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A Different Answer
SasuSaku Month 2017
Day 25: Maybe Next Time
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"Sasuke-kun, wait!"
He turned and saw Sakura running after him. Sasuke looked at her as she bent down a little to catch her breath. "You're leaving already?"
"Aa."
Mismatched orbs saw how her emerald eyes lost its usual sparkle. "Oh. So soon?"
Sasuke nodded. "I need to return to my journey. I just wanted to report to Kakashi about something important."
"Can't you stay a little longer, then?" Sakura asked, her tone hopeful.
He shook his head slowly. "I… I can't, Sakura."
She looked down, disappointment falling heavy on her shoulders. But she strengthened her resolve and returned her gaze on him.
"That… maybe next time that you said… can it be today?"
He was taken aback with her request. Sasuke tried to see if she was only bluffing, but all he saw was her earnest eyes, steeled with determination.
"Sakura…"
"I… I know that it's your journey to redemption… but I can't just wait here any longer, wondering if you're okay or safe somewhere around the world. I want to be with you, Sasuke-kun."
His expression softened at her words. "I'll help you in any way that I know. I promise you that I will not be a burden at all."
With his sole limb, he placed his hand on her shoulder. "You are not a burden, Sakura. You may be annoying, but you're never a burden… especially to me."
A blush spread throughout her cheeks. Sakura's heartbeat went crazy at his words, and it took all of her willpower not to cry.
"Sasuke-kun…"
He sighed and looked directly into her eyes. "As I told you before, you have nothing to do with my sins, Sakura. It still holds true now."
Green eyes flashed with stubbornness. "But you also told me once that solitude is a very rough thing, Sasuke-kun! Without you here… I feel that solitude even if I have my family and friends with me." She took the hand on her shoulders and held it with both hands. "You chose to leave me behind here twice already. I'm not gonna let it turn three times."
Sasuke smirked, amusement dancing in his eyes. "How annoying."
She grinned at him. "What about your work here in Konoha? Your family? Your friends?" he added.
"I already thought of that. I have trained numerous medics, and they're all great. If I'm needed in an emergency, Kakashi-sensei can always send us a message. As for my family and friends… they'll understand. This time I'm choosing my happiness."
Surprise was evident in his eyes, and it was then replaced with resignation. "Are you sure about this, Sakura? I don't want you to regret being with me."
She placed her palm on his cheek. "I think I would regret it more not being with you, Sasuke-kun."
A soft breeze enveloped the two. The pinkette held her breath, afraid that he'll say no again. But the feeling of fright lasted only for a moment, because Sasuke gave her one of his small smiles and his monosyllabic response that sealed the deal.
"Aa."