Naruto Fanfiction Series 1: Kitsune's Mission

Phase 7: Lost

Third Person's POV

The morning sunlight streamed through the windows of the Leaf Academy, casting a warm glow over the empty classroom.

It was a familiar sight for Sasuke, a daily ritual that often filled him with a sense of quiet anticipation. Today, however, a different kind of excitement thrummed beneath his skin.

He stepped inside, his heart pounding with an unfamiliar mix of apprehension and anticipation.

His eyes scanned the room, immediately landing on Naruto. He was already seated by the window, bathed in the morning light, and a book is open in his left hand.

Naruto was engrossed in a book, his usually vibrant blonde hair framing his face as he absorbed the words on the page.

His expression was a study in quiet intensity, a stark contrast to the playful mischief that usually characterized him.

Sasuke found himself transfixed by the sight of Naruto, his features softened by the morning light, a quiet serenity radiating from him.

His breath caught in his throat, a mixture of longing and admiration washing over him.

For a moment, Sasuke contemplated retreating, finding a seat far away from the blonde, as he had done countless times before.

But this time, something within him, a newfound courage perhaps, or maybe just the raw desire to be near Naruto, drove him forward.

He walked towards Naruto, his steps hesitant at first, then becoming more confident as he approached. His heart pounded with a mixture of nervousness and excitement.

"Dobe," Sasuke greeted, his voice low but firm, a stark contrast to the nervous flutter of his stomach.

Naruto's eyes flicked up from his book, a faint smile gracing his lips. "Beautiful," he replied, his voice a low murmur.

Sasuke felt a rush of warmth flood through him. He had never been so aware of his own heart, never so conscious of the effect Naruto had on him.

"You're still reading that book?" Sasuke asked, unable to mask the amusement in his voice.

He knew Naruto had been immersed in that book for days, his usual mischievous grin replaced with a quiet intensity.

Naruto's smile widened. "Indeed, Beautiful. I'm quite engrossed in this tale of a young man, misunderstood and ostracized, finding his place in a world that deems him different." His eyes met Sasuke's, a silent question hanging in the air.

Sasuke understood. Naruto, always the perceptive one, was drawing parallels between the protagonist's plight and his own. "You're just like him, aren't you?" Sasuke teased, his voice laced with affection.

"Perhaps," Naruto responded, his gaze returning to the book. He chuckled softly. "But unlike him, I have you, Beautiful. And that makes all the difference."

"Different, huh?" Naruto frowned in confusion before turning his attention to the owner of that voice. It was Hiro, standing behind him, looking down at the book, intrigued.

Sasuke bit his lower lip, looking at the brothers. "Go to your seat," Naruto demanded.

Hiro smiled teasingly at his brother as he moved to the back, finding a seat in the shadows, as usual. Naruto averted his attention back to Sasuke.