Chapter 1: New Strings
Chapter Text
• • • • •
The shrill beeping of Naruto’s alarm clock was the first sound to tear through the stillness of his new dorm room. He groaned and slapped blindly at the nightstand until his palm finally collided with the cheap plastic device. The silence that followed was immediate, but it didn’t feel familiar.
No, it was different here.
Different from the warm creaks of his parents’ house, where he’d grown up hearing the clatter of pans and the cheerful humming of his mom every morning. Different from the reassuring thuds of his dad pacing between kitchen and front door before work.
This silence was sterile. The walls were bare, the ceiling plain white, the sheets stiff with newness. But the blonde grinned anyway.
“Alright,” he muttered to himself, his voice hoarse with sleep, “day one of new life, here I come.”
He swung his legs out of bed, his blond hair standing up in every direction as though he’d been in a fight during the night. The mirror above the sink in his small bathroom didn’t do him any favors… if anything, it confirmed that no matter how old he got, his hair was destined to be a stubborn, golden mess. He splashed water on his face, brushed his teeth, and yanked on a hoodie and jeans before slinging his bag over his shoulder.
The door clicked shut behind him, and the crisp morning air rushed in to meet him.
⸻
Tokyo University was… massive.
The campus stretched out before him like its own little city. Stone buildings with ivy climbing the walls, towering glass windows flashing in the sunlight, and walkways shaded by tall gingko trees. Students streamed past in every direction, holding coffees, chatting in groups, laughing over private jokes. The air buzzed with energy.
Naruto paused on the main quad and just took it in.
“Whoa,” he muttered, hands shoved into his pockets. “Guess this is the big leagues.”
His old university had been fine: decent professors, decent friends, decent everything. But it had been small. Familiar. Predictable. When the chance to transfer came up, he hadn’t thought twice. He wanted more. More people, more experiences, more chances to throw himself into things headfirst.
The psychology building loomed ahead of him, red brick with sleek glass doors that reflected the blue of the sky. He double-checked his schedule and muttered under his breath:
“Second-year psych major, Uzumaki Naruto, reporting for duty.”
Inside, the hallways smelled faintly of old books and floor polish. His first class was easy enough: syllabus day, professors droning about requirements and expectations. The man tried to focus, but his eyes kept wandering, flicking across the sea of unfamiliar faces. Everyone else seemed to know each other already, chatting easily before class started, sliding into seats with the comfort of routine.
He tapped his pencil against his notebook, restless. He wasn’t shy, not really, but being the odd one out left a sour taste.
By the end of the lecture, he was half-tempted to bolt straight to the cafeteria.
But the universe had other plans.
“You’re new,” a voice drawled beside him.
Naruto blinked, turning. The guy had sharp, narrow eyes that seemed perpetually half-closed, his posture slouched like sitting upright took too much effort.
“Huh?” He asked brilliantly.
“Transfer student, right? You weren’t here last semester.”
The blonde scratched the back of his head sheepishly. “Uh Yeah. Uzumaki Naruto. Second year. Psychology major. Just moved in at the dorms a few days ago, actually.”
The guy gave a slight nod. “Nara Shikamaru. Psychology major too.” He jerked his chin toward the doorway. “That’s my friend.”
Naruto followed the gesture to see a broad-shouldered student with kind eyes and a bag of chips in hand. He had an easy smile, even as he chewed.
“Yo,” the second guy greeted, lifting his hand. “Akimichi Choji.”
Relief spread through the man’s chest. “Nice to meet you both. Guess I’m not totally alone here after all, huh?”
Shikamaru smirked faintly. “Guess not. You hungry? We usually grab lunch after this class.”
The blonde’s stomach chose that exact moment to let out a thunderous growl.
Choji laughed. “That settles it.”
⸻
The cafeteria was crowded, but somehow Choji managed to balance a tray stacked high with food. Naruto stared in admiration at the pile of rice bowls, fried chicken, and dumplings while trying not to drop his own modest plate of noodles. They found a table near the window, the sunlight spilling across the worn surface.
“So,” Choji started around a mouthful of food, “what’s your deal, Uzumaki? Transfer because you didn’t like your old school?”
Naruto twirled noodles around his chopsticks, shrugging. “Not really. It was fine. But I wanted something bigger, y’know? More opportunities. Plus, my parents were cool with me moving out.”
Shikamaru gave him a look, one eyebrow raised. “Most people don’t say that with a grin.”
The blonde chuckled. “Guess I’m not most people. I just… wanna experience stuff. Meet people. Try new things.”
Choji nodded approvingly, his cheeks full. “That’s the spirit.”
Naruto relaxed into the rhythm of their conversation. Shikamaru was laconic, Choji was warm, and together they had an easy balance. It felt natural sliding into their company, like slipping into a groove that had been waiting for him.
Eventually, the dark-haired man leaned back, “You’ll have to pick a club soon. They make it mandatory for all undergrads.”
“Yeah?” Naruto tilted his head. “What do you guys do?”
“Music club,” Choji responded immediately, pride in his voice. “It’s fun. Pretty laid back, but we get to perform sometimes too.”
The blonde perked up. “Music? No way. That’s perfect!”
Shikamaru gave him a sidelong glance. “You play an instrument?”
“Not really,” he admitted. “But I’ve always loved singing. My mom sings around the house all the time, and I kinda picked it up.” His grin was sheepish but earnest. “I’m not half bad, actually.”
The chubby man’s face lit up. “Then you’ll fit right in. We’ve got all kinds: guitarists, drummers, pianists, singers. You should come by the meeting tomorrow.”
Naruto’s grin widened until his cheeks hurt. A new school, new friends, and maybe even a chance to do something he loved? His fresh start was already shaping up better than he’d dared to hope.
“Count me in.”
⸻
The rest of the day was a blur of classes, walking unfamiliar hallways, and collecting syllabi. But the thought that anchored him was simple: tomorrow, he’d see what the music club was all about.
Back in his dorm that evening, he collapsed onto his bed with a sigh. His notebook was already littered with doodles of music notes and scribbled reminders. He stretched, folding his arms behind his head, and stared at the ceiling again.
His new life had only just begun, but something inside him thrummed with the same energy as strings being tuned… like something was about to start. Something he couldn’t name yet, but could feel all the same.
He grinned into the quiet of the room.
“Yeah,” he murmured to himself. “This is gonna be good.”
-_ - _ - _ -
Chapter 2: First Notes
Summary:
Naruto finally goes to the music club where he meets Sasuke. He is immediately enthralled and more so when the gorgeous man strums his guitar, he is captivated.
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
• • • • •
The next afternoon, Naruto found himself standing outside the music club room with his backpack slung awkwardly over his shoulder. The double doors in front of him pulsed faintly with the muffled thrum of a bassline and the offbeat laughter of voices on the other side.
He took a breath.
It wasn’t nerves, not exactly… he wasn’t the type to get nervous about meeting new people. But there was a tightness in his chest, like anticipation before the first step of a race. Yesterday he’d been the new transfer student; today, he was stepping into something bigger.
“Alright,” he muttered to himself, rolling his shoulders back. “Music club, let’s go.”
He pushed the door open.
⸻
The room was larger than he expected, wide enough to fit a stage at the far end and lined with chairs, amps, and scattered instruments. Posters of past performances littered the walls, colorful flyers from festivals and gigs layered one over another. The air smelled faintly of cigarette smoke and something sharper: metal strings, maybe, mixed with the polish used on guitars.
Shikamaru and Choji waved him over from the middle row.
“Hey,” they greeted with his usual easy smile. “Glad you made it.”
“Wouldn’t miss it,” the blonde replied, plopping down between them. His eyes darted around, soaking in the energy. Some students tuned guitars, others fiddled with drumsticks or keyboard settings. It was alive in a way his classrooms weren’t.
A tall fourth-year with spiked hair clapped his hands together at the front. “Alright, everyone settle down! Welcome, newcomers. I’m Inuzuka Kiba, one of the club’s presidents. Today we’ll do introductions, then some of us seniors will perform so you can see what we’re about.”
Naruto straightened, interest sparking.
The introductions went around in a circle: names, year, instruments. Some were casual, others shy. When it came to him, he stood and grinned wide.
“Uzumaki Naruto, a transferred second-year psychology major. I don’t play any instruments, but I like singing. So I guess that’s me.”
There were murmurs of approval, a few nods. Kiba scribbled his name down. “Great. We always need vocalists.”
The blonde sat again, pleased.
He returned to looking around the room.
And then, out of the corner of his eye, he noticed someone by the open window.
⸻
At first, he thought it was a woman.
The figure sat half-turned away from the room, dark smoke curling from between their fingers as they exhaled lazily into the late-afternoon light. Long, raven-black hair spilled over their shoulders, straight and glossy, glinting faintly where it caught the sun. A pair of white headphones rested around their neck, the faint hiss of guitar riffs leaking from them.
A black electric guitar was propped casually on one leg, the polished instrument gleaming as though it had been cared for meticulously. The person’s posture was unbothered, as if the introductions happening in the room didn’t involve them at all.
And God… Naruto couldn’t look away.
The smoke drifted past delicate features: sharp jawline, straight nose, long lashes. Piercings glinted along the curve of both ears, silver and black hoops that caught the light in quiet defiance.
They wore a dark fleece sweatshirt, sleeves shoved to the elbows, paired with patterned oversized pants that looked both lazy and stylish. Scuffed sneakers completed the look, like they hadn’t bothered dressing up for anyone but still ended up drawing every eye.
Naruto’s mouth went dry.
(Holy crap. That’s the prettiest woman I’ve ever seen.)
But then one of the seniors… the spiky-haired guy again… gestured toward the window. “Oh, right. For those who don’t know him yet, that’s Uchiha Sasuke. Fourth year. A Guitarist.”
The blonde’s brain short-circuited.
(Him?)
As if sensing the attention, the figure finally glanced over. Onyx eyes, sharper than any blade, locked with his for a split second. The weight of that look sent an unexpected jolt straight through him, like being struck by lightning.
Naruto jerked his gaze away, ears burning.
“Oh,” he muttered under his breath, trying to recover. “So he’s a dude.”
Shikamaru gave him a side-eye smirk. “Figure that out late, huh?”
He glared half-heartedly. “Shut up.”
Choji only chuckled, crunching into a chip.
⸻
After the round of introductions, Kiba clapped again. “Alright, seniors, let’s show them how it’s done.”
Several older students moved toward the stage. The blonde noticed Sasuke among them, slinging his guitar strap over his shoulder with a smooth, practiced motion. The dark sweatshirt hung loose around his frame, but when he adjusted the guitar, his fingers: long and precise, moved with purpose.
The band settled: drums, bass, keys, two guitars. A few soft chords strummed out as they tuned. The air shifted.
And then, with the crack of the snare, they began.
⸻
Naruto had been to live performances before: school festivals, local shows. He’d always loved the rush of energy music brought. But this… this was something else.
Sasuke’s guitar cut through the room like lightning, sharp but smooth, weaving seamlessly into the rhythm. His expression didn’t change much… still that same calm expression… but his body told the story his face didn’t. The sway of his shoulders, the subtle nods of his head, the way his fingers danced over the strings like second nature.
Naruto couldn’t tear his eyes away.
It wasn’t just skill. It was… presence. Even doing something as “normal” as playing, the raven-head commanded attention. The smoke, the hair, the piercings… they all melted into the background once the music began. What remained was pure, unfiltered talent, raw and magnetic.
The man’s chest tightened. His heart thudded in time with the beat, each note like a spark beneath his skin.
When the song ended, the room erupted in applause. He clapped the loudest, his grin stretching wide.
“That was amazing!” he blurted, louder than he intended. A few newcomers laughed, but he didn’t care.
Choji nudged him with an amused smile. “Told you this club was good.”
Shikamaru gave a lazy shrug. “Not bad.”
The blonde leaned forward, still buzzing. His eyes darted back to Sasuke, who was already unplugging his guitar, cigarette lit again as though the performance hadn’t just stolen his breath.
Naruto’s grin faltered into something quieter, more thoughtful.
(Man…) he thought, pulse still racing. (He’s incredible.)
And for the first time since transferring, he felt the sharp pull of something beyond excitement or curiosity. A string inside him had been plucked, and the sound lingered long after the last note faded.
⸻
By the time the meeting ended, Naruto knew one thing for sure:
He wanted to hear that guitar again.
And maybe… just maybe… he wanted to hear everything else about the guy who played it too.
-_-_-_-
Notes:
This will be a two chapter update just like my usual schedule so please look forward to this work of mines. Stay tuned for tomorrow <3
With Love,
mixciii~
Ps: follow my TikTok: @angelofboke_ (if you wanna send me ideas and suggestions or simply talk :))
Chapter 3: Unplayed Chords
Summary:
Naruto can’t stop thinking about Sasuke.
Chapter Text
• • • • •
The meeting wrapped up in a flurry of chatter and laughter. Instruments were tucked away, amps switched off, chairs scraped against the floor as everyone shuffled out into the corridor. Naruto lingered near Shikamaru and Choji, his mind still replaying the sound of Sasuke’s guitar over and over.
Outside, the late-afternoon sun spilled across the campus, painting the buildings gold. Students filtered past in groups, voices rising and falling like another kind of music.
He shoved his hands into his pockets, his grin a little too wide, his thoughts a little too loud. He lasted all of three minutes before blurting, “So… that Sasuke guy.”
Choji glanced at him, chewing thoughtfully on the last of his chips. “What about him?”
Naruto gestured vaguely. “He was amazing, right? On guitar, I mean.”
“Mm.” Choji nodded. “Yeah, he’s one of the best in the club. Always has been.”
He hesitated, then pressed, “What’s he like? Y’know… outside of the music stuff?”
Shikamaru gave him a sidelong glance, expression unreadable. “Why?”
He flushed. “What do you mean, why? I’m just curious!”
Choji shrugged. “Honestly, we don’t really know him that well. He’s… quiet. Doesn’t hang out much unless it’s club-related. Chill, though. Doesn’t cause trouble.”
“Chill?” Naruto repeated, unsatisfied. “That’s it?”
“Pretty much.” Choji’s tone was matter-of-fact. “He’s not the type to talk unless you talk first.”
He frowned, mulling it over as they walked. (Not the type to talk, huh?) Somehow, that only made him want to know more.
⸻
The next few days slipped by in a rhythm of classes, meals, and club meetings. Naruto adjusted to campus life quickly… he learned which cafeteria line moved fastest, which professors droned the longest, which hallways were best for sprinting when you were late.
But every time the music club met, his focus zeroed in on the same thing.
Sasuke.
Sometimes the raven-head sat by the window with his headphones, tapping a cigarette into the ashtray like the world outside didn’t exist. Sometimes he tuned his guitar with a sharp focus that made everything else fade away. Sometimes he just leaned back in his chair, arms crossed, as though the chaos of the room couldn’t touch him.
The beautiful man always wore the most comfortable yet fashionable clothes. The way he wore his hair differently every few days, the way he change out his piercings to match his fit for the day.
Naruto told himself it wasn’t weird… he just admired talent, that was all. Admiring a senior who could play guitar like that wasn’t strange.
Except his eyes kept drifting, again and again, no matter how many times he tried to stop.
During one meeting, Kiba was explaining the lineup for an upcoming performance, but he barely absorbed a word. His gaze flicked to the man, who was leaned back in his chair, smoke curling upward, his long hair tied loosely at the nape of his neck. The silver hoops in his ears caught the light when he tilted his head, and his stomach did a strange flip.
(Why does he look so good just… sitting there?)
Naruto shook his head, dragging his attention back to Kiba. (Get a grip, Uzumaki.)
But then it happened.
Sasuke’s eyes shifted, just slightly, and landed on him.
He turned at the same time and their eyes met.
He froze.
For a heartbeat, onyx eyes held his, unreadable, calm as still water. Then, with no change in expression, the other looked away, exhaling smoke toward the window as though Naruto wasn’t even there.
He felt his face burn.
Choji nudged him with a grin. “You okay? You zoned out.”
“I—I’m fine!” He spoke too quickly. “Totally fine.”
But inside, his chest was buzzing like he’d been caught doing something forbidden.
⸻
The admiration only deepened as days passed.
When Sasuke played during practice, Naruto couldn’t stop watching the way his fingers moved: deft, sure, coaxing sound like it was effortless. When the man brushed his hair back with one hand, revealing the piercings along his ear, he caught himself staring. Even the way Sasuke smoked: slow, measured… looked like something out of a scene.
Naruto tried to play it cool, but his thoughts betrayed him.
(He’s so… different. Untouchable.)
Whenever the raven-head was in the room, it felt like the air shifted. Everyone else blended together, but Sasuke stood apart… like he carried his own gravity.
⸻
A few days later, after classes, he walked back with Shikamaru and Choji, the cool air biting against his cheeks. The conversation drifted lazily, mostly Choji talking about new restaurants opening nearby. Naruto laughed along, but his mind kept circling back to the image of Sasuke’s indifferent glance earlier.
“Hey,” he blurted suddenly, “are you guys sure you don’t know more about Uchiha Sasuke?”
Shikamaru sighed. “Still hung up on that?”
The blonde scowled. “I’m not hung up! I just… he seems interesting, y’know?”
Choji chuckled. “Naruto, if Sasuke wants people to know about him, he’ll tell them. Until then, you’ll just have to admire from a distance.”
He groaned. “That’s the worst advice ever.”
Shikamaru smirked faintly. “It’s the realistic advice. He’s not exactly approachable.”
He kicked at a loose stone on the path, frustration bubbling beneath his ribs. But even as he complained, part of him knew Shikamaru was right. Sasuke wasn’t someone you could just walk up to and chat with.
And yet, that didn’t stop Naruto’s chest from tightening every time he caught sight of him.
⸻
That night, lying in bed, he stared at the ceiling, restless. The faint hum of music from a neighbor’s room seeped through the walls. He folded his hands behind his head, frowning.
(Why him?)
He’d been at the university less than three weeks, surrounded by thousands of people. And still, his mind kept circling back to the raven-head: his sharp eyes, his effortless guitar, the quiet intensity that seemed to pull Naruto in no matter how hard he tried to resist.
It didn’t make sense. He barely knew the guy.
And yet…
He sighed, tugging the blanket over his head.
- _ - _ - _ -
Chapter 4: The Dare
Summary:
The seniors throw the newcomers of the music club a welcome party to which Naruto gets dared to go into the entertainment district that’s a few blocks away from their university.
At first he was not going but curiosity got the best of him.
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
• • • • •
The izakaya buzzed with life.
Low-hanging paper lanterns bathed the wooden tables in warm orange light, the air thick with chatter, clinking glasses, and the smoky scent of grilled skewers. Music club members had claimed a cluster of tables near the back, pitchers of beer and plates of food already spread out before them.
Naruto squeezed in between Choji and Shikamaru, eyes wide as he took it all in. Back home, he’d gone to casual parties with friends, but this was his first time out with a whole university club. The energy was infectious: half rowdy, half cozy.
“A bit late but welcome to the club, first-years!” Kiba barked cheerfully, raising his glass. “Tonight’s all about you guys.”
A cheer went up, mugs clinking together as everyone took a swig. The blonde grabbed his light beer… he wasn’t much of a drinker yet… and raised it high, grinning.
The night unfolded in a comfortable rhythm: introductions, jokes, laughter echoing louder as the drinks flowed. Seniors swapped stories about past performances, inside jokes bouncing back and forth across the table. He leaned in, soaking it all up. He’d been worried about fitting in, but here, surrounded by easy smiles and laughter, he felt a strange warmth settle in his chest.
Still… as the night went on, he couldn’t help noticing the empty seat at the far corner of the table.
Sasuke wasn’t there.
Naruto had half-hoped… okay, fully hoped… that he’d see him tonight, maybe get the chance to talk to him finally. But the man hadn’t shown, and no one seemed surprised.
“Don’t expect him at these kinds of things,” Shikamaru murmured when his gaze lingered. “He doesn’t really come out.”
He made a face, pretending it didn’t matter, though disappointment pricked at him.
⸻
As the pitchers dwindled and the noise grew, someone inevitably suggested games.
“King’s Game!” a senior shouted, brandishing chopsticks like swords. “Losers drink, and losers also take punishments.”
He perked up. He’d heard of it but never played.
“Count me in,” he said, grinning.
The game unfolded with chaotic energy. Draw chopsticks, follow the king’s order. Sometimes it was harmless: “Number two, feed number four a piece of karaage.” Sometimes it was embarrassing: “Number three, sing a love song to number six.”
Naruto threw himself into it with gusto, earning laughs with his over-the-top antics. Choji was a good sport, Shikamaru less so, groaning every time he got roped in.
By the third round, though, his luck ran out.
“Loser does a punishment as earlier stated!” Kiba crowed, slamming down his chopstick. His grin turned wicked as he looked around the table. “And I’ve got the perfect one. You, newbie.”
Naruto blinked, pointing to himself. “Me?”
“Yeah, you.” The older man leaned forward, eyes gleaming with mischief. “You’ve gotta go down to the entertainment district. Pick a place. Report back.”
The table erupted in laughter, whistles, and teasing comments.
Naruto’s grin faltered. “Wait, wait… what kind of punishment is that?!”
“The fun kind,” one of the seniors chuckled. “Don’t tell me you’re scared.”
“I’m not scared!” He shot back automatically, but his ears burned.
The noise blurred for a moment until a soft voice cut through beside him.
“You don’t have to,” someone murmured.
He turned. A girl sat across from him, her dark, long hair framing her face. Pale eyes flicked up to meet his before darting away again.
She was one of the newcomers too, he remembered. Hinata, right? She’d introduced herself quietly earlier, her voice barely above the chatter.
The woman’s fingers tightened around her drink as she added, “If you don’t want to, you don’t need to.”
Her voice was calm, steady, even if her gaze wavered.
He blinked, then smiled at her reassurance. “Thanks. I’ll keep that in mind.”
But across the table, the seniors were still chanting, urging him on, banging their mugs against the wood. He scratched the back of his head, laughing it off.
“Alright, alright. Maybe I’ll check it out. No promises.”
That seemed to satisfy them, the noise shifting back into more laughter and another toast.
⸻
By the time the party wound down, the night air outside was cool, sharp with the smell of rain. The group spilled out of the izakaya, breaking into smaller clusters as people headed back toward campus or toward trains into the city.
Naruto shoved his hands into his hoodie pocket, walking beside Shikamaru and Choji.
“Entertainment district, huh,” Choji said between bites of a skewer he’d taken to go. “That’s some punishment.”
“Yeah,” he muttered. He forced a grin. “Not like I’m actually gonna do it, though.”
Shikamaru gave him a sidelong glance. “You say that now…”
Naruto scowled. “I’m not gonna! We’ve got class in the morning.”
But even as he said it, curiosity itched at him. He’d never been to that part of the city before. He’d only heard stories… neon lights, shops that didn’t close until dawn, places that catered to things people didn’t talk about openly.
When they reached the dorms, Shikamaru stretched, yawning. “Troublesome night. I’m crashing.”
“Same,” Choji said, waving. “See you tomorrow, Naruto.”
“Yeah. Night, guys.”
Naruto watched them go inside, then turned back toward the path.
The streetlights cast long shadows across the pavement, and somewhere in the distance, music drifted faintly on the air. He knew the way back to his dorm on the opposite end. But if he kept walking just a little further off…
His eyes flicked toward the glow on the horizon, where neon signs pulsed faintly against the night sky.
The entertainment district wasn’t far.
He shoved his hands deeper into his pockets, heart thudding with something that wasn’t entirely dread.
(I’ll just look, he told himself. Just see what it’s like. No harm in that.)
And with that excuse echoing in his head, he took the first step toward the lights.
- _ - _ - _ -
Notes:
As per usual, the next story update would be out tomorrow with two new chapters so please stay tuned for that.
Enjoy your day/night <3
With Love,
mixciii~
Chapter 5: Velvet Eden
Summary:
In which he goes in the entertainment district and his eyes catches a particular shop that has him walking in.
Chapter Text
• • • • •
The entertainment district was alive.
Even from blocks away, Naruto could hear it: the hum of music, the rise and fall of laughter, the clatter of footsteps against pavement as the night stretched on without signs of sleep. When he turned the corner, the full sight hit him all at once.
Neon signs burned bright against the dark sky, kanji and cursive lettering glowing in colors too vivid to ignore. Pink, violet, blue… every shade beckoned, each one promising something different: food, drink, pleasure, escape. Shopfronts lined the streets in dense clusters, from smoky izakayas spilling with chatter to sleek glass doors that whispered of exclusivity.
The air itself felt charged, humming with energy. Perfume drifted past in soft waves as women in short skirts and sharp heels passed by, linking arms with businessmen who looked far too stiff for their company. Hosts in tailored suits stood outside doorways, calling in smooth voices to anyone who looked their way.
Naruto’s pace slowed.
He told himself he was just curious. Just looking. But his eyes darted everywhere: at the flashing signs, the silhouettes leaning against doorframes, the laughter that rose sharp and sweet above the din. It was overwhelming, intoxicating, and he hated to admit it, but he was… intrigued.
“This place is crazy,” he muttered under his breath, shoving his hands deeper into his hoodie pocket. “Do people really come here all the time?”
He drifted further in, the crowds pressing around him, voices overlapping in a dizzying blur. Some shops were loud and gaudy, with music blasting out their doors. Others were quiet, discreet, their windows frosted or tinted.
And then he saw it.
⸻
“Velvet Eden.”
The sign glowed in muted red, not garish but alluring, like a secret only some were allowed to know. The door was sleek black, flanked by soft golden lights. Where other shops blared their existence, this one whispered, come closer if you dare.
He stopped in his tracks.
Something about it drew him, though he couldn’t say what. Maybe it was the contrast: elegant among the chaos, understated where others shouted. Maybe it was the way the name lingered in his mind, velvety and rich.
Before he realized what he was doing, his feet carried him forward.
The door clicked shut behind him with a muted sound, cutting off the noise of the street. Inside, the air shifted: quieter, dimmer, with a faint scent of sandalwood curling around him. The lighting was soft, glowing amber against polished wood and plush furniture. Music hummed low in the background, a sultry rhythm that seeped into the skin.
Naruto swallowed, suddenly aware of how out of place he looked in his hoodie and sneakers.
“Welcome.”
The voice snapped his attention forward.
A man stood behind a reception desk, white hair slicked back in a way that looked both effortless and intentional. His eyes were bright colored, his grin wide and knowing.
“I’m Hozuki Suigetsu,” the man greeted smoothly, resting his chin in his palm as he leaned forward. “First time here, right?”
Naruto blinked. “Uh… yeah?”
Suigetsu chuckled, the sound low. “Don’t worry. We’ll take good care of you.”
He slid a sleek binder across the desk, opening it with a practiced flick. Inside, glossy photographs filled the pages: men in sharp suits, in casual wear, in sultry poses that made his ears heat up. Each page was labeled with a name, a few teasing descriptions.
The blonde stared. His brain caught up a moment later.
(Oh.)
(Oh, fuck.)
This wasn’t just any shop. This was a brothel.
A gay brothel.
He felt his face go hot, his heartbeat skipping a beat as realization crashed into him. He’d walked straight into a place that catered to men who wanted… men.
“You’re kidding,” he muttered under his breath.
Suigetsu raised an eyebrow, clearly amused by his flustered expression. “Something wrong, blondie?”
He fumbled, shutting the binder halfway before the other could see the panic in his eyes. “N-no! I just—uh—” His throat felt dry.
The man’s grin widened, shark-like. “Relax. You don’t have to think too hard about it. Just tell me your type.”
“My… type?”
“Yeah.” Suigetsu gestured at the binder, tapping one manicured finger against a page. “Tall, short. Rough around the edges, sweet boy next door. Sharp suits, casual. We’ve got a range.” His eyes flicked up, sharp. “Or are you the kind who likes surprises?”
Naruto’s mouth opened, closed. His brain scrambled for words.
He wanted to say I’m not supposed to be here, but the truth stuck in his throat. Because even if he hadn’t planned this, even if he wasn’t sure of anything, the curiosity burned hotter now.
“Surprise me,” he blurted before he could stop himself.
The white-headed man’s brows lifted, then his grin turned slow, mischievous. “Oh, I like that. Risky.”
He leaned back, studying him with an almost feline curiosity. “Still, I need a little something. Just a hint. What kind of face catches your eye?”
Naruto hesitated, flipping through the binder again. The photos blurred together: sharp jaws, soft smiles, lean bodies posed just so. And then, almost absentmindedly, the words slipped out:
“Androgynous.”
The moment he said it, he froze.
Suigetsu tilted his head, interest sparking in his gaze. “Androgynous, huh? Someone who can play it soft or sharp, depending on the moment?”
His face burned. “I-I didn’t mean— I mean, I don’t really know, I just—”
The other chuckled, closing the binder with a snap. “No need to explain, blondie. That’s more than enough to work with.”
Naruto shifted on his feet, unsure if he should feel relieved or more panicked.
Suigetsu pushed away from the desk, stretching lazily. “Alright then. Sit tight. I’ll set you up.”
The blonde watched him disappear down a hallway, his pulse hammering in his ears. He sank into one of the plush chairs near the wall, rubbing the back of his neck.
The posters on the opposite wall drew his eyes again: men of all types, captured in poses meant to tempt. He swallowed hard.
“What the fuck am I even doing here?” he whispered to himself.
And yet, his feet hadn’t carried him out the door.
Something inside him wanted to know what came next.
- _ - _ - _ -
Chapter 6: Behind Closed Doors
Summary:
Suigetsu leads Naruto to the room where he unexpectedly meets the upperclassmen which he admires… as none other than his host for his session.
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
• • • • •
The seconds ticked by too slow.
Naruto sat perched on the edge of the velvet sofa, his knee bouncing, the muted thrum of low background music filling the silence of the waiting lounge. He tried to calm himself down, but his pulse wouldn’t stop racing.
What the hell was he doing here?
He wasn’t supposed to stay. He wasn’t supposed to say yes to Suigetsu. And yet, when the white-haired receptionist had smiled that sly smile and disappeared down the hallway, he hadn’t moved. He could’ve bolted. He could’ve run back to the dorms and pretended none of this happened.
But he didn’t.
Now, each minute that passed only wound him tighter, the mix of nerves and curiosity pressing heavy in his chest.
The sound of approaching footsteps snapped his attention up. Suigetsu appeared, leaning in the doorway with a grin that said he’d been enjoying himself far too much.
“Your room’s ready, blondie,” he drawled. “Follow me.”
The blonde pushed himself up on shaky legs. His mouth felt dry, but he forced a grin anyway. “Uh… sure.”
He was led down a dimly lit corridor, walls lined with framed art that blurred past as Naruto’s focus narrowed to the floor. He felt like he was walking into something he didn’t fully understand, each step carrying him deeper.
Finally, Suigetsu stopped before a sleek black door. He pushed it open with a knowing smirk.
“Enjoy yourself,” he said, voice laced with mischief.
He stepped inside.
The door clicked shut behind him.
⸻
The room was softly lit, shadows stretched across plush carpet and dark furniture. And there, sitting at the edge of the bed, was—
Naruto’s breath caught.
Uchiha Sasuke.
Not the same Sasuke from the club room with his guitar, not the aloof senior leaning against a window with smoke curling around him. This Sasuke was stripped bare of all that, sitting in nothing but tight, black boxers. His long hair spilled loose over his shoulders, glinting like ink in the low light. His lean body was pale and smooth, lines of muscle smooth and not bulky, carved in a way that made his throat tighten.
Silver glinted along his ears as usual, an array of earrings catching the glow as he turned his head. Onyx eyes widened just slightly, but otherwise his face remained still, unreadable.
For a moment, neither of them moved.
Naruto’s brain scrambled. (What the fuck—what the actual fuck.)
Then the raven-head’s voice cut through, low and calm, like it always was.
“You’re from the music club.”
Naruto blinked hard. “Y-you… you know me?”
“I’ve seen you.” Sasuke’s gaze was sharp, assessing. Then he sighed, reaching for the blanket at his side. “This is a mistake. I’ll get Suigetsu to switch me out.”
Panic shot through the blonde before he even knew why.
“Wait!”
Sasuke paused, brows faintly furrowing.
He swallowed hard, heart hammering. “I… I don’t want you to switch.”
Onyx eyes flicked back to him, unreadable. “You don’t?”
Naruto shook his head. “No. I mean… look, I didn’t come here for… y’know, that.” His ears burned, but he pushed on. “I just… can we talk? Just talk?”
For a long beat, the other said nothing. His expression gave nothing away, but something in the tightness of his shoulders loosened. Slowly, he lowered the blanket.
“…Fine.”
Naruto let out a breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding and moved toward the sofa, sitting across from him. For a moment, the silence between them was thick, heavy with things unspoken.
Finally, he broke it.
“I, uh… I’ve gotta say, I really admire your guitar playing.”
Sasuke blinked, as though he hadn’t expected that.
“At the club meeting,” he went on, rubbing the back of his neck. “When you played… man, I couldn’t stop listening. It was like… I dunno, like the strings were alive. You made it feel easy, but it wasn’t just skill. It was—” He trailed off, realizing he was rambling. “Anyway. You’re amazing.”
The raven-head’s gaze lingered on him, unreadable, before he looked away. “Thanks.”
It was quiet again, but lighter now. Naruto leaned forward, curiosity pressing against his ribs.
“Hey…can I ask you something?”
Sasuke’s eyes flicked back.
“Why… why do you do this kind of work?” He asked carefully. His tone wasn’t accusing, just wondering. “I mean, you’re talented, you’ve got music…fuck you can even be a model if you want to… so why this?”
For the first time, something shifted in the other’s face. A crack in the mask. He went quiet, his gaze dropping to the floor, fingers brushing the edge of the robe beside him.
“I’ve always known that I’m gay,” he stated finally, voice low. “Since I was a kid. Never doubted it.” His thumb ran over the fabric in a slow circle. “But guys I liked were always straight. Unreachable. And the ones who weren’t… never gave me what I wanted.”
Naruto tilted his head. “What do you mean?”
Sasuke hesitated. His lips pressed together before he exhaled, the words slipping out softer. “I want someone who’ll take care of me. Make me feel safe. Make me feel… special. I want to be able to trust someone enough to be submissive to them. That’s what I want. But that’s rare.”
The weight of the confession hung in the air. For a moment, his shoulders curved inward, vulnerable in a way the blonde hadn’t seen before.
“So I work here,” he continued, voice steadier now. “I can give men what they want. And sometimes, I get a little of what I want too.”
Naruto sat back, absorbing that. He hadn’t expected him to open up so honestly. It wasn’t judgment he felt… not even close. Just… understanding. And maybe a pang of something else.
“I get it,” he said quietly. “Or—I think I do. You’re not just doing this for others. You’re trying to fill something for yourself too.”
Sasuke’s eyes flicked to him, sharp again, as though searching for any hint of mockery. But Naruto’s expression was open, sincere.
After a moment, the raven-head looked away, the faintest trace of relief crossing his face.
The blonde leaned back, exhaling. His fingers twisted in his lap. “Man… I wish I had that kind of clarity.”
Sasuke tilted his head.
“I don’t really know my sexuality,” he admitted, cheeks heating. “I mean, I’ve liked girls. Always figured I was straight. But… I don’t know. Recently, I think maybe guys too? Or maybe not? I just… I don’t know.”
His words tumbled out clumsy, but honest. He laughed weakly, scratching his cheek. “Guess I’m pretty confused.”
The other man watched him, silent, unreadable as always. But something softened in his gaze, a flicker of understanding… or maybe recognition.
“Confusion’s normal,” he responded finally. His voice was calm, steady. “It doesn’t make you less of anything. You’ll figure it out.”
Naruto’s chest eased at that. He hadn’t realized how much he needed to hear it.
For a moment, the room felt different… less like a transaction, more like a secret space carved out between them. Two worlds colliding in a place neither had expected.
He looked at Sasuke again, really looked, at the long hair framing his face, the glint of silver along his ears, the lean body at ease but still carrying its own weight. Beautiful, yes… but more than that. Human. Vulnerable.
And suddenly, he knew one thing for sure:
He didn’t want this to be the last time they talked.
- _ - _ - _ -
Notes:
Look forward to the next two chapters that will be out tmr <3
With Love,
mixciii~
Chapter 7: Water and Heat
Summary:
Naruto thanks Sasuke for talking to him and is ready to get up and leave but the raven-head doesn’t let him go that easily.
Chapter Text
• • • • •
The silence after their conversation lingered, warm but heavy, as if both of them were still chewing over the words they’d exchanged.
Naruto leaned back against the sofa, arms folded, and exhaled slowly. Talking to the man had been… different. It wasn’t just the shock of seeing him like this, stripped down to nothing but boxers in a place he never expected to find him. It was how open he’d been, how vulnerable. How much he wanted to hear more.
But the clock on the wall ticked on, and he realized he’d already overstayed his welcome.
He pushed himself up from the sofa, brushing invisible dust off his jeans. “Well… I should probably get going. Thanks for… you know. Talking with me.”
He started toward the door, fingers heading for the handle. But before he could touch it, a cool hand wrapped around his wrist.
Naruto froze and turned, startled. Sasuke was on his feet, steady, his long hair brushing past his shoulders as he looked up at him with calm, dark eyes.
“…Your time isn’t done yet.”
The blonde blinked, confused. “Huh?”
“The service plan Suigetsu gave you is ninety minutes.” The raven-head’s grip was gentle but firm, keeping the man in place. “It hasn’t even been thirty.”
Naruto rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly with his free hand. “It’s fine, really. I mean, you can keep the extra money. Consider it a tip or something.”
But Sasuke shook his head, eyes narrowing just slightly. “That’s not how it works.”
Before he could argue, the man let go of his wrist only to catch it again, tugging gently. Silent, he turned and led him toward the other side of the room.
The other blinked again, heart picking up. “Wait—where are we going?”
The raven-head didn’t answer. He pushed open a second door, and steam curled faintly out into the room.
A shower.
Tiles gleamed under soft light, a stool positioned neatly under the showerhead, bottles of soap and shampoo lined up in perfect order. The faint scent of clean eucalyptus drifted in the air.
Sasuke finally turned back to him, expression unreadable. “Strip.”
Naruto’s eyes went wide. “Wh—what?!”
The other leaned casually against the doorway, arms crossed. “At least let me help you shower. It’s part of the service.”
Naruto’s face burned red instantly. “Shower?! But—I mean—I can do that myself!”
“You could, but you’re here. So let me.”
He fumbled for words, his hands instinctively clutching the hem of his hoodie like it could shield him. The idea of undressing under the man’s gaze made his stomach twist with nerves. And yet… there was something in Sasuke’s tone. Not teasing, not mocking. Just certain.
And against his better judgment, he felt himself nod.
“…O-okay.”
Sasuke stepped aside, giving him room.
The blonde’s fingers shook slightly as he tugged his hoodie over his head, tossing it aside. The cool air prickled against his skin. He hesitated, then peeled off his t-shirt, revealing broad shoulders and a chest sculpted from years of exercise.
When he reached for his jeans, he caught Sasuke’s gaze lingering. Not obvious, but not hidden either.
“You’re ripped,” the man stated bluntly. His voice was still calm, but there was the faintest edge of approval. “Hot body.”
Naruto flushed from head to toe. “D-don’t just say it like that!”
“Why not? It’s a fact.”
Naruto grumbled under his breath, fumbling out of his jeans and boxers. Soon he stood completely bare, muscles tense under the weight of the raven-head’s gaze. He felt both exposed and oddly proud, like the man’s words had sunk deeper than they should’ve.
Sasuke tilted his head toward the shower stool. “Sit.”
He obeyed, awkwardly perching himself on the stool as water began to run. Sasuke tested the temperature, adjusted the flow, then stepped close.
The first touch made him jolt.
The Uchiha’s fingers were warm and steady as they slid over his shoulders, working the soap into a lather that spread down across his chest. Naruto let out a breath he hadn’t realized he was holding, the tension in his body slowly easing.
Sasuke was gentle but thorough, his long fingers tracing the lines of his muscles, rinsing and repeating. The intimacy of it all sank into his skin, each touch leaving behind a heat that had little to do with the shower.
“You’re tense,” the man murmured, voice close to his ear.
Naruto swallowed. “Kinda hard not to be…”
“You’ll get used to it.”
His breath hitched as Sasuke’s hands moved lower, gliding across his stomach, his sides, lingering just long enough to make his pulse race. By the time Sasuke knelt fully between his thighs to wash his legs, Naruto’s face was scarlet, his fists clenched against his thighs.
And then—
A touch lower.
The blonde jolted, a sharp grunt escaping him before he could stop it. Sasuke’s hand wrapped firmly around his cock, stroking slow, deliberate.
“S-Sasuke!”
“Relax,” said man murmured, his tone unshaken. “It’s part of my service.”
Naruto bit down on a groan, heat surging through him at the rhythm of his hand. It was too much… too good. No woman had ever touched him like this: with such steady confidence, with such focused attention.
His breaths came faster, body trembling under Sasuke’s touch. The slick glide, the subtle squeeze, the perfect pace… it was overwhelming.
“Sasuke—ah—” his voice cracked, low and needy. He braced himself against the stool, head tipping back.
It didn’t take long. With a strangled gasp, his body arched, release hitting him hard. His breath stuttered out as the world blurred around him.
Sasuke kept his grip steady until the tremors subsided, then let go, rinsing him clean under the shower spray. His expression never wavered, calm and composed, though his eyes glinted just slightly as he handed him a towel.
Naruto sat frozen, towel clutched in his hands, his heart hammering so loud it drowned out the sound of water.
“Y-you didn’t have to—” he started, voice hoarse.
“It’s part of the service,” the raven-head repeated simply, turning away to tidy up the bottles.
The blonde dried off quickly, fumbling back into his clothes. The air between them was thick, charged, but neither spoke. Not until he reached the door, glancing back over his shoulder.
“…Thanks.” His voice was quiet, genuine.
The Uchiha gave no reply, just a small nod, long hair falling over his shoulder as he turned away.
⸻
The night air was cool against his flushed skin as he walked back to campus. His steps were uneven, his mind a whirl of thoughts he couldn’t sort.
He’d just… with Sasuke. Sasuke of all people.
The image burned into his memory: the man’s long hair damp with steam, the sharp lines of his body, the steady weight of his hands. And the way it had felt… God, it had felt better than anything any woman had ever given him.
He shoved his hands deep into his pockets, head bowed as he tried to breathe through the storm inside him.
He didn’t know what this meant. He didn’t know where it would lead. But one thing was certain.
Being touched by Sasuke had made him feel more alive than anything before.
And there was no way he could go back now.
- _ - _ - _ -
Chapter 8: Restless Strings
Summary:
Naruto can’t stop thinking about Sasuke since that night but when he heads to Uni the next day, Sasuke isn’t in the music club, even a few weeks later he doesn’t attend.
So Naruto seeks him out… at Velvet Eden.
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
• • • • •
The morning sun slanted through the blinds of his dorm room, cutting strips of gold across the floor. He sat on the edge of his bed, hoodie half-zipped, elbows resting on his knees as he stared at the carpet.
Sleep hadn’t come easy. Every time he closed his eyes, he saw Sasuke’s face: calm, composed, yet impossibly close. He felt the ghost of his hand on his skin, the heat of it, the shocking intimacy of how far things had gone.
Naruto ran a hand down his face, groaning. “Fuck…”
It had been one night. Just one. And yet the memory clung to him like smoke, seeping into every thought.
His first instinct was to avoid Sasuke altogether. The idea of facing him at the club made his stomach twist. What if the man acted like nothing happened? What if he ignored him? Worse—what if he looked right at him and knew?
But the other side of him: loud, insistent… wanted to see him again. Wanted to hear his voice, wanted to be near him.
The contradiction gnawed at Naruto as he dragged himself out the door and toward his first lecture.
⸻
By the time he reached the psychology building, the halls were buzzing with students. He found his seat near the middle, dropping his bag onto the desk with a dull thud.
The lecture started. Something about developmental theories, notes scrawled across the whiteboard. His pen hovered over his notebook, but the words blurred almost immediately. His mind drifted, slipping back to the night before.
The warm press of fingers against his skin. The way Sasuke’s hair had brushed over his shoulder when he leaned in. The blunt, unflinching way he’d said, “You’re ripped” “Hot body.”
His grip tightened on the pen.
“Oi.”
He flinched at the voice beside him. Shikamaru gave him a lazy side-eye, chin propped on his hand.
“You’re zoning out.”
Naruto forced a grin. “Huh? Oh.”
From the row behind, Choji leaned forward, concern in his eyes as he unwrapped a rice ball. “You sick or something?”
“Nah, nah, I’m fine!” He waved them off, laughter a little too quick. “Just couldn’t sleep, that’s all.”
Shikamaru gave a skeptical hum but didn’t push. Still, the blonde caught him watching out of the corner of his eye.
He tapped his pen against the notebook, trying to refocus on the lecture. But the words kept slipping away, drowned out by the thrum of last night’s memory.
⸻
Evening came faster than expected.
He stood outside the music club’s practice room, staring at the door like it was a test he wasn’t ready for. His palms were damp, his heart doing nervous little skips. He took a breath, squared his shoulders, and pushed the door open.
The room was alive with chatter: guitars being tuned, laughter bouncing off the walls, Choji already sprawled on a beanbag with snacks. Shikamaru gave him a small nod from the corner.
He scanned the room immediately.
No sign of Sasuke.
A pang of disappointment hit sharper than he expected. He shoved his hands into his pockets, trying to play it cool as he wandered over to where Kiba was fiddling with amp settings.
“Yo,” he greeted casually. “Uh… is Sasuke not here?”
Kiba glanced up, snorting. “Sasuke? Nah, he doesn’t come to every meeting. He’s busy with job hunting and crap. You’ll see him sometimes, but don’t count on it.”
Naruto’s shoulders slumped before he could stop himself. “Oh. Gotcha.”
“Why?” The other smirked, elbowing him lightly. “You’ve been head over heels ever since he played that guitar huh?”
Naruto flushed. “W-what? No! I just… y’know, he plays guitar like a badass. Who wouldn’t wanna see that?”
Kiba laughed and went back to his amp, apparently satisfied.
But the blonde couldn’t shake the hollow tug in his chest. He’d built up the nerve all day, only for the man not to be there.
The meeting dragged on. He sang half-heartedly during practice, his voice lacking its usual spark. By the time it ended, he was itching to leave.
⸻
Days passed. Then weeks.
And still… no Sasuke.
Naruto told himself it didn’t matter. He had friends now, classes to juggle, assignments piling up. But every time he walked into the club room and didn’t see the man’s raven hair, every time he scanned the crowd and found nothing, the frustration grew.
He caught himself daydreaming in lectures, staring out the window during lunch, his thoughts looping back to that night. To Sasuke’s voice, Sasuke’s hands, Sasuke’s body bathed in steam and low light.
The more time passed, the more unbearable it became.
By the third week, Naruto could hardly sit still. The restlessness gnawed at him, winding tighter with each day. He wanted answers. He wanted to see him again, even if just for a few minutes.
So when Friday came, classes finished, the sun dipping low over the campus, he made a decision.
He shoved his books into his bag, slung it over his shoulder, and instead of heading to the dorms, he walked.
Past the edge of campus.
Down the streets that grew brighter with neon the further he went.
Until the hum of nightlife surrounded him, laughter and chatter spilling from open doors, lanterns and signs lighting up the narrow alleys.
The entertainment district.
The first time he’d wandered here, he’d been lost in a dare. Now, he was here by choice.
And his feet carried him straight to it: “Velvet Eden.”
The sign glowed soft red above the entrance, the facade classy and alluring, a sharp contrast to the louder shops nearby. His chest tightened at the sight.
He hesitated only a second before pushing the door open.
Warm light washed over him, the scent of sandalwood lingering in the air.
And behind the counter, lounging with his chin propped on his hand, was the white-haired receptionist who’d started it all.
Suigetsu’s lips curled into a slow grin. “Well, well. Look who’s back.”
- _ - _ - _ -
Notes:
Thank you for all the love and support so far. I truly appreciate you all.
As pre usual, the next two chapters will be out tmr, so please stay tuned for that.
With Love,
mixciii~
Chapter 9: Unspoken Hunger
Summary:
Naruto comes to check on Sasuke. Of course, Sasuke doesn’t wanna just talk.
Chapter Text
• • • • •
Naruto stiffened at the words. His heart was already pounding, but the way Suigetsu looked at him made it beat even harder, like the guy could see straight through him.
“I, uh…” he scratched the back of his neck. “I wanna book the same person as last time.”
He deliberately kept his voice neutral, his words vague. He didn’t know if Sasuke used his real name here. He didn’t want to screw things up, or worse, make it awkward for him.
Suigetsu’s grin only widened, sharp and knowing. “Oh? Sasuke, huh?”
Naruto froze. “W-what?”
The receptionist leaned back in his chair, smirking like a cat. “That’s who you mean, right? Long hair, earrings, plays it cool but makes your head spin?” He winked. “Yeah, that’s Sasuke. Don’t worry, you don’t gotta play dumb in here.”
His jaw worked silently. He couldn’t believe it. Sasuke… Sasuke… was bold enough to use his real name? No disguise, no alias, just himself.
Something twisted in his stomach at the thought.
Still, he gave a quick nod. “Yeah. Him.”
The receptionist pulled up a tablet, tapping a few things in. “You’ll have to wait a bit. He’s with another client.”
The words landed like a punch.
Naruto blinked, a strange hollow opening in his chest. Another client. Of course Sasuke had others. This was his job. That’s what this place was for.
But picturing it: Sasuke’s hands on someone else, that same calm face, that same voice… his throat tightened. He didn’t know what he was supposed to feel. He wasn’t Sasuke’s boyfriend, not even a friend. He was just another client.
And yet, the thought of the raven-head touching someone else burned more than he wanted to admit.
He must’ve gone quiet too long because Suigetsu’s voice cut through his trance.
“Relax, blondie. Won’t be long. He’s quick when he wants to be.”
He forced a nod, dragging himself back to the present. He sat in the waiting lounge, tapping his knee, trying not to imagine what was happening behind those closed doors.
Minutes stretched. Every tick of the clock made his chest tighter.
Finally, the receptionist reappeared, grin sharp as ever. “He’s ready for you. Same room as last time.”
Naruto stood, his legs moving on autopilot.
⸻
The familiar door swung open, and there he was.
Sasuke sat at the edge of the bed, hair tied back into a loose ponytail that showed the sharp lines of his face even more clearly. His lean body was framed in nothing but boxers again, new silver earrings in his ears catching the soft glow.
Those onyx eyes flicked up, locking onto his immediately.
For a moment, Naruto just stood there, drinking him in. The weeks of waiting, the restless nights, the knot of frustration… all of it surged at once.
“…Hey,” he managed, voice rougher than he meant. “I, uh, actually came to check on you. Since I hadn’t seen you on campus for, like… three weeks.”
Sasuke hummed in acknowledgement, the sound low in his throat. He didn’t answer with words. Instead, he shifted: slow, deliberate… until he was standing. Then, in one fluid movement, he closed the distance and pushed him on the sofa before straddling him.
Naruto’s eyes went wide. “H-hey—wait!” He raised his hands in surrender. “You don’t gotta do anything, seriously! Talking’s fine with me.”
But Sasuke leaned in close, his breath brushing against his ear.
“I would believe you,” he murmured, voice smooth and low, “if you weren’t already hard.”
The blonde’s face went crimson. His body betrayed him, heat pulsing low in his stomach. “T-that’s—! I’m not—!”
But Sasuke didn’t wait for excuses. His hips shifted, pressing down against his lap, a slow grind that stole the air from Naruto’s lungs.
A strangled sound escaped him, muffled between clenched teeth. His hands hovered uselessly at his sides, fists clenching as the raven-head’s body moved against his.
“You said talking’s enough,” the man murmured almost teasingly, lips ghosting the shell of his ear. “But your body’s honest.”
Naruto shuddered. The sensation was overwhelming: Sasuke’s weight on him, the warmth of his skin, the scent of faint smoke and clean soap clinging to his hair.
Then the man’s tongue flicked just behind his ear, a teasing lick that sent a bolt of electricity down his spine. He gasped, head tipping back instinctively, only for the raven-head to catch his earlobe between his teeth, biting gently.
“Ah—! Fuck!” The sound slipped out before he could stop it, raw and unfiltered.
Sasuke’s lips curved faintly against his skin. “There it is.”
Naruto squeezed his eyes shut, heat spreading like wildfire. He couldn’t keep the noises in. Every shift of the man’s hips against him pulled another groan, another stuttered breath.
And through it all, his hands stayed frozen at his sides, just like last time. He couldn’t bring himself to touch him back. But he let himself feel, let himself unravel under the other’s deliberate rhythm.
It was maddening. It was addictive.
And even through the haze of heat, one thought clawed its way to the surface:
He didn’t want Sasuke doing this with anyone else.
- _ - _ - _ -
Chapter 10: Strings Unraveled
Summary:
They talk after that little session and now Naruto has a lot to figure out.
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
• • • • •
The silence that followed after they were done was heavy but not uncomfortable.
Naruto straightened on the sofa, chest still rising a little too fast, heat lingering where Sasuke had pressed against him. His head felt cloudy, but he forced himself to focus as the man shifted off his lap and sank down beside him, pulling one knee up lazily.
They sat side by side, the dim light throwing soft shadows across Sasuke’s sharp features. His hair, now fully loose, framed his face, and the glint of silver at his ears caught Naruto’s eye again. It was almost unfair how beautiful he looked just sitting there.
The blonde rubbed the back of his neck. “So, uh… is this usually how your sessions go?”
The raven-head gave him a sidelong glance, unreadable as always. “Depends on the client.”
Naruto hesitated before blurting, “What… what other services do you offer?”
Sasuke’s lips tugged faintly, like the question amused him. He shifted slightly, resting his arm along the back of the couch, his voice calm and matter-of-fact.
“Kissing’s common. If it’s on the lips, that’s an extra fee. Anywhere else: neck, chest, whatever… that’s included. Blowjobs are standard. Some clients want to finger me… that’s allowed. Eating me out, though… that’s reserved for VIPs. Extra cost. Having full on sex with penetration is not allowed.”
He listed it all like he was reciting a menu, his tone casual.
Naruto blinked, his mind stalling somewhere between shock and curiosity. He hadn’t expected that level of blunt honesty. He swallowed, shifting uncomfortably, not because he felt disgusted but because the idea of anyone else touching the man like that set something hot and sour twisting in his gut.
Sasuke noticed. His gaze sharpened, zeroing in. “You look uncomfortable.”
He shook his head quickly. “No, it’s not… It’s not that.” He hesitated, dragging a hand through his messy hair. “I just… fuck I don’t … I don’t like the thought of other people touching you like that.”
The words came out raw, surprising even him.
The raven-head didn’t blink, didn’t smirk either. He just watched him carefully, silent long enough that Naruto felt the weight of it pressing down on him.
“I don’t even know why,” he admitted finally, shoulders slumping. “I just… don’t like it.”
For a moment, Sasuke stayed perfectly still. Then he leaned in, close enough that Naruto could catch the faint trace of smoke and soap clinging to him.
“Then you’re probably into me.”
The blonde’s breath caught.
The words hung in the air, heavy and unshakable. He wanted to deny it, to laugh it off, but the look in Sasuke’s eyes left no room for jokes.
“…Maybe,” he muttered, voice low. He met the other’s gaze for only a second before looking away, heat crawling up his neck. “But I don’t really know. I’ve never thought about guys like that before. I know I like women. I’m not sure what this is.”
Sasuke leaned back slightly, studying him. “Then figure it out.”
Naruto glanced at him again, only to find no teasing, no judgment… just quiet seriousness.
The room fell into a lull after that. They didn’t need to fill it with more words. The steady tick of the clock seemed louder than usual, counting down the last stretch of their session.
When it was time, the Uchiha stood smoothly, like flipping a switch back to professional mode. “Your time’s up.”
He rose too, fixing his oversized hoodie back into place. His chest felt tight, heavier than when he walked in. He gave the man a nod, almost awkward, before slipping out of the room.
⸻
The night air outside Velvet Eden was cool, brushing against his heated skin as he walked back toward campus. The neon signs faded into the distance, but Sasuke’s voice refused to leave his head.
“You’re probably into me.”
Naruto jammed his hands in his pockets, scowling at nothing. He didn’t know what he was supposed to feel. He admired the man, respected his talent, thought he was beautiful. He wanted to be near him, wanted to hear him play, wanted to see him smile… if Sasuke even smiled.
And yeah, his body reacted to him in ways he couldn’t deny. But was that attraction? Was that love? Or was it just… curiosity?
He didn’t know.
But as he lay awake that night in his dorm, staring at the ceiling, he knew one thing for certain:
He wanted to find out.
- _ - _ - _ -
Notes:
Please look forward to the next two chapters update tmr.
With Love,
mixciii~
Chapter 11: The Weight of Presence
Summary:
Sasuke finally comes a club meeting. Naruto can’t stop staring.
Chapter Text
• • • • •
The music club room buzzed with casual chatter as Naruto pushed the door open. He’d come a little early, hoping the seniors wouldn’t be there yet, but it seemed half the members had already gathered, lounging on the mismatched couches and chairs scattered around the space.
He greeted Choji and Shikamaru with a grin, dropping his bag on the floor beside them. Shikamaru gave him a lazy nod, already fiddling with his phone, while Choji offered a bag of chips like always.
“Yo,” he greeted, plopping down beside them. “Anything happening today?”
The dark-haired man yawned. “Probably just practice and announcements.”
Naruto stretched, relieved. He still hadn’t shaken the lingering weight of the last few weeks, and after everything with Sasuke at Velvet Eden, the idea of seeing him here… out in the open, surrounded by classmates… made his chest tight.
And then, right on cue, the air in the room shifted.
The door creaked open again, and conversations dipped, a ripple moving through the room as someone stepped in.
He glanced up.
His breath caught.
Sasuke walked in with the kind of quiet presence that turned heads without trying. His hair, usually loose or tied back carelessly, was braided neatly today, each strand catching the light as it shifted against his shoulder. A new set of earrings glinted at his ears, subtle black hoops and chain earrings that contrasted perfectly with the sharp line of his jaw.
But it was his clothes that really stole the blonde’s focus. Sasuke wore an oversized changshan jacket in black, its traditional cut flowing loosely around him, paired with relaxed cream slacks and a pair of well-worn sneakers. It was a strange mix of elegance and casual comfort, but on him, it looked seamless.
Naruto stared openly, throat suddenly dry. He didn’t know if it was because of the memories of the man in nothing but boxers, leaning over him with that unreadable gaze, or if it was simply that he was breathtaking no matter what he wore.
Either way, his heart wouldn’t settle.
Sasuke didn’t acknowledge anyone at first, just crossed the room with his usual quiet stride and dropped his guitar case against the wall before claiming a seat near the corner. He pulled out his headphones, draping them on his head, then leaned back against the couch as if the entire world was background noise.
The blonde tore his eyes away, cheeks heating. He felt ridiculous… like a kid caught staring too long at something shiny. But every time his gaze drifted back, he found the man again, unmoving, perfectly composed.
Choji nudged him with the bag of chips. “You okay? You’re staring a lot.”
He nearly choked. “I—I’m not!” He waved a hand wildly, face burning. “Just, uh, zoned out.”
Shikamaru gave him a flat look but didn’t press.
Before he could embarrass himself further, Kiba clapped his hands together at the front of the room, his usual grin plastered across his face. “Alright, alright, everyone settle down! Got an announcement for you guys.”
The room quieted, curiosity buzzing.
The older man leaned against the desk behind him, arms crossed. “As tradition, we’re holding the annual music camp next month. It’ll be a five-day trip at the lodge outside the city… practice during the day, performances and games at night, plus a chance to hang out and bond. Newcomers, I suggest you come if you have the time and money.”
Excited murmurs spread instantly, the juniors exchanging looks.
Naruto blinked. (A camp, huh?)
Shikamaru sighed beside him. “It’s troublesome. But I guess I’ll go again.”
Choji grinned, already reaching for his phone to check dates. “I’m in. The food last year was amazing.”
The blonde found himself scanning the room until his eyes landed on Sasuke again. The older man sat there, expression unreadable as usual, but when someone asked if all the seniors would be there, he finally spoke.
“Yes, all of the seniors will be attending,” he stated simply. His voice carried just enough to reach every corner, calm and steady.
Naruto felt something in his chest ease… like a string being pulled taut and then released.
Almost without thinking, he walked forward. “You’re really going?”
Sasuke’s eyes flicked to him briefly, the barest acknowledgment. “As one of the club presidents, I have to.”
Naruto hummed, forcing his voice steady despite the heat rising in his face. “Then I’ll go too.”
The words left his mouth faster than his brain could process, but once they were out, he knew he meant them.
Shikamaru raised an eyebrow. “Didn’t you say just yesterday your allowance is already tight?”
The blonde winced. Right. His budget was already strained from textbooks, food, and… he didn’t let his mind linger on the money he’d spent at Velvet Eden. Camp fees on top of that would stretch him thin, maybe break him entirely. And he definitely was not gonna ask his parents for money. They already paid for his tuition.
But still… Sasuke was going.
“I’ll figure it out,” he responded with forced confidence. “Maybe I’ll get a part-time job or something.”
Choji gave him an encouraging nod, while Shikamaru just shook his head like he’d seen this coming.
Naruto, though, sat back with his decision firm in his chest. Even if it meant scraping by, even if it meant working late shifts, he wasn’t going to pass up the chance.
Because seeing Sasuke here, in this room, dressed in his quiet elegance, reminded him exactly why he couldn’t stay away.
- _ - _ - _ -
Chapter 12: Between Work and Want
Summary:
We get to see a bit of Sasuke’s perspective in this chapter. The two get to sit together in the bus as they head to the lodge. It’s kinda cute. We get to see a bit of change in their relationship.
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
• • • • •
Naruto hadn’t expected job hunting to be this brutal.
He’d gone from restaurant to café to convenience store, smiling as wide as he could, only to be turned down for one reason or another. Some didn’t need more part-timers, others wanted late-night shifts he couldn’t commit to, and a few just didn’t bother calling him back.
But finally… finally… he landed a gig at a small restaurant a block away from campus. It wasn’t glamorous. The pay wasn’t great. But it covered what he needed: food, rent for the dorm, Velvet Eden and a little cushion to save for the music camp.
He was beyond grateful.
Still, gratitude didn’t change the fact that it made him busy. Too busy.
By the time classes ended, he’d rush to his shifts. By the time his shifts ended, he was too exhausted to think of anything but shower and bed. His life shrank into a cycle of lectures, work, sleep.
And in that cycle, he hadn’t stepped foot into Velvet Eden once.
It wasn’t that he didn’t think about it. On the contrary, he thought about it all the time. He thought about Sasuke’s words, about his touch, about the way he looked in that dim room with only boxers and silver hoops to catch the light.
But thinking wasn’t the same as going, and the longer he went without seeing him, the heavier it weighed on his chest.
He hadn’t seen the raven-head on campus either. The older man was elusive, skipping meetings, busy with fourth-year responsibilities. Days bled into weeks, frustration mounting. He told himself to be patient. Camp was coming. Camp would give him time.
He clung to that thought like a lifeline.
⸻
The morning of departure arrived in a blur of rushing bodies and last-minute packing.
Naruto overslept. Of course he did.
He woke with a start, hair messy, the clock glaring at him accusingly. Cursing under his breath, he threw clothes and essentials into a duffel bag, barely brushing his teeth before bolting out the door.
Meanwhile, at the campus gates where the buses were parked, Sasuke stood with Kiba, clipboard in hand. His raven hair was pulled into a bun today, loose strands framing his face. He wore an oversized hoodie, sleeves falling past his wrists, paired with ripped loose jeans and a scuffed pair of sneakers. His silver piercings caught the weak morning sunlight, subtle glints against his pale skin.
He looked calm, as always, ticking names off as Kiba called them out.
But the truth was his chest had been tight since the roll call began.
“Uzumaki Naruto?” Kiba barked.
Silence.
Sasuke’s brows pulled together before he could stop them. He scanned the crowd automatically, as if the blonde might materialize from thin air. His grip on the clipboard tightened.
“Late, huh?” The other man snorted in amusement. “Figures.”
Sasuke shifted his weight, gaze flicking toward the street. The unease coiled low in his stomach surprised him. It wasn’t like Naruto missing a bus was his problem. He didn’t care if people were late. He never did.
But now, standing here with the blonde’s absence glaring like a hole in the lineup, he did care. More than he wanted to.
He turned slightly to Shikamaru, who was slouched against a railing with his usual sleepy expression. “Do you know if he’s coming?”
The man yawned before answering. “He texted me a few minutes ago. Said he overslept. He’s on his way.”
Some of the tightness in Sasuke’s chest eased, though he didn’t let it show. He nodded once, curt, before returning his attention to the list.
And then, as if on cue, a familiar voice rang out.
“Wait up! I’m here!”
Naruto came barreling down the sidewalk, duffel bouncing on his shoulder, breathless but grinning. His hair was a mess, sticking up in wild spikes that should’ve looked sloppy but instead made him look…
The raven-head stared. Just for a second, longer than he meant to. The disheveled look suited him in a way that hit unexpectedly hard, like a punch low in the gut.
He forced his gaze away before the blonde could notice.
Naruto skidded to a stop in front of the group, waving sheepishly. “Sorry! Overslept! But I made it.”
Kiba rolled his eyes with a laugh but marked him off the list.
Naruto turned then, his eyes bright as they landed on Sasuke. “Morning.”
The man hummed in acknowledgment, the only response he allowed himself.
But the sound seemed to be enough. The blonde’s grin widened before he went to join Shikamaru and Choji, dropping his bag with a huff of relief.
⸻
Once everyone was settled, the buses roared to life. Naruto ended up next to Sasuke, more by chance than design… the seating filled fast, and the spot beside him was one of the few left.
He hesitated for half a beat before sliding in, his heart already tripping over itself. Sitting this close to the older man in the open, with sunlight streaming through the bus windows, felt worlds away from their dim, private encounters.
Still, he forced a smile. “Guess we’re seat buddies.”
Sasuke didn’t reply, but he didn’t move away either.
The bus lurched into motion, chatter rising around them. Naruto tried to make small talk at first… asking about camp schedules, about songs they might practice… but eventually the words dwindled into a comfortable quiet.
The other leaned back, eyes drifting shut.
He watched, fascinated. He’d never seen him like this before… unguarded, the lines of his face softening as sleep tugged at him.
Before long, Sasuke’s head tilted, landing lightly against his shoulder.
Naruto froze, muscles locking in place. His pulse thundered, but the warmth seeping through the man’s hoodie made it impossible to move.
Slowly, carefully, he let himself relax, even leaned his own head against Sasuke’s in return. A smile ghosted across his lips, small but genuine.
The world outside blurred into trees and passing light, but he barely noticed. For the rest of the ride, it was just the steady rhythm of the raven-head’s breathing, the faint brush of his hair against his cheek, the weight that felt so right against him.
When the bus finally slowed, brakes hissing, Sasuke stirred.
His lashes fluttered before his eyes opened, dark and still hazy with sleep. He felt the weight on his head, shifted carefully, and realized it was Naruto.
He eased himself away, gentle enough not to wake him right away. But before he could pull completely back, he looked at the blonde’s sleeping face: messy hair, faint smile still lingering even in dreams. Something twisted in his chest again, sharp and confusing.
He reached out, almost without thinking, and poked his cheek.
Naruto’s hand shot up instinctively, catching his finger as his eyes blinked open. Cerulean met onyx, and for a long moment neither of them moved.
The bus was full of voices, laughter, bags being shuffled… but all of that faded at the edges.
It was just them, caught in each other’s gaze.
And then Kiba’s loud voice cut through the air. “Alright, everyone, grab your stuff! We’re here!”
Naruto startled, letting go of the man’s finger quickly. His face flushed as he looked away, fumbling with his duffel.
Sasuke turned too, his hand slipping back into his hoodie pocket. He fiddled with the fabric there, restless, though his face betrayed nothing.
But inside, neither of them could shake the weight of that moment.
- _ - _ - _ -
Notes:
As per usual, the next two chapters will be out tmr so please look forward to that.
Thank you for all the support this story has been getting so far. I really appreciate you all <3
With Love,
mixciii~