Temptation (NEW)

Chapter Seventeen

You'd think I'd be over Sasuke by now. Two weeks have gone by without seeing him. I honestly wondered if he dropped our class entirely, but that idea was plundered when my professor actually asked where he was. I didn't know what to tell him because I genuinely didn't know. It was a mystery to me, too.

"How much longer are you going to take in there, Naruto?"

Temari's voice carried through the bathroom door in a frantic rush. We were all getting ready to head to a party at Ino's. I had felt dread all day over it. If I was going to see Sasuke, it'd be at this party.

"Naruto, hurry up! I still need to put on my makeup!"

I shut off the faucet that I had running and dried my face. She looked extra annoyed when I stepped out of the bathroom.

"Sorry, Temari," I muttered as I brushed past her.

I kept walking into the living room where the others sat. Forcing my best fake smile, I took a seat next to Gaara.

"I haven't been to party around here in a long time," he remarked, taking my hand into his immediately. He squeezed gently, giving me a smile. "I think one of the last ones I went to, we actually made out. Right?"

"I guess we'll have to keep the tradition and make out at this one," I teased, squeezing his hand back.

This should feel good. I mean, it does, but it doesn't feel right. First of all, Shikamaru was right. I was using Gaara as a distraction. I'm rebounding to keep myself from spiraling completely. Second of all, Gaara didn't deserve it. He's genuinely such a good guy. I should be obsessed with him and not Sasuke. It didn't make any sense on why my brain is acting like this. The logical choice is Gaara, right?

"Uber's here," Shikamaru announced. He turned towards the hallway and shouted towards Temari. "Do your makeup in the car! We have to go!"

Shit. Here we go.

Pulling up to the party sent war flashbacks in my mind. The last one I went to ended with me going to the ER. I think Gaara could sense my anxiety because he squeezed my hand as soon as we laid eyes on the house. I wish it could have been more reassuring, but all it did was make me feel more cloudy in my mind.

The crowd was just as hectic as any of the other parties. Loud music, drunk people, and pure chaos. I kept my eyes on Gaara, who was walking in front of me with my hand in his. He seemed pretty excited to be here, so I did my best to swallow my fears. When I would briefly glance around, I didn't see Sasuke. Maybe he just dropped off the Earth entirely. I guess that's a good thing.

"Oh my gosh, Temari!" a squeal came from behind our group.

Ino was running towards the other blonde with her arms extended out for a hug. I didn't bother to look at them, but instead I looked towards where Ino was coming from. On the couches in the living room sat Sai (her boyfriend) and Sakura---but no Sasuke. I should be relieved, but I'm honestly disappointed.

"Let's go get a drink." Gaara was tugging on my hand, pulling me away from the rest of the group. I had to take my eyes away and keep looking forward.

We kept walking towards the kitchen until we stood in front of the stack of red solo cups and arrangement of drinks. I left him to pour us some drinks while I looked around some more. Choji was not too far from us, talking to Lee, Shino, and Kiba. I think Neji was standing over with them, too. Walking across the room was Kankuro, headed straight towards that group. Shikamaru and Temari were further in the living room now, reluctantly talking to Ino's friends.

No matter where I looked, I couldn't find Sasuke.

"Here you go," Gaara beamed, popping right in front of me with a drink for me to take.