Silent Promises (Sasuke X Naruto)

♡ Chapter - 18 ♡

After a few days

Author's POV

Naruto wakes up earlier than usual, his stomach churning with unease. It's his first day back after everything that happened. He skipped school for a few days until Sasuke brought it up to his parents. Naruto's exams were getting closer and Sasuke would never let Naruto fail and repeat another year.

Naruto's parents are slowly accepting Sasuke now since they see how much effort he is putting into Naruto. Every day, he visits Naruto to check up on him. At first, Kushina is a bit rude, but her heart softens when she sees Sasuke trying so hard.

Naruto knows the rumors about him are likely still fresh in everyone's minds. The whispers of him being a bully, a thief, and a troublemaker weren't something that would go away overnight, even if Aika's lies had been exposed.

Despite Temari revealing the truth about Aika and her cousin, Naruto wasn't sure how everyone would treat him now. Forgiveness wasn't something he expected, and trust? That felt even farther away.

He dressed in his uniform and grabbed his bag. His mom wanted to drop him but Naruto threw a tantrum saying that he is old enough to go to school and it's embarrassing. In reality, Naruto was just scared that his mother would see how he was treated in school. He'd never let his mother see him unhappy again. He's trying to treat himself better too. After how much she cried and begged for forgiveness for not protecting him, he couldn't let her see the toxicity of those students. He couldn't explain to her that it wasn't her fault and he could assure her that he was all okay now.

Naruto stood by the front door, his hands nervously clutching the strap of his backpack. He was wearing his school uniform, but it felt heavier than usual as if it bore the weight of all the judgment waiting for him at school. Naruto hesitated by the door, looking back at his parents. Kushina stepped forward, pulling him into a tight hug.

" Just remember Naruto, no matter what they say, you've got people who believe in you. You've got us, and your friends. That's all that matters. " She said softly. He could tell that she was scared to let him go but she didn't want to force Naruto.

" Show them who you are, not what they thought you were. " Minato gave him a reassuring nod.

A car horn honked outside, and Naruto peeked out the window. Sasuke's sleek black car was parked in the driveway, and Sasuke himself leaned against the driver's side, arms crossed and eyes focused on the house.

Sasuke has been with Naruto every nowadays. He wouldn't leave him alone even for a single second. He's like a street dog when someone gives them food and Naruto is that someone. Sasuke memorizes Naruto's daily routine so that he can stay with Naruto and somehow Naruto's parents are ok with it.

Kushina and Minato have been very busy with their work nowadays but they still wants to take care of Naruto. For some reason, both of them are scared to leave Naruto alone even for a bit. What if he gets the same thoughts again? They know how much Naruto hides things. He'll never let his true emotions out till it overfill. They couldn't take the same risk twice. What if they never get Naruto back this time?

Both of Naruto's parents saw how hard Sasuke and Naruto's friends were working for their approval so they decided to accept them slowly.

" You didn't have to force me to go with you in a car, you know?" Naruto sighed and opened the door.

" And let you walk into that school alone after everything? Not happening. Get in. " Sasuke raised an eyebrow. He was very stubborn.

" You're not going to let them get to you, right? " Naruto hesitated before sliding into the passenger seat. As they drove, Sasuke glanced at him.