INFATUATION

17.

"You sure you're okay, Y/n? You seem.." Naruto gulped as he assessed the look on your face, "Erm.. upset." You crossed your arms and let out an annoyed huff from your nose. "I'm just fine! If anyone's not fine, it's Sasuke."

Sakura hooked her arm with yours. "Oh, don't be too mad at him, Y/n! I'm okay, I promise!" She insisted, but you weren't having any of it. "It doesn't matter, I hate when he's rude to others. Even if you've forgiven him, Naruto still hasn't." Sakura let out a small sigh. She was sad Sasuke had said that to her, but she was also grateful to be experiencing your kindness.

"Ack!" You squeaked as you lost your step. A cardboard box painted to look like dirt bumped into your leg, causing you to fall forward. Naruto rushed to grab ahold of you, briefly wrapping his arms around your upper body. He turned his head to stare at the crafted disguise with a squint.

"Y/n! Are you okay!?" Sakura worriedly shouted.

'Fake rocks..? What's up with that??' Naruto's eye twitched as he waited for something to happen. The box stayed still, though. It was obvious there was someone under there, peeping at the three of you through two small holes. Naruto pointed an accusing finger, "That's the worst disguise of all time! There's no such thing as square rocks! It's completely obvious!" He scolded.

You curiously watched as he approached the box, "You saw through my camouflage, again! You're slick, boss! Just what I'd expect from my rival." A muffled high-pitched voice said from underneath. Colorful smoke bombs went off and revealed three coughing children.

"Rival, boss?" You repeated as you looked towards the blond. "Naruto, are these your friends?" You asked with a smile. "Friends!?" He repeated, seeming offended that you'd even say that to him. You let out a small giggle, "Awh, that's sweet! I had no idea you liked kids." His cheeks tinted pink at the praise.

"I'm Moegi, the sexiest kunoichi in preschool, check me out!" A ginger girl was introduced, she had her hair tied in two. "I love algebra, call me Udon!" A boy with large round glasses said next, he had snot running down his nose. "And I'm the number one ninja in the village, Konohamaru!"

The three struck poses, "And when we're all together, we're the Konohamaru ninja squad!" Although you stared at them with a giant smile, Naruto had a scowl on his face. "I already knew it was you! Apologize to Y/n, you three bumped into her and she almost fell!"

You shook your head and slightly waved your hands. "No, no, it's okay! Don't shout at them, Naruto!" Konohamaru stared up at you, "Hey boss, who's this girl anyway?" His brows furrowed in thought. 'She's so smiley with him... Ah!'  Konohamaru lit up as he struck an idea.

He smirked while patting Naruto's back. "I get it, you're a smooth operator, boss!" The Uzumaki tilted his head downwards to peer at the younger (soon-to-be) ninja, "Huh?"

"C'mon, I know that she's your.." Konohamaru leaned forward, and his smirk grew. "Girlfriend..!" He whispers. Sakura frowned, "Huh!?" She glared daggers at the two boys.

Meanwhile, your eyes widened in shock, and your face began heating up. You and Naruto? Together? You placed your cool hand against your warm cheek, 'Naruto..? I've never really thought about him and I like that before..' You squeezed your eyes shut, growing more flustered. 'Pull it together, you're not Sakura!'  You mentally berated.

Before Naruto could even reply, Sakura threw a punch at him. She sent him flying towards a wooden fence. The girl had a type for Uchihas, apparently. And she was very jealous despite not dating either of them.

"Boss!" Konohamaru shouted, astonished by the pinkette's strength. Moegi and Udon worriedly ran to check on Naruto.

"You're a witch! And you're ugly too! Naruto's girlfriend is way prettier than you!" Konohamaru angrily said, but soon regretted his words when he saw Sakura cracking her knuckles. As if preparing to beat him next.

You hurried to hold her back before she could charge at him. "Why don't you go on a walk to cool down, Haruno.." You awkwardly smiled as she continued trying to slither from your grasp. "You're very pretty, Konohamaru didn't mean it! He's sorry, right?"

The boy scaredly nodded, which calmed the pinkette down a bit more. You slowly took your hands off her, "Hmph!" She turned her head angrily and stomped off. "You're so kind!" Konohamaru said, with tears running down his cheeks as he clung to your thigh. "Boss picked a good one! How did he get so lucky?! You're an angel!"

You bent over slightly and cupped his cheek, wiping his tears with your thumb. "Naruto and I aren't together. I'm just his teammate. But please, call me Y/n!" Your lips stretched into a kind smile.

"Y/n, Y/n! Let's play ninja, okay?!" He grinned, and you stood straight once more as he ran off, with his friends following close behind. You heard a groan beside you and looked over. "Oh, Naruto.." You frowned sympathetically. "Are you okay? She hit you pretty hard.." You carefully placed your hand over the bump on his head.

"Yeah... I'm fine.." He said with a wince. "Okay, then let's go. Konohamaru's waiting for us!" You chased after the group. "Hey, but!- Ugh.." Naruto muttered to himself, having no choice but to follow. He was excited to spend time with you, without the addition of the trio.

Turning the corner, you were met with a boy about your age holding onto Konohamaru by his scarf. "So, does this hurt punk?" He taunted, holding his neck tighter. "Put him down, Kankuro. Or you know you'll pay for it later." A girl beside him argued.

"You better take your hands off him right now!" Naruto shouted while you glared daggers at Kankuro. It was no secret you had already developed a soft spot for these three. Or at the very least Konohamaru.

"Are you not ashamed? You're picking on a kid you're three times bigger than." You clenched your fists. "Let go of me you jerk!" Konohamaru kicked at his chest, but it was to no avail. "You're feisty, but not for long." Naruto ran towards them. "I said, put him down!"

Kankuro's fingers twitched, and suddenly Naruto fell to the ground.

"What the! What was that?!" He sat up. The outsider smirked, "You're a leaf genin too? Looks like your ninjas are all wimps, it doesn't matter what age they are." He then looked towards you.

But his egotistical act was wiped away when a rock came crashing towards him. The blow made him drop Konohamaru. "Y/n, boss!" He cried out as he ran towards you two. You opened your arms to him and kneeled, allowing him to hug you for comfort. Which he did.

"You're a long way from home, and you're way out of your league."

'That voice..' You looked up towards the tree where the rock was thrown from. It was Sasuke! He sat on a branch, tossing another stone up and down. You momentarily forgot about what he did earlier, too relieved that he managed to save Konohamaru. You placed your hand on the back of Konohamaru's head. "Sasuke.." You whispered out.

"Oh great, another wimp to tick me off.." Kankuro hissed, as he held onto his hand.

"Get lost," Sasuke ordered before he crushed the stone into nothing but a pile of dust. Moegi and Udon stared, amazed. Konohamaru looked towards Naruto, "Why aren't you as cool as him?!" He pointed an accusing finger. "What!? What do you mean? I could've taken that guy out in two seconds flat!" Naruto insisted while he kneeled beside you, placing a hand on Konohamaru's shoulder.

"Hmph.." Konohamaru turned away, once again resting his face against your chest.