I decided to be free and to walk away. I'm tired of the daily drama I'm experiencing. Like my unrequited love and my inferiority in a lot of things. I want to get away from it and start anew.

So I asked Shishou to grant what I ask. She almost didn't allow me to travel around the world and explore many things about plants if she hadn't known the real reason why I'm moving. I'm glad she was able to understand me although I'm sometimes vague.

Although it was supposed to be a secret, my small group of friends somehow got the Intel about me leaving. Geez, Konoha is such a small town. But anyway, I wan to see them for the last time. So I'm not going to run away.

Sigh. Today is the big day. I already said my goodbyes to my family and they quite understand my need to go. I have to find one of the endangered herbs that could cure some certain disease. It's a perfect alibi.

I'm standing now at Konoha's main entrance gate. I stared at the place. The place I called home. The place where I found happiness. And the place where all the heartache of mine was born.

I wonder how many years would it be to see this beautiful scene. I let out a big sigh and gave a sad smile. I turned my back since it's really getting late. Maybe they were all busy, I thought. I took a step and suddenly a familiar voice called me.

"Sakura-chan!"

Naruto, I smiled.

He hugged me tightly and for the first time in so many times, I did not punch him. I want to hug him, to feel how warm he us. I'll surely miss all the fun times I had with him. He was the perfect definition for safe haven. Though sometimes he's a bit idiotic. I almost did not want to let go but he released me and I saw everyone behind him.

Everyone was there, even Sai. He smiled at me and wished me luck. Tenten and Neji gave an approving look. Lee cried. Shino was still Shino but I noticed he somehow gave me a nod. Kiba was smiling with Akamaru and Hinata was giving a sweet sad smile. Shikamaru nodded and Chouji was still eating his favorite potato chips.

A tear almost drop but I stopped myself. And lastly, there they were, Sasuke and Ino, the newly wedded couple.

My heart sank and it felt like it was torn into million pieces. But I managed to give a huge hug to Ino, my best friend. Sasuke was still insensitive as ever and looked at me so coldly. But there was something else in his eyes.

Sasuke always looks so outstanding above everyone else, and he is a jerk. He's the jerk who broke my heart. That's why I'm leaving. I can't continue to see the days where I can see them together. I don't want to be depressed forever. No matter what I do, find a guy or date somebody, I just can't love anyone but him. And if that means I have to leave these huge gates, then I'm leaving.

I don't really think I'm running away. I have faced reality. I accepted the fact that he can never be mine now. And I'm struggling with it. But I want to end it and redeem myself. That's why I have to go.

"See you all soon," I said gathering all the sheer courage I have inside. And I looked forward to my new path.

"Sakura," Sasuke? With his cold yet sincere voice, my eyes became watery and I suddenly want to break down but Naruto caught me and held my hand. And I remembered what I should do.

"Yes, Sasuke?" I looked at him, and again I noticed that there was something in his eyes. Was that sadness? No. I must be fooling myself.

"Well… I… Be careful." He said so unsurely.

"I will," and I smiled.

Naruto let go of my hand and I left. And I didn't look back because I can't help the tears that are insanely falling from my eyes. I can't help but cry.

author's note: please don't be too harsh on your reviews. it's my first time to publish a story. thank you! :)