Unspoken (Sasori x Reader)

Sleepovers

The tension was probably thicker than a bowl of oatmeal. After the movie the four of you gathered outside the front, however you stood with an upset Hiroto whilst Sasori and Deidara waited to the side. Hiroto had practically demanded to speak with you, and in your efforts to avoid conflict between the boys you had agreed. The warm summer air revived your chilled skin, and the humidity was steadily turning your hair into more of a frizzy mess. Hiroto's arms were crossed over his lean chest, a brooding look on his angular face as he avoided making eye contact with you.

You did feel bad, but only a small amount. He had coerced you into going out on a date with him despite your numerous subtle and not-so-subtle rejections, but you had a hard time feeling completely justified in your behavior as he was still your friend. However, things only felt extremely awkward. You couldn't deny that you were bitter he'd use your own parents against you, and you were beginning to have second thoughts on his morals. It's not like you were just some toy to be bought! You braced yourself for an unpleasant conversation, gripping the edges of your skirt until your knuckles turned white.

"Listen," he began with a sigh. "I'm sorry."

Oh. Your eyebrows shot up. To your side you could tell that by the way the other boys were positioned that they were most certainly eavesdropping in. It made the whole situation a lot less intimidating.

"I should have never brought you out tonight. It's just that..." he trailed off, sheepishly rubbing the back of his neck. He gave you a dazzling smile, beautiful teeth practically twinkling from the building's exterior lights. "I like you a lot. I was hoping if I could just get you to come out with me then you'd see that I was actually a good guy to be around outside of work, too." He ignored Deidara's pointed glare. The blonde stood with his arms crossed, a scowl on his face. Sasori looked off to the side, his hands in his pockets.

"Listen, Hiroto..." you said, but he interrupted you.

"Don't say a word," he insisted. You merely frowned. "I'm not giving up on you. I think we got off on the wrong foot, and I want to fix that!" Your frown deepened. "I hope that with time you can hopefully consider me as well, uh..." He looked away as his freckled face colored. "A suitable candidate. For now, I'm happy just being your friend."

The both of you stood in silence as you mulled over his words. You didn't really understand why Hiroto liked you so much in the first place. To you, he was way out of your league, but that wasn't a problem considering you had no interest in trying to enter his league anyway. You had plenty of gorgeous friends, but the way you felt towards them was merely platonic. Your dreams kept you so preoccupied that you had never felt that spark with anyone. Except for...

"Okay. Look, I..." you scrambled to collect your thoughts. "I understand the way you feel, but... I'm just so busy. You're like a brother to me, Hiroto." His face fell, but you persevered. "I appreciate your honesty with me, and I'm flattered, but..." you looked away. "There will never be an "us". Do you understand?"

You ignored his burning gaze on your face, feeling your heart ache for having to shut him down so firmly. You did care about him, and he was a good friend and coworker to you when he only treated you that way. You cared enough to ensure he didn't hold onto any hopeless dreams. To you, that was a mercy.

"I see," he hummed, quiet.

"Don't worry, Hiro. I know that in time you'll meet the perfect gir—"

"Goodnight, (Y/N)."

"I—"

He turned and walked away, back towards where he parked earlier. You stood there, dumbstruck. You couldn't help but to feel like you handled this entire day the wrong way, but what could you do when you were pushed so violently into a corner? You felt your eyes prick with a trace of tears— not from sadness, but frustration. This was exactly why you avoided anything to do with love. You hated to hurt someone's feelings the way you did tonight.