Chapter 1: The Place to be when there is Nowhere Else to Go

Sakura looked around, eyeing the store in its entirety. Sure, for the past 19 years of her existence, she or her parents had bought their groceries here, had had frustrating memories of inept workers attempting to give assistance, and still kept returning despite whatever substandard values the company held. But to actually work in the place was another matter in itself entirely. What of the past 19 years of evidence let her overlook some serious infractions on the company's side to its employees and customers?

The answer was simple: money.

College funding was putting a serious dent in her accounts and warning sirens were blaring in her conscience that no job meant no money for tuition of her fall semester. And that was not an option in Sakura's life. No school meant no future. So she warily put away the treachery of the stores' seedier side from her thoughts. Phrases like "no union" or "sexual harassment" and "little to no employee rights" trudged from her mind; phrases like "$14 an hour" and "little social contact" entered instead.

Sakura sat in a somewhat lavishly styled lounge. The furniture seemed new enough, the color of white chairs, lamp shades, and curtains matched against deep black colored desks, book shelves and filing cabinets. Yet they were placed on old-fashioned laminated floor design, alongside yellowish-looking walls that made the place appear somewhat dingy. Sakura just assumed that this was the theme of the store: attempt to be modern and hip while hiding behind a façade of decay. At least, that was how she scrutinized the situation. Her emerald eyes swept over the clock to her left.

3:05PM

Damn, how could a business run without punctuality? Sakura, the newb that she was, knew at least that much. It wasn't so much as a rule but more so assumed as etiquette for society. What kind of business turned their back on society? Twiddling her fingers until the manager arrived seemed a waste and there was no one near her who she could ask. So instead Sakura took this time to admire her appearance. Though she already loathed the job, appearance and professionalism overrode any and every feeling of underachievement. She would conquer this job like she did Calculus or Gym class; it was just another obstacle for her to leap over. And although she dressed to kill, her outfit had not sent her wallet reeling in despair. Her gray pencil skirt complimented her slim waist and toned legs, while her shirt, a light yellow tee could be seen underneath a fitted blazer.

Although Sakura was about to enter her second year of college, she dressed in the style of a professional business woman. If she had to flaunt her ability to not only be mature, but look mature as well, she would. Sakura could admit that she wasn't the most beautiful thing to behold, Ino had claimed that trophy, but she knew that she was pretty at least. Not as pretty nor innocent as Hinata though; she had nabbed that prize first as well. Still, Sakura's looks had attracted the attention of a few decent boys in high school and college as well. It was her own blindness and stupidity that kept her from venturing into a relationship. And Sasuke. But that was a whole colossal topic in itself. One that she kept tucked deep within her heart.

She closed her eyes and leaned back in the chair, resting her head against the wall behind her. Maybe, just for a moment, she would think about their last date. Konoha Central Park. Underneath the stars, Sakura thought, how cliché and romantic. Trying to name constellations, who knew that I could bullshit so well? Sakura sighed, about to retrieve another precious memory when she heard a cough. Opening her eyes she saw the manager standing in front of her, a somewhat nervous expression on his face.

Standing slightly closer than I would appreciate, Sakura noted. His eyes were slightly watery; maybe bleary was the better word though. Horror struck Sakura's thoughts. Is that alcohol on his breath? The manager's eyes trailed from her face to her hair, wrapped inconspicuously in a bun, with a look of distaste. Sakura's feelings shifted from disbelief to annoyance and she fought the urge to roll her eyes. Was it really her fault for having natural pink hair? However, in the name of professionalism, Sakura stood tall and looked into the man's eyes.

"Hello, sir. I am Sakura Haruno. Last week I met with the Human Resources manager, Mrs. Lee. She said to come back today to meet with you to learn what my job will entail," she didn't hesitate, each word was spoken clearly. Nervousness bubbled in her stomach; she was always worried of making bad first impressions, even if it was to some drunk, half-assed manager. In her eyes, he would either be her ally or her enemy, and God knew that she didn't need any more problems in her life.

He looked at her thoughtfully for a moment, caught by surprise from the tone of her voice. Her stature might have been somewhat slight, but she spoke with authority. His eyes roamed her face again with renewed interest.

"Sakura Haruno," he said slowly, tasting her name on his tongue, "it is a pleasure to see you here again. Mrs. Lee had lovely things to say about you. Both her and I believe you are the kind of person we need working in our store." Pleasantries really, Sakura thought, let's just hammer out the details so I can head home already.

"That is much appreciated…sir"

"Mr. Hana," the manager supplied.

Pause.

"Well, that is much appreciated Mr. Hana," Sakura responded, barely able to suppressed a giggle. Flower? "Can you explain to me what I will be doing on my shifts though? Mrs. Lee said that I would be a night cashier."

"Yes, that is correct. Let's go into my office and sit down. There are some forms you must fill out today as well before you can begin work," Mr. Hana directed her to his office and an open seat. Sakura did not miss the slight stumble her manager took as he sat down behind his desk.

"I'm sorry, but would you mind closing the door Miss Sakura? The lunch crowd will be coming back soon and I don't want us to be disturbed by the noise," Mr. Hana explained. Sakura sat stone faced for a moment. What the hell? Lunch crowd at three in the afternoon? She took a glance at Hana's face and saw the expectation. As she stood up and closed the door behind her, Sakura thought of the little self defense that she knew in the event that she would have to use it. Cautious was be her middle name, and she would be damned if she were caught unawares.

As Sakura sat back down in her seat, Mr. Hana began his dialogue again, "Alright Miss Sakura, now where did we leave off?"…

It was after four when Sakura left the store. Her hand hurt from filling out various tax forms, employer-employee confidentiality forms, and of a series of how-to quizzes of nonsense common mistakes NOT to make. Selling alcohol or tobacco to a minor is obviously a no-no, she thought sarcastically, as her eyes scanned question after question. Aside from the annoyance, uneasiness pooled in her stomach, and left her feeling somewhat nauseous. Although Mr. Hana did not do or say anything in particular, her insides squirmed whenever he addressed her by name or looked at her. And it wasn't a warm, tingly feeling either.

Sakura sighed out loud and looked up at the sky. It was clear and blue. Not a hint of rain at all. She lived about ten minutes from the store, and with no money for a car to drive walking was her only option. How Sakura was going to cope with moving her possessions back into her dorm was beyond her; how was she even going to get to school without a vehicle?

"Well at least I'll have money for tuition next year," Sakura said aloud to no one in particular. But, seeing as how no one was around, she was more or less talking to herself. As her feet carried her through the better part of downtown and into the residential side of Konoha, Sakura passed the park. Ever the scenic view, children were playing tag and flying kites, parents were chatting happily and couples were holding hands. In fact, there was one such couple walking in front of Sakura, giggling and smiling, their eyes holding love and affection for the other.

And just like that, it seemed like a mirror was placed in front of Sakura. She saw herself and Sasuke, in the same manner, all smiles and giggles. It was too much. A sob caught in her throat, and her eyes widened in surprise to her reaction.

Sakura turned her back on them. The couple and the park. She decided to head right, past the department store instead, because in truth it was a short cut in going home and Sakura didn't feel like wasting any more time.