Naruto walked in the soft breeze of the newly-built village. A sweet unmistakable laughter caught his ear as he turned the corner. His shoulders slumped; It was Sakura with two chiseled builders who crowed their defined muscles.
Naruto's face scowled.
"You saved us, Sakura!" One adulated.
She blushed. Naruto felt a stab of pain but told himself Sakura didn't belong to him, or anyone. He tried to shuffle past but couldn't stop his wandering ear.
"Sakura-chan, is it true you surpassed Tsunade?"
"I wouldn't say-"
"Oh come on! Everyone knows."
Why was he feeling betrayed? Sakura wasn't his.
"I still have much to learn."
"You're so great."
Naruto's hands curled into fists.
"Would you like to go on a date with me?"
Naruto itched to get her away from them, he couldn't take it anymore.
"I'm sorry, I'm already going on one…" Sakura hesitated. She noticed her yellow-haired teammate.
"…With Naruto."
Naruto froze and looked up to meet Sakura's heavenly gaze. A gaze filled with hope upon seeing her escape. Naruto's chest lifted from the pain when Sakura grabbed his arm and pulled him away from the two builders. Naruto floundered for words, something to express the shock that coursed through him, nevertheless he stood there, trying to process what was just said.
"I'm so glad you showed up, I couldn't take another moment with those two." Sakura rolled her eyes.
Naruto remained speechless.
"Naruto? Are you okay?" She stopped and looked at him.
His face softened as he looked down to her."
I'm glad I showed up too, Sakura-chan."