Chapter 15: Sasuke's Blossoming Love Affairs
The cicadas outside and the sound of teaching inside interwove, painting an idle and lengthy afternoon.
The afternoon classes were all about written knowledge. Within five minutes, Naruto Uzumaki was already dozing off, head on the desk. Nana had woken him several times, but he barely stayed awake for ten seconds before nodding off again.
Sasuke was no different, looking attentive but mentally checked out. It was unclear if he understood or deemed written knowledge less important than ninjutsu practice, making him uninterested.
Really, both of them are like this, Nana thought, rolling her eyes. Maybe it was her innate talent or strong adaptability, but she always grasped new things quickly, secretly enjoying it.
The Ninja Academy's schedule wasn't heavy, typically ending around three or four in the afternoon. Nana gently patted the drowsy Naruto.
"Huh... Is school over?" Naruto rubbed his eyes, seeing the classroom emptying out, finally waking up a bit.
"Hmph, dead last is always dead last," Sasuke scoffed, arms crossed, eyes closed.
Naruto didn't respond, wanting to retort but swallowing his words. He had promised Nana not to sleep in class, but the teacher's words became a lullaby, making his eyelids unbearably heavy.
Come on, Sasuke, you have no right to criticize when you weren't paying attention either, Nana thought, wanting to smack Sasuke.
"Wait a moment, I'm going to the restroom. We'll go home together after," Nana stood, leaving her seat.
"Nana-chan! Wait, I need to go too," Naruto stood, joining her.
Sorry, but nature calls.
Sasuke watched them leave together, his previously cool expression turning pouty, sitting alone, sulking.
After a while with no sign of their return, Sasuke was about to search for them when a pink-haired girl shyly approached.
"Sasuke-kun, I... I like..." Sakura stammered, blushing.
"What? Who are you?" Sasuke interrupted, standing abruptly.
Nana and Naruto returned, heading for the classroom, when a flushed pink-haired girl suddenly rushed down the corridor, running awkwardly.
"What's up with her? You're not supposed to run in the hall," Naruto wondered.
"Who knows, let's go. It's getting late," Sasuke, bag ready, exited the classroom, taking Nana's hand.
Seeing their expressions and Sakura's earlier face, Nana realized she might have missed some drama. She pouted, regretting not hurrying back.
"No way, Sasuke, you're carrying a pink bag? Hahaha!" Naruto laughed, spotting Sasuke's cherry blossom bag.
Sasuke, blushing, raised his voice, snapping "Enough!" before pulling Nana to leave quickly.
"Naruto, that's not fair. I think boys carrying girls' bags are the coolest," Nana's soft, sweet voice chimed, her eyes sparkling, playfully teasing.
Hearing her praise, Sasuke's ears turned red, his face heating up more than usual. He often heard he was handsome, but this felt different...
"Ah! If it's Nana-chan's bag, I want to carry it too!" Naruto regretted his words, trying to grab Nana's bag.
"What are you saying, you idiot dead last!" Sasuke fumed, pushing Naruto as they walked out, bickering.
"Wow, Host, you got two boys fighting over you with one sentence," 077 applauded.
"What are you thinking? I was just stating facts. Plus, they're just kids," Nana mentally shut down 077's wild thoughts.
The trio continued playfully until parting ways. Naruto, teary-eyed, reluctantly let go of Nana's hand, urged by Sasuke.
Passing through the shopping street, Nana bought two pounds of sunflower seeds and peanuts for snacking. Sasuke paid voluntarily, earning Nana's nod. Not bad, she thought, enjoying the nurturing role.
Hand in hand, they were suddenly stopped by a blond girl holding a bouquet, Yamanaka Ino, seemingly waiting for a while.
Ah, this scene, Nana thought, stepping back to munch on seeds, signaling Sasuke to continue, curious to watch.
Sasuke looked puzzled at Nana, wondering why she let go and smiled mischievously.
"Sasuke-kun... please accept these!" Ino handed him the bouquet, looking hopeful.
?
Sasuke mentally questioned the day's odd events. He realized Nana's mischievous smile's cause.
Ignoring Ino, he turned to Nana, still snacking, and took her hand again.
"Sasuke-kun!" Ino called, clutching the flowers.
"I already like someone else." Sasuke's calm, firm voice shattered her hopes, sounding sincere.
Ino saw their clasped hands, understanding and feeling sudden disappointment.
Huh? Nana looked at Sasuke, then Ino, confused by what she heard, feeling like the drama involved her.
Nana quickly covered Sasuke's mouth, telling Ino it wasn't what she thought. Sasuke, struggling, mumbled, "It is what she thinks."
Seeing their playful interaction, Ino gave up, thinking they were a perfect match. Though rejected, she silently wished them well.