Chapter 1

"We don't meet people by accident.

They are meant to cross our paths for a reason."

…

First week of October, and already are everyone at Kasai High so caught up with the preparations, planning and whatnot for their upcoming Autumn event even when exams were just around the corner.

For the freshmen who are still fresh in becoming part of the secondary unit of schooling, they weren't aware how hectic and how serious high schoolers are in partaking such events. Sure, middle school can be as competitive. But high school was a whole new level. Literally.

They didn't seem to notice the fast pace of the previous weeks as well. Now here they all are trying to make up for the lost time.

It was lunch hour and everybody thought it was best to have their break. Outside their homerooms, just about every classroom in school has students coming in and out into the hallways; there were sounds of hammer and nails being pounded onto lumber, orders of class representatives echoing throughout the building, and series of chattering along with it.

A couple of students were passing by the campus grounds. Noticing that beyond the green and cherry blossom trees, some of them are starting to dry and wilt. Not much longer and they were sure to experience cold wind any time soon.

Three female 1st year students happen to catch a batch of seniors huddled up underneath a tree near the school courtyard. This particular group, however, were famous for their individual reputation; raging from school jock, geek and art enthusiasts. They have become a big inspiration to future batches.

For it was them who had broken the barrier of stereotypes and welcomed the differences they all possess.

"Gee, they sure look pretty tight." One of them commented.

"I know. You rarely see them without one or two of their group together." Both would have to agree.

One of them though furrowed her brows however. There seems to be someone missing; or more like two.

"Hey," she calls to her friends, "where's the S.S. couple?"

Now all of the three had one brow raised. True that one of the school pair are not present along with the flock. Where could they be?

One of the girls waved a hand and smiled. "Awwwe, don't worry about them. They're probably off somewhere wanting to spend a little quality time with each other. You know how they are. And besides, they are graduating in a few months from now." Her friends simultaneously nodded.

Thus, she added, "After all, everyone knows that those two?" she stifled a laugh, "Are madly in love!"

The three couldn't help but blush and giggle. Because surely, that was a known fact that everyone is aware of.

….

3 years ago

The gates are open and the morning breeze was accompanied by the cherry blossom petals dancing in the air; another glorious year for Kasai High as they welcome the new batch of freshmen in their beloved alma mater. Boys and girls of 14-years-old of age, wearing their standard white with navy skirt and collar sailor fukus (for girls) and white short sleeved button polos and black slacks (for boys), both who are wearing matching ties (red for girls and black for guys respectively), are all excited and anxious to start their new life as high school students.

Although, one doesn't seem to feel either of the two.

Not a minute later, the school bell rang through the campus and the speaker had announced their morning assembly to alert the newcomers.

"ALL 1st YEARS PLEASE GATHER AT THE SCHOOL AUDITORIUM FOR THE ANNUAL FRESHMEN ORIENTATION. THE PROGRAM SHALL START AT EXACTLY 20 MINUTES."

The speaker once again repeated her announcement before the school bell rang once more to end it, and now everyone headed over to the said location.

One boy just entered the school grounds and was fortunate to hear the announcement before he gets himself lost. Walking in his own pace, a sudden blur from his right caught him off guard running ahead of him, making him stop on his tracks.

Pink.

It quickly disappeared just as he was about to think for a second if he was hallucinating things.

It was as if that sight concealed itself along with the cherry blossoms…

He shook his head and went along.

Students were being lined up at the auditorium as they waited for the program to start. One by one did they all went inside the double doors as the wide space full itself with the growing numbers. One particular male, whose hair was tied up, stood apathetically amidst the crowd as he mindlessly stared at his surroundings with his hands tucked in their pockets. How he wishes he could still be in bed right now. He bit back a yawn.

"Shikamaru."

Hearing his name, he turned his head towards the voice and saw a familiar face walk towards him; a tall teen with raven-colored hair standing at the back, one hand also hidden inside his pocket, and onyx eyes looking right at him.

"Yo. Sasuke." He raised a hand, receiving a nod in return.

"Didn't think you'd also end up here." Shikamaru noted. "Thought you'd go study under a prestigious school or something."

Sasuke shrugged. "Thought so too. But my folks thought going to public school would be a better experience for me."

"I see." He smirked.

Uchiha Sasuke had been private schooling, consists of an all-boys, ever since 2nd grade. He asked his father, after being pestered by annoying fangirls since the age of 5, to put him in one once he steps into primary level. Though his mother suggested he try co-Ed during his 1st grade, it resulted with the unending horde of girls competing against each other in hoping to win his affections, and quickly knew her son had enough.

He hadn't been bothered by them since. Although, numerous girls from different schools would often see him. He isn't dense enough to not see the floating hearts and giggles he hears when he passes by as he commutes. Hence creating the blank face façade.

Now as a fresh high school student in a co-Ed curriculum made him feel slightly tensed. All in all, he wasn't too happy nor too aggravated with the new surroundings. Just, to put it simply...

Meh.

That is, as long as no fangirls start to erupt out of nowhere. Especially on his first day of school.

"There's a few of our batchmates here too. And I think I saw another familiar face just a few minutes ago." Sasuke says. "More specifically a blonde we all know very much."

"…You're telling me he's here?"

Sasuke smirks and scoffs. "Pretty much."

This time Nara Shikamaru really did sigh. "Well, so much for a normal high school life. Say, have you checked what homeroom you're in?"

"Class 1-B." Sasuke answered immediately.

"Same here. Another year of studying." Shikamaru's shoulders slumped and sighed again. "What a drag. I could sleep in all vacation if I want to, without my mother yelling at me to get my ass out of bed of course. Now we have to wake up so early in the morning again to get to class. Tch. Troublesome."

Sasuke smirked himself. He's known the pineapple-headed Nara since the 5th grade and was used to his laid-back demeanor. Sasuke had no doubt believe that the lazy guy would surely sleep in as he would usually catch him taking a nap in the middle of class. It's a wonder how he passes pop quizzes when the teachers suddenly wake him up for it.

Smart bastard.

Their attention switched to the front stage as their orientation had finally begun.

….

After principal Sarutobi's opening remarks, welcoming speech and additional notes regarding school clubs and rules, everybody was now buzzling at the first-floor A-building as everyone tries to find their homeroom section. Having known theirs already, Sasuke and Shikamaru stood at the side leading to the stairs for now as they watch the horde of people squeezing through the bulletin boards.

Shikamaru yawned at some point while Sasuke was busy contemplating whether he should head to one of the boards with less people on it as it was the list that contains the school clubs and signup sheets for them to join. He made his decision.

"Be right back. I'll just check out the club board." He left without hearing his reply.

Sasuke rummage his way there, excusing himself whenever he bumped into someone. He managed to avoid stepping anybody's foot in the process. It surprised him that situations like this doesn't differ from his days during his time at his all-boys school. Just as he was getting closer, someone bumped him upfront; he was able to hold her shoulders to prevent a fall.

"Sorry." She bowed and ran along, shoulder-length hair waving on her back, without him even seeing her face.

What caught his attention though was the strange color of her hair.

Pink?

His forehead creased thinking, what kind of person actually has hair with such a color? He shook his head and proceeded to the board when he almost steps onto something.

Under his right foot, a red pen lies on the floor with a leaf chain dangling on the other end. Picking it up, he thought, that girl must've dropped this. Reminding himself to return it to her when he gets the chance, he puts it on his breast pocket and left to do what he was supposed to do earlier.

"Sakura!" two girls called, one with blonde hair and the other with deep purple.

"Hey! Sorry. There were a lot of people in the comfort room." Said girl apologizes.

"It's fine. We took the liberty in finding your room as well." Hinata, the one with purple-hair and lavender eyes with a calming atmosphere, tells her.

"Yeah. Bummer I have a different room with you two though." Ino, the blonde with lively blue eyes, sounded defeated.

"You're not the only one Ino." Says Hinata.

"What?" Sakura, the pinkette, almost asks disbelievingly with round viridian eyes. These three have been together since kindergarten and not once have they been separated. So why start now?

"Chill forehead. We still have Gym and Home Economics together, also everyone has lunch the same time too. Meaning we could all still hangout. No need to get yourself so down in the bush." Ino reassured her the moment her best friend's eyes portrayed her sadness. As much as the pinkette wanted to pout at the old name-calling, she just doesn't feel up to par right now.

Hinata placed a hand on her shoulder. "She's right Sakura. We can still see each other often after all."

"I'm actually surprise how you're so okay with this Hinata." The pinkette noted.

Between the three of them, Hyuuga Hinata's been the most fragile. Too meek to leave her by herself, Sakura wondered how she can take care of herself after she and Ino've been keeping an eye on her back for years. Yet here she is, smiling like this isn't something new to stress out about.

Hinata replied, "This doesn't change anything with our friendship Sakura."

"Yeah, and you know us." Ino pointed with her thumb. "We're big girls now; high schoolers. Starting now we have to learn to take care of ourselves out there."

"You speak as if this is peak of our lives Pig." Now there's the retort.

"That's why I said 'the start' billboard brow!" Good thing they know each other so well to know that was a joke. Otherwise, people might take that as a direct insult.

Sakura slowly nodded her head as she holds back her laugh and then asks: "So, what rooms then?"

"Ino's section is 1-B, yours is 1-A while I got 1-E."

"See? That's like one hall away from yours Hinata. And Sakura we're practically neighbors for Pete's sake."

Sakura couldn't hold her laugh any longer and giggled out loud. Ino was by far the best-est friend anyone could ever have. Along with Hinata no doubt. "Alright, alright. I get it Pig."

Seeing as her friends weren't bothered by the change that's coming their way, she might as well do the same thing. This is a brand-new chapter for their lives. It was bound to happen sooner or later. At that, Haruno Sakura inwardly sighs.

High School was surely going to be interesting.

….

Morning classes went well, Sasuke thought. They've got Yuki Kurenai, major in English to teach them on first period. Beautiful lady, but is very strict with her students. Next, they had Mathematics, where they have Shiranui Genma who seems to be chewing a gum in the middle of class. And now they meet their homeroom teacher.

…Who was late by 30 minutes.

"Sorry about that. I was on my way when a very intriguing chapter on this book kept me glued in place – "

Everyone couldn't help but sweat-drop at this.

He came in with a book on hand and half of his face covered up; he's as laidback as his friend; – Shikamaru, who no doubt had dozed off again – his name's Hatake Kakashi.

This school is full of interesting people, Sasuke thought with a questioning look, arms crossed on his chest.

"Uchiha Sasuke?"

"Here." He answered.

Kakashi continued checking the class attendance. After he was done, he closed his record book and faces them. "Alright. Since this is the first day I'm gonna let you all leave early. Next meeting, we are to tackle about the history of our beloved Alma Mater." He smirked before proceeding, "I know that some of you aren't really used to having that kind of topic from your previous schools, and it may not seem like it, but here in Kasai High we take pride on how this very stronghold had become as to who it is now. Its reputation, even as a public school, is valued by Japan and had received immense fame and respect alongside other well-known institutes known within and outside Konoha."

So much for dismissing early, the school bell rang. Their sensei scratched his cheek while laughing sheepishly. Everyone stood up and began fixing their things to set out for lunch. Sasuke decided to put the pen he picked up earlier in his bag, afraid in getting it lost. He was not about to feel guilt-stricken just because he lost a girl he barely-even-know's pen.

Kakashi tucked his things under his arm, "We'll discuss more of course. 'Til then, have fun, enjoy and everyone? Welcome to Kasai." His eyes smiled and he waved as they all leave.

The raven-haired teen was about to wake up his lazy companion when he saw someone already beat him to it. She stood beside Nara with her hands on her hips. "Oi. Wake up." He saw the blonde girl ordering him. Sasuke lifted a brow in question. Then she started kicking his feet and he watches them sway as she did.

"Hello~!" still no luck. The blonde could only rub her temples in frustration.

She had to use drastic measures, she thought. Flexing her hands and heard her fingers crackling, she readies herself.

Not wanting to stick around any longer, Sasuke turned around. Just as he was walking down the hall, Shikamaru's faint screech can be heard.

"ITAI!" (Ouch!)

Kasai High is a big place. Due to a school with two buildings, excluding the school auditorium and gym, anyone can easily get lost when they don't even mind to create landmarks of their own when need be. Which is why Sasuke was so quiet all this morning. He's been observing everything he could see within his peripheral vision. He took note of the little things as well to remind him where he was and where he's headed. Needless to say, Sasuke hasn't seen the school's entirety yet, but it was for precautionary methods, just to be safe.

Right now, he's following the crowd to where he believes are heading to the cafeteria. When they got there, it was fairly huge. There was already a line of students taking their orders from the lunch-lady, most of the tables are occupied and left others with trays on their hands searching for vacant seats.

Inwardly sighing, Sasuke left. Thankful for his mother for preparing him a bento.

Sasuke went to the backside of the building to find himself on the school courtyard. Unfortunately, students of higher batches have started to gather over at the benches, leaving the Uchiha to think of eating on the ground. He began searching for a good place with less people.

Well, he found a good spot. Actually, it was a perfect spot. There were many cherry blossom trees near this area, and surprisingly, there wasn't anybody near here.

Well, almost.

As he got closer, he saw a girl sitting with her legs straight and closed together underneath the tree reading a book. It's the girl with the pink hair. He noticed. She was so engrossed with her reading that she didn't hear the rustling of the grass he had walked on. Sasuke took small steps as he did so; thinking if this was a good idea.

I mean, I'm not afraid of girls. He frowned at himself. Of course he wasn't. But to have himself go up to one and might suddenly be jumped upon the next? He gulped. He's not fond of the idea. But there's nowhere to go anymore. He shook his head and thought to heck with it.

"Excuse me." Sasuke evenly called out.

"Yes?" He was taken aback by her voice, like a bell suddenly dinged out of nowhere. It doesn't scream 'girly', yet it sounded so calm and collected. She raised her head, her hair held back with a red headband.

…He takes it back. Her voice was nowhere near at what came after. What was more startling,

.

.

.

Were her eyes…

….

They're sure taking a long time. Sakura sighs for the third time in a span of 15 minutes.

She received a text from the girls that they were headed to the cafeteria to buy their food before meeting up. Hinata said their teacher let them off early, yet she waited for one of them to accompany her to the caft. Sakura didn't bother to come along for she anticipated this. She woke up early to prepare her bento after all. Her mother couldn't today for she got home too late last night from the office. Haruno Mebuki tried to coax her daughter that she'll be the one to do it, but Sakura told her otherwise; saying she'll be fine to do it on her own tomorrow and because Sakura wanted her to sleep in and wait for dad to come home from his business trip later this afternoon, making Mebuki bow her head in defeat.

The pinkette, not wanting to see her parents sad, kissed her cheek and helped her into bed. She deserves to rest.

School cafeterias are a warzone for her, thus she retreated and decided to eat outside. Sakura would only eat inside whenever her two friends can actually persuade her into doing so. And that takes a lot of strength and constant pestering mind you.

After texting them her location, she took out her copy of "The Dispatcher" and opened the page where her bookmark lies. She didn't hear the rustling of the grass as she was too focused with her readings. How could she when sweet Maggie was on her feet again and was running from her kidnapper? Sakura's heart was beating so fast from the suspense of the book's chapter, hoping that the dear character doesn't get caught again after her numerous attempts.

Please don't get caught, please don't get caught. She tells herself this repeatedly.

"Excuse me." Someone has broken her line of thoughts. It took all of her willpower to tore her eyes off the page.

She answered back first, "Yes?" before finally settling her sight onto the owner of the other voice. And then –

She was transfixed.

What met her pair of viridian eyes were pools of deep onyx orbs looking right at her.

Both were staring with wide. Neither one of them budged as they continue to look at each other. The only movement noticeable were their hairs being swept by the wind.

Good heavens, it's like I'm being pulled into a swimming vortex.

The boy seemed to have regain from his trance and shook his head a bit. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to stare." He embarrassingly looks at his side, finding the patch of grass fascinating all of a sudden.

Sakura came back on that moment too and rapidly blinks her eyes. "Ah no! I'm sorry I was too focused on my reading that I failed to see someone nearby. Did you need anything?" She marks her book and closes it in the process.

Sasuke nodded. "I was just about to ask if it wouldn't be a bother for you to let me sit here." He gestured the spot.

"Oh, not at all. I was just waiting for my friends. They should be here any moment." She hoped. Sasuke nodded. He walks to the tree next to hers, crouches down to slide off his sling bag, and settles himself on the grass.

Seeing that's all he needed, Sakura fixes her hairband and went back into reading mode.

He took out his bento and opened it to see 2 slices of sandwiches with five cherry tomatoes on the side. Smirking to himself, his mother really knows what his stomach wants on any given day. Mrs. Uchiha had been preparing his meals since he was a kid. For her, breakfast was the important meal of the day, which she gives to her sons every morning before heading off to school. He and his brother have eaten plenty this morning, thus she thought that sandwiches would suffice for the afternoon.

But not without my favorite. He referred to the cherry tomatoes, mentally noting to thank his mom when he gets home.

"Sorry for the long wait!" someone yelled.

Both occupants look to see three figures: Two at the front, an irritated blonde holding up the arm of a boy who's left ear was reddening, while a girl smiling sheepishly followed suit from behind. Sasuke, who was about to take a bite, once again lifted a brow. Shikamaru?

"It was quite a line in there." Says Hinata.

"Sure took your time. Have you bought your lunches? Who's this?" Sakura beckons towards the new arrival.

Ino almost laughed. "Seriously Forehead? The pineapple hairstyle isn't already a dead giveaway to you? There's a reason why that noggin of yours is big, girl." Suddenly wanting to knock her forehead with the back of her forefinger.

Sakura only blinked twice; still wondering who this might be.

Sasuke's expression still haven't changed. Yet he feels insulted for the pink-haired girl. Did the blonde just insulted her friend back there? Looking at the pinkette, he observes her for a while and found that her forehead was not that big at all. Seems pretty normal for him.

Said newcomer raised his free arm and greeted. "Hey Sakura. Sasuke." Said boy only nodded.

"Sasuke?" Ino wondered. "Oh wow, it is you!" wide-eyed he stared at him.

"You two know each other?" Shikamaru pointed to him and the pinkette 2 feet beside him.

"Nuh-uh." Sasuke answered.

Finally realizing who it was. Sakura exclaimed: "Shi-Shikamaru?!"

"Yep."

Then Sakura wondered. "Wait. You two (Ino and Shika) know him?" she pointed to Sasuke.

"Yeah." Came the answer.

"Teme!"

Hold on. That came out of the blue. Frankly, so did the person. Sasuke's left eye twitched as he had a good guess as to who it might be. Jumping out of the trees, stood a blonde male with leaves and twigs sticking out of his spikey hair.

"You're too loud Dobe." Sasuke says like it's an everyday occurrence.

"What did you say Teme?!"

"Naruto." Shikamaru greeted.

"Hey Shikamaru!" the upbeat kid greeted back.

"Naruto?" – "Naruto-kun?!" it was Ino and Sakura followed by Hinata who fainted.

"Hinata!" the girls quickly went to aide her.

"Oi! Hinata!"

"Shut up and help us with Hinata here you idiot! You too Shikamaru." the other blonde yelled.

"What a drag…" was all he could say and do what he was told.

Everyone went over to the helpless Hyuuga and left Sasuke in a bewildered state.

What in the world was going on?

It took 5 minutes for poor Hinata to gain consciousness and for everyone to finally calm down and sit on the grass patch. Hinata's head was leaned on Sakura's shoulder as the pinkette gently rubs the back of her head while Ino has her fan out and flaps it to the girl. Shikamaru was lying on the ground, hands behind his head, while Naruto was sitting in an Indian-seat as he finishes telling his side of the story. Sasuke had long forgotten his lunch.

"So let me get this straight," the Uchiha says. "you three have been together since kindergarten alongside Shikamaru and Naruto whom I've met back in fifth grade and 2nd grade respectively. The Dolt, on the other hand, has been my neighbor up until 4th grade since my family decided to move that time. And now here we are, at Kasai, having lunch, and somehow have one another as a classmate in each section. Except maybe you." He pointed at Sakura who has her brow up at him.

She faced Ino. "How did you know him again?" referring to Sasuke.

"I'm in the same section as him and Shikamaru while Hinata here has Naruto with her. Speaking of which, you're telling me that you two are in the same classroom all morning and you didn't even notice he was there?" Ino switched her attention to the Hyuuga.

Hinata mildly glared at her with a blush.

Was she for real? Of course Hinata had been seeing him all morning. She could barely listen to class as she kept peering to the side where her childhood crush had been seating. But she's not gonna tell them about that; not when the main subject was here just a few inch away from her. Though when they saw her expression, she knew that they understood what that meant, making everybody except Naruto laughing.

"Did I miss something?" Naruto scratches his head. Making everybody laugh even more. Even Hinata.

Shikamaru lifted his torso supported by his elbows and tells the girls. "Well, since we all seem to know each other already, why don't you three introduce yourselves to Sasuke here. You too bro."

Sasuke softly grunts in agreement.

They don't seem the type to flaunt themselves over a guy like him. Oh where were his manners? Uchiha Sasuke is very much aware if his looks, but he sure wouldn't damn get his head big because of it. For that he inwardly scolds himself.

Ino volunteered. "Okay. Since we will mostly see each other at class, I'll be the first one. Hi! I'm Yamanaka Ino."

A second thought, he may steer clear of the other loud blonde for now. She seems harmless, but it looks like she's not afraid to voice out her thoughts when need be. And already were her eyelashes batting at him.

"Hyuuga Hinata." She muttered with a small smile. He offered a small smirk of his own. He wouldn't worry about this one. Seeing that she's already eyeing someone else.

Sasuke turned to the one beside him. The pinkette helped Hinata sit up straight before facing him properly. Unlike the two females, this one thought of extending her hand at him and offered a gentle smile.

"And I'm Haruno Sakura." Without hesitating, he took her hand and smiled back, only bigger.

"Uchiha Sasuke."

….

A whole two weeks had passed since school started. Nothing big happened as of yet, but ever since that meeting with everyone on the first day, they had been hanging around each other during lunch. Courtesy of their, not one but two loudmouth blondes for a friend, every afternoon were all laughs and giggles. Normally Sakura would always come first with book on hand and the rest follows for she saves this spot for them to use every day.

Just the other day they were talking about their Math teacher Shiranui-sensei, and all noticed how much of a flirt the man could be.

"And he says: 'Two plus two equals Me n' You'. Some girls at class have their heads stuck in the clouds with his so-called charm, while I was left thinking if he was for real. Like, seriously? This is the 21st century and yet he still uses those lines like it was invented yesterday!" Ino complained, making everyone erupt with laughter.

Sasuke chuckled at the memory. Who knew that having female comrades were good for you?

He may act all monotonous yet rebellious young man, but truthfully, he's not. In fact, Sasuke is a very likable guy. Looks aside, the Uchiha has manners, wits and very easy to be with once you get to know him. And his dislike to the opposite sex isn't really all that bad. He helps a 60-year-old neighbor Mrs. Sayako carry her groceries whenever he gets the chance to see her with 'em. Kids are very fond of him and his family loves having people at their home despite the rumors of them being uptight.

So yes, 'Human Ice Cube'? Not really.

But he thought to heck with it. Let them believe what they want to believe.

Late in the afternoon and the sun was starting to set. He was riding the train to get home. Standing near the doorway, hands in their pockets like always, earphones plugged in as he listens to TWEWY's "Someday" (The World Ends With You). Rays of light passes through the glass he leans on. From the corner of his eye, he thought he saw someone familiar sitting on the far side. Two businessmen were blocking his view so he couldn't quite see who it really was.

"NAGOYA STATION." The conductor announces. This is where he drops off.

Sasuke, along with the series of people, gets off the train. He had English homework to do later. Knowing Kurenai-sensei, she would want everyone to have their homework ready by the time she enters the classroom. Good thing Sasuke has no problem with the subject. He considers it to be his second language at most. On his way to the stairs he spotted an old lady struggling to get down as she carries her medium-sized handbag. Unable to stop himself, he went over there and offers his help.

"Would you like me to carry that – "

" – Do you need help getting down Ma'am?"

Stopping midsentence, he looks up to see Sakura on the other side of the old lady who's just as surprised as he is, both with hands extending to offer help. Granny, however, had a solemn and grateful look on her face; palm on her chest. "My, such kind youngsters you two are." She commented.

They offered their help like they promised. Sakura assisting her, the old woman's arm tucked under hers, while Sasuke took the heavy baggage from her hands.

"Thank you so much for your help." Granny bowed.

"No problem Ma'am." They both bowed back and see to it that she leaves until she turns at the corner.

Well this was unexpected. It's not every day you have someone other than yourself helping the elder, not to mention a schoolmate. He was gonna tell Sakura the same thing but when he turned to his side, she was gone and was walking at least 10 feet away from him already. He stared at her retreating back, brows raised. From the way she acts around him, he can tell that he's not like other girls. You know? The one with 'Those' types. Gripping his sling-bag, Sasuke ran to catch up with her.

"Wait up!" he called.

"Hmm?" Sakura turned, one earphone plugged in her ear.

"Which way do you go?" he asks. Not sure what to say or even know why he wants to know of the detail he questions.

"Umm, a couple of blocks down before the second main road."

His brows shot upwards. "We've been living this close to each other up to now and we only found out today?"

She softly giggled. "We haven't really known each other exactly that long yet, you know?"

He closes his eyes for a second, smirks and grunts through his nose. "Guess you're right."

Sakura shuffled through her feet and tucks a strand of her hair behind her ear. "Well?"

"Hm?"

"Do you need something?" feeling a bit Déjà vu like the time they first met.

T'was like he got himself hit by a tree like that movie George of the Jungle. What was he about to say again? Oh right, nothing. He just wanted to call her right out of nowhere. Just then, he saw her ipod's screen and saw the title of the song she's currently listening to.

"'Memories of You'? From the Persona 3 Soundtrack?" he wondered.

Wide eyed she gapes at him. "You know?"

He tries not to take that as an insult. He is, in fact, a gamer. How could he not know the song?

"You kidding? I've just finished playing the game for the 3rd time last month." He smirks with pride. Every guy from his previous school was into video games, him including. Though he didn't expect a girl to actually be playing. Especially one of the Persona franchise.

They kept throwing each other questions like what level did they finish it at first? What's his and hers' favorite attack? What other games and OST's do they play and listen to? How long have they been into gaming? Much to the pinkette's pleasure, he's much into the games she plays as well. Only, he's twice as better than she is.

"No way…" she whispered enough for his ears alone to hear.

Sasuke qualms. Uh-oh. Did that come out wrong?

He was expecting her to feel intimidated from what he said even if that wasn't his intention. Yet he was greeted with a pair of green eyes sparkling at him, her thin lips pouting, making him almost pout back.

"And here I thought I was the only one in our group who plays and listens to a game's soundtrack." she exhaled with a toothy grin. Sasuke couldn't help but feel amused with the way she's reacting.

"Nara and the Dobe plays too. But not much when it comes to RPG. I mean, I play versus games from to time, but I'm more into a game's story and exploration type of gamer."

"Same here! And once you love the story, you get hooked in by the songs too, am I right?"

Sasuke silently chuckles. "Right."

They continued talking about their love for gaming and the soundtracks they like, unaware that they were already walking side by side. Excitement reflected in their eyes, happy to know they share something in common besides the fact they go to the same school and hang out with the same group of friends. They laugh at some lines they mimicked from a character they know and found out how relaxed they are with each other's company.

A fork in the road; Sasuke goes to the left and Sakura goes to the right. They thanked each other for the wonderful time and said to see each other tomorrow at school.

They waved and left to go home with smiles on their faces that day.

A/N: I just had to do something with my writer's block for some of my works. Else I would get rusty all over again... What could be better than to create a new one? LOL! O.o I am so sorry but I just had to do it. I was craving for a bit of SasuSaku sweetness and i couldn't possibly just jump to that with Triple T n' F (Tears That Threaten to Fall).

As I was scrolling through the pairing's archives, I happen to notice how there are only a few Japanese High School fics of the said pair. (No, High School AU don't just count. Because Japanese has a sense of culture and terms of cliche' atmospheres. But I'll try to be original at some parts for this. *wink wink*) So I did a bit of research and this is what I started so far. Yes, I can honestly admit that I am not entirely sure with some info I might add here. But I will do my best on what my life in watching Anime as a young kid has taught me so far. Hahahah^^

No worries minna, I've started chapter 13 for Triple T n' F. But I still don't have a concrete Idea to where I want it to lead. Nonetheless, this is for you.

Enjoy! Happy reading and remember, Reviews make me happy^^