Naruto Online: The Lost Girl

Chapter 8

"That was some good ramen." Hikari sighed.

Aki nodded.

"Ichiraku's the best place for ramen."

"Thanks for taking me!" She grinned.

The reason Aki had taken Hikari out to dinner was he wanted to. He wanted to get closer to her. Lately, the girls had gotten pretty close, so Aoi and Hikari were always out and about. Ume would come and hang with them as well. Even Shizuka would tag along from time to time.

He was happy she was getting some really close friends.

But at the same time, he wanted her to stay by his side.

It was selfish, but he couldn't help it.

"Jealous much?"

"WHAT!?"

Hikari jumped at his sudden outburst.

"Sorry. I wasn't paying attention..." He said.

"It's fine. I was just asking if you eat there much."

"Sometimes. Daisuke goes there more than me."

"That doesn't surprise me at all." She giggled.

He couldn't help but laugh a little himself as well.

It was nice to just talk and walk like this.

"Are you excited for the mission?" She suddenly asked.

"No, not really."

She frowned. She thought he'd be a bit more happy since it was her first mission and all their friends were accompanying them.

"How come?"

He looked away and shrugged.

"A mission is a mission. It's life or death in most cases."

Her enthusiasm shrunk significantly.

"Oh...right..."

"I know you are since it's your first mission, but be aware that if you're not careful it could be your last."

She gulped then nodded.

"I know."

He ruffles her hair and smiles softly.

"Good."

Before she knew it, they were home.

"Good night Hikari. Sleep well."

He disappeared into his own room, leaving her standing alone in the hall.

'Why did he seem...sad?'

Their mission wasn't very difficult.

It was a simple mission in her humble opinion.

Escort the client.

Plain and simple.

Yes, she had forgotten where exactly they were to escort them too, but she was sure it'd be fine either way.

Her gaze fell on Aki's door.

'That still doesn't explain Aki's behavior...'

Aki was often serious but something was different this time. Those traces of sadness were hard to ignore.

She sighed and headed to her own room.

***
Shizuka and Ume walked side by side in the dark streets.

The two didn't speak as they walked. You could say the atmosphere was tense, but that was a complete understatement.

Suddenly, Ume broke their silence.