As the sun began to set in the Village Hidden in the Leaves, Sakura finally managed to arrive home after a long day of training. Exhausted, she slowly opened the door. After dinner, she went straight to her room and got in bed without even bothering to put on some more comfortable clothes.

The next morning, as soon as she was awake, she heard her mother's voice.

"Sakura! Are you awake yet?"

"Yeah, just woke up."

"A boy stopped by and asked me to give something to you. He said his name was Sasuke-"

"SASUKE?!" Sakura interrupted out of sheer excitement. "Why didn't you say so sooner?! I'll be right there!" She immediately hopped out of bed, changed into some clean clothes, and ran into the kitchen. She hadn't seen Sasuke for so long because there weren't any missions available that she was overjoyed with the news.

"Here you go," her mom said, giving Sakura a letter.

She thanked her and walked back to her room. Closing the door, she opened the letter and read it.

Sakura,

I know we haven't spoken in a long time, but there's something very important I would like to talk to you about. Meet me by the north side of the Ninja Academy today at noon, and bring some lunch.

Signed, Sasuke Uchiha

Sakura was shocked to know that Sasuke was thinking of her. The hours ticked by like minutes as thoughts of him raced through her head. Before long, it was time to go.

As she approached the Academy, she could see Sasuke pacing back and forth in front of a bench, lost in thought. Swallowing hard, she approached him.

"It's been awhile, Sasuke-kun," she said with a smile.

"Likewise," Sasuke responded, also smiling (something Sakura hardly ever saw him do). "I see that you let your hair grow back."

Opening the bento box in his hands, he sat down at the bench and motioned for Sakura to come sit next to him. She apprehensively did so, without saying a word. In total silence they ate together, Sakura occasionally glancing over at Sasuke. Both finished their meal at about the same time, and were getting up to throw away their trash when Sakura broke the silence.

"Alright, what was it you wanted to tell me, and why couldn't you just tell me in the letter?"

"Well, I've been thinking, and...well, I..."

"OUT WITH IT!!" Sakura blurted.

Sasuke took a deep breath and sat back down. "Well, ever since I met you, I've been having strange feelings for you. Every rude thing I've said to you was just a façade, and it's about time I admitted it. You're not nearly as annoying as I say you are. In fact, I'm almost certain that I...I..."

Sakura was kneeling on the bench, staring into his eyes, hanging on to his every word.

"...love you."

Sakura promptly fainted, falling right into Sasuke's lap. It wasn't until about five minutes later that she finally came to and saw Sasuke staring back and her. "You know, for a second there, I thought you just professed your love for me."

Without saying a word, He brought her back to her feet, stood up, wrapped his arms around her, and nodded, with a big grin on his face. Closing his eyes, he slowly moved his lips closer and closer to hers. Before he knew it, he was really kissing her.

cue squealing fangirls