Voila! Here's chapter seven.. ;) I think Ino's an awesome friend. What do you guys think? ;) haha. Anyway, enjoy! Til the next update. :

--

It was the next day that I, finally, went to the hospital and do some explaining to my workers. Since I'm the "almighty head" of the whole institute, as what Ino would call it.

"If you guys don't mind, I would like to have a two week break from the work and all. I know you are all aware about why I am taking a break. I really need some time on my own right now." I announced, after gathering each and everyone of my workers to my office.

I heard some whining, negative reactions and the whispers of Naruto's name.

"It's okay because during that break I will let Yamanaka Ino take over my job for me. I entrust that you guys will be cooperative with her."

I can feel Ino's deadly glares from among the crowd.

"Shall I count on you guys for that?"

They all agreed and were okay with it. After the announcement, some concerned nurses were gathering around me. Some said I should take it easy. Some comforted me.

"Thank you." was all I said in that sweet voice of mine as I slowly walked away from them.

Along the way I passed by Ino. I didn't feel like talking to her so I ignored and walked past her. Apparently, she was too fast that she hastily grabbed my wrist and there was this furious look on her face.

"What was that, Haruno?" She asked angrily. She rarely calls me Haruno, except when I do something wrong.

"What is what?" I answered back with a cold tone of voice, quickly releasing my wrist from her grip.

"What is wrong with you?"

"Nothing. What's with you?"

"God, Sakura! Seriously, okay. That head of yours is so whacked." Ino exclaimed, shaking her head vigorously. She looked up and I saw tears running down from her eyes. "You've had me worried sick. You hear me? Sick! I didn't know what happened to you! I kept calling you, but you never answer. You never contacted or got in touch with anyone ever since he left. It's been how many days, Sakura. I didn't even know if you were still alive! You…"

"I'm not that suicidal, Ino." I muttered quietly.

She looked at me and bursted into tears again.

This time, I had to embrace her.

"Thank you for worrying about me, Ino. I'm fine now, really."

"Idiot, how can you not be grateful for someone who endured your stubbornness for who-knows-how-many years." She said, giggling in between the sniffs.

"That's what friends are for, right?" I said, beaming happily at her.

--

I told Ino about everything. From Naruto's departure and how it made me feel to Sasuke's unusual gentleness over the past few days.

"Oh my, you lecher! I can't believe you're two-timing Naruto!" She gasped.

"What?" I said, dumbfounded. "How can you say that?"

"Well, you let him carry you in your apartment right after Naruto left, you let him embrace you and you let him, a hot, single man, cook your meals for you!"

"He only cooked once for me!"

"You'll never know. He might do it again tonight!"

"Stop it! Isn't that what friends do? Support each other?" I said with a severe persuasion.

"Since when did he declare you were friends?" Ino crossed her arms and arched her left eyebrow up, observing me with half-lidded eyes. "For all I know he's just your husband's assistant. Isn't that all there is to it?"

I kept quiet.

"Besides, wasn't it just his duty, as Naruto's right hand, to look after you?"

Of course.

I never forget that.

It's not friendship. It's his duty.

Sometimes, it's just really hard to tell the difference.

I just don't know what to believe.

--

"Welcome home!"

I was seriously flabbergasted to see Sasuke waiting for me outside my doorstep, smiling cheerfully at me and...

OH MY GOSH!

Is he wearing my apron, again?

I gasped.

"Wh-what are you doing?" I laughed. "You look ridiculous!"

He didn't reply.

He was just looking at me with those gentle eyes of his.

Stupid me, I was looking back.

"Well, don't worry about dinner, because I'm cooking tonight!" I stammered, breaking his gaze once again.

He still didn't say anything.

Even when I opened the door already.

He was still outside standing, looking at me.

Even when I said,

"Good night, Sasuke."

Even when I slammed the door shut right infront of his face.

He didn't say a word.

I stood by the door, waiting to hear his footsteps to walk away.

His shadow was still there.

He was still standing by my door.

How can I avoid him if he keeps testing my vulnerability like this?

I opened the door and said,

"Do you want to join me for dinner?"

That's when he replied,

"I'd love to."

And I swear his eyes felt like they were smiling right back at mine.