It was supposed to be my party.

I'd even planned it myself - I'd planned hers too - but I guess that just wasn't enough for her. Or maybe it's not her fault that she's just so much more likable, charismatic, bubbly, fun, energetic, kind, pretty, just everything better than me.

But when my long-time crush said he'd give a kiss to the birthday girl, then stooped down and kissed her instead - she didn't even bat an eyelash, have a flicker of the slightest guilt. And she was the only one who figured out my secret crush.

All the presents, all the birthday wishes, were addressed to me, but went to her. But I guess it's my fault for asking her to switch places with me during this party. After all, how could she say no?

But now I'm regretting it.

If I leave early, will any of the guests notice the small girl slipping out behind the shadows? Will anyone realize that they don't actually really know who the birthday girl is, or that the girl they're looking for is not the one in the middle of the dance floor, but instead the one hiding away from it all? Will my parents notice? Will she notice?

I'm thinking it's a no. And I'm so tempted to just leave. But no, that wouldn't be right, for me to leave my own party, even if said party is more like a living hell.

So I'm stuck in a dark corner, indulging on the darkest, richest chocolates I can get my hands on. Sure, I'll suffer tomorrow from it, but it's a comfort food, and right now, I need as much comfort as I can get.

Maybe I'm just selfish, because I can tell she's having fun, loving the attention. She won't get the expensive chocolates. And they're her favorites too.

But I'm slouching in the corner, watching her be the perfect hostess.

The perfect friend.

The perfect daughter.

The perfect sister.

The perfect me that I myself will never attain.

And even though this was my choice, for my own benefit, she's got the better end of the deal.

And as for that dark chocolate -

All it's done is put bitter laughter in my head

and a bitter aftertaste in my heart.

A/N: Well, that was sad. I was wondering whether or not I should change the point of view from Ino's to Sakura's, because that seems less OOC. But I apologize to Ino fans, because, for some reason, I just have some predisposition against Sakura being the 'weak' one. So Sakura's the perfect one, while Ino's the more sensitive, human one.

So I guess insult can be taken either way.

I apologize.

I hope you liked it anyway!