Chapter 9

"Hey... Sakura-san."

"Oh, Lee-san. what's up?"

"Well, it's late... and you said you're going to a party. Are you home yet?"

"Oh, I'm still at the party but Lee, I'll be safe! Promise."

"O-okay! Goodnight then."

"Night Lee. Thanks." Sakura hung up and turned back to Sasuke. It was clearly written on his face that he was curious who Lee was.

"Sasuke-kun, sorry about that. That's just Lee-san. He's such a sweet guy. Calling to check up on me." Sakura tilted her head sideways and bit her lips.

Is that jealousy I see in his eyes?

"Hn. Did you drive here?"

"Huh?... Well, no..."

"How do you get home then?"

"I'll most probably call a cab. Don't think I want to get a ride from Shikamaru. He and Ino..." Sakura trailed off.

"I'll bring you home."

"But..."

"I don't like repeating myself. I'll bring you home. It isn't a question." Sasuke looked serious.

"Fine."

Sakura's heart was beating a little faster. She was excited to be riding in the same car as Sasuke. Clearly, she really likes this guy but her pride stopped her from showing even the slightest hint of it. Sasuke whereas, was still reluctant to give relationships a try. That, and also his pride.

"Hey Forehead! Let's get going." Ino told her friend.

"Oi, Ino, I have a ride home already. You go have fun with Shikamaru." Sakura winked.

"Alright! Be safe!"

Naruto saw Sakura was finally alone. Gripping his car keys tightly, he took a step forward and wanted to offer her a ride home. If he was lucky, maybe they could go for a movie or a drink before. Just as he was about to open his mouth and offer, Sasuke stepped between him and her.

"You ready?"

"Yes." Sakura nodded.

"Let's go."

Sasuke... never offer rides to girls. Is he starting to open up?

Naruto quickly held his grip tighter to prevent his keys from making any sounds and hid his keys behind his back. He effortlessly conjured up a big smile to both his friends.

"Sakura-chan, I see teme is driving you home. Thanks for coming! Drive safe teme!" Naruto waved with his free hand.

"Hn."

"Bye Naruto! Thanks for having us." Sakura waved back.

Thanks for having "US"... she sounded like they were together.

Once the doors were closed, Naruto sighed heavily. Kushina came along and asked,

"Hey, where is Sakura? Why aren't you out bringing her home yet?"

"Sasuke offered her a ride home." Naruto's eyes were on the ground.

Kushina understood how her son felt and only patted his head and kissed him on the cheek.

"It'll be fine. Goodnight, son." And she left the hall.

Sasuke led her to a classic black Audi. Its black exterior was as raven as Sasuke's hair. Sakura was impressed with his car. It looked very fitting for this particular Uchiha to be driving it around.

Hmm, sleek, elegant, cold, simple and no nonsense-just like him.

Sasuke opened the passenger's door for Sakura and she gracefully entered the car. The cushions were covered with leather and the whole car smelled like pine.

"Nice ride." Sakura complimented.

"Buckle up. Or do you need me to help you?" Sasuke smirked.

"No thanks, I can handle myself." Sakura smirked back.

Sasuke ignited the engine and drove off from Naruto's mansion. A few lengthy minutes on the road, both individuals in the car still made no conversation. To avoid more awkwardness, Sasuke decided to turn on the radio. Just as he was about to push the button, Sakura started one.

"Hey, how was Tilangkhai after I left?" She asked.

Boring without you.

"It was very relaxing without a motor mouth girl around." He lied.

"Aha, bet it was boring without me! But Naruto probably lugged you around to parties, right? So, did you at least tried surfing?"

"Hn."

"Sasuke-kun, I don't really understand what 'hn' stands for but I'm guessing it's a yes?" Sakura had her eyebrows knitted together.

"Hn."

"That's annoying! So 'hn' is a yes. Well then, surfing's fun huh?"

"Hn."

"Mr. Cool barely talks." Sakura was a tad bit frustrated.

Sasuke barely speaks to her because he was actually afraid he'll get to know this particular Sakura and actually fall for her. With that in mind, he turned on the radio and they continued driving in silence. When they finally reached Sakura's apartment and she got down, Sasuke gave her his namecard.

"Eh, what's this for? I have one too! Here!" Sakura gave him hers too.

"Call me."

"Is that your pick-up line?" Sakura giggled.

"When you enter your apartment. To be safe."

"Oh...alright. Thanks!" Sakura was a little disappointed that the brooding CEO wasn't even trying to flirt or anything.

She fiddled with her house keys and put the right one into the keyhole. After closing the door behind her, she decided to send Sasuke a text message instead.

"Sasuke-kun. Thanks for tonight.

I'm in my apartment already.

Goodnight."

Sasuke was still below her apartment waiting for her call. Instead, he gotten a text from her. Upon reading that short text, a small smile etched on his face. He looked up and saw lights being turned on in her apartment room. With that, he silently drove off into the dark.

Meanwhile, Naruto was staring at the giant square clock hung in his room. The blond had been staring at it for a good 45 minutes now.

It's should be around this time.

He quickly took out his phone from his pocket and dialed a number...

A/N: I know this story is going sooooooo slow. I'm sorry! I'm done with the whole story! So updates will be quite fast! Yay! I really want to post it all up in one-go but I guess it's better to just do it one by one. =)