Laughter and chatter filled the air as the academy day came to an end. Students filtered out of classrooms, socializing with one another, but for Sasuke Uchiha, it was just noise—background sound against the distant memory of his lost clan. Often, he stood apart, observing with his stoic expression, his haunting past making shallow connections feel unworthy of his effort.

Yet, within the chaos of the academy, one presence caught his attention time and time again: you. Your skill set was more than just average; your deft ability to strategize during exercises, combined with the natural talent you exhibited in ninjutsu, impressed even the usually indifferent Uchiha. It was a subtle spark of intrigue that breached his carefully built walls, igniting a flicker of interest he thought was long extinguished. While others squabbled for attention and acclaim, you trained fiercely, showing dedication that went beyond mere aspirations.

Sasuke found himself watching you; not just because of your talent, but because of the way you carried yourself, unyielding and determined even under critical eyes. He could almost respect that tenacity. He noticed you alone on the training grounds late one afternoon, practicing your techniques with a focus that almost rivaled his own.

As the sun dipped lower, he made a decision that surprised even himself. Maybe it was the thrill of competition or the prospect of understanding you better, but he approached you with purpose.

"Hey," he called, voice stoic yet carrying an undertone of challenge. He stopped a few feet away from you, never tearing his gaze from your figure. His dark orbs had a strong magnitude of intensity under his stoicism, almost as if he had been wanting to have this battle ever since he'd first laid eyes on you. "Let’s have a sparring match."