Silently, Mute. [OLD VERSION]

Chapter Forty Six

Kiba let out a soft laugh. Naruto's eyes snapped to Kiba.

"I wasn't expecting him to sound like that," Kiba whispered, his brows raised. His voice was smoother and lower than Kiba had expected it to be. He'd always wondered if Sasuke could speak.

"Is there? Someone there?" Sasuke asked. His voice was panicked at the idea someone other than Naruto may have heard him speak.

"Nah babe. That's the TV. I'm in the living room."

Naruto's eyes dropped to the floor. He muted the phone and pressed his lips together, letting the silence linger as he tried to calm his nerves. He rubbed the back of his neck with his free hand as he rationalized what he was about to do in his head.

I'm doing this for him. It's okay. He'll be better off without you.

That last phrase killed his heart. He wished it wasn't true. He did everything he could in his relationship with Sasuke to feel like he deserved Sasuke. That he deserved to be happy with him. But he knew it was a lie. He was always lying to himself. Kiba just brought out the worst in him that he thought he had gotten rid of.

"Naruto?"

The way Sasuke said his name. It was unique. The way Sasuke pronounced it was harsh and quick. But for Naruto, it always sounded amazing when it came from Sasuke's mouth. At this moment, hearing it soothed him for a second before heremembered why he was calling him.

Then that relief flooded away.

He unmuted himself.

"Hey..."

"Why are, a-are you calling me? Are, are you. Okay?"

"Uh, um." Naruto coughed, blinking back some tears.

"Y-yeah. I'm great. How's your day been going?"

"Can we t-text?"

"No."

I let out a harsh breath.

"I actually called because... I have–. I have to tell you something. This'll be over quickly. I don't need to hear your voice right now." He ran out of breath as he tried to hold the composure in his voice.

I can't fuck this up. He can't get suspicious. I'm doing this for him. Naruto reminded himself.

He collected his emotions. The lump in his throat prevented his words from coming out the way they needed to. He had to hurt Sasuke. He needed to be calm. Honestly, he needed to sound like he didn't even care so Sasuke would believe him.

"Oh."

Naruto took a deep breath.

"I'm breaking up with you."

"What?" He gasped.

"Yeah..."

"Is. Is. Um." He paused. "You a-are joke. Joking?" He stammered. His voice got quieter to a whisper as he couldn't believe what he was hearing.