CHAPTER TWO

Covert

In a class of a variety of students, for whatever reason the girl with rose coloured hair did not stand out. Sakura Haruno sat in the corner, her nose in a book as she listened around her. She listened to a loud, blonde girl laugh freely and interact with everyone easily. She listened to someone munching away at chips and someone yawning. She heard people whispering.

But what she really wanted to hear was his voice again.

Instead, Sasuke Uchiha sat in class and his dark eyes flickered across the board, absorbing everything as fast as Iruka-sensei can teach. She could only watch him, wondering how someone could be so brilliant and popular seem so happy alone.

Suddenly, his head snapped up and black eyes met emerald ones. They weren't unkind nor were they judgemental but she turned a deep red and looked away quickly. As much as she wanted to be around him, she couldn't quite handle him looking directly at her quite yet. So she retreated back into the world of letters and words - away from onyx-eyed boys who made her heart race and cheeks hot.

"He is so cute!" Someone was giggling and Sakura looked up shyly to see a group of girls not too far from her, and in the center was Ino Yamanaka who was nodding away eagerly. She snuck back a look at Sasuke and from the corner her eyes and thought she saw him wince with irritation. But there he was - just like her - reading the materials, jotting down notes. He was smart. Sasuke Uchiha was smart. And yet again, she was caught staring.

But not by Sasuke this time.

"Hey! What are you looking at, Billboard Brow?" A girl snickered. The outburst drew attention and suddenly the entire class was staring at her. She ducked her head, looking down and squeezing her tiny hands into a fist. She couldn't even manage to defend herself, not when it felt like everyone was watching her and waiting for her to stutter. "What, are you deaf too?" She laughed and jumped over the desk towards Sakura. But before she could even cover herself, the girl had appeared in front of her and Sakura squeezed her eyes shut, preparing herself - only to get jabbed in the forehead.

The pain wasn't the thing that made this young girl's eyes flutter open. No, it was the abrupt sound of screeching objects as metal scraped against wooden floors. She slowly opened her eyes and saw that everyone's attention was back on the Uchiha as he stood up.

He tucked his hands into his pockets and his head was down, eyes closed. He looked cool, apathetic. But as he walked by passed her, his eyes opened slowly and his gaze lingered over her for a moment too long. It was as if he was waiting for something – for gratitude. And looking at his retreating figure, Sakura just wanted to run up to him and...and...

She didn't know quite what yet. But whatever it was, she would do it - for him. For the boy that in his own covert way, defended her twice.

Hope you enjoyed this short little bit! Reviews would be lovely and motivating. :) I don't know about you guys but...good luck on all your exams! The next update will be a longer one, if y'all want :)