He noticed that, in spite of her seeming brash and spoiled, they had a lot in common. They both loved traveling, going out with friends and going to the gym almost every day.

"Well, that explains why you look so attractive", complimented Naruto, as Ino simply replied,

in a manner so expected of her:

"Duh!"

Naruto couldn't help himself and could hardly stifle his laughter.

Ino pouted once again. She looked him over, noticing his broad back, strong arms, lean torso and thought 'Well you look damn good yourself'.

"Thanks". This time he had a huge grin on his face, along with a barely visible blush on his cheeks.

"Huh?"

"You've just told me I look damn good."

Now it was Ino's turn to blush, as she was completely unaware that she had voiced her thoughts.

"Enjoy it while it lasts, Naruto. You won't hear me say that again."

"Ino... What exactly do you mean?" Although it came off as teasing, he suddenly had a hunch she meant more than simple teasing.

"After I return home, my father will surely start preparing the engagement party. Since I stormed out of his company earlier, I may even be banned from going out for a while.

Not just that, I am about to be engaged, and you like a girl already, so I think it's best we don't meet again."

Naruto listened to her carefully, although every word she said made him feel sad and lonely.

What's up with me? I've just met this girl, this feeling makes no sense. he thought.

More importantly, he had to answer her.

"Are you just going to give up without even putting up a fight?"

Even though she wanted to say no, she knew her father was a persistent man. Once he set his sights on something, it was as good as done.

"Unfortunately, yes. I can't stand up against my father the way I am now. And you?"

"I am going to fight for my life. I haven't been able to choose the life I've lead up to now, but I will choose my future."

Ino could only stare at him in amazement. There was a lot more to this guy than meets the eye.

She wanted to get to know him more, but it was time to face her destiny.

They got up to leave. Naruto took care of the payment, not without Ino's protests, though.

Once they were out, Ino started walking away.

"Where do you think you're going? It's almost nighttime."

She stopped in her tracks at his words and looked around. Indeed, the sky was painted with pink and red hues, as the sun was slowly setting, signifying the end of yet another day.

She had to admit she felt restless walking alone and wanted to ask him for help.

Before she had a chance to do that, he gestured towards his car and said:

"Get in, I'll drive you home."

She agreed and stepped into the car once again.

She gave him directions to her home from the town center and he knew where he needed to go.

He's been to that district once, as a child. His childhood friend, Sakura, used to live there. He hadn't seen her since and wondered what she was like now and if she still lived there.

The car ride was quiet and smooth. She looked around the car and noticed he was driving a Lexus RC.

It was metallic orange and had a very sleek appearance.

She knew those cars cost a fortune.

Just who is this guy? Not many people having a family business can afford this type of car...

Her train of thought was interrupted by the buzzing of her phone.

"Ino pig, where the hell are you?!" shouted the voice on the other side of the phone as soon as she answered the call.

"Forehead, quit yelling, geez! Ok, this is what happened..."

Ino went on and told her everything from the beginning to the current moment.

"And let me guess, now you like this guy?" , Sakura said in a clearly amused tone.

Ino could feel her cheeks heating up.

"I-I do not!" she tried to explain, but she just earned an earnest laugh from her friend.

"We'll be there soon. Meet me in front of my house in 10 minutes, okay?"

"Ok Pig, and you'd better be in one piece."

Ino hung up with an exasperated sigh.

"Looks like your friend was very worried about you", Naruto said in a quiet voice.

"Yeah, she always panics like that."

They drove for a little more as Ino instructed him to park in front of the huge teal mansion.

In front of this mansion he saw a familiar sight: a girl with short, pink hair, gazing ahead with emerald eyes. He couldn't believe it. Was it really her?

Sakura...