10 Chapter Nine

Aiko's Pov

I woke up no longer finding myself in Neji's arms but in my room, sprawled on top on my bed. The room was dim, my navy blue curtains preventing the sunlight from going through my window. I took a quick glance of my clock only to find out that it was fifteen past 3 in the afternoon. No surprise though.... I'm pretty sure Sasuke and Naruto are asleep as well, I mean, no one really got any sleep last night.

I felt myself heat up when I thought out loud. "Oh my god. Did Neji carried me all the way here?

"Ever thought that maybe Sasuke carried you all the way here?" A voice responded, which I found odd. Probably it was just a voice inside me. Why would that Uchiha take displeasure of carrying me anyway? But! Oh my gosh! What if he thought I was heavy? That's absolutely embarrassing!

I could practically hear his voice ringing in my ears babbling about what I eat...like bricks or drink liquid cement and how I really need to loose weight. But Neji isn't like that if anything, he'd say the opposite of what I'm assuming. Yet, I could still hear the rambles, but the voice was deeper than Neji's, almost as if it were...

"So, I decided to stay here and maybe make you food instead of letting you eat bricks all day." At first I thought it was me, just hearing things but when I looked up, I found a certain duckbutt haired boy wearing a smirk. His arms were crossed over his chest, his shoulder leaning on the door frame. I was right, it was Sasuke!

Despite the AC on, I felt myself getting hotter and hotter, causing goosebumps to rise. Something isn't right. Why do I feel so exposed? So free as if I'm....

My eyes widened ten times bigger than a truck's wheels, -okay, that's just totes exaggerating but you get what i mean, as I looked down to myself only discovering that just was wearing nothing but my underwear! The fist thing I did? Scream. I screamed at the very top my lungs, grabbing the duvet to cover my body.

Sasuke laughed.

"TELL ME WHY THE HECK! AM I NOT WEARING ANY CLOTHES?!!" I demanded, pointing at him accusingly. His laughter didn't cease at all and it was absolutely pissing me off. I felt ashamed and mad. How did I end of this?

When the Uchiha bit his lips to keep his snickers, he answered, "I didn't have a choice! You asked for it." What is he talking about? Why would I even ask him to strip me off my clothes? I don't get it! I know that never in a million years would I ever ask him such a request.

With my puzzled look, he rolled his eyes, "Long story short, you asked me to take off your clothes because you said it was too hot even when I turned the AC on. Don't get the wrong idea." he chuckled after those words slipped out of his lips and I was left stunned in disbelief. "As much as i didn't want to, you were demanding me to do so. If there's anyone to blame, it's you."

I couldn't find myself believing such a story. Did I really behave like that while I was asleep? My cheeks burned in pure embarrassment, as I wrapped myself in the duvet, completely hiding. I can't even look at Sasuke in the eyes anymore. If my parents know I was like this, I'd be a total disappointment!

I frowned at my thoughts, curling my body into a ball. Why am I so annoying and reckless and even dependent sometimes? Especially to Sasuke, Naruto or Neji! Ugh! Why can't I just be normal.

The questions in my head were cut short when I felt an arm wrapped around my waist over the thick cloth. A small gasp escaped my lips as I felt myself being pulled in, my back colliding into no other than Sasuke's chest. I could feel his heart beat as fast and as hard as mine was, feeling surge of anxiety.

I didn't know what to feel. I was beyond taken aback to make any response at all. I can't even move a muscle, not even dare to say a single word. I could hear his shaky sighs, feeling his chin on my head. He didn't say anything as well. His leg rested on top of mine as he held me closer. I felt like screaming.

We just stayed there for who knows how long. I don't know if it was only me, but I absolutely did not have the courage to speak or move. It was only getting hotter, I was practically suffocating inside. When I finally dared to move, only to take the duvet off my face so I could breathe, my actions were denied when Sasuke's grip only tightened.

I kept myself remaining in the same place for a few seconds before I gasped for air. "SASUKE!" I wiggled out of his arms but it was no use. I could feel his chest quivering as he laughed. I barely have enough oxygen in here!

"Sasuke! Let me go you jerk!" I kicked his leg off mine, still struggling to get out of his strong hold. If only I could turn to face him and push him with my own hands.

So I did. I tried my best to at least face him.... his chest, I mean which I did successfully. But pushing him didn't seem to help at the very least. His grasp was too strong for me. I felt dizzy already, I needed air, "Sasuke! Do you want me to die?!" I cried, still trying to shove him off, yet it grew weaker. His laughter finally stopped.

And just as I was about to completely suffocate and pass out, his arms loosened almost immediately as those words got out of my lips. Instantaneously, I took off the duvet, only to see Sasuke with a worried face, he looked almost apologetic...I guess.

I panted and painted, our eyes still locking.

Like how it was earlier, the atmosphere felt different. Despite the fact that my heart was beating so hard and fast because if the struggling i had to go through to get out of his arms, I knew it was also beating for a different reason.

The expression he wore, I could almost read it. His face filled with concern, worry, apology, but I could barely believe it. It might be an act for all I know. Yet, Sasuke's never the one to act. I know that.

"Sasuke..." I called out for him, but I didn't seem to take his attention. He just continued to stare.

I poked his forehead and he blinked, at last. "Aiko." The Uchiha breathed out. I gave him a tight smile, cupping his face with one hand. He, now was taken aback by my sudden gesture. He was unable to move.

Then I took the opportunity as he was wide open to knee him where the sun doesn't shine. Immediately he groaned in pain, curling his body into a ball clutching on his....yeah "What the heck was that for?!" he snarled at me with one eye open and the other shut in pain.

"For putting me at the brink of my death!" I retorted, getting up hurriedly when I covered his face with my duvet. I can't let him see me in my underwear, again! I ran straight to the bathroom to take a quick shower and then wrap myself with a towel. But I didn't get out yet. With my arms for support on the sink, I looked up in the mirror to see my reflection, just plain staring.

For some reason, I liked how our bodies were so close but I also felt disappointed when he only did that totorture me.

I found myself frowning.

That probably didn't mean anything to him. Besides, I'm just his best friend and I guess it's normal for him to do that, you know, make my life a living hell once in a while.

No! Why am I feeling like this? I can't be! I just can't..

Have you ever felt that you feel like you're falling for your best friend but you can't because you're afraid he won't return those to you and he'll maybe start ignoring you or maybe stop being your best friend? Yeah, well that's how I'm feeling now.

Wait what?!

No! It's not like I'm falling for him! I'm not! Ugh! Never in hell will I ever fall for that arrogant duckbutt!

I growled, shaking my head before splashing a handful of water on my face. The cold atmosphere of my room welcomed me and I no longer found the presence of Sasuke anywhere. It was weird to actually see him here first thing in the morning. I mean, normally the first who visits me is Naruto. And to think that, that duckbutt made me food. I do hope it's not all tomatoes.

After I threw in some casual clothes, I went down to find Sasuke with a poker face, sticking his gaze on the television. I decided not to bother him and just head straight to the dinning. Surprised to discover that he actually made normal food this time, I began to take in the fine cuisine.

"Well?" A voice pied from across. A pair of onyx eyes met mine, his air slightly falling back to a direction as his head tilted to take a peak, his lower lip pushed out a little. My heart pounded against my chest when I saw how cute he actually looked like.

My cheeks burned and I look old down on my plate, "It's good."

He hummed but I could tell he wasn't satisfied with my answer. Just hearing his footsteps as they grew louder and louder telling me that he was coming closer and closer, only made me nervous and I hated it. I don't want to feel like this around him but it seems I can't dodge it through. "Is that all?"

His breath blew while he spoke so softly on my ear and it made me shudder and look at him in incredulity, reflexively pushing him back, making him stagger. But he managed to stand back up, "You're such a freak, can't you leave me alone to eat in peace?" I barked at him.

The dark haired male laughed, raising both his hands up in surrender, "Okay, okay. I get it grumpy."

I ignored him this time and continued to devour the food with different thoughts running inside my head. I wonder if Sakura actually confessed to him last night? Did she got turned down? No, no what could it be? Wait, no... Why do I care?

It's not like it's my business. But for some reason it felt like it is. Sighing, I stood up after finishing the meal before cleaning up.

After I did all my chores, it was already 6 in the evening. I found Sasuke on the couch, sleeping peacefully. Though, why is he dozed off? Did he get bored or tired? Frowning, I breathed out heavily as I sat on the couch in front of him. Just what do I do? I've been pushing and running away from these feelings about him, but doesn't that mean that I already am....in love with him.

Whenever these thoughts come inside my head, I feel so restless and frustrated even if it's just been a short time.

Sasuke, just what are you doing to me?

I can't get him out of my head all of the sudden. It's like my feelings for him changed all of a sudden. It's happening too fast.

These are probably just nothing. I should just push them again and again. Sasuke's my friend, nothing more, nothing less. I don't want to change that. So what if he'll be going out with Sakura? I mean, they look better off together. And me? Well, I'm just a friend material to him. Yeah a friend.

I keep saying that...

I keep saying that I'm just a friend but it's hurting me. What is wrong with me?

"A-aiko?" His famikiar voice that makes my heart beat so fast all of the sudden. Groggy, raspy, deep yet warm, welcoming, comforting.  I know, it's kinda impossible but..

My breath hitched when he called my name. My eyes met his momentarily. Showing him a crooked smile, he raised an eyebrow, putting in a conceited look he does. I shook my head and he rolled his eyes, "Okay, why are you still here?" I asked as calm as I could but my heart was still beating in a picked up pace too notable to disregard.

His lips curved into his usual smirk, "Keeping you company."

...it just seem like it.

It was my turn to roll my eyes at him, "Wow yeah sure, I really needed someone to sleep in my house while i-"

Before I could even finish my sentence, he quickly stood up and carried me in his arms in one swift movement. I was, of course, taken aback by this. And for the umpteenth time of my life story, I squirmed under his grasp, "H-hey! Sasuke! What d-do you think you're doing?!"

He payed no attention to me at all, and continued to take me upstairs . It came to the point where I gave in to him for the billionth time and just let him be. It's not like he's gonna do anything funny anyway. He's my friend. I trust him. But this sudden surrender made Sasuke stop on his tracks and remarked,  "Huh, it's unusual for you to give in."

"Well, it's not like you're going to do anything." Chibi me, said glumly.

It was quiet for awhile. I began to take in my surroundings. It was dark, the only source of light was from the other side of the hallway where we just passed through and the moonlight. Then again my heart began to thump relentlessly and this time it was because I was beginning to feel scared. The Uchiha then snickered, "You take men too lightly, Aiko." His menacing tone sent chills down my spine and i didn't like it one bit.

"Who said you're a man?" I managed to say as I tried to make the atmosphere lighter, while letting out a bunch of chuckles, but he didn't even move a muscle. I saw how serious he really is cleared my throat, "Besides, you're my friend. You won't do anything, would you?"

I don't know if it was me or him who flinched when the word friend slipped out of my lips. All I know, I haven't moved at all.

He put me down off his shoulder and I looked up at him, but I couldn't see his expression. His hair covered his eyes and shadowed half of his face. With his other half was moonlit, I saw his lips no longer smirk but....in a frown.

His lips slowly parted as he sighed before he pursed his lips into a firm line. He placed his hands on both sides of my shoulders and leaned forward, closer and closer until his hair were slightly brushing my forehead. To say my heart was beating hard and fast is an understatement, it's beating so hard against my chest it was beginning to hurt.

Sasuke still wasn't smirking at all. He just stayed there, his forehead against mine. His delicate fingers playing with my hair. I felt like i was about to faint, my knees was going weak, "S-sasuke.."

"Aiko"