'...' - Eliza talking to Inner Sakura.
... - Inner Sakura speaking.
The next morning, I woke up early out of habit. The sun just barely peaked out out of the navy-colored sky, and my parents were still fast asleep- judging by their peaceful chakra signatures. I stretched and got out of bed, preparing to go out.
After I finished, I slid downstairs and grabbed an onigiri out of the near-empty fridge. I opened the front door and stepped out, turning in the direction of the library. The dark sky enveloped me as I took a deep breath of the cool air and closed my eyes.
Let's do this! S- Shannaro! I opened my eyes and nodded to myself.
When I entered the library, I walked to the genin section and paced back and forth the aisle until I found the scrolls that I wanted. I reached for ones labled 'Basic Genjutsu' and 'Basic Ninjutsu' as starters. The dust flew in several directions as I pulled the scrolls free, causing several loud sneezes to escape my throat. The library obviously needs some extra help. Through watering eyes, I noticed that most of the scrolls in this aisle needed serious dusting. The job was far too large for just a few people. I waved the dust away with my free hand and left the aisle.
I quickly sat down with my two scrolls and opened one up. Randomly, I decided to try the one with genjutsu first. Hell Viewing: Demonic Illusion Technique... D-rank. Causes the victim to face their worst fears...
Just like the one Kakashi used on me.
I shuddered. Yeah, I could probably use this. It's not too hard and will have a slight impact. Well. It did on me, but I'm pretty sure I'm not a good example... It doesn't take much to freak me out.
I flipped open the notebook that I brought with me and started taking notes. How nostalgic. And to think there was finally a day where I was whole-heartedly taking notes. Not that I was a terrible student before, but who likes taking notes? Not me for sure.
I scanned through the scroll several times before I continued onto the next scroll. I totally forgot how tedious note taking was...
The process continued on for a while before the sun rose high in the sky. Rays of sunlight streamed through the windows of the musty library, reaching out to touch the edges of the frayed scrolls. By that time, my fingers felt cramped and rigid, neck sore from craning to see the small print of the scrolls.
I yawned, then sneezed, pulling my arms as far as I could from my body. Satisfying cracks sounded along my back and neck. Then, my stomach suddenly growled- as if knowing I was about to leave. I patted my stomach decisively and cleaned up my area as efficiently as I could.
After gathering my materials, I all but ran out of the library due to the obnoxious growling sounds coming out of my stomach. I hadn't realized that I was that hungry. Now, where to go... As I pondered and looked around the area, I spotted a yellow dot in the distance. As it grew closer, I could make out an orange jump suit.
"Hey, Sakura!" Naruto greeted, now a few feet away. Due to brightness of the sun, I could not make out his features, but the orange jumpsuit gave it away. I waved and stepped to the side, just when he barreled into the spot where I stood originally. When he stopped, he continued, "Whatcha doing?"
Odd. His voice... There was a thickness layering his words that made my stomach turn. As I glanced at his face, I felt myself stiffen minutely. His eyes were red-rimmed and shadowed, glistening, with a grin that didn't quite reach his eyes.
I scrambled to reply, before the silence became awkward: "A-ah, nothing much."
"Aha! Really? That's good!" He raised a hand to his head, closing his eyes for an eye-smile.
My fingers reached upwards to tug at my earlobe. "But hey, Naruto... are you-"
"I'm fine! Absolutely fine! How 'bout I catch you later, Sakura? I, uh, kinda got something to do!" Before he could run away, I grabbed his arm. My eyes widened at my audacity, but my fingers refused to slacken.
Everyone knows how it feels to cry. You're embarrassed. You feel weak, pathetic. Even angry.
I lock the door and pull the curtains shut, collapsing onto my bed. Hot tears well up in my eyes until I can no longer see clearly, slipping down my cheeks and soaking my pillow. I brush them away furiously, steeling myself, but they refuse to go cease. If anything, they seem to flow faster.
Shame blossoms in my stomach, coloring my cheeks red. I'm such a baby. Why can't I stop crying? I'm so stupid. This isn't anything to be upset about. I'm fine. I'm okay. I'm not crying.
...
God damn it! Stop crying! This is why no one likes you! You are a worthless, pitiful human being! You are an absolute-
"Eliza?" A knock sounds at the door. "What are you doing? Why is the door looked?" I quickly wipe my tears away with my heart thudding rapidly, clearing my throat several times under the covers.
"I- I'm changing, mother!"
"Alright, alright, I was just checking."
Something in me snaps when I hear her walking away and I yell, "Mother!"
"What is it, honey?"
"I-" feel sad. I want someone to comfort me. I want someone to hug and tell me it's okay, even when it's not.
"Nevermind."
So I won't let him be alone.
He faced me desperately, trying to tug his arm out from my grasp, "Come on, Sakura. I'm not joking. This is serious. I've got something really important to do!"
"So am I. Naruto, you're lying. I can tell. Now, come with me."
"What are you-"
"Shush. Just don't talk for a few minutes." I held onto his hand and pulled him forwards.
0o0o0
A cool breeze blew over the Hokage Mountain, rustling several locks of my pink hair and causing small goosebumps to appear on my uncovered legs.
"Why'd ya bring me here?" Naruto sat cross-legged on top of the rocks with his head bowed while I stood with my arms folded across my chest. I walked over to where he sat and plopped down next to him, then unzipped my jacket and threw it over his head.
"So you can cry." With that said, he stopped trying to take off the jacket on his head.
"Wha-"
"Listen. I don't know what happened, and I'm not going to ask. Just go ahead and let it all out. Cry, sob, scream, whatever. As your friend, I won't judge you if you do. And if you want a shoulder to get all your snot on, you have one right here." I patted my shoulder.
"It's okay. I'm not really..."
"No, you're not. Trust me, Naruto. I've been through this before, and... you know, it really helps to have someone with you." I patted his trembling shoulders, using a gentler tone. "It's alright. I promise what happens here, stays here. No one will know other than us two."
"..."
"Naruto?"
"You promise?"
"What?" I was surprised at how soft his voice had become. It sounded so vulnerable and raw and so very full of emotion. My heart clenched.
"You promise? That... you really won't tell?"
"Absolutely." Cross my heart and hope to die.
"...okay. Alright." His voice cracked and his shoulders visibly trembled harder. I moved his head onto my shoulders and wrapped my arms around him.
Soon, I could feel a wetness on my shoulders and quiet sobs.
0o0o0
We didn't exactly become buddy-buddy immediately after that. In fact, it was quite awkward. After he had let it all out, he refused to even meet my eyes for a solid five minutes. It was only after I mentioned ramen that he began to look at me again and mumbled a quiet thank you. How cute.
...
He regained some of his normality once we stepped into the ramen stand, and the rich, meaty smell of the broth flew into our noses. As we headed towards the seats in the corner, I observed the worn wooden walls and the faded red seats, relaxing in the homey atmosphere. The glow from the miniature red-orange lanterns lighting the area set me at ease, and the little waving cat decoration seemed to smile wider at the sight of us. I liked this place.
"Naruto! Long time no see! Brought a girl with you, did ya?" Teuchi, the owner, asked, winking. Naruto turned slightly pink and shook his head, looking at me with wide eyes. His expression was so uncharacteristic of him that it made me smile a little.
"No, nothing like that. I'm his teammate, Haruno, Sakura."
"Ah. Haruno-chan, is it? Well, your bowl's on the house! Naruto's friend is my friend, and it's your first time here! Make sure to spread a good word."
"I sure will!" I smiled in appreciation. "And it's Sakura."
"Now, what would you guys like to order?"
By this time, Naruto had gotten over his embarrassment and fired off several orders of his favorite ramen. I chose a bowl of Pork Ramen, since it was what Naruto recommended.
At last, our bowls arrived, piping hot. The steam came out of our bowls in thick plumes, mouth watering smells right under our noses. I picked up the pair of wooden chopsticks right next to the black bowl and broke it in two, dipping them into the broth and picking up some of the soft noodles.
I barely chewed the noodles before Naruto asked a question that made me choke and hack for a good few seconds.
Nervous laughter escaped me before I could stop it. "What do you mean by that?"
"I mean..." He scratched his head and smiled. "You just seemed so... different from before. It seems like you two are completely different people! Is it possible for a person to change so much?"
"Well..."
"Not that it's bad or anything! I like you way better now than before! I'm just worried... Never mind." His ears turned red.
"Worried?"
"Never mind!"
"Aww, come on! What is it?"
"That you'll suddenly change and... won'tbemyfriendanymore." I smiled so wide that my cheeks hurt. Is it possible for someone to be so darn adorable?
"Come here, you little-!" I grabbed his head for a headlock and tousled his hair roughly, nearly spilling the bowls in front of us.
"Stop! Stop!" I laughed at the look on his face.
0o0o0
What?! An update that isn't months late? That's right! I hope you guys enjoy this chapter and as always, a review/follow/favorite would make absolutely brighten up my day! :)
Question of the Day(i forgot this last time, haha...): Any kpop(korean pop)fans out there? If so, comment your favorite group(s)! I've recently become a fan of BTS. Check them out!