A/N: Two updates in one day? Gasp. This time, Sarada takes center stage. Grab some tissues.
This is for all of our lovely reviewers and supporters. Thank you so much. Your kindness overpowers other reviewers bad juju.
We don't own Naruto/Boruto.
"Saradaaaa!"
She grimaced and put her pencil down, trying not to snap at her roommate. The girl wrapped her arms around her neck from behind and whined some more.
"Pleaaaase! I have no one to go with."
"Kagura and Buntan said they would go with you," Sarada sighed. "I have to study."
"The test isn't until next week!" Sumire rubbed her cheek on Sarada's and bat her pretty big eyes at her. "Pretty please?"
Her cheeks burned but she remained strong. "No. I have to study and ace this. I have to ace it."
There were more than several reasons as to why Sarada had basically thrown herself into her studies when she got to Kirigakure University. It ranged from defending her pride all the way up to resenting that she didn't pass her university of choice. The latter being her biggest reason for resenting where she was at now. Even if both of her parents were alumni and her grades had always been good, for some unknown reason, she wasn't good enough to pass Konoha University.
Her parents never put any pressure on her, neither did they get upset. But she was. Sarada was upset with herself and she wanted to do so well in Kiri U that no one would ever question her intellect. Not even herself.
"You go have fun."
"Come on!" Sumire shook her around. "It's not going to be fun without you. Besides, we can find someone for you there."
"I don't need a distraction."
"Think of it as…" Sumire smirked and whispered close to her ear, "Inspiration."
Chills ran down Sarada's body and tried to push her roommate away but failed, her hands drifting down to her breasts suggestively. Her face burned. "S-Stop that!"
"Only if you go with me." Sumire sang.
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The party wasn't what Sarada expected, it was actually pretty chill. It took place in Kagura's fraternity house, and there were only a few people invited. It looked like he was playing host, busy talking to everyone and entertaining his guests. Buntan, as expected, just stayed out on the porch all evening, smoking and drinking beer with her sorority sister, Hebiichigo.
What Sarada didn't expect was Sumire ditching her to makeout with the girl they just met, leaving Sarada sitting on the couch, wanting nothing more than to leave.
"Sarada-chan," Kagura approached her with a wide smile. "What's wrong, not having fun?"
"No," Sarada sighed and put her drink down. "Sumire ditched me."
"Oh…" Kagura looked around and held his hand up. "Wait right here. I have people to introduce to you."
"Uhhh… that's okay. You don't need to—"
Too late. He was gone.
Kagura came back with a guy who looked around her age, she's never seen him around before. But what really caught her eye was how handsome he looked. Messy brown hair and deep blue eyes.
"Sarada-chan, this is Hōki. He's one of our freshmen." Kagura introduced him. "Don't worry, he won't bite." Just then, he looked at Hōki and gave him a pointed stare.
Hōki stared at Kagura for a moment longer before looking at Sarada, giving her a quick once over. Then his expression softened and he took her hand in his. "Hello. Sarada-chan, huh? Wow, you're gorgeous."
Her cheeks reddened and she took his hand for a shake. "Just call me Sarada." She laughed nervously and then gave Kagura a pointed stare. Her upperclassman liked to tease her a lot, but Hōki seemed sincere enough.
"Oh, alright then, Sarada. I'm pleased to meet you." He smiled and gave her hand a little squeeze. "You seem like you're much better company than Kagura. Wanna get a drink with me?"
Kagura wasn't bad company at all, but when he was being a tease, she couldn't agree more. "Sure, I was just finished with mine." For the life of her, she didn't know why she agreed. Usually, she wouldn't have more than two bottles of beer but as Hōki led her to the table, there was nothing but hard drinks. "What's your poison?"
"Tequila. Yours?"
She bit her lower lip. That was her poison of choice, too. "I'll have what you're having."
"Ooh. Beautiful and tasteful. I might just fall in love with you. Better watch out, Sarada." Hōki teased her as he started mixing their drinks.
She blushed again but steeled herself not to get too carried away with his sweet words. This guy knew how to flirt, she'd give him that. Matched with his good looks, she could be the one falling in love if she didn't watch herself. "I could say the same thing about you."
Hōki hummed as he handed her a drink and then had a swallow of his own. "Cheers to new friends," he said, moving to stand closer to her. "And maybe even more."
"Cheers," Sarada lightly bumped her cup on his and took a large gulp. She would need this for the night, she just knew it.
Conversations, laughs and a bunch of shots later, Sarada found herself backed up against the wall in his room, their lips locked and her nails clawing at his back. It was probably the alcohol that made them reach this point, but she couldn't deny the chemistry she felt with him. With each touch and kiss, Sarada felt herself losing more and more of herself to him, surrendering to the sinful sensations he was giving her.
He was a stranger, but as he stripped off their clothes, and the more skin she saw, the more she thought she knew him.
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"I'm sad to see you go," Sarada hugged Kagura tightly, the tassel from his cap tickling her nose.
He hugged her just as hard, but gave her a warm smile. "We'll see each other again, Sarada-chan. But as colleagues." He winked.
She giggled and gave him a sincere smile. "Good luck out there."
"I would wish you luck, too, but I don't think you need it." Kagura laughed. "Besides," he turned to face the guy she was with. "I know Hōki will take good care of you. I mean—you better."
"You don't need to worry about that." Hōki smirked, pulling Sarada into his side with his arm around her waist. "I'm head over heels for this girl. Right babe?"
Sarada leaned into Hōki and grinned at him before replying, "I'll be fine, Kagura. As long as I have Hōki."
Their upperclassman softened. "Right. Of course. I'm happy you have each other."
Everything would be fine as long as she had Hōki by her side.
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Under a bunch of blankets, Sarada curled up a little more, hands groping around. When she couldn't find him, she cracked an eye open and found the other side of the bed empty. She groaned and fumbled around for her glasses, noticing her dorm was empty, making her frown. It wasn't like him to leave without waking her but before she could throw a fit, she opened her phone and found a text from him, smiling when she read it.
Sorry I had to leave, babe. I got class. I'll fetch you after the second period for lunch. Love you.
Of course he had a good reason to leave her. Her class didn't start until another hour, and it would be unreasonable for her to ask him to cut it because she wanted to cuddle more. Writing a quick text, Sarada rolled out of bed and picked out something to wear for the day, wanting to look extra cute for him since they were meeting for lunch.
She had been so excited to see him that she could barely concentrate in class, but forced herself to. Sumire was right. Hōki wasn't a distraction—he was an inspiration. Sure, he wasn't the best in class, but he was playing for their university's football team, and he was the best. Naturally, as his girl, she had to be the best, too.
Just before the period ended, her phone vibrated. She knew who it was, and her excitement peaked that the name on the screen confirmed it was Hōki. She opened the text, he was probably already waiting for her.
Babe, the boys wanted to go out for lunch. I'm so sorry. I'll come by your dorm and I'll bring you your fave chicken and waffles.
Her face fell, the lecture completely blocked out. This lunch was what she was looking forward to, but he cancelled… Sarada snapped out of it, quickly replying it was alright, that she had to study for a quiz anyway.
Chicken and waffles sounds great. I'll be waiting for you. I love you.
Later that evening, he did arrive at her dorm and Sumire took that as her cue to leave. Sarada had already asked her ahead of time, and she was so grateful that Sumire's girlfriend had her own room. "Maybe next semester I should just move in with her," she joked.
"If you can convince babe to live with me, I would forever be in your debt," Hōki teased. "I did get you something though." He pulled out a box from the plastic bag and Sumire took it before leaving.
"You're so nice to her," Sarada chuckled as she opened the box, mouth watering at the sight of her favorite comfort food.
"Don't be jealous now," he teased. "Got eyes only for you, babe." Hōki settled on the bed next to her, wrapping his arm around her waist and burying his nose on her neck. "God you smell so good." He kissed her neck lightly, moving along her throat before moving up to the side, and nibbling her earlobe.
"H-Hōki," Sarada's hands stroked his chest before sliding upward to grip at his hair. A gasp escaped her lips when he licked her ear.
"Fuck the food, I want you for dinner."
Sarada smirked. "Come and get it."
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It was cold out, but Sarada braved it, wrapped up in a thick coat and scarf. Hōki had a game today and she promised she would be here to watch and support him. Even if that meant freezing half to death because she was weak against the cold, bringing her text books to study during half time, or missing out a hangout with her friends. For her boyfriend, she would be here and support him and work around her needs.
It had been over a year of them being together, and Hōki always made Sarada happy. This was just something small she would do for him. She watched the entire game, fully engrossed and not even minding her books just so she could keep her eyes on him the entire time.
When he won the game, he came running towards her, lifted her up and kissed her hard.
Sarada was so happy. Everything was perfect.
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Once Sarada's majors hit, she had gotten so much busier. Her commitments with her other student organizations and the university government were also piling high, leaving her little time for herself or for sleep. Thank god the weekend was coming, Sarada looked forward to staying in and having some rest on top of finishing her school requirements.
But it looked like Hōki had other plans. He wanted to bring her on a trip with the guys on the team, everyone was bringing their girls and he wanted to bring her, too. Despite wanting to rest and telling him so, even inviting him to stay with her instead, Hōki insisted she come with him. And when Sarada declined, encouraging him to go if he wanted to, they fought.
"You're my girl Sarada, everybody else will have theirs and you expect me to just go alone?" He scoffed, looking at her with disappointment and frustration.
Her jaw slacked. Never had she seen him this upset with her before. "But… I'm tired," she whined. "What's the problem if you go without me? They can have their girls but it's a team thing, isn't it?" He has his thing, and she had hers. "I don't make you to come to my university events."
"But I would. I want to go with you. Because I love you. Don't you love me?" He frowned, looking at her as if she was breaking his heart.
Sarada felt like he had struck her. How could he even doubt that when she let go of some of her duties in her other organizations just to spend time with him. "I do…" she whispered, still feeling stunned. "I love you so much."
Her own heart was breaking just seeing him hurt. If this trip was that important to him, then she would sacrifice her rest time to be with him. Sarada stepped closer, slightly hesitating and her lower lip trembling. "Why would you ever doubt that?"
"Well because. It's not like I'm asking you to do anything besides be with me. So you're basically saying you don't want to be with me. Is that how it is?"
"That—no it's not, I just—I'm lacking sleep and I wanted to rest. I said you can come stay in with me but like—" she wrapped her arms around his middle, afraid he would slip away from her at any moment. Sarada looked up at him, through her tear stained lashes. "I want to be with you. I always do…" she sobbed. "Don't be mad at me, please… I'll go."
Hōki smiled then, looking relieved at her decision. He kissed her forehead and then whispered, "That's my girl."
Everything was going to be okay.
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Come her third year, Sarada let go one of her organizations, knowing full well that she needed more time to focus on her thesis and the student government. Her previous year of struggling to juggle everything and lack of time to spend with her boyfriend made her realize that she couldn't do everything and she had to prioritize the things that were important to her.
And that was Hōki and her studies.
The pressure to do well and graduate with honors ringed louder in her ears, the need for her to get into a good company, even if it was just an internship, loomed over her. Her pride wouldn't accept anything less.
"I'm so stressed," she whined and leaned on his shoulder. "But I can't stop now."
"It's okay babe, you're doing so well. I'm proud of you." Hōki reassured her with sweet kisses to her cheek and long, soothing strokes to her back. "Just gotta keep pushing."
She sighed and melted into his touch. They may have had some rough patches but he was always so supportive of her and believed in her, even when she didn't.
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"Sarada? Why are you alone in here?" Sumire walked into the room and dropped her duffel bag on the floor, walking over to her. "I thought you said you were sick!"
She groaned but kept her eyes shut. "Sumire,"
She croaked. Her throat was killing her and her head felt like it weighed a ton. A hand came up to her forehead.
"You're burning up!" Sumire gasped and grabbed a small towel and her water jug, dampening it up with ice cold water before placing it on Sarada's forehead. "What the hell? Where's Hōki?"
"He has… a game…" It was such a struggle to talk. "He can't come here. He'll get sick and he… won't be able to… play."
Her pretty face contorted in anger and Sumire yelled, "Fuck that!"
Sarada's eyes flew open. Her roommate never cussed like that. It was shocking, but not more than her rage.
"He's supposed to be here to take care of you, it doesn't matter if he has a game or not, you're supposed to come first." Sumire was going off, rummaging around their belongings and looking for medicine. "I don't care if his cat died, has a game or a test, you're still alive and he should be doing everything he can to make sure you get better."
She shut her eyes. Sumire didn't get it. Hōki had a scholarship to keep up. If he didn't keep winning, he won't be able to stay. And besides, it wasn't like she was dying. It was just a fever. But before she could defend her boyfriend, Sumire started again.
"And don't go using his scholarship on me. I've seen him ditch you for parties and free food, Sarada. You shouldn't be letting him do this to you."
Her lips parted, offended and upset that Sumire would say that about Hōki. "If he didn't have a game, he would be here."
Sumire knelt beside her and squeezed her hand. "Sarada, game or no game, if he really cared about you, he would be here right now, instead of me going off. You don't deserve this."
"You're right," Sarada pulled her hand away from Sumire's. "I don't deserve your sermon. You don't get it. Hōki loves me. Him being here or not isn't what determines that. Stop talking like you know what it's like when you just hop from one person to the next!"
Her roommate looked like she was just shocked with an electric current. Sumire covered her mouth, eyes growing wide.
Even without her glasses on, Sarada knew she crossed the line, and tears were falling down Sumire's cheeks. "S-Sumire, wait. I didn't mean that. I'm sorry."
"No…" Sumire got up on her feet and put a pack of pills and a glass of water on the floor by her bed. "You're right. What would a bed hopping slut like me know, right?"
"I-I didn't say that!" Sarada sat up, head spinning from the movement. "Sumire, please. I just meant—"
"No, no. I got it." She held her hands up in mock surrender. "I won't interfere again between you and Hōki." Sumire picked up her bag from the floor and looked back. "I thought you were the one person who would never judge me, Sarada."
"I'm—I'm not!" Sarada tried to explain, that wasn't what she meant. Why did she even say that? Sumire just wanted to protect her, but she was also upset that she was talking Hōki down. "Wait!"
The door shut close, and she felt her heart twist at the sound of the lock. Sarada took in a deep breath before her tears fell and she cried herself to sleep.
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On the day of her graduation, Sarada thought that she would be at her happiest. She graduated honors, and even signed a contract with one of the biggest Fast Moving Consumer Group of companies in her home state. Both of her parents and even her uncles were here to see her march and hear her name be called with Latin honors.
But she wasn't as happy, knowing Hōki still had a year to go before he could graduate. He was here, at her ceremony, sitting and chatting with her uncles. She bit her lip, wondering what they were talking about. She couldn't tell, they were too far away.
Sarada ran to them the moment she could, jumping into Hōki's arms, holding on to her diploma. Her father patted her head, and her mother gave her a hug when Hōki released her. All of them had dinner somewhere special, and after dessert, Hōki pulled her away, telling her something that she had always wanted to hear.
"I love you, babe. After I graduate, I'm gonna marry you."
Dark eyes went wide, her heart soaring with adoration. "R-really?"
"Of course. You think I'd let anyone else have you?" He grinned, rubbing her cheek affectionately. "I can't wait to make you mine forever."
Sarada squealed and hugged him tightly, not believing her lucky stars. To be married to her college sweetheart felt like a dream. Almost like what her mama and papa had. She may not have gotten a diploma from Konoha U, but she did find her forever in Kiri U and that was more than enough for her. "I can't wait," she whispered. "I love you so much."
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Starting her new job was so much fun. She had been an intern in the same company, and was familiar with a lot of people. The best part was, Sumire and Kagura were working here, too.
Sumire was stationed at their factory, far from the head office. But the position Sarada snagged in marketing had a lot of interaction with Sumire and she was glad. Things weren't always as good for them, but she was thankful that they were able to patch up and clear the misunderstanding between them.
Kagura actually recommended Sarada for the position, sending her CV to HR and they were so impressed with her internship work that they absorbed her into a permanent role. It was relatively closer to her parent's house, and Sarada was back to living with them until she could save up enough to get her own place.
The only downside was that… it was cities away from Hōki, and Sarada didn't drive but even if she did, it would take her more than six hours to get to him. If she took the train to him, it would be nearly three hours. A lot faster, but way more expensive.
Her internship days were hard enough, having to resort to a long distance relationship. It caused her great heartache, and a lot of time and money just to spend a day or weekend with him, on top of her work. He only ever visited her once, not even sparing the full day for her because he met up with other friends that night and had to catch the early bus back to campus to make it on time for his training.
It was tough but Sarada understood. He had his scholarship to take care of, and he needed his rest. Besides, what was one year of waiting? Once he graduated, they were going to get married. Move in together. Have beautiful babies and live happily ever after. Perhaps it wouldn't be perfect—nothing ever was—but it was perfect for Sarada. She loved Hōki with all her heart, and wanted nothing more than to be with him and him only. There was no one else for her. No one would treat her better or love her more than he did.
Long distance relationships came with a lot of hardships. From lack of face to face communication, physical touch, and nonverbal cues. To make up for things, like not texting him back instantly because she was in a meeting—he hated having to wait for her replies—she would send him her schedule for the day in advance, and it worked for a while. Until Sarada would get dragged into impromptu meetings and she wouldn't be able to reply to his calls.
They kept arguing about the smallest things. Like Hōki being too tired to talk to her at night when she finished work, and Sarada not having time to come visit him on weekends because she had marketing activations and events to take care of. It added more to her stress, but despite every shouting match and after crying herself to sleep, they would always make up and promise not to fight and try better next time.
Trying again was more important to Sarada, knowing that Hōki loved her and that she loved Hōki was enough to make her believe that things would work out. Her newfound financial freedom also allowed her to spoil him, buying him gifts and things she couldn't afford when she was still a student.
For his birthday, she was able to save up for those cleats he wanted, take him out to a fancy dinner, and even surprise him with a new set of clothes before he had to go back to campus. It felt amazing being able to give him what Sarada thought Hōki deserved, even feeling guilty that she couldn't afford something better for him.
Since Hōki was a student, Sarada knew she had to keep her expectations the same as she did back in university. He wasn't earning yet, so she couldn't expect big fancy bouquets like what her colleagues got, or fancy dinners and jewelry—like what her other friends got who had boyfriends who were already working.
For her birthday, he had a game and wasn't able to come. But he did have a small bouquet sent to her office, his old varsity jacket and a handwritten letter, promising her he would come to her the following weekend to celebrate properly, and reminding her that he only had a few more months to go until his graduation, and they could finally be together again.
The sincerity made her cry. Even a modest bouquet like this already took a chunk out of his allowance, and she knew that. Sarada didn't want fancy things, she only wanted Hōki. And surely, it wouldn't be long until their suffering of being kept apart would end.
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"I… I don't understand." Sarada's hand trembled as she kept her phone pressed up to her ear. "I mean, that's great! Hōki, I'm happy you got a job offer but… in Suna? That's even farther than Kiri…"
"I know babe. But it's a great offer. You won't even need to work. You can just quit and move to me." Hōki sounded as cheerful as ever.
"Quit?" Sarada repeated. She loved her job, and as much as she loved Hōki, she didn't want to compromise her career. Sarada tried to laugh it off. "What do you mean I won't need to work? You know how much of a workaholic I am." She just couldn't see herself stopping anytime soon.
"It's not necessary though. I'll be making enough money to support us both and you want to marry me right? So you just move here. You can do normal things, like cleaning and cooking. It will be better that way."
Her mouth moved, but no sounds were coming out of them. "I—umm. C-cooking and cleaning?" That was no problem for her, she did that around the house all the time, even when she finally had enough to move out, she was doing all of it on her own but… Sarada just couldn't see herself doing just that. "I can—I can do that even if I'm working, Hōki." She chuckled nervously. "And of course I want to marry you. I've been waiting for this. But I just didn't think it would happen so soon."
"So soon?" Hōki scoffed. "We've been planning this for a year. I'm just saying you don't need to worry about work when I can support you. You can be home for me everyday. That would be better… but it sounds like you don't want to marry me anymore."
"That's—that's not what I meant at all!" Sarada panicked. Things were already shaky between them and a misunderstanding like this wasn't going to help at all. "I just… I have a lot of projects going on with Ichiraku right now and I need at least thirty days to finish and turn things over. I can't just leave tomorrow."
Hōki hummed. "Well maybe you should figure out what's more important to you. Me or that stupid job of yours." Then he hung up on her.
Sarada gasped for air, rubbing at her eyes, wanting her tears to stop but it wouldn't stop flowing. It wasn't fair. She wanted to be with Hōki but just when she had a good thing going for her, she had to give it up. The hours ticked by and she kept on crying until she had no more tears to give, her throat was raw from screaming, torso aching from hyperventilating.
"I love Hōki," she whispered to herself. Everyone knew this—especially Hōki. "Hōki loves me."
He was her constant for years, his arms and kisses the only thing she could sought for comfort. Always comforting her and being there for her. They had sacrificed so much to stay together and to end it this way would be a waste.
No. Sarada wasn't going to give up on them and Hōki was definitely more important to her than her job. So what if she had to resign? Sunagakure's a big city. Finding new work there, given her experience, would be a breeze. And if that didn't work, Hōki would support them, just like he said he would.
Licking her chapped lips, Sarada carefully pushed herself off of her kitchen floor. The vegetables she chopped for her dinner long forgotten on the board. Feeling severely dehydrated, she drank two glasses of water and crawled into bed, setting her alarm for work the following the day.
Tomorrow, she would send in her resignation letter and call up her landlord that she would have to end her contract early. It would cost her, but it would all be worth it if she could just be with Hōki.
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Even with her glasses, she couldn't hide how puffy her eyes and face were. Sarada swallowed hard, knowing that people in the office were going to ask her what happened. She looked like shit, and part of her wished she wouldn't bump into the president because if she did, Naruto wouldn't stop until he told her what was bothering her.
Sarada came to work early, at seven in the morning. There was barely anyone around, and she skipped breakfast, even her coffee. She sat at her desk, tears streaming down her cheeks yet again.
Her gaze roamed around, taking in her pencil holder, calendar, the post-its that stuck all around, reminding her about all of her tasks—reminding her all of the things she was going to be giving up just to be with Hōki. His photo with her hung by her calendar, with his handwriting on the bottom of the Polaroid.
"I love you, babe."
Sarada sharply inhaled and felt her hand shake as it hovered over her keyboard, typing up a letter of resignation. One that she didn't want to write, or sign, or send in. Her breath was coming in short, hiccuping and coughing to clear her throat. Even through tear blurred eyes, she would still finish this letter, submit it, and move. As soon as she could to be with the love of her life.
She finally finished her letter, reading it over for any typos or mistakes. It was proving to be such a difficult task, given that she could barely breathe or see through her puffed up eyes. Sarada took a tissue and wiped her face, trying to calm herself down. People would start coming in soon, and this letter had to be printed and signed on her director's table.
Right when she was about to print, her phone vibrated, and Hōki's name popped up. Sarada instantly picked it up, hopeful and happy that he reached out. She was planning to send him a photo of the letter, and that would settle things between them. But when she opened the message and saw what Hōki had to say, she forgot how to breathe.
'Our conversation yesterday really put things into perspective for me. I realized that I'm not in love with you anymore. You get what you want after all, Sarada. I wish you the best.'
No. This couldn't be happening.
After all this time and years, he was breaking up with her. Just when she was about to give up everything she worked for—for him.
Another tear didn't fall, she didn't even hiccup. Instead of replying to Hōki, she opened up another text box, and typed up a simple message.
'Uncle Itachi, please come pick me up at my office.'
One that got her an instant reply.
'I'm on my way.'
After years, Sarada felt like she could finally breathe. She put her phone down on the table and looked around her desk yet again, reminding her of all the things she no longer had to give up, except for one thing.
With shaky hands, she reached for the Polaroid and read it again, her thumb skimming over his face. Sarada licked her lips and tossed the photo into the trash can. If this is what she got for being so open to love and expressing it always, sacrificing everything she had to make things work, then she promised herself she wouldn't allow herself that luxury anymore.
There was no way she would allow herself the heartache again.
A/N: Character development.
We touched on Sarada and Boruto's previous love issues and traumas but kept Sarada's awfully vague. Since we had two fillers that featured Boruto's university life, here's the first to show Sarada's. We'll have another filler about Sarada again soon.
Thank you again to our kind and supportive readers. We hope you liked this chapter that we started and finished today. The previous update was also started and finished today. Lol.
Cheers,
Kairi and Tyy
