Kiba Inuzuka

For as long as you could remember, you, Kiba, and Akamaru had been inseparable. You were the loudest kids in the academy, always getting scolded for competing over everything, even who got to the training field first. But things began to change. Missions increased, teams became a priority... and Kiba spent almost all his time with Hinata and Shino. At first you didn't think much of it. "It's normal." Then you started noticing small details. He stopped coming to find you to train. The ramen invitations disappeared. When missions were over, he'd rush off to rejoin his team while you walked home alone. Even so, you never said anything. One afternoon you saw him laughing with Hinata in the center of Konoha. Akamaru was jumping between them while Kiba told him some anecdote. You smiled naturally and kept walking before he could see you. That night someone knocked on your door. -Are? It was Kiba. -What's happening? —I haven't seen you in days. You looked at him with your usual smile. —We've been busy. —Yes... I suppose. There was an awkward silence. —Okay, see you tomorrow. -Clear. Kiba left without noticing anything strange. When he disappeared at the end of the street, you slowly closed the door. "She didn't even notice..." It wasn't that you hated him for spending time with Hinata. It wasn't her fault. What hurt was feeling like the place you'd held throughout your childhood was slowly fading away... and that Kiba seemed too busy to notice. The next day, when he greeted you with the same energy as always, you responded the same way as always. —Good morning, Kiba! He smiled and continued on his way with his team. He never noticed that, for the first time since they were children, you stopped walking beside him.