Through the Darkness To You (Sasuke x Reader)

Over the years at the Academy, Naruto and I became almost like siblings. We trained together after class, often missing our targets or tumbling off tree trunks when we practiced chakra control. Even when we failed, we laughed and helped each other back up. At home, I lived in a tiny apartment paid for by the Third Hokage—he was busy leading the village, but at least I had food and a safe place to sleep. Naruto would bring ramen to share, slurping noisily while telling me all about how he'd become Hokage one day. I never doubted him, because I knew what it felt like to be dismissed by others.

Time flew by until the final exam to become genin loomed over us. Naruto was thrilled, declaring he'd pass on his first try and become a true ninja. One morning before the exam, I entered our classroom to see a crowd of girls gathered around Sasuke Uchiha's desk. They were fighting each other just to sit near him. Sasuke, as usual, stood aloof and barely spoke. His fangirls, on the other hand, argued and pushed, each one desperate to be the one closest to him.

In the middle of this chaos stood Naruto, perched on a desk, shouting questions at Sasuke. "Why do these girls keep chasing after you dattebayo?" Naruto asked. "You don't even talk to them!" Sasuke simply crossed his arms and gave his trademark "Hn," which seemed to excite the girls even more. Sakura, Ino and bunch of other girls told Naruto to leave Sasuke alone, but of course Naruto wouldn't back down.

I sighed and walked over, hoping to prevent a real fight. Just as I reached Naruto, someone shoved him from behind—maybe on purpose, maybe by accident. Naruto lost his balance and fell straight toward Sasuke, their lips colliding in a clumsy crash. The classroom went quiet, then exploded with shrieks. "Naruto stole Sasuke's first kiss!" the fangirls cried. Sasuke, red-faced, jumped back and practically gagged in disgust, while Naruto yelled, "Gross!" at the top of his lungs.

I slapped a hand over my mouth to keep from laughing out loud. Watching Sasuke—who was always serious—suddenly blush and look horrified was too funny. Still, I felt sorry for Naruto, who definitely didn't plan on any of this happening.

A few fangirls charged at Naruto, ready to tear him apart. I dashed in front of them, arms out, telling them to stop. That was when Iruka-sensei burst in, demanding order. The girls backed off and Naruto let out a sigh of relief. Sasuke turned away, cheeks still pink while giving me the biggest side eye since I was the only girl who tried not to laugh instead of fangirling over him and being mad at Naruto for stealing his first kiss. [did bro really think I was one of his fangirls? Heh I'm just different]

Iruka looked around and saw the girls fighting over seats next to Sasuke. He pinched the bridge of his nose, clearly annoyed. "Enough!" he barked. "I'll pick your seats. Y/N, you sit next to Sasuke!" I blinked in surprise but I didn't dare argue with Iruka's serious tone. I took the seat beside Sasuke, ignoring the furious looks from his fans. Naruto ended up sitting behind us, complaining that he wanted to sit next to Sakura since he had a crush on her.

Once everyone settled, Iruka announced the new genin teams. Because the class numbers were uneven, one team would have four members. My heart pounded as he read off Team 7: "Uzumaki Naruto, Haruno Sakura, Uchiha Sasuke..." He paused, then added, "...and Senju Y/N." I felt both excitement and nerves surge inside me. Naruto whooped, punching the air since he was with me and Sakura in a team. Sakura looked torn—happy about Sasuke, less thrilled about being with Naruto (and me). Sasuke's expression stayed cold but something about it made me wonder if he was curious, too.

After class, Naruto rushed over to me, grinning from ear to ear. "We're on the same team, dattebayo!" he announced. I smiled back, relieved I wouldn't be separated from him. At the same time, my gaze flicked to Sasuke, who was quietly heading out the door. I'd tried in the past to reach out to him—he'd always pushed me away with a cold stare or a curt "Hn." But now, we would be on the same squad, and a part of me hoped I might get to know him better.

Sakura hurried after Sasuke, calling his name. Naruto bounded along behind, trying to get her attention, too. I followed more slowly, my mind spinning with thoughts of what lay ahead. We had Kakashi Hatake as our jonin leader, and Team Seven felt like a patchwork of personalities: Naruto, bright and loud; Sakura, smart and strong-willed; Sasuke, silent yet haunted; and me, a Senju who was still figuring out where I fit in this village.

Despite the awkward moments in class—and that unforgettable "kiss" fiasco—I felt a flicker of excitement deep in my chest. Maybe being on the same team would let me see past Sasuke's cold exterior. I knew that underneath that distant mask, he was just as lonely as Naruto and me, ever since what happened to his parents and clan. I promised myself I would try to understand him, and not judge him for the walls he'd built around his heart.

With those thoughts swirling in my head, I walked out into the fading afternoon light. Naruto rattled on about how we'd be the best team ever, Sakura groaned at his loudness, and Sasuke kept quiet. And me? I glanced at Sasuke one more time, determined not to give up. Something told me that our paths were about to intertwine in ways none of us could predict. I couldn't wait to see where Team Seven would lead us—and whether Sasuke and I might forge a connection that went beyond a simple "Hn."