Chapter 4 - Chapter 4

"Jingle Bell—"

At that moment, the bell rang, signaling the end of class. Hideichi Tanaka let out a relieved sigh.

"Alright, students, that's the end of class. Be careful on your way home," he announced quickly before leaving the classroom.

"Hey, let's hurry home. My aunt's waiting for us for dinner."

"Yeah, right. Let's get going."

After a few hurried exchanges, the boys bolted from the classroom, with most of the girls not far behind. Though some admired Youyu, they knew better than to stick around when he was this drunk. While most people just got rowdy when drunk, Youyu had the disturbing tendency to get dangerously unpredictable.

As for Asuma, he darted out first, still ashamed. He had stormed over, ready to fight, only to find himself scared senseless without Youyu even drawing his sword. Embarrassed and humiliated, Asuma just wanted to go home and lick his wounds.

"Rin, want to head home together?" Uchiha Obito approached Nohara Rin, face flushed as he lowered his head shyly.

"Uh…"

After a moment of silence, Obito looked up, only to see Rin heading toward Youyu.

"Come, a toast! To the world left behind… wine and poetry ahead!"

Mumbling some half-remembered verses from his past life, Youyu seemed completely absorbed in his drunkenness.

"Youyu-kun, are you okay?" Kurenai Yuuhi walked over, her red eyes filled with concern as she watched Youyu mumbling incoherently.

"Youyu-kun, you drank too much," Nohara Rin said, steadying him with her small hand as his body slumped slightly.

"Heh, two little beauties. You wanna drink with me?" Youyu's mouth curved up into a grin as he looked at Kurenai and Rin. Without hesitation, he wrapped his arms around them, pulling them close.

"Y-Youyu-kun…"

Held in his arms, Kurenai and Rin felt their cheeks flush. They weren't exactly resisting, but…

They exchanged a quick, complicated glance, each uncertain of what to make of the other's presence there.

Just as they started to say something, they noticed Youyu's breathing had slowed. He had fallen asleep, his arms still around them.

"Youyu! You bastard!" Uchiha Obito, having watched it all, was momentarily stunned before fury took over. Ignoring the clear difference in their strength, he started toward Youyu, ready to pull Rin from his embrace.

"Stop it. Be quiet!" Rin whispered sharply, giving Obito an angry glare. "Don't wake Youyu-kun."

"B-but… Rin…"

Obito halted, her scolding gaze silencing him. He wanted to "save" her from Youyu, yet here she was, more concerned with not disturbing his sleep.

"Why are you just standing there? Go away. What if you wake up Youyu-kun?" Rin added, her voice stern.

"I… I understand," Obito muttered, biting his lip before slowly turning and shuffling toward the door.

"Obito, try to walk more quietly," Rin called after him softly.

Obito's shoulders tensed, but he obeyed, carefully taking each step, his figure growing smaller as he left the classroom alone.