A/N: This story is written for the sole purpose of calming my nerves. Which means, it's not that good. Constructive criticism is well-appreciated.

Disclaimer: Sadly, I can only own 'Naruto' and its characters in my wild, crazy dreams.

- - -

"The Best Friend"

Chapter 1: I Like Him

Okay. So, today's Tuesday. Which means today's the oh-so most awaited day of the week.

NOT.

The history of Tuesday being the most 'fateful' day of the week goes like this.

My school is one of the prestigious schools here in Konoha. Yeah. It is.

But you know what?

I still can't see clearly what the reason is for us – students, who are paying every last cent we are obliged to, just to go to this well-respected institution – to clean the spacey classroom everyday.

Since that is the stupid rule, our beautiful homeroom adviser assigned me to clean on fateful Tuesday.

Well, my cute little best friend here is also assigned on fateful Tuesday. So we can clean.

I don't really hate fateful Tuesday that much.

Just now.

Before that 'something' happened, let's rewind the happenings for today.

- - -

Usually, subjects after lunch are boringly sleepy.

We're having the discussion and my mind's blank.

Absorbing then trashing the info.

Chin resting on hands, eyes droopy, I am massaging – like putting invisible periods with my hand on another hand.

A particular seatmate's hand.

Everyone in class is so sleepy. So is he.

I continue to dot his hand.

He says that it relaxes him and puts him to sleep. So he requested me to do it.

And yeah.

Then, the teacher saw it.

Well, he must be thinking that there's something between us. You know how people's minds work.

BRIING!

Thank goodness. The dismissing bell finally rang.

So, I copy the notes on the diary. Fix my things and my bag.

So does him.

Our homeroom adviser asked our teacher to be the one to dismiss us coz she's busy.

And since I'm a cleaner, my diary is collected with the other cleaners' diaries.

That's how it is. If you're a cleaner, clean first before you have your diary signed. Then go home.

Everyone is already packed, ready to go home, except for the cleaners.

So is he.

Our teacher signs the diaries then the students go on their own ways.

He bids his goodbye to me.

"Oi, bye. See you tomorrow."

"Bye." I smile at him.

Had one last look of his sparkling eyes before he turned on his heel.

I started cleaning then. The sooner the work's done, the sooner I can go home.

My co-cleaners are trying to escape from the work.

When the room looked clean enough, they had their diaries already signed then go home.

Since I'm so industrious, I was the last one to finish cleaning.

I guess that Iruka-sensei wanted to go home already so he spoke up.

"Hurry up, Sakura. Someone's waiting for you."

I look outside then see my friends. And him, with his friends. Socializing and waiting.

"Wait, sir, I'm almost done."

How would I miss that longing look of his to her?

Oh well.

I finished sweeping the floors then got my bag.

"Bye sir!"

"Hey!" My dark blue-haired friend greeted.

"You're so slow, cherry. Let's go." Blonde motioned.

"Sorry for being so industrious." I replied.

"Whatever."

He was still there. Waiting, I guess.

But not for me.

- - -

I dragged my exhausted body on the fluffy bed and plopped down 'gracefully'.

I closed my eyes.

My brain keeps on flashing back that.

That look on his eyes.

How could I ever forget that?

I only wish he harbors the same feelings I have for him.

My luck, I only serve as a bridge.

Just that.

Oh well.

Let's be happy that I am his friend. His close friend.

Right.

Let's go with that.

- - -

Dear Diary,

Know what? Fateful Tuesday just got a lot better. Iruka-sensei mistakes him to be waiting for me. But then I see that look on his eyes that keeps haunting me. That look towards one of my best friends, Ino. Oh my, what started out to be a simple admiration is driving me nuts. It's really, really stupid. SO MUCH. I HATE IT.

- - -

There you go, the first chapter.