Thursday

Sasuke stood at his usual spot by the subway station. Thoughts about yesterday filled his mind to the point where it felt like he might explode. He didn't know what to make of that time. Though he hadn't regretted the kiss, he usually wasn't the one to make the first move. However, something about the atmosphere or maybe Naruto as a whole had prompted him to do it. And afterwards, he'd acted rather strange. Well, stranger than usual.

He sighed and shook his head. Maybe it wasn't worth losing his mind over something minor. Just another concern to add to the list. Still, he couldn't help but think about Naruto's words and expression. He hadn't looked regretful though, so he should consider it a win for now instead of like the world was coming undone.

"Good mornin', Sasuke. Whoa! Those are some bags under your eyes. What did you do yesterday?"

"I couldn't sleep."

"Really?" He raised an eyebrow. "You seem a bit strange today. What's up?"

"Nothing."

"Liar. You were acting pretty normal yesterday when you called me, so why are you so weird now? I don't get you." He shook his head with a sigh. "Oh, and by the way, you better not try anythin' like a mornin' kiss or somethin'. Yesterday was an accident! It's your fault that it happened in the first place."

"An accident? Hardly. It was a trap."

"Don't turn this on me now..."

"I'm not," he said with a chuckle. "If you didn't enjoy it then you can just say that."

"I– I never said that."

"Huh?"

"Never mind! Let's go, okay? It wouldn't do if we were late."

Though Sasuke wanted to ask what he meant, the question died on his tongue when Naruto grabbed his hand. A strange warmth blossomed from his chest as he smiled and let himself be led. It stayed even after they separated.

The school day went by in a flash until lunch break. Both of them had taken shelter at the pool where no one could disturb them. Not that they did. However, it was nice to just sit together in silence too.

"Damn, I'm sleepy..."

"Why don't you take a nap, then?" he asked. "There's still some time before the next period."

"Would you be okay with it? I mean, I fell asleep last time durin' the movie too."

"I don't really mind."

"Huh." He paused. "In that case, lend me your lap."

"What?"

"I'm going to use it as a pillow."

Sasuke waited for the joke but when none came he said, "You're serious."

"I wouldn't joke about somethin' like that. Come on, it'll only be for a little while."

Before he had a chance to reply, Naruto's head settled against his thighs. The whole thing was strange but not uncomfortable. But he kind of liked having him this close even if it's for a moment.

"I just remembered." He opened his eyes. "There's a girl in my class that you've dated. Sakura Haruno? Do you remember her?"

An image of a girl with pink hair flashed across his mind. "Yes."

"I thought so. Sakura has a strong personality. She's a fun friend to have, isn't she?" He smiled. "Do you still see her?"

He shook his head. "I don't stay in contact with anyone I've dated."

Naruto's eyes widened as he got up. "But, don't some of them call you?"

"I don't know." He shrugged. "I don't answer calls from unknown numbers."

"You... delete their numbers? Mail addresses too?"

The expression on his face held a certain sadness that Sasuke didn't like. He wished that they could just drop the subject.

"Isn't that cold?"

"Well," he began and thought his word choice through carefully. "Could you stand it if the person you were dating kept getting calls from someone you didn't know?"

"Um, well, I guess that makes sense." He paused and looked away. "So that means that next week you'll delete my number too."

No, he wanted to tell him. Sasuke halted as his thoughts short-circuited at how fast that admittance came. However, the more he thought about it, the quicker it made sense. Until there was but one explanation left. A buzzing sound interrupted his silent revelation as he shot Naruto an apologetic look and answered the call.

"Hell–"

"You know what? Itachi's such a jerk!"

He sighed. "What happened?"

"I ended up calling him but he's still mad! What do you think about that? Huh?!"

"Did you apologise to him properly?"

"Why should I have to apologise?! Are you on his side too?!"

"It's not about sides. The fact remains that you cheated on him, Nami."

"That's not my fault!"

He let out another sigh. "Look Nami, I'm sorry but I–"

The phone got snatched out of his grip before he had a chance to complete the sentence. He looked up at Naruto who had an unreadable expression on his face.

"Nami..." The way he said that sent a chill down his spine. "So you can just delete numbers of all the girls that like you like it's nothin' but you still have the number of that one girl you like? That's not fair, is it?"

"Why... why are you so angry?"

"Why? Are you serious right now?" His blue eyes blazed like fire. "I'm the one you're datin' right now. Of course, I'm angry!"

Naruto threw his phone that he caught with ease before he stormed away. He thought about going after him but decided against it. Instead, he sighed and dialled Nami. His ear was greeted by the sounds of sniffling, which made him let out another sigh.

"Are you crying?" He didn't know why he asked as it was obvious. "Why don't you just forgive him? He's only ever cheated on you once, and that was a year ago. Haven't you had your revenge?"

"It doesn't have anything to do with how many times. Whether it's once or ten times, it's all the same."

This wasn't territory that was familiar to him. After all, he's never been cheated on but he always tried to understand.

"I guess it's hard," he said and leaned back against the wall. "It's difficult because you love my brother more than anyone. I kind of envy him because he has such an amazing person like you."

"Thanks." She paused. "Hey? I love you, Sasuke."

Those words would often make his heart skip a beat. However, now they made him feel tense and awkward.

"I know. I do too. But, I'm not going to answer your calls anymore, Nami. Just like how you put my brother first, I also have found someone more important than you. Someone I care about more than I thought that I could ever care about anyone."

He thought to let her go with a farewell but decided that he'd wasted enough time. Without another word, he hung up and gathered his things. It wasn't until after school that he found Naruto again, who stood by the gates. He looked better than before, so he took that as a good thing.

"Hey."

"Hey, should we go?"

He nodded as they made their way to the station. The silence between them was thick but didn't last for very long, thankfully.

"Look, I'm sorry about what happened at lunch. I thought about it and realised that I shouldn't have gotten so angry. I don't even remember what I was angry about."

"There's no need to apologise," said Sasuke with a smile. "I kind of liked seeing you angry, if I'm honest."

"The hell does that mean? Weirdo..."

"It was kind of cute."

"Cute–?! Who are you callin' cute, you idiot?!"

"See? You're just proving my point."

"Gah! I can't believe this! I should just stop speakin' to you."

"Oh no, you don't," he said and slung an arm across his shoulder. "This way you won't get away from me."

"That sounds incredibly creepy, you know?"

"I don't mind." He shrugged. "Do you?"

"No... Not really." He paused. "But I still feel this overwhelmin' urge to hit you."

"Can I bribe you to focus your attention on food instead?"

"Hmm, temptin' offer. Make it sweets and I'm in."

"Sure, anything for you."

They ended up in a nearby convenience store before they got on the subway. Naruto appeared much happier, which he was grateful for. He couldn't help but be sad to see him go and felt an intense impulse to call him right away. He managed to stave it off an hour after arriving home. Surprisingly, no one picked up. He tried the home number instead and got through.

"Hello?"

"Hello. I'm looking for Naruto, is he there?"

"Oh! Are you one of Naruto's friends?"

"Yes."

"One moment, please! Hey, Naruto! One of your friends called! Are you goin' to answer it? Sorry sweetheart, what's your name?"

"Sasuke Uchiha."

"Ah, thank you! Naruto! It's Sasuke Uchiha! Hold on a moment, sweetheart." She paused. "You better not drop it."

"I won't, promise. Are you there, Sasuke?"

"I'm still here," he said with a smile. "Was that your mother?"

"Yeah, sorry it took some time for me to answer."

"She's rather loud, isn't she?"

"Ah, yeah, sorry about that..."

"It's fine. I see where you get it from now." He paused. "So, what's up?"

"Nothin' much. Just having a bath right now. What about you? Why are you callin'?"

Sasuke didn't register the questions as his mind halted at the word bath. The splash sound from the other end confirmed it. At this moment, Naruto was–

"Sasuke? Hello? Are you still there?"

"I– I'm still here."

"What's with you? You sound strained." He paused. "Wait a minute, are you maybe imaginin' me naked?"

"No!"

"You totally are! Wow, I had no idea you were such a pervert!"

"Who would want to imagine you naked?"

"Apparently you."

"This is stupid, I'm hanging up."

"All right. See you tomorrow then!"