『 NOTICE PLEASE READ: 』
This story has additional content and explicit artwork in the AO3 version of this fic. If that's something you might like, you can enjoy the added content version of this story on my AO3 account! You can find the link on my profile. You will not be missing out on anything plot relevant by reading this version! Please take note that this story will contain various amounts of kink content. Please enjoy! ❤️
.: PROLOGUE :.
The winter day was dismal as the wind howled outside, swirling flutters of snow within its grasp. The season like any other had been long and tedious as Sasuke sat at an empty table in the library, exhaling while looking through uninteresting news on his cell phone. The small chatter of other students in the background and the excessive typing of keys just barely reached his ears as he snuffed them out, opening a document on his laptop to look at an unfinished homework assignment. He sighed and glanced at the time at the bottom right corner of the screen. Just as he began to fidget, suddenly the doors to the library flung open. A blonde student carrying two cups of coffee in his hands had rather ungracefully barged in, apologizing to the librarian as he awkwardly smiled and clumsily made his way over to Sasuke's table.
"You're late."
"I know!" The student replied, setting the drinks down and then fumbling through the bag strapped to his side.
Sasuke reached for one of the cups and leaned back in his chair. Sasuke never bothered to remember particular students and hardly even their names. But he had the unfortunate displeasure of knowing this one: Naruto Uzumaki. A law major with a loud mouth, obnoxious personality, and this irritating damn smile. His outward personality and nature heavily conflicted with Sasuke's, who remained calm and uncaring about most things.
"Just a minute…" Naruto took out a notebook and set it on the table. Then set his laptop down as well and waited for it to boot. He looked up at Sasuke and smiled.
See, there it was. That smile. Sasuke didn't know why, but he hated it. For someone who was usually disruptive, always asked stupid or non-sensical questions during lectures, always needed to borrow a pen or pencil, and over all a thorn in the side, Sasuke could not grasp how on earth Naruto was still so popular with others. He was usually surrounded by a group of classmates who would exchange answers from homework with each other or ask if they wanted to go out and eat or play games at arcades. So why the hell was he here with him? Simple. Because they were always assigned a group project together in one of their classes due to their last names starting with U as students were paired in alphabetical order.
"Not going to drink the coffee?"
Sasuke eyed the cup and took it in his hand. "Thanks." He sipped it; it was an Irish cream flavor with an extra helping of sweetener. He could see that Naruto went with the usual hot chocolate as he removed the lid and let the aroma waft in between them. Once both of the students were situated, Sasuke began to talk.
"You finished everything on your end, correct?"
"Yeah! Well… kind of. I didn't understand a couple of things."
"Alright, fine. Let's review it then."
He and Naruto were only present in two classes they took together, which surprised Sasuke since it seemed they were studying similar things. But he didn't think too deep about it; doing so would mean he actually took interest in other people. He glanced at the blonde. Well, ok. So maybe he was decently attractive, so maybe he was good at math, and maybe he wasn't TOO annoying. Maybe all of that just described the average person though. It was still phenomenal at all that Naruto was able to blend into such a prestigious school which relied heavily on exceptionally good grades to attend. Or, a generous donation of money. And Sasuke doubted Naruto had either yet he had no right to judge if he was somehow sitting right in front of him.
"Hey, man!" Naruto began to speak while typing. "Ready for this semester to finally end? I'm not." He chuckled nervously, running a hand through spiky blonde hair.
"Hm. Whatever gets me out of here the fastest." Was the only response Sasuke would give the blonde, flipping the long black bang at the right side of his face.
"Hey so… when we finish with this, you wanna come hang out with me for karaoke?"
"Ugh. Again? No wonder you never get anything done."
"Come on. I don't always go. And neither do you. Actually, what DO you do for fun?" Naruto asked, folding his arms.
"..." Sasuke was quiet for a moment before answering. "Getting money and fucking bitches."
"Pfft, WHAT." Naruto snorted. "I know you did not just say that. That wasn't something you just said. I'm begging you, please stop listening to weird music!"
"Heh." A small chuckle left the other male's lips. "It's not weird. It's just something you aren't used to hearing." He wasn't going to say anything else, but upon seeing the pleading look on the blonde's face, he sighed. "If you finish before the hour is over, I'll go with you and your annoying friends."
"Alright! Sweet! I'll text them now and let them know!" Naruto took out his cell phone excitedly.
"You have to actually finish the assignment first, idiot." But Sasuke went ignored. Well, whatever. One way or another, he was certain that he'd be dragged out of the door anyway. Naruto was pretty strong; he'd seen him pick up another guy in the hallway with ease once. It was impressive given his only slightly muscular frame. Wait no, what was he thinking? If Sasuke started thinking that average people were impressive, then he truly had no standards. He finished drinking the rest of his coffee and then got to work on the remainder of his tasks.
An hour passed and Naruto's arms shot up in the air. "DONE!"
"Alright." Sasuke himself stretched out in the chair. He finished typing a few more things and closed his laptop. "At the end of the week, we'll get back together and make a presentation, finalize it, and turn it in. Text me if there's something you need or don't understand."
"Yep, got it~" Naruto hurriedly began to repack his things. "Come on, everyone's waiting!"
"Right now?" Sasuke groaned. He couldn't argue since he did kind of promise to go with Naruto if he finished on time. Plot twist he actually didn't finish on time. But the male knew he'd only be pestered for the rest of the week if he didn't go. And with the semester coming to an end soon, the least he could was indulge his classmate. "Fine."
"Sweet!"
They cleaned up the table and both students headed out the door. Naruto pulled the hood of his bright orange jacket over his head as they stepped outside. He stuck his hands in his pockets as he trudged through the snow. Eventually, they met up with a group of other students waiting for them. Naruto told them Sasuke would be joining and they were fine with the gloomy classmate tagging along. They all piled into a car and headed straight for the karaoke bar.
Thankfully it wasn't as crowded as it usually was for a Saturday night. Everyone gathered around a table to take their seats and order drinks. Naruto ordered a huge platter of nachos for everyone to share. Despite his quirks, the blonde was awfully considerate of others, something Sasuke came to notice. Not once had he ever asked for some form of repayment for the things that he did; he just did it. Must be nice to be a normal person that everyone likes. Sasuke's family was quite renowned, and the only times people were interested in him was if it was for money or recognition. Hence why he avoided such activities as this. But with the blonde and his group, it was a different story. It felt… normal.
As the night went on and on, with the group going through five different songs with Sasuke refusing to sing, mostly because his music choices would have been too explicit, everything began to wind down. Sasuke stood up from the table to take his leave early.
"Wait, Sasuke! We haven't had our drinks yet!" Naruto stated, grabbing the male by the wrist to prevent him from leaving.
Everyone else looked at the raven-haired student, their eyes basically pleading with him to stay just a little while longer. Sasuke sighed. "Fine. But I'm only staying for one drink then leaving."
Everyone at the table cheered. They waited for the hostess to come back around before ordering a round of drinks. They all settled on just plain beer as anything stronger probably wouldn't be in their best interest right now. A few minutes later, a platter with four mugs filled to the top with amber colored alcohol and foam was passed out to the group. But a particularly interesting one in a tall glass filled with ice and a mint leaf was given to Sasuke.
"Huh? What's this?" He asked.
"It's a Mojito!" The hostess smiled. "Your drinks were paid for by another customer and they ordered that one especially for you, sir." She bowed. "I hope you like it."
"Whaaaaat?" The group all collectively awed at Sasuke's complimentary drink.
"Looks like someone's taken a fancy to you, huh~" Naruto joked.
"Hmph." Sasuke shook his head. "They probably just recognized who I was." He sipped the minty beverage. He didn't particularly like it, but wasn't going to waste the nice gesture either.
"Oh right, you do come from a pretty prestigious family, huh Sasuke?" One of the girls at the table inquired. "So like, what do you plan to do after you graduate?"
Sasuke sipped more of the drink then placed it down with a sigh. "I'm going to study at business school for a couple of years. Then I'll be taking over my family's company which deals in insurance."
"Ooh, so cool!" The girl chimed. "I'm jealous! I don't have anything like that predetermined for me. But I want to become a lawyer!"
"Oh Naruto, didn't you want to be a lawyer, too?" Another student asked.
"Well kind of." The blonde went on to explain, "I want to be a prosecutor more specifically. Prosecutors are law enforcement who work with the police. They look into case details and review the things the police have found, like evidence or witness reports. Then piece them all together to create a defense in the courtroom. The defendant is the one who has a lawyer to represent them. Basically, a prosecutor tries to prove that someone committed a crime while a lawyer tries to prove that they didn't."
"If only you sounded that smart all the time." Sasuke mocked.
"Whoa! Looks like we're gonna be enemies then!" The girl winked at Naruto. "But that sounds pretty stressful. You really think you can do something like that?"
"Yeah!" Naruto said with confidence. "It's my dream! I've always wanted to help people, you know? A lot of slimy people get away with doing horrible things everyday. It's not right. That's why I chose it as my career path. After I graduate from here, I'll be going to law school next."
"I wish both of you luck then!" The girl at the table smiled. "Let's have a toast! For the future!"
"FOR THE FUTURE!" Everyone held up their drinks and took a long, hearty sip.
After finishing their drinks, the group chattered a bit more and eventually started another round of songs. Sasuke just opted to relax and observe before Naruto nudged him. He curiously looked at the blonde who was now grinning at him. Immediately getting the hint, Sasuke quickly shook his head.
"No."
"Come on! What's the point of you being here then?!"
Sasuke sighed. "You know I don't listen to any of this stuff, right?"
"That's ok!" Another student chimed in. "We can just choose a genre of something you like!"
"Hah! There's no way any of the things this guy listens to are on there." Naruto laughed. "But… I know a song you just have to know!" Not allowing the male to argue, Naruto grabbed a mic and pushed it into Sasuke's chest.
"Ugh. Fine." Sasuke took hold of the mic. "But don't complain if I do a half-assed job."
Naruto skimmed through the list of songs, eventually stopping on one. There was a dorky grin on his face as he pressed the button to play it. Sasuke looked at the name of the song: "That's What the World Calls Love" by a rock band, Sambomaster.
"You're joking. That song is so cheesy." Sasuke frowned.
"Oh my god, it's been forever since I've heard that song!" One of the students chimed. "We used to sing that song all the time in school!"
"Oh yeah, I remember that!" A male student nodded. "It used to play on this tv show my mom watched, too. That song was everywhere. Sasuke, you have to know this!"
He sighed. "Of course I know it." And he hated that he did. An elbow from Naruto signaled that he needed to pay attention now as the lyrics popped up.
『 If the faint light inside of your tears goes out,
I'll be in front of your eyes, saying something to warm you up.
Even then if our voice just dries up, then until the morning comes,
At least, I want to sing with someone! 』
Sasuke quietly held the microphone, allowing Naruto to start them off with the beginning. When the chorus was about to start, Naruto roughly wrapped an arm around him and began to sway their bodies to the music. Sasuke grumbled a bit, but reluctantly joined in and started to sing.
『 What connects each new day,
Is the new you and me!
We are, somehow, sure of it!
That's what the world calls love! 』
Gradually as the second part of the chorus started, everyone else at the table joined in, too. They swayed along and clapped, smiling at each other as they sang in harmony.
『 What connects the voices of our hearts,
Is the things we fear so much!
You and I, combine our voices!
As if our past until now,
Has never existed, we sing! 』
Everyone happily chanted along, rocking out to the enthusiastic chorus each time it happened and a sense of nostalgia filled the room. Even Sasuke found himself enjoying it. When it was over, everyone clapped for their performance.
"See? Told you it wouldn't be so bad!" Naruto laughed lightly.
"Whatever." Sasuke sneered, placing the mic on the table and folding his arms across his chest.
As the evening went on and settled into night, the group finally decided to start taking their leave. It was still the weekend, so they could always meet up again if they wanted. They started chatting about making more plans. Sasuke, however, moved to excuse himself.
"Come on, Sasuke! Don't go yet!" The group tried to pressure him to stay but the male wasn't having it.
"Sorry. See you another time."
"Another time?" One of the group pouted. "But the semester is ending soon. When's it gonna be another time?!"
"Let's take a group photo!" Naruto suggested. "That way no matter what, we can all remember this day!"
Everyone agreed and just like that, Sasuke was pulled right back in again. He sighed, staring at the cellphone Naruto held out in front of them. "Come on, everyone get into the shot. Sasuke, let me see a big smile!"
"..."
"Good enough!" The blonde snapped the selfie of them all, then sent everyone the photo. "Later guys!"
"Bye, Naruto! Bye, Sasuke!" The group finally started to disband as they went their separate ways.
However, Naruto stayed behind. He looked at Sasuke, who hadn't started walking away at all. Rather, he took out his cellphone to momentarily stare at the picture Naruto sent.
"Came out good, didn't it?" The blonde grinned.
"I guess."
"So… which way do you live? We can walk halfway together."
"I have someone who will be picking me up. Just need to make a phone call."
"Oh. Then I'll wait here with you."
"Why?" Sasuke asked, lifting a brow.
"Pfft! Why not? That's what friends do."
'Who said we were friends?' Sasuke thought to himself but didn't say aloud. "Fine. Do whatever you want." He called a number on his phone, giving them the details and address to where they were, then hung up.
"So admit it."
"Admit what?"
"You had fun tonight."
"Seriously? Do you really think I don't have-"
"Yes."
"You didn't let me finish!"
Naruto just laughed, kicking a can on the ground as he ignored the unamused look the male was giving him. "But seriously. Thank you for hanging out with me tonight. Um… Good luck in life after all of this is over. Ok?" He looked at Sasuke and smiled a bit awkwardly, as if he didn't know what else to say.
"...Yeah. Same to you." He replied, giving a bow of his head. Though, the male's gaze seemed to continue lingering over the blonde's form. While it was true that he didn't know much about Naruto, he did still enjoy the few moments of company that they shared. A feeling of envy started to encompass Sasuke then. Even though they both obviously had careers to pursue in the future, Sasuke still couldn't stop thinking about how much easier it will be for Naruto than for him. He exhaled and looked out onto the street. "...do you want a ride home?"
"Huh?"
"I'm offering you a ride home." Sasuke repeated, clearing his throat.
"Heh. Guess you are pretty nice, huh?" Naruto put his arms behind his head and exhaled as he looked skyward. "...thanks but I won't be going home after this."
Sasuke looked at him, raising a brow. "Do you have other plans?"
"Yeah. I'm going to see someone."
"Oh." Sasuke was silent again. It wasn't his business so he didn't press on. When a familiar black car stopped in front of them, he opened the door. "Well… I'll see you on Monday."
"Yeah! See you Monday!" Naruto waved. He saw Sasuke off as the car drove away. Then he turned on his heel and went on his way.
Sasuke peered out of the window for just a moment before strapping on his seatbelt. He quietly stared at the picture in his phone once more before saving it.
~:: ღ ::~
Monday arrived. Sasuke attended his classes as normal. Everything was routine. He woke up, got dressed, and was driven to school. He went to his classes and listened to lectures. It was just another day. Yet… something was missing. Something painfully obvious. He started to daydream, thinking about a certain clumsy, blonde student barging in at any moment. And how he'd then smile awkwardly at the professor and the other students as he went to take his seat behind Sasuke. Yet when Sasuke turned around, there was no one behind him. Just an empty seat. And it ate at him that day.
A couple of more days went by. It was nearing the end of the week. Sasuke had yet to hear anything from Naruto. Actually, the blonde hadn't shown up to class for three days. For one reason or another, Naruto had a habit of not being very punctual, but even Sasuke admitted to himself that it was unusual. When he tried asking about Naruto from other students, not even they knew where the blonde was. Could he have been sick? He would find himself checking his messages, waiting for the blonde to reply with some kind of reason. But he was never left with a response.
It was now Thursday. Sasuke sat in the library, waiting to meet up with his fellow student to finish their project. He texted Naruto that he would be there today, but didn't get a response. He kept looking up at the glass doors every now and then, anticipating the bumbling student to run in at any minute with two cups of coffee in hand as an apology for being late. Yet, that did not happen. But Sasuke knew that the moment he'd want to give up and leave, the student would show up. Or would he? And why was he feeling anxious about it? He sighed in irritation and put earbuds in to occupy himself with music to make the time pass.
The weather began to shift outside. The light snow became rain, making the atmosphere even chillier. It had been two hours. Nothing. After checking the time, Sasuke frustratedly got up to leave. He took out his phone and started to text an angry reply.
『 "Hey, idiot. It's your fault if we fail." 』
Sasuke - Message Sent 2:14 pm
As he was making his way out of the library and into the hallway, a couple of girls were chatting with each other. "Oh yeah, so I heard about Naruto dropping out." One of them muttered, pausing to take a sip of latte from the cup in their hand.
'What?!' Sasuke paused in his steps to eavesdrop on the conversation.
"Seriously?" The other responded. "And two weeks before finals, too. What was he thinking?!"
"Well I heard that there was something going on at home..." The first girl stated. "I was trying to text him and ask if he wanted to join our study group, but didn't get a reply back. I hope he's ok."
"Well I mean… he probably didn't drop out then, right? I'm sure he will be back for finals. Maybe he just had to take leave for now and he's busy."
"Maybe so."
The two girls then changed the subject as they began to converse about other things. Sasuke is still in pause, thinking about their words. Something happened? What exactly happened? Did it have anything to do with him and what happened after karaoke that night, or was Sasuke simply being paranoid. The black haired student wondered what could have been so bad that Naruto would neglect his assignments and disregard school entirely; to the point of not texting anyone back. He sighed as he fruitlessly attempted to call Naruto again, only to be met with the voicemail. Not knowing how to feel about this sudden information or what else to do, he sent another text message:
『 "Seriously, what's going on?" 』
Sasuke - Message Sent 2:17 pm
『 "Call me when you get this." 』
Sasuke - Message Sent 2:18 pm
However, by the time the weekend arrived Sasuke's texts still remained unread. He ended up finishing their project himself. He continued to send messages, and even tried calling, but they always went straight to voicemail. He gave up. And before long, he started feeling frustrated with himself. Maybe this was for the best.
Before Sasuke had time to notice, finals were thrust upon him. He had sunk all of his remaining time and energy into studying. He graduated. However, the trimmed and laminated certificate didn't mean a thing to him despite seeing all the happy faces his colleagues shared as they celebrated. Everyone was talking about the holidays and how they would spend their time. Luxuries that Sasuke was still lucky to have until he'd start going to business school next year, and then eventually work for his family's company. While he thought of school as nothing but a mere necessity to move forward, secretly, he did wish for more things like wasting hours at an arcade or watching sports games on television. But such things were not available to him. And he wondered what kind of lives his colleagues would lead. For them, in this moment right now, it meant everything was over. But for Sasuke, it meant that everything was starting. A dismal and gray atmosphere swirled around him like the bleak colors of winter. Why did the small golden rays of sunlight feel so cold? He wondered, among other things, if he would ever get an answer to that question.
A/N: Please feel free to leave comments/feedback! Even if its a heart emoji, it will bring me joy! ❤️
This story will receive bi-weekly updates on weekends. While it is mainly a smut/humor fic there will be other genres such as mystery and drama. Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoy it!