0.

HARUNO SAKURA
Student number: XXXX-XXX-XXX
Section: I-C
Clubs: Soccer club
Birthdate: 28 March
Birthplace: Tokyo, Japan
Family: Haruno Kenji

UCHIHA SASUKE
Student number: XXXX-XXX-XXX
Section: I-C
Clubs: --
Birthdate: 23 July
Birthplace: Tokyo, Japan
Family: Uchiha Mikoto, Uchiha Itachi

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cannon VS voodoo

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I.

TO: Naruto
FROM: Sakura
SUBJECT: what happened to the world???

No one can understand me and my legs.

I told Tsunade-sama, "my legs are strong, and your steel poles are cheap." She twitched, went green in the face, took a deep breath and as calmly as she could, she told me about my detention.

I swept the floor of the entire third floor hallway, scrubbed the floor, mopped the floor, wiped the desks in every room, the chairs in every room, the windows in every room, I erased the board in every room, I arranged the chairs in every room, the books in every room, the desks in every room, and after making sure that the chairs and desks were properly aligned in a very straight line, I went to Tsunade-sama's large, gloomy office and listened to her lecture about 'destroying expensive school properties', to Iruka-sensei's about 'good manners and right conduct', to Zabuza-sensei's about 'mutilating, raping, the soccer field' and to Genma-sensei's not-so-funny-comment about my legs. After they dug a hole of blame and chucking me down there, I climbed up and out of that hole, got my bag, promised them that I won't do anything stupid ever again; I left and walked out of school. It was almost six PM and there were few people left.

Naruto, I just could not tell them— heck, they would not even care, would they?— that I was such in bad, bad mood and that BAD mood made me to kick hard, and that yesterday, my stepmother and my stepbrother had moved in with me and Otouchan in our castle— MY castle, which is, by the way, not MY castle anymore because a queen moved in and made her residency here with her sarcastic, indifferent idiotic son who happened to be a musician, working in Kakashi's club. All of a sudden, I felt like Cinderella with a beautiful, kind, caring, soft-spoken stepmother who was supposed to be ugly, wicked, hard-hearted and harsh, you know, just like in the fairy tale.

Let me rant for a while and YOU BETTER LISTEN. OR READ ME (or else… you don't want to know what I'll do to you if you ignore this rant)

Yesterday, when I went home and saw Mikoto-san, I felt my face go red, my eyes bulged and I shook like a fig leaf. I want to kick something, I want to scream, and I want to make something fly but… She smiled at me, Naruto. She smiled at me. She smiled a shy, gentle smile and she was blushing! She looked frightened

(do I look like a monster???)

waiting for me to grab our largest butcher knife and hack her with it. And then… he arrived. That youngest son. Sasuke. He scowled at me— the nerve! And I scowled back, I clenched my fists and god— do you have any idea how much I wanted to reach out and put my fist on his mouth and knock a few teeth and put a black eye on that pretty pretty face? But Mikoto-san smiled at me.

Again.

And then, Otou-chan said it: "Isn't it great, hime-chan? One big happy family in our big blue house!"

Oh Naruto, I think I'm going to die due to the fact that I cannot speak due to my anger. I'm afraid if I open my mouth and try to speak, I would scream at them to scram to the ends of the world and do not ever come back. So, I shut up, held back and suppressed my voice (and you know how much it pains me not to talk, not as much as it pains you not to talk and eat at the same time). She stole my father and now…

She's here to invade my HOUSE where I can be everything I want to be, where I can be myself, where I can walk naked in the hallways, where I can sing without worrying that I might burst someone's eardrums, where I can pig out and leave stains all over the couch, where I can cry while watching Bambi and the Bambi Christmas Special, where I can recite the poem written by Lee for me, where I can watch the crappy soap operas, where I can punch the keys of my piano without telling me that it is expensive and antique and older than me, AND NOW WHAT??

Everything that I used to do, everything that I always do— I have to change them.

Because Otouchan's new family is here. I can't dance naked in the hallways now because my darling brother (yes, yes… I am sarcastic!) is strutting around the place, I can't sing my favorite pop song because my darling brother is a musician and he will curse me for eternity because my singing sounds like slandering Beethoven and Mozart and Pavarotti and Fall Out Boy— in short, I HAVE TO BE SOMEONE ELSE. Is it right or am I overreacting???

I don't know anymore. I am so confused!

I don't think I could sleep like a log in this house anymore— I felt like something was wrapping their fists around my throat to prevent me from breathing normally every time I tried to sleep and breathe. I can't keep my eyes close without thinking that across the hall is my stepbrother and inside Otouchan's room is his new woman. I CAN'T MOVE ON. I CAN'T ADJUST. Screw that 'you have to adjust bla bla bla'! I haven't adjusted from the fact that Otouchan's married and now all of a sudden they ARE HERE invading my castle, invading my fortress!

I know, you being a good guy who everyone loves will say: "at least he's happy." But what about me and my happy ending???

No one had ever put their feet inside my territory— except you and Kakashi-sensei, and now my world shook and it can't stop shaking. First, Otouchan had a girlfriend, got married and ta-dah— we are now living together under the same roof, breathing the same oxygen and eating in the same table. How weird is that??? And then, it hit me: this arrangement is for keeps (unless they get divorce??), is going to last for a very, very long time.

Oh Naruto… I want to grow up and leave and run away, very, very, very far away, just like the last time (even though I didn't get that far!) but I look at Otouchan and I realize I can't. I don't want to leave him. I don't have the strength to leave Otouchan.

I know it is selfish but you know how I hate changes, how I hate strangers! Remember the time when we met Kiba when we were in elementary and you wanted him to hang out with us??? And I refused! I did because I thought my world was happy enough for the both of us. I don't need anyone, that's what I previously believed in. As long as I have you and Otouchan… I won't need anyone else!

It took me two years to accept him, and it took five seconds for you to accept Ino as my other close friend. I wonder how open-minded you are despite your foolishness… it's been a long long rant and my hands are tired from gripping the mops, brooms, and every frigging cleaning materials. Wish me luck, my friend— or you'd better wish them luck. I am so close in blowing my top, screaming my lungs out, kicking something hard and round and making something fly and smash. But Otouchan gave me a Look. I'd better stay in my room and stick to stabbing needles onto my favorite voodoo dolls that have dark hair and dark eyes.

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II.

"If you called only to annoy me…" Sakura began threateningly, "I'd hang up now."

From the other line, Kakashi chuckled. "How's the big blue house?"

"The house is not blue. Are you color blind or what? Honestly, you and Otouchan are getting blind in your old age…"

"Ah, don't sass me. You have an exam tomorrow."

Sakura grunted. "I'll go study now."

Click.

Dial.

Ring.

(Betcha by gally wow

wow wow wow wow)

Sasuke narrowed his eyes, keeping his gaze on the computer screen with his mobile phone pressed on his ear. "If you called just to annoy me…"

"Amazing. You and Sakura said the same exact thing. You two must be soul mates."

Sasuke grunted, pressed enter with unnecessary force and bit out, "I'm putting down the phone."

"How's Konoha so far?" asked Kakashi.

"Loud." He answered flatly.

"That will make your road of life less boring and more interesting."

The boy snorted, "Fuck that road."

"That's rude."

Sasuke kept silent, an apology.

"And for that, I'll make the math exam extra special for you."

"I'll go study now."

"Amazing. That's what Sakura-chan said."

Bam.

A chuckle. An amused chuckle.

Dial.

Ring.

"Hello."

"Yo."

"Kakashi?"

"Yep. How's the move, Kenji-san?"

The man sighed. "That's not what you want to ask, right? It's Sakura… she went very red when she saw Mikoto. And I thought she'll explode but she managed to keep her body intact."

"You must be very scared."

"Hai. That was her most dangerous color. She went red like that when she found out I was engaged. But thankfully, she was able to control her temper. She was… quiet. I was… suspicious, to be frank."

Kakashi smiled slightly. "You should be. That girl is not quiet. She took it from Naruto. I advised you to keep your guard up. She's full of surprises. Who knows… what she'll do next."

TO: Sakura-chan
FROM: Naruto
SUBJECT: Re: what happened to the world???

You are so funny when you write. I can imagine what your face looks like and it is very funny! You can stay in my room, if you want. You can sleep in my sleeping bag on the floor while I snore on my very comfortable, orange bed. Oh noooooo! Didn't I tell you? Neji also replaced my orange bed sheets with pink ones??? The shocking pink! Crap… my eyes burned every time I wake up but I remember you and your pink head that blows open every time Lee asked you out.

"I see…" Ino nodded comprehendingly.

Naruto continued, squatting on the floor. Shikamaru was watching television, while Neji studied in the dining room. "She's very pissed! And the email said: I'd better stay in my room and stick to stabbing needles onto my favorite voodoo dolls that have dark hair and dark eyes. You don't think she's—"

"Of course, I do think she's doing it right now." Ino turned to the next page of her glossy magazine. "You know her the longest, being friends with her since five years old. That should not surprise you."

"Yeah… We sit beside each other since we began school! Isn't it cool?!"

"No. You two giggle all the time and no one will ever know what it was all about. It made the two of you looked retarded."

"Oi!"

Ino laughed that poised laugh. "Hai, hai, Sakura will later move on. Let her overreact. She's jealous, selfish, insecure and sulking because she found out, at last, that the world does not revolve around her. Sooner, she'll recover. Let her do whatever it is she wants to do."

Naruto exhaled. "All this talk about Sakura-chan makes me hungry… Oi, Shikamaru, let's go out!" he yelled over the phone.

"Oi, you didn't just ask my boyfriend out, did you?"

You have an instant message from: NARUTO

Naruto: hey—

Sasuke: don't talk to me

Naruto: I don't talk to you! I'm instant messaging you!

Sasuke: whatever, go away, I am busy

Naruto: with what? Porn?

Sasuke: I'm not like you dumbass

Naruto: so how's the big blue house?

Sasuke: it's not blue, idiot. Are you color blind or simply an idiot?

Naruto: hey! I'm not color blind! When we were kids, Sakura-chan and I call their house 'big blue house'. She liked the TV program 'The Big Blue Bear in the Big Blue House'.

Sasuke: you're right about one thing: It's big.

Naruto: yep. Sakura-chan, when we were little, used to get lost inside. It's too big for her

Sasuke: hn.

Naruto: do you like it?

Sasuke: it's passable

Naruto: how about Kenji-jichan? Do you like him?

Sasuke: he's hard-working and polite. The opposite of his daughter

Naruto: hey, don't talk about Sakura-chan like that! Yeah, yeah I know, she doesn't like you and your mom, but Sakura-chan never liked strangers. You'll just have to be patient

Sasuke: I don't care. Okasan wanted to live with Haruno, I consented, even though I am not in favor with her decision. The house is big enough. The chances of seeing her in the hallways are small. The lesser the chances of seeing each other, the better it is. Okasan gets nervous when we are in the same room.

Naruto: why? Sakura-chan gets all red in the face?

Sasuke: aa

Naruto: ahh! She has the right to be nervous! That's Sakura-chan's most dangerous color! When Sakura-chan gets all red and twitchy, get the hell out of her sight. She'll kick something, make something fly and scream something!!

Sasuke: I wonder how you survive if you're friends with her for a long time

Naruto: I have strong bones, great reflexes and eardrums made of steel

Sasuke: hn. I knew it. You're not normal

TO: Naruto
FROM: Sakura-chan
SUBJECT: Mr. Supportive

Introducing… Naruto, the Best Supporting Actor! Anyway, I saw you and Uchiha talking. Do you know him personally? AND DON'T DARE LIE TO ME

TO: Sakura-chan
FROM: Naruto
SUBJECT: not lying ever and ever and ever and ever

Ah yeah. We're friends since Junior High. We met in a basketball camp in Osaka, the one you didn't attend because Oji-san grounded you for a month for punching a guy. I never got the chance to introduce you to him but I really wanted you to meet him but he refused (he's not very, very friendly, that bastard!). I know her… his mother. She's really nice, ne? And, motherly! She smiles a lot and gives me free ramen!

TO: Naruto
FROM: Sakura-chan
SUBJECT: hmph

Anyone who gives you free ramen is MOTHERLY

TO: Sakura-chan
FROM: Naruto
SUBJECT: NO! NO!

Well, you gave me free ramen once (after 21 blackmails) very grudgingly (that's a big word, dattebayo!) and I do NOT consider you motherly

TO: Naruto
FROM: Sakura-chan
SUBJECT: idiot

The subject says it all

TO: Sakura-chan
FROM: Naruto
SUBJECT: not idiot

And Uncle Ramen gave me free ramen (after 20 blackmails) and I don't call him mommy

TO: Naruto
FROM: Sakura-chan
SUBJECT: yes idiot

And don't forget Kiba who you blackmailed for 19 times and promised black boxers for Akamaru

TO: Sakura-chan
FROM: Naruto
SUBJECT: no no idiot

Dattebayo! I remember! Anyway, Sakura-chan, you should try to talk to Sasuke's mother and don't you know? She knows how to bake super strawberry cakes!

TO: Naruto
FROM: Sakura-chan
SUBJECT: sweet

Just because she knows, it does not mean I'll like her right away! She invaded my castle and because of that I was forced to sweep the floor of the entire third floor!

P.S

Are her cakes delicious?

TO: Sakura-chan
FROM: Naruto
SUBJECT: delicious cakes

You were the one who kicked the scoreboard down. Anyway, you still have your mini-castle, your room

P.S

YES

TO: Naruto
FROM: Sakura-chan
SUBJECT: are you sure cakes

The whole house is MY castle!

P.S

Well, maybe I'll think about it… or maybe not…

TO: Sakura-chan
FROM: Naruto
SUBJECT: sure cakes

You can move in with me if you like

P.S

Stop thinking!

TO: Naruto
FROM: Sakura-chan
SUBJECT: NEVER

No way! Your room is orange!!

P.S

Unlike you… I think

TO: Sakura-chan
FROM: Naruto
SUBJECT: orange is the new hip hop

Orange is cool and you know it! But if you can't really stand being in the same room with Sasuke-teme, you can really stay here. But you're devoted to your otou-chan, right? You can't run away far, far away and go boating for the rest of your life without looking back.

P.S

that hurt my feelings sob sob sob

TO:Naruto
FROM: Sakura-chan
SUBJECT: pink IS the new HIP HOP

You're right. For the meantime, I'll keep quiet, ne? The less I talk, the lesser the chances of me blowing up.

P.S

oh gomen ne hug hug hug

TO: Sakura-chan
FROM: Naruto
SUBJECT: Macho Man is my FIRST NAME

So. What's the answer on number 22 page 5 of our math booklet?

TO: Naruto
FROM: Sakura-chan
SUBJECT: parasite is your second name

X= 48

TO: Sakura-chan
FROM: Naruto
SUBJECT
: thanks!

You're the man, Sakura-chan!

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III.

The door opened.

"I'm leaving!" Sakura called as she tugged on her striped black and red knee socks, and chuck taylor.

"Why don't you wait for—" Kenji started but Sakura waved without looking at him. She left the door opened, her duffel swinging behind her. At the same time, Sasuke appeared from the stairs, his coat over his shoulder, and his messenger bag on his shoulder.

Mikoto smiled at him. "Breakfast, Sasuke-kun?"

The boy shrugged and went to the kitchen.

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IV.

KONOHA HIGH SCHOOL NEWSPAPER
Vol. 12, No. 5

UCHIHA SASUKE VS HARUNO SAKURA:
The Step Siblings Silent Cold War

(two student pictures with white background, student number, name and section under each photos were at the front page with red Kanji VERSUS between the pictures)

"Haruno Kenji recently married Uchiha Mikoto…"

"…Haruno Sakura demolished an arcade center in Roppongi!"

"The marriage was sacred but later was punctuated with loud screaming match between the children of—"

"This convoluted drama is a must-watch!"

"… not in talking terms… who will crack first?"

"Hatred, jealousy, possible gold-digging—"

"… spent a night in Roppongi together in a love hotel."

"…drama of family, forbidden love affair, choices and—"

"…kicked down a steel post? What a monster, I mean, what an amazing power!" (a snapshot of Haruno kicking a soccer ball with psychotic expression)

"Uchiha Sasuke… A delicious specimen versus a monstrous—" (a snapshot of Uchiha's sharp profile)

"How will this war end?"

"WHEN WILL THE EARTH EXPLODE?"

"Who will win?"

"Who will have his or her heart broken?"

"…will break a thousand hearts if Haruno breaks Uchiha's face…"

Uchiha Sasuke blinked at the only person he bothered to talk to.

"What war?"

Uzumaki Naruto shoved the school newspaper in front of his face. The dark-haired boy regarded the front page with a flat gaze, his colored picture scowling back at him.

"Nonsense."

"How will you fight?" asked Naruto.

Sasuke shrugged, "with cannon, M16 and guerrilla tactics…"

"Sasuke!" snapped Naruto.

"What?"

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V.

"Hey, you made it to the front page!"

Sakura looked up. Ino was grinning at her. She was holding the Konoha High School Newspaper between her thumb and index. With a smug grin, Ino swung it from left to right in front of Sakura's eyes.

Uchiha's scowling picture glared at her, while her prissy photo pouted at her.

"Ehh?" Grabbing the paper from Ino's grip, Sakura spread the front page in front of her and gawked. "WHAT THE— Karin?" Ino responded with a wider grin. "What the heck did she think of us? A soap opera to tune in?!"

"Be proud you're on the front page."

"No."

"There are more pictures in page 14. Come on, look!"

Sakura obliged. There were pictures, mostly stolen, candid, taken in different angles, blurry backgrounds, people mingling with the lights and backdrop, featuring a primary model: Student Council President Sasori, All-Girls Soccer team Captain Harukaze, 2nd year Hyuuga Neji, there was Matsubara and his perverted grin; Ino surrounded by her tall, model-like Theater Club co-members; transferee Uchiha with his ridiculously handsome face and narrowed eyes in different angles (an entire corner was dedicated to him); Sabakuno Gaara and his creepy, very direct green gaze; blushing Hyuuga Hinata; Vice Captain Shimamura Rika, and oddly, there were photos of Naruto with his tongue out, mimicking a ghoul. Sakura's eyebrows twitched, coming across the collection of pictures which showcased her legs.

Suigetsu, the Newspaper photographer, took pictures of her legs, unmoving, in action, maneuvering a soccer ball. What irked Sakura was the fact that Suigetsu aimed his camera solely to her legs.

"…hmm, how will you fight, eh?"

"Voodoo."

Ino rolled her eyes.

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VI.

After class, there was a Student Council conference.

"What?" a second year representative asked.

"It's Cultural Festival in two weeks, did you forget, Shiba? At the same time, there is Inter-high competition." Student Council President Sasori said flatly. He was in Harukaze's class, a constant honor student, quiet, with thick tousled red hair and flat gaze. "We have to organize and prepare. Principal Tsunade wants a report in two days regarding the preparations we will make and plans we will carry out." He looked down to the papers he held in his hands and absently flipped them, stopping to read and think. "I like this … Tea Hosting Club. And the 'Only The True Man-ship Costume Tournament'." He shrugged. "What do you suggest?"

Sabakuno Temari spoke, "The Broadcasting Club wanted to sponsor a mini-concert."

"A concert?" Sasori arched a brow.

"Yes." Temari smiled, "But, maybe you'd like a Puppet Show, Mr. President." Sasori ignored the crack and nodded at Neji who raised a hand confidently.

"I suggest we display a typical Culture Festival. The types we see in parks, temples… That way, we honor our traditions."

"But that's boring," grumbled Temari. "This is high school Culture Festival. You want to catch a goldfish? Buy a bouncing colorful rubber balls? You're boring, Neji-kun."

Hyuuga sent the fellow second year with withering glare.

"Enough," Sasori lifted a hand. "Tomorrow, we will have another meeting with Class Representatives. Present your class' proposal and if the Council thinks it is appropriate, we will approve it. I urge you to ask your class of what you will sponsor. Hinata-san, you will be in charge of advertisement."

"Hai," answered Hinata, jotting down notes.

"Are there any questions?" They shook their heads, except for Shikamaru who was half-dozing.

"Meeting adjourned."

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VII.

After class, students gathered in the hallways, moving in clusters as they made their way to the slipper room. They stopped, some lined up in the corridors, tip toed, recognizing a popular face, and stared.

Uchiha from Class I-C appeared.

He walked with long strides, even, not slow, but confident. He looked almost graceful. Tall, not muscular, but not thin. He was, in girls' description, a pretty boy. In women, silent, almost aristocratic. His looks weren't ordinary, but endearingly attractive. The type you fan-girl about, that type of thing. But, he was aloof, very quiet, and snobbish, and did not like attention his looks gave him.

That made him extra popular. The quiet type. Girls loved that, don't they?

From the other end of the corridor, Haruno came, pink hair glistening in the daylight. She looked weird, the strangest girl in the campus, with that weird hair, and big so-green eyes that shone like neon lights, very clear, direct. She wasn't as pretty as her friend, Ino, the sophisticated beauty. Or as delicately beautiful and fragile like Hinata.

But… there was something about her that courted notice.

The students watched their favorite drama. The Step-Siblings Silent Cold War.

Uchiha came closer.

Haruno came closer.

The students watched, waiting for a static, firecrackers and explosion.

They walked past each other.

Quietly.

The students despaired.

Where are the drama, suspense and action?!

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VIII.

After school, Sasuke, still wearing his school uniform, went to rehearsal with Hayate, Tokonatsu and Shichikawa in Love Love Disco Hall, carrying his guitar pack in one shoulder.

"We got invited." Tokonatsu said after playing Hanafubuki. (1)

Hayate stopped strumming his bass, curious. "Where?"

Tokonatsu Seki looked at Sasuke, who offered a confused look. "Konoha High School." Expectedly, the younger boy frowned.

Shichikawa voiced Sasuke's thoughts. "Why there?"

"My girlfriend attends Konoha. She's in Broadcast Club. She says your school's cultural festival is near and her club wants to sponsor a mini-concert." Tokonatsu sat down a chair. "She suggested us and… her classmates consented."

"And…"

"I accepted." Seki was watching Sasuke's expression, who in turn raised his brow: why are you looking at ME? Touya glanced at him curiously.

"Alright! Konoha High School! I heard there are lots of hot girls there!" Hayate furrowed his brows slightly, "But… it's Sasu-chan's new school, right? Is it okay with Sasu-chan?"

"As long as you shut up with that Sasu-chan crap." Sasuke snapped. He turned around, facing away from his band mates.

Seki crossed his arms and watched the boy thoughtfully. "If you're uncomfortable…"

"I am not uncomfortable," interrupted Sasuke gruffly.

"Your sister attends Konoha." Seki shrugged.

"YOUR SISTER?" Hayate gasped and grabbed Sasuke in the shoulder to swing the boy around. "You're schoolmates with your sister?"

"So what?" Sasuke said, ignoring Hayate who lamented over the fact that 'Sasu-chan was having an exciting high-school life'. "It doesn't matter, does it?"

"I'm just concerned. Your relationship with your sister is not in talking terms, right?" Sasuke frowned, Seki elaborated, "my girlfriend says that everyone in Konoha is watching you and your sister, like some exciting TV show."

"YOUR SISTER IS COLD-HEARTED?" Hayate exclaimed. "Oh man, this is like a love-hate relationship! It's so hip!"

"Doesn't your girlfriend possess any life rather than being a girl?" Sasuke snapped. Why the hell do they waste their lives on spreading rumors? Having a popular step-sibling was such a pain in the ass.

Touya smirked. "You attend Konoha. The people there are not normal." Sasuke had to agree. Naruto was there, and little sister who obviously hates me.

Choosing to ignore the comment about his girlfriend, Seki went on, "I don't want you to get distracted." This time, Sasuke scowled. "It bothers you. Don't deny it. You are bothered."

"No." He'd eat sweets than to admit that, yes, it was bothersome. And he was annoyed. Ever since they lived together, every time they were in the same room, the temperature went down, his mother fidgeted, expecting flying saucers and flying objects as thick I'll-kill-you-when-you-talk-to-me aura blossomed around Haruno, and the silence… the goddamned suspicious silence from her. It was better if she was talking about the clouds, the solar system, the universe and everything on it— he'll endure it. But that silence… "I am not bothered." Sasuke stood up, "let's resume. Let's try Closer." (2)

Tokonatsu shrugged, standing up as well. "No. Let's try Prayer." (3)

"Whatever you say."

"YOU AND YOUR SISTER IN ONE SCHOOL?! That's so unfair! How the hell do you get all that amazingly delicious forbidden love affair?"

-

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IX.

On Fridays, Uzumaki and Haruno go to karaoke together after school.

NARUTO-KUN'S song: Love so sweet (79! Try harder! "…Arashi? Arrgghhh I don't like boy bands!")

SAKURA-CHAN'S song: Houkiboshi (88! Amazing! "Boy band? No they are not boy band!")

NARUTO-KUN'S song: Music is my Hot, Hot Sex (71! YOU FAIL! "It's an American song… and the title is weird!")

SAKURA-CHAN'S song: You're not alone (90! SUPERB! "…I have excellent English, don't you agree?")

After ten more songs with failed scores, Naruto decided to leave the Karaoke room with a disgruntled face. "Those machines sucked! They don't know how to appreciate talent!" Sakura laughed, walking beside him, watching the place around her.

"Let's try… racing!" she pointed towards the rows of arcade games lined up outside the karaoke booths. Naruto looked at where she pointed and a grin spread over his face.

"Dattebayo! I'm good in racing!"

After two hours, they left the gaming center. They stepped out to the evening breeze. Naruto's rollerblades hung behind him, his blonde hair sticking up in every direction as he waited for Sakura to say something. Glancing down at her since he got long, long legs unlike little Sakura, he stared at her petite profile, her thick long lashes, her thin lips.

Sakura looked up to him; Naruto blinked.

The corner of her lips tugged upward, a dimple appeared. "Ichiraku. I want to see Ichiraku."

He grinned back.

On Fridays, Uzuamki treats Haruno to ramen.

-

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X.

Her thin legs swung back and forth as she sat atop her high stool. Unlike hers, Naruto's longer legs were steady and his feet were touching the ground.

"Have you tried talking to her?" he began. Sakura stared right ahead, blatanlt ignoring his question, but Naruto waited. Their orders arrived: miso for Naruto, vegetable for Sakura. "YOSH!" The blonde boy picked up his chopsticks— itadikamasu— plucked them apart and started to dig in.

"…no." Sakura answered after a while, and even though it was small, very quiet, and there were many rowdy costumers tonight who were talking and eating at the same time, Naruto heard it. He paused halfway and looked at her. Her eyes, hidden by her lowered lashes, watched the steam coming up from the bowl. Naruto sometimes wondered why her eyes looked like that, distant, hiding, and sad and— as if not wanting to see anything, as if trying to hide from everything.

"I haven't." This time, Sakura's voice was stronger, her eyes wider and confident.

Naruto tilted his head to the side, looking thoughtful. "It's been a week, Sakura-chan." He told her and began to eat.

She turned to him. "A week?"

"Yep," he answered, his mouth full.

"Seriously?" Naruto raised a brow and glanced at her, his cheeks bulging as he nodded. "Time flew so fast." Sakura went on, chewing delicately.

Naruto swallowed first before speaking, "you mean you haven't talked to her and to Sasuke-teme ever since they moved in?" She didn't answer. "That's cold."

Sakura's legs stopped swinging.

"How will you fight in this… Er, Step Siblings Silent Cold War?"

Her legs swung back and forth again.

"Voodoo."

Naruto cringed.

-

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NOTES:

(1) and (3): A.C.I.D
(2) Inoue Joe