Sasuke P.O.V

Why doesn't she understand? I'm in love with her, not Sakura!

I walked out of her apartment in disappointment and anger. Every day it was the same conversation: "Be nice to Sakura because she likes you." Ugh, It doesn't matter that she likes me because I hate her. I can't stand her!

Suddenly, I realized that I was also like Sakura towards Naruko. She hates me, yet I love her. I purposely push myself to be closer to her knowing she hates it...maybe I'm not so different from Sakura.

My feet carried me down the stairs, and my hands slept in my pockets as I stared at the street angrily.

She's an idiot...and I'm also an idiot for loving her.

Coming from the stairs, I continued down the road, walking aimlessly in anger. I didn't know where I was going, but I knew I had to be away from her.

***

I ended up at the park by the academy. I sat on the bench angrily, crossing my arms like a child. Everyone that passed by me looked at my expression in fear.

Why're they staring?! Keep walking!

"Sasuke?"

I was startled by the sudden mention of my name. My eyes quickly scanned the area only to see Kakashi-sensei standing behind me with his book in his hand. He jumped over the bench, sitting down beside me while he put away his book. "Why're you here?" He asked curiously.

"Hm..." I responded while glaring at the floor.

"It's Naruko, isn't it?"

I stayed silent as the glare I held with the ground intensified.

"What happened with you guys this time?"

I growled, remembering our infuriating conversation. "She's an idiot."

He chuckled while he crossed his legs, clearly enjoying my situation. "She really is! But what did she do?"

I ground my teeth at the infuriating thought of Naruko's words. "She was saying stupid things and it made me angry."

"You sound like a 13-year-old," he mocked with a chuckle.

"Shut up." I wasn't in the mood for any of Kakashi-sensei's jokes. I needed to be alone.

It went silent for a small while before he stood back up with a sigh. "You're really not going to tell me what happened?"

"No."

He then placed his hands in his pockets, shaking his head at my response. "Sasuke...Naruko's dense. She isn't the smartest or the quickest to catch on to things, so you're wasting your time being angry at her. Why don't you just tell her how you feel?"

I shook at his comment and felt myself blush. "Wh-what do you mean, tell her how I feel?!"

"Sasuke, we all know you like Naruko; she's literally the only one who doesn't know."

I looked away embarrassed as I blushed. "I-is it really that obvious...?"

"Yep."

With red cheeks, I brushed back my hair in embarrassment. So everyone knows except her...she's absolutely stupid...

I clicked my tongue at the everlasting warmth in my cheeks. "She's an idiot...so why would I waste my time telling her?"

"So she knows...?" He said with an attitude.

"I know, I'm not stupid!" I yelled flustered. I then sighed, staring at the ground in shame, "Look, even if I did tell her, she would just reject me, and I do not get rejected." I have too much pride to say anything anyway...or maybe I'm just scared...ugh I hate having feelings!

"But she's not ever going to confess either, right? She doesn't even like you haha, what an unfortunate situation," laughed Kakashi.

My heart ached at his truthful response. He's right, she hates me...she could never love me...

"I am in an unfortunate situation...Tch, we're never going to happen."

My heartstrings burned at my reality. The pain was almost unbearable, but I used to it. I had already accepted the fact that we would never be together.

"Well...I still think you have a chance," said Kakashi while taking out his book and opening to a page. "There's no one that she cares for more than you, and you of all people know that. So why don't you try showing her you like her through your actions."

"My actions?" I smirked as he gave me advice. "For a single guy, you sure know a lot about this."

He chuckled as he looked at me. "Remember, I'm single by choice." He held his hands up to summon a jutsu. "Well, good luck Sasuke." And without another word, he was gone.

I unfolded my arms as I began to think. Kakashi-sensei is right about everything. It's not her fault that she's unaware of my feelings...and I thought I was giving her enough hints, but she's so slow...

I stood up and began to walk away from the bench to Naruko's apartment. She must be confused about why I was so upset.

I stuck my hands back into my pockets as I walked down the street with a drag to my feet. It's not her fault...it's mine for unfortunately being in love with her.

***

I opened the door to the apartment and saw Naruko's shoes at the entrance. She picked up her shoes. I smiled at her adorable action. She actually listened to me.

I walked in and couldn't find her anywhere in the apartment. "I'm back," I said as I took off my shoes. I walked into the tiny space and heard the sound of the shower running.

She's in the shower...

I felt myself blush at my sudden imagination. I quickly shook my head and went to sit down at the couch. I looked to my side to see the tiny window by her bed. I then noticed the picture of our team from six years ago on her nightstand. A smile dominated my face as I saw that old photo.

It's been a while...

I began to remember all of the memories we had together as a team, until that day when I left the village. I ran away because I was jealous of her growing power. It was a selfish decision, but if I had never run away, I would have never found my way back to her.

She believed in me when everyone thought I could no longer be saved. She fought to bring me back home, risking her life to save mine. She saved me and my darkened heart.

I love her and I know she cares about me. I just hope one day, she'll learn to love me too...

The sound of the bathroom door opened, snapping me out of my thoughts.

"Oh hey, Sasuke," she said as she came out with wet hair and baggy pajamas.

I blushed lightly and quickly covered it up by looking away from her and towards the picture again.

She walked up to me and sat on the edge of her bed, to face me. She looked guilty as she twiddled her thumbs. "Um, Sasuke?"

"Yeah?"

"Did I make you upset?"

I was shocked by her sudden question. "Idiot, what're you talking about?"

"You seemed mad...I didn't want to make you mad or anything, but did that feelings rule really make you that upset?"

I hesitate to speak. Should I tell her the truth? But-- I looked her genuine concerned eyes and I knew I couldn't tell her the truth. I had to keep hiding to protect what I have with her. I rather be by her side than to not be with her at all.

I closed my eyes and breathed out softly. "No...I was upset because you were eating without giving me food."

"Huh?"

"I was hungry and you ate that ramen by yourself. You're a selfish idiot."

"How was I suppose to know?!" She yelled completely stunned.

"You're supposed to have manners, idiot. You don't just eat in front of someone without asking if they want."

She was speechless and her face showed she was debating on whether to say something else or apologize.

I knew she wasn't going to apologize, so I walked up to my dresser which was next to hers, to get my clothes to shower.

While I grabbed my clothes, I felt her small hand tug onto my shirt. I looked over to see her blushing a bright red as she looked away from me. "I'm sorry...I didn't know you were hungry too..."

My eyes widened at her innocent gesture. I felt my heart skip a beat and I quickly looked away. "It's fine, idiot."

She then let go and walked over to the couch and sat down.

"I'm sleeping there," I said as I closed my drawer.

"No, I'll sleep here. This couch is too small for you, so you can take my bed."

I smiled at the ground at her thoughtfulness. I love her...

I began to walk towards the bathroom. As I closed the door to shower, I glanced back at her with a smile. "Thank you."

No matter what, I'll always be unfortunately yours.