Mysterious Found
By: Unknownred ©
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A/N: Happy Belated Valentine's Day! I did plan on posting this chapter as a surprise for you all…yet, that didn't happen. Now I know you're tired of hearing my excuses for not writing for 6 months prior to my latest chapter 20, but I'll have pretty much summed these reasons for you—or if you just want to skip this note, go on ahead and read.
Reason 1 – College, third year, full-time student (let's not forget the many nights working on those 10+ pages of essays to write)
Reason 2 – I borrowed a book (Insurgent by Veronica Roth) from my friend 8 months ago and I have yet to read it! (That's how busy I am….not lazy…busy!)
Reason 3 – I'm attending 2 colleges at the moment (in class and online).
Reason 4 – So I'm taking this online class for BioII and the lab sucks bad (because not only did our professor not require us a book, we have to try out this new e-book site that contains our assignments/ testing and will determine our poor grades even though it takes me practically a whole day just to complete one assignment).
Reason 5 – They say if you have writers block, keep writing to make up lost time or until you gain some sort of inspiration OR just take a breather, watch a 10-minute show, eat something, rest your mind, dream, etc. (Sitting at my desk, fingers on the keypad….I'm thinking…I got nothing…)
Reason 6 – A few days ago— I FINALLY GOT IT! An idea to transition into the story of Mysterious Found… (Plus, it would be so caring of me to post it for VDAY as a surprise to my readers!) Yeaaahhh, or so I thought…when did time play again?
Reason 7 – It's not laziness if Facebook, YouTube (dramas, tv shows, anime), games on your phone OR Books (e-books, manga, comics), the library, internet, and music has gotten boring for your taste…raise your hands if you been there…
So I pretty much just rambled and I know this is belated, but I do have a small surprise for whoever read my reasons without skipping to the story. Now when you review, be honest and tell me you read my reasons and write "You're forgiven" (ha-ha, just kidding— but if you do, I hope you stay true to your words) and I will dedicate an upcoming chapter to you (how's that for a motivation? Ha!)
P.S. – I just wanted to ask….why are you still reading this PS when you could be reading this awesome possum story? Go on!
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Sakura's POV
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"Ms. Haruno?" Announced a strict voice from within the office where Sakura was patiently sitting outside waiting to be called in for her job interview.
Nervously, Sakura got up and strolled over to the door left ajar from the previous frantic applicant. Entering, Sakura sucked in her breath at the sight of the small decorated green room. On either side of the entryway sat two mahogany oriental bookcases displaying vases, bowls and figurines of abstract art, and classic books. Two short, grand Tuscan accent chairs faced the P-shaped desk with a wide screen computer reflecting the room she was in, and where the manager she was supposed to be interviewing with was nowhere to be seen.
Confused, Sakura swore she heard her name being called on.
"Well, sit down." The same strict voice demanded. Startled, Sakura looked around the empty room as she hesitantly did as she was told.
"Curious, are you? Not many people are, seeing as the previous applicant ran out this room the moment he stepped in it." The woman's voice lighten in a sick amusement. Sakura raised a brow, trying to remember the panic in the eyes of the young man that wished her luck. She was about to question what he meant, however being called on, the man bolted for the exit and Sakura was left to dwell in his words. "So, you're Haruno Sakura, mm?" Came a static screech from the speakers on the desktop.
Sakura jumped.
"Yes ma'am. Er," Sakura began, not really sure who she was talking to. "May I ask…where— who I am speaking to?"
"Shiho." The woman's voice clarified as she stepped into the screen, revealing herself in front of Sakura. Light blonde hair tied in a loose ponytail over one shoulder, Shiho was dressed in a loose maroon blouse and a pencil skirt. But what caught Sakura off guard was Shiho's glasses that displayed a swirl-tinted lens instead of her eyes. Sakura bit her bottom lip wondering if she was being tested on appearances or something other. She wasn't too sure. "Is there something on my face?"
Sakura blinks, snapping out of her thoughts and shakes her head as she peers at Shiho curious to know why they were communicating through a screen instead of face-to-face like normal interviews go. As if reading her mind, Shiho answered, "Normal is so overrated; don't you think, Ms. Haruno?"
Sakura pursed her lips before giving a sort of yes-no-maybe-so shrug in response.
"Well, give or take, my boss—being as lackadaisical than a sloth—he would hire just about anyone on the spot." Sakura raised a brow at Shiho's behavior towards her boss. Gosh, why couldn't her boss be the one to interview her instead? "However, I thought, wouldn't it be fun if I tried a little experiment and see just how good those applicants are, that is, stated from their résumé application?"
Should she being telling this to her? Sakura wondered. Shrugging Shiho's strange formality, she began answering Shiho's questions that wasn't anything closely related to what was on her résumé.
"Now, for some one-on-one questions." Shiho began, shuffling some papers on her desk and looked down at it before popping the question that many people have asked Sakura. "Is your hair color natural or dyed? Because we have a code conduct here and won't allow any funny business ruining our professional reputation."
"It's natural, ma'am."
"Are you sure?" Shiho narrowed her eyes, scrutinizing Sakura as Sakura inwardly rolled her eyes, feeling insulted. "How do I know if you're trying to fool me or not?"
Sakura squinted her eyes at the woman in the screen. What, does she want me to show her? Sakura scoffed inwardly. "I assure you, I'm pink inside and out. Up here," She points at her head, then below her waist, "And down there, too."
"Well, you didn't hesitate for a moment, so… I believe you." Shiho adjusted her glasses before continuing. "Do you have any experience in decoding?"
"You mean, like, hacking?"
"In technically terms, yes. For good purposes, only though." Shiho added quickly at the end of her sentence.
She's good reading people and lying between her teeth, Sakura thinks suggestively, she's done it for those remaining years with Sai before she found out that she was just as fooled as she thought he was. "Er, no."
She can tell if someone was keeping something from her; remembering all those times her ex would ignore her calls or make excuses from going on dates. Of course, she wasn't the type of girlfriend to search his phone or demand answers, but she felt something was off. She knew… "Not exactly," She drawled on. She wasn't exactly telling the truth but it felt like she could unwind a person just from being around that person from time to time or a long period of time. Sasuke.
Now, Sasuke on the other hand, for some reason, she thought and remembered her first morning with him. She was drunk and had told him everything that happened to her that night she was stood up by her then deceased ex-boyfriend. But ever since Sai's burial ceremony, Sakura has been easing up to Sasuke. Sasuke had given her a new home, a friend to confide in, and people who seemed to care more for her—or, so confessed Naruto:
"I like you Sakura," Naruto walked alongside Sakura, giving her a downcast look of longing. "You're different from most girls I've befriended. You're like a breath of fresh air in this danky city I call home." He laughed.
Sakura laughed, feeling like she was in some cheesy movie. Smiling at Naruto, she replied with a platonic tone, "Thanks Naruto, I like you too." However, she didn't realize her words became more than just friendly with Naruto.
"—no? Ms. Haruno?" Shiho called, finally snapping Sakura from her reverie. Sakura apologized as Shiho explained that their interview was nearing an end. "Please answer this for me, what did you think of this interview?"
"It was…" Sakura began, pausing only to think of the right words that would possibly impress Shiho, except leave her with an honest opinion, "Truly a change of perspective. I didn't expect to be speaking to you virtually although…" Now that I think about it, Sakura realizes something. "For an experiment like this one, not only did you not cover over my résumébut you asked me some personal questions that was relatively exclusive. I have to say, you can really make a person talk nonsense just by sidetracking them with questions. Although I'm not a hacker, one thing for sure is, I figured you out. You made me talk and you gathered as much information just by observing my appearance, my attitude and behavior, and it wasn't just from me talking." I bet she didn't even care or listened to half of what she asked me, Sakura thinks to herself, quirking a brow at Shiho.
Shiho stood there from her desk, giving Sakura a once-over before inhaling a breath and letting it out with a huff. Shaking her head, she threw down the papers on her desk and surrendered her arms outwards, "I may have underestimated you, Ms. Haruno."
Ha! She knew it, Sakura smirks unconsciously.
"However, you just given me the answer to our job description qualifications." Shiho sits on the edge of her desk and looks straight into Sakura's eyes. Sakura's pride drops a little at her next words, "For starters, I really did find you intriguing. Sadly to say, I am lost on time. This interview has come to an end. Thank you for coming; have a safe trip going home. I hear we'll be having high winds and a thunderstorm tonight."
"Oh," As soon as Sakura purses her lips to reply, the computer screen shuts off. Sakura blinks a couple times before awkwardly replying to a black screen in an empty room, "Uh, thanks."
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A/N: Okay, I'm going to give this chapter a week seeing how busy I'll be—and it's snowing—anyway, I'm thinking this chapter will be up within the timeframe of my birthday which happens to be this Sunday. [Today, because I didn't finish it until a few hours ago.]
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Well, that was a bust. Sakura sulked, trudging to the bus station. Taking out her pocket money, she counted and noticed she was a dollar short from riding the bus home. Home. It's been four straight weeks since Sasuke asked her to move in with him. It still felt strange to her for living under a roof with a man; a man that almost ran her over from their first meeting. Sighing, Sakura shoved the money back into her pocket and sat on the waiting bench.
Slumping over, Sakura remained quiet and basked in the sunny breeze. What a beautiful day and to think tonight would be terrible, she thought, remembering Shiho's last words. Sakura sighs, not wanting to think of the many failures her job search has brought her. She didn't understand why she couldn't at least land a job in this big city. Oh come on, it's a city for crying out loud! She groans aloud. There's bound to be at least one business ready enough to hire her!
As promised in the rules of rooming in with Sasuke, she made sure she left a note every day telling Sasuke where she was going— Sasuke, I'm taking a cab to explore the city. Maybe I'll find a place I can surprise you! I'll be back this evening. Catch ya later, Sakura.However, being a high-up lawyer and knowing his city limits, Sasuke wasn't too keen on letting a girl go out on her own especially if she went to the wrong side of the urban boundary. He remembered that time when he caught her cold and she ran out on him to the dumps of the city; he was looking everywhere for her until he found her and brought her back to his place. That day, he skipped work as a "prior emergency" to go find her whereabouts.
Sakura giggled at the memory and shook her head, never wanting him to relive that moment when she found him running to her when she stepped out of her cab, panting and glaring at her with a signal that she was in trouble. She understood that she didn't really give him an actual reason of her departure that day and knew he was worried for her sake. Not wanting to be a burden to him, Sakura wanted to do something to help Sasuke out, like get a job and pay half of her stay with him.
She had gone through fifteen interviews since then, and all of them have given her each an excuse, or would give her a call if there was still any other openings. However, to her disappointment, she hadn't received any calls since then. She didn't think looking for a job was this hard. Apparently, she was wrong.
"What do I have to do to get a job around here?" Sakura whined to herself, lifting her head and spotting what seemed to be a green ad taped to the sidewalk light pole.
Sakura got up and walked her way to the pole before looking at the ad. Lov'N Deeds Pub. Needed: Bartender and dancer; hands-on; you'll get paid handsomely. Call xxx-xxx-xx38.
Squinting, a faint reminder popped into her mind which she recalled talking to Naruto on the phone two weeks ago:
"Sakura, you do not want to work at a club, bar or pub. Trust me," Naruto insisted, talking earnestly into the phone, "You wouldn't be right for any position offered."
"Are you saying I'm incapable of working?" Sakura gasps in offense, glaring at her phone screen before pulling it back to her ear, "I'll let you know, I'm better than that!"
"Exactly. Look Sak, this city is known for its flashing lights and parties. I just don't think it'd be a good idea for a city noob to get—"
"I'm not a city noob!"
"Having a job in either three is dangerous stuff. I know because I've worked as a bouncer almost my whole 3 years of college." Naruto reasons, his tone dropping lower.
"Wow, three years." Sakura says, rolling her eyes, "Before you dropped out."
"Sakura," Naruto's voice gone serious, "Promise me you won't get a job in either three."
Not unless they want me, Sakura thought, plus she needed the money. Huffing, Sakura exhales into the receiver, "I'm not making any promises, Naruto. But…if all goes well with my other interviews, then there won't be a second I would be thinking of that desperate opportunity waving at me with flashing lights and tempting drinks calling out my name—"
"Sakura!"
"Okay, okay! I'm just saying, sheesh." Sakura rolls her eyes at how abnormally serious Naruto was being. So overprotected, I swear.
Which comes to a thought that maybe Naruto was saying this for her own good or maybe, for his own good. Getting to know Naruto, he seemed to always bug the hell out of his best friend and yet never really tip Sasuke over the edge, whereas, if he did, Sakura felt that Naruto would run for his dear life.
Ripping one of the paper tabs with the name and address, Sakura mindlessly ignored Naruto's advice and went on her way to find the pub. She thought of the consequences, wondering what Naruto's wrath was like; it can't be that worst as what she had imagined Sasuke's. Oh well, she'll deal with it when the time comes. She felt bad for seeming like a freeloader and didn't want to burden Sasuke, so why shouldn't she help him out by easing his worries and getting herself a job…starting with this one.
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Hinata's POV
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"I cannot believe this!" Hiashi growled into the phone, a crash of glass hitting the wall. Even though she wasn't facing her father personally, Hinata jumped at the glass shattering noise and of her father's angered words. "To think I'm being blackmailed by a measly love-sick teenager!"
She remembered clearly of the announcement of her cousin Neji's engagement to Karina. She could care less to the happenings between her father and her cousin that involved the redhead woman, however she couldn't bypass Neji's unusual behavior about the said woman. What was he doing with that fox? Last she heard, Karina went to visit her rumored boyfriend overseas, and plus, Neji wasn't interested in stuck-up women who worm their way into profited businesses and tear them down from the inside. Is that what Karina was doing? For one, she hoped Neji knew what he was getting into.
"Hinata!" Her father snapped in her ear, bringing Hinata back to earth.
"Yes, father?"
"You will take Neji's place as CEO of Hyuga La Bête—temporary, that is—until that boy gets his head screwed back in place." Hiashi explained, a shuffling of papers could be heard on the receiving end. "This is strict business, understand? I will not tolerate any shenanigans or distractions that will sabotage all the hard work I put into this corporation."
What, her, as CEO of Hyuga La Bête? She couldn't really take this title that Neji has worked so hard to earn. Five years and four months counting, Neji was just promoted two nights ago prior to occasion. Temporary, her ass! Hinata exhaled an overwhelming sigh and closed her eyes.
"Put aside your studies," Hiashi continued, deflating Hinata's objections as his tone got serious, "As a business partner, you'll be taking up new training and learning the ropes from under me. You will fill in spots for meetings I cannot attend to, on short notice. You will learn how to make decisions best for the company and not from your heart. Remember Hinata, a heart is just an organ, there is no meaning to love—which reminds me, no distractions means no boys either. I will not allow you to talk to that fox who has been secretly meeting with you now and then."
Hinata's throat closed as she choked inhaling a breath. Naruto! How did he know about Naruto's unexpected visits? Must have been that time he brought Sakura over for a tour of their hometown and those guards that made a huge fuss about the so-called "intruders". Blinking and breathing slowly again, Hinata hinted to her father with small yeses to let him know she was still there—yet, wasn't fully listening. How could he do this to her? He knew how close she was to completing her masters in psychology and now she's replacing a five-year position Neji has strove for and she has no clue where to start. Sure, she had filled spots for her father's absence in important business meetings, but she didn't have to speak, just sit-in and write down specific pointers and report it back to Hiashi.
Anxious, Hinata heard Hiashi hang up with a click before she dropped her hand holding her phone. She couldn't believe it— her career was on hold, she's been promoted as CEO in 48 hours and she can't even stand up for her beliefs because her father has controlled her life a puppet almost her whole life. But the truth is, she's scared to go against her father's commands because he's the only family she has besides her sister and she couldn't leave her sister especially with her disability. She vowed after Neji took her place as Hyuga's heir for her sake to attend college that she would protect Hanabi from entering the messed up world her father lived in. "Reign in power," Hinata whispered, her eyes tearing up as she knelt to the floor and looked at her phone's light dimming from usage. "How was father ever loved when he's lost in a world filled with power and money?"
"This world is basically a hierarchy Hinata; you got the top Ace that can live as freely and the low- poverty who struggle to survive. This world isn't kind and from the bottom, I worked my way to the top so that I can provide for my family. You do understand, don't you?" She remembered her father once said when she four. "For our clan's pride and ambition, we continue to strive forward. We must not let ourselves be pulled back by unnecessary obstacles—even if that obstacle is called love."
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Sasuke's POV
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"Heading out?" He heard a silky voice enter his ears as he walked out of the elevator to his work building. Turning his head, he spotted a woman in a beige corset with a mini black pencil skirt, carrying a coach handbag in one hand and a bunch of folders under the opposite arm.
He rose a brow at her business attire and asked, curiously, "Do I know you?"
"You can call me Mei. I'm working in the Criminal Defense Law Firm down on Second Street." The woman sultrily strutted to him, her red hair bouncing from her shoulders onto her chest that called out "look-at-these-babies". Smirking, she stopped in front him, not too closely to inhale in his cologne but enough to match his gaze and flung her hand out, "It's nice to finally meet you, Mr. Uchiha. Or, can I call you Sasuke?"
Taking her hand in a firm shake, he was surprised she held her own professionally, "Please."
"I'm here to talk business with you concerning your recent case about your…female companion." Mei began, her eyes flickering around in case anyone was eavesdropping on them. Many of the employees have in the previous years that he had to let them go after considering their trust in confidentiality within the building. However, the trusts he developed with his company wasn't enough that he couldn't tolerate rumors that twisted from words exchanged from one firm to another. "Do you have time to spare?"
Wanting to decline and go home and rest his tired body, after all he hadn't had much sleep for the past three weeks working on Sakura's case with the pervert on the train. He presented the evidence and talked remotely to the judge and jury about the said case getting out of hand. After getting the said approval, detectives went to work on undercover searching the train for perverts and the police did their part on questioning said witnesses or having interrogated past perverts for any hangout spots other perverts would be at. He hadn't heard anything new since then as of now.
Sasuke glimpsed at his watch that read ten after six. Pressing his lips together, he wondered what Sakura could be doing right about now but didn't spend longer than a few seconds before deciding that taking a few minutes, maybe an hour before heading home wouldn't hurt since this was strictly business which involved Sakura. Sasuke then waved his hand to the doors exiting the entrance to the building, "After you."
Turning on her heel, Mei cat walked to the doors with Sasuke in tow and signaled a cab that drove in cue. Sasuke felt his eye lid twitch in bewilderment, seeing how dress up Mei was and instead, rides a dreary cab. A small chuckle snaps him from his observation.
"Where to?"
"Anywhere." He closed the door behind them as Mei gave the cab driver an address and they went on their way.
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Sakura's POV
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She was really cutting it close with the time Sasuke usually gets home around seven. It was a quarter after six and she had just arrived at the said ad's address. Looking at the big flashy sign, Lov'N Deeds Pub, Sakura took a breath of nervousness and released it before opening the entry doors and stepping in.
Mellow music was strung on a small stage, and several people littered the tables within the pub. The bar was shaped as an S, long and the counter was smooth as marble with beer taps, glass shots, menus and stools. The lights within the room were dimmed low with purple laser beams. "Classy," Sakura muttered to herself before turning her attention to the bar tender who was eyeing her with suspicion.
"May I help you?"
Holding up the green ad, Sakura walked to the bar counter and leaned against it, "I'm looking for a job."
"I can see that," Said the girl behind the counter, her blond hair pulled into four pony tails. She wore a punk-like gothic black tee shirt with rips in the front showing off her rack. She wore an apron around her waist and held a pitcher of what seemed to be beer in it as she refilled a shot glass. Then to Sakura's surprise and amazement, the bartender hollered the order and swung the drink down the counter as it slid into the customer's hands.
Impressive, Sakura thought as she watched the said woman take the money and cashed it into the register. "So, what are you applying for? We have two slots open."
Right, there was dancing listed—which Sakura opted knowing she wasn't as good a dancer as from when she danced with Sasuke. The other was bartending which Sakura had no experience in whatsoever but heck, she was desperate; she was willing to try anything, learn anything, and master anything if only she could land a job. "Bartender."
"Ah," The said woman nodded, pulling a dish towel out from under the counter and started wiping the residue liquor that splashed from the previous slip-and-slide. "Any experience in mixing liquor?"
"No, but I'm willing to learn." Sakura blurted before she can take it back. Speaking quickly, she covered, "I'm a quick learner!"
"Oh, desperate, are you?" The woman wrenched the towel in a bucket, "We get a lot of those."
Sakura sighs, cursing her mistake and having a bad feeling that this would turn out to be another rejection. "Hm, well, our staff is on the low right now but it gets pretty busy around here after dark." The blond throws the dish towel onto the bucket's edge before replying, "How about dancing? Can you dance?"
Looking behind her at the stage, Sakura realized something she hasn't noticed before. Off to the sides of the center stage is another circular stage with each a single pole stood. Blinking, Sakura asked what sort of dancing was required.
"Any sensual dance you can offer." The woman shrugged behind her, "Ranging from pole dance, lap dance, table dance, grinding, twerking, et cetera."
"So…basically, dirty dancing?"
"The art of sensual activity," The woman continued, "is what our customers come for. To have a good time; and in exchange for their extra change, they get entertainment and our business flourishes."
In other words, their business profits from this sort of act, Sakura thinks, narrowing her eyes at the hidden meaning. "No kidding."
"So, have you come to a decision?" The blond asks, leaning into the counter and raising a brow at Sakura.
Does she even have a choice? A yes to her rhetorical question however Sakura opted to ignore and chose what little chance of having an actual job.
"Plus, dancers get extra tips on special nights."
"You don't say," Sakura mumbled to herself rather to the woman's tempting bribery. From how she saw it, they were in desperate need of more staff and she was desperate in need for a job. There's may be a win-win in this situation if she took the job. But dirty dancing? Can Sakura really stoop that low for money? Sakura pressed her lips together, recalling the moral dignity she was raised as and decided, "What the heck, dancer I'll be."
I mean, she thought to herself, how hard can dirty dancing be?
"Great, I'll let the manager know." The blond rounded the counter and pointed to the back door with her thumb as she started walking that way, "Oh, and you can call me Temari."
And at that same time she said her name, a surprise, yet familiar voice spoke up and called her name, "Sakura?"
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A/N: Yes, cliff-hanger because I'm that evil (mwahahaha). But, you're welcome and I should be getting some sleep now since today is a special day! :) Anyway, thanks for reading and don't forget to review!