Imperfectly Perfect
Disclaimer: I Don't Own Naruto.
Chapter 1: First Day at Itou Academy
It was frustrating finding a parking spot close to the campus. All these high-class, rich cars flooded the parking lot, ranging from Beamers, Benzes, Porsches, Ashton Martins, Lamborghinis—
Wait back up. Lamborghini?! I sighed. A school filled with spoiled, stuck-up rich kids. Gee, I can't wait for my first day of senior year.
Oh admit it! You're excited to see some cute boys driving those sexy ass cars. Inner Sakura squealed. I rolled my eyes at my inner counterpart.
Then my gaze lingered on a Harley Davidson motorcycle parked at the nearest possible parking space near the school.
Yeah, that's probably some kid who thinks he's so cool and great just because he has a bike. I chuckled because I would most likely be 99.9% right.
Finally, after ten minutes worth of practically driving through a car show, I found a parking spot not too far but enough to tolerate the walk. Darn it. I need to wake-up an hour early if I wanted a good parking spot.
This must mean—
I'M REALLY LATE!!
I scanned the campus and found no soul in sight. Am I really that late?! And who could blame me? Looking at my semester schedule, I had Chemistry first period. Yeah, no one wants to wake-up first thing in the morning balancing equations and what not.
I made it inside the campus but where's room 809? Hm…So if this front building is comprised of the Room 100s, then I'm royally screwed. According to my handy dandy school map, the 800 building is in the very back of the campus, the last building in fact. I further cursed myself to oblivion as I grudgingly walked with my newly polished black pumps to the rear end of the school.
Professor Orochimaru. So my teacher is this weirdo named Orochimaru? What a creepy name.
Not realizing I already reached the 800 building, I was caught off guard and fixed my pale red top and untangled the knots in my hair with my fingers before entering the classroom. I hate making bad first impressions.
Nervously, I reached for the handle but suddenly, somebody else opened it before me. It was a boy. He held a certain grace and elegance. His long, soft brown hair cascaded his shoulders wonderfully and his pale ivory eyes shot me an unreadable gaze. I opened my mouth to speak but he walked past me urgently, not giving me the time to mutter a "Sorry for being in your way".
"Excuse me?" A middle-aged pale man with silky black hair summoned me to enter the class. I was right. His name fit him to a T.
I tried to smile but I figured his wide, eerie smile can do both of the smiling for us. "…And you are?"
"I'm Haruno Sakura." I handed him my schedule. "I'm sorry for being extremely late." He raised an eyebrow while writing something down in his notebook. "This is my first day of school here." I added the last part lamely hoping it would get me off the hook. I turned my attention to the class. The kids in the back were working diligently while those in the front continued to scrutinize and give me the once-over.
"…Pink hair?!"
"Fake slut!"
"Fake pink hair…disgusting!"
My eyes began to see red at such accusations and my peripheral vision began to transform even more crimson as I caught a sight of a fiery red-head sitting at the center of the class.
It can't be—
As our gazes met, both our faces held the same expression of shocked, confusion, and—
WHAT THE FUCK.
My incredulous glare amused my chemistry teacher, even so, evilly placing me to sit beside him. "Ms. Haruno, please take that empty seat next to Shukaku Gaara."
At this, I can hear the growling mewls of the fan girls. HA! Take that you stupid girls! If you think I'll stand for your insults and accusations on my first day of school, you're mighty wrong.
"She gets the holy seat of hotness!"
"Sitting next to my precious my Gaara—"
"—Not even that! She's like sitting behind my Sasuke-kun!"
I continued to heatedly glare at the fan girls that were equally spewing venomous words as I took my time reaching that damned "holy seat of hotness".
My head rigidly faced forward. I didn't want to face the likes of him, that wretched man, oh yes—
That man.
I must have been burning with anger because I was fanning myself with my hand. I can sense his eyes on me. I told myself I'd never look into his eyes ever again. My left foot started tapping in annoyance at the seat in front of me. And then—
"Gaara," the smooth velvety voice sitting in front of me drawled, "Here." He handed him a pencil then did a full three hundred sixty degree turn to face me. That's when I realized never in my life did I ever come across a face as gorgeous as his.
That mocking glare he wore complemented his refined features, ruffled ebony hair, and endless onyx eyes. "That," he motioned, raising a delicate eyebrow at the movements of my left foot, "is annoying." He pursed his lips and gave me a look that said Stop-It-Or-Else.
I glowered at his pretty little head as he turned his attention back to Orochimaru-sensei.
What a waste of a pretty face, such disgusting attitude. But I'd still tap that.
Will you shut it already?!
Nope. As long as you don't admit your true inner feelings, I'll never go away.
Go to hell.
I'll meet you there!
~----------------------------------~
After getting out of hell aka first period, I felt a little relieved. That was probably my most awkward moment in my entire time here in Japan. It possibly couldn't get worse.
I was wrong.
That raven haired jerk entered my next period, Sculpture. Luck really hates me.
I sighed dejectedly and entered the classroom grasping onto my semester schedule, which was required to be signed by all my teachers if I'm a first time student here. I accidentally bumped into a dark-haired girl. She blushed slightly, stuttering lines of apologies.
"No worries. It was my fault." I smiled genuinely. "Oh that's right. I'm Haruno Sakura. I'm a new student here."
"I'm Hyuuga Hinata." She shyly gazed at me. She's seems really nice. I hope we become friends? It would be a whiff of fresh air considering the amount of jerk faces that attend this school…
"Want to sit with me?" She asked. I nodded with most certainty. "Of course. Let me just hand this to the teacher."
"Ah, Sakura, eh?" Deidara-sensei asked. I smiled. "Pretty. Suits you." He set his gaze on me momentarily, signed my schedule, then handed the paper back to me. I don't know if I should feel honored or disgusted that my professor just hit on me, no matter how mild that was.
I found my way back to Hinata's table. Unfortunately for me, she sat in the same table as that dreaded boy from earlier. Why must my fate be doomed?
I hesitantly took the seat right next to her, which of course, placed me right in front of him. Just wondertastic. A smiling blonde sat right next to him (such contrast), and once I situated myself, he immediately tried talking to me.
"Wow, you have pink hair."
My impending headache worsened. "Yes, I do have pink hair."
If there's anything in the world I hate the most, it's when people focus on my pink hair. I've had enough traumatizing childhood stories of kids making fun of me because of my hair. That was elementary school. This is high school.
"It's really pretty. Just like you."
The dark-haired boy next to him tried not to gag. I wanted to follow his lead and puke but I felt calmed. At least, it wasn't a mean statement about my hair this time.
He elbowed the boy beside him. "Shut up Sasuke-teme before I beat your face into a pulp!"
Ah. So his name was Sasuke. Then said boy just glared dangerously at his friend before continuing to work on his clay.
He extended a hand right across the table. "I'm Uzumaki Naruto." I exchanged the hand shake. "I'm Haruno Sakura."
"So, Sakura-chan…" His loud obnoxious voice sputtered nonsensical stuff, like lame jokes and other things. I just nodded at every word he said, and answered the correct response, such as "Oh" and "Ah" where it fits.
This is when I first saw the heartbreaking and disappointed look on Hinata's face.
~----------------------------------~
Third period wasn't anything special. It was my Political Science class with Iruka-sensei. Amazingly, people like Sasuke weren't there to ruin my atmosphere. I met Ino and Karin since they sat right next to me. They seem like great friends.
"Oh Sakura! Your hair is very pretty!" Karin gushed.
"I love your red nails," added Ino.
At my mention of the name "Sasuke", they both exploded. Literally.
"You have Sasuke for two classes?!"
"I am so jealous! I haven't had a class with him yet."
"Ha! Ino-pig I have at least one class with him. I have fifth period with him!"
"Really four eyes? How would YOU know that?"
"I sneaked a peek at his schedule. I bet you haven't even gotten that close to him, huh," teased the redhead.
Okay, so basically, the whole period their conversation consisted of Sasuke this, Sasuke that, and how they would love to ravish him. I mean, of course, Sasuke is indeed very good looking. But bottom line is he is a jerk. I meekly stayed in the corner and listened to the lecture instead.
After the boring and dull lecture hall, I finally survived to see the lights of the school cafeteria. I was really hungry and my growling stomach did nothing but further embarrass me in front of everyone that passed by.
"Sakura! Eat lunch with us," offered Ino as she grabbed onto my arm as we walked with Karin to their lunch table. There were already two girls at the table. Hinata and another girl with brown hair pulled into two buns, named Tenten, according to Karin.
"I need to use the restroom. I'll be back." I excused myself. The way to the bathroom is fairly easy with the obvious signs posted everywhere. That's when I saw those same blazing green eyes and red hair that I've tried hard to push to the back of my memory. He walked towards my direction, looking straight past me, as I did the same. Once we were about three feet away from each other, he instantly gazed at my face and smirked. I immediately looked away as he smirked and I gruffly made my way to the restroom.
How dare he?! After everything he's done. That bastard. I've hated him ever since—
Okay. Calm down.
How can I? After seeing that douchebag?!
It's okay. He hasn't talked to you yet.
Like hell I'll let him talk to me. Hell would freeze over before I'd be friends with him again.
I made my way outside of the bathroom, preparing for a sudden ambush by that man. Seeing that he's sitting with his friends on the other side of the cafeteria, I let out a deep sigh and smiled widely to my newly-made friends.
I sat in between Ino and Hinata, who's been very tense around me ever since second period, but I just let it pass and initiated conversation with her.
"That flower you were working on in sculpture was lovely." I complimented. She blushed profusely and nibbled on her bread. "…Thanks."
"Ooooh," teased Ino, "Is that flower for Naruto? I heard he was in your class." Everyone in the table giggled except for me because I just realized that I was a bitch for not realizing it sooner. My mouth opened to form an apology but Karin's loud voice drowned the whole conversation.
"Isn't the hottie table looking mighty fine this year?"
"Hottie table…?" I wondered.
"Sakura, girl," Karin started, "They are only the four hottest bachelors you will ever find in Itou Academy."
Everyone nodded and agreed in a very fangirl-esque manner.
"Definitely," Tenten started, making dramatic hand gestures, "Neji's gorgeous locks seemed to be longer and silkier. If only…" She stared off sighing while making touching motions at his hair.
Karin giggled. "Gaara's body looks more built from last year. What I wouldn't do to touch that abs of his—"
Everyone (except me) in the table squealed even louder. "Even Naruto improved this year. His style gotten much…sexier. Right Hinata?" Ino wiggled her eyebrows at the shy, blushing girl who timidly agreed.
"But," Ino voiced, "Sasuke. He has always been perfection. He doesn't need anymore upgrade or else I'll faint at the sight of him," cried Ino while making fainting gestures. Everyone laughed, and this time, I also joined.
"Sakura," Ino's concerned voice interrupted my thoughts, "You seem to hate Sasuke…?"
"Oh no, no of course not." Ino faced me fully this time. "Then why don't you say anything about him? I mean, every girl I know goes crazy gaga over him. That is…unless…" The whole tabled gasped dramatically.
I gulped the turkey sandwich painfully. "Don't get me wrong. He probably has the most gorgeous face on this planet. It's just—"
"He's a jerk?" guessed Karin.
I nodded in agreement. "He just rubs me the wrong way."
You just want him to rub you the right way, if you know what I mean.
Shut up!
Ino's eyes widened in surprise. "Wow, I'd just never thought I'd see the day where I meet a girl who doesn't want to jump that man's bones."
"Ino!" I giggled.
She grinned devilishly. "Just sayin'… Okay I call dibs on Sasuke this year!"
"Not fair! You got dibs on him last year," complained Karin. I stared at them confused.
Tenten giggled at my expression. "They do this every year but, obviously, they never succeeded."
"HEY!" Both shrieked angrily.
~----------------------------------~
Fourth period would've been more fun if that Sasuke guy didn't go into the same classroom. At least, his friend from earlier, with the long brown hair came with him. He, on the other hand, doesn't seem that bad.
Gossip from first period already reached the ears of the whole student body. The fan girls in my Psychology class started mumbling insults from the bottom of their breath as I entered the class, as if I can't hear their very loud voices.
Stupid girls. As if I wanted to sit next to their almighty Sasuke-kun and Gaara-kun.
Sasuke seemed irritated that I was in his class once again. His deep glare directed to my face was very apparent. I stared back at his pretty face with the same intensity.
Trust me, I'm not too fond of seeing your jerk face everywhere either.
You can't lie to me! I know you'd love to pounce on him any chance you get!
Please, shut up already. I sighed inwardly.
The teacher, Kakashi-sensei, directed me to sit next to Neji, who is sitting right next to Sasuke, right after introducing me to the class, which obviously does not want me to be here.
The next moment, my butt crashed on the hard, cold floor. I gasped in surprise and embarrassment as the fan girls started laughing hysterically at that immature act. Pulling the chair away from someone who's about to sit is so middle school behavior. A blonde girl, who's quite beautiful and curvaceous, stood behind the chair smirking.
That bitch just punked me. Oh hell no—
Just then, my prince charming came to save me. His ivory orbs shined through the storm. He held out his hand for me to grab and end this horrible and humiliating experience. I blushed furiously under his gaze and reached out for his help. After he placed my chair back to its original position, he motioned for me to sit.
"Pathetic." He groaned under his breath. The fan girls started wailing as my pounding heart just skipped a beat at the heroic feat. See, I knew he wasn't a bad guy. He is fast becoming my favorite in that "hottie table".
"Thanks." I mumbled to him. He nodded in acknowledgement.
"Okay guys, that was really immature," Kakashi-sensei announced with danger dripping in his words, "Temari."
"Anyways," He paced around the classroom, "I've decided to begin the year with a project! Fun, right?"
"Fun." We grumbled in unison.
"Right," I can't help but notice that sparkle in his eye, "So, I was thinking, you guys should pick your own partner."
"SASUKE-KUUUN!!" The fan girls squealed.
"NEJI-KUUUUN!" Some others squealed as well.
Neji immediately chose Sasuke as his partner, leaving me with no one else. I didn't know anyone else in this class. Practically half the population (fan girls) absolutely detest my guts. Then an eccentric boy with a bowl cut—
"Oh my pink-haired beauty Sakura!" He bowed and went down on one knee, holding my hand ever so gently. "Will you do me the honor of being my partner for this project?"
…
..
What was I supposed to say? The room was so quiet; everyone anticipated my answer. I heard plenty of mumbled giggles in the back. This day is so not going well.
Like a heaven sent angel, Neji came to my rescue once again. "Lee, she's not interested." The boy's widened eyes began to show signs of the waterworks. Neji grumbled to himself in frustration and glared at him. "Look, I'll be your partner."
"Sakura," he shot me a sideway glance, "Be Sasuke's partner."
Then came the simultaneous crying from the fan girls.
I shrieked, "Wait, what are you doing? It's fine, I'm okay—"
This is absolute suicide! Does Neji know how many freaking girls would kill me for this? All I wanted was a normal life, a different life from my old high school. Now this, it's like that all over again—
He pulled Lee up from his "proposal" position, further lessening his idiotic moment. "No, it's fine. Lee is a close friend of mine anyways."
My mouth was agape, ready to protest, but I came up with nothing. There is nothing I can do to escape this hell called Itou Academy, and this is my first day of school.
"Okay enough of this high school drama! Get to your partners and listen to my instructions." Kakashi-sensei blared loudly to the saddened fan girls.
I admitted defeat and made my way to my partner, Sasuke. He didn't even turn to look at me. I sighed loudly and plopped on the chair that was right next to him. "I guess we're partners then?" I tried to do small talk.
"Hn."
Apparently, small talk does not work on this man.
"Okay," Kakashi-sensei shouted to get our attention, "I will assign the topic you will be working on. The main purpose of this project is to state how your topic relates to Psychology. It can be any relation you can think of, since this is your first project, I'll be lenient on you."
He started to pass out papers. "This handout will contain all necessary information you need to successfully complete this project."
"Temari and Yukari. Gender."
"Neji and Lee. Genetics."
Kakashi went down the line, giving each group their assigned topics. I hope ours will be something easy like, how music affects someone's psyche or something.
Then came our group.
"Sasuke and Sakura." He gazed at us with that same sparkle from earlier and met both of our eyes at the same time.
"Love."
WHAT THE HECK?!
Why did he have to say it in such a mocking tone? Oh right. I'm partnered with an emotionless bastard. How is he supposed to know what love is?
Maybe a little time spent together will make him realize what love truly is. Heh heh.
I'm just going to ignore that suggestive comment you just made.
I awkwardly met Sasuke's gaze. He didn't show any emotion. "So, how are we going to meet up?"
"We're meeting up at Sasuke's house, of course," Neji and Lee came sauntering in, "You don't mind, right Sasuke?"
"Whatever." He grunted.
Neji nodded. "You don't mind either, Sakura…?"
I flailed my arms out, making exaggerated motions instead of just saying no. Good going Sakura. Why oh why did I have to get all weak-kneed for some sweet ivory-eyed cutie on the first day of school? He probably thinks I'm a complete idiot after all those unfortunate events of today.
"Great," He smiled, "I figured I'd be easy if the four of us work together since you know, I basically forced you to be Sasuke's partner. It won't be awkward."
"Yes! I'll be near my Sakura angel!" Lee cried. Neji hit him in the head with his binder.
"Lee, for the love of God, shut up?"
~----------------------------------~
Calculus is my worst subject ever because, pointing out the obvious, math is my worst subject. I don't consider myself a math genius but I also don't know why I deserve to be in a high-ranking math class in high school. If it was based on how I think I'm good math-wise, I'd probably place myself in Algebra II, hypothetically speaking.
And to my surprise, well not really, the almighty Sasuke is in my class once again. At least it was my last class of the day.
"Sakura!" A familiar voice called out to me before I stepped foot into the classroom.
"Karin!" I shrieked unexpectedly and gave her a hug. "You have this class too?" Please say yes!
"Yeah, duh, remember I told you I have fifth period with Sasuke-kun?"
"Oh right, I remember." I had no idea.
Karin gave me a disbelieving glare. "Don't tell me you have another class with Sasuke-kun! You're seriously on a roll this year, Sakura."
"Not only this. Last period too," I cried disapprovingly, "That's four classes in total already."
Karin patted me in the back, as if she's comforting me scornfully. "Oh yeah, you want me to cry for you because you get to see his sexy ass numerous times everyday?! Heck no, if you want, I'd willingly trade schedules with you."
But Neji. I don't want to leave my fourth period. Wait, what? Am I having a crush on him already? No, it's too early to get caught up in another…boy.
"Everyone! Please be seated!" Guy-sensei checked for attendance. I presented my schedule to him and he immediately grinned upon looking at my face. "Ah to be a youth once again, blossoming like a beautiful Sakura—" I tried not to cringe. Tried.
"Ah your name is Sakura," He came to realization that he was disturbingly spot-on with my name, "Suits you." He winked and told me to sit in front of Sasuke. Why must everything always have Sasuke in it?
I approached Sasuke once again, probably the tenth time today. I'm beginning to feel suffocated by his emotionless stares, or sometimes, his venomous glares. Although his face is easy on the eyes, his coldness ruins the attraction. I curtly occupied the seat in front of him, looking back on the right side to see Karin flustered with jealousy. I mumbled a "Sorry" but she just pouted.
"Today, we will play a game as a class," Guy-sensei grinned evilly, "And the class will be divided in the center. Whoever wins this will get five points extra credit added to their next chapter test. Sounds like a good deal, eh?"
I groaned. I'm all for games but I don't know about in-class games.
"This game will test your abilities in Math Analysis, a class you just took last year." He paced back in forth in the front of the class. "I will pass a paper to each side, Team 1 and Team 2, and each one of you can answer a question. Pass the paper to the back once you've finished answering a question."
He stopped pacing and gathered the papers in his hand. "Your teammates can most definitely help you. Don't be afraid to ask for help!"
How…why…! I sucked at math, and having a really bad math teacher last year, there's no way I'll remember anything.
"Ready, set, go!"
The people sitting in the front, who I pity very much, already stumbled and panicked over the first question. Immediately, they asked the people around them to help and they just told the poor girl what to write. Minute by minute, the paper kept getting passed behind faster and my palms grew sweaty.
It's okay Sakura! You can do this! Use the brain power of your amazingly huge forehead!
There are no words to express how much I hate you.
I love you too.
Then, in a forceful manner, the blonde sitting in front of me placed the damned paper on my desk. Ack! I hurriedly grabbed my pencil and read, or more accurately, blinked at the question.
Sine? Cosine? Tangent? Who remembers these things over the summer anyways?
I bit my fingernails, attempting to write something at least, making it look like there's something inside this brain of mine. Sadly, I can't make sense of what I just wrote.
I can feel Sasuke's breath on my neck. "What the hell?" He muttered, glaring at my answer.
He growled and leaned above me, attempting to answer the question with his face inches away from mine and his arms invading my privacy with the closeness. My arm felt like burning from his touch. He was warm, extremely warm and soft; in fact, it's astonishing since I imagined him to be cold and harsh, just like his attitude.
What happened to just spitting out the answers just like what the others did? He didn't have to full on drag his well-built and toned body over mine. The evident glares and profanity from the fan girls in the back aren't helping with lessening my already flustered cheeks.
I shot him a fierce glance for making me forget Neji for a minute. Just a minute. Then I gladly handed him the paper because I don't want to be liable for our team failing on the first day of Calculus.
He answered the questions at top speed, not even giving the two people behind him a chance to answer a question. Not like he would need their help anyways; he even corrected the first answers by our teammates in the front. He grinned smugly at his work well-done. Who knew he was this smart and incredibly good looking?!
"How the hell did you do that?" I slapped myself internally. No need to feed his ego.
He smirked sexily while giving me one of his killer looks.
"Because I'm Uchiha Sasuke."
~----------------------------------~
AN: Thank you very much for reading! As of right now, it's 3 AM and I just finished writing this story in one day! I couldn't help but make a reference to Chuck Bass from Gossip Girl with that last line by Sasuke because I love him oh so much!! Also, I feel like it's something Sasuke would say. Yeah, now it seems like Sakura is very much interested in Neji but eventually it will be a SasuSaku. Don't worry; I would never to do that to Sasuke. He needs some lovin' too :) Oh and watch out for a lot of jealous Sasuke moments in the future~ Thank you once again and don't forget to review!
