Chapter Text
Sasuke twitched, there was a bunch of letters or rather love confessions, flowers and chocolates outside his house. Of course, they all belonged to Sakurato.
"Looks like someone's popular." Naruto laughed earning a scowl from him. Sasuke wretched the door open to their house. He should have known better than to let him be his roommate. Although it wasn't like he had a lot of offers.
Even Naruto had to turn him down since he decided to move in with his girlfriend.
"I didn't expect to live with a mess." He responded to Naruto but was currently locking gazes with Sakurato as if to say 'well?'
"I'm so sorry." Sakurato put his hands together in an apologetic motion.
"I've told them to not bring them here and just leave them by my locker but... they can't take the hint."
"Just take care of that clutter."
"Ye-yeah..." Sakurato hated getting Sasuke mad, there was something about the Uchiha's glare that would make anyone tremble.
"Don't give him such a hard time," Naruto whispered. "How are you going to win him over with cold atti- ow! Hey!" The blonde pouted rubbing his sore head.
"Keep it down, remember I'm the one helping you study." Besides, they lived in two completely different worlds. Sakurato was popular, good at sports, social and friendly to everyone.
And whilst Sasuke himself didn't lack in looks and worked out he was a perfectionist. And would rather spend the entire day studying to keep his A grades, preferred staying in than going out or to the library and hated people.
Naruto would do his best to make him more social but Sasuke was always the first one to leave.
"I'm just saying." Naruto shrugged.
Yeah, it was impossible. Besides what would he see in-
Sasuke felt someone shove him and realised it was Sakurato who had accidentally brushed passed whilst carrying a box full of clutter.
"Oh sorry." He smiled, walking past. Just how much DID he have?
"Your staring at his ass-"
"SHUT UP!" The Uchiha gritted out.
He was NOT!
A letter fell out of his pocket, Sasuke was about to pick it up and let him know but then saw his name on top. Odd.
"Oh, what's this?" Naruto grabbed hold of the envelope opening it before giving the Uchiha a chance to skim through it. "Oooh, you got a secret admirer? The blonde grinned reading the content. "A sappy one at that."
"Idiot, I haven't even read it yet." Sasuke snatched the note away, how he was friends with the Uzumaki again he'll never understand. "So you're interested? That's a first. What about Sakurato huh?"
"More like interested in finding out who sent me this." Damn, he wasn't even familiar with the handwriting.
Who would send him such a letter anyway? He couldn't think of anyone in particular.
"This has to be a mistake."
"Why? It has your name on it."
"I don't get handwritten love confessions, it's... strange, suspicious even."
"Meh you're overthinking, so what if someone likes you. Even you have admirers Sasuke." Maybe Naruto was right.
"Not to do this, I need to find out who this is."
"So you can reject them and tell them your heart belongs to another?" The man just rolled his eyes.
"To find out if this is some joke or if it's genuine."
"And if it is?" Sasuke was silent for a moment before answering. "Then I'll reject them gently, you said it yourself my heart belongs to another. I'll just tell them I don't feel the same way."
"Ouch, you're going to break someone's heart."
Despite his best efforts, Sasuke couldn't find a single trace of just who this person was. He compared the writing from his classmates, some of his friends and even Sakurato but nothing.
It had been a week and he still hadn't solved the mystery, something which he hated.
He was good at solving puzzles, this should be easy. And isn't the point of confessing to someone to get a response back?
"Okay, I'll leave it to you then. Thanks so much, Saks." He could hear Ino downstairs, were all blondes so loud? Sasuke tsked, scribbling all the list of names. None of them matched. Who were they?
Perhaps a break would do. He could do with a tomato. They always brought back his energy.
'That's a weird snack though Sasuke.' Naruto would say, hey at least it's healthy.
But then he spotted a piece of paper on the counter and his eyes widened at the familiar writing.
"Oh, Ino gave me a list for her shopping to do later since she's been stressed with studying. I thought I'd help out." His roommate explained.
Ino?
Now that made sense. She came round often given she was Sakurato's childhood friend. Maybe she slipped in the note amongst his letters or gave it to Sakurato in hopes he would hand it to him. They weren't well acquainted which is why Sasuke never had her as a suspect but as she did spend a lot of time here it wouldn't be too farfetched.
She might have even talked about him to Sakurato.
"I see."
He finally found them.
"I've got your letter."
"My…let…er…" Ino blinked looking down at the object in question.
When Sasuke asked to talk to her privately when she was getting ready for a movie night with Sakurato this wasn't what she had in mind.
"Yes, your confession. And as flattered as I am, I can't return your feelings. There's… someone else." Well, he as might as well be honest.
"I see…" The blonde was more focused on the person behind Sasuke, Sakurato. Who was all over the place waving and making signs with hands as if to say 'don't tell him, please.'
"Yes, my letter. Um, well you see… it's really old. This is embarrassing but I did plan to give it to you a while back but didn't have the confidence. I'm actually dating someone now, Sai. I don't know how you got it, maybe Sakurato took it by mistake. Anyway, I'm really sorry. You were never meant to see it." Yeah, that would do. It was believable and she didn't have to make it as though she was never meant to give it to him.
"Ah, I'm glad."
But she was absolutely furious with her friend.
"I can explain…"
"Oh you better, please kami tell me why I had to lie and explain to Sasuke about my supposed feelings? I thought we agreed that you were going to tell him."
"I made you write out the letter for a reason, didn't I? Anyway, that was drunk me, I'm not actually planning on confessing to him."
"And why not? You've been so hung up about him for how long now? You get confessions left and right but don't have the balls to do one yourself? How embarrassing." How embarrassing indeed, but it wasn't as simple as that.
"Ino, this is Sasuke. We're complete opposites. Do you see the way he looks at me? He probably hates me or finds me too… much." Sakurato sighed dejectedly on the counter. If he knew he had a shot he would gladly take it. But the Uchiha screamed 'go away' or 'don't talk to me' preferring to keep to himself.
And with the people around him always looking down and teasing him, there was no way Sasuke would be interested. They heard a door squeak open and their heads shot to see none other than Sasuke's best friend.
Naruto let out a nervous laugh.
"I didn't hear anything." He tried to say but dashed when he saw the two of them head straight towards him.
"Uzumaki get back here!" The two chased Naruto before he made it back to Sasuke's room, all three clashing to the floor.
"I wasn't going to snitch I swear, you were the ones who were running towards me. What else was I supposed to do?" Naruto grumbled when Ino dragged him across the floor.
"We have to be safe, anyway now that you know you could be of use to us." She gave a devious smile plotting. "So tell us, what does he have to do to win the Uchiha's heart?"
"Oooh, I got some things in mind," Naruto smirked. Great, this is going to be a disaster.
Sakurato is nervous, he's never had to win someone over before and is used to just receiving the attention. Call him obnoxious or conceited but it was the truth. Nevertheless, he takes Naruto's advice in hopes that Sasuke will get the hint and that he'll be able to confess to him.
It started with simple things first. Such as wearing clothes that were Sasuke's favourite not known by the pink-haired boy. Naruto just suggested these 'random clothes' as they look like they'll do in order to 'seduce' the Uchiha.
One wasn't really much, just a red tank top with his pink shorts. But he supposed they'll show off his well-toned arms and legs so why not?
'What exactly am I supposed to do?'
'Talk to him, engage with him in more personal conversations. You need to get to know each other more.' That was true, it wasn't as though they were complete strangers still, they did fit more with acquaintances than as friends.
'And then try flirting with him, you know. Innocent pick-up lines that'll get Sasuke flustered.'
Casual conversation then start to flirt.
Okay, he could do that.
No big deal right?
Except on the first day when he tried to make casual conversation, he bailed out. His mind immediately blanked after asking.
"So you had a good day?"
With Sasuke's reply being
"The day just started..."
It was 8 AM...
He buried his head in his pillow completely embarrassed about the whole thing.
'Maybe try and not to overthink things. You've talked to Sasuke plenty of times in the past with no trouble, just do what you usually do and then when you feel the time is right you can start your lame flirting attempts.' Ino comforted. He really needed to get his head cleared up.
...
Day 1
Sakurato had been studying for hours now for his upcoming exam, he needed to unwind and seeing the Uchiha on the sofa with a grey oversized hoodie that originally belonged to his older brother, he thought of the perfect idea and approached him.
"Hey, you want to watch a movie tonight? My mind's going crazy with all this studying. You can invite Naruto too if you want." Sasuke shrugged thinking there couldn't be any harm.
"Sure, what movie."
"Well, I'm more leaning on a trash movie. One that we can talk about in how ridiculous it is." It was one of his and Ino's traditions every week, even though they would sometimes get into arguments when considering what movie would be considered 'trash.'
Just do what you usually do. At least it'll be a bonding experience that wouldn't get him into overthinking.
"Ah, so we're going to be watching High School Musical one, two and three?" Sakurato made a fake gasp looking at Sasuke disappointed.
"Take that back! It's a classic."
"You don't actually like that rubbish, do you?"
"Well… not really. But Ino does, so you kind of get used to it. Don't say that in front of her." He could picture the same face she pulled when Sakurato suggested it for their shit movie night. Yes, that's what they called it. She kept whacking him with a pillow feeling betrayed.
"But it is." The two laughed.
"I've got one in mind, see if Naruto is free later tonight. I know everyone must be tense with the exams."
"Ah."
"Naruto can't make it tonight, says he has plans," Sasuke explained when Sakurato was getting the popcorn ready. He had sent a text to him beforehand not that Sasuke was aware, about saying he didn't fancy being the third wheel and for the two to 'have fun ;)'
Not that he knew why Sakurato rolled his eyes. This was meant to be casual and a way to get to know him as Naruto himself suggested but whatever.
"His loss, more popcorn for us." The pink male cheered sitting down comfortably next to the Uchiha pressing play on the remote.
"Sharknado really?"
"It's one of the first ones I and Ino watched so why not? And I'd much rather rest and forget after all the studying I've done."
"It's fine when you get used to it."
"Maybe you can teach me?" Wait, what? The question slipped out innocently but it wasn't actually his intention.
"Ah, I don't mind. I'm surprised it took you this long to ask." He wasn't sure whether to take it as a compliment or not.
"Are you saying I'm not smart enough myself? I'm the one studying to become a doctor."
Maybe it will get easier.
...
Day 3
Sasuke was in the library studying, it was quiet and peaceful until someone helped themselves and sat next to him. Assuming it was the blonde, because really. Who else would it be? He was surprised to see Sakurato there.
"Sorry, you don't mind if I sit here do you?"
"Ah."
"I'll take that as a no."
"What are you doing here anyway? I rarely see you in the library." It wasn't like he was complaining and sure maybe Sakurato frequented the library but Sasuke had never seen him here before.
And this is coming from someone who goes there every day.
"Charming, I actually just got back from practice and was hoping to squeeze in some studying. The guys all wanted to go out afterwards but they all avoid the library like the plague so I'm kind of hiding too." That wasn't a surprise.
"I promise I won't bother you though." He turned to his books and there were so many too. But it was clear that Sakurato was struggling with where to start.
"If you're struggling, I can help you."
"No thanks, you've already done enough with helping me with my schedule. And, I'm not sure if you'll be too familiar with this." I mean, their courses were completely different, not that he underestimated Sasuke though. It just wasn't his thing.
"I'm sure I will be able to manage." He took one of the textbooks but made a face at seeing its content. Okay so maybe it was more difficult than he imagined.
"Told you." Sakurato laughed at his reaction.
"I can still understand certain parts, I'll just jot down some notes for you to use."
"Really? Thanks, I'll have to do something for you one day in return."
...
Day 16
It was weird now how often Sasuke found himself spending time with Sakurato lately. It wasn't like they had never done so before but they had either been spending hours hanging out or making plans to do something together.
Naruto encouraged him to go for it as this was the perfect opportunity to get to know him better and finally confess his feelings. Perhaps a timing will arrive, and to think he didn't believe the Haruno wanted to spend any time with him.
Unfortunately now though, Naruto had dragged his friend out for the night. He really didn't want to be here but 'one night of fun isn't going to hurt' so, of course, he couldn't refuse. However, he had a problem and that was some guy in the bar who wouldn't take no for answer. He was clearly drunk but that wasn't an excuse to go and be a dick.
"Oh come on, it's not like you have a lot of people wanting to sleep with you."
"I told you no!" If he kept on insisting then there would probably be a fight, which was the last thing he wanted.
"Bah, you should feel flattered. Do you know how popular I am on campus?"
"I really couldn't care less." Where did Naruto drift off to anyway? This wouldn't have happened if he left him by himself and yet the Uzumaki wondered why Sasuke hated to go out.
"Oh Sasuke-Kun, you made it." A familiar voice piped and he turned to see Sakurato who slid onto the other side of the sofa next to him. His arm went around Sasuke's shoulders, the action made Sasuke blush slightly but he noticed what he was trying to do and played along. Especially as he called him Sasuke-Kun.
"What do you think you're doing Haruno?" His eyes narrowed on the two, Sakurato looked up innocently and smirked.
"Who me? I'm spending some quality time with my boyfriend." He replied so casually, this hadn't been the first time he played 'pretend boyfriend' for others to get rid of creeps, although this had been the first time using it on someone on their own campus. Not that he knew who he was but the guy obviously knew him.
"Huh? Since when did you have a boyfriend?"
"It's none of your business and can't you see you're making him uncomfortable. Not to mention everyone else." Since he kept yelling the man had got the attention of other onlookers who were glaring at him. They came here to have fun and he was ruining it.
"If you would rather fight we can take it outside I'd be more than happy to-"
"Tch, don't bother. F**k this place." Wow, language. They watched him walk away and Sakurato sighed before finally dropping his arm.
"Sorry about that."
"No need and thanks." The Uchiha took a small sip of the alcohol, hopefully, he wouldn't notice that his face was still red or he could blame it on the drink.
"I'm used to getting rid of guys like that, too many."
"Have you been in any fights?" He seemed to back off pretty quickly despite being so full of himself. Of course, Sasuke knew he was stronger. I mean he did play sports but to scare him so quickly?
Did he have a reputation that he didn't know of?
"I guess you can say that I was trained by Tsunade herself you know in boxing. I've yet to lose a fight against any of my matches and well new travels fast so people are afraid to fight me. Of course, I've been in a few scraps with guys wanting to teach me a lesson but I've always come out on top." Sasuke nodded, this was the first he heard of it but was glad too.
A thought occurred to him though. If this guy was from their college, would he spread rumours of the two dating or being a couple?
"Won't this affect you though, it's not like he'll keep quiet about us."
"Oh no, I'm going to lose all the guys and girls who want to get into my pants. It's fine really, you're probably doing me a favour." The man chuckled.
"Ah, what about you though?"
"Me?"
"Yeah, do you have anyone special you're trying to impress or something? Like a crush?" Yes, and it's you, again Sasuke felt his cheeks turn pink and shook his head.
"There's no one."
"Really? I could have sworn you told Ino-" Sasuke coughed blushing, ah he had almost forgotten about that.
"There isn't really, that was just to get her off my back..." Please believe me.
"And we can probably pin this on Naruto if he hadn't forced me out."
"I can live with that." The man smirked.
"Oh!" Sakurato brought out the red jacket that he would wear almost every day.
"You should keep this."
"Why?" Sasuke looked at it suspiciously.
"To make it look more… realistic. In case you run into that guy again, I mean we live in the same house, so it's not like I'll never see it again." Ah, that seemed reasonable. Although his heart was beating incredibly fast.
Naturally, the rumours had started spreading quickly and Sakurato was immediately confronted by a group of his 'friends' well... okay so they weren't really his friends. They just wanted him to hang out with them, as he was popular and well-known. He couldn't get rid of them no matter how much he tried.
Until now.
"Oi Haruno, you're not actually going out with the Uchiha are you?"
"Yes? What's it to you?" They all made a face.
"But he's so... lame, all he does is study."
"Yeah, he could easily be part of our group if he wasn't such a know it all."
"I think he's cute and this isn't high school anymore so stop acting like a bunch of spoilt brats!" Finally, he thinks, this was his chance.
"What's this I heard about you getting rid of your stalkers." Ino barged into the house excited.
"I think calling them that is a bit much." But he was indeed very happy knowing he was 'kicked out' of their group.
...
Day 33
"Just hit it."
"Why am I agreeing to do this?"
"I've told you I'll return the favour someday." Yes but by someday he didn't think it would mean learning to box, he'd rather have something else in mind.
"I never mentioned wanting to learn to do boxing." Sasuke snarls, the gloves themselves were uncomfortable and itchy even.
"It's just for today, and trust me. It's a really good outlet for any stress and frustrations." Sasuke punched the punching bag, he didn't need any outlets. He was perfectly fine with how he was.
"And you look good like this." The man smirked, Sasuke misses his hit completely taken aback by the sudden compliment. Was he flirting with him?
"What?"
Sakurato shrugged.
"I'm just saying, and your body's too tense. You need to relax and lift your arms a bit more." Except how was he going to concentrate after that?
...
Day 46
If Sasuke didn't know any better he would have thought Sakurato had been hitting on him lately and he had no idea how to respond from:
'Your hands are heavy, can I hold them for you' and then proceeds to hold his hand in public.
.
'If being sexy was a crime, you'd be guilty as charged.' The two were in the canteen of all places and poor Sasuke's face turned beet red at the grinning boy.
.
'I was wondering if you're an artist because you were so good at drawing me in.'
'You know your teammates are right there watching.' Sasuke pointed out.
'So?'
.
'Do you have a map? I just got lost in your eyes.'
Although most of these came from being in public spaces and around others who saw them as a couple, only a few were between them privately so he was confused about whether or not Sakurato actually had an interest in him.
It was as if he was teasing.
"I swear he's doing it on purpose," Sasuke complained to Naruto, the two were hanging in his room with the Uchiha resting on his bed. "I can't even focus on my studies."
"Wow, that is serious." Naruto laughed at his best friend's anguish but at least it was working. Sasuke was finally noticing Sakurato's attempts, just needed a little push in the right direction.
"Maybe he does like you."
"How can you be so sure? It could be for show."
"You've said he's been flirting with you when you've two been alone. If he really didn't like you or see you in that way why would he say such things?"
He wasn't sure why and couldn't think of any logical reason, but it was too of a big risk.
"And what if I'm overthinking and getting the wrong end of the stick?"
"I doubt it. Hey, why not flirt back? See his reaction and if anything happens." Flirt back? That he could do.
Except.
"How do you flirt?"
"You really are hopeless."
The next morning, Sasuke's head is all over the place, talking it out with Naruto was a good idea but still couldn't picture Sakurato having any interest in him. He had lost his friends' thanks to him, even though he says it was fine Sasuke still couldn't help but feel slightly guilty.
He was the most popular guy in college and now that he was 'with him' it almost seemed like he was slowly losing his reputation.
Kind of...
It's not like he's really cared about it before.
Even so, he was the guy on top, with lots of girls fawning over him, guys wishing to be him, the best football player in the college oh and a boxer (which he hadn't realised until now) and on top of all that he was studying to be a doctor. I mean really, how could people not be drawn to him?
Oh yes, and he loves romance and wanted to be swept off his feet.
Whilst he… he was a study bug who only took law so he could make his father proud. So that Fugaku will give him the same recognition as he's done Itachi. That's all he wanted, Sasuke was never interested in being social and having many friends. He only needed a good few who he trusted and he certainly wasn't looking for any type of romantic relationship.
They were from completely different worlds.
"Ah, morning Sasuke." The man was shirtless and Sasuke immediately retreated back to his room face fully flushed. So how could such a guy like Sakurato be interested in him?
"What'd I say?"
The idea was insane. Stupid Naruto.
...
Day 51
"Come to my game!" He blurts it out without thinking that Sasuke almost chokes on his drink.
"What?"
"I said come to my game, you never go."
"Because I don't like sports?" The raven-haired man tilted his head confused, it's not like he went to any of his games before so why start now?
"You go to the gym." Sasuke snorts at that. "That's hardly a comparison, I go to the gym to work out. If I didn't have to I wouldn't go." Sakurato pouts.
"But you're my boyfriend."
"Pretend boyfriend, we're not in any relationship."
"We need to make it look realistic." Sasuke gives him a look.
"Since when have you cared about that?"
"Okay." He gives in, another idea forming in his mind instead. "What about a bet then?"
"A bet?"
"If our team wins this game, I get to kiss you." Kiss him? Wha-
"So you have been flirting with me?" It was meant to come out as accusatory but it ended up sounding more surprised.
"Oh so you have noticed, yes I've been flirting. I've hardly been subtle with it." Sakurato leans in closer then, too close.
"So how about it? Are you interested?" It wasn't like he had anything to lose, this was a win/win for both of them so why not?
"Ah."
He corners him in the halls the next day after the game, Sasuke is too busy reading his book to notice until his right arm cages him against the lockers stopping him in his track and he drops the book facing the man unamused.
Of course, they would win the game, they always do.
"Where's my reward eh Uchiha?" He's smirking looking down at him. Sasuke is sure he's burning red but the light blush on Sakurato's cheeks didn't go unnoticed either.
Right now? Really, when everyone is watching?
Couldn't he have cornered him in the privacy of their own house or something? He sees his face coming closer and 'this is it' he thinks. Although not really sure how to act, Sasuke's never kissed, someone before.
What if he does a terrible job and puts him off. He'll be shamed by everyone in college and will have to quit then never graduate and disappoint his father-
There's whispering and squeals from the audience but just as their face was so close he pulled away.
What?
"I'm kidding. You don't actually have to kiss me." Sakurato laughs at Sasuke's reaction but he is not happy. What kind of torment is this? Because it wasn't funny yet before Sasuke even had a chance to speak and have a go he leans in again whispering in his ear.
"Why don't we start with a date first?" And just like that left him there dumbfounded.
Some of the girls cooed at how cute it was whilst others were disappointed. He just wanted classes to end so he can hide in his room for the rest of the year.
"He is ridiculous," Sasuke grumbles pouting. Naruto just laughs.
"But you like it, your face is practically blushing."
"Are you okay?" Ino asked noticing Sakurato hasn't stopped pacing back and forth.
"No! I can't believe it! We were so close and I actually asked him on a date. A DATE! What do I wear? Am I supposed to arrange something now? I don't even know what came over me." He was a complete mess despite how he acted before.
"…"
"You two are both hopeless."