We finished up around the farm and then headed back to get our pay.

As we walked back to the village, Naruto was telling me a story and Sakura was tuning him out by staring at Sasuke. Sasuke was ignoring everyone and was looking off into the distance. I couldn't help but think that his expressions were very similar to Itachi's.

Ugh, when will that boy leave my thoughts? I bet he hasn't thought about me since we went our separate ways.

Naruto finished his story and we walked in silence. I felt bad for being inattentive, but how else was I supposed to react? I couldn't get a certain Uchiha out of my thoughts. 

Finally, we reached the village and were greeted by Izumo and Kotetsu. I gave them a friendly smile and continued walking. 

"I better get a fair amount of my pay! I didn't go through those cows not listening for nothing," Naruto said as we walked inside of the Hokage Tower.

"They're just cows. You're just a dobe." Sasuke rolled his eyes.

"Call me a "dobe" again and see what happens-!" Naruto was cut off by Sakura.

"Quit yelling you idiot!" She scolded.

I found their antics amusing.

I knocked on my Dad's door and heard his voice telling us to come in. I opened the door and saw Kakashi inside, waiting on us.

"Kakashi-Sensei!" Naruto noticed.

He gave them a close-eyed smile and a peace sign.

"How did it go?" Dad asked.

"It went well. They're probably ready to get a higher ranked mission now though," I replied with a small smile.

"Naruto didn't give you any trouble, did he?" Kakashi asked jokingly.

"Nope," I said. "It all went well,"

Dad gave us our pay and then dismissed everyone. I went back to my house and decided to go change into my casual attire, which was just a maroon sundress and sandals. I also let my hair down since I was too lazy to tie it up or braid it. 

I wanted to take a walk just to clear my head of a certain Uchiha. 

I decided to visit Hana, so I started walking towards the Inuzuka household. I felt awkward just walking in their house, but Tsume told me to do this. I just feel rude if I don't knock first. 

Hana walked downstairs and smiled. "Hey, you finally listened to my mom,"

"I know, it feels weird just walking in though," I replied with a smile. 

She chuckled and I followed her upstairs to her room. It felt like we were teenagers having a sleepover again. The last time I spent the night, we were 15.

I sat down on a fuzzy chair she had in her room and she lied down on her bed looking through a magazine. She was telling me about a guy she has her eye on and I wanted to tell her about Itachi, but I knew I couldn't. 

"So," She said and looked up at me. "I can tell something has been on your mind for the past few days. What's going on?"

I got all choked up. What was I going to tell her?

I couldn't form words and opened my mouth to speak, but closed it again.

"You know you can tell me anything. You can trust me," She continued.

I finally found my words.

"I...need advice," I started.

She rose her eyebrow. "I'm listening..."

"Um, this guy and I met like a week ago. We hung out a few times and then he suddenly disappeared," I started.

She was intrigued. I haven't dated anyone in a long time because of one bad ex. 

"What's he like?" She asked.

"He...he's very mysterious and down to earth. He's different from a lot of people I've met and he actually makes good dango. He's kind of protective too,"

She smirked a bit and let me continue speaking.

"Now I'm feeling kind of sad or something because he's not here, he had to leave the village for uh, unknown reasons," I finish.

"So what are you asking?" She asked.

"Why am I feeling this way?" I ask.

"Hmm...sounds like you got really attached to this guy and I think you actually started catching feelings for him," She replies.

I know I was crushing on him, but I doubt it's anything that serious. 

"What makes you think I caught feelings? I doubt it. It wouldn't even work anyway," I said.

Hana rose her eyebrow. "And why not?"

"W-Well we're just different, okay? Now answer my first question," I replied, a little too defensive.

"You obviously caught feelings for him if you're feeling like this because he isn't around," She replied. "If he's going to ditch you like this, he doesn't deserve you. You don't need that, especially after you know who,"

She had the wrong idea, but I let her continue.

"Also, I know you're too stubborn and you'll never admit if you actually have feelings for someone, but I know you. I can tell in your eyes you're crazy about this guy,"

"What makes you think I'm 'crazy' about this guy?" I asked, picking at my cuticles. 

"Well, when you talk about him, you had this certain look in your eyes," She said. "Remember when you had feelings for Kakashi?"

"Yeah, but how is that even relevant?"

"You have the same look,"

I realized what she was telling me and I widened my eyes.

Oh no. Oh god no. This can't be happening. 

How did I actually manage to catch feelings for him? I wouldn't admit out loud that she was right, but she was. I thought it was just a small crush, but how the hell did it turn into this? 

I never let anyone in again after what happened with the spawn of Satan and Kakashi was the exception, but that was so long ago. I gave up on him after I realized he wouldn't ever return my feelings especially after what he's been through. 

I thought maybe it was Stockholm's Syndrome, but I know that's not it because he didn't actually kidnap me. 

"Even though I don't like how he just left, if you decide to pursue him, I'll still support you," She said with a smile.

If she knew who I was talking about, she wouldn't be supportive at all. I know that for a fact.

My emotions were starting to overwhelm me, I couldn't take much more of this. I had to leave and go sort out my thoughts. 

Too many thoughts were rushing through my head.

"I uh, gotta go Hana. Sorry,"

She gave me a hug and then gave me an encouraging look. "I can tell you really like this mystery guy. Just do what you think is right, okay?"

"Okay."

I left her house, with her words echoing through my head.

"I can tell you're crazy about this guy."

I couldn't be catching feelings for Itachi. It's just wrong. I had to get my mind on something else, now. I ran to my usual spot where I go think alone, which was the top of the Hokage faces. 

"Hey, are you alright?"

I turned around and saw a man I've never seen before. He had green eyes, brown hair, and pale skin. He looked like he was the same age as me.

"I'm fine," I said. "Just have a lot on my mind,"

He sat down next to me. "I'm Hikaru. This is my spot where I come to clear my head when things get tough,"

"I'm Kasumi, I come here too for the same reason," I smiled slightly. "Are you a ninja? I've never seen you before,"

"Oh no," He said. "I'm not a ninja. I live here with my mother," 

I got to know him some more. He seemed pretty down to earth.

"So what's on your mind?" He asked me.

I didn't want to talk about it. "Uh, it's nothing really. Just stressed about a mission I had a couple weeks ago,"

"I see," He said and smiled. "Well, if you ever need to talk, I'm here to listen. I know we just met but you seem like you have a lot on your mind,"

I stood back up to head home and waved. "I gotta go now, I'll see you around."

He waved back. 

I had to push Itachi in the back of my mind. I had to forget him, it was for my own good.