Unfortunately Yours (SasuNaru) ✔

Chapter 15: Timing

Sasuke P.O.V

I ran to the apartment as fast as I could.

Please...let her be there!

I ran up the stairs and quickly placed my hand on the doorknob, but the fear of her not being home made me stop.

I couldn't open it. I didn't want to open it.

If she's not there...what would I do? Give up on her?

I took a deep breath before I began to open the door. Naruko...please be home...

When I opened the door, she was sitting down at the table with the cup of ramen I had bought for her.

"Sasuke? Why do you look like shit?" she asked as she took a mouth full of noodles.

I was relieved, happy, and slightly upset with myself because I allowed Sakura to get under my skin; I knew she was a liar. I let out a small sigh of relief but then quickly returned to my usual cool and calm composure.

"Shut up, idiot."

I shut the door behind me and removed my shoes so I could walk into the house. I was making my way to the table when I began to feel an uncomfortable pressure begin to form between us, so I took the chance to sit at the couch instead.

It was quiet, and only the sounds of Naruko's unmannered form of eating echoed through the apartment. I closed my eyes, letting out another sigh before I decided to break the silence.

"So...you and Gaara, huh?"

"Huh? O-oh yeah...we're a couple now..." she replied awkwardly.

"Did Lady Tsunade say it's okay...? For you guys to date while we're...married?"

"Um...she didn't say no...but I can't go to the sand village until I'm done with the mission here."

Sand village? Why would she go to the hidden sand? Is she actually thinking about moving there for him...?

I felt the pain in my heart return from my thoughts. It was as if the empty space where my heart once stood was hurting more than when it had broken.

"Naruko...?"

"Yes...?"

"Does he make you happy?"

The air between us had thickened, making the tension almost visible. It was hard to breathe and the sound of my broken beating heart rang in my ears. I was scared. I had never been in a situation like this before.

My emotions were constantly changing and affecting everything I did. They drove me to do things I would have never done before. And the fear of not knowing Naruko's thoughts drives me insane. I want her to be happy, but-

I don't want her to love Gaara; I want her to love me...

I heard her hesitate to speak before releasing an awkward laugh. "I mean, Gaara's a great guy. He's sweet, considerate, smart, brave, and just a good person overall. He gets me like no other because we share the same fate of being hosts to the tailed beasts. He's a great friend...and I guess he does make me happy too."

I placed my hand over my heart as the pain became unbearable. Tears began to form in my eyes but I couldn't let them fall. I use to be emotionally strong, but she had made me weak. Being a ninja was one thing, but being a human was another.

I quickly held my breath as I wiped away my pathetic tears. I then exhaled silently, not wanting to give away my pitiful state.

"Then..." I started, "What about me? Do I make you happy...?"