For the next few nights, Sasuke and I did our projects separately. He didn't allow me to touch his' and I wouldn't allow him to edit mine. Since he looked down on me, I actually studied hard enough for this History project to prove I am not who he thinks I am. A dumb blonde. Just because I'm fun loving, doesn't mean I'm dumb!

If I actually bothered to study, I bet I could be better than Uchiha. Girls probably just like him for his money. It would be unbelievable if they want him for anything else.

I was staying back with Kiba and Sakura at the library to read up some of the books on the history we were doing a presentation on. They were actually taken aback because I was actually studying with them.
"Hey, need some help?" Someone whispered to me over my shoulder, close to my ear and face. I turned to my side to see Itachi, bending over, smiling at me. His face so close to mine, we were only inches apart.

"Er!" I withdrew myself to distant him from me. The librarian shushed me while she was putting books back on the near by shelf. "It's alright, thank you very much." I politely whispered back. He swiftly sat down beside me, "That's alright, I can help. I've studied this.. and I'm pretty good at history."

"Aren't you Uchihas good at every subject?" Kiba chuckled before Sakura elbowed him again.
I awkwardly laughed it off, "Thanks, but no thanks-"
"I'll see you tomorrow." He patted my head as he scrolled away as if he already made a decision despite rejecting his kind intentions.

I raised my brow in confusion, and my bestfriends did the same. "One night at their place and suddenly you're close with the Uchihas?" Kiba hesitated to ask but did so anyway. "Heck no, I'm not close with them!" I accidentally raised my voice again and the librarian shushed me one more time, annoyed.

"Itachi Uchiha sure seems fond of you." Sakura uttered as she flipped a page from her history textbook. "Nah, he's just nice." I answered. Definitely much nicer than the younger Uchiha.

After my studying session with my friends, I was walking home alone.
I hated being alone. Ever since my parents died in an accident, I felt so empty and lonely. Why did I have to be the one that survived? I don't deserve it.
I realized I put aside my scandalous lifestyle this week because I was actually focused on my history project. And it made me realize why I liked doing what I did. It was out of fear, the fear of being alone. Tears started welling up in my eyes as I entered my now empty house.

It used to be filled with cheery noises from my mother and father. Now it's just the deafening silence. And I hated every second it.
I tried to open my books and stomach some of the information but the quietness was driving me crazy. I decided to just call it a night.

Morning came as quickly as night ended, my alarm on my phone rang like it does 5 days of the week. I pulled myself out of bed and jumped into the shower. Got myself a piece of toast and left for school. On my way there, I caught a glance of Sasuke and his new girl. I still had no idea how he juggles two  complete different lifestyles. He was resting his arm on her shoulder, and a cigarette in the other hand.

I sighed, as our paths collided because our destination was the same. "No doubt about who won this week." He let out a soft taunt while slowly making his way past me. I rolled my eyes and ignored him. He only won because I let him! Just you wait, Uchiha. First, I'll win over the project and the girls!

The school day passed as usual, feeling like it took an eternity to end. Once in a while I could hear people making remarks about how long I was single for and how hard I was studying. But neither of it bothered me. Kiba and Sakura both had plans after school, so I was left to revise on my own. I was stepping out of the school gates when someone patted my head from behind.

"Told you I'll see you." Itachi greeted, smiley as usual. "Wow, what a coincidence right?" I joked and giggled. "Come," The taller man grabbed my hand gently, "I promised I'd tutor you."

"Ah.. no thanks. I'm not so much on good terms with your brother. He'd probably be pissed off seeing me there anyway." I withdrew myself again, politely rejecting.
He nodded, acknowledging what I just stated. "Alright, alright. Let's do it at your place then." He grabbed my arm again, and dragged me over to the nearest bus stop.

During the period we were waiting for my bus, I kept declining his offer but somehow he managed to persuade me into tutoring me. I guess it wouldn't be as bad.. I thought to myself as we boarded the bus to my place.
A little company would be nice at my place, and maybe this time round I might be able to study without the haunting absence of sound.

We dropped off at my nearest stop and within a couple of minutes we reached my house. I didn't live too far from school, so I always preferred to walk.

I played a good host to Itachi Uchiha, unlike Sasuke.. I gave him a cup of hot chocolate and told him to make himself at home. We sat down and quickly got down to business. He was the complete opposite of Sasuke. He was really nice and patient, kind and understanding. He never once got frustrated or looked down on my missing knowledge.

".. are you tired?" Itachi looked up from the shared monitor, catching to see I was straining my eyes. "A little. Who knew actually studying could be so exhausting." I tiredly laughed. He gave me a warm smile and nodded. "Sorry to keep you up till so late. I didn't realize how late it was."

"This was really fun. I enjoy spending time with you." He patted my head again. His eyes gazed into mine. He was very close to my face so I anxiously withdrew myself yet again from him. But from my fast pull back, my elbow knocked over the glass of now-not-so hot chocolate I offered to him earlier and it spilled all over my laptop and him.

"Shit! I'm so sorry!" I jumped up, repeatedly bowing and apologizing.

You've done it now, Naruto! Way to piss off another Uchiha.