All three came for ramen, but Naruto felt like he was the third wheel. Sakura and Sasuke were in a world of their own that they wouldn't let him into.
It was always like this.
There were either three of them or only two. His friends communicated with each other without words, making it impossible for him to understand what they were conversing about.
Sipping the warm broth, he watched suspiciously as Sakura put an egg into Sasuke's plate that she didn't like but took, just so she could share with the black-eyed boy.
Why not share with him? After all, she knew very well that he loved eggs too!
Naruto grimaced, popping the noodles into his mouth. He chewed slowly, squinting eyes at every little gesture Sakura made towards Sasuke - a gentle nudge at his elbow, whispered words in his ear, covering her face with hair.
This was too much. Did they even remember that he was here too?
With a bang, he placed his hand on the table.
"Are you finally going to tell me?"
They momentarily jumped away from each other; Sakura with a burning face, and Sasuke with red ear tips. He probably thought Naruto wouldn't notice, but he'd had his eye on him for a while now.
"We have no idea what you mean."
"You don't?!" he pointed his chopsticks accusingly at the two of them, "You guys have been acting all lovey dovey since you came here!"
"What—"
Sakura parted her lips, her short hair falling over her eyes.
"It's just your imagination." grunted Sasuke, getting down to eating.
However, Naruto wasn't about to give up.
"You two are together." it wasn't even a question.
A momentary silence fell. Only the buzzing of crickets pierced through the thicket. Everyone held their breath until suddenly Sakura and Sasuke shouted.
"No!"
"I think otherwise."
"Dobe, I swear I'm about to do something to you—"
"You didn't deny—"
"Stop it!" Sakura slammed her open palm on the tabletop "We came to eat in peace. Can you leave this conversation, Naruto?"
She knew he wouldn't refuse her, so she smiled. Naruto whispered under his breath, deciding not to end this topic. He had time, someday he would find out what was going on between his two friends.
"...Fine."
They began to enjoy their meal again. And Naruto still felt like he was in their way.