Prologue
He was the center of attention, she noticed. Every time she passed him by, Itachi was always surrounded by the likes of girls and boys, varying in age, size, and mentality with eager looks of adoration.
People looked up to him. Just as well, even his own brother looked up to him. Sasuke didn't think it was obvious but to her, it was as plain as day just how much his brother meant to him. One would think that being best friends with someone who was as close as a person could get to Itachi, she would have been acquainted with him for a long time already but that wasn't the case with Sakura. He was only mentioned in passing by Sasuke and when he did come into contact with him, it was brief and she made sure to make herself scarce.
Even still, she couldn't help the small peeks she granted herself. The little glances she allowed herself to study his face, his smile, his actions.
She convinced herself that it was a small infatuation.
The only reason why she was so bothered by his presence was because of his prodigal mind. For someone who far surpassed her in academic comprehension, it would obviously be a point of intrigue. She also couldn't help but notice the kindness behind his words and his understanding nature. No matter what mistake he was drawn into, he patiently found the time to untangle himself from it - including those who dragged him into it in the first place.
He pushed himself unbelievably too, excelling in aikido and participating in multiple clubs.
Itachi caught the attention of so many people, it was inevitable that he would capture her attention too.
She just didn't know he would have been able to hold it for so long.