"I see...so that's what happened.",Neji mused in deep thought while holding up his chin.
We were all in Sasuke's apartment and after telling them the whole story, they all fell silent and looked at me in disbelief.
"To be honest, I still can't believe I'm seeing you right now.",Kiba commented leaning back on the sofa.
Lee nodded in agreement and beamed at me. "I feel you. When I saw her awhile ago, for a moment I thought her ghost has come back to haunt Sasuke."
Choji chuckled and moved to grab a bag of chips that was on the table. "Yeah I saw you. You were really pale."
Shikamaru shook his head and turned to me, giving me a warm smile. "Well, whatever the case. We are really glad to see you again, Shizuru."
"He's right. Although some things have changed, please don't hesitate to approach us.",Shino added sincerely.
Touched by their warm words, I could not help but tear up as I gave them a warm smile. "Thank you so much, guys!"
They all smiled back at me in return and stood up to give me a hug.
"I was not able to say this before, but thank you for saving my life. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't be here, standing and talking with everyone.",Neji commented seriously and grabbed my hand.
I remembered when I had to stop the time just to save him from being pierced by Obito's attack. Back then, I was carelessly chasing after death that I decisively removed all the restraint of my power.
"That was nothing, I simply did what I had to do.",I replied truthfully. "Even if I had to go back time, I'd still do the same thing."
Stunned with my reply, Neji stared at me for a moment before beaming, taking me by surprise. I have never seen him smile like that.
"Thank you Shizuru. I owe my life to you."
"Eh? How come that sounded like a confession?",Lee pointed out innocently.
Neji blushed and quickly released my hand. He swiftly turned to Lee and smacked him in the head. "Shut up, you idiot!"
I chuckled in amusement as they bickered before turning to Sasuke. Come to think of it, I haven't heard him utter a single word since we came here.
When I spotted him, I was surprised to see him standing quietly on the corner of the room looking grim. Is it me or does he seem irritated?
I glanced at the gang who were being noisy and turned to Sasuke again. Ah, that's right. He doesn't like his place to be crowded and noisy. Maybe, we should call this a night...
However before I could even open my mouth, Shikamaru suddenly stood up and calmed everyone down.
"Hey, we should go now. It's already pretty late. We will be seeing Shizuru tomorrow again, anyways.",he suggested not before quickly glancing at Sasuke.
"He's right. Sorry, Sasuke for using your place. We will be going now.",Neji said politely and tugged Lee's shirt. "Come on."
"Wait a minute! How about Shizuru?",Lee asked making them all turn to me.
"That's right. Where are you staying right now?",Neji asked while I shuffled my feet awkwardly.
"Ah! Wait a minute!",Kiba suddenly cried out taking us all by surprise. "The noise and the smell that Akamaru detected when we came here to invite Sasuke...",he trailed while slowly turning to me.
"Was that you?",he asked making me flinch.
A defeaning silence followed and as if everyone knew the answer, they quickly looked at Sasuke in disbelief.
"A-are you two...",Shikamaru mumbled while I blushed not knowing what to say.
"She is staying with me.",Sasuke replied casually and stood beside me. "Someone is after Shizuru, that's why she has to stay by my side."
Their eyes widened in shock as they looked at us, lost for words.
"But if security is the issue, how about Naruto?",Neji frowned looking opposed to the idea. "Why can't she stay there?"
Sasuke tilted his head,a glint of amusement playing in his midnight eyes. "She came here on her own. Besides, I don't see her complaining."
All their attention immediately shifted to me and I stilled like a deer caught in headlights. There was a moment of silence before I chuckled awkwardly and scratched the back of my head.
"W-Well...Naruto and Hinata are married so..uhm, I didn't want to intrude their private lives. Besides, I feel more at ease if Sasuke is with me."
I took a peek at Sasuke and my face immediately turned bright red when I caught the satisfied smirk on his face.
Shikamaru coughed awkwardly and tapped Neji's shoulder. "If that is the case, then there should be no problem. We will get going now. See you tomorrow."
I sighed internally in relief and gave Sasuke a look. Why do I get the feeling that he did that on purpose?
"Bye Shizuru, see you tomorrow!"
"B-Bye! Take care on your way home."
Just when I thought that it was finally over, Lee who was the last person to leave the room, suddenly stopped and turned to us.
"So, are you two dating?"
Stunned at his question, I stilled and stared at him dumbfounded. Shikamaru sighed heavily and headlocked Lee in frustration.
"Sorry, just ignore this idiot. We'll get going now.",he said quickly and dragged him away.
When they all left, I slowly closed the door and breathed a sigh. That was too chaotic! Thank God, they left. I don't think I can handle anymore of Lee's curiousity.
Sighing heavily, I turned around and saw Sasuke leaning on the wall.
"Uhm...well, I guess that went okay?",I chuckled awkwardly while scratching the back of my head.
Sasuke tilted his head and stood up properly, emphasizing his towering height. I gave him an awkward smile and remained standing on the doorway waiting for him to move.
"Sasuke-kun, are you okay?",I frowned when he didn't budge and kept his gaze on me.
"Since when were you close with him?",he asked while I gave him a confused look. Who is he talking about?
I looked away while trying to recall my interaction with everyone when I remembered the time Neji held my hand. My eyes widened in realization as I quickly returned my gaze to Sasuke and chuckled.
"Are you talking about Neji?"
When he didn't respond, the smile on my lips widened as I walked towards him. "What if I say that I am fairly close with him?"
His face automatically hardened as his eyes turned cold as ice. No way! Is he jealous?
Just when I was about to tease him, he suddenly turned around without a word and walked away. I remained rooted to my spot as my eyes followed him in disbelief. I can't believe he just left!
I immediately trailed after Sasuke and jumped on his back, wrapping my arms around his shoulders taking him by surprise.
"Wha—What are you doing?"
"Are you mad? I was just joking, you know.",I chuckled and tilted my head to look at his face.
He coincidentally turned his head to my direction and that's when I stopped breathing. Our faces were just inches apart that I could almost feel his cool breath.
Blushing in realization, I quickly got off his back and stepped back in a panic. "Uh, I'll just---I'm going to sleep. Good night!"
Without sparing him a glance, I ran towards his room in the speed of light and closed it. I leaned on the door and placed my hand on top of my chest feeling the erratic rythm of my heart.
"That was close. If I hadn't moved...",I whispered softly and touched my lips.
Sasuke's face automatically flashed inside my mind making my face burn in embarrassment. Unable to hold it in, I screamed internally and buried my face on the bed sheets.
.