It was the fifth of March, on a Friday. I was reading my favorite manga, Skip Beat!, when I heard an unexpected knock at the front door. Considering the time, I was surprised at the visitor. So surprised, in fact, that gave a little jump from where I was sitting on the couch. I placed a small piece of torn paper between the pages in my book and stood up to answer the door. When my hand was mere centimeters away from the doorknob, I stopped myself. If it was a businessman calling for my mother or father, I would need to look presentable. My clothes were fine, but I was lacking a bra and my hair was a bit mussed up. I pulled a sweatshirt over my head to hide my bra-less chest and ran my fingers quickly through my hair. The person at the door knocked again, this time rather impatiently. I opened the door towards my body, smiling softly for politeness.

I saw Tenten, silhouetted against the rain and street lamps behind her. Her hair was sloppily pulled back into a single bun at the back of her head, and her winter coat was only halfway on. She was out of breath, as if she had just ran to my house. She probably did, since she only lived a few houses down from me. I hastened her in and went straight to the kitchen to prepare a hot cup of tea to stifle her chattering teeth.

"What are you doing here?" I asked. "Without even calling me - what if I wasn't home?"

"I'm sorry," she apologized. "I guess I just wasn't thinking. I came here as quickly as I could." I noticed how she avoided my eyes, looking at my nose or hairline at best. "Is it alright if I stay through the night?"

"I don't know," I said uncertainly. "My parents are out of the country for the weekend for work, so I can't call them to ask." I felt guilty after looking at the expression on her face. "Why?" I asked. "Are you alright?"

"It's not me I'm worried about, Saks. It's you." She finally looked me in the eyes, and my stomach dropped because of it.

"Me?"

"Please, let me stay. Your parents like me. I won't make a mess of the house. And by the time I ... Well, you'll need me here." She looked at me once more with pleading eyes. I could see and feel her heart break. "Please, Sakura?"

I sighed audibly. "Alright. But if I find out that you're scaring the crackers out of me for nothing, I'll kick you out in a heartbeat." I gave her a stern look to show I wasn't joking.

Fair enough," she sighed, and shrugged off her coat. "Hey, Saki, what do you call it when two fat people are talking?"

"A heavy discussion!" I giggled into my fist. "Is it corny joke time? 'Cause I got a good one!"

"Nah," she grunted, smiling a bit herself. "I just needed you to laugh before I broke the news. We should sit down for this."

I nodded, sitting in my previous seat on the couch. I knew I should be worried with all the foreshadowing she gave me, but my chest was still tickled with the humor of her joke. So I sat down, somewhat cheerfully, next to Tenten, and watched her pull out a thick manila envelope. It looked crisp and still sealed.

"I haven't even opened this myself yet. I just hope these pictures don't look as bad now as they did when I shot them." She put a shaky hand to the clasp and retrieved a stack of large photos that looked around fifty or so thick. She tossed the empty envelope aside and sat closer to me, placing the stack of photos on both of our legs. The one on top was of Ino and Sasuke, walking side by side in front of the school. Ino, my best friend, had her elbows bent completely upwards in order to grab her backpack straps. Her hip was swayed out to one side flirtatiously. Sasuke, my current boyfriend of almost a year, was watching her jabber, thumbs in his pockets, and a small smirk on his face. I wasn't too worried by Ino's flirtatious manner. Sometimes she would flirt without even realizing it.

Ino was one of my closest friends. Even if she wasn't the absolute closest, I had definitely known her the longest. We may not get along all the time, but we had a special connection that just couldn't be broken, no matter the argument.

Sasuke and I started dating my sophomore year in high school, a year after I had dropped the fangirl act in freshman year. Of course, there was still a part of me that longed for the unobtainable, so when he asked me out, I reluctantly agreed. I told myself that if he was an arrogant ass just once, I would end it, because I deserve someone better than that. He's been true to his promise to be a better person, and so far has been an excellent boyfriend to me.

"I'm not sure I understand," I told Tenten.

"Just keep watching," she said and flipped over to the next picture.

I looked at the next picture. Ino is leaning forward pressing her breast to Sasuke's chest. He's whispering in her ear while she giggles. She's grabbing his hand and leading him somewhere. They're behind a shadowy wall of the school. She's kissing his neck. He's playing with the hem of her shirt. Their hands and mouths are all over each other.

Tenten was about to move onto the next picture, but I told her "stop." She looked at me with tears in her eyes. I blinked. Not only were my eyes not wet, they were parched. I suddenly realized that I hadn't blinked once the whole time. "When was this?" Even though most of me knew the undeniable truth, part of me still hoped this was before Sasuke and I were an item.

"L- Last week. I only just got them published." She fiddled her fingers. "There's one more thing you should know." She flipped through the pictures once more, making sure I couldn't see the images. She pulled one out of the stack and held it out to me. It was similar to the previous ones – Ino and Sasuke locked in an embrace – but in this picture, there was a third figure standing around the corner of the wall.

"Is that Hinata?"

She nodded.

"Is she – keeping watch for them!"

"Yeah, after I took the picture, I walked around to where Hinata was standing. She kind of screamed, like she normally does when she's surprised, but I think it might've been a warning signal because when I walked around the corner, Ino and Sasuke were copying homework papers. Hinata told me that they were copying her paper and she was keeping watch for teachers."

I was silent for a moment, lost in my thoughts. I was gracious for Tenten's equal silence; while she was normally loud and blunt, she obviously sensed my need for quiet. "Well," I said to her. "I have a plan. Will you help me?"

"Yes." She nodded with purpose and her mouth set. "I'm with you on this. What they're doing is wrong, and I won't stand for it."

"Great." I pulled out my cell phone and pressed speed dial number three. She picked up after two rings.

"Hello?"

"Hey, Pig. Listen. You and Hinata are going to come over tomorrow night." I made sure to keep my voice blank. It wasn't that hard, considering the news hadn't even really sunk in yet.

"Um, sure. What time?"

"Let's say… seven. Eat before you come though, my parents are out of town and they keep track of the food."

"Sounds good. I'll call Hinata for you. I have homework to ask her about anyway."

"See you then." And then I hung up.

Speed dial number two.

"Hello, Beautiful."

"Hey. Are you busy tomorrow?"

"Maybe, I'm not totally sure. Why?"

"It's time," I said seductively.

"You mean- really? You're ready? Are you sure? You know I don't want to pressure you one bit."

"Mmm. Be at my house at nine in the morning."

"You got it. Love you."

I snapped the phone shut again and returned my attention to Tenten. "We're going to the store. Meet me outside by the car. Bring the pictures. I have to grab my shoes, keys, and flash drive."

She nodded and started gathering the pictures into the envelope. I walked up into my room and grabbed my flash drive. Thinking twice, I also threw on a bra and brushed my teeth. On the way down the stairs I grabbed my shoes, and on the way out the door, I grabbed my purse.

"Where are we going first?" she asked as I turned the key in the ignition.

Hatred surged up through me, but I smiled a twisted kind of smile. "The lingerie store. Sasuke's in for a huge… treat. Then we're going to any place that allows you to scan photos and put them on a flash drive or CD. Then we're going to go to the mall. You know that little store that has all kinds of video editing equipment? We're going to make a video." I knew that my lack of description of my plan worried Tenten, but she didn't say anything. I think she was scared because of the speed I was driving at.

We got to the first store in fifteen minutes. I picked out a sexy black lingerie set. The old lady behind the counter looked a little disgusted with me, but I didn't care. I've been holding out for years, and I wasn't about to lose my virginity any time soon. We made a quick stop at Best Buy and scanned all of the horrifying photos onto my flash drive. We then stayed at the mall until four in the morning making the video before we finally drove back to my house, exhausted. I was satisfied.

I glanced at the clock. Four-thirty in the morning. Tenten had already collapsed on the couch and was snoring soundly. Thinking I might as well get some shut eye, I laid a pillow and some blankets for myself on the floor. It was common courtesy to stay with your guest while they were over, so I wouldn't be retreating to my room. I set my alarm for eight in the morning and shut my eyes, but it was another hour before my mind stopped racing and allowed me to sleep.

Ugh. Why did I stay up so late? Oh, that's right. I turned off my alarm and sat up. Sometimes two and a half hours of sleep made you even more tired than none. I stood up and popped my back. "Tenten," I called, "Time to get up. Sasuke will be here in a little bit and I'm pretty sure you won't want to hear the screams." I said this as if it were perfectly normal in my lifestyle. I briefly imagined what it would be like to have sex every other week – then I remembered, I wouldn't want to be like Ino in the slightest.

"Grooooss, Sakura. Let me sleep." She was mumbling into her couch cushion.

"Go to the bed in the basement. It's partially soundproof down there. We'll be upstairs anyway."

"Ugh – fine." She lazily stood up and dragged her blanket behind her by one corner like a child. Her eyes were still half closed and she was pouting, but she went to the basement nonetheless.

I hopped in the shower. I only had an hour before Sasuke's expected arrival time. Making sure I was completely devoid of any hair whatsoever took up most of my hour. There were many times when Ino had told me that my hair looked like sex hair when I just blow-dried it, so I made sure to not style it any further after that. I pulled on the lingerie and waited on my bed. It wasn't too long before a got a text from Sasuke saying "I'm here." I responded telling him to come on up, I'm waiting, and put my phone down, heart pounding.

Thirty seconds later, my door creaked open and Sasuke came in, holding a dozen red roses. I smiled sadly. Looking at his nervous but excited expression, it would be impossible to guess that he had been cheating all along, with my best friend no less.

His eyes rested on my body, and the roses fell out of his hand. He glanced at them quickly and tried to pick them back up while still looking at me. "Leave them," I told him in what I hoped was a husky voice. "Come to me." I ran my fingers over my nearly bare stomach.

He walked towards me slowly, transfixed. "Are you sure, Sakura?"

I almost cried then about what I was about to do to him. He really looked like he was absolutely in love with me, caring more about my securities and feelings than the obvious bulge in his pants. Not trusting myself to speak, I nodded. He walked over to my side, holding my hand gently. He kissed me lightly, hesitantly on the lips. We became more involved in the kiss, and all my troubles melted away. He was on the bed with me when an image of him and Ino in a similar embrace flashed through my mind. I almost bit him.

He took my aggressiveness as a sign of desire, and began to feel me a bit more. But the more he kissed me, the more I began to realize that I wasn't the only one he's been kissing. I suddenly pushed him off of me so that he was standing up right beside the bed. I grabbed a cloth and tied it around his eyes. His arousal was nearly breaking through his zipper.

"Sasuke," I whispered, knowing full well I wouldn't be able to speak. "I'm going to try something, alright? Don't be scared; just go along with it… I promise it will be enjoyable."

Well. Enjoyable for me, anyway.

I unbuckled his belt and pulled his pants down around his ankles. He was wearing only boxers now. My exhaustion wore on me, and my eyes grew tired. But I had to get my revenge. I held my breath and prepared myself for what I was about to do – I pulled down his boxers until his erection was in full view. He still couldn't see what I was doing. I suppressed a shudder as I grabbed him gently. I felt him shake in pleasure and anticipation. I knelt down, and let go of him, searching for my target.

In one quick motion, I grabbed both of his testes, one in each hand, and twisted and pulled as hard as I could. I heard his cry of pain but felt no regret. He dropped to the floor, clutching his groin. "What the fuck!"

"You lying, cheating bastard!" Emotion swelled in my chest, some of it breaking through. I was angrier than I had ever been, but I still could not, would not cry.

"I - I don't know what you're talking about!" His voice was strained. I was glad to know that he was still in pain.

"Bullshit!" I grabbed the stack of photos next to my bed and thrust them at his face. He ripped off his blindfold and looked at what I had thrown at him. He blanched, and stuttered for words that would not come. I leaned down and grabbed him with two hands around his neck. "Don't you ever come near me again, look at me again, or speak to me again. Get out of my house and never return." I narrowed my eyes to slits, wanting to see him, just as little as possible.

He pulled himself up slowly, still in pain. He pulled his pants back up and stumbled to the door, muttering under his breath.

"Oh, and Sasuke..."

He didn't turn, but stopped for a second to show he was listening.

"If you breathe a word of what happened here to anyone else, I'll triple your pain." I couldn't have Ino forewarned of what was coming. But I wouldn't be doing the same thing to her. Physical pain to girls was worth nothing. Emotionally was everything.

He nodded jerkily, his chickens' ass bobbing up and down. Then he left. Exhausted, I fell back onto my bed. I lifted my phone up to my face. My eyes squinted at the screen, and I tiredly pressed the buttons to set an alarm. I was to wake up at six in the evening, an hour before Ino and Hinata were to arrive. And with that, I slipped into unconsciousness.

I woke up for the second time that day, feeling much more refreshed than the first. My bones creaked as I stretched and my stomach let out a low rumble. I was still wearing the lingerie from earlier, only it was wrinkled from being slept in. I slid the fabric off and replaced it with some light pink fuzzy sweatpants and a baby blue tank top.

Halfway down the steps, I smelled pancakes. Upon further inspection, I saw Tenten wearing an apron, flour and batter all down her front. Her hair was sticking up in various places. Her face was flushed in frustration. The kitchen was littered with dirty dishes, and burnt pancakes were everywhere. In the center of the mayhem, Tenten was standing; a smile on her face, holding a plate of six perfectly cooked pancakes covered in syrup, chocolate chips, and cherries.

Despite everything, I couldn't help but to laugh. She had put in such an effort for me, failed, and tried and tried again, finally producing a perfect batch. "And this is why I love you," I told her, hugging her around her shoulders and stealing the plate.

"Heh... Sorry about the mess." She smiled lightly.

I choked on my second bite. The mess! It was horrible. "Gollee, Tenten! What'd you do to the place!" She gave me a sheepish smile. I finished my meal as quickly as possible and started cleaning up the kitchen. It was already quarter after six, with forty five minutes before Ino and Hinata arrived.

The mess really was bad, I decided while trying to scrape something burnt off of a black pan. Mind you, this was the third charred pan I was scraping. Tenten and I both worked until we had a layer of sweat on our skin, determined to get the kitchen sparkling again before my parents got home. If there was one thing my mother couldn't stand, it's a dirty house.

Finally, the house was acceptable again. The clock on the wall read quarter till seven. "Come on, Tenten," I said, grabbing my keys from the counter. "We're leaving."

"Where are we going?"

"I'm taking you home. You've been great, really. But this is something I want to do alone."

She nodded understandingly and picked up her things and a pancake. The thing I loved most about Tenten was her ability to know what to do at exactly the right times. Her current silence was perfect for my desire to mull over Ino and Hinata's visit, and the reason for it.

When I got home, finally by myself, it occurred to me how lonely I really was at the moment. I didn't have Sasuke, Ino, Hinata; my parents were away and unable to be contacted. The only one I really had was Tenten. And of course, Naruto. But this isn't really something I'd like to talk about with him. I took a break from my thoughts to pop some pizza rolls into the toaster oven. Five minutes later, the doorbell rang.

My heart immediately dropped to my stomach. Nervousness took over my thoughts. I knew what I was doing, but at the same time felt like I had no control. I nearly watched myself walk to the door and open it.

"Sakura?"

The sound of Ino's voice sent waves of hatred and betrayal through me. My vision went partially black.

"Are you alright?"

I snapped out of my daze "Um," I stammered, trying to regain sense of the situation. "Yeah. Come on in. Pizza rolls are almost done." I opened the door wider so that Ino could strut through, followed by Hinata.

"Wow, Sakura," Hinata said. "It looks really nice in here. Really clean. Especially in the kitchen."

"Ha, well, I guess that's all thanks to - Naruto." Shoot! I almost said Tenten's name. Once the girls found out the reason for their visit, I didn't want them turning on Tenten. Sure, I knew she wouldn't be their friends anymore, but it would be a horrible experience to have Ino really mad at you.

"Naruto?" Ino asked in a nasally voice. "How could he help?"

"Well he came over earlier." The lies spilled from my mouth. "He attempted to cook and made a mess of the kitchen. I wanted to clean it up extra well to get his stink out." I felt horrible for insulting a great friend of mine, but I knew the answer would satisfy Ino, and I didn't want her suspicious. The whole point of the plan was to shock her to tears. That wouldn't work if she already had wind of the plan or even what I knew.

"Ha. He's such a dork. Who can't cook? He should at least be able to make something simple!"

I nodded slightly. "Hey, there's a movie I'd like us to watch. Is that okay?"

"Well, it's a little early for movies," Ino said. "Can we do something for a bit until it gets darker out? Then we can make popcorn and have blankets and the whole shebang."

"That sounds good to me," piped in Hinata. "What's the movie about, Sakura?"

I smiled sadly. "It's more of a documentary that I made about the three of us and our friendship so far. Where we've been, where we are, and where we'll go."

"That sounds awesome, Saku-chan! I can't wait!" Ino leaped over and hugged me around my shoulders, and I couldn't help but imagine how she must've grabbed Sasuke in a similar way.

"That sounds like a really nice thing to do, Sakura. I can't wait to see it either."

I smiled widely, for a reason they didn't know. "So, truth or dare?"

"Just a few rounds. Then the movie," Ino said, plopping down on the couch, pulling out a deck of cards, half labeled "truth," half labeled "dare."

I don't remember much of the truth or dare. I was able to completely forget about the betrayal for a few moments and have a last laugh with my friends. That is, until my seventh turn.

"Ino, truth or dare?"

"Um, let's go with truth. I think your poor house has seen enough of my body." We all giggled, remembering her last dare.

I pulled a card from the truth pile and read it out loud. "Have you ever done something you'd regret? Why or why not?"

My heart dropped. I didn't know what I wanted her to say. Yes would mean she's actually sorry. But if her answer was yes, I would have second thoughts about the video I was to show them. If her answer was no, then I would be hurt beyond all measure, knowing once and for all that the young woman I thought to be a sweet, caring, and loyal best friend was only playing me.

"Well... I guess... No. Not one thing."

Both Hinata and I looked at her in shock. "W-Why not, Ino-san?"

"Because I live like this moment is my last. No regrets, no 'what-if's.'"

"So," Hinata said slowly, "If you knew you were to die tomorrow, is there anything you would say to me... Or to Sakura?"

Ino gave Hinata a stern look. "No. Not a thing." Her answer was firm.

"I would," I said. Both of them broke their staring match to look at me in confusion. "Have something to say, that is. Which is exactly why I made this video. Let's watch it." I couldn't stand another moment of the game. I wanted them out as soon as possible. It's time, I thought to myself evilly and dramatically.

"Sure!" Ino said rather excitedly. "I'll get the popcorn, Hinata, you get the blankets and pillows, and Sakura can set up the movie." We all stood up, ready to follow our designated roles. I went up to my room to get the video I stayed up so late making. While there, I also grabbed my cell phone.

If anyone asks, you were at my house earlier today. You tried to cook and made a mess of the kitchen. This is really important. I'll explain later.

I sent the text to Naruto. A few seconds later, my phone buzzed.

Fine. But it better be a good explanation! And just remember that I don't take the fall for just anyone!

I typed back: Thanks a bunch. I'll call you later tonight. Gotta go, business to take care of.

I didn't get a reply, so I tossed my phone onto my bed and jogged back downstairs, DVD in my hand. Hinata and Ino were waiting for me patiently on the blankets, so I quickly set it up and pressed play.

The opening scene was a picture of me, a child of six, sitting under a tree and crying. Multiple girls were laughing at me. The screen faded into another picture, of Ino standing in front of me, telling off the girls who were making fun of me. The music in the background was what we deemed "our song." The next few photos were of us in our first years as friends - awkward preteens, shy freshmen in high school, sexy teenagers.

The next section focused on Hinata. We had become friends when I started tutoring her in Spanish. She had almost cracked under the pressure when I stepped in. The first pictures were of me and her, in my room, leaning over a book.

There were now two sections left - one with pictures of all three of us and the grand finale. Through the third section, I felt two hands grab my own, Ino on my left and Hinata on my right. I looked over and saw they had tears in their eyes. I blinked and discovered that I myself had tears down my face. I only wished they were for the same reason. I squeezed their hands back.

As the third section of the video came to an end, pictures including more of our friends showed up. One had the whole gang. The last had a picture of just Ino and Shikamaru. I had a reason for this - Shikamaru was the only boy Ino truly cared about, the only one whose approval she deeply desired. Reminding her of this would amplify her shame of having an affair with Sasuke.

Tension built up in me, and I ended up squeezing the girls' hands harder than I thought. Ino looked at my offending hand quizzically, and then turned back to the television. I assume the music, once cheerful, now dramatic and angsty, had caught her attention. The screen went black, and yellow italicized words appeared.

Ino

You were always my savior, my guardian angel. You're the reason I have friends, confidence, and am the person that I am. We made plans for the future, to go to the same colleges, to be the Maid of Honor in each other's weddings. You pledged to always be by my side, no matter how huge my forehead is. That means more than the world to me.

Unfortunately...

The screen went black, and then was filled with green words.

Hinata

As shy as you were, are, you saw the good in me. You brought the best in me out. You taught me how to act civilized. When I rebelled, you put me back in line. When I fought with anyone, instead of siding with me, you forced me to be fair and considerate using your gentle demeanor. Thank you - you also made me the person I am today. I wouldn't be able to keep the friends Ino got me without the optimistic and sympathetic attitude you gave me.

Unfortunately...

The screen went black again, but only shortly before a picture of Ino and Sasuke in a romantic, sexual embrace appeared on the screen. It was the same picture that had Hinata standing around the corner, keeping guard for Ino and Sasuke.

Red words appeared above the picture.

I hate you both.

For the last time, the screen went black, then blue. The video was over.

Ino's hand had long left mine. She was using both of them to cover her mouth. She was silently crying. Hinata's hand went limp in mine. She passed out and fell over.

I stood up and looked down at Ino's horror-struck face. "Never speak to me again." There was venom in my voice. "Don't even look at me." She looked down to her lap. "Leave my house, and never come back."

I watched her scurry away, leaving Hinata behind without a second glance.

Me? I wasn't so heartless. I knelt down beside her and shook her awake. "Hinata, get up." She stirred a bit. "I'm going to drive you home."

The ride to Hinata's house was long and awkward. She broke the silence ten minutes in.

"I'm sorry." Her voice was so quiet I almost didn't hear her.

"It Doesn't matter. You should've told me."

She started to cry a little bit. "I was s-scared. She bullied me into it."

"And you thought that if you did the right thing and told me the truth I would abandon you and leave you to Ino's mercy?" I shook my head. "There's no excuse."

The trip was silent the rest of the way.

"Come over," I said into the phone.

"Are you sure? It's kinda late."

"Yeah. It's really important."

"Sakura... Are you crying?"

"Just come over. And bring your special hot cocoa."

Beep.