Friend or Foe
Summary: Sakura and Ino are best friends forever. Will a guy as hot as Uchiha Sasuke break their friendship? Various pairings.
Another series just like girl next door, the same length too! Read and review! Enjoy.
Chapter 1: Happy New Year
Haruno Sakura was seventeen but behaved no less than a thirteen-year-old. Many people were fooled by her innocence and carefree nature; they didn't know she had an overpowered brain inside her head. Her short vibrant pink hair swayed with the gentle and cool rhythm of the night breeze. She sat at the bench, waiting for Ino, her only best friend.
Yamanaka Ino, seventeen, behaved exactly how a princess should. People always gave in to her due to her tantrums and her mighty status as her family was among the richest in the little city. She saw Sakura and waved excitedly at her, her long lively blonde hair sweeping off her back to dance with the wind. Sakura, her one true best friend.
Sakura stood up and waved eagerly at Ino who was walking at a fast pace down the stairs. Some guys rode their bicycles by and managed a quick glare at Sakura before blurting out, "Forehead girl." Sakura turned instantly and glanced at them angrily, but couldn't do anything more as they chuckled and rode on. Ino noticed the commotion and opened her handbag, fishing out two hand phones. She pinpointed the area and threw the devices at the guys accurately, causing them to lose balance and as a result, fall down.
Both girls heard the boys' groan in pain as they propped up their bikes in aggravation. Sakura burst out laughing and smiled widely at Ino who was panting when she reached the bottom of the stairs. "Thanks Ino. What took you so long? I thought you weren't coming to watch the fireworks with me to celebrate the New Year."
Ino caught her breath and slowly she revealed a big grin, "Just now, my father called me from Tokyo. And guess what, Konoha College has accepted me. I am going to attend the school where celebrities are groomed. The route to stardom." A dreamy look came into her eyes as she surveyed the distance with a newfound determination.
They reached the spot on the cliff at the beach and sat down. When they made themselves comfortable, Sakura found the words which were stuck down her throat. She looked at Ino and smiled forcefully, "That's great. I heard it is a really good school." We have never been apart but I guess it's time to grow up and not rely on Ino anymore.
"This is the happiest day of my life. We are going to turn eighteen next year, I mean in a couple of minutes time. Our birthdays are not on New Years day but who cares. And you know what the other great news is?" Ino asked eagerly as she glanced happily at Sakura, anxious to break the news to her best friend.
Sakura gulped and slowly shook her head. She was uncertain as to whether she wanted to know or not, be it good or bad. Ino shrieked, "You are coming with me! The school accepts you too! Tomorrow, we will take the plane to Tokyo. Tokyo, the place where you've always wanted to visit so much." Ino couldn't stop herself from squealing with delight, they were both looking at the big world now where they would pursue their dreams. The thought of it made her shiver with excitement and she stared fixedly at Sakura, waiting for her response.
Sakura froze and recalled what Ino said a minute ago. How would she break something like this to her parents, they wouldn't allow her to go, it was simply out of the question. And allowing Ino's parents to pay for the expenditures was a bit over the limit since the fees in Konoha College would be quite high too. Sakura was speechless. She didn't know whether to be happy or sad as she was overwhelmed with ambiguity but knew that she had to be grateful to Ino.
"Father knows I hate being alone so he decided to sponsor you. This way, we will never be separated. We will be together just as the promise we made when we were ten. Aren't you thrilled?" Ino shook Sakura gently who seemed to be in a trance. She snapped back to reality and nodded uncertainly at the over-excited blonde.
Sakura gave her a weak smile and stuttered, "E-err…don't you think it's too much…my mum, she probably won't allow me…"
"You want to know the reason why I was late? I went to your house to talk with your mother and she allowed it. You don't have to worry about anything," Ino screamed in delight and she saw Sakura's frown turn into a genuine smile.
Sakura could see more people gathering at the cliff and nearby. New Years Eve was almost over; maybe this would be a bright beginning to a promising future. Mum agreed. I can't believe it. When I said I wanted to watch the fireworks, she nagged at me for four straight hours. Tell me I'm not dreaming, it seems so surreal.
"Aren't you the slightest bit happy?" Ino stood up and studied the beautiful midnight sky which was unperturbed by the bright city lights. She whispered softly under her breath, "I thought you would be happy. I mean, you do dream of leaving this place someday, don't you? Now that you have the chance, are you going to give it up after all I did for you?"
Sakura heard the bell from the nearby church ringing simultaneously with the beginning of the New Year. She stood up and looked at everyone who shut their eyes. They were probably thinking about what they achieved last year or making their New Year resolutions. Sakura gazed at the first firework which exploded into an array of vivacious colours. Everyone stared in awe and the second one broke out, and then came the third. She found herself thinking about her New Year resolution. Raising her head, she became mesmerized by the loud fireworks that continuously appeared and disappeared into the now smoky sky.
"I'm ready," Sakura whispered with resolve and turned to face her best friend. Ino turned towards her and smiled widely while pointing to the fireworks. Sakura averted her gaze to the rippling of the dark ocean waters and saw the breathtaking reflection of the fireworks upon the sea. I am so thankful to Ino. Let's welcome the New Year and my new life. Sakura smiled secretly to herself before clashing her hands tightly together and made a resolution.
I hope to find a bit of love…hee…and remain the best of friends with Ino forever and ever!
A/n: It's too early for New Year but anyway, I hope you enjoy this chapter and the following chapters will be more interesting. Review! Cheers.
