Hiashi nodded in acknowledgment.
"But Father," protested Hinata, "Hanabi is still so young. I don't think she's ready for marriage."
Hiashi replied, "She is no longer a child. She is over 20 and understands these matters very well."
"But she's my little sister. She cannot marry before me."
Hiashi turned to Hinata. "Hinata, if you have a problem with this, why don't you marry him?"
Hinata froze, her father's words echoing in her mind. The suggestion felt like a sudden and overwhelming weight pressing down on her, and she struggled to find her voice.
"Father, I..." she began, but her words faltered. The idea of marriage was something she had never considered, and the thought filled her with unease.
Hiashi watched her carefully, his expression a mix of sternness and something more—perhaps concern, or even regret. "Hinata, you are the eldest daughter of the Hyūga clan.
The decisions you make carry great weight, not just for yourself, but for all of us.
If you believe it is not right for Hanabi to marry before you, then perhaps it is you who should take on this responsibility."
Hinata looked down, her hands trembling slightly. She had always known that her duty to the clan would require sacrifices, but this... this was too much.
"Father, marriage is not something that should be decided out of duty alone," she said quietly. "It is... it is about love, about choosing someone who understands and cares for you deeply."
Hiashi's gaze softened slightly, a rare display of emotion. "I understand, Hinata. And I do not wish to force you into a marriage you do not want.
But our clan's needs and traditions must also be considered. You have to find a balance between duty and your own desires."
But you must understand that our clan's future is uncertain, especially after the war. Shoi has the potential to strengthen our bloodline and ensure our clan remains strong."
Hinata felt a surge of conflicting emotions. She understood the responsibility that came with being a member of the Hyūga clan, but the idea of marrying Shoi, a man she barely knew, felt wrong.
Yet, she could also see the concern in her father's eyes, the decisions he had to make for their family's future.
"I will think about what you've said, Father," Hinata finally replied, her voice quiet.
"But please, before any decisions are made about Hanabi or myself, I ask that you consider our feelings, not just the needs of the clan."
Hiashi nodded, his expression serious. "I will take your words into account, Hinata. But remember, our responsibilities to the clan and its future are not to be taken lightly.
Whatever decision you make, it must be with the understanding of what is at stake."
With a respectful bow, Hinata turned and left the room, her thoughts a whirlwind of confusion and concern. As she walked through the quiet corridors of the Hyūga compound, she knew she needed to talk to Hanabi.
...
A week had passed since the unexpected fall into the pond, and in that time, the dynamic between Hanabi and Shoi had transformed.
Hanabi was now fully open around him, her laughter coming easily, her smiles frequent and genuine.
It was as if the incident had washed away any remaining barriers between them, leaving only a growing bond that neither could ignore.
Today, Hanabi had taken the initiative once again, inviting Shoi to stroll around the village.
She had playfully insisted that they find something delicious to eat, and now they were wandering through the bustling streets, the lively atmosphere adding to the lightness of their mood.
The village was vibrant, with vendors calling out to passersby, children laughing and playing in the streets, and the smell of freshly cooked food wafting through the air.
Hanabi seemed to be in her element, chatting animatedly with the vendors as she led Shoi from stall to stall.
"Here, try this!" Hanabi exclaimed, handing Shoi a skewer of grilled meat. Her eyes sparkled with excitement as she watched him take a bite.
Shoi smiled, savoring the flavor. "It's really good," he admitted, and Hanabi beamed with satisfaction.
"I knew you'd like it," she said, taking a bite of her own skewer. "This place has the best grilled meat in the village. My sister and I used to come here all the time when we were younger."
Shoi nodded, enjoying the warmth of the moment. "I can see why. You've got good taste."
"But i heard if girls eat to much of outside food they get fat faster.."just as he said this hanabi gave him a death stare
"You.. Are you Calling me Fat??"
Shoi's eyes widened as he realized his mistake. The playful comment that had slipped out of his mouth without much thought had instantly backfired.
Hanabi's expression had darkened, and the cheerful atmosphere from moments ago now felt tense.
"Uh, no! I didn't mean it like that," Shoi quickly backpedaled, waving his hands in a defensive gesture.
"I just meant... you know, it's something people say, but it's not true! You're not—"
But Hanabi wasn't letting him off the hook that easily.
She crossed her arms and gave him a look that could pierce through steel. "So, what exactly did you mean then, Shoi?"
Shoi gulped, realizing he was treading on very thin ice. He racked his brain for something to say that would get him out of this mess.
"I meant that... well, even if you did eat a lot, which is totally fine, you wouldn't have to worry because you look amazing no matter what!"
Hanabi narrowed her eyes, but there was a slight twitch at the corner of her lips, almost like she was fighting off a smile.
"Nice save," she said, her tone still firm but a bit softer.
Shoi exhaled in relief, seeing a hint of forgiveness in her expression.
"Really, Hanabi, you're perfect just the way you are. I was just being dumb."
Hanabi finally uncrossed her arms and let out a small sigh, her features relaxing. "You really need to think before you speak, Shoi."
Hanabi shook her head, but the tension between them melted away as quickly as it had appeared.
She turned back to the vendor, who was watching their exchange with an amused smile, and ordered another skewer.
"Just don't let it happen again," Hanabi added, handing the skewer to Shoi with a teasing smirk. "Or I might have to make you regret it."
Shoi took the skewer from Hanabi with a grateful smile, their playful banter slowly fading into a comfortable silence.