Temptation (NEW)

Chapter Six

As I walked to class, it felt like everyone was staring at me as if they knew what I had done. I knew that wasn't the case because I made Shikamaru and Choji promise not to tell anyone. Technically, I threatened their life loosely, but still. And, of course, Sasuke wouldn't say anything, either. It was just my guilt and paranoia making me feel this way. I barely slept the night before from all the flashes of memories that'd pop in my mind. I think I'm just a little delirious.

I wondered if Sasuke felt this way, too. He has been with Sakura for years now. There had to be some level of concern within him if he had an ounce of care for her. But that thought quickly vanished once I turned the corner to head to class. Sasuke had his arms wrapped around the pretty-in-pink girl. He was kissing her with the same lips that had kissed me the night before. I wish I could say it didn't bother me....

But it absolutely did.

I knew he saw me as I walked past them. He had a small smirk wipe across his lips as his brown eyes flashed in my direction. I think he liked seeing my perturbed reaction.

"I'll see you after class," I heard Sakura say before I was too far away to hear anything else. She sounded so happy and in love. If only she knew her boyfriend's dirty little secret.

I took my seat and Sasuke soon followed beside me to sit in his own. I was thankful that class started almost immediately. There was no chance to exchange any awkward conversation, if Sasuke had anything to say at all.

The professor spoke about different economic theories and such for most of the hour. I think I'd understand it more if I didn't feel Sasuke's presence looming over me like a dark cloud. His eyes were burning holes through me, making it impossible to focus on anything else. My skin was crawling. I was too afraid to look back at him because it would make it all real. My eyes stayed glued on the professor, even if my mind was elsewhere.

"Don't forget, your presentations are due after next week," the professor reminded the class. "I expect your very best work! See you all on Monday."

I quickly gathered my supplies and started shoving it all into my bag. I didn't care if every paper was crumbled, I just needed to get out of there. My heart was like a jackhammer in my chest because I knew Sasuke was standing at my side. I could see his black hoodie in the corner of my eye, walking around me to go towards the open walkway. For a moment, he lingered right beside me, but the black hoodie disappeared from my sight. Maybe he had something to say, but decided against it.

I trudged out into the hallway to find Shikamaru waiting for me on the same cushioned bench. He was perkier than usual, probably still riding the high of the night before. "Not gonna walk out with your boyfriend?" he grinned.

"Shut up," I grumbled. I scanned around to make sure Sasuke wasn't in earshot, but it seemed like he was already gone. Phew.

Not going to lie, I kind of wanted him to say something to me earlier---even if it meant I'd have a heart attack in the process. Any word at all, really. I wouldn't care if he just asked about our project and pretended like nothing happened between us. Just any kind of acknowledgement would have sufficed. This silent limbo we were in only added to my confusion.

However, I have to remind myself that this isn't a fairytale. He has a girlfriend and I was just a hook-up. I can't expect anything from him. This is as good as it gets.

____________________________________

The steam from the flavored broth floated around my face as I hunched over the silver bowls on the stove. I figured working would take my mind off of things, but it was an unbearably slow night. Plus, it was just my grandpa and I tonight---no coworkers to help distract me, either. I could hear my grandpa going on and on about some story to my friends. It was a story from his younger days when he was more spry enough to hit on girls. He still does it at his current age, but is less successful now. Not even his antics were helping me out of this funk.

I felt like zombie. Everything I did was sluggish and sloppy. My energy was depleted from the constant thinking I've been doing since the night before. I couldn't tell if I was upset or not. My mind went in constant circles of caring and not caring. I'm not sure if hearing from Sasuke would help or not.

"Hey, buddy," my grandfather called out to me. "Your friends are waiting on their bowls over here."

They were all looking at me from behind the counter. I could see worry specifically in Shikamaru and Choji's eyes. I'm sure my grandfather noticed something was off, too.

"Right, sorry," I muttered as I began scooping the ramen into separate red and white bowls.

I placed the food in front of them and took a seat on the stool by the register. I rested my elbow on the counter and put my chin against my fist with a pouty face. An exasperated sigh left my lips as I sank into my awful mood.

"What's with the long face, kid?" my grandfather prodded.

"Nothing," I huffed like an angsty teenager.

"He's having boy problems," Shikamaru elaborated with side eye towards me.

One thing about Shikamaru is that he's always going to call me out. He never sugar coats anything and says it how it is. Plus, he knows my grandfather doesn't give a damn about my sexual orientation.

"I'm not having boy problems," I argued. I crossed my arms, which probably made me look like a pouting toddler. Definitely not helping myself with that look.

"Hm?" my grandfather hummed with interest.

"He has entangled himself with a guy that has a girlfriend," Shikamaru explained with a smirk. "He's been in a mood all day because he hasn't heard from him."

"Oh, I see," my grandfather nodded. "You know, I once had a lady friend with a boyfriend, so I know how that goes. However, your situation might be a little more tricky."

I groaned in disgust. Another wild story of his was going to turn into a life lesson. Thank God no one else was in this damn restaurant.

"The thrill of being the secret is fun and all," he continued. "But you could land yourself in a world of hurt. For me, I got my ass kicked by the boyfriend. I doubt you'll have that happen with some little girl, but you could have your feelings hurt."

I hate when he's right. The man is always right.

"I know," I sighed. "It was just a one time deal. I don't plan on seeing him any more than I have to."

I mean, I can't see someone that hasn't spoken a word to me since the hook-up. It was already over before it could even get started. I'll just swallow the guilt and move on with my life.