It was indeed cold.

Sasuke was in the bus hoping that he will get warmer soon enough. He couldn't stop thinking about the whole karaoke situation and wondered why these girls, especially Sakura were this childish. Weren't they supposed to act more like an adults now that it was their last year in high school. Soon enough most of them will be going to universities. Even if he was soaked in alcohol, he was actually a little bit relieved. He now had the excuse to stay away from that bitch Sakura. And that was exactly what he wanted.

A text message appeared on his phone. Talking about the wolf...

Sakura H. :

I'm so sorry, Sasuke-kun. I was just mad about what happened between us. Maybe we can stay friends.

The Uchiha wasn't so happy about what he read. Her actually saying sorry makes the situation a little bit more difficult. For now, he just locked his phone leaving her message without an answer. Tomorrow he will not only have to deal with Naruto and all his questions, but with the Haruno girl as well.

It was finally time for him to get off the bus when his bus stop was announced. Right after he stepped foot back on the ground and the bus took off, he didn't feel like going home yet. Sasuke has been living on his own for about 3 years now. He used to live with his brother, but his brother moved to another city to study. They didn't have that much of an age gap and they were getting along. His brother's name was Itachi Uchiha. Itachi was just as handsome as Sasuke. Some girls will get in an argument which one of them is better looking. But they both didn't like the attention. Well, Itachi handled it way better than his brother tho. Being that popular at university made him get a lot of help thru out the year and many random presents. And Itachi was known for being a foodie - so he often gets sweets and home made food, some of which he sends to Sasuke.

Today was friday, so Sasuke would probably get home to his brother playing on his playstation, since Itachi didn't have many classes at Friday, he would often come to visit for the weekend. That fact made Sasuke both happy and annoyed. He was getting used to living by himself, cooking on his own, cleaning up every other day. He was even getting really organized with his stuff. Unlike Itachi that was always hella messy. Sasuke had to get home eventually tho. Especially when he was still all wet and freezing.

"I'm home."

"Welcome, little brother!" and here he was, the big Uchiha brother in all his glory with a box of mochi in one of his hands and in the other - was a joystick. "I was just playing a game...what happened to you?"

"It's nothing, Itachi. Just some stupid girls messing with me."

"Ah...how many times should I tell you how to talk to girls. Even if you don't like them, just act friendly and say that you already have a crush on somebody else. With a smile."

"I tried that once. Didn't work out so good either."

"At least one of them gave you a scarf. How cute!"

At the word cute, Sasuke couldn't help but blush. It was actually really cute. Not just the scarf, but the gesture as well. And probably the girl. It's not like Sasuke would admit anything in the world is cute, he might just think it.

"It says 'I love you' on the inside. I don't know how I should explain that to myself...since she hates me."

Itachi started laughing. This situation reminded him of his time at high school. That was clearly an act of care, and Sasuke couldn't be that stupid to not realize that.

"She is probably just pretending to hate you." Itachi continued on his laughing, then he put a hand on his stomach. "Some girls think that if they show no interest, you will show interest towards them."

"But she is always acting like a bitch towards me. And it doesn't seem like she likes me in any way. I don't like her too, so...even if what you are saying is true - she is dumb for doing that and won't get my attention."

"If you say so..." Itachi passed him the mochi box.

Sasuke took out one of the sweets. Sasuke was a secret foodie as well, but won't show it as much. He gets many chocolates on Valentine's Day and that's the only kind of gift he accepts.

"I mean it. That girl is acting nice towards anyone but me!"

Itachi just smiled to himself knowing exactly what was going on, but decided to keep it to himself for now. It won't be fun if he just explains everything to his little brother.

They just sat down in front of the playstation and started playing games.

"Wait...is tomorrow Saturday?" Sasuke didn't even realize by now.

His brother was at his apartment, most students ran to the bus stops pretty fast today, everyone seemed excited about something...and Sasuke completely forgot. Those were everyone's favorite days and he completely forgot...

"It is, it is. Aww, you have to keep on that scarf for the weekend now. The girl will be cold..."

Well, that was true, and he probably should wash it, because it stinks of alcohol. Good news were that he gets to spend two days off from the high school drama chasing him. His phone started buzzing, but a phone buzzing couldn't bother the younger Uchiha. He is used to getting a lot of messages from both Naruto and Sakura. They were spammers. Literally. They could write and send stickers all day and won't think much of it, but it was pretty annoying, especially for Sasuke.

"Come on. Just see what they want! They could be inviting you somewhere!" Itachi paused the game and looked at the chips on the table. "I will open that bag of chips while you do!"

"Them inviting me anywhere is the reason I'm ignoring it. I can always say I was out of battery or taking a nap."

"Ah, you so anti social. Even with guys." Itachi took out a big sigh and started munching on the snack.

"Shut up."

Sasuke decided to check his phone anyways. As expected - a lot of god damn messages. Mostly from Naruto asking if he was okay.

Sasuke U.:

"I'm fine, okay? I just need a break from all that stupid school girls shit."

Naruto U.:

"I'm near your home, we should go for a walk and talk?"

"Great, Naruto is almost here."

"Oi! Naruto-kuuun? I love that guy!"

"He wants to go for a walk." Sasuke stood up and went to the door. "I'm just gonna check what he wants. I think it's private."

"Aw...You are still all wet tho! You will actually catch a cold!"

It looked like Itachi wanted to go with them, but he understood. Even guys needed 'boy talk' or whatever. Not like he has many friends to go out with. Most guys envy him for his looks. And Itachi envied Sasuke for having such a good best friend that was always by him side. It looked like Sasuke didn't appreciate the Uzumaki, but he actually did. He just couldn't show it. He couldn't show any positive emotion in that matter.

"I'm gonna be fine. I will try to be quick and when I get home...I'm gonna have a long...hot...shower."

This was the only thing that Sasuke desired at the moment, but he felt like ignoring Naruto's serious typing won't be okay for their friendship. And actually - he didn't want to lose him. Everyone else was fine. But Naruto was his best bud. And the only one who truly understands him beside Itachi.

He put on his shoes and the scarf Hinata gave him. He thought that if he already has it - why not wear it. At least for the moment. Sasuke didn't think much of it and left, shutting the door behind him. He went down the street and saw his blonde friend jogging towards him.

"Oi, Sasukee!" he yelled and waved at him.

Sasuke waved back, putting the scarf over his mouth and nose. It was still really cold. Naruto came up to him looking concerned.

"You still haven't changed!"

"Yeah."

"Whose scarf is that? Itachi's?"

Sasuke nodded. He couldn't actually tell him whose scarf that was. He would think wrong of it. Sasuke wasn't the type to lie. He was usually brutally honest, but now - he didn't have the desire or the time to explain what happened.

"Just cut to the chase Naruto, I'm freezing."

"Gomen, gomen...It's about a girl I like."

"Sakura?"

"H-h-how do you know?"

Yeah, Naruto was a dummy. Not only he showed it, but he always talked about how beautiful Sakura was all the time when it was only the boys. Probably all the guys and many girls could see that he was in love with her. And it wasn't just a crush. Sometimes he made plans with 'everyone' but it suddenly turns out its just the two of them. And Naruto knew Sakura liked Sasuke but wasn't ready to give up on her yet. They've known each other for so long that he probably knew more about her than anyone else.

"It's obvious, dumbass."

"Okay...okay. Whatever...I think I should confess before the holidays."

"We usually gather for New Years. Wouldn't it be awkward?"

"You mean...she will reject me?"

Sasuke was confused at what to answer his friend. He didn't know if he should act dumb or just say the truth. You know...Naruto probably knew what will happen. He should have probably been prepared for the rejection, right?

"You know she likes me."

"I do, but today after the karaoke I walked her home and she said she hates you now and-"

"Oh, one more girl to hate me. Nice." Sasuke laughed.

"I think I might have a chance...now."

"Naruto. It's your choice. You know...I'm the last person you should ask for love advice."

"You must have a secret crush on someone!"

"I don't!" Sasuke blushed at his words and looked up, avoiding eye contact.

"You do! You always look up when you lie!" Naruto's eyes lit up at the thought of the dark mysterious emo guy having a crush on a girl.

"I really don't..." his look got back to Naruto's face. "I know that's the moment you have always been waiting for...Sakura hating me. But...just be patient, okay? I think it's better to not rush things."

"You are right! Oi, isn't that Hinata?"

Sasuke's biggest fear came true. Meeting his school enemy outside school. Bonus - he was wearing her scarf.

"She is with some dude with long hair. They look alike...but I don't know." Naruto started slowly walking towards their direction.

Hinata noticed him and waved with a smile.

"He is older than her. Maybe it's her boyfriend!"

"Hinata Hyuga and a boyfriend?" Sasuke started laughing. "No way. She is acting so bitchy..."

"Oii!Hinata, who is that guy with you?"

"My cousin - Neji. Neji, those two are from my school. That's Naruto and...the other ugly one is Sasuke."

"UGLY?" Sasuke turned to her. "What do you mean ugly?"

Even if Sasuke wasn't a guy to be bothered by what people usually say about him, he was used to all the things they say to be...oh, well - compliments. He was never once called ugly - at least not seriously...and by a girl!

"Hinata...you are a big girl now. You know calling someone ugly isn't okay. Hm... I think that's Itachi's brother actually."

"Itachi? Who is Itachi?" Hinata looked confused at her cousin.

Did Neji actually knew Sasuke's brother. That would be weird.

"Itachi is my brother." Sasuke admitted trying to hide the anger trying to get out of him.

"We were in the same soccer team back in the days. He is a little younger than me, but was still good."

"Yeah, yeah. Let's go now, Neji." Hinata didn't want to stay there anymore, especially when the Uchiha was wearing her scarf and Neji would probably notice and say something embаrrassing.

"Say Hi to Itachi from me." Neji smiled. "Bye, boys! Have a nice evening."

Unlike Hinata, Neji wanted to have a chat with the boys, but he knew she felt embаrrassed, so he just left it at that. For now.

The two Hyugas walked away and as soon as they were far enough from them, Neji couldn't resist but ask questions.

"The Uchiha boy. Is he your boyfriend?"

"Jesus, no." she got her phone out checking out the clock.

"I think he got your scarf on. You don't have yours on...and it's a very specific one. It can't be a coincidence."

"Okay fine, it's mine. But I gave it to him so he won't catch a cold...he was drenched with alcohol."

"Oi, some girl probably did him dirty, hm?" Hinata nodded. "Well, his brother is an attractive and popular guy, so I guess that he is too. What was his name again?"

"Sasuke, the dumbass."

"Oh, come on!"Neji laughed. "You can't be hating him. You gave him-"

"Stop it. Let's just head back home."

"Ara, ara...Hinata-chan has a crush! Tenten will be happy to hear that!"

"Don't tell her anything!"

Hinata panicked. Tenten was acting like such a mother towards Hinata. Always curious about her high school life and if she got a boyfriend, or if she had a crush on someone.

"So you admit it?"

"No!" she snapped.

That was not what she meant. She just didn't want anyone getting the wrong idea. She hated Sasuke, he was an asshole. He got enough fan girls. More than enough. And such a big ego because of that. He didn't deserve Hinata to have a crush on him. Not like she had the desire to even have a normal conversation with him.

"Okay, okay. But I can bet you anything in the world you will eventually fall in love with him. He is obviously already crushing on ya!"

"I can bet you, that I won't."

"Let's bet then."

They just agreed on the bet. And decided they should just ask for whatever they want at the end. The time the bet will end, was the beginning of summer break. Hinata was a hundred percent sure she will win. That was an easy prize. Too easy even.

But Neji had his plans. They didn't say anything about Neji helping her to fail. Hinata was too focused on beating Neji and proving him wrong that she didn't realize Neji could be planning to cheat.

The next day, 17 p.m.

The bluenette spent almost all day sleeping and watching dumb reality shows, that for her - were just to pass time. Weekends were boring for her, since she didn't have anyone to go out with. Everyone at the karaoke exchanged contacts with her, so she had all their numbers, but she couldn't just randomly text someone of them asking to go out. If they wanted her around they would have already texted her. Probably not tho. She was all quiet at the karaoke, not saying a word and left without even saying bye. So she understood them not liking her.

"Hinata!" Neji came into her room.

"Um...when did you get here?" she looked at him confused and put her TV on mute.

"Just a minute ago. I invited friends for dinner. Wanna join? I already checked your fridge...it's a bad situation in there, huh?"

Hinata got embarrassed from the fact that she was feeling too lazy today to cook or even go to the store. She haven't had a bite all day, so it was perfect time for some of Tenten's delicious food. Neji's wife was a great cook, always making the super good. For Hinata it was a little bit strange how she can keep up doing most chores and taking care of their kid. Neji helped too, but he was mostly busy, especially on the week days.

"Shut up, Neji. I'm coming."

"Yay!" He almost jumped from joy. Hinata knew most of Neji's friends, and they knew her. At least she won't have to behave as much as when she first met them.

The two walked to Neji's house, Neji dancing randomly on the way there.

"You are acting suspicious." she mentioned, but he just laughed it off, saying she is just imagining it.

But she definitely wasn't. He was unusually happy. Of course it would be suspicious. Most of the time Neji was a serious businessman, taking care of his family, but now - he was acting like a kid.

Neji opened the door to his house and told Hinata sit down at the evening room. It almost felt like he was hiding something or someone from her.

"Don't fucking tell me..." she whispered to herself when Neji got to the kitchen.

Maybe she was wrong. It couldn't be what she was thinking, no way her cousin would do that to her. He was a nice man. He was, right?

She heard laughter from the kitchen, when Neji showed up back again.

"Dinner is served."

"And why I didn't sit at the kitchen table right after I came?"

"Just comeee, Hinata!"

She rolled her eyes and followed after him to the kitchen. And she was right. At the dinner table were sitting no other than the Uchiha brothers, together with Neji's wife and kid.

"Good evening." Hinata greeted and sat down next to the only available chair - between Sasuke and Neji, who not surprisingly sat down before she could even react.

Sasuke knew exactly where he was. As soon as his brother said they are invited to the Hyuga's house for dinner, he knew exactly what he was getting into. Even when he tried to say no, Itachi threated to take away his playstation. Itachi also knew about the bet, but kept it a secret. Neji told him everything. Besides, for the two older Hyuga and Uchiha, it would be a bonding experience. But for the younger ones...it would be either a disaster or a bonding experience as well.

"Neji, thank you so much for inviting us for dinner. Now I can finally taste your wife's famous cooking that you told everyone about!" Itachi smiled and looked at his plate, ready to attack.

"Oh, no, no. Thank you for coming. I'm glad I finally met your brother you always talk about. And he and Hinata are from the same school, so even better!"

Tenten smiled. She didn't have a clue, but could feel some kind of awkwardness between the two, so of course - she got suspicious of them two. Tenten always wanted for Hinata to get a boyfriend. Hinata never talks about guys with her, which was kinda sad for her, but now that she saw how these two can't even keep eye contact, it felt like butterflies are flying around in her stomach.

The three adults started talking to each other about the past and how much fun they had back in the days, but the two teenagers couldn't listen to them. They were feeling way too awkward to say anything or look at each other.

Hinata noticed that Sasuke had brought a plastic bag with him. It was black so she couldn't see what was in it.

"Is that my scarf?" she whispered to him.

He nodded and passer her the bag.

"Thanks, kinda missed it. It's from my mother."

Sasuke felt some strange pain once again. But this time, it was different. He got some flashes of his mother in his head.

"I would miss it as well, if I was in your place." he crossed his arms. "Just be glad I actually returned it."

"Well, you said you will. You are a dick but...I kinda believed you will, so I gave it you."

He couldn't stop his cheeks from getting red. That was probably the first time he hears her say something like that.

"Don't get too cocky tho. I still hate your guts." she continued on with a little laugh and hid the bag under her chair.

Sasuke decided to stop talking now. He usually would answer by saying something bad about her as well, but now he decided to just dig into the food that smelled too delicious. And as we already know - he was a foodie.

While he was eating, Hinata noticed a little smile on his face. Could it be, now that his brother is here, he is now acting like himself, because he is used to doing that in front of him?

"Tenten, that was great." Hinata finished her dish, giving her a genuine smile.

She grabbed her now empty plate and her glass and went to the sink to wash them.

"Sasuke...take ours too and help Hinata. Just because we are guest, it doesn't mean we should be just sitting around and not helping." Itachi told him right after Hinata was far enough that she won't hear them.

Sasuke felt like he was being set up. He knew his brother well too much to not notice that he acts different.

"Uh, fine."

The younger Uchiha got all the plates in his hands and went to the kitchen. There he saw Hinata washing hers, humming something.

"I'm here to help." he announced and got the plates into the sink.

"I got it." she answered, not even looking at him. "Thanks."

"Let me at least dry the plates...I don't feel comfortable going back anyways..."

She stopped the sink and looked at him with suspicion.

"Look, Sasuke. It feels like you want to ask me something. I don't know if that's true, but coming to the kitchen to help me? Tenten would have stopped you. Maybe you insisted...You look like you really want to talk about something..."

The Uchiha rolled his eyes.

"It's not like that at all. Itachi made me, I don't even want to be here. I'm glad I returned your stupid scarf...at least that."

Hinata felt like punching him. He was really, really dumb.

"If it was dumb, then why take it? Just fuck off." she continued on washing the plates and drying them almost breaking one in half from anger.

"I'm...I'm sorry. I know it's from your mother so it's special. I'm not that big of an ass. But you definitely are." he crossed his arms and turned his back to her.

"Sure. I'm not the one acting like I'm better than everybody else. "

"Look, you know nothing about me. You have no parents as well, but you lost them at way later age than I did. I don't even have to explain myself to you...you are too dumb to understand my trauma experience."

He walked back towards the table with annoyance.

Well.

Those words kinda hurt.

It's not like he knew Hinata at all or understand her feelings too? She was traumatized as well.

Suddenly, tears started dropping from her eyes. The kitchen table was not so far away, so she had to hold them tears back...and fast. She didn't want anyone especially the Uchihas asking her questions.

But Hinata haven't cried from someone's words in a long time. I guess it's true that words hurt way more than actions. He wasn't even an important person to her, but somehow he hurt her. The thought of her parents just suddenly passing without a warning, was traumatizing enough.

She ran off to the bathroom. All she hoped for was that no one saw how she ran, or more importantly - her tears.

Sasuke Uchiha was definitely the worst person she ever met.

Hey, guys! I hope it's not too cringе, but that's how it's supposed to be. Awkward , cringеy, weird situations. And that's just the beginning. I hope you like it even a little bit, so I would appreciate an opinion. I'm a big fan of couples that make no sense, so expect even more in the future. I think Naruhina and Sasusaku is just too boring. For me at least ;3

Anyways, let me know what ya think and if you are actually interested how this would turn out to be!