Discover Top Posts Tagged with #sasuke smut

Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not

Pairing: Sasuke x Reader

Background pairings: Sakura x Ino, Naruto x Hinata

Tags: slow build, strangers to enemies to lovers, modern au, avoidant attachment style, parallels to canon events, fluff, angst & comfort, drugs & alcohol, slight dubcon events, explicit content [18+], happy ending,

Scenario: Saving someone’s public image as an artistic publicist, that slowly involved in a personal manager, can happen smoothly if the oh-so-called singer isn’t a stubborn, challenging man. His heavy background as an artist along with his ambitious persona doesn’t blend all the time, but that’s not none of your business. Yet, both of you find yourselves driven to each-other that none of you are sure how long it will take until the breaking point, and that doesn’t mean only the sex.

A/N: This will be long and I decided to split in 3 parts, the second part will be post shortly! I decided to finish this oneshot until Sasuke’s birthday and my lovely writers @cr0wcaller and @t1track were very helpful and genius beta-readers. 😭🫶🏽Hope you guys like it! I really enjoy it. ;-; Disclaimer: Everything is intentional! Also, the title of the work was inspired by Arctic Monkey’s album name. Happy birthday, my dear Sasuke 🍅

credits for the fanarts: @Staticfeels_ / @Mushroomnuaa / @aransmind / @chococurrent_/ @ptviel on Twitter

Part 1 - 10.1 k words | Part 2

Sasuke's ear buzz, and that’s supposedly not a good sign for a singer, but that wasn’t the case here. It was the familiar misery he went through every time before performing in front of a crowd, no matter how big. An agitating, vibrating feeling crushed his soul. And tonight’s mob wasn’t even that large. The band never really did big numbers, and he never intended that to be the purpose of his passion. You could say they were more of an underground, niche band—loved by the locals, unheard of by everyone else. Really, he didn’t want more than that.

His foot tapped against the floor — a black grungy carpet, good for sound absorption—in a rhythm all of them knew. Sitting on a bench in the band’s rehearsal studio, elbows resting on his knees, his body slumped forward, his vision obscured by black strands of hair, only his lips slightly parted as he followed the beat heard only inside his head.

His peace was completely interrupted.

“Phew, I got back sooner than I thought!” Naruto kicked the studio door shut with his foot, the loud boom echoing through the room. “Want one?” he asked Sakura, who was just relaxing in her chair — a chaise longue pink one with silver edges, her first acquisition for their small place. Sure, it was deteriorated here and there, but very comfortable. The lollipop in Naruto’s hand was left out of the only two he bought—because Sasuke certainly wouldn’t have wanted one—was taken by Sakura. She accepted the treat with a grateful smile, while Naruto popped the other into his mouth with a wink.

Sasuke slowly lifted his head, making eye contact with the not-so-serious guitarist he had—unfortunately, his friend too. Naruto’s blue eyes met his, glinting with trouble. Then, the guitarist lifted his arm, dangling the grocery bag in the air like a prize.

“Look what I got!” he grinned, showing off the beers like he had won the lottery and bought something nearly impossible to find, not even considering how stupid drinking before a show was. “Here.”

Sasuke glared and Naruto shrugged, mumbling an unapologetic, “Suit yourself,” before walking over next to him. The cap clattered carelessly to the floor, which only made Sasuke more annoyed. Naruto gulped down almost half the bottle, letting out a heavy, satisfied sigh.

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen someone more reckless than you,” Sasuke groused, growing more irritated by the minute.

Naruto placed a hand over his chest as if wounded.

“What?! Over a beer? Oh, come on! Live a little. I just want to get over the stress.” Sasuke rolled his eyes, unimpressed by his friend’s reasoning. “What should I do, huh? Sit over here brooding like an edgy teen, counting down the minutes until my next cigarette like you?”

Naruto’s tone wasn’t mean or anything, just teasing his friend, but for a second Sasuke forgot it wasn’t socially acceptable to hit someone. Not that he was a violent guy. But with Naruto...

“I’m not brooding.”

“Yes, you are.” Naruto chuckled, glancing at Sakura as if asking her to confirm his little theory, and that was exactly what she did. “Sakura?”

Sasuke briefly looked at Sakura’s face. She nodded in agreement with an almost pitiful expression, moving the lollipop inside her mouth. Sasuke scoffed and looked away, ignoring his friends acting like they had their shit together when they absolutely didn’t.

Naruto always mumbled more than usual before a show, chewing the skin around his fingernails raw. Sakura repeated the same drum pattern over and over until she practically hypnotized both of them it was the only sound they had ever heard in their lives.

He knew all their little habits in detail—how they dealt with stress, how they had fun, how they behaved in different situations. Their bond was strong enough that Sasuke didn’t care much about pretending to be someone else around them. He had nothing to prove.

Only to himself. And he felt pathetic because of that.

—

The last thing of your mind was to attend anything that includes social interaction, even more to be dragged to a concert to a band you don’t listen to. ‘Disconnected Youth’, eh? Sounds like an edgy wanna-be name that some rebellious adolescent plucked out of thin air after two many cups of sake at 3:00 am in the morning.

But after Hinata, your childhood friend, tried to convince you to do anything outside of your shell, hiding for too many weeks between closed curtains after your last contract that ended without another offer with some pathetic excuse about ‘We don’t have any funds to give you the appropriate salary a person with so much experience you have’ — you couldn’t escape her concern. Bullshit. 'You’re too good for us! We don’t wanna make you stagnant in your profession life. You deserve more than we can offer!' These. These shit really put a tool on your mind and you own skills in the work area you wanted to work in.

Applying, applying, applying to any new position was exhausting. Still, if you really needed to hang out now, you preferred something more between close doors activity, but you couldn’t refuse your friend’s proposal after she tried so hard to receive free tickets for a show her artist crush is in. You remember her talking here and here about out them, not her first interaction with this band since Kiba, her university friend, work here as a part-time bodyguard.

Now, here in the front of the underground venue, anxiety started to dig a place between your ribs.

“Come!” Hinata’s soft smile always manage to take you out of your mind, a pure energy that could warm any cold soul. You nod, letting her put her arm around yours, ignoring the glares from people that stayed in the lines.

“Oh, look who it is. My favorite dancer.” Kiba’s mouth twitch, a familiar glint in his eyes, meeting Hinata for a hug. He bowed slightly when he saw you, knowing who you are due to Hinata’s little, most likely, embarassing stories about her past, recounted to her university colleagues. Kiba looked somewhere else, where a typical ruffler begin between people that probably want to come early to have a good spot. “Hey! You! Yeah, you. Don’t let me come here!” He looked back apologetically at both you, whining a little. “Happens way too often.” Kiba’s hand comes behind Hinata’s back, urging both of you inside so people stop shouting 'Why they can go and we can’t? What’s taking so long, man?!' that you were supposed to feel bad about it.

Kiba’s turned his body slightly, shouting over his shoulder with a teasing, annoyed tone. “Have fun with that stupid crush of you.” Hinata rolled her eyes, giggling before stepping inside.

You looked all over the place, taking all in as you try to ground yourself, speaking to your friend. “You know he likes you, right?”

“Kiba? No! He’s just a good friend from university. He just doesn’t get along with…Naruto.” Her cheeks blushed and you just want to pinch them. Cuteness aggression it's a disease sometimes.

You breathe out a laughed. “You just don’t wanna accept the true.” Hinata frowned her eyes slightly, annoyance visible between her eyebrows for a person that knows her for years. “But hey, maybe he has a good reason to don’t like your little guitarist…boy.” The words flatten on your mouth, gulping down the feeling of being in not a good moment in public.

Hokage’s place is a gritty, two-level basement venue specializing in punk, metal, and rock. Located in the heart of Amerikamur, Osaka. At first level you have a little scene, at the end of it. It was supposed to create an atmosphere where the 80-120 capacity crowd and artists become one, while the bar and merch tables on the second level provide breathing space to decompress between sets. But apparently, the place made enough profits and a good reputation to make the place bigger than before, double in space. Shikamaru, a highly skilled contractor to convince them that their band is cool enough to sing here. Giving that his best man, Choji, will work on the technical side, on music infrastructure and lights system, bought them easier.

The aesthetic is pure no-frills basement, no many decoration at sight, despite the flyers of the band you come to see, images to blurry to discern much, but it would have been a nice head-up if you saw it before, preventing the shock you’ll be in no longer.

Currently, you’re focused to don’t curse anyone that doesn’t have any spacial awareness, hitting you without means, but annoying enough to want to leave the place.

Besides door tickets, ear to the ground methods usually helps a person find concerts like this. Yeah, small flyers in record stores Sasuke chose, or Sakura’s favorite coffee shops too. Maybe the crowd was much bigger because Naruto’s foolish idea to put flyers all around the training sports place at his University, but so what? Naruto didn’t know people admire his basketball skills so much, they’ll be interested on what type of music he likes and sings! He is innocent here!

“[Name]! Don’t lose my hand!” Hinata tried to rise her voice over the others, gripping your hand tighter.

A loud, annoucing sound come from the scene ahead, from a medium-height guy, with a funny haircut and bowl black one with white silver strainds of hair, looking like a headband. A few bracelets placed over the long white bandages, under his green T-shirt, or better said top, since his waist was bare, on a belt attached with chains. His wide smile flickered like a candle flame in the dark. By the sudden stopped of people speaking, followed by a sync cheerfulness of people, Rock-Lee seems loved here.

Hinata suddenly start moving between bodies, saying apologies as she run to the front lines, showing her tickets to anyone complaining too much as you just followed her, trying to shield her by the look in your eyes that only said ‘If you touch her, you’re dead.’

Rock-Lee start speaking, but you heard only pieces, the heavy atmosphere make the noise blurring.

“The young, energetic band you all waited for is here. The ones reviving the old, raw, and pure rock & roll genre that we love it too much. Our garage rock is presenting to you tonight, their new album!” His voice dragging, lowering the last words, Rock’s words joyful enough to shake any crowd. “Come on! A round of applause for them! Dis-con-nect-ed Youth—In life and flesh!

Your vision was hazy, sizing up three figures as the public burst into loud, disorderly clapping and cheering. A vaguely discernible person seemed closer to the rail’s stage. You could see only half his face as his head inclined toward the platform, spiky, dark hair falling over half his face. At the sudden push of others, your legs stumbled to the side. Your mouth can be shut, but facial muscles are another story, displaying a brief outward sign of irritation. “Can you mind?” The random girl next to you definitely didn’t have an ounce of shame; a pure, admiring expression could be seen in her childlike stare, focused on the band in front of you. Before taking their usual spots, Naruto and Sakura made sure to wave at everyone as much they could. Now, Naruto was next to Sasuke, wielding his guitar, nursing it as he held the instrument closer to his chest—a second-hand Aria Pro ZZ Professional one, his recent proudest acquisition. He even customized it to have splashes of orange color! Truly awesome, really. Sakura took her place between her pearly crystal drums too, clicking her sticks as an appreciation. Sasuke was now in the middle of the stage, his face closer to the microphone. For him, all of this was paralyzing and consuming. A common fear of performance clouded his mind, making him feel like an impostor. But Sasuke couldn’t ignore the rest of it, the released serotonin putting a small smile on his face. He heard Naruto, glancing at him when he said an enthusiastic “Hello!” and followed his friend’s gaze until it landed on a familiar figure. Ah. But Hinata wasn’t alone. All of this happened in the blink of an eye. He saw you. He watched you, seeing the displeasure, the frown on your pretty face. You murmured something under your breath, but he didn’t catch that, only seeing how you struggled to create some distance with your elbow from the people next to you, but they didn’t seem to budge even an inch, looking straight at the band. His heart drummed for a fleeting moment when you quickly looked at Hinata as she smiled sweetly at his friend before you finally looked at the scene. Your eyes lock in an instant. Sasuke wasn’t sure why his eyes didn’t leave yours from the start; maybe it was the way you paused mid-breath as you looked at him, your lips parted slightly, with a shade he actually liked that he didn’t know, but it was a dark cherry shade. His mouth twitched. Sasuke was the one to break up the eye contact, looking in front at his public.

"Thank you for coming."

Sakura's stick hit the drum, and the vibrating, thumping sound started their intro.

It was a lie. Of course it was. Making fun of their band, the genre, what kind of music they probably produced. The problem was something else—your avoidance of feeling anything. And music... well, it forces you to. A cognitive enhancer of what you already have hidden here, between your ribs. What music does to a person has been heavily studied, and you dislike being an experiment, a proof of it.

Disconnected Youth didn't help your case. They know how to build tension, Naruto withholding an expected chord, Sakura's rapid rhythm that needs to be released with a firm thud of her sticks, both of them revolving in a harmonious beat. It's hard not to remain mesmerized, thrilled. And when a room full of people hears the same beautiful rhythm, your minds can even sync, creating a shared, deep-rooted sense of social connection. It was the last thing you thought would happen—to be part of them. Together, together.

And Sasuke? God, his voice. A heavy, smooth voice with a slightly nasal tone. It's like it vibrates deep in your soul, a crooner style adding to the most intimate parts of the song, and you swear you know it means something for him the same way it means something for you. It's like his voice accesses an ancient reward pathway in your brain that no one else has touched until now.

At least that's what you tried to tell yourself when your gaze couldn't leave the stage, couldn't leave the singer in front of you. And if you weren't hypnotized enough, Sasuke looked at you. One, two times when you caught him. You thought you did.

And it was true. Sasuke indeed watched you. He was even surprised by how you looked, not that he usually cared about superficial matters like that. After all, he only had on a black T-shirt, loose pants, and a studded belt. For you, it was annoying how a man could literally dress in all black and look so attractive. Sasuke noticed your graphic tee with a singer he enjoyed too. Kinda disrespectful to wear one at another band's concert, huh? Your waist was slightly visible, with a tattoo he couldn't see clearly, a belt similar to his own, and some loose cargo pants, more of a casual look. Small accessories, a cute nose piercing, nothing extravagant, like him with his snake bites. Nothing much about your hair, just that it was annoyingly sweaty, especially since you actually danced to the beat, but he could tell you weren't a regular. By the way you looked so attentive to whatever they did, absorbing it all.

Sasuke was amused. He didn't have any explanation for what he did next, didn't think much of it because that would not let him do it, and he likes to stop his mind from overthinking, from putting a feeling to it. He usually hate it.

So when he heard Sakura's drums starting one of his songs, the last song, he made sure to put his soul into it, to make people feel him. To make you feel him.

He glanced at you, and now it was clearly intentional because it wasn't a fleeting glance, no, it was impactful, drinking you in.

This time she's gonna fix her heart and make it bulletproof.

That if I’m looking for love, then she doesn’t need my groove.

His mouth twitched as he sang when he watched you searching around to see if he was looking at someone else. No. I'm looking at you.

But her gaze doesn’t scream, “I’ll stop looking at you.”

So what really surprises me is that I don't really want her to

It seems like she wants to be tapped into my mind and soul.

He broke the eye-contact, turning his body swiftly as he let his voice drag to the end of it.

I can’t control.

A temporal illusion, a trick of the mind, or whatever you want to call it happened, making time feel like it was slowing down as onyx eyes kept maintaining your gaze and everything became silent—not the cheering of others, the voices of them singing along with him, the sounds of the floor being danced on at the same time from multiple fans, or your friend speaking to you. No. Only this moment existed as he finished the last song on the album. Sasuke glanced back to the crowd, then, like the moment didn’t happen and you actually dreamt of all of this. Imagining all. You barely registered them closing the concert, barely hearing ‘Encore! Encore!’ only the awareness setting over you when Hinata grabbed your arm, chuckling in your ear as she spoke. “Are you still here with us? On this planet?” Hinata was sure she wasn’t the only one catching your moment; otherwise some people around you wouldn’t glowered at you now — some displeased, some ecstatic, and some wanting to think they are the one Sasuke looked at. You stole one more peek at the band leaving the scene after bowing to the crowd, Sakura waving, Naruto giving air kisses to the public (and you saw him giving one to your friend too), or Sasuke looking straight ahead before you looked back at Hinata. You asked, still dizzy and troubled “Yeah?” She shakes her head. Actually, Hinata was amused to see her friend enjoying a concert you bet you wouldn’t like, complaining her ear off all week. But, but—she was perturbed for another thing, too. It’s too soon to think about it. Although, Hinata may be polite and sweet — until she’s not. “You’re such a squirrel sometimes! So easily distracted.”

You gasped, offended, but let her lead you away. “Excuse me?!” “Come!” You focused on staying alive as people started pumping into each other, either wishing to receive some autographs or a picture, to go see the band or wishing to leave the place. Hinata quickly managed to push back everyone gently (If that was possible. For her, somehow it happened.) until you saw a familiar face. The first boy from before, the one announcing the band, sits here near a door that probably leads to the backstage while he places his hands up in surrender, smiling all brightly, but the sweat drops on his forehead that screamed ‘Send help’ were visible as he apologized to the people trying to get in. Hinata came straight to him, and he glanced once, like a side attack might happen, before he glanced again in recognition, raising his arms now to encourage Hinata to hug him. “Rock-Lee!” “Oh! Hinata! Hey!” You dared a glare at the people not letting your friend have her moment. Fuck off, respectfully. Lee turned to people one more time before he opened the door for both of you to follow him. “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. I’ll send them your sweet words to them. I promise! They will sign off the autograph in no time! Just wait patiently. We love you! Have a good night for now!” Lee closed his eyes as quickly as the door shut, his back against it as if life depended on it. He let out a breath. “I love their energy, but God, it’s so hard!” “Hard to please everybody?” Rock Lee opened his eyes, nodding before he started moving slowly along the cable valley. “Exactly that!” He glanced at you then, giving his hand as you let him shake yours with too much enthusiasm. “Sorry! Hello, I’m Rock-Lee. Well, I think Hinata told you already. You can call me Lee.” “Hello, Rock-Lee. Nice to meet you.” You couldn’t stop yourself from offering a small smile at his intoxicating one. Using his full name felt uneasy to do it so soon, so you keep it to the basics for now. He bowed in acknowledgment before starting to speak as he walked along with both of you. “I get them. I really do.“ You observed the tightly taped cable paths run along the edges of the stage. Probably to connect microphones and instruments to the sound desks. You didn’t know, but the technical team involved just one man, Choji, sitting in a sub-mixing station situated just off stage.

“It’s the first concert of their new album, so of course they expect some fan interaction!“ He placing his badge over a scan ID device to go to another door. For a small place like this, it sured had what it needed. “But precisely because of that, the pressure on them was harder than before. Shikamaru was really insisting these past weeks.”

Leading now to a small dressing room, preceding then to the small catering zone, you were closer to Shikamaru’s production office and Ino’s. “I’m sure they will do some fan meetings the next few days, right?” Hinata asked. “Yes, definitely!” Lee nodded his head at a figure coming out the office room. “Speaking of which.” You both looked into the direction. “Hey! We just talked about you.” Shikamaru said lazily, making you snort. “Only bad things, I hope.” His gaze softened when he saw a familiar face. “Hello, Hinata.” Hinata gestured with her hands playfully, letting out a small chuckle. “Sort of. Hello, Shikamaru. Great show!” “Thank you.” He glanced at both of you as you also nodded in agreement. Another person who wants to shake hands. “Hello, you are Hinata’s friend, right? I’m bad with names, sorry.” “No worries. Yes. Great show, I agree.” “Thank you, thank you.” He let out a sigh. “Oh, right. I assume you’re here to see the rockstars. Disclaimer: They are anything but full of energy. Except Naruto.” Lee laughed, adding. “Of course. Naruto is something else.” “Just like you, Lee.” Hinata replied.

Both of them looked at her with a knowing look after she just talked right after mentioning Naruto, but no one said something directly, just laughing it off.

“Anyway, I’m done for tonight.” Shikamaru announced, waving over his shoulder as he walked. “Bye.”

“Bye!! Have a good night!” Rock Lee replied as you waved to Shikamaru — not like he could see you all. “Let’s see the rockstars.”

Why am I here? Feels wrong. You thought, trying to find any explanation that could calm your nerves. You glanced at your friend and suddenly remembered, seeing the blush on her face or the tremor along her arms while she gripped your hand tighter.

You could hear voices from their resting place as you looked over the boneyard — a place used to store empty guitar cases, shipping containers, and road cases while the band performs.

“Can you stop doing what you do?”

“Eeeh?” Sakura turned swiftly towards Sasuke. “Doing what?! I need to pack them in order!”

Naruto chuckled, lazily moving his leg over the chair, his position anything but comfortable as he gestured with his hand.

“Come on, Sasuke. You know her routine by now. Her sticks need to be organized by every color, vibe, mood blabla…”

Sakura glared at them before she heard the door open, closer to where she was.

“Oh! New people? What do we have here, Lee? Hello!”

Sakura came to hug Hinata briefly, but tightly. Sakura put her hands on her hips as she looked at both of you, letting out a much needed exhale. You spoke then, giving a small smile.

“You were incredible out there. All of you. First time seeing a woman playing drums.”

“Aw, thank you.” Her smile widened. “Right?! Small representation in the music industry, but I’m glad to be one of the few.”

As you spoke to her, you could see him in your peripheral vision—staying on the black couch, one leg falling off it, one hand over the ice bag placed on his forehead, his eyes closed. But you quickly averted your eyes to Naruto, stumbling a bit off his chair with a big grin on his face.

“Hinata!! I’m so glad you managed to come here.”

Hinata’s blush accentuated, and it was amusing to see her in this light, infatuated with someone. It had been a while.

“Naruto!” She chuckled, letting him take her hands in his as their gazes locked. “Rock Lee needs to be thanked for that.”

Rock Lee put a hand behind his head, shrugging, embarrassed, suddenly the center of attention.

“Not a big deal. Not a big deal at all.” He gestured toward some wooden chairs. “Sit, please. Sorry for all this disorganization.”

Sakura added, “Yes. Hard to take care of their lazy asses. Sasuke is excused since his headache appeared again. Poor boy.”

Speaking of which, Sasuke’s eyes opened when Naruto spoke his crush’s name, assuming he was not alone. His vision was obscured at first, but he could see the legs of more than one girl.

You risked a glance at him, observing how he slowly tried to move, sitting up straight on the couch, his head falling and his face covered by the ice bag. His spiky hair didn’t help either.

He has changed now. There was something so effortlessly casual about the way Sasuke was dressed. Wearing a pair of black trousers and a black button-down, his necklace falling with gravity, making your breath catch. He genuinely looked like a model.

Naruto replied, pointing at the little cut on his finger.

“Poor boy? I’m the poor boy! The plectrum forthe guitar messed with me all night!”

Sakura raised an eyebrow. “Oh, learning new words?” Naruto glared teasingly at her.

“Oww. What happened?” Hinata took his finger to inspect, and you let out a chuckle. She sent you a small glare too, but continued nursing Naruto, who was very much as red as a tomato.

“Hmm. It should be around here.” Rock Lee spoke as he turned around the room. “Ah! Got it.” He took a medical kit from under table, probably used for serving food by the open snakes, probably finished by Naruto.

“Thank you, Hinata.”

Naruto smiled genuinely at her. The shared lovely glance between them after she patched him, making you look somewhere else, feeling like you were interrupting something, and you locked gazes with Sakura, who gave you a funny, knowing look. “Now I can give you as many autographs as you want.”

Rock Lee invited himself into their conversation.

“Actually... lots of people are waiting for you guys to sign your posters....”

Sakura sighed. “Yes, we need to do it fast before we leave.”

Sasuke lifted his head finally, and you felt his instant gaze on you. He placed the ice pack next to him. He could see how you fidgeted with your fingers, not really finding your place here. Sasuke knows that feeling very well.

“Do you want one?"

At his sudden voice, you gave him a short look, but it felt longer. Sakura blinked twice, and Naruto furrowed his eyebrows. They didn’t meddle yet.

You had been agitated since coming here, and you hated how your heart leapt as he spoke to you. First. Initiating something. Or not. You were confused about the end of the concert, about the moment you shared, whether it was intentional or not, or what it meant. But that didn’t make you a fangirl overnight.

You realized you hadn’t replied to him yet.

“Ah, no. Thank you. I don't…usually listen to your music. People outside are really waiting for them.”

Naruto glanced up at you as he scribbled his messy signature and gave it to Hinata with a big, sweet smile.

“You don't?! How dare you!” His offended look actually made you chuckle, dissipating the tension in your bones. You shrugged.

“Not my style? I’m not sure.”

Not that he was an arrogant person, but Sasuke thought you were lying. Otherwise, why had you seemed so close to crying back there?

He didn’t say anything back.

You stayed there for at least half an hour. Nothing much happened, feeling... disappointed? By the childish expectation you had since Sasuke sat on his phone most of the time. Duh, he is a singer. What, if he looked at you and sang something? It could only be a fan-artist interaction. Not a fan, though.

What does it matter anyway? A fleeting moment shouldn’t take this space in your mind for too long. You have your own stuff to deal with, already scheduling in your head the next week. You tried to enjoy their presence, you really did, offering a small reaction here and here, yet their conversation blurred now.

Hinata saw your lost look, lost in your thoughts. She raised from the chair placed until now next to Naruto.

“I think we will leave, guys. It’s already late and we don’t wanna interrupt your work.”

Naruto finished another autograph more clumsy than before as he quickly got up from the chair, hugging Hinata. “You don’t interrupt anything, Hinata.” He looked at you. “And you! Hey! Next time I see you, I want to believe you know our songs. You'll be a fan, I'm sure!”

You only smiled, bowing at Sakura before glancing one more time at Sasuke, who was already looking at you. Or both of you. You didn’t want to know.

“Wait a minute!! How are you guys getting home?”

Rock Lee was almost upset he wasn’t the one who thought about it first, but Naruto!

“Yes! It’s pretty late.”

You paused in your tracks, waiting for Hinata to reply.

“We will take a cab, I think?” She looked at you, and you nodded. “Yes. That’s probably what we will do.”

“Do they have a woman driver option?”

You replied to Sakura and regretted it for a second since silence settled in.

“Yeah, but it’s rare to find one.”

Sakura bit her lip, thinking.

“We shouldn’t take long here. Am I right, guys?” Sakura looked at her friends. “You can come with us.”

“Definitely. With our car.”

“Your car?” Sasuke lifted an eyebrow, making Naruto groan. “Also... Didn’t you drink, Naruto?”

Naruto rolled his eyes, yet he was visibly embarrassed. Shut up, teme…

“Yeah, yeah. Your car. What does it matter?”

Hinata addressed Sasuke for the first time, and it was surprising for you to see that her tone was almost... too neutral. Compared to the others.

“If it’s not an inconvenience for you, we would appreciate it a lot.”

Sasuke sized her up briefly before giving you a glance, speaking right after.

“It’s fine.”

You swallowed, feeling a lump in your throat as you followed your friend back to sit in the same position you were in before, waiting as they prepared to leave and close the place.

—-

The wind of the night ruffled your hair as you exited through a backdoor, behind the others. It was such a contrast from the high temperature from today, a bit too cold. Sasuke’s car headlights springed to life when he pressed on the key fob. A black Nissan Armada with at least 8 seats was here. Convenient, you thought.

Naruto snuck a glance at both of you.

“Cool, right? Shikamaru rented it for a year at a lower price. The car also has a badass moonroof!” He opened the car door while Sasuke went straight to the driver's seat. “Ladies first.”

Hinata looked behind her at you, reminding herself.

“Oh, you have motion sickness, right? I forgot since you are the one usually driving us around.”

Hinata was just thoughtful, but you felt mortified. No need to ask for more since they even ride you two home—

“It’s fine.” You shake your head, but Sakura switched places, rushing to the backseat's door.

“Oh, no! Take my place then in the front.”

“No, no. It’s really fine!”

Sakura gestured dismissively, going inside the car, then Hinata and finally Naruto followed. You watched the front door open, waiting for you to enter while Sasuke’s shadow was waiting, his fingers tapping on the steering wheel. Oh, for God's sake. You sighed, following after.

The engine started as soon as you closed the door. You struggled with the belt, and Sasuke assessed the awkward movements of your hands while his arm stretched over the top of your seat, turning his body swiftly to look in the back for more visibility as he backed the car.

“Why don’t you use the guidance on the smart screen, huh?”

“It’s easier this way.” Sasuke replied shortly.

“So performative.” Naruto added, and the girls chuckled in the back. Sakura spoke too.

“Sasuke is just doing it old-school. The familiar ways are the safest ones."

When his car was in a good position to enter the central road, your hand lifted instantly when he placed his on the belt, dragging it in to put in the locker between the seats in a swift movement. You murmured and he only nodded in return.

“…Thank you.”

You felt so tense all drive sitting here, feeling displaced. Only their conversation helped you focused on something else. You really want to go home and finish this day. You glanced at the car’s screen. 0:00. So late already. But you remember you don’t have a job now, so what’s the stress?

“Why did you guys choose the name ‘Disconnected Youth’? I never asked.”

Sakura replied to your friend’s question, saving Naruto for probably a terrible definition.

“We were sitting in Sasuke’s garage from his home a couple of years ago and realized we don’t really have a name for the band. It wasn’t really the best period of our music since it was in the beginning. Sasuke was always fighting with—“ Sakura’s words were cut off when she realized, glancing shortly at Sasuke through the front windscreen. She continue like she never said anything. What did she wanted to say? “…Everyone suggested a name or more names, it took way too long.” Naruto laughed at the memory. “And eventually we decided to leave it to it. Sasuke chose this. It like…being unplugged from the grid? Sometimes feeling isolated or invisible, trapped in some traditional environment, slowing your process to achieving your potential by your own standards.”

Not like Sasuke cares about others opinions, but he was excused when he searched for yours, looking at the right vent glass for ‘direction.’ You looked in the front, not giving much of a reaction for him. He couldn’t read you.

The definition could made sense for anyone in different ways. That’s exactly why you wonder what kt meant for them and what they went through. What Sasuke went through since it was his choice. Your mind wandering about why this concept can exist.

How much creativity is taken away from a young child without proper guidance and support, such as from school, by striving to scrap every creative idea, whether intentionally or not. Nearly palpable frustration growing inside you at the mere notion of knowing you cannot create here, that you would be compelled to think and act just like everyone else. Like a glasshouse designed to "make you grow," it just ends up robbing you of all your creativity. It was the classic debate between individualism versusthe collective. Not much for cultivating a more unique persona — especially in Japan's schools. Even with a child's firt randoseru bag and school uniform, it becomes apparent that they are subtly attempting to create a homogeneous environment among students who are anything but. To mold each child into a perfect, productive member of that collective. And then there are the parents, whenever you have more parental figures, one or not at all. And that could heavily influence you. And then there are the people around you, and how — God— the society puts pressure on you, weigh down your shoulders with how you should be bases on their likings. But it’s so subjective and so ambiguous , especially for the young generation—

“Yeah, yeah. I still think mine was cool too.”

Sasuke deadpanned. “The Ramen Rebels?” He cringed just by saying it lout.

Naruto's flush intensified, but Hinata's small giggle and lack of judgment in her melted eyes quickly alleviated his nerves.

“Or Ramen Lovers?? Come on, no one shows this much of appreciation for Ramen!”

Sakura laughed, her voice teasingly.

“Just like the millions of ramen places here in Japan.”

Sasuke didn’t participate again since it’s not like it’s the first time they have this conversation.

“Hinata!! Aren’t we close to your place? Stop the car Sasuke.” Sasuke winced at his yelling friend, but it was no point to scold him tonight. He will get a free pass only today.

“Sorry, Sasuke.” Hinata spoke robotically to him, before she adjusted her tone. “You shouldn’t! I live close to Naruto so I could’ve walk.”

Naruto blinked confused.

“No?! I’ll walk.”

You smirked at Sakura’s observation. Not subtle at all for you.

“Naruto, but you leave far away too so you will walk a lot. I’m sure Sasuke doesn’t mind leaving you both. Right, Sasuke?”

Sasuke sighed.

“So? Do you leave the car or not? I can’t stay stopped here for too long.” It was right since his hazard lights are on, waiting on the street.

Naruto took Hinata’s hand softly and guide her out the car. “We’re good. It’s fine, Hinata. Right?”

You meticulously unbuckled your belt, but at the same time you realize it is not a wise choice to don't give them a little time alone. Hinata simply caressed your shoulder and kissed your cheek and you didn't have time to reply before Sakura spoke.

“Let’s leave, Sasuke. Leave me at the konebi near my house. Hinata told me you leave farther right, [Name]? I think Sasuke is in the same direction.”

“Yes, but it’s fine.” You adressed Sasuke. “You can leave me whenever is okay for you.”

Sasuke’s onyx eyes studied yours.

“Buckle your belt.”

Right. Now you know how to. He start driving again until the lights of the konebi flashed in front of the car. Sakura almost fall asleep in the backseat and Sasuke knows how tired she was after the concert, giving her another treatment like he would give Naruto, probably honking the car for him to wake up. He spoke softly.

“Sakura, we are here.”

She shakes her head confused for a second, lifting her head from the window. She had a small smile on her lips while she gives you a…half-hug? And you touched her hands placed now around your collarbones at the sweet, unexpected gesture.

“Bye, [Name]! It was nice to meet you. Thank you, Sasuke.”

“Yeah, bye. Night.”

You turned your head toward the backseats.

“Nice to meet you too. Keep up the good work.”

Sakura was outside as she made a heart from her hand before she waved, going in the store direction.

You breathed out, looking after her for some time before Sasuke spoke.

“Where do you live?”

“Oh. Yes, sorry.” You bend your back a little to reach his phone placed on a magnet with the app maps opened, wanting to type your address.

“You know I can see your address in the history after, no?”

Your eyes widen, realizing that you almost used his personal phone. It’s not like you to use other people's stuff without even asking first. But Sasuke didn’t really care now; he was just amused by the sudden clumsiness. Besides that, his eyes didn’t miss your top rising, enough for the tattoo he couldn’t see before that apparently matched your t-shirt to be seen more clearly. Dead Signal, huh?

“Sorry. I didn’t realize.”

He typed the address, thinking you’re not so far from here, roughly 10 minutes away. His fingers pressed on the car’s screen, opening his music playlist again, letting the songs fill the silence in the car.

Sasuke didn’t pick the song first; it would be too deliberate for his style. And he saw your eyes searching for the name of the song after barely 2 seconds, a knowing sneer on your face. But you didn’t say anything. So he listens to this music too.

That’s your preference, Sasuke thought. And it means something since you even have a tattoo for this. It somehow fits you even if he barely knows you and he is not sure if he will ever see you again after this night. So why not let himself act how he wants?

Their music is for his tastes too. They are not some modern, popular troupe, and they don’t need to be; it’s not a genre for anyone. Subgenres of rock exist for a reason, Sasuke thought. And Rock in general is different in some aspects. Rock’s diversity spans the spectrum and is intrinsically tied to rebellion. It was built primarily for entertainment and escapism rather than social activism, but along the lines, it’s clear it's making itself a frequent vehicle for this too.

Is this a reason for your preference? Respect.

He finds himself asking.

“Did you like it?” He gave you a side-eye. “The concert.” His voice lacked the curiosity he had by how neutral his tone seemed.

You averted your gaze from the window to him.

“Yes. I think I said it when…we were in backstage.”

“You didn’t tell me.” You blinked, a little surprised by what he said. “I’m saying…I didn’t hear." He gestured to his ears with one hand, the earplugs still here.

“Is your headache gone?”

He nodded and found himself speaking more by your curiosity, seeing you shyly retreated in your seat while you asked more questions.

“Does it happen often? Why?”

“Yeah.” He finds himself explaining. “Sensory overload.”

“It was a big crowd indeed.” You offered him a smile, and his eyes lingered on it.

You didn’t even realize you arrived home until he stopped the car, parking next to your apartment. He watched you then as you stumbled, trying to take your belt off once again.

“Thank you. I mean it. I owe you one.”

He raised his eyebrows, looking as you left the car, head lowering to see him.

“No need.” You nod, acknowledging before you stop closing the car’s door when he speaks again. “Or you can pay by coming to the next concert.”

His face didn’t betray anything, but he cursed himself a bit. Something about watching your reactions was more intriguing than having his own psychological warfare he usually gets into before and after the concert.

You barely managed to break the eye contact.

“I don’t promise anything.” He didn’t miss the musing glint in your gaze. “Thank you again. And good luck for…you know, the future concert.” You sighed. “Ok, good night.”

His mouth twitched, murmuring a "Night" as you closed the door.

Are you making things up? You looked down befuddled at the porous asphalt while you stepped on it. You let out a much needed breath when you finally arrived at the 7 floor. You closed the door, leaning your back over it.

The phone screen illuminated againt your pocket's pants. You smiled when you checked the notification along the other since you left untouched for so many hours. Touching grass today, it seemed.

Hi!! I’m home now. Hope you arrived too! Text me. ❤️

You quickly text Hinata back, then come straight to take a short bath, letting the exhaustion carrying you to bed no longer after.

—-

It will be a blatant lie to say you didn’t do. what Naruto told you to. Meaning…listening to their song.

In fact, that gradually became a night routine before bed. One, two weeks passed by and you almost forgot his face— blurred, hazy now in your memories over how much time passed. His annoying, beautiful face.

Now, on a random morning, sinceyou didn't want to disrupt your routine just because you didn't have as much activity as previously due to a lack of work, you scrolled down, reviewing a draft of a past project while swallowing the last remaining sip of coffee.

“Shit.” Your hand shake on the cup when your phone ringed, some drops slipping on the mousepad. Unknown number.

You placed the phone on your ear hesitantly.

“Hello?”

The girly voice from the other side comes shortly.

“Hey! You respond so fast.” Desperate, right? Ino chuckled. “I’m Ino Yamanka. Manager of the band ‘Disconnected Youth.’ I called you because I was reviewing the applications we received from the last month. If you remember, we had a position open if we possible need in the future a Publicist. It’s seemed like we need one now. Your experience is very well-put. Are you still interested?”

Disconnected Youth. Your mind catched later, right after you replied.

“Yes, I’m still interested.”

Did I apply to them? It’s much possible since you applied to so many positions and you clearly didn’t know about the band before, just applying for everything available. Surprising. Since it’s summer break, it’s hard to find an available job these period.

“Oh, great! Well, we are very much available for an interview. When can we schedule a meet with you? I’ll be leading the interview and the next step will be to meet our band.”

“My schedule is free, so everything works fine for me.”

“Yeah? This is great news. In fact, wait…” You could hear on the other line the sound of papers ruffling. “Do you have any time today? I know it’s short, but it’s still early in the morning and I thought why not?” Ino giggled, letting her legs go over each-other, stretching a little in her chair from her office shared with Shikamaru. “But don’t worry. I can schedule other time too.”

“No. It’s fine.” You lift from the chair, agitated. “Where should we meet?”

“Do you know Kasadomart Building? We are closer to this music venue our band performed recently.”

Hokage’s place where the concert was.

“Yes. I was here that time. For…Disconnected Youth concert.”

Ino parted her mouth. “You know the band? That’s even better! You make my job easier then, to let out the introduction part.” She chuckled. “Well, dear…” She looked over your application job. “Dear [Name], I will not be hard on you and let you prepare enough until the interview. Is 12:00 PM working fine for you?”

“Yes. I can manage. Thank you.”

“Great. See you soon. Can’t wait to meet you!”

“See you soon!”

Ino closed the call, grinning at herself for managing an interview this fast. She sighed pleased, closing her eyes with her arms behind her head as she hummed.

On the other line, you watched the call ending, the beeping sounds in rhythm with your heart. What were the odds?

You really need to call Hinata.

—

The drive here was horrible since it was peak hour for the traffic in Osaka. You choose not to take your car now. You really need to calm your nerves until the interview. It couldn’t be that bad. Sure, your self-esteem was hurt after the last project ending so quickly, but your passion didn’t disappear overnight.

You managed to say a "thank you” to the taxi driver as he left quickly after that while you were already studied at the big building in front of you. The receptionist was kind enough to guide you to the elevator, seeing the option for floor 3, marked above with the small company’s name—Dai Nana Han.

As you take the elevator, following the directions from Ino’s email, you could see two familiar people waiting for it too.

That bright smile did wonders to your anxious thoughts.

“Oh! Hinata’s friend? [Name], right?” Rock Lee shook your hand with the same enthusiasm you remember from that concert night.

“Hello. You’re here for the interview, right?” Shikamaru watched you from the side, assessing your professional suit. Cloth pants. White, immaculate shirt. A small, delicate chain with a small red gem set in the middle. Hair styled. Small nose piercing still present. Too professional can't ruin a person's own style.

“Hello! Nice to meet you. Yes. It was surprising for me too. I…applied some time ago. I didn’t even realize it was for your band.”

You all come inside in the elevator. Rock-Lee spoke again.

“If I knew from Hinata about your work experience, I'd definitely have helped you before.”

Shikamaru nodded. In fact, he spoke with Ino before she called you. He was surprised himself that he remembered your name. Shikamaru makes decisions only based on his intuition and his logical mind. Your past experience helped too, but he didn’t miss, neither that time nor now, the fiery determination that glinted in your eyes. You seem like you know what to do.

“It will be short if Ino doesn’t start splitting hairs like she does or speak about anything else but the job.”

“Don’t sell her so short, Shikamaru. You know she’s good at what she does.”

Shikamaru hummed approvingly. You smiled at their encouragement, thanking them for guiding you to the correct office where Ino was.

Lee gave you a thumbs-up with both his hands. “You got it! I hope we will see you later!”

Such a nice guy.

You knocked once, and it was enough for Ino’s voice to be heard, opening the door with enough force to make you step back a little.

“Oh, hello! Come in, come in. You’re exactly on time. That’s nice. To be honest, I thought I'd be the one making you wait.” She chuckled, gesturing to the chair in front of her desk. “Please sit, dear.”

Is anyone here so kind and soft-spoken? Well, not everyone… And you don’t realize how true you’ll be about your assumption until later this day.

She looked over your application again.

“So, I will not lose time with basic interview questions that don’t really help. Questions like "What are your strengths? What are your weaknesses?" You can lie. I can lie. It doesn’t help anyone. It’s not my style anyway.” She placed her hands together on the desk, looking with an assessing, enthusiastic glint in her eyes. “Tell me why you wanted to be an artistic publicist. I saw you tried multiple types of jobs—“

“Ahm…” You adjusted your voice.

“Don’t worry.” She waved her hand, cutting you off. “I don’t care. People should be free to try anything until they actually take a path they enjoy and are passionate about.”

You nod your head in agreement. It was much easier to say your thoughts loud, unfiltered.

"An artistic publicist usually manages their public image and secures media coverage, but that wasn’t really the factor behind my choice of taking this path. My honest opinion about media is conflicted. It can help with promotion and more recognition, but it also has downsides. Being a buffer between the band and the media means not letting public perception be involved in anyone’s life, not just an artist's. A band like ‘Disconnected Youth,' which I could see acts sometimes as a catalyst for social awareness and tangible community action, can be helped by an artistic publicist in many ways. And I think they deserve more recognition.”

And it was true; you didn’t sweeten your words. You did your research before the interview about their partnership with small organizations, giving a part of the profit for volunteering individuals regarding human rights. And it was clear that the band wasn't subtle in their songs; the rebellion was exactly against any sort of social problems ignored by the government. Besides…the songs the singer writes about himself are riddled and hidden between particular songs.

You left out the part about why this not-so-known band needs an artistic publicist, but Ino was fast to clear this up.

Ino smirked as you spoke, delighted as she nodded in approval.

“I think that’s one of the best answers I had until now.” You gave her a thankful smile but didn’t speak out loud. It wasn’t a good idea to show a slight insecurity at an interview, chasing the praise. “Now, I suppose you wonder why we need one.”

She smiled as she realized she got you right.

“They worked for this new album for at least a year. The small public our band knew was on hiatus, and they were indeed for personal issues, but our singer surprised us all when one day he came with multiple starting songs that he wanted to practice along with his team. I think it’s their best time speaking about recognition because the album managed to catch other record labels’s eyes. We received multiple offers, including them participating in a summer festival in Osaka in a month, and we took the offer. Even the last concert, I think, when you went...? That night it piqued people's curiosity on the media after a particular event during the show. Ino blinked twice, suddenly looking at you weirdly all over your face. “Oh my God. Wait.”

Your pulse spiked at her urgency as she grabbed the phone.

“You are in the video too!”

What? Your mouth parted, flabbergasted. Your head lowered as Ino came next to you, placing her phone on the desk.

You assessed the description of the photo and the video. Shit.

‘Disconnecter Youth' rocked the Hokage’s venue last night. Sasuke Uchiha, the singer of the band, overcome himself!’

The video was pretty clear, filmed behind you and your friend—focusing first on Naruto Big's smile, eyes furrowed, looking down in concentration as his hands moved faster on his favorite guitar. Sakura’s hitting her drums in an unpolitical way, driven by Sasuke’s voice, whose body was inclined, looking straight at someone, you, as he sang over his microphone before the song finished and the crowd erupted. You could see the side of your face was seen a little, knowing it was exactly on that part when you looked around to see if you really were the one Sasuke signed to.

Ino grinned at your shocked expression.

“I didn’t see it…”

“Don’t worry about it. I have good eyes, that’s why I recognized you, but your face is barely seen.” She sits back on the chair. “So you were indeed here. Wait, did you know the girl next to you?”

“Hinata? Yes, she is my friend.”

“That’s so cool! We went to the university together. You know, the Osaka University of Arts? Right, she is a dancer now, no?”

“Yes. In the performing art of aerial silks.”

You are really proud of her.

“Oh God, I really want to see her.”

“I can speak with her when it's her next show.”

She took your hands in hers, and your muscles tensed at the sudden touch.

“Please, do! Now come, let’s meet the band.”

Ino took a... meal from her desk? Then, you rose from the chair too, following her as she spoke over her shoulder with a smile.

“Ah, right. You passed the interview. It’s only your choice if you want to collaborate with us. But I hope you do.”

Your heart beats faster. Do you?

"Ah, and…” She had an apologetic look on her face. “I hope you're not the kind to be discouraged fast.”

And you will find soon what she meant by that. For now, you’re too focused to calm your nerves. You’re going to see them—him—again.

The walk here was blurring; you didn’t focus on anything, just mindlessly followed them until she opened the door.

“Sweet, sweet. Practicing as you should, guys." Naruto lifted her head, and so did Sakura. Ino comes straight to Sakura, giving a kiss on her cheek. Hm? “As much as I love you and how good you are with your little drums, I’m pretty sure you didn’t eat anything by now.” Sakura tried to speak, her cheek flushed by the lovely peck. “Nah. Don’t say a word.” Ino gives her the meal. “Your favorite." She winked at her before she came into the middle of the training room. Her eyes furrowed at the lack of light due to the curtains being closed off.

“You again!” Naruto comes to greet you, pointing his finger at you. “I hope you listened to your song as I told you.”

You raised your hands in surrender, letting out a soft chuckle.

“I did, I did!”

Only then did Sasuke lift his head from the guitar in his hands. He usually tests notes to help Naruto achieve what he wants.

Ino scolded him friendly.

“Don’t scare her, Naruto. She’s here to work.”

You looked at Sasuke then, and you didn’t miss the subtle arch of his eyebrows, a little bewildered. You offered just a small greeting.

“Hi.”

Naruto interfered.

“Wait? To work?” He scratched under his chin. “I remember you saying something about it, Ino."

“I can see how much you listen to me, Naruto.”

Naruto’s mouth turned into a shy line. Sakura asked. “For the artistic publicist role, right?”

“Yes, love.”

“Artistic publicist?” Naruto asked, confused, and Ino looked at you, and you sensed she wanted you to speak about it.

You gulped down, feeling your throat tighten. But it was necessary for the switch inside your mind to happen.

Your work personality came when you needed it.

“An artistic or creative publicist is primarily focused on promoting an artist’s work, in your case, the band’s work, and shapes their public image. But also to secure interviews, reviews, and features and coordinate press announcements for new projects, exhibitions, or tours.”

Sasuke’s eyebrows furrowed at your words; his eyes lingered on the person in front of him, different from what he knew until now. But his priorities lie further than that, ignoring immediately these irrelevant thoughts.

“We don’t need one.”

Ino offered, speaking directly with him as you flinched internally at his sharp tone.

“We do, Sasuke. The offer we received is very good.”

“Is it?”

Ino sighed, trying to find a common ground.

“You know we have accepted already the festival offer to perform there. And we received many other offers. We talked already about this.”

Sasuke thinks this shit will only discourage the band’s purpose. Just thinking about the possibility that he will align with other artists at the festival, becoming one along with the others and following the common road, he is heavily skeptical, wanting to avoid too much exposure that can do more damage than good. Just like it happened to someone very close to him. ‘Close’ is a big word in the present moment. Not anymore.

“You can hire what you want. I will not be a part of it.”

Sakura tried to maintain a soft-spoken tone.

“We need to cooperate a little, Sasuke. If Ino and Shikamaru agreed and hired [Name], it means it’s a good choice. They never failed until now.”

Naruto scolded. “Of course you’ll say no.” Sasuke rolled his eyes, letting his guitar rest on the closer bench as he walked straight to the other door, leading to a small resting room. He spoke as his back was turned.

“Do what you want. I don’t care.”

The door closed abruptly. Such a dramatic exit, you thought.

Ino looked at you, and you didn’t let her see your real thoughts about what you think regarding their little singer—despite the irritation building inside of you, seeing the side of him you didn’t expect.

“That’s what I mean when I told you to not get discouraged.” She waved her hand dismissively. “But it’s fine. We will convince him eventually like we always do, and obviously, he will see for himself how serious you are. Of course, if your answer is yes.”

“I’m not discouraged at all. But yes, I’ll let you know. I need more time to think about it.”

They looked at you and gave you an understanding look.

—

The ride home was silent, only your mind was anything but.

Is this really a good choice to work for them? With him? Sasuke? You didn’t receive the offer yet on the email, Ino will probably give you soon. You don’t expect a big salary or anything, not that is your top priority.

It felt like a challenge, which is probably why you intended to say yes. Shaping a band from the ground up is more complex, especially if it is small, but it has the ability to flourish and shape itself into something remarkable. It also didn't help how their music impacted you. However, this is not the most effective way to seek your answer.

One week. One week and you’ll decide if ‘Disconnect Youth’ resonate enough with your path to take the risk.

#sasuke smut

Trending Tags

Recently Viewed Tags

#sasuke smut