Temptation (NEW)

Chapter Four

Shikamaru and Choji sat themselves at the bar, happily eating the ramen I had just placed in front of them. They were regulars at my grandfather's restaurant---mainly because I worked there and gave them discounts. However, even on my off-days, we'd eat there together. Life's hard as a broke college kid.

"So, he invited you to his apartment?" Shikamaru inquired after a big slurp of noodles. "Do you think you should bring pepper spray or something? Maybe have Choji park outside and wait for your screams?"

Choji grimaced with noodles halfway hanging out of his mouth.

"Haha," I deadpanned. I was putting away silverware into the metal dividers on the other side of the counter where they sat. "I can hold my own, you know."

"I had to drag your unconscious body the last time you two were together," Shikamaru reminded me, pointing his wooden chopsticks at me. "I won't be there to save your ass this time."

I frowned, "He got a lucky shot. That's all."

"Why are you even willing to meet him there?" Shikamaru questioned further.

I shrugged, "He wasn't a complete dick yesterday so I figured it'd be fine. Plus, he didn't bother me so much in class today."

Shikamaru furrowed his brows, "Really? We're still talking about Sasuke, right?"

For a split second, I wanted to tell Shikamaru about the odd conversation I had with Sasuke. I had spent all day thinking about it. Even all of last night. It was such a strange thing for him to ask about, but then again---maybe he was just genuinely curious. My friends had all asked me various questions when I first came out, and they're all straight as can be. Maybe that's all it was.

"If he tries something, I'll just leave," I answered following a frustrated sigh.

"You? Leave? I've never seen you back down from a challenge," Shikamaru laughed.

He had a point, but if only he knew what kind of challenge I ended up getting myself into.

____________________________________

Classes went as usual. I showed up, wrote enough notes to get by, and then fell asleep for the remainder of class. A typical day for me. It was a good distraction to keep my mind off of what was planned later in the day.

It was time to text Sasuke to confirm our meet-up. In less than two hours, I'd be standing in his apartment. The paper he had handed me a few days ago sat perfectly still on my desk. I stared at the crumbled paper as if I was trying to memorize the arranged numbers. His handwriting was so neat, especially compared to mine. I could only assume his parents forced that skill on him. I vaguely remember them being a little strict and orderly. However, that wasn't what I was concerned about.

Dammit, I was nervous.

Carefully, I typed the number into my phone. Seeing the digits on my screen sent another wave of jitters. There was no reason to be nervous. It was just a simple exchange so I could go over to his apartment. Alone. Just me and him. No one else.

Okay, maybe there was a reason.

I typed out a quick message: It's Naruto. Can I get your address? My thumb hit the send button, and I immediately placed my phone away from me. However, by the time I put my hand in my lap, my phone vibrated against the wooden desk. Sasuke replied a lot faster than anticipated. I secretly kind of hoped he would have just ignored me.

Sasuke: 1177 Konaha Drive, Apt. 701.

I felt like I needed to shower and present the very best version of myself. I rummaged through my clothes to find something that wasn't a graphic tee and pants without any holes. Sasuke lived in the fancier apartments near the school. The rent was outrageous and they had all of the amentinties they could ever ask for. Usually trust-fund kids lived in those kinds of places. I felt like I needed to at least look like I belong there. Those rich kids might thinking I'm trying to rob the place or something.