Summary: In a world where everyone should know where they belong, she is the only one who doesn't.
I wrote this like a month ago, but I didn't have the guts to post it because of its difficulty. It's the first time I wrote something like this. Oh my god I hope I won't regret it, gaaaaahhhh
This is inspired by the Divergent series, but the flow and characters will be totally different from the novel. I changed lots of things, just borrowing some basic concepts and terms from the novel. It will be Naruto-fied. Well, minus the techniques and supernatural creatures. Oh, there will also be lots of OOCs and OCs here. Just because.
This is my first SS chaptered story, and I have another chaptered story going on so please bear with me if I'll update slowly. Please be good to me! Also in time for SasuSaku month, eh? Give this fic a chance? :D
Here are the terms you will mostly encounter and its counterpart from Divergent which are all from Google:
-Kumi (means "group"): Faction
-Yori (means "public servant"): Abnegation
-Yasuragi (means "peace"): Amity
-Shinobi (we all know what that means): Dauntless
-Chi (means "know"): Erudite
-Shin (means "truth"): Candor
-Tokushu (means "special"): Divergent
I'm not fluent in Japanese so if the terms I included are used differently... please let me be LOL I chose those because it sounded good, I'm so sorry. :D
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto and Divergent and the cover picture.
Enjoy!
Aberrant
by cheerry-blossoms
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Chapter One - Konohagakure
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Voices of varying pitch, tone and volume buzz through the entire cafeteria. All round tables are occupied, young people are everywhere, talking and laughing. Some are playing with their food, while some are quietly eating.
It is a normal lunch break in Konoha Academy. Young people having different traits and personalities have gathered in the big room, so the rowdiness is to be expected, especially from those youngsters wearing black.
The table I am in is boring. My tablemates, no offense, are dull; conversing in hushed voices to avoid bringing inconvenience to others, because that's how we are. We are supposed to be selfless, always putting others in top priority.
You see, Konoha's society is divided into five classes called "Kumi." Here, the kumi is more important than blood relatives. Here, your kumi is your family. Kumi before blood, we pledge. The kumi system was said to be created for the society's balance and organization, started by the first Konoha President, Senju Hashirama. The five kumi are distinguished by its own dominant trait.
I look around, quietly observing the students since my food—bread—was already finished.
On the opposite corner of our area, people clad in bright yellow clothing are gleefully interacting with one another. All of them are smiling as if they've got no problems.
They are called the "Yasuragi." They are people who live a simple life; earning fortune through farming, fishing, and such. Merchants are also among them. Considering their lifestyle, majority of them have sun-kissed skin, and they're beautiful and vibrant.
The Yasuragi value peace and simplicity the most. They easily get contented with their life. They are people who are easy to deal with because they avoid conflict the most. They are also the most religious among the five kumi.
Beside our area are students in formal gray uniform, who are referred to as the honest people, a.k.a. the "Shin."
From the name itself, they value honesty. They believe truth will set us free. Free from what, I have no idea. They say whatever is on their mind, without lies and pretenses. They know when someone is lying or telling the truth. They may be fun companions, but they can get too frank it will hurt your ego. At least they don't stab you on the back.
People in this kumi aspire to be in the judiciary branch of the government. They also have the best psychologists, lawyers and interrogators (for prisoners). I've seen some of them, and they are really intimidating.
Next are those wearing blue clothes. Their tables usually are located in front, since they think they should always get ahead of everything to grab facts. Those people in neat clothes and eyeglasses are called the "Chi." Knowledge and facts are their most valued concepts.
Researchers, scientists, mathematicians, accountants, engineers, etc.—they are produced by the Chi. They are responsible for the modernization of Konoha. They invented the stuff we use daily, their minds working like machines. Their decisions always are based from research. They are objective. But to me, they are like robots.
Meanwhile, the unruly bunch at the center in liberated black outfits is the "Shinobi." Bravery is their signature trait. They are trained fighters who protect the village from criminals, may it be inside Konoha's walls or outside. They're not exactly evil, I guess. They are just liberated and violent. They always shout and run and climb high places. They do things to the extreme. They even run on walls.
Lastly, our faction's main purpose is to serve the public, thus the name "Yori." We wear white, to show how clean our intentions are, how we devoid ourselves of things for self-satisfaction. We manage the government, the Konoha Hospital and the Konoha Academy. Charity houses are also built by our kumi; most are for the "factionless"—those who were unfortunate to pass their chosen kumi's initiation.
I don't want to be factionless, because that would mean I will be alone forever.
We sit at the farthest corners wherever we go, we stand when in a bus, we wear the simplest clothes, we're not allowed to fix ourselves to impress others, we never celebrate birthdays or any special personal occasions, and most importantly, we're not allowed to feast on delicious food. Most are even tasteless, because we should not gain self-satisfaction.
But the Yori are good people. They are the most generous people I have ever encountered. And it's not because I am one of them. I just observe the people around me. I have never told anyone of my observations because it was made out of curiosity. That would be against Yori principles.
If the Yasuragi are the most religious, then we are the most traditional; always wearing white and silver kimono and yukata. We don't wear kimonos for its extravagance. It is only for tradition's sake. In fact, the designs are so simple almost one can't see it. Besides, our moves are restricted wearing kimonos, so there's no self-satisfaction at all. Our houses retain the traditional layout, unlike others who live in mansions, apartments and condominium.
So that's how our city rolls. The five kumi are expected to execute their roles properly so we can live harmoniously, according to its purpose of creation. So far, the balance they've been aiming for had been quite achievable. Everyone is doing their responsibilities. No one has been crossing the line.
At every second week of the year, all sixteen-year olds will make the greatest decision in their life. They will choose the kumi they will be associated with forever. Once you choose, you can't back out. Once you leave your kumi, you leave your family.
Two days from now, I will make a decision.
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A single ceiling lamp illuminating the dining room, we have our family dinner. Father is the one doing the talking, while mother gives comments from time to time. As a daughter, I'm not allowed to speak in front of the dining table unless I was asked. So I just eat in silence.
Father is talking about the conflict with the Chi. The Chi, considering themselves to be superior, wanted to take over the government, and so they are spreading lies about our leaders. Of course, Konoha relies on the Chi's inventions and knowledge for survival. Konoha had been used to living in modernity that the Chi people have brought us. They claim the entire village owes a lot to the Chi, thus the leadership must be handed to them instead.
But doing that would ruin the balance of the five divisions.
So, they spread nasty rumors like about that of our current president, Sarutobi Hiruzen, had been violent towards his son, Asuma, who transferred to the Shinobi almost a decade ago. The rumors indicate it was because of his cruelty Asuma had changed kumis, though his son denied it.
They make others believe that the Yori weren't really funding for the factionless and the village, and the Yori leaders were putting it in their pockets. That is not true. My father is in the senate while my mother is a teacher. Both of them are very active in charity events for the factionless. The organization even extends their generosity to the orphans in all kumis. The other leaders are also like that. I have the Senju blood, yet we aren't even rich.
Sarutobi-sama is good in handling alliances with other villages. It was because of his diplomatic skills that Konoha is in peace as of now. Isn't it enough to prove his competency?
"Are you prepared for tomorrow, Sakura?" My father, Haruno Kizashi, asks. He is already in his white yukata, ready for bed. His previously magenta hair is now fading due to his age. He may look and sound strict to others, but inside our home, unbeknownst to others, he is a funny, carefree father.
Now he is asking me for the aptitude test which will be taking place tomorrow. It is a test designed to determine which kumi an individual is suited for. We are supposed to follow the test results.
To be honest, I'm not ready at all.
"Yes, Father."
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The next morning I wake up early to have ample time in preparing myself. I am nervous, I really am. What if I did not like the results? What if I have to transfer to another kumi? I am scared of leaving my family. They had been with me through the years. They showered me with unconditional love. I don't think I can live without them.
I stand in front of my opened closet. My clothes aren't varied. They are all the same simple white kimono. There are some small patterns and they have different sleeve lengths, which made them distinguishable. But because they all look the same to me, I don't have a favorite. I am not supposed to have one, anyway.
After putting on the dress, someone slides the door open, revealing my beautiful mother, Haruno Mebuki, whose golden hair is already tied up to the standard bun. My gentle mother smiles at me and approaches the chair where I am currently sitting on.
"Let me fix your hair." Mother utters as she picks up the brush on the table. She runs her slim fingers on my long pink hair for a moment before using the brush on it.
The standard hairstyle of the Yori women is a neat bun. We are not allowed to have mirrors in the house, so I have learned how to tie my hair without looking at one. Vanity is a no-no.
My mother adores my hair, says it's beautiful and unique, like a cherry blossom, thus I was named Sakura. She likes fixing my hair for me. But I never liked my hair. I get weird stares from others because of it, and I am often asked if I dyed it. Dyeing the hair is forbidden in the Yori.
Instead, I wish I could have inherited my mother's hair. It glows under the sun beautifully, making my mother look like an angel. My pink hair cannot do it for me. They say I have her face and eyes, though. I am not entirely sure; I don't look for too long at a mirror to observe my features.
The moment she's finished, she gently spins my body to face her, her vibrant emerald eyes wandering over my face. She places a hand on my cheek, her thumb caressing it as if it's a fragile crystal.
"Believe in yourself, my daughter. Just know that whatever you will choose, I will always be proud of you." I feel tears gathering on my eyes. My mother has always been the first one to notice my distress and has always been the first one to ease them. She knows how to trigger such emotions from me.
I nod and wrap my arms around her waist. I bury my face on her stomach, the way I usually do when I was still a child.
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The annual aptitude tests are always held in Konoha academy.
We will go by batch, arranged in alphabetical order, regardless of the kumi.
There are waiting rooms allocated for each kumi. As usual, our room is quiet, the opposite of the people from the room beside us who are yelling as if they are talking to someone in another room.
I sit near the window for the view, my arms and legs crossed. I watch the people in yellow work on the peaceful Yasuragi farms, and I try imagining myself over there.
"Nervous, Ugly?" The guy beside me asks. His name is Sai. He's been my best friend ever since I can remember. He has slick black hair, handsome face and pale complexion, almost like a ghost. We were once neighbors; our parents were very good friends. But after the tragic accident that cost Sai's parents' lives, Sai was transferred under his grandparents' care. Of course our houses are not far. The Yori houses have the same looks and layout, and are separated in a consistent short distance. Sai's new home is like three rows away from mine, so we have no problems when meeting.
Both of us aren't good in making friends, so we only have each other, though we aren't in bad terms with anyone in the Yori. He's the only one who can tolerate my moodiness, and I'm the only one who can handle his straightforwardness. He even knows when I am on my period. And he's the only one allowed to call me "ugly."
"A bit." I respond with a small grin.
Then, mine and Sai's name are called. We stand up, along with a few Yori who were also called, and walk to the designated rooms.
My room is just beside Sai's. We smile encouragingly at each other before stepping inside the room. I take a deep breath to calm my violently pounding heart.
The room is small, and there's an inclining chair at the middle where some machinery is attached to it on the side. It looks like one of the surgical chairs at the hospital. I know it; my aunt uses one.
A woman in black whose short raven hair is tied up is fiddling on the small monitor on the chair, her back facing me. There on the left side of her neck is a weird tattoo. I can't clearly distinguish its form from this angle.
I look at my left, yelping in surprise seeing my reflection on the large mirror on the wall.
"Why are the Yori so afraid of mirrors?" The female asks sarcastically, finally facing me. She has slightly chubby cheeks, her round brown eyes glistening in mischief as she talks to me with a nasty smirk on her face.
I shrug; something like that won't intimidate me. "We are against vanity." I answer sporting a bored look.
The amusement didn't leave her tomboyish features. "Well, what are you waiting for? Sit down."
I bite my lower lip in embarrassment. The woman watches me like a hawk while I take a seat. Under her black jacket is a netted see through shirt. I can slightly see some tattoo on her navel area. Good thing she's wearing pants, else, it would be awkward to look at her. It's not a shock to me to see Shinobi dressed provocatively without care. Now I have a closer look, her tattoo is a swirl of three black commas. I wonder what that means.
"My name's Anko, and I'll be administering your test. Here, drink it," Anko hands me a small cylindrical glass containing blue liquid.
"What's this for?" I ask, staring at the liquid.
"Simulation serum. You're the first Yori to ask me a question about that." Anko responds sitting back on her chair to press some buttons. I widen my eyes and look away to hide my embarrassment. A Yori should not be curious. I hear Anko chuckling, clearly entertained by my reactions.
Serums are created by the Chi for several purposes, just like simulation, distinguished through its color. It's like a modern and more realistic potion. So, without further questions, I take the serum, shutting my eyes tight feeling the minty liquid flow down my throat.
Then, when I wake up, I am alone in the room. Anko is gone.
What is happening?
I slowly get off the chair carefully observing the place. To my alarm, I stand face to face with my reflection on the mirror. Look away. Oddly, I didn't tear my gaze away. I step closer to it, memorizing every detail of my face that I rarely see.
My skin is fair, almost no blemishes. I just proved I am a carbon copy of my mother; I recognize that heart-shaped face. My green eyes are wide and curious, like Mother's. I've never seen them so lively before. Then my pink hair. It's... really pink. It has a lighter shade than my father's hair when he's younger, as if my mother's blond hair had mixed with it. Oh, and I have a large forehead, too.
I frown. I look too weird. No wonder I get all those stares.
The sound of the door creaking snaps me out of my thoughts. The door is slightly ajar, and I take that as my cue to check what's behind that door.
I expect seeing the school corridor; however, surprisingly, I am outside the building. I don't even recognize the place. The ground is grassy and there are no buildings visible.
Then, I see a vicious black dog snarling at me, ready to eat me. I take a tentative step back, trying not to let the dog see my nervousness. I can feel my heart pounding in my chest.
I almost gasp when someone pats my shoulder. I turn back, only to see myself staring back at me. It is not my reflection. In fact, the building is gone and there is no mirror in front of me.
"Choose." My other self says, pointing at two tables at our side. The first table has a knife on it, while the other has raw meat.
Frowning, I gaze back at myself, asking why.
"Choose." She repeats, which makes me frustrated. I hate it when someone does not explain something that I have to do.
"I won't choose until you tell me what this is for." I say, getting more annoyed.
My double shrugs. "You'll regret it."
I hear the dog barking louder. When I turn back to it, I panic seeing it charging towards me. I look back at the tables, but they are gone, and are replaced by a scared young girl in Yori clothes. So that's what my double wants to say?
Oh no, I chant in my mind.
What should I do?
Something hits me. I read once on our textbooks that dogs can sense fear. I must stay calm, I should not make eye contact with it, and I most importantly, I must be motionless.
I do the first thing that pops in my mind. I pull the girl to a protective hug. Placing my hands on our heads, I crouch on the ground in a fetal position, forcing the girl to do the same, hoping it will be effective. I take deep breaths, attempting to calm my heartbeat and pulse. I think of happy memories to distract myself.
Soon, I hear soft whimpers in front of me, and when I open my eyes, the once vicious dog turned to a cute puppy.
I sigh in relief and is about to pet the dog, but I suddenly find myself inside a bus. I am sitting at the middle row, with a man in a black cloak and black hat beside me. I feel like I know him but I can't clearly remember.
I notice an old man standing next to me. Automatically, I stand up and have the old man take my seat. The man thanks me and opens the newspaper he's holding. Where is this bus headed to?
"Young girl," the old man catches my attention. "Do you happen to know the recent serial killer in Konoha?"
Serial killer? I glance at the newspaper seeing a familiar face on the picture with the headlines saying, "Government will give one million ryō for the head of this criminal."
It was a weird question. Of all people, why ask me? It's not like I'm the type to get associated with murderers… right? I don't know why, but I find myself looking at the cloaked man. He looks at me as well, but I can't describe his face since he's wearing sunglasses. I just know that he is the one in the newspaper.
And I seem to know him.
"Do you?" The old man repeats just like how my replica did a while ago.
The cloaked man still stares at me, and I want to point him to the old man. I really, really want to.
"N-No..." I say with a weak voice. Despite the need to tell the old man that I know the criminal, that he's right beside him, something holds me back from saying it.
I think of the possibilities. If I point at the cloaked man, he will surely make a fuss and might hurt the other passengers. On the other hand, if he gets busted, this old man who might be really a Shinobi pretending to be a Chi will arrest the cloaked man, and then the murders will end.
I make my decision.
"You don't know him, Miss?" The old man asks, again.
This time, I compose myself, looking at the old man with conviction.
"No."
I gasp for oxygen and snap my eyes wide open. A hand pushes me down and I see Anko looking at me worriedly. I blink the mist away from my eyes. I press my palm on my sweaty forehead.
Oh, so I was in the simulation? But what's with the look of worry?
"What's wrong? What's the result?" I ask breathlessly, still trying to catch my breath. That was my first simulation experience.
Anko looks at the monitor. "Yori..."
I almost sigh in relief. But I feel like Anko wants to say more, so I keep quiet and let her continue.
True enough, she speaks again after a few seconds, "...Chi, and Shinobi."
I frown. I got three kumi?
"Is that even possible?" I ask.
Anko nods. "Rare, but not impossible." But how? How am I supposed to choose now?
Anko gazes at me, the naughtiness her eyes had before is gone.
"The test is supposed to determine your trait, which will put you to the kumi your trait is suited for. The way you reacted in the dog scene; telling the girl you won't choose until she explains it makes you both a Chi and Shin, the way you protected the girl using your own body is a Yori thing to do, but the way you dealt with the animal, is the way a Chi would do. Those two actions combined makes you fit to be a Shinobi, as well."
My head spins as I try to absorb the information. So, the result depends on what I have chosen in the simulation? I just did what I have to do, and ended up having three choices?
"I created another simulation for you, in an attempt to erase the other traits. The bus scene. I hoped Chi, Shin, and Shinobi will be removed from the list because of that. However, only the Shin was eliminated."
"Wait, why did you hope the other kumi will be eliminated?" I feel nauseated from the serum intake and the sudden bombarding of new information about myself.
Anko sits properly, taking both of my hands in hers. Her face looks too serious I think I might be in danger.
And I am right.
"Because you, Sakura, are a special case. There are only a few of you who fit to be in more than one kumi. They call people like you a tokushu, and those in high powers want you all gone."
I gape at her. I will be killed?
"But why—"
Anko interrupts me. "If you want to live, stay in Yori. Because that's the result I encoded. Tell them I dismissed you early because you were not feeling well."
I want to ask more, to get more information, but Anko gestures me to go out through the backdoor. A Shinobi's wrath is not something I want to receive, so I quietly follow, sneaking one last look at the Shinobi in hopes she will call me back.
She didn't call me back.
Now I am confused more than ever. We are supposed to follow the test results, but my results tell me I'm compatible with three kumi. What should I choose now? Chi is definitely out of the list. So, I'll just be choosing between Yori and Shinobi, because both are plausible choices for me.
I groan. This is bad. I should only consider Yori for my family… and myself.
Since Sai isn't finished yet, there's only one place where I can relax for a bit. And there's only one person I can consult with.
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"Auntie, are you here?" I open the door, peeking inside to look for a busty blonde in her white uniform. But no one is inside, even if Shizune, the assistant, said my aunt is in. Shrugging, I still enter the room and take a seat on one of the chairs in front of a desk. There on the table is a glass plaque where "DR. TSUNADE SENJU, M.D." is written.
Like the entire hospital, this room's walls are painted white. Auntie's room is quite different, though. There are no picture frames inside, papers and medical books are scattered everywhere, not even being bothered to be placed in the gigantic shelf, and the smell of sake is always lingering. I wonder why her patients aren't bothered by it.
To be of use to my aunt, I begin arranging the books in her shelf. I may not know much about the medical field, but at least I know where each heavy book should be placed.
I really wanted to be a doctor, because it feels awesome when I help heal someone. However, it is a rule in Konoha that children are not to be trained yet in their kumi's professions until they have attended the Choosing Ceremony. Thus, I am not yet allowed to train as a medic.
Fortunately, my aunt, Tsunade, loves breaking rules, so she secretly taught me basics in medicine and healing when I accidentally told her I want to be a doctor. She even joked that my big forehead was a great help in my quick memorization skills.
"Sakura, what are you doing here?" A deep, commanding woman's voice shocks me, making me almost drop the Chemistry book I am holding.
I face the young-looking blonde in a white lab coat and white kimono. Even a doctor is not exempted from the restricting clothing. She may look young because of her flawless face and golden hair in pigtails, but she really isn't young; believe it or not, she's already fifty. Thanks to her specialization in Dermatology and General Surgery.
"Shishou!" I exclaim. I call her that way whenever we're inside her room since she's still technically my mentor. Judging from the small room where she came from, she just finished drinking sake, again. Seriously, she takes it as if it's water.
"The test is still on-going, right?" Shishou walks to her desk and slumps on her chair.
"Well, I'm not really feeling well after drinking the serum, so…"
"Then what are you doing here, fixing my damn books? Go home, drink medicine and rest!" Shishou yelled. She really has an odd way of showing concern. Heh.
I press my lips to a firm line while staring at my feet. I did not want to go home yet. For a while I wanted to forget about the aptitude test, the results and the Choosing Ceremony. If I go home, I will be forced to think about all of those.
The hospital is always my escape to my problems.
It's weird, but I have a feeling I won't be able to visit this place anytime soon.
Shishou seems to understand, for she stands up and makes her way to her small operating room. She looks over to me over her shoulder, with a small smile. I know she understands me.
"Show me what you have learned."
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I have stayed longer than expected in the hospital. It is already night when I got out.
Luckily, Shishou didn't have many patients for this day so she was able to focus on my little training. She's glad with my progress.
Even if I'm already late, I have chosen to walk instead of riding the bus back to the Yori compound. I have so many things to contemplate on, and walking around Konoha is always effective in making me think properly. I'm sure my parents will understand.
A group of Shinobi passes, rather, dashes by. They are all laughing and yelling about a successful mission they just had, whatever that was. I see them run through walls, jumping over roofs, until they enter a tent eatery, probably to have some sake to celebrate. I sometimes wonder how sake tastes like. Aunt Tsunade didn't want me drinking one because I'm underage. Actually, sake is prohibited in the Yori, but my aunt is really stubborn.
I suddenly recall what she said before I went out.
"I'll see you soon, my niece. Don't forget everything that I've taught you. You will be needing it. I wish you luck, Sakura."
Did Aunt Tsunade assume I will be transferring to another kumi? It sounds like a farewell to me. I mean, I haven't decided yet on what to choose. So, how did she reach that conclusion?
It's true that I have always envied the Shinobi's freedom, but there is no safety over there which I have in the Yori. Besides, I want to be a doctor. And the only way to achieve it is through staying. This way, I won't be disappointing my family, too.
"What are you doing, wandering around the city at night alone, young girl?" A dirty old man approaches me. His previously white outfit is already almost black in grime and tattered, his grey hair is unruly and smelly, and his ruined bag is carelessly slung over his shoulders. He grins toothless, and steps closer to me.
"Do you, by any chance, have some food to spare this old man?" The factionless says.
Indeed, there's a sandwich inside my bag. Mother always gives me extra food in case I stumble upon a factionless and give it to the needy. But, there's a gnawing feeling inside me saying I should not give it to him because he's scaring me. I have encountered lots of factionless on the streets, but I'm with either my parents or Sai so I am not the one doing the talking and giving.
Nonetheless, I fish out the chicken sandwich from my bag and give it to the man, hoping he would leave me alone quick.
"Ah, so it's Choosing Ceremony time, huh." He catches my attention. His grin becomes wider when I focus my gaze on him. "Little girl, choose carefully. Choose the kumi which will keep you safe."
I frown. "I do not understand. You must have failed the initiation of your chosen kumi?"
The old man laughs boisterously, which I find rude. I'm being serious here.
"Oh no, little girl. I quit. Because I chose the wrong kumi. I was not safe there."
Before I could ask what group he was affiliated with, he leans closer to me and whispers, "I am like you, young one."
He is also a tokushu? He confirms my question by winking. Ugh, that was disgusting.
"Sakura!"
At the side, I see Sai running towards me while waving his hand. Must have been hard running wearing that kimono and slippers. I look back to the old man, only to find him walking away while eating the sandwich.
"Don't worry, your secret's safe with me." The factionless says before completely going out of hearing range.
"Where were you? Why didn't you tell me you were dismissed earlier? I looked for you even at the hospital but Shizune-san said you're already out. You could have informed me, you know!" Sai rumbles, panting. He tends to get that way whenever he's worrying about me. Actually, I always make him worry. I am the more troublesome between the two of us.
Suddenly, just like what I had with Aunt Tsunade, I get the feeling of not seeing Sai again. What does this mean?
I am not even thinking of anything as I hug his waist and bury my face on his shoulder, inhaling the natural lemon scent on his clothes. It's amazing that just a year ago, I was still taller than Sai, and now he's inches ahead of me. When did his shoulders become this broad?
Sai takes me aback when he hugs me tighter, as if not wanting to let go. Are we having the same thought? Is he going to transfer? Or I'll be the one transferring?
We are weird like that. We can understand each other even without words. We can read each other like an open book. We can speak without opening our mouths. We are inseparable.
Sai pulls away but keeps his firm grip on my shoulders. The way he stares at me makes me nervous, but not the way the factionless did. It is... in a good way... I guess.
Then he finally talks. "I'll be selfish if I do this, but who cares? And please don't punch me."
His palms touch my jaw and he pulls me. Soon, I feel soft lips pressing firmly against mine. But it is not demanding. It is just there, not moving.
I cannot hear anything except for the violent beating of my heart and pulse. What is this? Why is Sai kissing me? Sai, my best friend through thick and thin? Sai, the person who didn't care seeing my underwear? Sai, who is immune to female wiles, is kissing me?
I release the breath I didn't know I was holding when he pulls away. He avoids meeting my gaze, because I can see how pinkish his pale skin has become after that bold move of his.
Or is it because he's disappointed I didn't kiss back? How could I, when he took me by surprise! He knows how awkward I am in the romance aspect so he should have expected that.
Still, it didn't stop me from smiling. Sai rarely shows affection towards me, so I'm really happy, even if it meant he wanted to take it to the next level.
But we both know we would not be able to do that.
I take his hand in mine, intertwining our fingers. I smile at him and he smiles back, relief crossing his features. So he was scared that I will shout at him. I poke his cheek. It is our way of comforting each other.
"Let's go home?"
He nods, his cheeks still pink, lifting his finger to poke my cheek, too. "Yeah, let's."
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We stop at our doorway. Seeing the lights are on, my parents are already home. I begin thinking of excuses as to why I came home late. My father gets paranoid always.
"So, I'll see you soon." Sai mumbles.
Why my smile feels so sad, I didn't know, because Sai does the same thing. My chest hurts.
I step closer to him, tiptoe and press a chaste kiss on his cheek, whispering, "Yeah, soon."
We didn't let go of each other's hands for a while. He tightens his hold on me, and I do the same.
But we know we have to let go.
"Good night, Sai."
"Good night, Sakura."
With that, Sai takes his leave, and I watch him until his back disappears from my sight.
I will miss him.
I spin and carefully skip towards home, cautiously looking out for signs of my parents. Hopefully they're at the kitchen preparing for dinner.
Unfortunately, Father is already there, looking all grumpy while crossing his arms. I swear I see his pink mustache move.
I gulp.
"F-Father..." I grin sheepishly, praying that my charms will have an effect on him. After all, I am his precious little princess.
His face remains stoic, as if he's in a senate meeting.
"Explain."
I know what he meant. He's not really mad at me. He is just worried and he's being fatherly. I'm used to his weirdness.
And I know the best excuse that will work on him.
"I went to Aunt Tsunade and had a long chat with her." Father is afraid of the Senju Tsunade. Well, who isn't? She's almost his wife's mother. Father had to suffer under Aunt's hands just to get her blessing.
"And you came home alone?" He is definitely finding a way to scold me. Heh, this geezer.
"No, I was with Sai."
His shoulders relax at the mention of Sai's name. If there's anyone he could trust the most with me, that would be Sai. And I feel the same way.
.
.
We did not talk about the aptitude test or the ceremony tomorrow. We talk about different things, anything to avoid the sensitive topics. Besides, we are not allowed to discuss to anyone about our test results. The decision will always be up to us.
It is nice spending time with my parents like a normal happy family. The tasteless chicken seems delicious to me. I already forgot when the last time I laughed this hard with them is.
When it is time to sleep, my parents take me in their arms. Actions like this make me teary-eyed, especially with my current situation. Father pulls away and gets inside their room before his tears could come out.
Mother stays, caressing and admiring my hair the way she likes to. I see her eyes also get watery, but she's doing a better job in holding them back unlike Father.
"Choose whatever will make you happy. We love you, Sakura."
Then, I realize, only my family can make me happy. There's no way I would leave them.
TO BE CONTINUED
Shucks, did I do well? Is it too long? Please do give feedback! It will help me a lot to correct mistakes and improve heol. Pretty pretty please *puppy eyes*
P.S. The changes I mentioned will start on the next chapter. Please do watch out for it!
P.S.S. You can find me on tumblr! It's: CHEERRY-BLOSSOMS :) I've been idle for a while tho, but I'm going active now! :)
Thank you!