Written for BoruSaraWeek 2020, D5: School
What If Sarada went to Konoha University? What if Boruto and Sarada met? What if they had that friendship and ended up working in Ichiraku Ramen Corp together?
This story is full of "what ifs," and actual dates. A new and improved flavor with no denial added. Best consumed if up to date with Sincerely Yours's fillers, but not a necessary prerequisite.
We don't own Naruto/Boruto.
With Autumn came a new semester and Boruto finally found himself prepared to return, to finish his studies and move on with his life. It had taken a lot from him—losing his best friend, Nyoko, a girl so precious to him. He'd had no choice but to take a break from it all, for his own mental health. But he was better now. Not normal, not the young man he was before, but he was definitely better.
Getting settled back into his old dorm room with Mitsuki was another task on its own, but he was managing it. In a way, it was bittersweet and he had so many good memories there. So many hard ones too that he just didn't care to think of and he seriously debated just making the long drive to and from his home, but he knew that would have been ridiculous and taxing on him.
It was time to get back to life and Boruto was honestly happy to do so. His friends and family had been so understanding, but he'd been leaning on them for too long. Being back on campus was good for him, focusing on his studies too. The first day was a lot to take in and it flew by. Before he knew it day two had come and he was awake as early as he always was. After having his shower and getting dressed in a pair of jeans, a button-down shirt with a black knitted sweater over it, Boruto made his way across campus.
This morning, he was feeling hungry and had a craving for coffee that he just couldn't shake, so he walked his way to the Ninbucks on campus while thinking over what he wanted to eat with his coffee. Looking over at the board, Boruto stuffed his hands in his pockets, reading their selection of drinks and the featured food for the month. He had been so distracted by reading that he didn't notice someone was also walking his way.
Their bodies collided, and the sound of a cup crushing and falling on the floor echoed in the store along with a shocked gasp. Boruto was able to hop away, but the other person stood frozen, hot coffee on her leg and at the hem of her pale yellow skirt.
"Oh my god!" She gasped, dark eyes locked on the spilled coffee as she backed up to the small bench against the wall and sat down to examine herself.
"Shit, sorry I wasn't paying attention." Boruto was all eyes on those legs, surprised that the girl was wearing a skirt with no stockings when it was pretty chilly outside. He was quick to gather some napkins and kneel down in front of her to remove her shoe and carefully clean away the coffee.
They were the best legs he'd ever laid eyes on. But it wasn't until his blue eyes drifted upward and he took in that gorgeous face of hers—framed by the darkest hair—that he really felt something. The most striking feature she possessed was her eyes. Those big, obsidian eyes had his breath hitching even if she was looking at him like he was the scum of the earth.
Looking at her then was when Boruto felt himself come back to life and he slowly stood back up, unable to pull his gaze away from her. "Hey… I'm sorry. Is your leg okay?"
She scoffed. "My leg is fine but you murdered my coffee!"
Murdered? "Sorry about that." He laughed nervously, raising his hands in surrender. "It's my bad, but I'll buy you another to replace it. And anything else you want, okay?"
The girl pouted at him and turned away. "The coffee is fine… Thank you."
"Sarada, are you okay?" One of the baristas came over, holding on to a mop.
"I-I'm fine," She smiled nervously and waved her hands in the air in front of her.
"Yeah…" Boruto grinned at her, agreeing until he realized he was slipping, just a bit. He couldn't help it, there was just something about her that made him feel warm and soft. "I mean, uh, I'll get your replacement coffee. And food. You hungry?" It was still early, maybe he could even talk her into sitting with him.
His kind offer made her blush. "No, it's okay. You don't have to. Just the coffee is fine."
"I want to." He smiled and gestured to the counter with a tilt of his head. "Order with me."
The blush on her cheek deepened, but she followed him to the counter anyway, ordering her coffee and a muffin. She then turned to face him. "Are you sure? You really don't have to get me anything else other than the coffee… the one you murdered."
"Yeah, yeah. I'm a coffee murderer. I'm trying to make it up to you, ya know?" He laughed and then gave his own order, a coffee, and a sandwich. "I'm sure, Sarada. Are you sure all you want is a muffin?"
"It's fine," she waved her hand. "It's not fair you know my name and I don't know yours." At least she was lightening up after he killed her coffee. For a moment, Boruto thought she would kill him for it. Now she was teasing.
"Does that mean you want to know me?" Boruto asked as they stood to the side to wait on their orders. He sure wouldn't mind knowing her.
"Your name," she pressed, "Is what I want to know. Don't you think it's rude not to introduce yourself, especially after you spilled their coffee on them?" The curve of her lips watered down how mean her words should have been. "Sarada Uchiha," she extended her hand for a shake.
Boruto was grinning so hard his face was beginning to hurt, hand grasping hers to shake it politely. "Boruto Uzumaki." Their hands lowered, but Boruto didn't release hers, staring at her as he wondered how they hadn't met each other yet. "Is this your first year?" It didn't even seem possible for him to miss out on someone as beautiful as Sarada for so long.
"No, I'm graduating." She smiled. "We've… met before, if you don't recall. I just didn't catch your name."
That had his eyes widening and he unconsciously gave her hand a little squeeze. "We met? When?" To be sure he would have remembered it. How could he forget such a lovely face—and those legs?
Her eyes softened, her teasing smile replaced with a sad one. Sarada's voice lowered, "At Nyoko's locker, a few days after she passed."
Feeling the blood drain from his face, Boruto released her hand to let his own dangle by his side. That was a dark, dark time for him so of course, he wouldn't remember. He didn't remember much at all from that week. He was feeling too much, shocked that for a while, his mind had been void of the girl he wronged and lost forever, and it wasn't right for him to think of her with grief only. He knew that yet every time she crossed his mind, that's all he felt. That and this burning anger with himself for being so stupid.
Never again.
"I see." He eventually got out, voice much quieter than before. Their order was finally called out and they collected their things. "Well, I'm gonna sit over there."
Sarada picked up their food and followed him to the table. After setting everything down, she took a seat across him, noticing his change in demeanor. "I'm sorry, I know it was sad what happened to her. Nyoko was really sweet, and a good friend." She pushed his food and coffee towards him, tentatively picking up her cup and taking a sip. Her eyes closed, finally in bliss. "So good…" she whispered.
He kept his eyes on her and felt himself melting when her face warmed so much from getting that first taste of the coffee. She was surprisingly distracting and it was very welcomed. "Yeah, she was. Thank you. And I'm glad you finally got your coffee, but don't forget to eat."
"Sorry," she chuckled. "I was having a moment. You don't forget to eat, too."
"It was a lovely moment, Sarada. Feel free to have another." Boruto smiled as he unwrapped his sandwich and then raised his coffee to his lips for a sip. He would like to have one of those moments himself. And he did because it was perfect. He hummed approvingly and smiled wider at her when he set his cup back down. "I've really missed Ninbucks."
Sarada smiled, happy that he also had his moment. "How long has it been since your last?"
"Ugh… like… six months?" It had been before Nyoko's death.
"Six months?!" Sarada screeched, barely containing her voice. It was as if she had seen a ghost. "How do you live without coffee?" Although she was most likely kidding, those eyes seemed to be serious.
"I've had coffee here and there, made at home though. There's just something special about Ninbucks." He found himself laughing as he picked up his sandwich to take a bite.
That seemed to relieve her, letting out a sigh. "Okay, that makes more sense." Sarada picked up her muffin and took a bite.
The girl seemed to be really passionate about coffee, but Boruto wanted to know more about her. "Tell me something else about you—besides the fact that you're addicted to coffee."
Sarada sighed again and put both her food and coffee down on the table. "Hmm… I'm taking marketing and part of the student government, handling external affairs."
"Something unrelated to school?" He asked then, taking a different approach.
"Like what?" That made her pout. "Hobbies and my favorite color?" She laughed.
Boruto just continued to smile, more watching her than he was actually eating. "No, like… where do you want to be in five years—ten years? What comes after this?"
"What a deep question!" Her brows raised, and she stifled a laugh. "Do you always ask strangers their life plans after murdering their coffee, Boruto? I think I would rather tell you I like to read and I like the color red."
He totally didn't cower back in his seat and he most definitely didn't blush. Boruto only averted his eyes to stare at his sandwich instead of her. "No… I don't." It wasn't really like him and he didn't know why he'd even asked. He just wanted to know more—the important things. Even if those things were none of his business.
She hummed and picked up her coffee to take a sip. "How about you? Hobbies or your life plans, any you want to answer."
"Well, I'm into investments and have plans to help my friend with a company he wants to start." Boruto shrugged, thinking there wasn't much on his to-do list, as long as he could manage that. It was the only solid thing he had planned for himself. "As far as hobbies go… I don't know. A lot has changed for me over the last six months. I've changed a lot. But I do enjoy watching thrillers and helping my dad with numbers whenever he needs me. Or getting forced into driving my sister around on occasion."
There was no more partying for him or any more wild nights. He didn't want those things anymore like he used to. He just wanted to be a good guy, someone his family and friends could be proud of. And right now, that meant getting through his schooling even if it wasn't easy.
"Investments…" she nodded and smiled. "Are you in finance?"
Boruto chewed the bite of his sandwich he'd just taken and nodded to answer before he swallowed and cleared his throat. "Yes. I was in business but I transferred."
"Ooh." Sarada's eyes lit up, giving names and asking if he knew them. Some of them were familiar and based on who they were, he guessed Sarada was in his batch.
She was as interesting as she was beautiful and Boruto actually enjoyed talking to her. When they went their separate ways to get to their classes, Boruto was hoping to see her again soon.
That day didn't come until weeks later and it was just in passing, the two of them waving to each other and nothing more. Boruto had wanted to approach her, but Mitsuki was dragging him off and she was with some friends as well. It just wasn't meant to be. Somehow, she kept wandering into his mind though, until one day, he decided to break down and ask his friend Shikadai about her. That only led to him receiving the most shocking information.
"What the hell do you mean she has a boyfriend?" Boruto snapped, scowling at his 'friend'. Shikadai was normally one of those guys who were always right, but not this time. No way Sarada wasn't single. "No, she doesn't."
"Yes, she does." Shikadai retorted, looking unimpressed. "They've been together for a while too. Like a few years, I think."
"Who?" Boruto asked, annoyed to be hearing these lies.
Shikadai raised his brow. "For someone who goes out often, you don't retain information on people you meet, do you? It's Hōki." When it still didn't register, Shikadai rolled his eyes. "Football dude."
"That bastard?" Boruto gasped. He knew him, he'd drank with him before. "I believe he's been single too many times for him to be in a relationship with Sarada." It disgusted him just thinking about it. "Either fucking way, is this supposed to stop me?" It wouldn't. Especially now that he knew who the guy was.
Shikadai gave him a deadpan look. "Okay, I get it. She's hot and you wanna fuck her. But Sarada really isn't like other girls." He sighed. "She's actually like… in love with him. For real."
That only pissed him off more. "Well, she shouldn't be." The poor girl was obviously blinded by her feelings, but Boruto was also caught up by the fact that fucking her wasn't the only thing on his mind.
He'd thought about it. He had definitely thought about it, but he'd thought about a lot more than just that.
"What are you trying to say, Shikadai?" Boruto asked, voice low. "You think I don't have a chance? Is that what our friendship has become? You doubt me?"
"I need a smoke," Shikadai sighed loudly and pulled his pack out of his pocket. "Whatever, Boruto. Look, I don't know either of them enough to care too much but I do know you." He threw his hand in the air. "But if you go homewrecking and it goes to shit, don't call me."
"Ooh," Mitsuki popped out of nowhere, a wide serpentine-like smile on his face. "It looks like another snake will be added to my aquarium."
"Shut up, Mitsuki." Boruto glared at him. "You're both supposed to be on my side." He wasn't wrong for being interested in Sarada. It wasn't like he was trying to marry her or anything. "I just want to… talk to her."
"Talk," Shikadai nodded, putting a cigarette between his lips. "Is that what they're calling sex these days?"
Boruto groaned, knowing exactly why Shikadai was coming for him like this. He deserved it. "If you wanna base this off sex then fine. But this is the truth… I want to talk to her and fuck her. More than once."
The cigarette fell from his lips. "So like… Professor Yumi?"
"Strange for you to want her more than once." Mitsuki nodded. "I think I need to be friends with her if it means she will be at our dorm often."
"It's different. I want to know her." Boruto sulked. Yumi was fun, and she was beautiful and smart, but Sarada really interested him.
"Woah there," Shikadai picked up his cigarette and snickered. "For a moment it sounded like you wanna fuck her with feelings." He ended up laughing, not even considering Boruto could be capable of such a thing. "You leave that to her boyfriend, though."
"Fuck off. He doesn't even exist in my mind." Boruto snorted. Neither of his friends was helping him any, but it didn't matter. He would see her again soon.
It didn't take long until he bumped into her—well, more like he sought her out. He heard from his student government friends that she liked to study in the library and that was where Boruto spent a good ten minutes wandering around until he found her. Books were strewn around her and her notebook open before her, scrawling out notes.
She was alone. Perfect.
A grin spreading across his face, Boruto shoved his hands in the pocket of his hoodie and started walking over to her. He felt lighter than he had in days, loving how calm and pretty she looked as she concentrated on reading. His good mood evaporated whenever he spotted another guy walking over to her as well. Hōki.
Maybe he should have just turned around and gone about his business, but instead, he just kept walking. He cut Hōki a cold glance before returning his eyes to Sarada, placing his hand on the back of the chair next to her before Hōki could reach it.
"Hey, Sarada." He called, easily finding himself smiling once more. If he just looked at her, he would forget Hōki's existence again.
She startled but an easy smile found its place on her lips. "Oh, Boruto. Hello." She put her pen down and tucked her hair behind her ear, before looking to the side and spotting another person. "You're here!" Her smile widened, and Boruto hated it. "I thought you weren't coming until later."
"I couldn't wait to see you, baby." He smiled and planted a kiss on the top of her head before glaring at Boruto and snickering. "Bro, I didn't know you actually went to the library."
"Oh, you know each other?" She asked, looking between them.
Boruto didn't think he'd ever truly hated someone until this moment. But he knew he couldn't stand this guy. "Oh yeah, totally. It's been a while, hasn't it? When was the last time…" he crossed his arms and tapped his chin pensively, even though he remembered well when he'd seen Hōki last. Just the weekend before actually when Shikadai begged him to go to a frat party with him and Boruto gave in. "Oh, I remember now."
The look he gave Hōki was condescending and filled with challenge. He even cocked a brow, daring him to test his patience. He didn't have any. Not for Hōki.
"When?" He asked, snaking an arm around his girl and it made Boruto want to gag. Although the way Sarada looked so happy to be in his arms had him conflicted. "When? Sorry, dude. But I don't remember when was the last time I saw you."
He had to remember. Or maybe he didn't since he'd been too busy grinding and making out with a girl who wasn't Sarada. Boruto wanted to call him out, his fists clenched with a need to knock him on his ass and take the girl for himself. But she looked so happy… he didn't have it in him to break her heart—even if she deserved to know.
With an apologetic look at the raven-haired beauty, Boruto shook his head. "Forget it. See you." He bumped the bottom of his fist on the empty chair and then turned around, heart aching for the girl who was so blissfully unaware of who the guy she was dating truly was.
.
.
.
Another few weeks came and went with Sarada still worming her way into Boruto's thoughts. Most of those thoughts revolved around her current relationship though. It was eating at him, knowing Hōki wasn't doing right by her at all. He tried to let it go, really he did, but he couldn't when it was shoved in his face.
Maybe he was horrible for interfering, but he felt even worse for just standing by, knowing and yet doing nothing. Boruto couldn't watch the bastard cheat on her. He wouldn't. Somebody needed to stand up for her, and she couldn't if she didn't know.
It was at yet another frat party that Boruto had been guilted into attending when it happened. He and Shikadai had been taking a lot of shots with their friends when he happened to escape, wanting to step outside for some fresh air. He didn't get far, however, before he spotted that familiar mop of brown hair, two dainty hands fisting it. They belonged to a girl, another one who wasn't Sarada. Some blonde who Boruto didn't consider when he marched over and roughly tapped on Hōki's back.
The instant he pulled away from the girl and turned to see who was interrupting him, Boruto shoved him away from the girl. He wasn't drunk enough not to care about an innocent bystander. Hōki knew what was coming, his eyes narrowing and hands raising as if to defend himself, or pose to strike first. Hōki was so low. Boruto hadn't always been the best guy. He'd fucked around a lot, but he would never cheat on anyone and he didn't like it happening to anyone else.
Especially Sarada.
No words were even crossed between them before Hōki swung first. Boruto used his left arm to knock Hōki's away, effectively blocking the punch while delivering one of his own at the same time. He connected, but Hōki had moved just enough for the hit to do no more than graze his cheek. Then the two tackled each other, wrestling on their feet for a moment before Boruto lost his footing and they toppled over, Hōki landing on top of him.
Boruto just barely avoided another punch, getting his head out of the way just in time for Hōki to punch the hardwood flooring. Boruto heard a crack and a pained grunt come from him, but he used the opportunity to switch their positions. As soon as he was mounted on top of the cheating bastard, he slugged him hard, catching him right in his temple. It dazed Hōki for a few seconds, and Boruto would have left it at that, had it not been for Hōki fighting back the instant he recovered.
Unfortunately, Boruto was only able to get in one more punch before Shikadai had gotten through the hoard of people surrounding the pair. He was quick to wrap his arms around Boruto and pull him off of Hōki. Getting back to his dorm after that had been a blur to him. Shikadai was scolding him the entire time, but all Boruto was thinking about was Sarada.
She deserved to know.
.
.
.
Two days later, Boruto was sitting under a large oak tree, crunching some numbers for his dad while eating a late lunch. He'd gotten a new burger from Thunder Burger, it was a monster sandwich loaded with bacon and jalapeños—hot as hell, but so delicious he was finding it hard to concentrate on his task.
After demolishing the whole thing, Boruto wiped his hands on a napkin and bundled his trash in the takeout bag before returning his focus to the email he was typing up to Naruto on his phone. Once he sent it, he closed his laptop and sighed, supposing he should get up and move around after eating so much. Then he heard quick steps coming his way, each one crunching on the fallen leaves surrounding the area.
Turning his head to his left in the direction of the sound, Boruto felt his heart stutter to a halt at the sight of Sarada storming over to him. She looked… furious. Boruto probably should have expected this, but he didn't. He never considered her finding out about him getting into the fight with Hōki. He didn't think Hōki would tell her it was him. But one look at her and Boruto knew that's exactly what she'd come for. Accusation and disgust were marring her features, her delicate brows furrowed, hands balled into angry fists at her sides.
"Sarada," He greeted her calmly despite how much his heart ached. Did she know? Had she found out about Hōki? Was she mad that Boruto had interfered? Or was it only because he fought Hōki at all?
She didn't say his name or greet him back with words, but she did greet him with her fist. And damn that girl could punch. Sarada landed a hit right below his eye. "WHAT THE FUCK DID YOU DO?!"
Boruto felt many things from getting punched and yelled at by Sarada of all people, but for the most part, he was impressed. She really was angry, still beautiful though. "I haven't done anything wrong. But go ahead, Sarada. Let me have it if it will make you feel better."
What he said had her reeling, dark eyes widening. Although she balled her fists at her side, she didn't hit him again. Unfortunately. "You don't just go around beating people up, Boruto! Why would you do that?!" Sarada was so angry, her cheeks were red. "He has never done anything to you."
Boruto scoffed, unable to prevent himself from rolling his eyes. "You don't know everything, Sarada. But I don't go around just fighting people for no reason. Don't believe me, ask around." Of course, it was all his fault. Hōki was still innocent in her eyes.
"I did ask around," Sarada huffed. "And apparently, you're what goes around."
"Fair enough, I have gotten around a bit." He admitted it with a sigh, even though he wasn't the same anymore, it wouldn't do him any good to try explaining himself to a girl that hated him. "But that has nothing to do with me fighting people. Guess you weren't asking the right questions."
"That isn't even—ugh!" She massaged her temples, looking more frustrated than anything else. "Do you have any idea what you've done? Now he can't play in the game later. Hōki has his scholarship to keep. Not everyone here can stay because they can afford it, you know?"
"You want me to apologize? Well fine, I'm sorry for upsetting you, but I'm not sorry for kicking his ass." Boruto wasn't going to lie to her. Maybe he'd withhold some truths, but lying was different.
"I-wh-to me?" Sarada wasn't making sense, confusion swimming in her eyes, not even knowing what to make of this conversation. Now that she thought about it, she wasn't even sure why she came here to look for him in the first place.
Boruto put his laptop away in his bag and gathered his things as he stood up, still caught up over the punch that had his face throbbing. "I get that you're mad at me. But one day… you might change your mind. Maybe you should ask him why it happened." He shook his head then, it was a sad idea. "Not that he'd ever tell you anyway."
He'd had enough of it all and a part of him was wishing he'd never gotten involved. For all he knew, Sarada could have been one of those people who'd deny being cheated on even if they watched it with their own eyes. He was out of line and maybe he shouldn't have confronted Hōki. He wasn't going to regret it though.
She looked at the grass under her feet and gritted her teeth. "I'll ask," Sarada said. "Just once." Her dark eyes met his blue ones with an intense gaze. "Why did you do it?"
Boruto wanted to tell her the whole truth, but he didn't want to cross any more boundaries either. He was stuck between a rock and a hard place, contemplating his answer as he settled the strap on his bag over his shoulder.
"I did it because I believe in standing up for what's right… and he's wrong Sarada. Be mindful. Please." He didn't want to say more, she was a smart girl, she just needed a little eye-opener, and he hoped this was it.
.
.
.
The last thing he said really made Sarada think. Boruto was a complete stranger to her and yet here he was; apologizing for upsetting her, even after she punched him. For the life of her, she couldn't even remember why she sought him out in the first place.
It was the only thing on her mind when she saw her boyfriend the other day, though. His face beat up and his hand in bandages. He was hurt and in pain. Worse, he was crying about not being able to play.
When she asked what had happened, his roommate wouldn't say a thing. And that was weird, considering that guy was a chatterbox.
"I wasn't doing anything, babe. He just came right up to me and punched me."
It was surreal. Even if Sarada didn't know anything about Boruto, the person she spent her morning in the coffee shop did not seem like the type. Not at all. Boruto seemed nice. A little flirty but he didn't look like the kind of guy to go around picking fights.
When she asked around, the most recurring information she was getting that he was a slut. Surprised to know that a lot of her friends have had a night with him, too. Or at least, have been hit on by him.
That's what shook her judgment. Thinking that perhaps he was being nice because he thought Sarada would be an easy lay. Like everyone else.
But now that she was standing here, in front of him, he was looking so apologetic. Even… hurt. For her.
Be mindful. Please.
What did he mean by that?
.
.
.
As the days and weeks passed, Sarada couldn't get what Boruto said to her out of her head. Or thoughts about him, for that matter. She kept seeing him at school, passing by him in the corridors and bumping into him at Ninbucks.
Sometimes they would talk, most times, just nod or wave. Other times, they wouldn't acknowledge each other at all.
Sarada felt bad, she never got to apologize for punching him. The more she thought about it, the more she regretted it. Especially with the way he looked at her, even offered to let her hit him some more if it would make her feel better.
Her.
A stranger.
She opened up her phone, frowning as she read a text from her boyfriend, canceling on their dinner date. Again. It has been happening more and more lately. He would reply late, or brush her off whenever he didn't feel like going out. Saying he was tired from training or that he had something to study for.
Be mindful. Please.
Boruto's voice refused to leave her head. What if he had a point?
It would be the second time Sarada felt something off with Hōki. The first time was when they were texting and he sent a message to her that was sweet but totally unrelated to their boring conversation about the annoying people in the student government.
And this would be the second. Hōki's roommate didn't say anything when her boyfriend told her that Boruto just assaulted him out of nowhere, even averting his gaze when Hōki said he wasn't doing anything wrong.
What if… Hōki was cheating on her?
The thought had her inhaling a deep breath.
No.
Hōki wouldn't do that to her. Their relationship wasn't perfect, and neither were they, but cheating was something they both would never do. Sarada believed with all her heart that Hōki loved her and she loved him, too.
She shook it off and texted him that it was fine. Having dinner by herself was no issue at all. Maybe some time alone would even do her good. She needed to stop being so negative and push the image of her boyfriend fucking a girl—who isn't her—out of her mind.
Slipping her university hoodie over her head and changing her shorts for a pair of jeans, Sarada took some cash and her keys, along with her phone and walked out of her dorm. It was getting cold, and maybe she should have dressed in something warmer but she had no plans to wander or stay out for too long anyway.
There was a strip of restaurants and Sarada ran into the first one she could get to as a cold wind blew. Even if it had been less than ten minutes of walking outside, it had her cheeks flushing, shivering by the smallest bit. Perhaps something hot to drink would be nice, but she had the misfortune of walking into Thunder Burger.
Great. Burgers and cold soda for dinner. With a sigh, Sarada stuffed her hands in her pocket and looked at the menu board as she fell in line.
"Hey," A voice called right by her ear, startling her and she turned her head to see Boruto standing close behind her, a cheeky grin on his face. "You like Thunder Burger too, Sarada?"
Still recovering from her fright, her hand flew to her chest. "Boruto!" A grin spread on her face, heart feeling so much lighter. "Well, not really. But it was getting cold and I really needed to hide from the wind." It surprised her how honest she was. "I think it's fine, though. Are you having a burger for one tonight?" Her gaze looked around for his company, but there was no one behind him.
"Well, that would be boring. Burgers for two sounds pretty good." He replied, winking at her. "Come on, we can have our second date."
Heat pooled at her cheeks. "Date?" And second? "Excuse me, I don't recall ever agreeing to go out on a date with you," she scoffed but followed him to the counter anyway to order their food. Sarada simply brushed it off as Boruto's normal teasing. Besides, this wasn't really a date and she has a boyfriend.
One who should have been here with her tonight, but he wasn't. And yet, Boruto was here. She decided not to say another word on the matter, though and pushed Hōki to the back of her mind.
"What do you like Sarada? They have so many good burgers. I usually just tell them to surprise me." Boruto chuckled, looking from the menu to her.
Whenever those blue eyes of his gazed on her, Sarada always found herself struggling for words. "Umm… what do you recommend? Every time I eat here, I let Hōki order for me."
Again with Hōki. She wanted to forget him for the night but he kept coming up. Was it wrong for her to be here with the guy who beat him up? Was it the guilt? It's not like she asked for Boruto to come. He just happened to be here.
Right. This is totally fine. Except Boruto said this was a date.
"Everything," Boruto replied excitedly. "But even the traditional burger is delicious. You can't go wrong with it."
"Then I'll have that," she replied quickly. Not wanting to hold the line.
Boruto nodded and placed their order for their burgers, fries, and soda and then paid for everything. He accepted their ticket and turned to her with a smile. "Where do you wanna sit?"
Her eyes wandered around and settled for a table hidden at the corner. "There's good." She took a few steps forward and then looked back at him. "Oh my god, I'm so sorry. How much do I owe you?" She was so distracted with thoughts of Hōki that it slipped her mind to pay.
"Come on then." He grabbed her hand and pulled her over to the table of her choosing, ignoring her question completely as he gestured to the seat for her to take.
Boruto's action took her by surprise, that blush back on her cheeks. "You didn't answer my question," she said, breath hitching when Boruto slid into the booth right next to her.
"I couldn't call it a date if I let you pay for yourself, could I?" He asked, giving her a smug look.
"There you go, calling it a date again." She rolled her eyes but smiled as she unwrapped her burger. "You didn't even ask me out." Sarada faked a gasp and leaned in, lowering her voice, "or did you follow me here?"
"I totally asked." Boruto huffed, still looking cheeky. "And I come here all the time—but I wouldn't mind following you one bit."
Her breath hitched at his come back, making her avert her gaze. Boruto was smooth, and now she fully understood why the girls were all over him. On top of his handsome features, he was also quite the charmer. "What a stalker," she muttered and took a bite of her burger.
"Only one of my many titles." He hummed as he unwrapped his burger as well. "This is a secret, just between us," he leaned closer and whispered, "but I'm also known as a coffee murderer."
Sarada's face turned a dangerous shade of red. Feeling his hot breath on her ear sent a shiver down her spine. She pushed his face away with her hand. "You're too close!"
When she looked at him, she realized she was touching the spot right where she had punched him. It was healed, no evidence of her violent streak on him at all. Her eyes softened, fingers stroking his cheek. "I'm sorry about that."
Boruto smiled softly at her and raised his hand, placing it over hers. "It's okay, Sarada. You don't have to apologize."
"No, I want to." She pressed. "I don't know why I even did that but…" Sarada averted her gaze, thoughts drifting back to her boyfriend. She sighed. "Never mind. Sorry."
"You were mad… and you thought I was the bad guy. I understand. The punch was the least of my worries." He breathed out a laugh and rubbed his thumb over her knuckles. "Forget about it, okay?"
A smile found its way on her lips. "I don't think I can, though." Her smile widened to a grin. "I know I said I'd only ask once but… what was Hōki really doing?" Her voice was so small, and truth be told, she was afraid to hear the truth. But now she knew Boruto wouldn't lie to her. Those clear blue eyes would give it all away. She looked intently at them as she held her breath and waited.
"Didn't you ask him?" Boruto asked quietly, food forgotten as he stared at her. "What did he have to say?"
"I did." She let go of the breath she was holding. "He told me you just attacked him out of nowhere. You weren't even drunk." She shrugged. Catching her slip, she added quickly. "Sorry, I also asked Shikadai. He wouldn't tell me either but confirmed that at least." Sarada picked up a fry and took a bite.
Pulling his hand back, Boruto sighed. "I had my reason. And if I could go back, I would do it again." He ate one of his fries as well and then had a sip of his soda. "I don't like it either, but it's between you and him, Sarada."
Her chest tightened and her stomach churned. She had a bad feeling about it. "Okay, fair. Can I ask you a different question?"
"Okay." Boruto agreed as he picked up his burger.
"You apologized back then. I mean, for upsetting me." She still couldn't wrap her mind around it. They weren't even friends at that time, they barely knew each other. "Why—why would you do that?"
Though the burger was at his mouth, Boruto didn't take a bite. He just lowered the burger back down, blinking at her in surprise. The question threw him off for a moment. "Well… because I—I don't want to see you hurt."
Sarada's heart skipped a beat. Her obsidian eyes locked on his.
There was nothing but the truth that shone in them.
.
.
.
His final semester of university was in full swing and Boruto was focused greatly on his courses and final exams that were closing in on him. Most of his friends had already graduated and moved on, leaving him bored most of the time, but they still made sure to keep in touch with him. Mitsuki and Shikadai did, anyway.
There were other people he would have liked to keep in touch with, but Boruto understood more than most that you didn't always get what you wanted. Sarada for example. She had graduated and moved on, without ever finding out about Hōki or breaking things off with him. She and Boruto had got along, the last time they saw each other it was on good terms, but now she was gone.
Boruto hadn't even thought much about her in a while, didn't think that she would even be brought to his attention again. But he received a surprise when he was lying in bed one night, receiving endless texts from his friends in a group chat they had.
Shinki: You guys remember Rei Nara?
Shikadai: Not my cousin.
Shinki: I know, asshole. Listen, she's pregnant now.
Boruto's eyes went wide. Rei? The volleyball girl?
Mitsuki: didn't she sleep with Boruto?
Shikadai: everyone did.
Shinki: slut. Speaking of, who else did he sleep with?
Mitsuki: I have a list.
Mitsuki began listing girls, and Shinki kept sending screenshots of where those girls were now. Most of them looked the same, others with jobs and some were together with new boyfriends. Or girlfriends. Damn. Boruto would have never known.
But there was one photo that Mitsuki sent that had Boruto sitting up.
Mitsuki: look at what a little snake sent me Boruto
It was a photo of Sarada Uchiha. Wearing a little black dress, leaning on a bar, a drink in her hand. Her raven hair had grown, one side tucked behind her ear. This time, she wasn't wearing her glasses. She looked as gorgeous as he had remembered her, but it was the caption that had him reeling.
Single Ladies' Night!
Shinki: You never fucked her… DID YOU?!
Shikadai: Wtf. I work with her. She's been single for a while now.
Boruto almost screamed, but he settled for screaming at his 'friend' through the chat.
Boruto: Are you fucking kidding me, bro? You DARE to tell me now that you're working with Sarada and SHE'S FUCKING SINGLE?!
Shikadai: You are SUCH a good friend. We work for your FATHER, remember?
Boruto: I know that! Well, I knew about you, but not Sarada. You fucking bastard! When did she break up with the jerk?
Shikadai: Dude. HE broke up with her. She didn't even come to work for two days and it was the office gossip for a week.
Boruto was in such a state of shock that he could only gape at his phone for the next several minutes. Shikadai couldn't be serious—and yet, he wasn't one to lie, especially about things like that. He was pissed. It hurt to know that she had never left him when he deserved to suffer such a precious loss. Instead, he'd left her, broken her heart and Boruto really wanted to kick his ass again.
Shikadai kept on texting, sending more details. Shinki and Mitsuki barely added to the conversation, just sending GIFs and reactions. Shikadai even jokingly offered to set Boruto up with Sarada but he ignored it because he got a text from his dad.
It was long, explaining some things but what really caught his attention was his father offering him a job in his company.
.
.
.
Boruto's excitement was barely containable as he readied himself for his first day of work at his father's company. He dressed in one of his best suits, sprayed a little of his favorite cologne and then left early enough to stop by Ninbucks on his way in. He had a feeling he may just be lucky enough to run into a certain black-haired beauty.
When he walked in, he spotted her by the counter, placing her order. Luck was definitely on his side and damn he wasn't prepared to see her dressed in such a professional and yet sexy way. Boruto had a thing for pencil skirts. He really had a thing for heels. But most of all, he had a thing for Sarada.
He waited until she had gotten her coffee to walk over to her, not thinking twice before bumping into her purposely and slaughtering her coffee. It was liberating, seeing that gorgeous face twist in shock, her pretty mouth gaping open as she stared at the coffee on the floor. Perhaps she had become even more beautiful since the last time he saw her. Boruto collected some napkins and quickly knelt down in front of her to take care of her legs. Yet again, no stockings.
"I'm sorry about that." He said even though he couldn't fight his smile as he peeked up at her.
She looked ready to scold him, but her anger evaporated the moment she saw his blue, blue eyes. "Boruto?" Sarada gaped, hands covering her mouth.
"Hm. I really thought you were going to call me something else…" he smirked, feeling up her smooth leg as he stood up slowly. "Nice legs, by the way."
Sarada scoffed and stepped away from the spill. "You haven't changed one bit." Boruto wasn't sure if she was referring to his looks or his cheekiness. But he got his confirmation shortly when she added, "Still a coffee murderer."
"There it is." He laughed and stepped over the mess to stand next to her. "Well, I guess I owe you a replacement… and breakfast."
"Make that for two." Sarada grinned. "And this makes it what? Our third date?"
Boruto smiled wide and nodded happily. "Glad you remember. The third, yes. We can have our fourth later today."
She giggled and led him to the cashier. "Over lunch?"
"Yeah," he nodded again. "And then we can have dinner for our fifth date… not that we're counting though."
Sarada smirked. "Right. Who needs to count? It's not like you're actually asking."
"I am… and you're not turning me down, so make sure you're free for me." He winked and then looked to the cashier waiting to take their order. "Does princess want a muffin?"
Sarada's cheeks burned, and it looked even lovelier on her than he remembered. "I'm free now," she muttered shyly. "And yes, I'll have a muffin, please."
"You were free, but now you're mine," Boruto said tauntingly, but his smile was warm and soft. "Strawberry?"
She went on her tiptoes, leaning closer to look into his eyes. "You meant that." It wasn't a question. "Strawberries are good."
"Of course I meant it. And I know… you got strawberry on our first date."
Sarada leaned back as she bit her lower lip. "Even I don't remember that." She said, with a small smile on her face.
"Well, I do. I remember everything." He told her before placing their order and paying the quiet cashier who kept looking between them. Then Boruto took her hand and pulled her aside with him to wait on their food and coffee. "I can't lie, it was pretty great killing your coffee again."
Although Sarada gasped and hit his chest lightly, a wide grin was on her face. "I can't believe you did that! Oh wait, I can." She laughed. "You haven't changed."
Boruto scoffed playfully at that and pretended to straighten his perfectly placed tie. "Whatever, I'm a businessman now, totally changed."
"No more picking fights with people, huh?" She laughed. "Which company? Near here?"
"I never pick fights." Boruto huffed, moving to collect their food and coffees when their order was called out. He handed Sarada's over and then went on speaking as they sat at a table together, "yeah, it's close. Ichiraku Ramen Corp."
"What?" She gaped. "I work there! Wait, which position?"
"Depends. Which is your favorite? We can start there." Boruto gave her a long and suggestive once over, licking his lips and thinking she was much more appealing than any other meal he'd ever had.
Sarada's face turned a deep shade of red "I-I didn't mean it like that!" Her hands covered her face, peeking at him through her fingers. "We haven't even had our fourth date yet and you're already being this forward," she mumbled.
"Well, we've wasted enough time, don't you think?" He asked, smiling at how adorable she looked—all beet red and trying to hide. "I don't want to waste anymore, Sarada. How about you?"
She folded her hands on her lap and bit her lower lip. "I suppose we have. It's not good to waste good opportunities, right?"
"Oh, I don't believe in shit like that anymore." He admitted as he opened his sandwich. "I've made my fair share of mistakes, and I don't intend to repeat them."
"I guess you have changed after all." She nodded, a kind smile on her face. "I've learned to listen to my instincts a little more, and something tells me we will be a good thing."
Boruto hummed as he chewed and then swallowed. "And we'll be spending so much time together. It's gonna be lots of fun."
She stopped mid-bite. "What? Wait. You never told me what position you got in Ichiraku. I'm in marketing."
"I know, Princess. Starting today, I'm gonna be your boss." He smiled and then had a sip of his coffee.
The muffin fell from her hand. "My… what?"
"Your boss," Boruto repeated, picking up her muffin and holding it out for her. "Don't worry, we'll work more than we play. Probably."
Sarada still hasn't recovered, mouth opened and closing like a fish out of water. "I-you-my—" Boruto always had a way of making her forget her words around him. "Damn." She breathed, eyes glued to his.
"Glad you're as eager as me, Princess." Boruto chuckled, grabbing her hand and turning it over to place the muffin in it. "Better eat. If you're late to work, your boss may punish you."
Sarada rolled her eyes, smiling at him before taking a bite. "It's okay. I have a feeling my boss would be soft on me." She winked.
She was right about that, though he knew he wouldn't be soft all the time. Boruto was thankful for how everything worked out, even if they'd both gone through hell to get where they were now. This was only their third date, but there were many more to come. They were just getting started, really, but neither one of them were going to hold back. They both knew exactly what they wanted and just how to go about getting it.
Boruto knew without a doubt that Sarada was the girl he'd marry one day.
A/N: I gotta tell ya, fam. While Tyy and I were writing this, I told her I liked this scenario better. Hahaha! It was such a nice change of pace to write them not being in denial and just being so open to their feelings. If only they didn't go through their traumas for the canon chapters or went to the same university. :(
This is the last filler before we're back to canon chapters - tomorrow! And we are so excited. Hehehe. A lot of you have been screaming that she's pregnant. You'll just have to wait and see.
Cheers,
Kairi and Tyy
