Chapter 2: Edge
"Sakura."
"What is it Sasuke-kun?"
"Is it okay for you to go outside of your apartment in that…you know."
"Oh this?" The pink-haired pointed her lack of clothing—only an underwear under an oversized shirt. Then she laughed. "It's not like this is the first time you saw me in this state." She didn't even blush.
"Yeah…an everyday occurrence. Never hurt to ask." I muttered, then whiffed a smoke from my cigarette.
She laughed again. "And it's not like it bothers you. With your line of work and all that."
"You sounded like I do it everyday." You don't have any idea how much it bothers me. But I'm not going to complain…
"Aren't you a host, though?" She cocked her head in question.
"'High Quality Host'. I'm completely different to the amateur ones, so I don't have to offer myself every single night with those women. They beg for my attention, and they happily pay me for it."
"Someone's on their high horses here." Sakura said sarcastically. "So why is the high and mighty living in this dump?"
"'Coz it's closer to my workplace. Besides, I only need a place to sleep and take a shower, so there's no difference if I live here or in a luxurious apartment."
"Hmph. You're arrogant as ever. Didn't you change at all?"
"Hn." I ignored her comment. "What about you? Why do you live here? As far as I remember, you are someone who gave importance to her own image."
"Well, yeah. You're right about that—I do care about appearances. We actually quite have the same reason for living here. But unlike you, it's because this place is relatively far to my workplace—two stations away."
I took a peek on her face, contemplating if I should ask this question. My curiosity won so I asked. "Does it have something to do with that malnourished-looking guy you're dating?"
"What? He's not malnourished! He's just skinny!" She frowned. "But yeah, it does have something to do with Sai and it's not of your concern, Sasuke."
I was hurt, but perfectly covered the pain on my face, and then shrugged. "If you say so."
"So…" She immediately changed the subject. "…aren't you going to visit Naruto?"
"That again?" I lit another cigarette from my pocket, carefully hiding my nervousness.
"Yes. That again." The pink-haired placed her knuckles on her hips. "You were away for ten long years, Sasuke! Don't you know how much it hurt and worried him?"
What about you…?
"You asked me not to tell him you're my neighbor, but God! Sasuke! You are already living here for two months but not once have you paid a visit to him, or even called him! What's wrong with you? You are his best friend!"
"Were, Sakura. Were."
She heavily sighed, "You're such an ass, don't you know that?" practically ending the conversation.
"…" Don't you think I know that? I've been telling that to myself for years.
"Bye, Sasuke-kun. I also have to go to work." Sakura waved half-heartedly. "Have a good day." She added, like she totally didn't mean what she said.
"Bye."
You're such an ass Sasuke.
Masochistic ass.
Yeah. That's why she replaced you with that malnourished pale bastard.
But aren't you the one who left her on the first place?
Because you conceitedly assumed she'll be happily waiting for your return.
Which apparently not.
...
…
Hi! I posted the second chapter to make this clear. . .this IS a SasuSaku fanfic. It's just that, Sakura dating Sai is part of the plot. So please don't drop this. It has been my dream to write this pairing so I hope you'll give me this chance.
Sore ja~!
Matta ne~~!
Sincerely yours,
Natsuki
(P.S. Reviews, Favs and Follows are very much appreciated. Thanks a lot minna~~!)
