By your side, this Christmas night

I can't believe that I actually forgot that I didn't post it here. I'm so sorry. Gosh, this is the longest oneshot I have written - ever. My monster of 8k words!

This piece is dedicated to lovely benteja for her awesome art for this work!

Following prompts were included here :

1. Write about a shy Boruto confessing his feelings for Sarada.

2. Write about Boruto defending Sarada.

3. "I can tell you're having fun."

4. "Your lips are really warm."

It is unbeta'd though. Hope you people still enjoy it!

Disclaimer : I do not own Naruto/Boruto franchise and it's characters.
...

"He's late."

She thought. The sound of her heels clicking against the floor echoed through the empty halls of the library. Rows and rows of books laid upon the either sides, old and new, big and small, were all neatly arranged in particular order related to subjects and then alphabetical orders. She stopped for a moment to investigate a certain book wondering if it would help them with their project.

Even as a kid, Sarada had always felt a strange sense of kinship with the books. Being the only child of her parents and even her family, Sarada had spent a major portion of her days secluded in the vast stretches of the library of the Uchiha mansion. Nose buried in books of legends and myths, of history and mystery was a day to day occurance in her childhood life.

So when she finally moved out for higher studies, the University library became an important part of her daily routine automatically.

But at the moment her presence here, just two days before christmas was of utmost importance. She didn't know what possessed her teachers to have this brilliant idea of adding a high grade scoring thesis project on their schedules deliberately on the festive season. Sarada's nose crinkled in displeasure. They were supposed to have fun! Cooped up inside her home writing a thirty page assignment was not her idea of celebrating Christmas.

Another sigh escaped her lips. Well, this book did have some stuff to the point. It was fortunate that this project was to be completed in pairs of your choice. Naturally, she teamed up with him. And now again, when the subject of him arose back, she remembered - he's late. It was neither common for him to be late nor was it to be always punctual. Maybe he's just forgotten about it? Midst of maintaining his grades and regular soccer practices, there were times when he would forget about things, meetings, gatherings and even events. So she slid her phone out of her pocket but stopped at the sound of heavy footsteps approaching. Something told her that it's not him. The rhythm of the steps was just way too wrong to be him and her suspicions are proven to be true when she turns around.

It's another guy - from Commerce faction. What was his name again? Horiko? Hariko? Oh yes, Horio! He smiled at her with what he assumed must be a charming smile. She didn't want to tell him but he looks ridiculous with that look.

She smiled awkwardly, "Is there anything I can help you with?"

Not sensing the reluctance in her smile, she grimaced when he seemed to be encouraged by it. He leaned against the frame of the shelf, trying to look cool but honestly it doesn't suit him. She wanted to say it but then bit her tongue to not come out as rude.