Boruto X Reader You're not alone! (Modern AU)

Chapter 58

Neji descended the staircase, a heavy weight of worry pressing on his shoulders. Thoughts of his cousin Hinata consumed his mind. The news of her disappearance had hit his niece and nephew hard. Himawari had broken down multiple times, her tears a constant companion, while Boruto often retreated to his room, isolating himself from the world outside. Neji had tried to lift their spirits, offering distractions like new clothes, games, and K-Pop albums, but nothing seemed to ease their pain.

As he approached the living room, where the two siblings were locked in a somber conversation, Neji paused, feeling the sorrow that permeated the air. Himawari sat on the couch, her face buried in her hands, while Boruto tried his best to provide comfort.

"Calm down, Himawari... I'm sure Mom's fine!" Neji said, though his voice quivered. He couldn't ignore the emotional turmoil that enveloped his niece and nephew.

"Why didn't she pick up her phone, then?!" Himawari's voice wavered with fear and frustration. Her eyes, red from crying, darted between her brother and their uncle.

Neji knew he had to comfort them for Hinata's sake. As he approached the couch, he couldn't help but feel the weight of responsibility on his shoulders. What words could he offer to ease their suffering? How could he provide assurance when he didn't have all the answers?

Boruto turned to him, his demeanor calm yet betraying a sense of unease. His eyes, though composed, held a storm of emotions waiting to be unleashed. Neji had to choose his words carefully; one wrong step, and he might trigger a volatile reaction.

"What's wrong, Uncle Neji?" Boruto inquired, his gaze locked onto his uncle. He seemed patient, but Neji sensed the undercurrent of tension in the room.

Neji's mind raced, desperately searching for the right words to offer solace without revealing the unsettling truth. He hesitated, his gaze darting between the two young Uzumaki siblings.

"I have good news!" Neji exclaimed, a touch of nervousness in his voice. "Your mother is fine! H-Hanabi-sama called me, and she told me Hinata got brought back by the police!" He prayed that his trembling voice wouldn't betray him.

Boruto raised an eyebrow, his expression questioning Neji's words. He seemed skeptical, and Neji couldn't blame him. He needed to provide more context to make the story convincing.

"Because it's too dangerous for people in Tokyo to come here," Neji continued, attempting to justify his explanation. "So there won't be any people coming for some time until this is over."

Himawari, her face a mixture of relief and gratitude, bought into the story without hesitation. But Boruto remained cautious, observing Neji closely. He had always been perceptive, and Neji couldn't afford to make any slip-ups.

Boruto, still skeptical but not wanting to disrupt the newfound peace in the room, chose not to delve further into the matter. Instead, he turned to his sister and played along with a playful tease.

"Onii-chan, this is great! Oh my god, I thought she's dead!" Himawari laughed, her earlier panic now replaced with joy. She lightly punched Boruto's shoulder, her smile infectious.

Boruto chuckled at his sister's enthusiasm and ruffled her hair. He then announced his departure with a casual farewell, heading toward his room.

"Where are you going, onii-chan?" Himawari tilted her head, curiosity shining in her eyes.

Without looking back, Boruto replied, "I'm gonna sleep. Night."

"Good night! And sleep well..."

"Yeah... you too." As he left the room, Himawari watched him with a puzzled expression.