Chapter 24: A Bowl of Ramen and a Burdened Heart
"Aizen-kun... would you like me to buy you a bowl of ramen?"
In the fading afternoon light, a lovely figure stood before him. Hinata was pure and beautiful, her unique, gentle girlish aura reminiscent of a pristine white lotus, untainted by the world's mud.
She clasped her hands nervously, her head bowed, two faint red clouds coloring her smooth cheeks. The charming little dimples that appeared with her hesitant smile added a touch of endearing sweetness.
"Hyūga Hinata?" Aizen looked at her, feigning surprise. Her shy and timid demeanor was certainly... noticeable. He offered a gentle smile. "You're inviting me for ramen? Of course, I'd be happy to."
Although he hadn't known Hinata for long, she had left a distinct impression. Shy and introverted, yet possessing a quiet strength. Whenever a teammate succeeded, Hinata was the one silently cheering them on. She spoke the least, but her heart held the most weight.
Seeing Hinata's innocent and unassuming nature, Aizen couldn't help but think of another person.
Momo Hinamori.
The former lieutenant of the 5th Division in the Gotei 13, his subordinate. Momo was also deeply affectionate, simple, and easily exploited. She had admired Aizen profoundly and was eventually manipulated because of her excessive trust in him. Now, he saw a similar shadow in Hinata. Her kind, gentle, and somewhat weak personality reminded him of his days in the Soul Society.
Aizen walked toward Hinata, his smile gentle. "Hinata, have you been following me?"
"Ah! N-no!" Hearing his words, Hinata's ears turned bright red. She shook her head hurriedly, her voice a flustered whisper. "I... I was just heading back to the Hyuga compound this way too. I happened to run into you."
"Oh? What a coincidence. Then let's walk together," Aizen said, looking down at the girl who stood a full head shorter than him.
"O-okay!" Hinata nodded, her voice barely audible. Standing this close to Aizen made her heart flutter wildly.
They walked side-by-side toward Konoha village. Their moods, however, were entirely different. Aizen felt relaxed and at ease, while Hinata's heart pounded like a trapped deer.
"How about Ichiraku Ramen? Their ramen is the most authentic," Hinata suggested softly. "But... you might not be familiar with Konoha yet. Let me lead the way."
Aizen nodded slightly, allowing Hinata to take the lead. He observed her back quietly, a subtle, knowing smile playing on his lips. For Aizen, such peaceful, ordinary days had been absent for centuries. He had only experienced this kind of tranquility during his time in the Soul Society.
Eventually, they arrived at a bustling ramen shop filled with the sounds of chatter and clinking bowls. It was dusk, and the shop was crowded, its business booming.
They found a seat in a quiet corner. Soon, two steaming bowls of ramen were placed before them.
"Hinata, the ramen is here. Let's eat," Aizen began, but he noticed Hinata looked melancholy, lost in thought. He asked gently, "What's wrong? Is something on your mind?"
Hinata, caught off guard, nodded reflexively, then quickly shook her head, forcing a smile. "It's nothing. I was just... daydreaming."
"Hinata, we may not have known each other long, but I can listen if you want to talk. It might help to share your worries," Aizen said with a light chuckle. How could someone of his perception not see through her obvious distress?
"Ugh..." Hinata let out a heavy sigh, her voice weak. "As an outsider, you wouldn't understand how I feel."
"Why do you say that?" Aizen raised an eyebrow, feigning curiosity.
"Our Hyuga clan is divided into the Main House and the Branch House. I... I belong to the Main House. It's just..." Hinata paused, her expression saddening. "I am the eldest daughter of the Main House. The family has... high expectations for me. But in a recent sparring match, I lost to my younger sister, Hanabi. She's five years younger than me. My father, Hiashi, was very disappointed."
She sighed again, her shoulders slumping. "Every time I see my father, I can feel the disappointment in his eyes. I want to prove myself, I really do... but my talent is lacking. I've always been... mediocre."
After listening, Aizen nodded thoughtfully. He pointed out the window. "Look at the twilight sky. Does it look red to you?"
Hinata glanced out and nodded slightly.
"The sky is actually colorless. It doesn't lie to you. You're the one deceiving yourself with your own eyes," Aizen said, his smile kind. "So, your father isn't necessarily blaming you. The reason you feel this way is because of the guilt in your own heart. You feel you've failed his expectations."
"But..." Hinata started to protest, but Aizen gently cut her off.
"Smile. If the sun is covered by dark clouds, everyone feels sad. But if you can smile, you'll find that the so-called guilt isn't what's important. What's important is how you view yourself."
Aizen's handsome face was filled with a warm, encouraging smile, one that was almost infectious.
Hinata stared at him for a long moment, her thoughts churning. Finally, a look of dawning understanding crossed her features, and she offered Aizen a genuine, if small, smile. "Thank you. I think... I understand a little better now. As long as my heart is strong, I won't be troubled by negative emotions."
They shared a smile, and finally, setting their worries aside, they turned to their ramen. In that moment, Hinata felt as if the invisible distance between her and Aizen had vanished completely.