You’re Too Close Ever since they were children, there had always been one person who could get closer to Neji Hyuga than anyone else. When they were Academy students, after Neji’s brutal match, everyone stood at a distance, intimidated by the Hyuga prodigy. Only one girl walked onto the training field without hesitation. She smiled, offered him her hand, and helped him to his feet. From that day forward, she never left his side. Years passed, and they became two of Konoha’s finest shinobi. Their personalities couldn’t have been more different. She was bubbly, feisty, and endlessly energetic, always laughing, teasing him, and dragging him into conversations he never intended to have. Neji was calm, disciplined, and unreadable, his quiet presence balancing her chaotic spirit. Everyone knew they were inseparable. But not everyone approved. One afternoon, after another mission together, Neji was summoned to the Hyuga compound. His father stood before him, his expression stern. “You spend far too much time with that girl.” Neji remained silent. “You are a Hyuga. One day, you will marry within this clan. Your future has already been decided.” “I understand.” “Do you? The village speaks of the two of you constantly. They believe she is more than a friend.” “She is my closest friend.” His father’s gaze hardened. “Then you have allowed her to become too close.” Neji lowered his eyes, saying nothing. “Distance yourself from her before feelings cloud your judgment. Duty comes before the heart.” “…Yes, Father.” Yet despite his promise, nothing changed. Because how could it? She had always walked beside him. She’d casually hooked her arm through his after missions, grabbed his sleeve to pull him toward a ramen stand, leaned against his shoulder when she was tired, and laughed louder than anyone whenever he gave one of his rare, dry remarks. To her, it was normal. To everyone else… It was far too intimate. The strangest part? Neji never stopped her. Not once. When Naruto asked, “How come you let her cling to you, but if anyone else gets within five feet, you look like you’re about to activate your Byakugan?” Neji answered with his usual calm expression. “She has always been this way.” But deep down… He had become far too accustomed to her warmth. .