Disclaimer: Naruto is not my property! If I did, I would've made it into a shoujo manga! .
A/N: Minna-san! This is the author! Sorry if I took so long in updating! It's been three years and I hope that you guys are still not giving up in reading the story. We have decided, yes, to stick to Yokoso to the very end. College as always, is a lot stressful but I'm starting to turn back to writing for stress relief. Well, here goes! I apologize if I changed some things because I wasn't satisfied with the first version. So, I had to republish this chapter.
Enjoy!
Recap:
"What are you doing here?" Sasuke asked, albeit annoyed. No wonder T's face scrunched up like a dried tomato. The petal-haired teen didn't respond and was rather uneasy. Sasuke walked a bit closer to her. "Haruno, why are you here?"
"I invited her."
Both teens turned around to see Itachi entering the house, groceries on hand. Smirking, he sauntered past them, heading to the kitchen. Sakura didn't move from her spot. Sasuke sighed as he moved closer to her. She took a few steps back. "Um…I'm sorry. I bumped Itachi-san and Tenten at the supermarket. He told me that you're having a party and…"
"Hn," he responded. Stopping in front of her, he could only stare at her small form. Since when was she small? He leaned for a closer look. Soft petal-colored hair, Bright green eyes the color of emerald and smooth milky-white alabaster skin. For once, he never saw her as an annoying classmate who kept causing problems around him and his fragile identity. Now, looking at her closely he realized one thing.
Haruno Sakura was very pretty.
And he was making her uncomfortable.
Chapter 29: Turn of the Tide
There was complete silence.
Itachi left the two of them for some reason. Even if he didn't look back, his brother constantly glared daggers behind his back. Sasuke hated surprises. Particularly surprises in pretty packages. The older Uchiha let out a happy laugh as he finally reached the kitchen. He put his groceries on top of the counter then began to rummage for kitchen tools. After he found the necessary utensils and started paring the potatoes, his mind drifted towards that particular incident in the hallway.
The look on his brother's face was priceless. It wasn't a look of irritation but a mixture of incredulity and oddity. He chuckled, knowing exactly what's running through little Sasuke's brain. The poor guy believed that his encounters with the petite girl would finally cease after their school project.
Apparently it didn't.
As the big brother and being a devious individual that he is, he never wanted his brother's little meetings with Sakura to end. He had a stroke of luck earlier when he saw her at the grocery store paying for her purchases. All of a sudden, he had a plan forming in his mind so he approached her.
And the rest was history.
"I have a reason why I need to keep her within his reach," he decided mentally. Sakura unknowingly caused several things that enabled his brother to evolve into a hot-blooded male. Hot-blooded, since Sasuke's shifty behaviour was as slippery as a cold fish. His social life was also hopeless. To think that he ultimately decided to resign to his fate as a human punching bag for all the bullies at his school. Sure, it was for the sake of his cover-up, but watching him endure it for the succeeding school years was wholly tiresome.
At the very least, he thanked Kami-sama that Sasuke still managed to stay straight. Although his persistent squabbling with Naruto made it doubtful, considering that the latter frequently showed his homophobic intentions towards him. He could've sworn that he was slowly turning into one since it was rather obvious that he didn't show any interest on the female species.
Until his qualms flew right out the window after his brother met Haruno Sakura.
Who knew that unyielding, stodgy and boring Sasuke would finally come out of his shell?
And to sum up everything, here are the following changes Itachi witnessed during the previous chapters:
Change#1: Sasuke became open to communication.
"More like whining. Ever since he encountered Sakura-san, he became chatty. And the whining, dear Kami-sama was too much. He's like a little girl," Itachi cringed, as he placed the cut potatoes on the side and chopped the onions next. It was a huge step, considering that Sasuke rarely talked about his feelings. If he ever had one thing to say, the people around him would be the last ones to know. He was like a closed book. And now, he would often let them know. He would, almost every time of the day, so long as it involves a certain pink-haired girl.
Change#2: Sasuke became aware of his surroundings.
Recalling the time Neji introduced his girlfriend to Sasuke, Itachi discerned that his brother acted way too formal in front of them. Moreover, he didn't even blink. It was pretty obvious that his façade was flawless. He would often use this front when they're meeting up with the elite classes. Because of this 'perfect' façade of his, everyone believed that he will be the one to succeed their father as the next CEO of Uchiha Industries. It was certain since the firstborn stepped down from his father's pedestal to be free from his radical machinations. It was a wonder that Haruno Sakura was able to zip past Sasuke's impenetrable barrier and broke the supposedly seamless façade that took him several years to build. As a result, his brother became intrigued and his curiosity about 'Neji's girlfriend' got the better of him. "Not to mention the numerous times he treated her like a speck of dirt and yet she was still able to get close to him," Itachi added, wryly.
"Itachi-saaaaaan! What are you cooking?"
'Crap,' he muttered angrily. He hated his thoughts being interrupted. He glanced across his shoulder and saw Naruto standing next to the doorway. The upbeat lad was in such a good mood. He grinned from ear-to-ear and Itachi concluded that he was up to no good.
Naruto was Naruto after all. "I'm making korokke pan. Come back in a few minutes."
The blond shook his head as he sat on the chair. Propping his elbows on the table, he replied, "Nah. T's in a bad mood tonight so I'm letting her sulk."
"Oh? Too bad, it's her favourite."
"I wouldn't mind eating her share of the food. However," Naruto's goofy expression changed into that of a smirk, "I'm interested on what's happening right now in the living room, if you wouldn't mind me asking."
Itachi raised a brow curiously, mixing the stuffing. "That? I invited Sakura-san over for dinner."
The younger man leaned slightly, his tone sharp yet hushed. "Itachi-san, I'm afraid you're making Sakura-chan tread on dangerous ground. You know as much as I do that T doesn't like her. I can't do anything to prevent her wrath for now and also, Sasuke warned us that he'll kick our asses if we lay a finger on her."
His warning went unheeded as Itachi patted him reassuringly on the head. "Relax, Naruto-kun. Since you're here anyways, why don't you help me analyse their situation? I could really use your help."
Since Naruto was treated like an A-wall for the past few chapters and had less screen time finally, it's his time to shine. He eagerly agreed.
And back to Itachi's observation! (With Naruto's help)
Change#3: Sasuke was now able to tell the difference between a man and a woman.
Naruto giggled. Yes, he giggled. "Seriously? Come on, he wouldn't even acknowledge T's a girl! He'd often treat her like she's just one of his guy pals!" He was bonked on the head with a spatula. "OW!"
"Idiot! Not like that. Obviously, he won't be hostile to Tenten even if she's a girl. You're both his friends." Itachi tapped a finger under his chin thoughtfully. "And besides, the three of you grew up together for a long time and he's still not aware of the opposite sex. Except for Tenten since she's your best friend."
"So you're saying that upon meeting Sakura-chan, he learned how to appreciate girls?"
Itachi sighed dramatically. "If I remember correctly, it began at your school festival. He and Sakura-san got married in that fake ceremony by Kakashi-sensei. After he got exposed to cooties, that's when he began to take notice of the female species." (School Arc chapter 16)
"Hey! Why didn't you tell me about that? T and I searched the entire school for him!" Naruto exclaimed.
Itachi chuckled lightly. "Well, if you must know he didn't take it too lightly. As soon as he got back from that festival, he was scratching all over. He told me it was cooties because he accidentally smashed lips with Sakura-san. Turns out it was his allergy acting up."
Naruto blinked for a second then laughed. "C-cooties? Hahahahaha! I guess we have to thank the dreaded cooties for making him aware of the opposite sex! But he should've gotten over it by now since cooties are just a figment of his imagination."
"Too right you are."
Change#4: Sasuke's lack of fashion sense is evolving.
The two men immediately looked at each other and said, "Nah!"
Change#5: Sasuke began showing concern for the people around him.
"Hmm, I'll definitely agree on this one. That display he showed at the supermarket really topped the icing on the cake!" Naruto remarked as he smiled at Itachi who nodded in response.
Change#6: Sasuke finally learned how to care.
"Isn't that the same as showing concern?" The blond teen asked confusingly.
Itachi waved his hand, dismissively. "True but it's not the entirety of it, Naruto-kun. Concern is actually different from caring. When you show concern for someone except its well-being, you're actually conveying sympathy. On the other hand, caring for someone including its own well-being is an expression of empathy."
The lad still didn't grasp the meaning. "But aren't sympathy and empathy the same? I mean, they're both the same when it comes to showing feelings for a person. Sasuke's not showing any signs of this yet. And it's certainly doesn't show because he's always annoyed by her."
Itachi smirked at his notion. "Again, correct, but you're missing the point. Yes, both terms have the same capability: to share feelings. But what sets them apart is by how that person conveys those feelings."
Naruto's look didn't waver a bit.
The older man sighed. "Okay, I'll explain this to you in a manner that you will understand."
"Okay!"
"Let's tackle sympathy first. I told you earlier that it focuses on concern but not caring for the person's well-being. Sasuke displayed this feeling when he saved Sakura-san from getting clobbered by T. He and Neji being rivals was already yesterday's news, so why would he save the girlfriend? It's because he was thinking of himself at that time. He didn't want to get himself involved with Neji so he decided to help the girl in order to cut his connections to them."
"I dunno. Sasuke probably did it to gain a win from the enemy by snagging the one thing that's most important to him. Yet he hates Neji to the core." The teen answered, albeit disbelieving.
The raven-haired man chuckled as he started cutting the tomatoes. "If you were Uchiha Sasuke, would you really go that far to break the enemy?" He looked at the other man in the eye.
Naruto finally admit defeat. "No. I've known him since we were young and I never saw him lift a finger against Hyuga. It was that bastard who kept going at him, even sending his lackeys to do his dirty bidding." He clenched a fist. "I have nothing against Sakura-chan but if she's part of Neji's plot in bringing Sasuke-chan down, I'll even assist T in disposing her." His eyes lit up then he looked at Itachi. "Wait, if it's just concern then how will it end up as caring? He often treated her like an annoyance!"
Itachi was satisfied at the young man's display of loyalty. But of course, he couldn't help but defend his precious charge. "It's because he's beginning to see Sakura-san as something more than just an annoyance."
Silence filled the entire kitchen. The lad didn't say anything, though he eventually got the picture. Letting out a shrewd smile, he winked at Itachi. "Those were some pretty interesting observations, older brother-san. I'm wondering how Sasuke will hold out until the end."
Itachi smiled back. "Then, we'll have to wait and see."
The blond turned his back on him, heading for the doorway. "That was fun! Now, time to go back and see how T's doing."
The older Uchiha nodded then went back to his task. 'Hopefully this night will be a good one.'
7:30 PM
Living Room
"What are you doing here, Haruno?"
Sakura fidgeted under his gaze. Usually she would get annoyed if guys would stare at her like that. But this was Uchiha Sasuke. She mentally smacked herself. What's with this guy making her knees wobble and her whole body shake? Maybe it's that scowl of his or that ominous glare.
She mustered enough courage to respond. "Like Itachi-san said, he invited me."
"Hn."
She raised a hand. "If you're thinking about that incident with Koichi, let me assure you that my partner and I passed the project with flying colors. He didn't notice anything unusual. So don't worry about a thing."
It took a while for Sasuke to register what she said. Apparently, he was too busy studying her facial expressions. How could a girl switch into so many expressions at once? Earlier, he could've sworn she was going to tear up in front of him.
Was Neji tormenting her again?
'Since when did I become so concerned about her love life?' he thought. In favour of deception, he decided to play his cards right. If he continued to be ignorant, he'll get his cover blown. Since they've already formed some sort of bond because of Neji, the least he could do was to ask about their relationship was doing.
"How are things going with Hyuga?"
She flinched a bit but relaxed. "He's doing fine."
"Aa." He decided not to prod any further, seeing how she looked deeply affected. Indeed, there was something bad going on between her and Hyuga. Sighing, he decided not to involve himself with their fragmented love life. He gestured at the sofa. "Why don't you take a seat first? I'll get you something to drink."
"That would be great."
Sasuke narrowly eyed her as she sat on the sofa. Feeling a sense of indifference, he made his way to the kitchen. He was still curious as to why his idiotic brother dragged her home. Surely it wasn't on Itachi's list to torment him again. The festival was a first, and then the dreaded school project. Now, inviting her for dinner?
'What the fuck's going on?'
Letting his thoughts slide, he finally reached the kitchen. His brother was already putting the finishing touches for their dinner tonight. Upon sensing Sasuke's gaze on him, he looked at him in acknowledgement. "Well?"
"Well what?"
"How'd it go?"
His eyebrow went up. "Go with what?"
Itachi went back to his work. "Sakura-san. She looked deeply worried about something."
Sasuke didn't pay attention to his words as he took a carton of orange juice from the fridge. Pouring the liquid into the glass, he couldn't help but ask. "Why are you so concerned?"
"Are you?"
He placed the carton back. "I'm not."
"You can't fool me, Sasuke."
Said Uchiha only glared. Itachi gave a small laugh as he finally finished. Admiring his work, his expression turned serious. "That girl's been occupying your mind since the day you first met. Naruto and Tenten may not be aware of it but I do. Lately, you've been acting way off-hand whenever she's around you."
"Is that why you brought her here? In order for you to prove to me that what you're saying is true?" Sasuke retorted angrily.
Itachi waved his hand dismissively. "Why are you so defensive? Before, you would just let things like this slide. Now you're acting like a guy who just hit puberty. It's okay. I'll keep this little crush of yours a secret."
Sasuke was ready to pound his brother's head. "For the last time, I don't have a crush on her."
His brother retorted sternly. "Why don't you just face the truth? Admit it, Sasuke. You're beginning to like her."
"I already said that I don't…" He trailed off when he heard incoming footsteps. Both Uchihas looked at the doorway to see Tenten who seemed to be not in the best of moods. Hating the discomfort from their gazes, she asked. "Naruto told me to check up on you guys. How's the food?"
"Dinner's ready, Tenten. If it weren't for Sasuke hounding me, I would be setting the table by now."
The nerve of his brother! Sasuke snatched up the glasses with orange juice and walked past Tenten without a word. She watched him suspiciously as he went back to the living room. Letting out a low groan, she asked Itachi. "What's wrong with him? It's like he's having PMS."
"Well, you know him. He's our little girl."
"Hmf," she grumbled. Even if the person in front of her whom she considered as one of her best friends didn't tell her, she already knew the source of Sasuke's moodiness. Whenever that pink hussy's around, he was never in a good mood. In fact, he was constantly annoyed by her presence. It was the girl's fault, since she kept on sticking to him like glue. As his friend, it's her job to make sure that no harm would come his way.
Especially in the form of a weak girl named Haruno Sakura.
On the other hand, Itachi just smirked.
Dinner was unpleasantly quiet. For Sasuke that is.
Itachi, being the gracious host, pampered them a lot by offering several helpings. Naruto and Tenten still squabbled like little children while Sakura was all smiles. Sighing discontentedly, he helped himself to more rice. Even though his friends' noises were creating some sort of distraction during the entire course, it still didn't help to lighten the mood.
"Do you want more helping, Sakura-san?" Itachi asked Sakura who nodded instantly, offering her bowl. Tenten watched her carefully, eyeing her cautious movements and stiff smiles. She then glanced back at Sasuke who was eating unobtrusively and yet, would sometimes glimpse at the girl across from him. 'What the hell's going on? It's as if they're treating her like a member of the family!' she thought, munching her food irately.
Out of nowhere, Naruto shoved his bowl a few inches away from her face. "More please!"
Startled, Tenten smacked him on the head. "Watch it! You almost hit my face!"
"You're such a grouch! I don't know why you're always irritated at me!"
"Cut it out already! Can't we just have a nice and quiet dinner?" Sasuke spoke at last, glaring at each one of them. His two friends hushed down but not after giving each other heated looks. The raven-haired lad resumed eating his meal however it was peculiar. Their attention was now directed at him.
Enough was enough. He put his bowl down. "Gochisousama."
Itachi raised a brow. He stared at his now empty bowl. "Already? You only just had one bowl of rice."
Running a hand through his hair idly, he stood up. "I'm going out." He could feel their gazes on him. With the exception of Sakura, who looked away and preoccupied herself by eating.
"Want me to go with you, Sasuke-chan?" Naruto batted his lashes.
"No."
"Pretty please?"
Without saying another word, he left. He knew he had to leave. Those probing looks were already getting in his nerves.
It was time for him to take a walk anyways.
Just to clear his mind off of things.
11:00 PM
"Good night then! We'll see you guys in the morning," Naruto said, ushering Tenten out the door. The fuming girl didn't budge from where she was standing but she had no other choice. They still have school tomorrow and a pile of homework to do.
Itachi heaved a sigh, crossing his arms. "It's already late. Are you sure you don't want to spend the night?"
Tenten hugged him, grateful for his offer. "No worries. Naruto's taking me home anyways and we still have school. And also, you have bigger problems to worry about." She gave a muted gaze past Itachi's shoulder. Naruto rolled his eyes as he slung an arm around her neck.
"The hell you're talking about? Just because Sasuke-chan's not here doesn't mean you have to take it out on someone else! And besides," he whispered slyly. "They're not yet together."
Tenten gulped. She shoved Naruto with a force that knocked him face-first on the pavement. "I know that, dummy! Sheesh! Not in front of Itachi-san!"
The blond rubbed his aching face. "Ow! You're so sadistic, T! If Sasuke-chan were here, he'd beat the crap outta you!"
"Screw you foxface!"
"Okay, ladies that's enough." Itachi sweat dropped. He patted both of them on the head. "You better go now. I don't know what's gotten into Sasuke's brain that he decided to go for a walk."
Naruto grinned. "Who knows what Sasuke-chan's thinking? I bet it's me!"
Tenten and Itachi merely gave him a dark look.
11:45 PM
Sakura glanced at the clock. How strange it was for him to go out at this time! Itachi stated something about his brother taking her home but it seems the aforementioned person didn't return yet. Twisting the hem of her skirt, she let out a long sigh. Throughout dinnertime, she was sorely aware of his accusing looks at her direction. It was very uncomfortable, so she had no choice but to put up a brave front and smile.
After all, what more could he want from her?
She closed her eyes.
Neji.
The sound of pending footsteps broke her thoughts. She looked up and saw Itachi holding two steaming mugs of coffee on each hand. He handed her one. "Here."
Gratefully, she accepted the mug. The man sat suavely on the lounge chair across from her. Silent, both of them sipped their coffee as if it was their last. Sakura didn't like the nervous tension building up between them. It's as if the older Uchiha was waiting for her to talk.
She decided to break the ice. "Um, did Sasuke-san mentioned where he was going?"
"Not really. He took off without telling us, remember?" Itachi tapped one well-manicured nail under his chin. "That boy, he's avoiding something. Or someone."
The girl looked at her mug and sighed. "I think…I'm the one he's avoiding."
"Oh?" This was getting interesting. Itachi feigned ignorance, extracting more…juicy details. He took another sip of his coffee. "I'm not really sure what you mean. Care to tell me more?"
She stared at her cup more, boring holes in it. "Earlier he asked me about Neji."
"And then?"
"It was…confusing. I thought they hated each other. But then he asked me how I'm doing with Neji. I thought he was only showing concern since he was his enemy but this was Uchiha Sasuke. He wouldn't give a damn about anyone. Tonight," she smiled, "he didn't give me that hostile look which he usually had. For a moment there, I almost thought that he was warming up to me."
The older man chuckled. "I see. Does that mean he's starting to care for you?"
Emerald eyes sparkled with renewed curiosity. "I don't know. Maybe he's just asking me that because we're friends."
He smirked shrewdly, setting his mug down the coffee table. "Sakura-san, tell me. Have you ever thought of yourself just being friends with Uchiha Sasuke?"
She slumped back against the sofa. "Um, I'm not really sure..."
"Then, what are you feeling for the two of them right now?"
"I…I don't know."
Itachi's eyes flickered with conviction. "Are you sure?"
"Yes." That was the truth. She already acknowledged the fact she and Neji would no longer go back to the way they used to be. At first, she accepted Neji as her boyfriend because he valued her as his most prized possession. In the end, she realized that a possession was nothing more but a physical matter by nature. Her boyfriend treated her like a trophy girlfriend. Fortunately, she never submitted to him sexually. Or else, that would've been devastating.
For Sasuke, she was somewhat unsure. It never crossed her mind to turn to him for a rebound fling. He proved himself to a certain extent, unfathomable. It was completely understandable from the way he looked and acted around her. His measured gaze, steady composure and controlled movements would make one think that he was incapable of feelings. But after learning bits and pieces of his childhood from Itachi-san, she felt pity and sadness for the stoic lad. Which is why, she made an attempt to make friends with him in order to ease that feeling of loneliness and solitude.
Then of course, she also learned that making friends with the apathetic male would result in countless mishaps and consequences.
His friends didn't lack in showing their disgust of her. His female friend would often give her irritated looks whenever she passed by the corridors during school time. On the other hand, Naruto was more tolerant. He didn't display any hostility towards her and yet it was clear that his loyalty was to his friends. He reminded her so much of Ino.
She returned her gaze back to Itachi who was busy examining his nails. He immediately stopped what he was doing and smiled at her. "Is there something on your mind, Sakura-san?"
She smiled back. "It's nothing."
"Hmm…from the way you're smiling, it would seem to that your thoughts are pre-occupied by my brother and Neji-san. Am I right?"
The girl blanched from his observation. "I…yes."
"Well," Itachi stood up from his seat. "I'm afraid I have to leave you to your thoughts. Sasuke's not back yet and it looks like you'll be staying here again tonight."
She rose up as well. "Not necessary. I'll be going now. We have school in the morning and I didn't inform my parents that I'll be this late."
The older man sighed as he picked up the mugs. "If that's what you wish. However it's almost 12 AM and it's pretty dangerous outside. I know you're a responsible girl but surely, you wouldn't want to put yourself at risk. If I were you, I'd choose the safer way." When she didn't say anything, he made his way for the kitchen.
It was such an easy win.
12:30 AM
Silence greeted Sasuke as he locked the main door. He never expected his walk to last that long. Thoughts about a certain pink-haired girl didn't put his mind at ease. The walk made him realize that asking her about Hyuga was a big mistake. It probably made her think that he was concerned about Neji. In reality, he was only asking how she was doing.
'It was a really stupid move earlier, Sasuke.' he mentally berated himself.
Since when did he start caring about her?
Okay, that didn't sound right.
The living room lights were turned off beforehand. Only the hallway was lit. There was no sign of his brother. 'He must've gone off to bed,' he smugly thought. It only took him a moment to notice that his friends went home already due to lack of noise from his room. Good thing, since he needed privacy to attend to his thoughts. Flicking the switch in his room, his eyes went wide slightly when he saw none other than the pink-haired girl with her back turned on him.
"What are you doing in my room?"
She tensed up. She awkwardly gestured at the desk lamp. "The light was on. There was no one here earlier so I turned it off."
Crossing his arms, he gave an I-don't-think-so stare. "Did my brother tell you to spend the night here again?"
The girl defiantly glared at him. "He did. I told him it was unnecessary. In fact, I only waited for you to tell you goodnight so I'll be on my way."
"I see." He said, moving towards the bed. His eyes were locked into hers as he plopped down on the soft mattress. Somehow, it looked like he won't be attending to his thoughts tonight.
He looked at her again and was surprised. What's the matter with her now? Her look of boldness was utterly replaced with pining and gloom. Truthfully, she was puzzling him with her ever-changing expressions. For the first time, he felt like he wanted to do something, no, anything for her. Totally different from what he was feeling towards his friends. He cringed as he remembered his brother's words. Finally, he admitted to himself that he was slowly showing interest in her.
'Admit it, Sasuke. You're beginning to like her.'
It hurt a lot. His brother's words kept on repeating in his mind. He never wanted to admit it, but he…was right.
Damn, but why does it have to be her?
She's Neji's girlfriend. There was no way he was attracted to her. Even though she had beautiful green eyes, pale white skin and that implausibly weird but pretty pink-hair. Not to mention her cute puffed-out cheeks and pouty mouth whenever she's annoyed.
He mentally smacked himself.
Snap out of it!
It was a big NO-NO.
His eyes smouldered with newfound curiosity. Since when did he start caring about what other people think?
He never cared about what other people think before.
Before he let his thoughts get the better of him, he turned to Sakura who was still standing near his desk. "Why don't you sit here on the bed? It's more comfortable than standing there like a stupid statue."
The rosette didn't budge. Idly, he watched her as she relented and made herself comfortable, sitting cautiously next to him. Silence engulfed the entire room. Sakura was having nervous tensions again though it was different with Itachi-san earlier.
With Sasuke-san…she felt lightheaded and almost like falling asleep. Her eyelids have now gotten heavy, and she wondered if taking a snooze would be a good idea.
His cool voice broke her from her reverie. "Sleepy?"
"N-no." She slapped her cheek to get rid of excess sleepiness. The boy chuckled from her action. "It's not funny."
He rested his back against the wall. "Yeah it was."
"It's not!" she retorted, heat building on her cheeks. Her temperature soared up, and she blamed it her hormones for causing it. The petite girl didn't hear any more sounds from him so she turned her head around and look at him. The lad was leaning languidly against the wall with his arms crossed and eyes closed. He was already dozing off to la-la land!
"What the hell? He's sleeping ahead of me!" she muttered angrily. She grabbed a pillow and about to hit him with vengeance when she stopped and looked at him. She never got to see him this close before.
She dropped the pillow and scooted quietly next to him. He was already sleeping so he wouldn't mind her observing his facial features. No wonder Ino and his crazed fan girls obsessed that much about him. Uchiha Sasuke was definitely handsome.
Unruly jet-black tresses framed the sides of his face. If she didn't know him that well, she would've mistaken him for being emo. She took notice of his complexion which was very pale. He reminded her of a handsome vampire with a tragic love life from the novels she used to read. His face was so clear and there were no signs of spots or blemishes. 'What skin product does he use? I should ask him sometime,' she mentally asked. Her scrutiny then shifted to his thick eyebrows. Not bushy, just right. She had always love thick eyebrows in men.
It was one of Neji's best assets. But Sasuke's looked better and more natural.
She blinked. Since when did she start comparing Neji to Sasuke?
Taking a deep breath, she continued with her assessment. She giggled quietly, making another discovery. The great Uchiha Sasuke has long lashes. Incredibly long, fluttery, and very effeminate eye lashes. She began to wonder if having thick brows and sexy long lashes were an Uchiha trademark since Itachi-san had these. But his was nothing compared to his brother's. Of course, his lashes weren't that noticeable whenever his eyes were wide open and he was rarely caught sleeping.
Until now, that is.
Her gaze fell on his mouth and her face went beet red. 'Itachi-san wasn't kidding. I'm really feeling something for him…' she admitted. Remembering the times he saved her, she fully understood that he was genuinely concerned for her. But, she didn't want him to see her often as a damsel-in-distress. She was beyond all of that. She never wanted him to label her as simply Neji's girlfriend. Until recently, she ended up as his ex-girlfriend.
She needed to confirm something. A lot of questions went running through her mind right now and staring at the sleeping boy didn't help at all. She wanted answers, so she had no other choice but to get it from the source. Taking a deep breath, she made her move. She nudged him by the shoulder. "Sasuke-san."
He groaned with his eyes still closed. "What?"
"I want to ask you something."
He didn't open his eyes. "Can't this wait until morning? I have school." A pillow was slammed at his face, jolting his stupor. Annoyed, he grabbed the pillow and glared at the girl who was trying hard not to laugh. "I'm awake. This question better be good Haruno or I swear I'll make you regret waking me up."
She was unfazed by his threats. Her expression turned from mirth to serious. "I know! But, I really need to ask this because…I'm confused."
He raised a brow. "I'm listening."
She stared at his eyes, which were filled with fatigue. It really was a bad time, but she had to ask him to put her mind at ease. "Um, earlier," she began, uneasiness getting the best of her, "why did you ask me how I'm doing with Neji?"
When he didn't respond, she continued. "Because, I'm thinking…that maybe, you're just concerned about me because I'm his girlfriend."
Sasuke was taken aback. He scratched his head bafflingly. "I don't see any problem with that. I asked you that because actually, I don't know how to open up a conversation with you. Since he's your boyfriend and I knew him, wouldn't it be right to ask how the two of you were doing?"
Sakura didn't know how to respond. Her hand went up to her chest trying to soften the thudding noise of her heart. "W-why would you ask me something like that?"
"I already told you that…what the hell?" He straightened himself, fully awake. "Haruno, why are you asking me about these kinds of things?"
The blushing girl didn't respond. It was too embarrassing. Her emotions were going on haywire and if she couldn't control herself right now…she might do something she will regret. However, he was waiting for her answer. She hesitated. "I…It's because…most people who ask those kinds of questions are friends and I…I don't know if we're on that stage yet."
He sighed exasperatingly. "What you're trying to say is that I asked you that question because I'm thinking of you as my friend?"
She nodded.
He sighed again. Frankly, they weren't even on the friendship stage yet. But he constantly had that unsettling feeling of wanting to be there for her every time she's putting herself at risk. Isn't that called friendship? Or pity? The Uchiha was still unrelenting of placing Sakura within his circle of trust. The two of them may not be friendly with each other but he was slowly developing interest in her.
Was showing interest in her an indication of friendship?
He stared at her. 'What about a relationship then? Since she and I unwittingly kissed on several encounters.' Again, Itachi's words replayed like a tape recorder. A relationship with her was surely a possibility but not necessarily. And besides, it's better to avoid big bad Hyuga's dark side.
Finally, he made a decision.
"Haruno," he began. The pinkette stared at him. She was waiting for him to continue. "If asking you that question means I'm concerned for you as a friend, then, I guess I'm beginning to see you as one."
Her eyes were filled with repressed humour. "Really?"
He couldn't help but smirk. Yup, she was slowly growing on him. "Yeah."
She was satisfied with his answer. That feeling of carrying a heavy burden on her shoulders was finally gone. Clapping her hands together, she exclaimed. "Wow, I just can't believe it. We're finally going to be friends. I know you're thinking of me as being too emotional but at least now I feel better because back then, I've always thought of you as untouchable."
His ears perked up after hearing the word. "Untouchable? Am I really that…untouchable?"
Sakura smiled. "Um…yes. It's like you're here with me physically but not emotionally. Since we'll be friends, it's about time you started warming up to people. Most especially to your friends since they've always watched your back."
Sasuke raised a brow. He didn't like listening to sermons. "Are you trying to tell me to open up to other people?"
"Yup!" she answered, raising a hand. His eyes showed disbelief as she patted him on the head. "You're not alone, Sasuke-san. We're going to be friends now. So, if you ever have a problem, feel free to talk to me. And if I have a problem," she faltered yet continued, "I'll come talk to you. Okay?"
"Fair enough," He muttered, lifting a hand up and grasping hers. Somehow, he was having an urge to look at her eyes closely. He leaned towards her. Black met green. "So, am I still untouchable?" he asked, voice husky.
She shook her head, still smiling. "Not anymore. We're friends right?"
"Yeah. But before that," He pulled her closer to him. Sakura was about to ask what he meant by that but her attempt was thwarted as he promptly captured her mouth into a kiss.
And then there was closure.
A/N: There you have! Sorry for the late updates, folks. I have to backtrack to Yokoso's previous chapters and relive my love for Naruto again in order to make this chapter. I just realized that I can't leave this story or my stories unfinished. ^^ Not to worry, this story is back on and there will be more chapters to follow. Don't forget to tell me what you think of this chapter. Till then, Ja ne! :D
