Sakura woke up early morning. After doing her routine of shower, breakfast, and then take medicines; she went to her office to work on her pending projects and tasks.
Being the daughter of the CEO, people had always respected and greeted her every time they see her. However, as she entered her department; she noticed that there is an unusual teasing smile from her colleagues.
As she entered her office, there is a huge bouquet of flowers for her and huge white teddy bear. However, the most noticeable thing in the bear is that its shirt is black with a huge Uchiha symbol printed in the middle. Tied around the neck of the teddy bear is a necklace with a silver chain and an Uchiha fan as its pendant. She held and stared at the pendant and noticed that at the back of the pendant there was something engraved in it: "S & S"
It's pretty obvious who sent it but still, admittedly; she was surprised to see it. She was not expecting any more bold moves from him this soon. Thinking about it, it has only been a month since she has met him. Though there were advances from him before, this was the first time he had actually sent her flowers and a bear.
Minutes later, her phone rang and of course, it's none other than the perpetrator of her surprising yet sweet morning, Uchiha Shisui.
"Good morning, sweet heart!" Shisui greeted her enthusiastically.
Sakura laughed at Shisui's oh-so-vibrant greeting. "Good morning to you too and thank you for the flowers and the bear." She was actually blushing!
"Glad you like them… Like I said anything for you. And will you be busy the whole day?" Shisui asked.
"Not really…I'll just look after the preparation for the contract signing. Why?" Sakura sat in one of her huge office couch.
"I'll pick you up at around 5:30 in the afternoon."
Sakura frowned; curious as to what again Shisui was planning. "Hmm..Where are we going?"
"It's a surprise. Just be ready. Just wear something casual."
"Okay…See you."
"Bye…" Shisui hung up the phone.
*SHISUI'S OFFICE*
It's a great morning for Shisui and it's very obvious just by looking at his mood right now. Finally! This would be a start. He thought.
He resumed working and just right before lunch, he received a call. Not bothering to check who it is, he answered and a familiar female voice spoke over.
"Hello, Shisui-san. This is Yamanaka Ino, speaking." Shisui stopped whatever he was doing. It's unusual for his cousin's girlfriend to call him.
"Yes,Ino? Hello." Shisui spoke. He had a feeling that this is a serious matter.
"I need to speak with you. Are you free by lunch? Meet me at the Susanoo Tea house by lunch."
True to his gut feeling, it was indeed a serious matter and he knew it's all about Sakura.
"Okay. I'll see you then. Tag Sasuke, Naruto and his Hyuuga girlfriend along. I know you guys are the best of friends." Once and for all, he will make it clear to them and to everyone else what he really felt.
"Okay. We'll see you there." Ino replied.
***INO***
After ending the call with Shisui, Ino quickly sent a group message to Sasuke, Hinata, and Naruto.
To: Hyuuga Hinata, Uzumaki Naruto, Uchiha Sasuke
Meet me at the Susanoo Tea House now. Emergency. ASAP.
From: Yamanaka Ino
After sending the text message, Ino quickly dressed up and drove her way to the most popular tea house in Konoha, the Susanoo Tea House. The Susanoo Tea house is another property and business of the Uchiha Group. It is situated near the Ueno Park. It is a classic one-floor building but very huge that can accommodate lots of customers.
Ino was first to arrive and being the popular girlfriend of the owner of the place and famous designer, utmost attention was given to her. A young lady wearing a traditional kimono came immediately to assist her.
"Irashaimase, Yamanaka-sama." The young lady bowed graciously at her.
Despite being the rich and famous kid that she is, Ino was taught well with manners and conduct that's why unlike other rich people, she isn't snob. Ino smiled warmly at the young lady, "Thanks. If it is possible, I would like the room at the left most corner. Uchiha Sasuke, Uchiha Shisui, Uzumaki Naruto, and Hyuuga Hinata will be coming over as well so please lead them in that room."
The young lady bowed in understanding. Reaching the room, Ino settled at the center of the table. "I'll have my usual." Ino gave her order.
The young lady left the room and after a few minutes, she served the Blueberry flavored tea which is Ino's favorite.
15 minutes has passed, Uzumaki Naruto and Hyuuga Hinata have arrived. The two came in with serious faces. They obviously know that there is something going on.
The two settled immediately and then began asking for clarification. "Ino, what happened? What's going on?" Naruto crossed his arms as he demanded immediately for explanation. Besides Naruto, Hinata was also anxious for the news.
Ino sighed deeply and began informing the two. "Hmmm… You better brace yourselves."
"Uchiha Shisui likes Sakura."
And then there's the deafening silence. Both are lost for words. The silence was interrupted with Sasuke's arrival.
Sasuke greeted the two but only Hinata managed to acknowledge Sasuke's presence. Naruto then glared at Sasuke. Sasuke just closed his eyes waiting for Naruto's outburst.
"YOU! YOUR COUSIN!" Naruto stood up as he pointed his fingers at Sasuke.
Hinata and Ino stood up also trying to calm down Naruto. Sasuke, however, already expected this kind of reaction from Naruto. He's calm but he sighed deeply.
"Naruto… I promise you, I warned him to stay away from her." "But, they like each other."
Naruto couldn't believe what he has just heard. "WHHHHAAAAAAATTTT?" Hinata and Ino gaped too.
"Teme! I demand an explanation."
"Sit down you dobe!" Naruto took his seat, intently listening to Sasuke's explanation.
"It's like this. Simple. He likes Sakura, Sakura likes him." Annoyed, Naruto scoffed. "You can do better than that."
Sasuke was about to retort, but it was Ino who explained. "Naruto, it's not like it's hard to absorb that." "They both like each other." "But how? Why?"
Naruto looks so lost with this new information.
"I don't know how or why but you can't choose someone you'll love or like. You, of all people should know that."
"We know Sakura's condition. It's not gonna be good for her!" Naruto is getting frustrated again. "It's bad for her and…and you know it!" Naruto slammed his hand on the table.
Ino and Sasuke look exasperated because Naruto couldn't see the logic or perhaps, there's no need for logic here.
"No, Naruto-kun. I think he is good for her." The three looked at Hinata. Hinata is the polar opposite of Naruto. Naruto is loud, Hinata is quiet. She rarely speaks unless asked and this is the reason why the three intently looked at her. Very seldom that she voices out what she has in mind but when she actually does, it actually makes sense.
"Naruto… All this time, Sakura wants to live her life without any regrets, right?" Naruto nodded.
"Then who are we to deny that?" Hinata continued. "We should support her and we should be happy for her."
"What if he hurt her?"
"Who's to say that nobody gets hurt when you love someone?" "Loving someone isn't exactly like that right?" It is better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all…" Hinata's words echoed on his mind. Even Sasuke and Ino are amazed by Hinata's words.
Before they can continue their conversation, Shisui has arrived.
When Shisui came in, he can sense the serious mood and atmosphere. He is usually a humorous person but this time, he knows there is no room for funny jokes.
It's quite a while before somebody spoke. It's as if each of them is trying to find the correct words to begin with. However, sensing that not one from the younger ones would speak, Shisui began.
"Let me make this clear. I love your friend. I love Sakura and I'm willing to fight for her." Shisui got straight to the point.
The 4 young ones looked at Shisui's eyes. No one can deny the passion and conviction that he expressed at the moment.
Shisui continued, "You have doubts on me. I know I do not have exactly the best reputation out there, but I'm willing to change for her."
"Please don't hurt her." Hinata spoke.
"Sakura-chan is our dear friend…Outside, you may see that she is a strong person; but really…she is vulnerable. So we're pleading… please..please..Don't ever hurt her."
Shisui bowed his head to everyone's surprise. "It's a promise."
Naruto nodded and of course, being the Naruto that he is…"Jaaa…. I'll kill you if you hurt her!"
Sasuke scowled. Ino and Hinata just sighed. Shisui rolled his eyes. And from there, a friendlier atmosphere ascends.
"Hey, we're actually planning to have a picnic with our friends so maybe you can join us." Ino exclaimed excitedly.
"When do you plan it?" Shisui asked.
"Actually, there is no specific date yet. We're still fixing it." Hinata answered.
"Why not later?" Shisui asked.
"So short notice!" Ino grumbled.
"You know, sometimes short notice is bêtter than long time planning. It has better element of surprise and excitement." Shisui grinned.
"Actually, we're supposed to go out later but I figured out that why not enjoy with Sakura's friends…" Ino and Hinata smiled. Well maybe yes, he really did like her or else he wouldn't
bother spending time with the people who Sakura-chan held so dearly.
"Hmm… Fine. Let's see." Ino started to call Tenten and Temari who in turn will tell Neji and Shikamaru, who will call Chouji.
Hinata called Kiba, who in turn will call Shino.
After 20 minutes of calls and texts everyone replied and confirmed! While the girls are busy planning here and there Naruto, Sasuke, and Shisui are randomly talking about business and politics. Talk about how men hated planning…
After having lunch all together, courtesy of Shisui, everyone went to do their specific tasks and chores.
Ino and Hinata prepared the food. While Naruto and Sasuke went to buy some booze.
Shisui went back to his office and picked up Sakura from her mansion.
***5:00 PM/Sakura's House***
Sitting in their family living room, she rested for a while after drinking her medicine. While waiting for Shisui, she tries to remember all the moments she has with Shisui. Simply thinking about it, she finds herself smiling and laughing.
It has only been months since they met, but Shisui has somehow crawled into her life. To her, Shisui is an epitome of sunshine and happiness. No matter how dire the situation is, Shisui almost manages to make everything seems lighter and better.
It's 5:30pm as Sakura checks her watch. A loud honk can be heard and a few seconds later a door bell can be heard.
Sakura opened the door to find a very casual yet handsome Shisui. He is wearing a dark jeans and black Ralph Lauren polo shirt and top sider. His scent smells a very expensive Armani. She smiled as she greets him. Shisui gave her a soft kiss on her cheeks as his greeting.
"You look very beautiful, Sakura." Shisui just couldn't take his eyes off her. The way he stares at her speaks a thousand words and emotions that couldn't be put into words.
Blushing, she thanked him for his sweet words. "Thank you. You look very handsome too."
"Shall we go?" Shisui asked.
Sakura nodded. As soon as they settle in Shisui's car, Sakura asked where they are going.
"Where are we going?" Sakura asked as she looks at the road.
"It's a surprise." Shisui smiled teasingly.
Sakura snorted. Admittedly, Sakura is not a sucker for surprises. When life throws her this sickness, she somehow lost excitement over things.
"You're not really fond of surprises, are you?" Shisui stated.
She scoffed and shook her head. "Believe me; I don't know how life can surprise me anymore."
She did not intend to sound so bitter or pessimistic but for her, what life has thrown her made her out of the loop.
Shisui never failed to notice the bitterness and sadness in her voice. He is so tempted to ask but then, he has this gut feel that it will be a long, hard, and heavy conversation. He stared at her momentarily and in that moment; he suddenly realized that Sakura has been through or is going through something. And he intends to find out.
They were near their destination already so he decided to let it go.
"We're here." Shisui called Sakura's attention whose mind appears to be somewhere else.
"Huh? Sorry. I was thinking about something." Sakura apologized.
"It's okay. I just said we're here already." "Come on."
Both left the car and went to the park. "We're here at Ueno Park!" Sakura exclaimed happily. She is happy to be here as she remembers that she used to play here a lot with Ino when they were kids. During high school, Naruto, Sasuke, and she would also come here as their meeting place whenever they have group study.
"Why are we here?" Sakura asked. Shisui stood at her back and suddenly placed his hands on her eyes. "It's a surprise. Just trust me on this. You'll like it." Sakura couldn't help but feel giddy with Shisui's surprise.
Shisui was leading the way and when they got to their specific destination, Sakura heard multiple familiar voices just in time as Shisui removed his hands on her eyes.
"SSSSUUUURRRPPPRRRIIIISSSEEE!"
Sakura's eyes widened in surprise as she finds all her closest friends! Ino, Sasuke, Naruto, Hinata, Neji, Tenten, Shikamaru, Kiba, Chouji, Shino, even the Sand siblings are there – Gaara, Temari, and Kankurou.
Standing in front of all her friends, she remained speechless. She was shocked and touched beyond words. Teary-eyed, she looks at the happy and smiling faces of her friends as if memorizing every detail. She stares at Shisui with a very appreciative and longing look. I'm sure he has something to do with this. She thought.
"Thank you very much, guys." Sakura said as she really really tries to control herself from crying.
"Go on, sweetie…" Shisui encouragingly push Sakura to her friends. She stares at Shisui again, and muttered, "Thank you for everything…"
Shisui watched Sakura as she was being engulfed by a bear hug from none other than Naruto. One by one, her friends hug her proving how much they really had missed and love her. Even the usual stoic and emotionless Gaara and Neji hugged her longingly.
He is usually good at body language and observation so seeing them like this; he knew that there is more than what meets the eye. It's not the usual welcome happy hug he usually sees between friends, because to him, right here and right now, every hug and tight embrace transcends an unspeakable emotion which is a mixture of happiness and sadness. The question is why?
While Sakura still greets her friends, Sasuke went over to his elder cousin. From Sasuke's point of view, it's very obvious that his cousin already smells something fishy. Shisui is not dense and definitely not an idiot. Intelligence wise, he is actually at par with Itachi. Sooner or later, he will find out. He thought.
As Sasuke walks towards him, Shisui knows that the way Sasuke looks at him tells him that there was an inner debate on Sasuke that is going on. Consider it a gift or skill acquired, the Uchiha clan, in general can communicate and understand with each other with just a look.
The group enjoyed the picnic all afternoon and night. It was almost 10 in the evening when the gang decided to call it a night.
After taking Sakura home, Shisui went straight to the Uchiha mansion.
***UCHIHA MANSION***
Arriving at the Uchiha mansion, Shisui found Sasuke and Itachi waiting for him at the side pool.
"I knew you would come." Sasuke spoke. Itachi remained silent. Shisui remained standing.
"Tell me what I have to know." Shisui. Itachi stood in front of him. "I hope you're ready to know cousin." Hearing Itachi say this made Shisui uneasy. It's unnatural for his ever calm cousin to warn him like this. Itachi's words were hopeful. Hopeful that he will be able to take it.
Sasuke stood. He knows there's no point in going around in circles. "Sakura…" He was just about to start but he cannot say it eye to eye to his cousin. "Sakura…She is dying."
He closed his eyes. Sasuke told him all about Sakura's condition. And until the very end, he remained speechless.
"So now you know why we're so over protective of her." Sasuke exhaled.
It was at that exact moment when Shisui forgot how to breathe. He stood emotionless. It's as if everything went silent and everything stopped moving.
It took a while to sink in. So many questions ran through his mind right now but before he did, Sasuke already explained everything.
"She was diagnosed with cancer when she was high school. It's the reason why she left. It was crazy, I know. Even us her friends got shocked when she told us. Naruto went berserk. Ino and Hinata won't stop crying for how many days. And I was hurt and angry also. She was my friend and sister in many ways. Life is so unfair but you know what despite that, Sakura was never angry."
Itachi and Shisui were listening and so absorbed with what Sasuke told them. "What are you gonna do now, cousin?"
He fought hard not to cry. But he can't hold it anymore. "I'm not gonna leave her. I'm gonna stay with her."
"Until the very end."