I'm leaving, Sakura thought. Tonight. For good. A whole month of careful planning and thought would finally come to fruit. Haruno Sakura was done with Konoha. Done with its cocky ninjas. Done with its disdain. Done with its petty rivalries. Yes, Haruno Sakura was done with Konoha.

As the sun set, she looked around her room one last time. Looks like that's everything. She shouldered her pack, full of supplies and small mementos of her closest friends. Some friends they are too. She grimaced. It was true. That was why she was so unconcerned about leaving, after all. Her parents would only think she had gone on a mission.

She walked down the dusty Konoha Village streets, thinking of each person as she passed their home. Naruto… He'll wonder where I am, but he wouldn't think to find me. Not until I'm too far gone. How would he? Ino… She'll probably jump for joy. Sakura's lips twisted into a bitter smile, remembering the cheery little girl who had taught a shy girl with pink hair and a big forehead not to be ashamed. Kakashi… He won't do anymore than Naruto. Just scratch his head and assume I'll be back eventually. An image of her confused teacher responding to an inquiring Naruto floated across her mind. She barked a sharp laugh and tried not to think of the other figure standing off to the side. Or herself standing next to him, silently, and not so silently, begging for even a moment of his attention.

"No," she whispered. "I won't." The Uchiha residence loomed up out of the corner of her eye. She couldn't help it. She stopped, and stared at the imposing estate. She had never been inside. Never would be. But I bet I know what it looks like in there.

She pictured his house dark. She had never seen the lights on, in all those nights she had stayed outside his window, waiting. It would be dusty, with a small path from his room to the front door. Everything he used would be simple. Clean and efficient. Everything else would be covered up and left just as it was. That was the way he was. Always reminding himself. Always working towards a goal, one that didn't involve or have time for friends.

She wanted desperately to go say goodbye. But he wouldn't answer the door, wouldn't be happy to see her. Not her, silly weak Haruno Sakura, useless fangirl #4437. And this final time, her pride held. She turned away and continued walking.

It should have been harder to leave. She knew it should have. Her friends, her family, her past. They should have held her back. Made her want to stay. It should have been harder to leave.

It wasn't until she walked out through the Konoha Village gate that she looked back. Saw the guard standing atop the large structure, left so temptingly open when it should have been locked. It wasn't until she looked back and saw his dark, dispassionate eyes watching her. His hand resting comfortably, confidently on his kunai. It wasn't until he let her leave that she understood.

It isn't leaving that's the hard part. The hard part is knowing I'd give anything to have him come after me. And that he never will.

Haruno Sakura turned her back on her village, and walked into the night.