacted by pinching her cheeks.

"I'll be right back with your constipation dough." He smirked.

"I don't care! I'll still eat it." It was her turn to smirk.

After Naruto was out of view, she wiped her hands off. They were sweaty. Naruto made her heart beat fast and she was happy to be around him. She wanted to know more about him, his likes and dislikes, things that made him happy, sad and angry.

"Here you go." Naruto said handing her a cinnamon bun.

"Thank you. How much was it? I can pay-

Naruto raised his hand. "That's okay. I wanted to buy it for you."

"Thank you."

The two made their way out of the amusement park. "Naruto, do you have anything you're doing tonight?"

"Not really."

"Ah great!' she blurted. "I mean, well… I have some food home I was going to cook tonight. Would you like to stay over for dinner?"

"Yes, please. It's been so long since I had a decent meal other than ramen."

A simple solution to love

"Hinata, what else are you good at?" Naruto said as he took a bite out of the curry chicken. "You graduated top three of your class, you're a manager, you have a decent apartment and you know how to cook!"

Hinata laughed. "Well, my parents did help with some of the stuff." She hated to admit it.

"But they didn't help with those grades." He grinned.

They were sitting out on the balcony that had a little bistro set out there.

"Are you working tomorrow, Naruto?

"No, I only work Monday to Friday." He replied.

"You went to work today?"

Naruto nodded his head. "I work from 4:30 am to 12:00 pm."

"So early in the morning!"

"Yeah, I chose that shift because I like to make some money on the side by helping my sensei with his work or his shop. It works out for me."

Hinata was amazed. "You're so strong willed."

Naruto tucked his hair behind his ear. Hinata couldn't help but watch him. He was so adorable, but manly. He was tall and lean, with sharp blue eyes that made you want to jump in them and take a swim. His skin was sun kissed and his lips were nice and full.

A very attractive man indeed.

"Thank you for the food, Hinata."

"Huh?" she snapped out of her train of thoughts. "Oh… your welcome." She said, embarrassed

"I can help you wash the dishes." He said picking up the plates.

"No, it's okay. I can do it."

"But I don't want this day to end."

Hinata nearly fainted.

She led him to the kitchen. They decided she would wash the dishes, while he rinse them. She felt so small standing next to him. She had to use a ladder to get to the cupboard above their head, but Naruto's head reached it.

"I like you."

Hinata nearly dropped the glass to the floor when she heard him say that. He hadn't looked at her. He just continued to rinse the dishes, but it was obvious he was blushing like mad.

"I like you too, Naruto." She said after five minutes of silence.

"Do you want to watch a movie on the sofa?" she suggested.

He nodded his head. They entered the living room and sat on the sofa.

"Let's watch the ring." She said putting in the DVD. Originally, she and Sakura were supposed to watch it, but they never got the chance to and no way in hell was she going to watch it by herself.

Hinata hid her eyes with the pillow. Maybe this wasn't a good idea.

She jumped at the screen pop. Naruto wrapped his arms around her to remind her he was still here with her. She felt a little better. She jumped here and there, but what Naruto comforting her, she felt safe in his arms. She rested her head on his chest and her eyes fluttered as the movie still played. Her eyes began to flutter and she finally fell asleep. Unware to her, Naruto had also fallen asleep five minutes before she had.

Hinata awoken to the sounds of a light snore. She quickly got up and looked around and noticed that she and Naruto had fallen asleep. When she turned her head, some of her hair tickled Naruto cheek, causing him to stir from his sleep. His eyes fluttered opened and he rubbed his head.

"Did I fall asleep?" he groaned. His neck was hurting.

"I guess we did, huh?" Hinata said.

He looked at her and smiled.

Naruto gazed at the silver watch on his right wrist and got up. "I guess I should get going." He said stretching out his arms. "I have to paint a house today with my sensei."

Hinata nodded her head. "Ah, okay."

Hinata walked him out the apartment. She had her fingers pressed against the white door, while Naruto stood in front of her. He patted her on the top of her head and ruffled it gently. This made her pout.

The two stared at one another, almost as if they knew what they were supposed to do, but none had the courage to make the first move.

"I'll text you when I can."

"I'll be waiting. Drive safely, Naruto."

He waved at her before taking his leave.

A simple solution to love

"You're already cooking for him?" Sakura asked.

Hinata had stopped over because they had made plans to hang out Saturday.

"I know, but after he told me… well he didn't have a home cook meal, I decided too." She explained. "The boy really loves ramen."

"That's really sweet." Sakura smiled.

"Yeah andhespentthenightover." Hinata spoke quickly.

"Uh… did you just say he spent the night over?"

Hinata nodded her head.

"Hinata! You're moving way too fast! You can't just give it up."

Hinata nearly died from the embarrassment although it was just her and Sakura in the house.

"No, Sakura. We didn't have sex!" she blushed. "We fell asleep while watching a movie." She said.

"Oh." Sakura said before laughing. "That's so cute."

There was a brief pause. "But… I'm not trying to ruin your mood. I'm excited that you found someone you like, but… what about your father?"

"What about him?" she questioned.

"Well, you said he didn't go to a university or college… he isn't um….

Hinata stopped her. "I know…" she trailed off.

"I don't have to tell him."

"But then it's going to seem like you're embarrassed about him and his 'status'.

"I'm not?" Hinata said. "You know how father can get…"

"But he's already looking for potential candidates for you. Suppose you and Naruto gets serious. How will you explain it to your father? Do you think he's going to approve of the relationship?"

Monday Morning

Ever since the conversation with Sakura, Hinata couldn't sleep. Naruto was sweet and nice, but she had to be real what herself. He wasn't up to her father's standards. He wasn't rich… he wasn't well known within the corporation world. There was no way in hell he was going to approve of their relationship. She paused. Relationship?

It was certain if they were in a relationship. Of course, he said he like her, but he never came out and said, "I want you to be my girlfriend."

But suppose he did? She couldn't hide him from her father.

She grabbed the folder from her desk and hit herself repeatedly.

There was a soft knock on the door. She fixed herself.

"Come in."

"Hey Hinata, your father has requested a meeting and he needs you to come to the conference room asap." Ino said.

"Hai, hai."

"Thank you for gathering here." Hiashi said as he stood in front of the managers. "This meeting will be very short, but I would like to inform everyone that we were able to set one of our locations in America.

Everyone clapped by the exciting news. Hiashi raised his hands to silence them.

"Yes, it is a tremendous break through. I will be gone for a week to get everything finalize with the structure of the building."

Hinata eyes widened. Maybe her father would suggest she tag along so she could help with the structure.

"I would also be brining Neji with me. He already drew the structure and how the mall will be designed."

Hinata felt her world shattered. Her cousin out of all people? She was the that went to school to be an architect. Why hadn't her father suggested she design the structure for the building?

"That will be all."

The people got up to head to their respectful departments. Hinata made her way out quickly, she didn't want to see her father's or cousins face.

Hinata head to her office and slammed the door. Some of her co workers jumped from their seats.

"Is she okay?" Ino uttered to Kiba.

"If I can take a guess, it has something to do with her father." Kiba responded.

"I work my ass off in school for five and a half years and he knew I was looking for a job and the jackass couldn't choose me!" she said to herself. She was pacing back and forth.

"Is it because I don't want to marry that man!" she pulled at her head.

It wasn't fair. Everything she worked for, felt like it was for nothing. She knew her father was against it, her becoming an architect. He even threatened to not pay for any tuition. She had scholarships, but they were never going to be enough to cover the school expenses. So, she had to compromise. She would go to school for architect and marketing. She was a double major.

She felt the hot tears rolled down her cheeks and she cried softly.

Pika

Pika

Pika

Hinata rubbed her eyes. It was probably Kiba texting her. She ignored the messages and went to water her plants. This was something that calmed her down.

After ten minutes of taking care of her plants, she took a seat. Her stomach was grumbling, and she was hungry. She sighed as she took out her phone to check the time.

Naruto: Hey there!

Naruto: I'm off and wanted to know if you ate anything for lunch?

Naruto: I wanted to pick you up, so I can buy you something to eat. And no, it isn't Ichiraku. (smiley emote)

Hinata smiled. She called him.

"I just saw your text messages, and yes please. I'm really hungry." Hinata said as she picked up her keys.

"Great. Would you like me to pick you up?"

"Um…." She hesitated for a minute. "Yes. The address is 554 Yamato Rd."

"I will be there within ten minutes."

"Drive safely."

"Where is Hinata?"

Kiba looked up from his worked and scoffed. "She went to lunch, Neji-sama."

Neji looked down upon the boy and smirked. "When you see her, tell her to see me in my office, messenger boy."

Kiba growled when Neji walked out of the office.

Ino smacked him in the back of his head. "Kiba! Are you trying to get yourself fired?"

"I just hate his attitude!" Kiba said throwing his hands in the air. "He thinks he is so high and mighty."

"I wonder what he wants with Hinata?" Ino questioned.

Kiba shrugged his shoulders.

Love

"Good afternoon, Hinata!"

"Hello, Naruto." Hinata said as she put on the seatbelt. "How was work today?" Naruto ran his hand through his blonde hair and sighed. "Is everything okay?" Hinata questioned.

"We had to fire one of the supervisors today." He started.

"Oh no. Why?"

"He was stealing the customer's credit card information." Naruto said. He stopped at the red light.

"That's awful!" Hinata said shaking her head.

"I know! Apparently, they were investigating the incident for some time, and I guess he slipped up."

"What a shame."

Naruto sighed. "I know, now I have to work from 4:30am to 4:30 pm until we find a new supervisor to work the shift. It's not like I mind. I can use the extra hours."

"But that's so much hours." She frowned.

He sighed. "I know, but other than that… how was your day?"

It was her turn to sigh. She explained the situation to Naruto and he attentively listened to her, nodding here and there.

"Wow, your dad sounds like a real…. Ass. Excuse my language."

"No, it's true. You know for once I just want to show him I'm actually worth something." She crossed her arms.

"Hinata! You are worth something. You're smart, beautiful and you are a manager. How could you possibly believe your worthless?"

Hinata couldn't help but smile at his comment. "Hey, do you want to catch a movie tonight. My treat?"

Naruto laughed softly. "I thought you would have been upset with me the first time for falling asleep." He replied while rubbing the back of his head.

"Oh yeah. I almost forgot about that." Her cheeks were stained with a red color.

"But of course! I would like to go with you to the movies. What time?"

"Is eight alright with you?"

"8 is perfect. Would you like me to pick you up?" he offered.

"No. I don't want to keep wasting your gas and besides I'll be at work for the time being until 8."

"I understand. So now let me treat you to lunch my fair lady."

"You make me laugh even when I don't want to."

"Are you enjoy the sandwich?" Naruto inquired.

"I am. Thank you." She responded while wiping some of the bread crumbs off her lips.

Naruto smiled before taking a sip of his lemonade.

"I knew you didn't entirely me the whole truth. But somehow knew. I just wanted to believe this moment. Here. With you."

"Are you okay, Naruto?"

Naruto smiled meekly. "I'm just a little tired is all."

"You should take a big nap when you reach home." She suggested.

"I will. I can't wait for tonight."

Hinata nodded her head.

Solution to Love

"Hinata, where have you been?" Kiba said rushing up to her.

"I was at lunch."

"Well, Neji the douche bag-

"Hinata, you should train your co-workers not to disrespect those that are above them."

Both Kiba and Hinata stared at the door and saw Neji, who wore a nice bluish suit, posted by the door grinning.

"Neji."

"Hinata, Hiashi-sama wants me to remind you have the arrange marriage between you and Toneri." Neji said, saying arrange marriage loudly, that it caught some of the worker's attention.

Kiba was baffled. He stared at Neji, then at Hinata.

"The man, Toneri is not patient. He wants a response." Neji yawned. Hinata was going to say something, until Neji interrupted her. "He already informed the Otsutsuki clan of the decision. Congratulations."

Hinata mouth gape opened and she couldn't believe it. "E…excuse me?" she stuttered.

Kiba was taken back. He was just as shocked as Hinata.

"Congrats on your engagement to Otsutsuki." He smirked sadistically. "Your finance should be back to Japan in two months." Neji informed her. "Have a nice day." He said before taking his leave.

"Hi…" Kiba tried to touch the young woman, but she felt out of reach from his grasp. "Hinata…"

Ino ran to the office door and closed it. "What are you guys looking at? Get back to work!" Ino demanded.

She turned her head to stare at the door and sigh. She had to inform Sakura of what's going on.

Ten minutes later, Sakura stepped into the department and was greeted by the workers.

"Ino, where is Hinata?"

"In the office with Kiba."

"Thank you."

She opened the door slowly and stared at the girl who was trying her hardest not to break down. She was watering the little plants in her office.

"Sakura." Kiba said bowing.

"Um… Kiba can you leave us alone…"

"I'll take my leave." He said vacating the office.

Once the door was shut, Sakura ran up to the girl and hugged her. "I'm sorry." She said repeatedly.

Hinata finally broke down in tears and held onto her friend for support. "No one told me anything. He made it seem that I could have found someone."

"I know. I know." Sakura said stroking the shorter girl's head.

"I don't want to marry somebody I don't know." She said in between sobs.

"I completely understand, Hinata."

Sakura felt her eyes watering, and her heart shattered. Hinata was such a good friend, like a really terrific friend you could ever possibly ask for.

Hinata didn't put her selfish desire before others. In fact, it was Hinata's reason that she and Sasuke got together. Hinata knew her parents wanted her to marry the last son of the Uchihas, but she knew how much she and Sasuke had feelings for one another.

The Haruno business was just coming up in the cooperation world, that being 2 years in the game, but they managed to succeed; especially with her father's connection with the Sadamine.

Despite her father's constant pestering and Hinata going head to head with Fukagu about why she wouldn't be engaging Sasuke, Sakura was able to marry Sasuke.

Although Fugaku called Hinata a stupid fool for denying the Uchiha offer, an offer that would have taken the world by storm, he actually admired her and her strong will. Fugaku never told Hiashi this reason.

The business between the Uchiha and Haruno were skyrocketing and when Sakura suggested that they pair with the Hyuga Cooperation, the stocks went up. In a sense everyone wins; but not everyone was satisfied.

"What am I going to do?" Hinata questioned. Then it hit her. "How am I going to tell Naruto this?" she panicked. "He's so sweet and kind…" she stared at Sakura with red eyes. "Sakura, I really like him. You have to believe me."

"I do believe you, Hinata."

"He's going to think I was never into him." Hinata chewed on her bottom lip. "I don't want to be married to someone I barely know. What am I going to do? How am I going to tell Naruto?"

The tears Sakura were holding back finally splattered out. She felt like a bad friend for telling Hinata this.

"Hinata… do you want the truth?"

Hinata gazed at her friend. "Please, tell me."

"This can go in many ways. You can inform your father that you will not be marrying this man, thus losing everything… your family, job, and the only life you've ever known, and enjoy Naruto's company or tell Naruto you can't be with him anymore and tell your father you will be marrying that man."

Sakura's heart shattered when she saw the pain on Hinata's face.

Hinata gathered herself together and wiped the tears from her eyes. "You're right. This can go in many different ways."

"To the world you may be one person; but to one person you may be the world."

Hinata parked in the parking lot of a children's park. She had texted Naruto to meet her out there so they can discuss something important.

Hinata turned on her right side and saw Naruto pulling up besides her car. Despite it being so dark, she could easily spot Naruto's blonde hair in the night. She couldn't help but smile.

She watched as he gather himself out the car and stretched. She took the keys out of the ignition and stepped out of the car.

"Hinata?" Naruto questioned. He tilted his head to the side and observed her. Her eyes were red and puffy, and even the tip of her nose was red. "Did someone hurt you?" He said rushing up to her. The two stood under a street light.

She hugged him gently and he returned the hug. "Hina-

"Naruto, what do you think of me?"

He was taken back, especially when Hinata tightened her arms around his waist. "Well, as corny as it sounds, I believe you are beautiful inside and out, you're smart and talented in so many ways, an amazing cook and supportive. You take care of people and try your best to please them- Hinata smiled weakly, "but there are things you're hiding, things you are afraid to speak about incase you may hurt the person you care about most." Naruto pulled her way gently and stared into her lavender eyes. "I know that I want to get to know you more and be someone who can make you happy." His eyes glimmered in the night.

"Naruto." Hinata said shakenly. "I want to get to know you too, and be there for you… but-

"You can't"

If anyone was there, they would have heard two hearts shattered. Hinata felt like someone placed glass in her body and each time she breathed, it stuck her.

She expected him to push her away or call her out her name, but he was here. Waiting. Longing for an answer.

"I'm engage, Naruto."

Naruto finally let go of her and turned away. He stretched out his hand and ran it through his golden locks. Hinata stood there, silently watching him.

"Is it because I'm not a multi billionaire who can please your father? You know when you told me you were a Hyuga and your father owned a cooperation, I went home and did some research on him. I knew it was too good to be true. That I was actually on a date with his daughter, but I couldn't turn away from you, no matter how much I knew you were too good for me."

"I'm sorry if I wasted your time." He turned to face her.

"You didn't!" She walked up to him and took his hand into hers.

"When are you go to marry him?"

"I don't know… but I heard he'll be back to Japan within two months." She replied.

Naruto gazed into her longing eyes. "I didn't get to properly ask you this." He said in a low whisper.

"Ask me what?" she said just as low.

"Will you be my girlfriend?"

"Naruto, I-

"I know you're getting married soon, but for now can you? Can we?"

"And what if I can't stop?"

They leaned a little closer

"Then it should answer all the questions your heart knows."

And kiss.

I really haven't forgotten about my other stories. A lot has been happening lately…. This story makes me happy and sad. Sigh.

Enjoy.

Review.

Thank you.