Prologue

Two years. Just two more years. And then he will finally be able to leave this crappy and boring place and go to college. Not that he's glad to go to college because he loves studying and shit. No, it will give him a chance to leave this rotten place, get a chance to get apply for a decent job and finally start enjoying life. Because now, he's doing anything but.

1 year ago…

She made me so happy, it felt like I was on cloud nine. She always told me the things I wanted to hear. It was like she could read my mind. She was even bold enough, or brave enough to say things I wouldn't dare. Because I, like 99% of the population was afraid of rejection. But the best thing was, we almost had the same problem. I don't want to sound sadistic with that. I just didn't feel so lonely anymore.

"We are the same Sakura-chan." She hesitated, but I pretended not to notice. Who does that anyway. A dope like me. That's who. When she nodded, she flashed me one of her dazzling smiles. How does she do that? It makes me happy, that someone as beautiful as Sakura smiles for me. Because of me. "That's why I will help you, and we can make it work."

"How are you going to get the money, Naruto?" She put up her serious face. I kind of hate that. It makes me nervous.

"I will work extra jobs." I don't know why I said that. Yet I meant it. I would do everything for her. If she is will remain by my side, I will remove mountains for her. Even if I have to skip school.

"How long is it going to take Naruto?" Ah, impatient. Nasty little bugger. A treat I fully dislike about Sakura. But beggars can't be choosers, right? "It won't be long before my parents find out. I need to get away of there as soon as possible. I can't take it anymore!"

"I'm sorry Sakura-chan. I'm trying. It is possible to get away sooner. You can live with me at my apartment already. Why do you need your own?" Just like my love-confessions in junior high, she keeps rejecting the offer of living with me. We were dating. Well, in secret because Sakura finds it necessary. So it won't be a problem since she has nowhere to go, right?

"I want to be independent first, Naruto. I need to know I'm doing this for me and not just to be with you. I don't want to be a burden to you, you know?"

Present…

Burden my ass. But then I was so blinded and happy Sakura-chan finally accepted me. Now I'm hold back a year just because I was too stupid to see I was being used.

The worst is, I can't hate her. I can't hate anybody. I'm so desperate for human attention and acceptance that anything will do. But even when I'm anything but picky, even then there is nobody. Nobody feels the desire to be my friend…

I've always been lonely. I've lived with my for quite a while. The pre-historical pervert was hardly home, and I was thankfull I could eat cup ramen whenever I wanted. The old fart never actually cared for me. He went on trips all the time and when he was in my presence we always bickered.

For some reason, I got treated like dirt in my district. In school wasn't it any better. In high school thought everything changed, but all my "friends" turned out to be just acquaintances when I hadn't anything to offer anymore. I hadn't much, but when they leeched off everything I had I was just thrown aside like an empty packed juice.

Now I'm not the one to give up. Even though my previous years sucked, I fully intend to make this year much better and less lonely. Yet I can't help moping, it's like all my energy is sucked away. I received my new class-list and schedule yesterday, and now I'm on my way to my first class this year.

The school building is rather big. The atmosphere outside was a bit sunny, which clashed with the old, somber and mysterious school. It used to be a monastery, and looked nothing but motivating. Yet, at times it looked cozy.

The halls were filled with chatting people. I didn't need to look at their clothes or status, just the fact they were happy made me feel like an outcast. I shrugged of the feeling( which didn't really work) and I found my way to the classroom.

I expected to be one of the first students. Not that I am a good punctual student, I just wanted to avoid the awkward stares and that moment you try to choose a seat with all the student glaring at you. Try to look nonchalant while doing that, I dare you. I was shocked when the classroom seemed full.

I glanced at my watch. '08.25' I was 5 minutes too early. Am I in a class off goody-two shoes? I couldn't decide it was a good thing or not, and quickly took a seat in one of the front rows because the seats in the back were sadly all occupied.

I quickly glanced back to search for friendly faces, which were rare, and almost had a heart-attack. I saw a mop of pink. And there was only one bitch crazy enough to dye her hair that color. Shit, I do not how or whether to confront her.

Two people barked inside. One of them, the little fat one, he recognized as his old mentor. He was kind to him, so calling him 'fat' and 'little' was uncalled for. Even if I didn't voice it out loud. I'm sincerely sorry, sir. The second one… I was taken aback. I think I have the feeling this man and the hushed feminine voices that started suddenly have some kind of connection.

Well to be honest, I wasn't fully heterosexual. The only crush I had in my (almost)17 years of being alive was on Sakura Haruno. But, whenever I saw a handsome male, it made me feel funny inside. Just like when I saw a pretty lady. And that funny feeling I was talking about, I am feeling right now coincidentally.

My old mentor cleared his throat and called for our attention. I haven't been doing anything else so it wasn't necessarily needed for me. I tried to listen while carefully glancing at the other male. Perhaps another teacher?

"For a couple of years I have mentored ninth graders, but now I have been promoted."He enthusiastically chatted further while disappointment bubbled up in my stomach. He had been a kind mentor. One with patients and interest in me, which is rare. He wouldn't know who to turn to if his new mentor's gonna be an ass-dick like most of the male P.E. teachers.

"So to come to the point, this young gentleman will pick up from here. And for now good-bye class. And do your best!" He pumped his fist up awkwardly and nodded to the dude I still don't have a clue about. While my mentor left the room, the new guy started talking.

"I'm Uchiha. Sasuke Uchiha." I snorted. Who did he think he is? James bond? Not with a career like a lousy teacher. While he continued, I examined him better. He had a strong, deep voice. It was clear and confident. He talked with an indifferent look on his face, which appeared to be pretty handsome actually.

"I will not tolerate inappropriate behavior. This is a high school. It's a place for learning and learning only. I will only help students who seriously want to graduate…." I wasn't really expecting a nice warming and welcoming speech anyway. Not when he looked like he could kill every one of us right then and there. I kinda figured he's our new mentor. And even if he's okay to look at, I'm so not looking forward to it. " …. class dismissed."

At the end of the day, I walked to the school's garden. Alone. My class wasn't as intimidating as last years', yet I didn't make a single friend. I tried to ignore Sakura-chan, but it was hard. She seemed happy, and it bothered me she didn't look my way even once. I'm over the stinging pain though. Now I hardly feel anything.

I fished my cigarettes out of my pocket and lit one up. My lungs may be damned, but I have to cool my nerves. Just before the entrance of the school garden were two brick walls. I went lean on one of them. I sighed as I threw my head back against the wall. Slowly inhaling, I closed my eyes.

I heard footsteps, but was too lazy to react. It sounded like the person stopped at the wall opposite of me. "Can I borrow your lighter?" I opened my eyes and was taken aback. I expected a student but it was a teacher. A mentor in fact. His mentor.

He seemed irritated. I assume because of the fact he forgot his lighter and had to ask someone else. In class he gave me the impression he forgets nothing, always had everything on him and would never, ever ask for a favor. I threw my orange lighter weakly at my teacher, which he caught gracefully while muttering his gratitude. And I swear he sneered at the color for a moment.

When he gave it back, we didn't talk for a while. Instead, I looked at him. He looked the opposite of me. He was taller, broader. He had pale skin and raven hair, which was the total opposite of my tanned skin and bright blond hair. But, even if he looked the total opposite of me, I recognized something very familiar. His eyes…. I know… I understand…

…loneliness