I Never Thought To Love You

Boy Trouble

Naruto's POV
I can't say how it happened, I just know that it did. About two days after I joined the Academy, I felt a lot closer to Kiba, Choji, and Shikamaru. For once, I felt welcome.
We spent all the time we could together, in and out of school. One thing led to another, and slowly I may have developed a crush on one of them. The one with the dog.
As we were messing around at Ichiraku's, things got a bit serious and we started talking about crushes. I fully planned on lying and saying that I was too tough to have feelings, until Kiba started talking.
"Ok, she's cute," he told us.
"That could be anyone," Shikamaru rolled his eyes.
Kiba smirked. "Yeah, but she's not just anyone."
Choji and I lifted an eyebrow at that remark. "Why didn't you tell me this, dude!"
"Sorry, Choj. I just wanted all of you to know at once so no one would spoil it."
We all listened intently as he began to describe her appearance.
"Beautiful eyes, unlike most any you've ever seen. It seems like nothing escapes them.
"And her hair is just such a pretty color. It's like purple and black at the same time."
"Hinata," Shikamaru guessed.
My stomach dropped. I don't remember what happened after that besides the fact that I blamed my sudden exit on a period cramp. Next thing I knew, I was sitting in a tree on the opposite side of the village.
It offers a brilliant view in my opinion, though. As I start to cry pathetically at the thought of my only crush ever liking someone else, I send my gaze to the abandoned houses. In a way, it was oddly comforting to see the run down houses, knowing that even after all that happened to them, they were still standing.
I am snapped out of my thoughts by a familiar voice yelling in my direction.
Shit. It's  Sasuke.
I pause a minute to compose myself before answering. "Yeah, just enjoying the view," I tell him.
After a few moments, he simply replies with, "It is nice."
I mentally face palm when he says that. Of course he thinks so! He was probably coming here to sit in this tree! Why else would he be in this part of town?
"I'm sorry if I'm taking your seat," I stutter quickly. "I should get home, anyways."
His voice is soft as he says that I can stay as long as I want. I'm not used to this side of Sasuke, but he probably doesn't know that he's talking to me, so I won't get used to it.
I think for a bit about my next actions. I could stay here until he leaves, and that way he won't know who I am. I'm certain that he heard me crying, so he now knows a side of me that no one else does. But the thought of someone finally knowing my true self was too appealing, even if it was duck-ass haircut Sasuke.
I jump down and glance at him quickly before running home. He doesn't make a move to stop me, which doesn't surprise me. He most likely couldn't care less now that he knows it's me.

1 Hour Later

I jump into bed as soon as I get into my apartment. I had decided to take the long way around in order to walk some of the stress out, which did help.
However, I'm still feeling like complete shit.
I roll over and sigh dramatically, not sure what to do. It would be best to sleep, but no matter how hard I try, my mind keeps wandering back to two certain boys.
The Uchiha shit and Dog Boy.
Why do I have to like him? Why not Shikamaru or someone I actually have  a teeny tiny chance with?
And with that thought, I fall asleep, dreaming of a giant duck fighting Akamaru.

The Next Day

I wake up with a cold sweat, being ripped from a nightmare that I can't remember for the life of me. It wasn't the duck fight scene, I know that much.
All I remember is darkness. And that on its own was scary enough.
I get up quickly and open the blinds, letting the sunlight pour through my window.
After taking a few deep breaths, I open my eyes to find my small apartment greeting me with its usual disastrous shape. I list off everything I need to do today, and decide that cleaning and showering should come first, in that order.
Once that's taken care of, I change into my trademark orange jumpsuit and slip on my sandals. I grab my wallet and skip out of my apartment, excited to go shopping for more ramen.
Ramen shopping has always been my favorite. I always end up getting the same thing: instant beef ramen, but if I come to the store on a good day, the shopkeeper might let me taste test some of her recipes, which I just love.
And usually, every day is a good day for her.
So, as I step in the store, greeted by the shopkeeper who tells me she just perfected her newest spicy shrimp ramen, I smile from ear to ear.
As I moan with pleasure from the ramen, the shopkeeper and I laugh, and I let myself forget all about those fucking guys.
Food will never betray me.