kisses
ASAEL HUMMED UNINTRESTED as he sat in his seat the next morning, his hand propping up his chin. His eyes fluttered open and shut, exhaustion threatening to overwhelm him. The events of the previous night played on a loop in his mind. After he had passed out, he woke up on the very same ground, his external injuries mysteriously healed, leaving no visible marks for others to notice. However, the internal damage remained, making every movement feel like it was setting fire to his insides.
The training sessions with the Elders were usually intense, but they never pushed him to such extremes, especially when they knew he had the academy the next day. Yesterday, however, was different. Something had set them off, and Asael had borne the brunt of their wrath. He wasn't sure what had triggered their anger, but it didn't matter now. He had to focus on today.
Today was the day of the graduation ceremony, a momentous occasion that marked Asael's transition to becoming a full-fledged ninja. It was also the day he had been eagerly anticipating, as it meant he could finally put some distance between himself and his clan. With his new status, they wouldn't have as much free access to him, and he looked forward to the newfound freedom.
The classroom buzzed with excitement and nervous energy as the Sensei at the front of the class addressed the students. "We are now going to begin your graduation test," he announced, his voice commanding attention. "When your name is called, proceed to the next classroom. The test is on the Clone Jutsu."
Asael couldn't help but smirk to himself. The Clone Jutsu was a basic skill he had long since mastered, and he felt confident in his ability to ace the test. He hummed quietly, his mind already envisioning the successful execution of the jutsu. One by one, names were called, and students filed out of the room. Time seemed to stretch and compress simultaneously, and before Asael knew it, it was his turn.
"Next, Asael Amadori," a Sensei called out from the front of the class. Asael blinked, momentarily lost in thought, before glancing up and rising from his seat. He withheld a flinch as a sharp pain shot up from his stomach to his chest, a lingering reminder of the previous night's intense training session. He took a deep breath and followed the Sensei out of the classroom.
Asael could feel eyes glaring into his back, and he glanced over his shoulder, his blue eyes clashing with Sasuke's dark ones. The intensity of Sasuke's narrowed gaze made Asael tilt his head in curiosity. However, upon meeting his eyes, Sasuke scoffed and looked away, a gesture that Asael couldn't quite decipher. Asael hummed to himself, shrugging off the interaction as he headed towards the door, following the Sensei down the hall.
Asael followed the Sensei into a room where Iruka Sensei and another male, whom Asael didn't recognize nor care to know, were waiting. The room was dimly lit, with a few rays of sunlight filtering through the windows, casting long shadows on the floor. The air was thick with anticipation.
Iruka Sensei gave Asael an encouraging nod, his eyes filled with pride and confidence in his student, after all, it wasn't like he doubted that Asael wouldn't pass. Asael took a deep breath, centering himself. He put his hands together in the necessary hand sign, and within the next second, his chakra surged around him, filling the room with a palpable energy. Both Senseis sucked in a breath at the sensation, their eyes widening in surprise.
Smoke filled the room, and as it cleared, there stood ten exact copies of Asael. He could have created more, but his chakra reserves were still depleted from the intense training session the previous night. He didn't want to push himself too hard and risk revealing his weakened state. Asael's primary goal was to perform well enough to pass the test and, if possible, one-up Sasuke.
Iruka's face lit up with pride as he stood at the front of the classroom, his eyes twinkling with genuine admiration. "Good job, Asael!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with warmth and encouragement. He couldn't help but grin at the white-haired boy, though deep down, he wasn't surprised by Asael's performance. Asael had always been exceptional, consistently surpassing expectations and embodying the title of the 'Amadori Prodigy' with every action. Iruka's heart swelled with pride as he gestured towards the array of headbands laid out before them. "Take your pick," he said, his voice brimming with satisfaction.
Asael, with his striking white hair and confident demeanor, smirked as he approached the table. His movements were deliberate and unhurried, exuding an air of self-assuredness. He reached out and selected a black-colored headband, his fingers curling around it with a sense of ownership. He didn't immediately put it on; instead, he kept it clenched in his hand, a silent testament to his achievement. "Thanks," he said, his voice calm and composed, before turning to leave the room.
As he walked away, Asael could feel the weight of their gazes on him, but he ignored it. He chose to ignore it, his focus unwavering as he passed by the classroom. His blue eyes, sharp and piercing, glanced inside, locking onto Sasuke's dark, intense gaze. For a brief moment, their eyes clashed, a silent battle of wills. Asael's lips curled into a smug smile as he shook the headband in his hand, a subtle yet unmistakable gesture of triumph. Without breaking stride, he continued out of the academy.
Upon exiting the academy, Asael's gaze fell upon the bustling scene before him. The courtyard entrance was teeming with seemingly countless families, each gathered in tight-knit groups. Parents surrounded their children, their faces alight with a myriad of emotions. Some wore expressions of pure elation, their eyes sparkling with pride and joy as they congratulated their young ones. Others donned sympathetic looks, their features softening with understanding and encouragement as they comforted those who had not met their expectations.
Asael's eyes roamed over the crowd, meticulously scanning each and every person in search of a familiar chakra signature. His heart pounded with a mix of hope and trepidation, but it didn't take long for the realization to set in-no one was here waiting for him. He had known, deep down, that this would be the case, yet the familiar pang of disappointment still gnawed at his insides. His grip tightened around the headband in his palm, the cool metal pressing into his skin as he fought to maintain his composure.
Despite his initial intention to leave, Asael found himself lingering in the courtyard, his eyes continuing to sweep over the crowd. Time seemed to stretch as he stood there, lost in his thoughts. He watched as families embraced, laughed, and shared in the triumphs and tribulations of the day. The scene was a stark contrast to his own solitary experience, and the weight of it settled heavily on his shoulders.
Before he even realized it, someone had joined his side.
"How many clones did you make?" The voice broke the silence that had settled over them like a heavy fog. Asael didn't need to turn his head to identify the speaker; the chakra signature was unmistakable. It was Sasuke, of course. Asael was a bit taken aback that Sasuke had initiated the conversation. Usually, their interactions were limited to silent, unspoken competitions, each trying to outdo the other without ever acknowledging it. But today was different. Perhaps Sasuke was feeling the weight of loneliness that often accompanied their victories. After all, neither of them had anyone waiting to celebrate their success.
Asael's eyes flicked towards Sasuke, who stood a few feet away, his expression as stoic as ever. But there was something different in his eyes, a flicker of something Asael couldn't quite place. Was it curiosity? Or perhaps something else that Asael couldn't quite pinpoint.
"Why? Wanna know my number so you can lie and outdo it?" Asael's voice was laced with a teasing tone, a smug grin spreading across his face. The sun shone brightly down on them, making his white hair glisten with an almost blue hue. He leaned back against the wall, his posture relaxed but his eyes sharp, watching Sasuke intently.
Sasuke let out an annoyed huff, a glare crossing his previously blank features as he turned to face the white haired boy beside him, though the way that he was grinning at him with the sun beaming down on him was making Sasuke all the more annoyed. "I made nine if you needed to know so badly so you could be the one to lie about it."
Sasuke let out an annoyed huff, a glare crossing his previously blank features as he turned to face the white-haired boy beside him. The way Asael was grinning at him with the sun beaming down on him only served to heighten Sasuke's irritation. "I made nine if you needed to know so badly so you could be the one to lie about it," he snapped, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
Asael's grin only grew wider as he shifted his position, leaning his shoulder against the wall while Sasuke stood before him. Asael couldn't help but relish the fact that he was still the slightest bit taller than Sasuke. It didn't matter that it was only by a mere inch; it still made him taller. "Too bad I don't need to lie about my number," Asael replied smugly, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "I made ten."
Sasuke's teeth grit, his features screwing up in a scowl as Asael continued to look smugly down upon him as he was taking great amusement in the frustration he could see was building up within Sasuke's gaze.
Asael lets out a short chuckle, leaning down a bit and more towards Sasuke. "You know, this has to get tiring, doesn't it?"
Sasuke's teeth grit, his features screwing up in a scowl as Asael continued to look smugly down upon him. The white-haired boy was clearly taking great amusement in the frustration that was building up within Sasuke's gaze. It was infuriating, and Sasuke could feel his blood boiling with every passing second.
Asael let out a short chuckle, leaning down a bit and moving closer to Sasuke. "You know, this has to get tiring, doesn't it?" he asked, his voice dripping with mock concern.
"What?" Sasuke spat out, his voice laced with irritation. In all honesty, he couldn't understand why he had even come over to Asael in the first place. He couldn't understand why, when he left the academy, Asael's stupid white hair was the first thing his eyes landed on in this large sea of people. And he really couldn't understand why he was still engaging in this stupid, useless conversation when all it was doing was infuriating him. Asael infuriated him.
"Losing to me," Asael smirked as he leaned closer, his eyes still staring down at Sasuke.
Sasuke's eyes widened ever so slightly as Asael's sudden close proximity caught him off guard. He gritted his teeth, forcing himself to stay rooted in place despite the anger bubbling in his stomach. He knew that if he backed down now, Asael would only escalate the teasing that was already driving him to the brink.
What infuriated him more than anything in that moment was the undeniable truth that he couldn't fight back because Asael was right. It was exhausting to constantly lose to him, no matter how hard he trained, no matter what strategies he employed, no matter how much effort he put in. He could never manage to outdo Asael in any of their competitions, and it gnawed at him relentlessly.
Asael was the only person in the academy who could defeat him so thoroughly, and the two of them were miles ahead of the rest of their class. Yet, somehow, Asael was always a step ahead. This constant reminder of his own inadequacy irritated Sasuke to no end. He hated Asael for being better than him, for always being the one to come out on top. He needed to surpass him, to prove his own worth. How could he ever hope to be strong enough to avenge his clan if he couldn't even best a peer his own age?
Asael noticed Sasuke's lack of reply and only smirked wider, a chuckle escaping his lips as he leaned back, his head lolling to the side in a casual manner. "I'll take that as a yes," he said smugly, stepping back and away from the wall. It was only then that Sasuke noticed the subtle flinch in Asael's movement, his hand clenching at his stomach for a brief moment. "I have to get going. Nice winning against you again, Uchiha. Pretty sure that makes it fifty-three to zero."
Sasuke's eyes widened once again at the number that fell from the white-haired boy's lips. Had he seriously been counting, or was he just making up a number out of his stupid mind? He had to be exaggerating; there was no way it could be that many. His teeth gritted in frustration. He truly did hate him. That's what that feeling in his stomach was-it was hatred, it had to be.
But as Asael walked away, Sasuke couldn't help but feel a pang of something deeper, something he refused to acknowledge. The way Asael moved, the confidence in his stride, the smugness in his voice-it all stirred something within Sasuke that he couldn't quite place. He told himself it was hatred, that it was the frustration of constantly losing to Asael, but deep down, he knew there was more to it.
Every interaction with Asael was a whirlwind of emotions for Sasuke. The teasing, the smug smiles, the way Asael always seemed to be one step ahead-it all drove Sasuke to the brink. He trained harder, pushed himself further, all in an attempt to surpass Asael. But no matter what he did, Asael remained just out of reach, always the victor and never the loser.
As Asael disappeared from view, Sasuke clenched his fists, a mix of anger and longing swirling within him. He needed to be better, to prove himself, not just to Asael, but to himself. He needed to be strong enough to avenge his clan, to fulfill his destiny.
The very next morning, Asael hummed a cheerful tune as he made his way into the classroom. He was acutely aware of the limp in his step, a result of the healers' less-than-stellar efforts the previous night. They had done a rather poor job, leaving him with no choice but to wear a long-sleeved shirt instead of his usual short-sleeved attire. He hoped the change wouldn't draw too much attention. If anyone asked, he could always claim that his outfit had changed because he was now a ninja, not just a student. However, he doubted anyone would inquire, except perhaps his fangirls. He hoped they would favor Sasuke over him today and leave him in peace for most of the day.
Today was also the day their teams would be chosen, which meant that the girls' attention would be split between him and Sasuke. Asael could only hope that the excitement of becoming ninjas would give them more to think about than just the two of them, or at least him, for today. He knew he was hard to ignore and not think about, so he couldn't entirely blame them for their interest.
Asael continued into the room, his eyes scanning the surroundings before they landed on Sasuke. To his surprise, Sasuke's eyes were already fixed on him. Asael tilted his head and smirked, deciding that after yesterday's events, it was open season to start interacting with Sasuke beyond their usual silent competitions. He made his way towards Sasuke, his eyes narrowing in on the empty chair beside the black-haired boy.
Fortunately, it seemed that he and Sasuke were among the first to arrive in the classroom. Asael also noticed Naruto at the other end of the desk, who he was certain hadn't passed the test. But then again, maybe he was wrong about that. Who knew? All Asael cared about in that moment was getting under Sasuke's skin, realizing that after yesterday, he was the most amused he had been in a while.
"Morning~!" Asael sang out as he slid into the seat right beside Sasuke. Sasuke's eyes hadn't left him the entire time he walked towards him. Sasuke's eyes narrowed further, and if Asael wasn't mistaken, he could sense a swirl of confusion in them. Asael leaned in closer, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "You seem tense, Sasuke. Everything alright?" he teased, enjoying the way Sasuke's jaw clenched in response.
"Why the hell are you sitting beside me?" Sasuke scoffed, his nose scrunching slightly in what Asael might assume to be disgust. However, beyond that small gesture, Sasuke's face remained an unreadable mask, betraying none of the turmoil he felt inside.
"There was an open seat, duh," Asael shrugged, feigning indifference as he leaned back in his seat, a grin spreading across his face. He enjoyed the way Sasuke's eyes flickered with a mix of irritation and something else he couldn't quite place.
Sasuke regretted talking to the white-haired boy yesterday. Now that Asael was sitting beside him, talking to him with that stupidly smug grin, he wished he had never even looked in his direction. His heart pounded in his chest, a confusing mix of anger and something deeper, something he refused to acknowledge. He couldn't understand why Asael's presence affected him so much, why he couldn't tear his eyes away from him.
Before Sasuke could snap back and tell Asael to leave him alone, the loud sound of stomping filled their ears. Sasuke sighed, realizing rather quickly that he might just prefer Asael's annoying presence beside him instead of one of those two. He glanced over at Asael, who was still grinning, seemingly unfazed by the commotion.
"I'm first!" Asael suddenly heard Sakura and Ino shout from the back of the classroom. He hummed to himself, glancing to the side and realizing there was enough distance between him and Naruto for one of them to sit there. He pursed his lips, shrugging. Oh well, hopefully it's Sakura so she's too busy trying to get Naruto's attention off of her to really bother him or Sasuke.
Asael quickly realized that sitting near Sasuke was most likely a bad choice when it came to how the fangirls would react. Having both of them in the same space meant they would be all the more vicious in trying to get that seat. Or maybe Naruto might save them and move over so the only open seat would be on the other side of him.
He was proven wrong as Naruto stood up to eagerly greet Sakura, who was rushing over to their row. Asael sighed, feeling the tension rise. He glanced at Sasuke, who was staring straight ahead, his jaw clenched. Asael could see the flicker of annoyance in Sasuke's eyes and hummed as he turned to glance down at his hands, pursing his lips as he noticed that his knuckles hadn't been completely healed as there were still scraps lining them.
Naruto, with his usual enthusiasm, began to greet her, "Mor... Morning, Sakur-" but before he could finish, Sakura abruptly shoved him aside with surprising force.
"Get out of the way!" she snapped at him, her voice sharp and impatient. However, as soon as her eyes fell upon the two boys sitting near the end of the row, her demeanor changed entirely. Her gaze softened, and a shy smile spread across her lips. She clasped her hands together in front of her chest, her voice trembling slightly as she greeted them, "M-Morning, Asael, Sasuke..."
Asael, pretending to notice her for the first time, let his eyes linger on her for a moment, taking in her appearance. A light smirk played on his lips as he responded, "Morning, Sakura." His tone was casual, almost teasing. Sasuke, on the other hand, barely glanced at the pink-haired girl. His expression was one of annoyance, clearly irritated by the interruption, but he chose to remain silent, not bothering to acknowledge her further.
Sakura's cheeks flushed a deep shade of red as she felt the weight of both Asael and Sasuke's gazes upon her. The smirk that Asael sent her only intensified her embarrassment. Gathering her courage, she asked, "Do you two mind if I sit next to you guys?"
Asael blinked at her question, his eyes momentarily shifting to Naruto, who was still sprawled on the ground from Sakura's earlier rough shove. He was about to point out that Naruto was already sitting there, but before he could say anything, Ino appeared, gripping Sakura's arm with determination. "Hey! I'm going to sit next to Asael and Sasuke!" she declared.
Sakura's eyes narrowed as she glared at the blonde-haired girl. "First come, first serve!" she shot back, her voice filled with defiance.
Ino, not one to back down, retorted, "I got in the classroom before you!" The two girls locked eyes, their rivalry evident.
Asael, meanwhile, hummed lowly to himself, glancing towards Sasuke. Sasuke, who was clearly tuning out the argument, decided to do the same. He tugged at the headband wrapped around his forehead, pulling it down over his eyes. With a casual motion, he pushed his sunglasses off, letting the headband cover his eyes completely. Asael followed suit, choosing to ignore the bickering girls and focus on his own thoughts.
The argument over who would get to sit next to Asael and Sasuke escalated quickly. More and more girls joined the fray, each one more determined than the last to claim a spot beside the two boys. The noise level in the classroom rose as voices clashed, and even a few boys decided to join in the commotion, hoping to secure a seat near the popular duo.
Asael, however, seemed entirely unfazed by the chaos around him. His eyes fluttered shut, and he leaned back in his chair, the cacophony of voices fading into the background as he succumbed to a sudden wave of drowsiness. The desire to sleep overtook him, and he let the noise wash over him like a distant hum.
Sasuke, on the other hand, couldn't help but glance to the side, his eyes drawn to the growing commotion. He watched as the girls, and now even some boys, argued and jostled for position, all in a bid to sit next to him and Asael. He huffed in mild annoyance, folding his hands together in front of him. His gaze involuntarily shifted to Asael, who was sitting beside him with his sunglasses resting on the table and his headband pulled down to cover his eyes.
Sasuke's brows furrowed as he observed Asael's seemingly indifferent demeanor. The fighting and bickering around them faded into the background as Sasuke's thoughts turned inward.
Lately, Asael had developed a peculiar habit of always having something covering his eyes. This wasn't how he used to be when they were younger, at least not from what Sasuke could remember. Back then, Asael's eyes were always visible, expressive, and full of life. However, over the past school year, Asael had taken to wearing sunglasses or even a headband that obscured his eyes entirely. It was a noticeable change, one that Sasuke couldn't help but be curious about.
Whenever anyone tried to ask Asael about it, they never received a straightforward answer. Asael would always dodge the question, offering vague responses like, "I just like the style," or "It's a fashion statement." But Sasuke wasn't convinced. He knew there had to be more to it than just a preference for a new look. There was something deeper, something Asael wasn't willing to share.
Sasuke's mind often wandered to the possible reasons behind Asael's new habit. He couldn't shake the feeling that it had something to do with Asael's Rikugan, a unique ability that set him apart from others. The Rikugan was a rare and powerful gift, and Sasuke wondered if Asael's need to cover his eyes was somehow connected to it. Perhaps it was a way to protect himself or to keep his abilities in check.
Asuma leaned forward, his eyes narrowing as he peered into the crystal ball resting before the Hokage. The orb shimmered with a soft, ethereal glow, revealing the images of two young shinobi. "So, those are this year's top two rookies?" he asked, his voice tinged with curiosity. The crystal ball displayed Sasuke Uchiha, his intense gaze fixed on a resting Asael Amadori. "Sasuke Uchiha and Asael Amadori?"
The Hokage nodded, his hands clasped together in a gesture of contemplation. His eyes, wise and discerning, were focused on the crystal ball. "Yes, they are the ones," he confirmed, his tone carrying a weight of significance. His gaze lingered on Asael, the young shinobi whose presence seemed to hold a mysterious aura.
Kurenai, standing nearby, observed the scene with a thoughtful expression. Her eyes first fell on Sasuke, the last surviving member of the Uchiha clan. "The sole survivor of the Uchiha clan..." she murmured, her voice filled with a mix of admiration and sorrow. Her gaze then shifted to Asael, whose serene demeanor contrasted sharply with Sasuke's intensity. "And the first Amadori to be granted both Rikugan and Mukagen."
Kakashi's curiosity deepened as he studied the two rookies. Sasuke's reputation as a prodigious talent was well-known, but Asael's abilities were shrouded in mystery. The Rikugan and Mukagen were rare and powerful gifts, and the fact that Asael possessed both was nothing short of extraordinary. Kakashi couldn't help but wonder about the potential these two young shinobi held and the impact they would have on the future of their village.
The Hokage nodded solemnly, his gaze unwavering from the white-haired boy displayed in the crystal ball. "It's said he's destined to change the balance of the ninja world as we know it," he remarked, his voice filled with a mixture of awe and apprehension. The Amadori clan was shrouded in mystery, their secrets closely guarded. Few knew much about them, and even less was known about the Rikugan and Mukagen techniques that Asael possessed. Yet, the power they held was undeniable. The last wielder of the Rikugan had been a formidable opponent, one that even the Hokage himself would have struggled against. But Asael was different; he possessed both the Rikugan and Mukagen, a combination that granted him unparalleled potential.
"Are the Rikugan and Mukagen truly that powerful?" one of the nameless Jonin asked, his voice tinged with disbelief. "If so, why haven't you pulled him from school to rank him up faster? He has the power and potential."
The Hokage hummed thoughtfully, his eyes never leaving the image of Asael. "The true extent of the Rikugan and Mukagen is still unknown," he admitted. "No one before him has ever held both techniques in the same lifetime." His answer addressed the first question, but he left the second one hanging in the air, unspoken. His mind flashed to a memory of a woman with tears in her eyes, pleading with him. The weight of her request lingered in his thoughts, a silent reminder of the responsibilities and burdens that came with power.
As the Hokage continued to watch Asael, he couldn't help but feel a sense of foreboding. The boy's potential was immense, but with it came great risk. The balance of the ninja world was delicate, and any shift could have far-reaching consequences but anyone knew that with the power that Asael held at his fingertips, it was bound to shift and the Hokage can only hope it will end peacefully.
Sasuke's attention was abruptly diverted from Asael when a shadow loomed over him. He turned, his expression darkening into a scowl as he found Naruto mere inches away, crouched on his desk. Naruto's eyes were closed, yet his face still bore a defiant glare, every muscle in his face tense with determination.
"Naruto!" Sakura's voice rang out, sharp and disapproving, as she noticed Naruto's antics. Her shout caused Asael to stir, peeking an eye open from beneath his headband. Asael's gaze fell upon Naruto's chakra signature, a sight he had never particularly enjoyed, hovering over Sasuke's. The vibrant, chaotic energy of Naruto's chakra always made his eyes pound. Asael sighed, his lips pursed in mild annoyance. He reached up, pushing his headband off his eyes to get a clearer view of the unfolding scene. With a practiced motion, he slid his sunglasses back on and adjusted his headband back up to his forehead. "Don't glare at Sasuke!" Sakura continued, her voice filled with a mix of frustration and concern.
Naruto seemed to falter at Sakura's scolding, his confident demeanor wavering as he turned to face the pink-haired girl. A frown creased his brow, but he quickly shifted his gaze back to Sasuke. However, his eyes couldn't help but flicker towards Asael, who was watching the scene unfold with an amused glint in his eyes. This only served to irritate Naruto further. He couldn't fathom why all the girls were so infatuated with Sasuke and Asael, especially Sasuke. At least Asael could be nice when he felt like it, even if he was a cocky jerk most of the time.
Sasuke gritted his teeth, feeling a surge of annoyance as Naruto refused to move from his spot. Their eyes locked in a fierce glare, neither willing to back down. The tension between them was palpable, and the girls in the class began to cheer Sasuke on, urging him to beat Naruto up. Asael, however, doubted that a fight would break out.
Just as Asael was about to lose interest, something unexpected happened. The kid sitting in front of Naruto suddenly stood up, bumping into him and causing Naruto to stumble forward. In a split second, Naruto's lips crashed onto Sasuke's, leaving both of them in a state of shock. The classroom fell silent, the air thick with disbelief and awkwardness.
Asael's eyes widened in disbelief, his jaw dropping for a brief moment before a wide smile began to form on his lips, brimming with amusement. The girls in the class fell silent, their expressions mirroring Asael's shock, though theirs was tinged with horror rather than amusement.
As Naruto and Sasuke quickly pulled apart, Asael burst into laughter, his hand slamming onto the desk. The sound of his laughter echoed through the classroom, louder and more boisterous than anyone had ever heard from him. Naruto and Sasuke, meanwhile, began to gag, spitting out everything they had in their mouths onto the ground near them. Asael's laughter continued, his body shaking as he clutched his stomach, tears forming in the corners of his eyes from the sheer hilarity of the situation.
The girls in the class exchanged horrified glances, their earlier shock giving way to a mix of disbelief and disgust. They had never seen anything like this before, and the unexpected turn of events left them speechless. Asael's laughter, however, was infectious, and a few of the boys in the class couldn't help but chuckle along with him.
Asael's amusement didn't last long, though. Naruto's gagging caused him to stumble forward, and before Asael knew it, Naruto's lips were planted on his own. The laughter died in Asael's throat, replaced by a stunned silence. His eyes widened even further, if that was possible, and his mind struggled to process what had just happened.
Asael's eyes widened in shock, his heart pounding in his chest as he quickly shoved Naruto off of him. His hand flew to his lips, trying to wipe away the sensation of the accidental kiss. A wave of dread washed over him, much faster and more intense than the disgust that followed. His eyes darted around the room, taking in the stunned faces of his classmates. Every single pair of eyes was fixed on the three of them, and Asael knew in that instant that this incident would be the talk of the school.
The realization hit him like a ton of bricks. It wouldn't even take until the end of the day for the news to spread like wildfire. Whispers and rumors would travel through the halls, and it wouldn't be long before it reached the ears of his clan. Asael's stomach churned with anxiety as he thought about the consequences. It didn't matter that it was an accident; his clan wouldn't see it that way.
Asael's mind raced, trying to think of a way to explain what had happened, but he knew it was futile. His clan was unforgiving, and they wouldn't care about the circumstances. The punishment would be harsh, and Asael couldn't help but feel a sense of impending doom as his stomach churned from within him.
A gag escaped Asael's lips, and before anyone could react, he was bolting out of the room, bile rising in his throat. He sprinted down the hallway, his vision blurring with panic, and burst into the bathroom. The moment he stumbled inside, his legs gave out, and he collapsed to the floor. Fear gripped him as he leaned over the toilet, retching violently. Pure stomach acid burned his throat, the result of not having eaten since lunch the previous day. His training had gone late into the night, and he had overslept that morning, leaving no time for breakfast.
Asael's body shook uncontrollably as he tried to process what had just happened. The accidental kiss with Naruto replayed in his mind, and he vehemently refused to count it as his first kiss. It was a complete and utter accident, but he knew that wouldn't matter to the elders. They were strict and unforgiving, and they would never see it as an accident. The thought of their reaction filled him with dread.
His clan was traditional in many aspects and how they viewed relationships was at the top of the list. When they found out that he and Naruto had accidentally kissed they wouldn't be forgiving about it. They would take it as he did it on purpose.
He gripped the edge of the toilet, his knuckles turning white. He wasn't even throwing up anymore; it was just dry heaving and gagging, his throat raw and burning. The fact that his first kiss had been with a boy didn't bother him as much as the public nature of the incident. Everyone had seen it, and that was what mattered. His clan was going to skin him alive for this. There was no way he could make up for it.