As always my deepest love and appreciation goes to the following people who took the time to tell me what they thought about the previous chapter

As always my deepest love and appreciation goes to the following people who took the time to tell me what they thought about the previous chapter. They are;

Deora, A.flawed.design, Tierra, Sasuke-and-Sakura-4ever, ForgiveButNeverForget

It really means a lot when I open my inbox to read a review. Especially when I can take ideas or improve from them. Thank you once again.

Now then, here is the next chapter which I'm certain a lot of you will enjoy.

All my love

M

Chapter 7:

Triple Maths had passed by pretty slowly for Sakura. They were studying the differentiation of trigonometric functions; something Sakura wasn't bad at, but not keen on either.

After dealing with the Maths she had to deal with Namaka who just couldn't stop slipping her notes with highly inappropriate graffiti, such as 'Sasuke 4 Sakura', 'Sakura is in love!3', or another few chibi drawings. Sakura threw them all in her bag to hide the inapt notes and destroy them ASAP…for no other reason of course, or so she kept telling herself.

Sasuke seemed oblivious to the trauma and anguish Sakura was under throughout that triple, another he did glance over every once in a while to check he was getting similar answers to her. She is smart…hmph, guess the image she's built of herself is true.

Although nearing the end of their last lesson he did see her visibly twitch and shifting in her seat. She was obviously uncomfortable but why? He looked over to Namaka and saw her grinning like a mad hatter. Maybe she should stop hanging out with her if she clearly makes her feel so uncomfortable.

At the sound of the bell Sakura packed away her things rather slowly for someone aching to get out. Meanwhile Namaka had to rush off to a Chemistry experiment. As she left Sakura rather loudly sighed.

"Oi, if she bugs you that much why do you sit with her?" Sasuke's cool voice spoke without one hint of emotion, although he was clearly interested.

"She isn't really that annoying but- hey how'd you know she was bugging me?" Sakura stopped her packing and looked over to Sasuke. He continued packing and replied, "It wasn't rocket science being able to notice that."

Sakura laughed softly, "Sheesh, that noticeable ay?"

"Pretty much."

Sasuke had already finished packing and was waiting for Sakura to finish as well. As she lifted her bag from the floor and swung it over her shoulders they headed to the Physics department which was one floor above. Once on level 3 they turned left and walked down a corridor stopping at one of the door on the right.

Sakura was about to step through when she noticed the note pinned to the door.

Year 13 head to library for a free lesson. I am giving extra teaching to Year 12 who have their practical exam soon.

Mr. Hitoko

A cry of joy emanated from Sakura as she turned to Sasuke.

"Sweet! Well I don't know about you but I haven't got any Business Studies work to do so I'm heading back to Leaf. Did you get any work yesterday?"

Sasuke shook his head, "No, I think I'll head back with you."

Sakura nodded and they both turned to leave, heading for Leaf.

As they arrived Sakura entered her office, threw her bag down and jumped onto her sofa. She sighed and stretched her arms with her legs dangling over the arm rest, leaving enough room on the sofa for Sasuke to join her. If he wanted to…

Sakura looked to the door and saw his silhouette pass right by her office heading for their general lounge room. She sighed and started at her ceiling. Shutting her eyes she tried to pull her emotions together. What is up with you girl? Do you really fancy that cold hearted boy?...Well he isn't really that cold hearted…That is true…But still! He is cold compared to all the other good looking boys at this school! Take Kenji! He is way more your type no? At that she paused. It was true she liked Kenji, a lot. Just maybe not in that way. Maybe I don't or maybe I do…Gosh do I like both of them?! She groaned and brought her hands to her face as realization of her confession dawned on her.

I have the hots for Sasuke Uchiha.

"Whatever it is it can't be that bad." A voice spoke as Sakura felt a dip in the sofa lowering her head slightly. She opened her eyes and looked up to see Sasuke lounging rather casually with his legs bent on the sofa. He came…

"Oh Sasuke, I didn't notice you." Sakura truthfully replied.

"Hn."

Sakura turned her gaze away feeling a little uneasy after her recent revelation. Should I tell him? She wanted to laugh at herself for considering such an idea.

"You can tell me you know."

Sakura's throat seized and her eyes widened. She briefly considered the boy to be an alien with psychic powers. "…eh?"

"Whatever is bugging you, you can talk to me about it. Despite my appearances I am a good listener."

Sakura paused sitting up and shifting so she was in an upright position supporting herself with her two arms placed on one side. She turned herself so that she was half facing him and just looked at him. Sasuke actually cares? He was staring at her photos framed on her wall and then turned to return her gaze.

She visibly blushed a bit but couldn't take her eyes off of him. He is so handsome…

Much the same was happening in Sasuke's mind as his eyes just stared straight into hers.

Why am I looking at her? She is just a typical girl you have found to be trustworthy…And then it dawned on him. He was so interested in observing her this whole time because he was cautious over whether he could trust her. Now he saw, literally and in general she wasn't anything like those fan girls. Her personality showed strength and leadership qualities, and even though she relies on her friends for emotional support, it just shows she is human…she is imperfect.

Not from where I'm standing…He thought to himself. Her hair was framing her face and she had no fringe to cover the top of her head. She looked normal and yet she was so different. Striking candy pink short hair and contrasting emerald green eyes. Her nose was small, and probably the most 'typical' feature she had.

As Sasuke's eyes traveled around her face he set on her lips. They were slightly parted and she was wearing a light coat of lipstick. Her breathing was a little fast but silent.

Sakura watched his gaze travel over her face but she wasn't embarrassed in the least which shocked her. That was probably because her brain was starting to feel a little numb with all the attention he was giving her. With her stomach filled with butterflies, a light red tint surfaced on her cheeks and she found her arm muscles slacking and she was leaning forward.

Sasuke also began to shift slowly and lean sideways towards her without much thought either. Soon they were mere centimeters away from each other as they began to feel the warmth of each other's breath. Sasuke's arm moved further down the sofas back as his torso was now completely facing her.

Oh...my... a single thought managed to enter her mind as she and Sasuke shut their eyes and prayed.

With just one centimeters gap between their lips Sakura and Sasuke's motion seemed to slow dramatically.

This is it…they both thought.

Unexpectedly the sound of a ringing bell echoed throughout the school.

Sakura jumped and Sasuke stiffened. She quickly turned herself till her back was facing Sasuke and closed her eyes praying that she would wake up soon. Pinching herself she flinched at the pain, and turned round to face her doom.

As she turned to look at him he was still in the same position, slightly leaning over and his arm outstretched over the back of the sofa. The only difference was his head was turned to face the back of the sofa and was slightly bowed. One of his fists began to ball up slightly and then loosen once more.

Sakura frowned with widened eyes as she wondered and feared what would be going through his mind. Things are going to be so weird now! God why me?!

"Sakura…" Even when he spoke so quietly he could get across so much authority and right now Sakura was willing to listen to anything anyone told her. "We should get going to our lessons."

With that he stood and swiftly left the room without as much as one glance towards her. If he hadn't have said her name at the start of that sentence she would have believed he was talking to himself.

She lowered her head and balled her fists in her lap. His fists were balled up. He was probably kicking himself for trying to kiss me or letting me kiss him…He must actually hate me. Gosh I can't stand this…I can't stand him hating me…Why…

The sound of laughing students echoed throughout the hallway and drained out the sound of a small sob.

She dabbed her napkin underneath the cold running water and pressed it to her face trying to remove that horrible tint on her cheeks. She straightened herself fully, shut the tap and looked at herself in the mirror. Wow…you wouldn't be able to tell I was upset…

She wasn't being sarcastic. Her face had her normal appearance to it and just to see how far she could fake this façade, she grinned. Gosh I should have taken up acting.

She stepped out of the girls toilets and rushed down the stairs to pick up her bag and swiftly headed to the Business and Economics department.

She winced as she thought of the utter cruelty of having these two departments combined. She'd make a point to the headmaster to separate the two departments; it was clearly going to drive her insane. Oh? And are you also going to get the Head to chuck Sasuke out of your Maths and Physics sets? Hmm? I'd love to hear your reasons. 'Oh! We nearly kissed and things are so awkward! I couldn't possibly concentrate with him next to me!'

She sighed and lowered her head as she pushed open the glass doors and passed the several different rooms. It'll be okay. He could be in any of these rooms and is pretty far away from you. Yeah, good, he isn't even going to be in the same room as you! Suddenly Business Studies became Sakura's favourite subject.

She saw Kenji standing outside the class along with her other fellow classmates. In reality she actually enjoyed her Business Studies class. They were a bunch of kind and humorous people who never failed to joke around during lesson time, even nearing exam time. And Kenji is here…he is exactly what you need. A good friend…and a good distraction.

Kenji noticed Sakura and grinned. He pushed off the wall he was previously leaning on and came to meet her halfway. His eyes seemed to look around himself and then glance over her shoulders for a moment. She found it odd but then again the boy was full of surprises.

"Saki!" He cried out as he out stretched his arms and hugged her. She sighed in his warmth and clung on to his vest.

"Oi? You ok?" He pulled back a bit and lifted her head with his hand.

"Yeah, yeah don't worry I'm fine! More importantly you better keep me entertained during this lesson only I don't think I can handle one more boring class!" She grinned near the end, hoping her face looked as convincing as it did in the mirror.

Kenji grinned and hugged her once more keeping his arms around her just above her waist. "How could I not entertain you? I am like a walking fun fair and you Sakura are the sweet candy floss!" She giggled and grabbed a strand of her hair. Her gaze shifted and she already felt better with Kenji's affection, or maybe even flirting. Let's not go there…

"Alright you lot come in!" Anko their business teacher called out. Kenji turned to pick up his bag lying on the other side of the hallway and Sakura turned to pick her bag up. As she stood she was facing the doors and saw the unmistakable silhouette of Sasuke. She caught him looking at her and by the looks of it, he didn't care.

Oh God…how long has he been watching me? Did he see that little interaction with Kenji? Great he probably thinks I'm some kind of slut.

Sasuke had been watching them from a distance and had actually made eye contact with Kenji, not that Kenji knew about recent events. Sakura wouldn't tell him, or so he hoped. No she hadn't told him, he could tell by the way Kenji looked at him, it wasn't cold, or rude, it was just triumphant.

He was nearing her and she expected him to just walk by or even push past her. Sakura squinted her eyes a bit, trying so hard not to close them and show her weakness. She could hear his foot steps and as he passed by her she felt the softest of touches swipe on her hand.

She gasped and her eyes opened as she stood firmly, Kenji's voice snapped her out of reality.

"Sakura! Come on Anko says she'd like to start her lesson!"

She turned and swiftly walked in, apologizing to her teacher and turning to shut the door. Turning around to push it closed she saw him leaning against the door opposite to her class staring at her in a cool manner with one leg perched on the wall with his arms crossed.

She gently turned away, shut the door, and took her seat next to Kenji and taking out her books. Was he not mad at me? It didn't seem like he was. I know what I felt; he brushed his hands against mine, if anything it was a tender stroke with the tips of his fingers! He can't be angry it was far to gentle a caress.

"Sakura, what's going on?"

Sakura turned to Kenji and smiled, genuinely, "Thankfully Kenji I think the answer is nothing."

As Sakura paused for a bit staring down at her desk Kenji eyed her suspiciously. He hadn't failed to notice that when he came out to fetch Sakura Sasuke had just passed by and went to lean against the wall opposite to their class across the hall. He'd also seen her hesitancy when shutting the door; she looked like she was looking at someone. It was obviously him.

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