The Ardor of Every Day

6.

Naruto drove home in the best mood he'd had in a while. He was so happy that he wanted to embrace the rain. He drove to the beach before he went home. He knew it was too risky to swim but he just wanted to stroll on the cool wet sand and drown in the rain. He parked and sprinted towards the empty beach. Before entering the sand he took off his flip flops, holding them in his hand. He ran again to the edge where the sand and water met. He just stood there a while mesmerized by the enormous waves crashing because of the storm. It was so pleasing and peaceful for him. The water felt a little colder than usual but he didn't mind it. He just felt genuine contentment at this moment as he looked up at the sky, squinting his eyes to avoid raindrops, and to drink some of the rain. Soon, the wind made him shiver and he didn't want to catch a cold. He ran back to his car and dried himself off with a towel. There was always one in the car since he'd go surfing so often. He sat back down and started driving towards his house. He blasted some of his favourite songs in the car and sang along crazily on his way.

After reaching home, he ran straight to his room and for a warm shower to clean up. Naruto needed the water to be boiling and he liked taking long showers. He couldn't stop smiling. He stood there under the hot water thinking about the adrenaline he felt by making a new friend. Naruto didn't have to make any new friends, as all of his friends from childhood went to the same schools as he did so this was a little fresh for him. He was so excited that Sasuke and he exchanged numbers before he left. But again he didn't know if he should text first or not since he was fearful of being a bother. He didn't even know when Sasuke would like to hang out next or what he enjoyed doing.

He got out of the shower and wiped himself dry but those thoughts didn't abandon him. He put on some loose sweats and jumped into bed. He stared at the ceiling for about ten seconds before his phone buzzed.

Sasuke?

No. It was one of his group chats. As he opened the chat and scrolled through, he caught up on what all of his friends were going off about. They were all making plans to hang out the day after tomorrow, all of them together.

Hinata: So what should we do then?

Sakura: And everyone's free that day for sure right? I don't want any excuses later.

Shikamaru: Yes but Naruto hasn't said anything yet, shouldn't we wait till he replies?

Naruto: I'm here now and I'm free! So what's the plan?

Shikamaru: It's such a drag to figure that out.

Hinata: Hey Naruto!

Sakura: Hi!

Kiba: Naruto why do you never chat with us? :/

Lee: It feels like everyone's here after so long!

Naruto: Guys just decide and let me know the plan ok? Also, is it ok if I bring someone?

Naruto thought maybe he could invite Sasuke as well, so he could make some more friends since he'll be attending the same school as them.

Sakura: Ooh, who is it? Is it a girl?

Kiba: Naruto? Getting girls? There's no way.

Naruto: Oi Kiba I could get girls if I tried ok? And no, it's nothing like that, my dad's friend just moved to town and his son is gonna go to our school after summer. It's just him, so he can make friends with all of you.

Hinata: Oh wait I think I remember. Is it that guy from the flower shop?

Naruto: Yeah that's him.