HELLOOOO EVERYONE! I AM SO BACK! (after the exams that has finally ended! Yeah!)
And,
Let this story continue!
This will be a long chapter so sorry for the long wait; I have been typing as fast as I could and amending it time after time…Hope this chapter is alright with many parts…
Hope you enjoy it.
Before that, many thanks to all of your previous reviews! Appreciate them as your support to this story and sorry I couldn't reply to each and every of them as always…still kinda busy though but will in the next, okay :D
Now let the story continue!
Sweet Seventy
Seven…Loser Desperately In Love!
'Childhood friend, huh…' after seconds pause 'Childhood friend, huh…'
It isn't like him to keep repeating the same phrase in his head over and over again. Moreover, he had been blankly staring at the piece of sweet bun on the counter table the whole morning. Hesitating…
"Childhood friend, huh… Sigh…" Sasuke had it long and exhausting from his endless mind-battles. "What should I do…Sigh…" again, long and tired. He is tired alright since he couldn't sleep; tossing and turning all night long last night, top that he was previously already exhausted.
"Be…honest…" an eerie whisper in the ear startled the raven boy.
"U-UNCLE!" Sasuke leaped aside, holding his chest. "Please uncle, don't scare me like that… It is too early in the morning…"
"You said it, it is still too early in the morning to decide whether you are going to get rejected, boy!" the old confectioner chuckled merrily. Not that Sasuke liked the sound of it and he bet that his old man had something in mind.
"I-I-I don't understand w-what you m-mean…" shyly, Sasuke turned his gaze away in denial which earned him a rough ruffle of his neat hair; the old man's habit.
Argh, he is messing it when it took him time to set it straight!
"Ah, don't play dumb pal. You're all flushed already! You can lie but you can't hide it!" out from nowhere Kiba 'popped' out to tease.
"K-K-KIBAAA! Go away!"
"This is so like you, Sasuke. A shy boy as ever. Haha!" Uncle Brown again chuckled and ruffled the boy's head. Sasuke secretly pouted; he couldn't deny that he liked how Uncle Brown did it to him. He felt loved. "There is no harm being shy, see it not your weakness but your charm point. But. It may be your worst weak point."
Sasuke turn around to look at the old confectioner with questioning eyebrows. This old man is so confusing sometimes.
"What are you saying Uncle? You don't make sense!"
"Be shy not timid! Have confidence in your own ability. I am sure you could pull through a childhood friend!" Uncle Brown just couldn't stop messing up that dark hair of the Uchiha's.
So he knew about Sasori! And it must all be Kiba's blabber mouth! Sasuke glared at the opposite boy whose baby fangs protruding happily in acknowledgement of his doing and whisked off before he gets hit.
"E-Even so…Sakura-chan…s-she's in a total different world than m-mine…" Sasuke muttered.
"Before you say that, get rejected first! Now, run along or you'll be late to school! And take this!" the veteran handed Sasuke the sweet bun, winking. "If you really get rejected, I'll treat you to dinner at a five-star hotel and my shoulder to cry on."
"Not the shoulder but I don't mind the dinner," Sasuke joked.
"Only if I think you get rejected! Now go already!" Uncle Brown gave the Uchiha a smack on the back. Sasuke stuck out a teasing tongue; what a child.
The sun is bright. The birds are chirping. Leaves began to turn towards the shades of the wonderful autumn. And the weather is perfect! Just perfect for something good to happen…or maybe could happen but the thing is…
Can Sasuke really confess?
Just thinking about it made his heart go skittish as he stared at the sweet bun in his hand, ready to give it to the pink haired female he specially made for and standing at the main entrance of the school building waiting for her to arrive.
Does he look a little silly like this?
As he was conscious that students were throwing weird glances at him as they passed and girls were giggling, he must really look silly; probably his face had reddened from his skipping heart. Really, he is currently very nervous and the fact that Sakura is about to show up any minute now only made his heart race.
How is he going to confess when he is already this nervous before he could even face her?!
"Sasuke-kun…Sasuke-kun….Sasuke-kun!"
"Huh?! Wha?! S-S-Sakura-c-chan?!" the young Uchiha jumped at the sight of the pink haired girl with bright emeralds glimmering at him. He must have looked like a fool for that minute his mind drifted off. "G-Good morning Sakura-chan!" straightening himself he greeted her and so does the red head caretaker standing beside her. "Good morning Sasori-san."
Sasori greeted in return no less like a professional.
"What are you doing here, Sasuke-kun?" Sakura randomly threw a question; something which Sasuke hoped she had never asked.
He couldn't just say that he was waiting for her to make a confession not when that annoying childhood friend is around! He stole glances at Sasori who wore that plain stoic facial expression as he stood with perfect posture beside Sakura holding her belongings.
What a butler-like!
"Is there something wrong, Sasuke-san?" the red head asked; annoying!
"N-Nothing…" the Uchiha shrunk.
"Sakura-sama, I think we'd best be going," Sasori advised which Sakura agreed to.
"Um! I want to go to the library first," she said in the cutest way; it was the first that Sasuke had ever heard her telling someone where she wants to go in advance when usually she would head off without a word.
Sasori; this person sure is someone different, thought Sasuke.
"Sasuke-kun, want to come along?" My oh my! Sasuke's heart skipped happily on her offer but the stare that came from Sasori made silent warnings telling him not to accept.
Scary! Sasori is menacing to begin with and Sasuke confirms that this man isn't just the simple childhood friend at all!
"S-Sorry Sakura-chan…I…I had to wait for a friend…" the Uchiha quickly lied earning a satisfied smile from Sasori of doing the right thing.
"Really? I'll be going then. See you in class, Sasuke-kun." With that, Sasuke watched the female whisked away with her caretaker.
Back to square one, eh…?
He was supposed to wait for a friend?! Bullshit! He was supposed to wait for her and confess! Why the heck did he lie for just because he got silently threatened by some childhood friend who thinks he knows it all?!
Don't give up Uchiha, there's always a chance! Yeah!
Well…not really…although the sun is bright. The sky is blue. The birds are chirping happily. The weather is great! However there isn't anything great that has yet to happen... As long as that red head childhood friend of Sakura's existed, nothing will go smooth as Sasuke wants it to be. In the end, he ended up with his all-boys' group for lunch under the usual tree.
Munch. Munch. Munch!
"Want some, Sasuke?" Kiba offered his lunch box.
Sasuke shook no with his head hung over staring at the sweet bun he carefully cradled in his hands.
"How about snacks?"
Sasuke shook again.
"Drink?"
And again.
"That's it Uchiha! I can't just babysit you all day while you sulk!" Kiba scolded the demotivated Uchiha who sat slumped against the tree bark since he got here. Kiba sighed at his poor friend. "Seriously that red hair, who does he think he is?!"
"Red hair? You mean the person in tux following the little girl everywhere?" Sai asked peeking from the edge of his magazine of art collectables. Kiba nodded,
"That guy stood behind class all day! How annoying! And, he threw vicious glares to whoever tries to get near Sakura-chan! What is he now? A guard dog?!"
"Ssssiiiigggghhhh…." Oh look who is here, the lazy genius Shikamaru!
Everyone in the group welcomed him as they made space for their latest member who joined their little all-boys community. Shikamaru lay next to Sasuke to laze off a bit under the shade, fanning himself.
"Ssssiiiggghhh…Yaaaawwwwnnn…."
"What's with the yaaaawwwnnn…no, I mean sigh, Shikamaru?" Kiba rubbed his eyes a bit. "Didn't you just head off to the canteen?"
"I don't feel like buying food anymore," lazily the boy replied scratching his back lazily. "The canteen has become too crowded as a part of the canteen has been taken for personal use…yawwwnn…"
"Personal use?"
"The Haruno girl had her maids and butlers reserved it so the canteen is like…personalized lunch table? Sssiiiggghhh…rich people are so troublesome…" Sasuke's head perked at the sighing boy the minute that particular name was mentioned in a way of scorn.
Why does everyone seem to misunderstand that Sakura isn't the sort who would do such a thing? She is a sweet girl, lonely and a miserable damsel! It must be that red head childhood friend's pampering session!
Don't ask him why he knew, he just knew!
"SASUKE-KUN!" That voice! From afar here comes Ino. Great…Sasuke could feel his skin creep by that particular presence and not only her,
"SSSSAAAASSSUUKKKEEE-KKKUUUNN!" Karin. Please, oh, please, can't they not drag it for once? "We're joining you for lunch! Isn't it great!" Erm…not really.
Fangirls; they are all nice, Sasuke had to admit and he sure is lucky to have many who all go crazy over him so do the prettiest and smartest girls. It is such as sad waste that he only eyes for the small female who everyone calls weird.
That single female who could be so close yet so far. They lived in completely different worlds, he knew that but he just couldn't help falling for her…
"Why are you girls here anyways?" Sai bluntly asked; he somehow disliked the way the girls disrupt peace in this area.
"Can't we? We are here for Sasuke-kun!" Ino retorted as she opened her neatly packed lunchbox.
"It is not like we could use the canteen since there is some royal princess who would throw an extravagant feast for lunch whereas we commoners only get lunchboxes and bread!" Karin snorted.
Sasuke stayed silent although he disliked the fact that these girls started to gossip in a wrong way about the Haruno Sakura. Everyone does! These people are probably just jealous about how rich she is! But never ever did Sakura boast about it, Sasuke bet on that. As he said, she is a quiet, smart, pretty little girl who happened to be extremely wealthy despite her brusque attitude.
"Not only she's a show off, in class today, she had her butler stood in class. Like a total princess, she had him do everything for her. Taking her books, pouring her tea and even help her up on her seat! Can't you believe it?" Ino said waving her chopsticks with dramatic air, Karin laughed; they come down to agreeable terms when it is about gossiping.
"Hey, hey, girls cut it out already. You're going to upset someone with those words," it was obvious that Kiba was considerate about his silent pal who chose to stay silent to listen. He understands Sasuke is just being tolerant and a-man-of-peace type, these girls just don't know when to stop.
"It's not like she could listen to us gossip about her," said Karin not getting the hint. "Moreover we are speaking truths. What a spoilt brat she is. I bet she might want her butler to carry her to class soon enough. That's no different from being useless!"
"So tru—"
"QUIT IT!" Sasuke finally erupted, for the first time he couldn't sit to listen anymore.
The group stared at him with stunned expressions; it is a rare sight to see him mad. Kiba pursed his lips a bit knowing that this would happen; too bad the girls didn't take the hint.
"Uh…Um…Sasuke-kun? You're mad is because of something we've said? We're sorry…okay?" Ino quickly apologize in hopes to melt away the growing tension.
"Sorry? You were never sorry! Not at all!" Sasuke shot up standing with his frown directed towards the girls, he is seriously angry. "What do you girls know about Sakura-chan? What do you understand about her? What makes you think you're better than her?!" he gritted his teeth, clenched his fists.
Sasuke hated this. He hated being mad at someone, it takes him a lot of courage to be angry and he disliked it but those girls just don't know what they are going at. His poor Sakura being bad mouthed behind her back…it is just too cruel.
To be honest, he actually felt silly; is he the only one who supports Haruno Sakura when many others disagree about her?
"My, my…Sasuke, you're in love…" Sai spouted in the midst of the hanging tension. Sasuke jerked, taken aback by those words and immediately brought him blushing with an expression of honesty.
"No…way…" Karin and Ino gasped in disbelief.
"There's no way…Sasuke-kun? You like that weird shorty?!" Ino cupped her mouth.
Sasuke uncontrollably blushed even harder; his face was obviously reflecting truthful feelings in his heart as he went redder and stiffer. Kiba sighed to himself at the situation his poor shy friend is stuck in although it was a nice sight to see.
"Y-Y-YES! YES I AM!" Sasuke felt his shoulders lightened. "I like Haruno Sakura! I like her so much I couldn't even tell her that!" as he was honest, the girls went speechless and dumbfound.
And it seemed that the group was all silent as well. Who could have thought that Uchiha Sasuke would have such strong feelings for the school's weirdest pink haired girl? Excluding Kiba that is.
It isn't easy to confess especially when he is Uchiha Sasuke; the greatest shy boy in history. Sasuke's temporary confidence shrunk when he began receiving the weirdest stares from the group.
Now that they had seen the real Uchiha Sasuke, he bet the girls might think he isn't too cool after all…
"Well said…" That monotonous voice; that comes deep and rich as expected from Sasori.
In his classy posture, he approached the young Uchiha with a plastered a sinister smile on his face. Sasuke didn't like the air that he carried and that smile that hid many scary intentions and the fact that he is Sakura's special someone.
Sasuke couldn't deny that he is beginning to despise this person more and more.
'What is he doing here anyway?' his heart spoke while he wouldn't dare speak before Sasori could.
He watched the red headed male's eyes darted back and forth reading the atmosphere without bothering to make many gestures then said,
"What a nice gathering in the weather…"
"Duh! Thanks to you we had to sit out than having meals in the canteen!" Karin snorted rudely and she earned herself a smile.
"Supposing this suits you even better or should I say that not even the canteen is even fit for Sakura-sama to indulge in," Sasori said with a smug; gentle words yet it was absolutely mocking!
No one dared speak another word the next except glare.
"And you, Sasuke-san," he started again. "What do you know about Sakura-sama? What do you understand about Sakura-sama? What makes you think you could like Sakura-sama?"
Those words! He must have heard them all!
Sasuke couldn't be more taken aback though he tried his best not to show too many expressions; Sasori, what is he trying to imply? Why is he here in school in the first place? And it feels as if Sasori is particularly against him?
"Just because you are a little closer and friendly to Sakura-sama doesn't make you any different," Sasori lowered his eyes intimidatingly at Sasuke. "And also just because you think you could impress her by those awfully sweet stuff could only reflect how much of a fool you are."
Those words were obviously referring to the sweet bun that Sasuke carries in hand as Sasori stared in scorn at.
"What?!" Kiba could not stand to listen without defending the shop's goods. "You can talk all you want but not Sasuke's stuff pal!"
Sasori only smiled wider, this guy is utterly mocking! Worth a good punch in the face that is for sure! But when his facial expression grew serious and menacing, he forcefully snatched Sasuke's sweet bun off his hands, crushing it with the force of one hand.
It was a shocking sight of how dangerous Sasori can be when he doesn't agree. Everyone didn't dare make a sound out of fear.
"…?!" Sasuke stood helplessly in silence as he dared not move a muscle when Sasori inched closer to him.
"A bakery boy adopted by Marcus Brown, an orphan whose brother went missing years ago and a popular sportsman who is just nothing but a school star. You made Sakura-sama save your shop by swindling? What makes someone like you fit to like Sakura-sama?" Sasori whispered behind clenched teeth.
"Hey, watch the tongue buddy. What do mean by swindler, Sasuke's pure hearted!" Kiba snarled. Sasori snorted disbelievingly.
Sasuke felt irritably intruded; what makes this man having the rights to investigate about him? So what if he is a bakery boy? So what if he is poor with few coins? What makes Sasori any better for Sakura?
He is irritated, terribly yet his tongue hung in silence; he just didn't know how to argue about it instead he wish to cry. He is timid like no other boys and he hate fights!
Sasori tore apart from the close contact and said lastly before leaving,
"On another note, Sakura-sama never liked sweets. It makes her sick."
That was so harsh…Sasuke disliked him. Sasuke really hate that childhood friend!
Gazing upon the clouds, watching them float in the sky; of no worries or the need to concern about time, they just go with the flow with the wind. The cooler autumn is coming, easing summer's heat. Isn't it just exciting to enjoy the cool weather again before winter?
It is nice and it sweeps away the mind especially lying on the highest point of the school rooftop where he could catch the best of breeze and enjoy the serene privacy during class hours. No one will be invading such serenity that is for sure.
On top of that, Sasuke hadn't had the slightest mood of attending class since lunch break. Not that he could handle facing Sasori in class again after their intimidated encounter. It was a harsh experience, utterly bitter. And the most annoying thing about it; is that Sasuke couldn't even defend himself, not a word.
What a fool he had been!
He admits that he isn't the boy good with his words when it comes down to arguing about something and all he does is to run away like always. He shouldn't have been a boy, not that he has the qualities of one and he seemed to agree that he doesn't have what it means to like Sakura at all.
"Sigh…" Sasuke made it long and tiring, he shot up from his laid down position and hugged his knees, sunk his chin between them. He felt so miserably silly.
'Sakura-chan never liked sweet foods…? But she said she liked them…those sweet buns…' Sasuke's heart chanted confusingly.
What does that mean…?
And the only thing that Sasuke understood is that it was probably him who made Sakura uncomfortable the other day where she broke down sickly.
Guilt suddenly gushed in him sending his heart thumping in realization of his fault. His fault. It was him who made Sakura sick. It was him who almost…almost…
To think that she really liked it just because she said it out of compassionate terms for his sake and it was him who selfishly assumed everything of her. He shouldn't have.
"What have I done…?" Sasuke stared at his feet, in shame with the building guilt, so much that he began crying. "I…I didn't knew…I didn't knew…I didn't mean to make Sakura-chan sick…I am so sorry…I am so sorry…" he sobbed.
RRRIIIINNNGGG!
Ah, the bell and it was the last bell.
Sasuke hadn't realized that it was this late of the day already and there will be basketball practice later. The competition is on the end of this week, he remembered. He shouldn't be wasting time sobbing pathetically like this when he had better things to do.
Forcefully he wiped away the residue of his tears and took a deep breath; he wouldn't want anyone to see him as a crybaby.
Students crowded the hallways by the time Sasuke made it from the rooftop; what a bad timing. He regretted for not being too aware of the time to be crying his eyes out just now and it is red to be obvious and wouldn't subside any minute too early. Quickly he moved alongside the walls in hopes to cover his face and turned to a quieter corner when he got the chance.
"Saaaakkkuurrraa-ccchhhaaannn….!" Sasuke's head perked towards the direction of that sort of call. Argh, the drag! Whosoever said that, Sasuke disliked it and there a blonde is closely following his sweet little pinky.
"Shut up and stop following me!" Sakura growled annoyed as she tried to shake the blonde off her tail and the minute she saw Sasuke, she quickly ran up to him. "Sasuke-kun!" she hid behind his back.
"S-Sakura-chan…?" Sasuke began blushing when he could feel her small hands touching his back where he is particularly sensitive.
"Saaaakkkuurrraa-ccchhhaaannn….!" That blonde, Deidara is at it again, with that silly grin on his face he rushed up towards where Sakura is.
What a creepy guy.
"Go away!" Sakura hid closer behind the raven boy and he stiffened when she yanked him closer by his shirt.
"Aww, don't run away, Sakura-chan. I won't bite."
Sasuke immediately slapped Deidara's advancing hand before he could reach out to the frightened female.
Sakura doesn't seem to be able to handle this persistent guy very well today; losing the impregnable touch is she. The blonde was no less made irritated by that rude gesture, his frown shows much that he disliked it and a scowl was drawn on his facial expression, staring fearsomely at the raven boy.
The young Uchiha silently gulped; a little regretting about his spontaneous reaction to piss off the blonde. Well, there is nothing more he could do but to face him.
"I remember you. You are Mr Nosy who got in the way the other day!" Deidara raised his voice, recalling. He clicked his tongue in annoyance. "Why must you always get in our way, huh?!"
"Our…way…?" Sasuke raised a brow.
"Yeah, between me and Sakura-chan! You're just nobody so mind your own business. We're dating!"
D-D-DATING?! Sasuke's heart almost stopped.
"No way, I never said I would!" Sakura defended. Okay, that is relieving…
"But we kissed! That is official proof, you can't deny Sakura-chaaannn," Deidara winked playfully at the female who quickly hid again.
K-K-K-K-KISSED?!
"No we didn't! You forced it on me! I disagree!" Sakura shouted in a shaky voice where there were hints of tears that she is about to cry.
Sakura is going to cry?! Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear! Sasuke began panicking; he didn't know what to do whenever he sees girls cry they just put him on edge.
What to do? What to do? What to do?!
Those were the words his head began chanting in panic and out of his spontaneity, he quickly hugged the little female,
"I am sorry. I am sorry Sakura-chan. Please don't cry. I don't know what to do if you do…"
Sasuke could think of nothing but apologize; not that he understood the reason he did but he just did! And he gently caressed the soft wavy pink hair of the little girl he so much wanted to protect. If Sasori ever sees this, he'll be skinned definitely…
It was much of a relief when his ears get to catch Sakura's little giggles again and her big green eyes staring at him, shimmering; his heart could do nothing but turn light. Sasuke could only uncomfortably avoid direct contact with them; they are just so beautiful.
Too beautiful in fact and it made her someone too far for his reach. He could never suit her, his heart sank.
"Sakura-sama!" Sasuke snapped back into reality when That irritable voice finally came; it is just sooner or later.
"Sa-chan," Sakura's eyes glowed a differently every time her vision caught sight of that red head male and her smile is wide and mesmerizing; giving off a feeling that Sasori is the only one that she could smile genuinely for.
Not a giggle. Not a grin. But a perfect smile.
Sasuke could not get any more jealous than this; at that wicked childhood friend who skillfully hides away his intimidating character in front of his Miss. Speak of it, here comes Sasori's glare directed straight towards him as the red head marched with speed and without hesitation he scooped the little female protectively into his arms.
Sakura didn't show any reaction of surprise nor embarrassment as if she was used to his attentive behavior. Sasori glared at Sasuke once more with a straight lined lip obviously portraying his dislike as though his eyes spoke hatefully how Sasuke had touched 'his' property.
"It is time for us to leave, Sakura-sama. The chauffeur is waiting," in brief statement, Sasori made no polite gestures and left with his princess; held her head to prevent her from turning back.
Sasuke stood speechlessly as he watched them both leave down the hallway and disappeared down the stairs.
Sasori; that childhood friend does mean a lot to Sakura and,
Sakura; does mean a lot to Sasori.
Those two just shared a mutual bond where they understood each other without another word and obeyed each other without resisting.
Sigh… Does it really mean that Sasuke should actually give up?
"Wow…! That was something…" Deidara whistled admiringly; shoved his hands in his pockets as he stood beside Sasuke. "That red guy sure disliked you in every way."
Even Deidara could see that?
Sigh…
"You're pathetic!" Deidara initiated; is he trying to pick up a fight now?
"Excuse me?" Sasuke frowned.
"Don't play dumb Mr Nosy. You're just so in love with MY girl that you look so silly yourself!" the blonde snorted. Sasuke became tongue-tied the minute the blonde spoke. "If you have no intention to confess then step aside, it is now me and that vicious red guy!"
"W-Wait a second. You just can't decide things as you please not without Sakura-chan's consent!" Deidara broke out laughing the moment he heard Sasuke.
"That's why I said you're pathetic. Hmph, look at your stupid face. I bet you are the kind of guy who would rather secretly admire her for the rest of your life! A coward who doesn't even dare confess his feelings!"
True…Sasuke's heart shrunk timidly without any words of defense. He had turned into an utter coward despite he was determined a moment ago. His courage was only a temporary lie when in reality he is afraid to face Sakura.
Yeah so? He is not Deidara. He couldn't do it easily.
"If you can't do it, don't force it. See you around…LOSER!" Deidara patted Sasuke's shoulder, leaving.
"What a loser!" Marcus Brown playfully hit the young Uchiha's head.
"Uncle!" Sasuke pouted, rubbing his head. "You don't have to be so mean…I don't think I can…There's a senior and Sasori-san…He's the closest to Sakura-chan…I think I am the last of all choices…"
THONK!
"Oww! Why must you hit me so hard Uncle?!" Sasuke felt his head throbbing for real this time. Uncle Brown didn't seem to be joking around.
"I didn't raise you to be such a loser! So what if you were intimidated by that red head so-called childhood friend and that blondie boy, you're going to be a man one day so stick up to it! Be yourself!" SMACK! Uncle Brown hit the Uchiha's back hard and smiled kindly. "You are you, don't worry about it."
Sasuke returned an equally kind smile; that old confectioner, it was a blessing that Sasuke got to meet him despite this place is a rundown bakery and work is hard still being with Uncle Brown is worth it all.
"I…I have basketball practice now, bye Uncle!"
"Wait, don't forget this," Uncle Brown threw the raven a piece of sweet bun as Sasuke caught it with ease. Nice catch! "Try again!"
"I…I'll see…"
FWEET!
"Alright boys! Gather around for a sec! I have announcement for the upcoming interschool basketball match!" said the teacher in charge waving a piece of document at hand to gain everyone's attention. "There is a small change to make, currently Year 3's team is short of a player due to a leg injury. Therefore, Uchiha Sasuke is specifically selected as replacement so someone must fill in for Sasuke. As for the rest check out the arrangements in the list."
Sasuke looked around to see his playmates cheered at him with awe. The raven boy pointed at himself,
"M-Me…?"
"Isn't that great, Sasuke! You get to play with the seniors!" friends patted the fortunate Uchiha's back. Who wouldn't be impressed when someone got specially selected? "Sasuke's Year 2's best after all! Make us Year 2s proud Sasuke!"
Sasuke felt sheepish for getting praised by the masses and he gets easily embarrassed whenever he gets to be the center of attraction. Though he got specially selected for the game Sasuke knew it isn't going to be an easy one especially to play with the Year 3 seniors is definitely a challenge where the best of the school's basketball players had gathered.
"I heard the seniors are tough both in the game and on their team members. They aren't too friendly though especially a long blondie!" said one of the boys.
"And that long blondie is me, isn't it, shorty?" everyone got startled; speak of the devil, The long blonde appears with his team.
The seniors! They all look professional; tall with toned muscles to show off, moreover, intimidating.
To Sasuke's dismay; out of all people, he had totally forgotten that Deidara is one of the seniors of the basketball club not to mention a good player too just so he hardly turn up for regular club meetings and it happened to be THAT Deidara.
This is so not good…
Sasuke couldn't help but to shiver at the dark aura emitted from the blonde when their eyes met. Deidara definitely remembers him well enough; Sasuke's chest tightened when the blonde shot him a cunning grin.
"So, this is The Uchiha Sasuke who's going to join us, eh?" Deidara approached the raven boy with a smirk; they meet again and they have been quite frequently too.
"Yes! I am Year 2's Uchiha Sasuke!" Sasuke brushed off his nervousness and RE-introduced himself as if nothing happened before.
Stay calm and act cool.
"Sporting and 'brave' as they say," said Deidara and the word brave doesn't sound too literal either. Sasuke had a bad feeling that he is about to be bullied.
"The name's Deidara, I am sure you don't need any detailed introduction," throwing out a handshake, Sasuke had no choice but to act along and when he did, Deidara pulled him close; whispering into his ear. "Loser."
Sasuke secretly gulped as he felt Deidara's grip tightened before they broke off apart. Why does it felt like he is being bullied much before the match could even start…great. He hated this. He hated himself for being such a coward
And he hated the fact that this blonde's disgusting lips touched Sakura!
"What's with those eyes Uchiha? Dissatisfied?" Deidara said mockingly.
"N-No…Nothing…"
"Good. Why don't we give it a go for one round?" said the blonde, initiating a round of basketball. "Since we are going to be a team, why not we try to get used to each other," he said again smirking while the rest in the senior team agreed.
Since it has become like that, there isn't any other choice but to play along and it didn't take Sasuke too long before he realize he isn't too privileged to be specially chosen to play with the seniors.
Deidara; is as good as they all say and a star player of the team. He is a sharpshooter in long range attacks and he did it without breaking a sweat; girls were all screaming for his signature long throws and the rest of the boys in his team liked him well as leader.
With him around, Sasuke's role doesn't seem to be necessary other than filling up the empty gap of team numbers; it is nothing but passing and simple ball dribbling to pass to another member. Teamwork he says, hah…
"DEIDARA-KUN! DEIDARA-KUN! YOU ARE SUPER COOL!" senior girls were all crazy about the blonde.
"Hey…is it me or is that blondie senior is stealing all the glory?" whispered one of the junior members who sat with the rest in the sidelines.
"Seems so… I don't think that they even need Sasuke-kun…"
"Hey, Sasuke is good too. That blonde stole every ball Sasuke tries to shoot just because Sasuke isn't a good long ranger!"
"Still, Sasuke-kun is cool!" the boys immediately turned towards the female voice who joined the conversation; a cute little pink haired girl giggled at their stunned faces as she stood outstandingly behind the masses.
"Y-You...you're Sasuke's classmate, right? The small one!" said one of the boys; he cupped his mouth for speaking insensitively. Sakura giggled, nodding.
Though small, they boys seem to like her petite figure and they welcome her with friendly conversations. Sakura giggled on and on and the boys somehow liked her much forgetting the fact that she is extraordinary for a seventeen year old.
"You're having a match this weekend right?" Sakura casually asked.
"Yup! And Sasuke will be playing with the seniors, he just got 'promoted'."
"Really?" green eyes widely showed impressiveness as her tone became light and cute. Aww, she is so cute…
"Say, Sakura-chan…wanna come watch our match this weekend?" asked the boys.
"Can I?"
"Of course! It's open for everyone! You don't know…?" Sakura shook her head no which was rather a surprising fact to the rest.
"I've never been to these events. I am not too interested in sports, I only watched once or twice on television by coincidence…" Wow…what a princess.
"You must come then! It will be fun, all of us are playing!"
"Um…I only watch Sasuke-kun play," ouch, that's mean honesty Sakura.
"Saaaakkkkuuuurrraaaa-cchhhaaaannnn!"
Ack! Here comes Deidara! He must have spotted her despite he is still in the middle of a game as he sprinted over in a flash. It gives her the creeps for him to be this happy at her presence.
"Hi ya, Sakura-chaaan! I am so happy you're here to watch me play!" Deidara smiled widely.
"Never." Blunt.
"Aww, since you are here. Why not give me a kiss?"
"Sakura-chan!"
Yay! Here comes Sasuke rushing over with full speed. He quickly hides Sakura behind him to prevent Deidara from making any unnecessary moves.
"Hey, quit being so nosy will you, loser," Deidara couldn't help to be annoyed with the Uchiha confronting him.
"P-Please stop doing things that makes S-Sakura-chan uncomfortable," Sasuke wished not to interfere with the blonde but he could not bear to watch Sakura being bugged.
"Why don't you stop being the unnecessary hero who is just a coward to begin with, loser!"
Loser! Loser! Loser his ass! That is enough! Sasuke had enough from this blonde who bullies him with words like that. Just because he shut up for a second doesn't mean he isn't angry!
"Stop calling me that!" Sasuke burst out of intolerance. It is time for him to stand up and show he isn't! Deidara whistled admiringly at the sudden gut he dug up.
"What? Trying to show off some temporary manliness in front of the lady? I don't think so," the blonde tilted his chin with a smug on his face. "If you really have some guts then I challenge you to say IT right here, right now!"
IT clearly means Sasuke's confession. And right here, right now in front of the masses?!
NO. WAY.
Is he trying to kill Sasuke right here, right now?
He could hardly even speak when facing Sakura talk about confessing in front of whole lot of people… He can't imagine where he needed to hide the next; there isn't any possible hole for him to crawl into…
Sakura stared blankly at the Uchiha from her inferiority where he could see her big green eyes blinking at him, waiting with expectations to what he had to say. Very attentively she looked at him.
"….." No good, he just couldn't bring words to his tongue and all he could is blush and look away.
"See. You're no good at all," Deidara snorted.
"Stop bullying him, blondie!" Sakura growled in her cute voice which only excites Deidara to tease her more.
"Haha. Seriously, you are so UNcool, Uchiha Sasuke to have a girl to stand up for you!" Deidara said loudly as he laughed along with the rest who heard. Sasuke lowered his head a bit trying to hide his blushing; it is embarrassing and it had to be in front of Sakura.
WHACK!
"…O…w…w…!"
In an instant Deidara sank to his knees crouching, turning pale as white due to the severe pain that Sakura mercilessly hit him 'there' AGAIN with her hardcover book that no one ever paid any attention to.
That must hurt twice as bad…
"You piss me off, blondie!" Sakura 'hmph-ed' with her high and mighty air then turned towards Sasuke. "Come with me Sasuke-kun," she held his hand, dragging him with her as they exited the basketball court.
Sakura is holding his hand something that Sasuke is very conscious of and his cheeks were burning in heat of his uncontrollable blushing as he quietly followed where that small hand lead.
The school is quieter after school hours set aside the students who stayed for club activities which made the corridors eerie in the absence of people presence, not that Sasuke wanted anyone currently when he is alone with Sakura who kept taking him to someplace that he had no clue about yet he didn't bother to ask.
Later, Sakura stopped, unhand him and gaze up to his tall being.
"There is no one here…" she assured. "What do you want to tell me, Sasuke-kun?" and all of a sudden she threw a question that demands for an answer.
"Tell…w-what…?" he set his gaze elsewhere other than those innocent green eyes which he couldn't bear to look while he lied, knowing what she meant.
Dissatisfied with his obvious behavior, she yanked his shirt to gain his attention again. A frown, she had staring straight into him and he stared into hers with widen eyes.
"You have something to tell me don't you?" an abrupt impatience in her voice, the unhappy frown and that demanding stare; she is acting out of the unusual today Sasuke noticed. And in their current atmosphere,
Is the perfect timing that he could confess to her.
However,
"I…I am playing in the senior team this weekend's competition…," he blurted into her face; a fact. It made the pink haired female frown in discontent and with brute behavior she threw her hardcover book at him; not caring if she hurt him.
"That's not it!" she exploded in anger, stomped her feet.
Why is she angry? Sasuke didn't have a clue of her sudden unmannered attitude; firsts she dragged him out and demands him to speak? It should be her who is not getting the fact that he isn't the type of guy who'd speak his mind.
"W-What do you want me to say, Sakura-chan…?" his eyes darted everywhere to avoid those glaring greens as much as possible.
"…" Sakura turned silent a moment, staring at the shy boy who could not even bring himself to be honest of his own feelings. Then next she bluntly uttered,
"I don't like that blondie."
It was a statement.
"…"
Sasuke couldn't quite give her an appropriate reply since it was something she spoke out of her own opinion although he was surprised by it. She is a little out of the blue in her speech today and so there were more,
"Sa-chan is sweet and kind and he is the best childhood friend I've ever had!" Sakura stated again.
Sasuke didn't had a clue why is she telling him all this nor he could make any comments about it and so he simply kept his mouth shut to whatever she said but listen. And it is natural for her to like Sasori a lot,
"…"
"Sa-chan always treats me like a child when I am actually a lady, I don't like it. What do you think, Sasuke-kun?"
What's with this conversation?
Sasuke thinks it is just weird. First Sakura was angry and now she starts to bring up and brag about Sasori right in front of his face when he disliked the red head. Is she trying to make him listen all about the love she has for Sasori?
"It is fine…," Sasuke uttered in care less attitude; he couldn't think very well when he is already cast under the light of jealousy. And did he chose the wrong time to be…
"Fine? What do you mean it fine?!" Sakura became pissed again. "What's wrong with you, Uchiha Sasuke?! I bet you're fine too when Sa-chan said that I'll be returning to the private tutors!"
Sasuke's immediately perked.
Private tutors? That figures, it is natural for someone like her to be attending those prestigious studies rather than going to normal schools. Why didn't she return earlier then? Isn't it better…?
Why tell him…when he could do nothing and when Her Sa-chan tells her to? That name; he felt disgusted and still she repeats it and includes it in anything she says!
"If Sasori-san says so…I think it is for your own good, Sakura-chan…" said Sasuke.
That's not what she wanted to hear and she hated him for agreeing or did she expect him to object? She might be satisfied if he could at least respond in a more…caring manner? Sasuke; he made the pink haired female speechless and her grip on his shirt loosened, making a sour face,
"I hate this school…" murmuring. "You are the worst Uchiha Sasuke!"
Those running footsteps that moves further and further away from him, Sasuke stood to watch them, listen to them as they distant itself from his position and that pink hair that sways behind her grew smaller from his vision and vanished away.
Sakura left.
And.
He didn't stop her.
Why didn't he have the urge to do it? He doesn't know when he knew he is the worst like Sakura said he is.
Sigh…
He is a loser as Deidara says and will always be…
"I guess it is better off that Sakura finds her rightful place...," he smirked to himself; foolish, yes he is as he stared at the sweet bun that he dug out from his pocket. "Sweet buns…she said she…sniff…liked them…sob…I am…sob…so pathetic!"
And he didn't think that that was the last he might ever see that little pink haired girl…
An empty seat on the left Sasuke sees as he laid his heavy head on his desk. Sakura's he knew and continues to stare at it absent-mindedly.
How many days it has been since she had quit school? Two? Three? As if it felt like it was a long time ago.
She really did left, his thoughts spoke innerly; reminding him of that day when she left running.
School life had returned to how it used to be before Sakura came that is for sure. Sasuke needn't had to make an extra bun or worry how to greet that certain pink haired female every morning at the gate and there were lesser gossips about her and classes returned usual too where classes were boring and dry without those scribbling conversations between him and Her.
Those little scribbles…He took a peek at them and by the time he knew it, it was on almost every page of his notebook…
Those were the times…his eyes softened at them.
Did he miss it?
Isn't it obvious…
Sigh…Sasuke snuggled himself up, sinking and resting his head in his arms. It is warmer this way. Autumn is at close and it gets colder every now and then and today, it is very cold…His heart freezes at every time he stared at that particular emptiness of the seat on his left.
Aa…it was his fault; he made Sakura pretty upset for some reason that day and the next, she didn't come to school ever since. Did she hate him? Why did she hate him? What is it that she wanted from him?
He doesn't understand that female. Sasori is right about that. Perhaps he could never understand when the differences between their worlds are just too far apart for him to.
Sigh…
"Look at you, aren't you a disappointing sight!" Naruto.
What does he want so early in the morning? Sasuke got up from his sulky position to stare at the blue eyed boy.
"….." the raven boy made no reply; a becoming habit these days and it can be very annoying to the other people. Naruto sighed tiredly at him,
"Sakura-chan really did go back to the private tutors…Hinata-chan told me…"
The young Uchiha glanced at the blonde with his blank expression then said,
"Yeah I know…That is where she actually belonged to…she shouldn't have come to this school in the first place when she actually hated it especially when she is always so clingy onto Her Sasori so much…" dully and another becoming habit of his to spew words that he shouldn't out of his foul mood.
"Wow, Sasuke I can't believe that you could be jealous to this extent…that it makes me want to punch the freaking daylights out of you!" Naruto growled as he grabbed Sasuke by the collar;
The raven boy could never be more surprised then pushed the blonde away from him. He is in bad mood and why does the blonde want to stir it worse!
"What do you know? You just don't know!" Sasuke retorted.
"Oh I know. I know that you are a stupid man who is nothing but coward and blind!" Naruto yelled.
"Say what?!" the Uchiha snapped, he shot up from his seat with clenched fists.
"I'll say it as many times until you're fully awake! You so loudly proclaim that you like Sakura-chan yet you did nothing but cower! You suck Uchiha!" Naruto spoke straightforwardly neither did he cared if the whole class heard it all.
WHACK!
The raven boy sent his fist flying into Naruto's face for the first time; he isn't a boy about violence and he disliked it most but somehow he failed to hold it in and it felt good that he allowed his adrenaline to take on a rampage once in a while.
He had enough of slander from those who called him whatever they see fit!
His life had been so messed up since the minute he was jealous!
That's it…
He didn't realize it but he is jealous…of that red head guy who is the root of his own misery. He shouldn't have sulked, he should have been a better man and he hated the fact that he is so shy!
Later in the school's infirmary…
"Owwie! Owwie! Owwie!" Naruto yelped in pain. "Oi! Watch out for the face, Hinata-chan is going to kill me if I get a scar! I spent hundreds of thousands to get perfect skin!"
"Hold still then! As if I want to do this for you since the school doctor isn't here!" Sasuke said grumpily as he 'tried' to be careful in applying ointment on Naruto's bruise.
"Then you shouldn't have punched me in the face! Wherever is fine not the face next time! Owwie! Owwie!" Sasuke sighed at the blonde with a sullen face.
"I don't want next time…I hate fighting…," he is a kind boy at heart after all, Naruto grinned and chuckled at his gentle nature. "W-What…? Y-You a-are creeping me o-out…" Sasuke blushed.
"Heheh! Nothing much…I am just glad that you're this sort of person. Sorry for calling you a coward but still you suck…"
"Yeah…Yeah…I know I am UNcool…Even Uncle Brown sighed and ignored me these days…" Sasuke smiled sheepishly, not that it could help how bad things are now. "Now hold still!"
"Owwie! Owwie! Owwie!" Naruto then grinned happily at his friend.
THUD! THUD! THUD!
Screech!
"Hey rookie, pass the ball!"
"Move shorty you're in the way!"
Sasuke secretly gritted his teeth in dislike.
It has always been like this during basketball practice; he gets pushed aside and ignored as if he could do something about it when he gets snarled back at every time he tried to disagree. He is a minor player and the shortest player among the rest of the seniors.
To them he is insignificant!
Whatever, it is just one game and he might not be playing with them again.
"Shorty look out!" someone called.
"Wha—?!" THUD! The ball hits Sasuke's forehead; accidents happens all the time no big deal and as if anyone would ask just because he wouldn't whine about it like the others do.
FWEET!
There goes the whistle. It is about time it did when Sasuke felt tired of playing and getting in their way…
"Alright, good game boys. That's all for today! Rest well tonight for the big game tomorrow!" said the teacher in charge before the rest of the members began to disperse.
"Hey rookie," Sasuke had no choice but to respond to the senior's calling. "It is fine if you don't play, just don't slow us down tomorrow."
That isn't very nice but what can Sasuke say other than stare in silence; it is for the best and after tomorrow, he swear that he had nothing to do with these seniors and won't get 'specially' picked for again!
"Aww come on, don't be so mean to the little guy. He is trying hard…"
"Deidara. Nah, I was only 'reminding' him. Well, I guess I better be going first, see ya," and that senior left.
"Don't mind him, Sasuke. He's the serious type…" said Deidara in friendly manner. Sasuke remained silent as he doubtfully stared at the blonde. "Ah, come on, pal. Don't stare at me like that as if I am your love rival because we are not."
"W-We're not...?" Sasuke accidently blurt out questionably.
"Duh! You're not even serious about Sakura-chan, what is there to rival with you!" the blonde chuckled loudly on purpose.
"…"
"Guess what, I invited Sakura-chan over to watch the game…but she refused," the blonde said with a grin as if he was successful. "But I am not going to give up even if she refuses or kicks me 'there' over and over again." He sounded confident…good for him…
"…"
"Well, I gotta run now. See you tomorrow and don't be late. Ciao!" and so the blondie skipped away happily.
Right…That was heartbreaking…
Again, not that Sasuke could do anything, right? Right….?
Sigh….
Sigh…
Sigh…
"How long are going to stay in cowardice like that, Sasuke-san?"
The young Uchiha gasped in disbelief as he turned to confirm that he was right about the identity of that voice, a voice his mind could always draw from memory though it has been days since he heard.
Quite a surprise for someone such as Sasori to make an appearance during this evening hour of late and as expected he is alone. Not that he would bring the little female along.
Why would he be here anyway, Sasuke could only guess that it was for him.
"Sasuke-san…can we talk a bit?" Sasori abruptly asks smiling, slightly bowing.
See, he was right after all and there isn't a choice for Sasuke but to agree, right? He wouldn't want to get on the wrong side of this caretaker.
And as expected for the two males to head for the rooftop of school; the best choice for private talk, a good place to speak up or fight without any unnecessary interruption. Yay…
"I just want to talk…" Oh, so Sasori could read the raven?
A man-to-man talk it seems; so what is it going to be this time besides intimidating words or deadly stares? Or perhaps Sasori want take it out on him because of Sakura? That is a possibility…
"Sasuke-san…don't you think the weather is nice today?" Sasori went up towards the railing, gazing at the grand view of the metropolitan city beyond the school building. Picturesque with the sunset backdrop…
Wow, this is new too. Sasuke didn't know that Sasori could be this natural in appreciating sceneries when he expects the red head to drill him with harsh criticisms from the start.
Guess he could play nice once in a while…
"I guess…Y-Yeah…?" Sasuke replied shakily from a distance and he heard the other male chuckle at him.
"You don't have to be so tensed, I don't consume fellow human races," Sasori cracked a joke, smiling. Sasuke tensed up a bit but since he Sasori is a little friendly today he could join him but with a buffer distance set between them.
Sasori continued to smile at him, quite genuinely too. Okay, maybe this guy isn't such a bad person after all…Sasuke thought.
"I want to thank you, Sasuke-san."
"Eh…?! T-Thank me?" surprised. "I…I did n-nothing…"
"Despite your cowardice and shy demeanor, I could have never been happier for Sakura-sama to meet someone such as you, Sasuke-san."
Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! Wait a minute, what is this? Why the sudden friendliness and gratitude? Sasuke began to doubt this red head though he is being nice. Or maybe…is this guy toying with him all along?!
Sasuke clamped up to listen further, perhaps it wasn't as bad as he think it was.
"The other day during lunch, you defended Sakura-sama…you have my humblest gratitude." Sasori bowed deeply then continued. "No one would ever do that for her when everyone thinks that she's the 'spoilt little princess' or 'that weird little girl'. It's the same wherever she goes; people don't really like her for personal reasons."
Sasori's eyes softened as he began speak histories and bitter experiences he shared with his little Miss. At least it was something that Sasuke could understand, it was right before his eyes too when those kids in school snickered at Sakura.
So Sasori also thinks the same, huh? He must have done a lot trying to protect Sakura all by himself previously and he must love her very much. Still Sasuke doesn't get why did he said all this to him.
"Uh…um…I only said what I think…Nothing much…" Sasuke replied in sheepish muttering.
"You belittle yourself, Sasuke-san when I can see it was much more than I did for Sakura-sama…you made her smile differently towards you and she always talk about you whenever she gets the chance. It makes me very jealous you know, Sasuke-san…" with a defeated smile.
Sasuke blinked in confusion; what is that red head spouting about?
He is jealous of him?
Wasn't it the opposite of what he heard so far?
"Don't doubt yourself Sasuke-san. Didn't you know it is you who could make Sakura-sama happy?" Sasori paused. "All the reason that she chased after you to this school, save that bakery and at home she is fearsomely grumpy with everyone even at me…" a chuckle came sounding as if he had quite a handful.
"I…I…am not too…sure I get you…Sasori-san…" Sasuke didn't want to believe it straight away when his heart had a tinge of happiness upon the caretaker's claims about Sakura who sounded as if she favors him? "She chose to return to the private tutors…she chose to listen to you…"
Sasori helplessly sighed.
"Yes, I did. I apologize for all my rude behavior towards you all because I thought I could protect Sakura-sama…but…it upsets her. I always thought she is still the little lady whom she used to be; sheltered and frail. I didn't realize she had changed…" Sasori smiled at the raven boy.
"For the better and stubborn and had the reason to keep living," he chuckled amusingly with tears of new born happiness for his Miss.
Sasuke is slightly taken aback by the deviated character that Sasori once portrayed; intimidating and fearful when he is actually the caretaker and childhood friend who loved Sakura too much that he became overprotective.
"That's great to hear…b-but I still don't understand why you are saying this to me, Sasori-san…" Sasuke uttered timidly. "Sakura-chan loves you don't you get it? As in as the person she wants to be with always!" with slight anger in his tone; it is frustrating to be advocating good terms for the rival.
Sasori finally burst out loud laughing; so not Sasori laugh. This guy must have gone nuts, Sasuke stared blankly at the red head or perhaps he really is the fool being laughed at.
"Haha. Sorry, Sasuke-san. I just could not hold back on how dumb you could be!" Sasuke lowered his eyes; it is annoying when others continuously called him dumb or a coward. So what if he is? Then the red head regain his composure. "Sakura-sama loves me, yes, not in the way you think it is. I love Sakura-sama too, an unrequited one…Get me?"
The Uchiha's heart began to thump and gradually faster when Sasori somehow clarifies something that he had been so silly about taking in turn for a misunderstanding.
Is it…?
His heart pounded in crazy rhythm; so bad that his chest tightened, unable to breathe steadily and the lump in his throat prevented him from speaking. It was unbelievably suffocating in the happiest form and his ears began to burn in his own heat.
Really?
Is it?
"Sakura-chan…s-she…" Sasuke covered his shy face when Sasori smiled in positive response and gave a friendly pat on the raven boy's shoulder,
"Sakura-sama likes a man with guts. But that doesn't mean that a man who has guts is a man, she said," hinting. "Complicated, eh?" he chuckled.
"A-Are you…e-encouraging me, Sasori-san?"
"I encourage everyone, Sasuke-san. The only matter is that the final decision lies with Sakura-sama, no?" he is right. No matter how many rivals there might be when it comes to the final part, it is Sakura who will decide. "And that is why I exist, before she makes her final call, I will be playing my primary role as evaluator!"
Eep! Sasuke knew it! This Sasori guy has his reasons for being in school! Male-race exterminator! But then, he put up a kind smile,
"Please don't disappoint Sakura-sama anymore."
Badup. Badup. Badup!
Sound of racing heartbeats so loud that Sasuke could hear it in his own ears. It isn't any better since after the conversation he had with Sasori and in fact it got worse when he currently stands in front of the Harunos great barriers.
He is here after following a few directions Sasori gave him and getting a little lost on the way, here he arrives at Sakura's home and not just any home, it is a mind-blowing huge estate!
The front landscaping is crazily vast to the extent Sasuke could hardly see the mansion that stood in grandeur far off at the other end; like a golf course before the house!
Okay…so Sakura is inside that mansion and he is out here at the great gates snarled at by few man-eating guard dogs and interrogated by the guard,
"Who are you and what are you doing here? This is private estate sonny. If you continue to loiter around here I will have to call the police."
"N-No sir I am not loitering. I am here to see Haruno Sakura," said the Uchiha, he shrunk timidly at those fearsome dogs wanting to get him behind the gate.
"Young miss?" the guard perked. "Hah! You can't fool me, boy! Like I would let you in just because you mentioned her name! Who doesn't know the name Haruno Sakura? In fact, it made you even more suspicious! What sort of important business you have with her?!"
"I-It's very important but I can't tell you…" Sasuke blushed hard. "P-Please sir, perhaps you could tell her who I am for me."
The guard snorted,
"Save it sonny. Everyone like you does the same and Miss Sakura just denies that they are strangers. It is no surprise for some people like you trying to get near her for malicious reasons! Now scram!"
Oh no…this is bad. Now the guard thinks that Sasuke is some sort of kidnaper? If he knew that it would be this troublesome, he should have tagged along with Sasori, to think that he said he would go on his own later.
Ah, Sasori, reminding of that name; that might let him pass.
"Sasori-san, he knows me. Please confirm it sir," confidently Sasuke tried again.
"As I told you sonny, get lost before I call the police! Like I care if you knew the Miss or Mr Sasori, I would never let you pass unless you have proof. Please go home!"
Proof? What proof?
Seriously, Sasuke begin to regret this troublesomeness when it was Sasori who told him to come! Where is that red head when he is needed the most?!
But he can't give up yet just when he got scolded at,
"I-I can't go home…I have to see Sakura-chan…" Sasuke clung onto the gates, begging. "I-I have to tell her I am sorry t-that I was a j-jerk…I want to invite her to the games t-tomorrow…" murmuring.
"Plea all you want boy but I am not going to open up. Best head home and not waste time!"
No! Wait! Wait!
Sasuke watched the guard head back into his guard house, ignoring him. This won't do, he had to see Sakura today; he can't just give in without trying hard enough. If waiting could solve the problem then he will have to wait.
There is bound to be a chance for him when the gate opens!
Crossed his legs, he sat beside the gate and stared at those menacing dogs barking and snarling at him to pass time. Let the sky darken and let it rain, he need to see Sakura. Don't ask him why he is getting stubborn at it now; his determination just struck that dumb head of his.
He will wait.
And he waited.
And waited…
Meanwhile, inside the Haruno mansion, there in the study where Sakura currently has private tutoring on astronomy; her favorite subject where she usually listens in fascination…yet it sounded so boring and dry today…
Talk about celestial objects in the outer space; the stars and galaxies and the vast fantasy-like world far beyond reach.
Beyond reach…Sakura silently sighed to herself then turned to look out at the window. It is raining heavily out there with raging waters and rumbling thunders. There the outside world; it is already far beyond her reach not to mention outer space.
"Miss Sakura. Miss Sakura."
"Yes?" Sakura quickly turned towards her lecturer.
"Is there something the matter?" he asked in worry. Sakura nodded shortly and he turned to her with curiosity.
"I want to go to school…" in her muttering tone he hears; it was a sad tone to begin with.
"Let's end it for today shall we?" said the lecturer and perfect timing came the door knocking considerably.
Knock knock knock.
The both turned to the door where Sasori peeked in,
"Sakura-sama, it is time for dinner…" he announced with a smile. Sakura nodded and followed Sasori out.
Down the stairs they both descended, Sasori closely watched his pink haired miss fared on her own when it was always him who would have carried her until the very end of the steps. It is bittersweet to see her being independent when previously she would cling to him and allowed herself to be spoilt.
That Sakura has grown up since his return from his overseas studies, she has grown more confident and dependent on herself.
"Sa-chan?" her sweet calling brought him back to reality and that she was already at the end of the stairs. "Come down, Sa-chan, it is dangerous if you dream there," she said.
Sasori smiled at her sincere concern for him and very soon he joined the female. They didn't talk much like they used to as they strode their way to the dining where dinner is expected, prepared of her favourite.
So what if it is her favourite?
The chef prepares them in her every day menu and she eats alone in this large dining hall where the maids and butlers stood and stared quietly in rows. Not that Sasori could join her either.
Food is tasteless eating in this sort of fashion.
"Sakura-sama…?" Sasori asked worriedly when the female stared at her soup, untouched. A becoming habit since her return to the private tutors, Sasori noticed. "Is it not to your liking again? I will have the chef remake it, is there anything specific you wish to have?"
"Sweet buns…." she muttered inaudibly with a sullen face holding back her tears. "I want to eat sweet buns…."
Sasori was lost for words in astonishment, he didn't expect for her to be this honest with herself and he clearly understood it; lastly he gave her a smile,
"I understand, Sakura-sama." He bowed lightly. 'That stupid Uchiha chicken! How dare he bring my beloved Sakura-sama to tears! If I knew that coward would not be coming I should have dragged him here myself!' clenching his fists.
SLAM!
"Grrh! What the heck was that?!"
Well, well, guess who has wormed back into the mansion; Philia. The storming woman has returned. Sakura could never miss it by the slamming of the door; amongst all of her father's mistresses, Philia is no doubt the prettiest yet has the worst behavior.
The rude woman stormed into the dining with her killer heels clacking noisily as if she cared if Sakura was watching. Ever since Philia was allowed returned into the mansion by order, Philia had her way to many things without giving any consideration towards the little female.
"Who does that director think he is? Me, taking up the minor role in the photo shoot?! Don't make me laugh! Wait till I tell Cain!" Philia threw her bag onto the dining table loudly and grumpily demanded dinner for herself; nothing surprising.
As if she has become the Miss in this house. Sakura stared a while then ignored the woman not that she had the mood to argue with her. And in the midst of Philia's complaints, her personal caretaker approached her,
"Miss Philia, it seems that the man is hard to get rid of. He kept calling for Sakura-sama's name at the gate, wanting to see her. Should we call the police?"
Sakura ear's perked the moment her name was mentioned. A man? Calls for her name? Who at this hour? And in a terrible rain?
Could it be…
"It is too troublesome to call them! What are the guards doing, they are utterly useless! I don't care, have that man out and get lost!" said Philia in order before they could do anything to that man,
Immediately Sakura hopped down from her chair and hastily exited the dining; she didn't know what has brought her to her feet but definitely something tells her that she must go to the gate despite the rain or Sasori calling out to stop her.
It is cold, wet and slippery from the pouring rain even if it was difficult to move in she had to keep going. It irritates her when her short legs only held her back from going any faster as if she is running in child-like steps; she had to hurry if she doesn't…
Sasuke-kun might leave.
Confident she is when that particular name came to mind and no other that she believed in who that person at the gate might be. It has to be him because…
Only Sasuke-kun will do the silliest things, unbelievable things, amazing things and cry at the littlest things.
This rain; It must have been his tears, crying out loud. He is such a crybaby, a shy boy who finally got to be the man she wanted to see in him,
"Please don't be stubborn and go back! We do not want to use force on a teenager like you!" the guards were struggling in restraint in the rain against that one boy; the raven, Uchiha Sasuke.
"Please, I have to see Sakura-chan! Just one minute will do! Please tell her I want to say sorry!" Sasuke's voice thundered in the rain; she heard him and she is happy that it was no doubt him.
"Sasuke-kun!" hastily she rushed up towards the men, breaking the struggle apart.
"S-SAKURA-CHAN!" a brightened smile stretched across his face as he lowered himself to embrace the little female he desperately wanted to see. This is so like him; Sakura returned his large embrace.
"Sakura-sama, please get some shelter first!" said Sasori and everyone took cover in the guardhouse as the rain continues heavily.
"Are you crazy?! What are you doing in the rain like this?!" Sakura quickly wrapped the soaking boy her own towel Sasori gave her.
"I…I…wanted t-to see you…I…I have something t-to tell you….ACHOO!" the raven sneezed hard; he is shivering after being drenched in the rain but still he cared nothing as long as he got to see the pinkette before him.
"What's so funny?" she asked in surprise when Sasuke began laughing.
"N-Nah…I was just laughing how silly I am…Heheh!" he scratched the back of his head sheepishly with a blush. "I am glad I wasn't too late…"
"Hmph! I was about to drag you over, Uchiha. Did you know you made Sakura-sama extremely upset?! I swear I'd skin you alive if she shed a tear!" Sasori folded his arms stared lowly at the raven with his superior height. "What took you so long to get here? Don't tell me you couldn't even find a simple address?!"
"Hey, it wasn't my fault for being late. I was stuck at the gate and soaked for hours!" Sakura was surprised so does Sasori; the guards then explained themselves and it was laughable how such misunderstanding could have brought everyone miserable.
"Come in to the mansion, Sasuke-kun…" Sakura invited. "You can dry yourself and have dinner," she said in a happier tone. Sasori smiled; it certainly is pleasantly to see his Miss change…for the better, happier.
Sasuke quickly turned down the offer and said that he had to hurry back after this,
"Some other time Sakura-chan…but tomorrow…" okay, he began hesitating again as a pair of emerald orbs staring at him with the brightest in the night, waiting for him to complete his speech. "Tomorrow…I want Sakura-chan to…t-to watch me play! And. I want…Sakura-chan t-to come to s-s-school like always! It…It's just weird without Sakura-chan in school and boring…"
Lowering his face a little as he knew he is already in flames of his own embarrassment, he waited for a reply from the pink who continues to stare wordless at him.
"S-Sakura-chan…?" a smile began to tilt her cheeks aside and that signature giggling came ringing merrily…once again.
"You came all the way here and waited just to invite me?" she continued to giggle amusingly. Sasuke shyly scratched the nape of his neck, nodding. "Ahahaha! You're funny, Sasuke-kun!" she laughed loudly not caring if everyone was staring at her unladylike character.
Sasuke's blush grew bad as she did that and it was the worst when Sakura finally said,
"Of course I'll go because it is you whoasked me, Sasuke-kun!"
Man oh man. This is the happiest evening in his life!
The basketball match,
It is noisy, it is crowded and it is exciting! This is it!
Spectators; from both schools they crowd the basketball court sidelines cheering on their respective teams, waving their colourful banners.
The match will begin shortly starting off with the senior match and teams from both sides gathered stepped forward to face each other. Even if he is a year apart from the Year 3s, Sasuke felt the difference; everyone is tall and carried a distinctive air of maturity as they are soon-to-be men of the coming. Not to mention, serious. He get the idea that he still had a long way to go before he could be like one of them even if he will be a Year 3 in the next semester.
That will come later but for now, he had to act cool in front of his opponent who is much bigger in size than he is.
Was it because he is short in protein or something to be this lacking…hmm…? Maybe he should have more meat for dinner.
"Hey shorty," Sasuke heard his senior next to him called. "Don't get in the way unnecessarily get it." The Uchiha nod agreeing; he is only filling up space after all. Whatever.
"Aaaahh! Sakuraaa-cchhaannn!" Deidara was loud and delighted to see the pink haired female no doubt with Sasori and a few men. Bodyguards eh…
She came, Sasuke's eyes softened as he stared at her radiant despite small being; no one will ever know how delighted he is currently. She really came…on his invitation and he is very satisfied with that.
In return despite afar, he could see Sakura smile with eyes that cheered him words of encouragement and assurance that she is looking out for him causing him to turn rosy cheeked. It felt as if last night was definitely worth the hassle let alone he caught cold and a fever this morning.
Don't worry, he'll manage since he had prescriptions to back him for the time being.
"Hey, Uchiha did you see that? Sakura-chan smiled at me! She smiled at me! I am definitely going to win this and take her for my date!" Deidara jumped excitedly. Sasuke didn't fret about the blonde's self-excitement because he is confident about whom Sakura is actually is in for…
He won't be the loser anymore!
"Let the match begin!"
FWEET!
The referee blew his whistle and threw the ball into the air; as all matches do, both Centers were in for the grab of the first ball. A sweet catch was made by Konoha High's member and very quickly Konoha scored the first ball with Deidara's fascinating long-range skills. It was awesome!
From the side of the court Sasuke could see the referee nod at Deidara's impressive performance and the crowd no less was set ablaze with vigorous excitement when the blonde made another splendid long shot.
That Deidara guy; he made a star out of himself and dominated the hearts of his new stage bringing the opponent's supporters to cheer for Konoha as well.
Sasuke had to admit that the blonde is cool with a sportsman's flair also quite the ladies' man. Compared to himself he is nowhere near that blonde's glamour when he fills a tiny part of the team; an important fact that he had totally forgotten when he got too carried away yesterday to invite Sakura to 'watch him play' when all he does is dribble, creating openings and passing balls…
How he wished that he played with his own teammates of Year 2s; at least there he could be more of a show off since he is a star among them. He won't be so humiliated as he is now. Boo hoo! For crying out loud for being 'lucky' getting chosen to play with them!
'Sorry Sakura-chan…I must look super uncool right now…' Sasuke dared not turn to look at the female who is probably staring at him…is she?
Perhaps she had her eyes on Deidara like the rest of everyone. Who wouldn't like the coolest people in the team? That's what the Uchiha thinks…
"SASUKE-KUN!" from the sidelines was heavenly surprise that Sakura shouted with all her might; so loud that gain the masses attention. "Don't sulk! Show them how cool you are!" loudly again with a brilliant smile, showing utmost faith in him.
Because of that voice of hers…like the voice of an angel, it gave the young Uchiha courage; it doesn't matter if he was badly threatened by the seniors, it doesn't matter if he was unimportant…
All he needed to be is to be cool in front of the girl he likes!
Oh yeah!
"Hey look at that black haired boy!"
"He's small and fast!"
"And look…he…"
Because of his smaller build he could stealth and cut free between the gaps of his opponents and because of the love he held for that pink haired girl; Sasuke planned to show off a little even if the seniors are going to detest him later.
This is him; Uchiha Sasuke, the young sports star of Year 2!
"Take that!"
Swiftly, Sasuke scores his first ball with finesse; stealing the spotlight upon himself and it brought a burst of new excitement in favour of Konoha High. He stole glances at the sidelines where Sakura is; she clapped with that smile indicating that she witnessed his comeback coolness. Only she thinks that he had it in him, he is blessed.
On the other hand, his seniors gasped unbelievably of what he did; the expressions that set upon their faces were expressive,
"W-What the…?"
"That shorty is…fast!"
"So that's the real him, eh?" Deidara chuckled to himself.
"That puny show off, I told him not to do anything unnecessary! This isn't his reign to be glorious."
"Ah, don't be like that buddy. I think it is a good thing to have a good junior to take over us…"
"Haha! I come to like that guy. Not too bad for one of Konoha's best sportsman. This is just interesting!"
And the game continues; the crowd now also cheers for the latest wizard in Konoha, Uchiha Sasuke. With his quick-to-move reflexes and close-up shots combined with Deidara's magic the game has completely turned one-sided.
"Good job guys!" Deidara high-fived each and every of his teammates after they've won except for the Uchiha; he smiled at him and cling an arm around him ruffling his hair badly. "You're great for a rookie! I am happy that I got you in the game."
"….T-Thanks…" Sasuke blushed sheepishly in embarrassment from the compliment.
"But! You're still a loser as my love rival!" the blonde playfully nudge Sasuke. "I'll be a man and back down this time so go ahead now..."
"H-Huh…?"
"This is your last chance to tell her honestly so be a man and say it!" Deidara lightly punch the raven in his stomach; Sasuke blushed harder when he got the message. "Go already or do you want me to interfere again? Look she's leaving."
Deidara is right.
This is the last time that he'd be a coward.
He panicked when he saw Sakura attempted to leave her seat, Sasuke rushed towards the sidelines before he missed his chance. No matter how afraid he currently is, how painful his chest hurt from the intense beating of his heart could be; he had to say it this time.
He can do it!
"SAKURA-CHAN!"
The pink haired female responded by turning to his direction; he could feel his skin burn and he bet he had grew scarlet so for this once let him die of embarrassment, he'll muster up every ounce of his courage!
Inhale,
"I LOVE YOU, SAKURA-CHAN!"
His voice stretched far and wide; the Haruno girl was speechless with her green eyes staring straight into those serious onyxes, she clearly heard his confession; a confession that took that shy boy long enough to tell her.
Late better than none, eh…
"I LIKE YOU SO MUCH! SO MUCH THAT I AM BECOMING CRAZY! I AM HEADS OVER HEELS FOR YOU, HARUNO SAKURA!"
Sasuke continued to shout out his confession to the top of his lungs, let the world hear it, let them all know!
"SAAAAKKKUUURRRAAAAA. I. LOVE. YOOOOOUUUU!"
There he said it!
And very well too in her face who couldn't hold back her giggles of joy and shedding little tears of happiness and the supportive masses cheered for on for the shy boy who blush endlessly.
It was a brave confession!
A beautiful one; so loud and crazy!
"Finally!" Sakura giggled.
"F-Finally?" Sasuke piqued. "Y-You k-knew, Sakura-chan?" he felt his skin sizzle embarrassingly.
"Who'd you take me for? You were way too obvious from the start. Hahaha!" she giggled more and Sasori gave him a proud thumbs-up.
Sasuke felt that his temperature rise from the fever and intense shyness, he must look like a fool in front of Sakura all this time; he was obvious from the start?!
Boy oh boy, he felt dizzy…
"I can't believe you actually confess to me in such a bold fashion to think you were the most timid guy ever!" she giggled at him. So cruel… "But that is what I like about you. You are so cool, Sasuke-kun…" she smiled sweetly just like an angel Sasuke always sees her to be in him.
"So…does that mean… you…" Sasuke needed confirmation and Sakura gladly gave it to him,
"Duh! Silly man! I always liked you…" she giggled again.
Oh…
She. Always. Liked. Him.
Oh…
Ohhhhh!
How the world spins and it spun the Uchiha's world with overfilling joy!
This is the best day ever!
THUD!
"Sasuke-kun?! Sasuke-kun?! Someone quickly get the ambulance! Hang in there Sasuke-kun!"
And there you have it! (I hope it is okay...)
Sasuke finally confessed to little Sakura-chan! Isn't that great! :D
This isn't the end and so you've guessed it the next chapter is the start of their new born relationship! We'll see!
I will update ASAP…please don't kill me for being slow…I'll try my best…sob…
REVIEWS please and thank you! :D
