A/N: Thank you for all the support you have been giving this fic so far! :)
We don't own Naruto/Boruto.
All the sweet moments that the two have been having was such a delight for Boruto. It seemed like their relationship only grew more intimate with each passing day. They basically lived together, switching houses every now and then. Boruto continued to drive Sarada to work, be it to her acting classes or her volleyball practices and did his work around her schedule, always wanting to keep her within his sight, only leaving her if it really couldn't be helped. Sarada made it clear to him that he was the only one she wanted to be with, but it still irked him whenever other guys would make a move on her. They weren't officially together, but that didn't really matter to the two of them since it was clear to the close and important people in their lives what they were to each other.
But it still annoyed Boruto when other people thought that Boruto didn't belong next to Sarada and there was one guy in particular who had been trying to impose himself on Sarada—Hōki Taketori.
Boruto had been frowning all Tuesday when Mitsuki forwarded him an email, a proposal from Kakashi that Hōki meets the cast of Haikyuu and visits Sarada on Wednesday. It would only be a social media post, mostly on Hōki's side. A story of Sarada in action or during her break, and a post on Sarada's feed that he came to visit her and have coffee after. Boruto had heavily denied the after-work 'date' and offered to talk to the cast members' managers instead to include Hōki in their social media for the day. And in turn, Sarada would come to set on Hōki's new romance, meeting his new leading lady and make it look like they were fast friends.
There was a schedule of activities and events they needed to be seen together, including a basketball game and some parties. It spanned across a total of five months, but the latter two were silent on their end, making it look like they were on a break, and finally announcing that they were no longer together. The activities were heavy on both sides for their new films, and Hōki declared he would be going on vacation a few times without Sarada. This was it, the plan to end their fake relationship. It should have relieved Boruto, but instead, he was feeling dread. Sarada would be shooting next month, and yet he would still have to make it appear they were dating. Sarada wouldn't be happy, but it scared Boruto more to think that her father wouldn't be happy about it as well. The times they met in the studio, he always made his disdain for Hōki known. Despite Boruto celebrating this fact, it also scared him, feeling pressured that he had to get rid of their fake relationship as fast as he could.
Boruto walked Sarada to the gym and watched her approach her costars. Hinata and Kageyama were already there, as well as Sugawara and Asahi. The latter two helping each other stretch while Kageyama and Hinata were practicing their volleys. The two were naturals, and Boruto understood why they were chosen for the role, despite not being very well known actors. They already had a volleyball background, and the two also had good teamwork and chemistry.
Sarada was dressed a little better today, knowing well that she would appear on social media. Her hair was still up in a ponytail, and she opted to wear her contacts yet again. She wore a dark purple dry-fit shirt and volleyball shorts. Boruto bought her knee and elbow pads, just in case she would need them. Not wanting to fuss with them later on, Sarada already put them on. Sawamura, Tsukushima, Tanaka, and Nishinoya burst into the gym, looking relieved that the coach wasn't there yet. They said hi to Boruto before jogging over to the other side of the gym, warming up.
Hōki, later on, showed up with Kakashi, the former wearing workout clothes. Boruto lifted a brow. Hōki didn't even bother greeting Boruto, only walking directly to Sarada. Kakashi did the pleasantries, saying hi and smiling warmly at him.
"What the hell, Kakashi," Boruto glared. "You said he was visiting. Why is he wearing that?"
"Well, the coach said he could join," Kakashi replied casually. "He just so happened to be a colleague of mine."
The manager grumbled at that, and turned to face the team. Sarada was pulled to Hōki's side, his arm wound around her waist as he talked to the rest of the cast. Sawamura and Sugawara were friendly enough, all smiles and welcoming him. Hinata and Nishinoya, along with Kageyama (but that could just have been his resting face) did not seem too pleased.
The coach finally arrived, blowing his whistle and the boys jogging to form a straight line. Sarada pulled herself away from Hōki, teetering over to Hinata, putting some space between them. The coach and Kakashi exchanged a few words before he set them off to start with a run around the court.
Boruto sat down on the bench, texting Mitsuki furiously about the entire arrangement. He didn't feel any better at all knowing that Hōki was still as fit as he was, easily keeping up with the drills. Once Kageyama and Sugawara started with setting for the guys to volley, Kakashi walked up to the court, taking a video of Hōki doing them perfectly. That really rubbed Boruto the wrong way, especially seeing Sarada wince once the ball hit her wrists.
During break, Hōki pulled out his own phone, doing a story sweep of the cast and zooming in on Sarada's face as she drank water. Hinata peered in front of the camera, fooling around and blocking Sarada from view. Boruto knew he liked that boy. He was only seventeen, but had a good head on his shoulders. He wouldn't stop getting in Hōki's way, and Tanaka came to join him, with Nishinoya pulling funny faces in the background. Sarada was happy to sit and hide behind Asahi.
Boruto then came over, pulling out his phone and putting it in Sarada's hand. "Just press here and take a sweep, I'll fix it up."
"What's a sweep?" Sarada blinked at him curiously, unsure what she was supposed to do.
"Just pan around," Boruto explained. He held the camera up in her hands and guided her. Showing her how to pan around the court. Tsukishima was in view, and he shied away. "Ah, press here," Boruto pressed the white button and it started recording. Just in time to catch Hinata annoying Hōki and Tanaka removing his shirt, screaming when he volleyed Sugawara's set perfectly.
Sarada's eyes were wide, amazed by the things she saw on the screen. "What does this one do?" She pushed a button and the front-facing camera revealed the two of them, cheeks brushing. Boruto was surprised, but said hi to the camera and grinned. "Look who's learning how to use Ninstagram." He turned the story off and replayed it, showing it to her.
"Oh wow… we are so cute." Sarada giggled, gushing over the end of the video. "I didn't want it to end."
Boruto laughed and swiped around to place a filter. He tagged the people that showed up on the screen and posted it on her official Ninstagram. "See, you can replay it here, and if you click this heart, it can go to a highlight. That means it stays on your profile instead of disappearing."
"Oh!" Sarada clicked the heart right away. "I don't want it to disappear. I want more of these."
Boruto laughed and placed the highlight on her "on set" compilation for Haikyu. "There you go. Now it'll be there. Want to try making another one?"
"Yes!" Sarada laughed, nodding her head excitedly. "I want many, many more."
"Okay, okay," Boruto showed her how to use filters, showing her one that had hearts and would appear if they recognize a person on the screen. "Try this one, and point it at Kageyama and Hinata."
Sarada happily did so, cooing in delight as she zoomed in on the two, hearts throbbing all around them. "Oh my goodness! They are so cute together… almost like a couple… oh but… what if they are?!"
Sawamura peered over, looking at the screen and laughed. "What if they are indeed."
Hōki had enough of Hinata, walking over towards Sarada who offered him a small smile upon noticing him. She held up the phone to do a sweep of Hōki. "Got you." She laughed.
As much as Boruto was happy Sarada was finally discovering the joys of Ninstagram, he hated that Hōki's face would have to be on it for today. Just when he thought those days were over. Hinata came rushing back with Nishinoya, holding up their phones. Hinata was chatting all over the place, doing a live stream. Boruto had to stop himself from rolling his eyes but laughed when Hinata pointed the camera at Hōki's face. "This is the one who doesn't belong in the cast but he's here for some reason… because of her." He then pointed it at Sarada, who was still holding on to Boruto's phone.
Sarada's cheeks darkened from a blush as she stared at Hinata. "H-Hōki just wants to support me in everything I do." She stammered, hating that she still had to lie about the nonsense.
Hinata laughed at that and walked all around, pointing his phone at the other cast members' faces, even sneaking one at the coach. Once the coach noticed, he blew his whistle, telling them that break time was over.
Boruto took his phone back from Sarada and walked to the bench to sit. He watched the comments flood in and reposted some of Hinata and Nishinoya's stories on his own personal Ninstagram. As usual, people were commenting on things and sending DMs and like always, Boruto ignored them. It was Sarada's Ninstagram that blew up the most with new DMs.
Hōki may have been there, but we know you liked being with your manager better.
Soooo cuuuute! Wait, does this mean you don't do your own stories?
HA! Boruto makes your stories. I knew it.
He snickered at the last one, and people really should have known that Sarada doesn't curate her own feed. But maybe now, she would come to appreciate it more and try out making her own stories from time to time.
Boruto sat back and watched the cast members practice. The boys were getting better at volleys. Kageyama and Hinata were ushered to the side to practice setting and spiking with another coach.
He felt his pocket vibrate. It was a message from Mitsuki.
I saw Sarada's story. There's an article out about it. It's cute. Say goodbye to life, though. Hōki's fans hate it.
Boruto rolled his eyes. As if he cared about that. But curiosity got the better of him, clicking on the link Mitsuki sent to read the article. He had to admit, he was impressed. NinFeed worked fast, compiling all the stories and photos the cast members of Haikyu posted within the hour and wrote an article.
It started with a short background on Haikyu and whom it was starring. There was a GIF of Hinata talking on his live feed, and Kageyama setting a ball for Asahi. The next one was a GIF of the story Sarada made, with hearts flying around Kageyama and Hinata's heads.
But wait, that isn't all we have here! Actress Sarada Uchiha posted her own Ninstagram story, seemingly done by the actress herself. You could hear her manager, Boruto Uzumaki, teaching her how to pan the camera, and then reveal this cutie:
There was GIF of the camera turning from Hōki and Hinata to Sarada and Boruto's faces, squished together on screen. Sarada's face lighting up and Boruto saying hi.
It looks like this was her first time to use Ninstagram, and even added it to her highlights. Her boyfriend, Hōki Taketori was also there to visit and joined the practice.
The photo was of the two of them, that Boruto had taken and a clip from Hōki's own story.
Aww isn't that cute! Hōki is a real cutie who supports his girlfriend. We're happy to see that despite their new roles, they're still as close as ever!
Want more updates on Haikyu? Follow our blog!
Boruto rolled his eyes. The article was fair enough but a quick look at the comment section and Mitsuki was right. Hōki's fans were hating on Boruto for having his face that close to hers, while there were other people replying that they looked cute, and if they were Sarada's fans, they would know that Boruto almost always appeared on her social media since he was the one who curated her feed.
He sent a text to Mitsuki with emojis that were rolling its eyes and a bunch of snakes.
Boruto: I bet that's what they think I am rn.
Mitsuki: You're not as cute as my snakes.
He laughed at his friends' response and put his phone away. Boruto wouldn't mind this article. It was harmless and he had held up Sarada's part of the deal—put Hōki on her Ninstagram for today. Before practice ended, Boruto took a photo of all of them and posted it on Sarada's feed without a caption, just a few volleyball emojis.
Hōki tried to get Sarada alone, but Tanaka was quick to pull her out of the gym to get donuts that the coach announced were waiting for the team in the pantry. Boruto walked with Hinata, who was shamelessly staring at him.
"Uuuhh… Can I help you, Shoyo?" Boruto stuffed his hands in his pockets.
"What are you to Sarada-chan?" He asked brazenly, to which Kageyama snickered at.
"W-what do you mean? I'm her manager." Boruto averted his gaze.
"No, like, are you in love with her or something?" Shoyo leaned a little closer, not bothering to keep his voice down.
"Th-that's ridiculous. I'm just doing my job." Boruto could feel the heat flood his face and rise to the tip of his ears.
"Our managers aren't here, you know," Kageyama smirked. "It's just you who always is."
"Handling Sarada is different," Boruto defended. "She has a lot of needs and I want to make sure I support her well."
"Oohh, needs?" Shoyo laughed. "Are you sure you're not just clingy?"
Sawamura smacked the back of Shoyo's head. "Quit being impolite."
Boruto was thankful for Sawamura, being one of the dads on the team. He really fit the role of captain. Asahi laughed lightly next to him. "But really, I don't believe she and Hōki are together. You can tell me, I won't say."
"I don't know what you're talking about," Boruto denied. "He misses her and he wanted to be here." They were all damn lies but he couldn't sell Sarada out like that.
Asahi sighed. "And here I thought you two were together. You look cute together, you know?"
"Better than that prick!" Hinata screamed, earning him another smack from Sawamura.
.
.
.
Boruto slumped on the chair in front of the vanity as he waited for Sarada to change. He packed a nice dress and flats for her to wear to their not date with Kagura. As if he didn't have enough things to pout about already. "Do we have to go?" Boruto whined.
"Boruto," Sarada groaned, hands smoothing out her dress that she'd just gotten on. "I am not canceling this last minute. You don't even have to work, it won't be long… just a coffee date."
"Just a coffee date," he repeated and mocked. "It's not even a date!" Boruto crossed his arms across his chest and pouted some more.
"It is, but not a romantic one. I only want those with you." Sarada spoke easily and firmly enough to hopefully get her point across to him, but she understood. "Please don't be upset. It's just a one-time thing."
"Kagura hardly seems like the type to make this a one-time thing," Boruto sulked. He and Kagura really hit it off but that guy still rubbed him the wrong way the moment he asked his princess out on a date.
Sarada sighed and walked over to him, cupping his face in her hands and forcing him to look up at her. "Friends. He wants to be friends. That's it. If he wants to see us again, it will be as friends."
Boruto didn't want to look at her, just to be stubborn. But he could never not take the chance to see her face. He forced his blue eyes on her, and his pout started to disappear. "Okay, fine."
"Thank you." She smiled sweetly and leaned down to kiss him on his nose. "Much better. And I'm ready whenever you are."
"Let's go," Boruto got on his feet and sighed before saying, "if I can tolerate Hōki, I can take Kagura. He's a lot nicer and such a…" Boruto shuddered at the memory of him stuttering when he first saw that charming smile on Kagura. "Prince."
"Hmm. I see what you mean." Sarada hummed on her way to the door. "He's nice… I really thought you liked him."
"Well… I don't hate him." And that was the truth. "But he asked you out and now maybe I do. A bit."
"People of the opposite sex can be friends too, Boruto. You know that." She sighed as they left her dressing room and made their way towards the building's exit.
"Yeah, yeah," Boruto rolled his eyes but stifled a laugh. "You know, I think Shoyo is on to me. Has he ever said anything to you?"
"Shoyo?" Sarada asked, brows creasing in thought. "What do you mean 'on to you'?"
"He uuuhh…" Boruto felt himself blush. "Asked me if I was in love with you. Straight up." The audacity of that teenager. He wasn't wrong, though.
"Ooh, you must be really obvious, huh?" Sarada smirked, teasingly nudging him one his side with her elbow.
Boruto's cheeks reddened all the more. "N-no. Everyone is basically in love with you, okay? I would be suspicious of people who aren't." At least, that's what he felt. It was like the whole world was out to steal his princess from him.
"Boruto, you're being ridiculously annoying. Listen to yourself. Everyone is basically in love with me? Please!" She huffed, shaking her head with a deep sigh. "There's only one person in love with me. Maybe some love the idea of me, but what do they know? They're nobody's."
He found it cute that she thought that. And maybe she was right, maybe she wasn't. Boruto wrapped his arms around her middle and pulled Sarada in for a hug. Kissing her temple he whispered, "well, I'm in love with you. And people who aren't just don't know any better, ya know?"
"You're the only one who matters to me. Nothing anyone else says or does will ever change that."
Hearing her reassure him made his heart swell and hold her hand. If Sarada said he was the only one she had eyes for, that was more than enough for Boruto.
.
.
.
The cafe that Boruto chose was relatively popular, on the upscale side of town. It was one of Sarada's favorites, and their chocolate cake was known to be the best. Much to his surprise—well, not really—Kagura was already there. Reading over the menu.
Boruto let go of Sarada's hand, in favor of resting it at the small of her back as they walked towards their table. Kagura looked up and was instantly all smiles.
"Hello! It's so good to see you two again," Kagura said and extended his hand for a shake.
"Likewise," Boruto grinned and shook his hand.
Sarada took a seat across the table from Kagura, smiling warmly at him. "I'm glad we could meet for coffee. Sorry, it was delayed, my schedule is heavy most days and sometimes I just need a day for myself."
"It's no problem, I totally understand," Kagura grinned that perfect grin at Sarada that had Boruto stuttering. "I'm just so happy you two could come to spend time with me. The pleasure is all mine." Was it just Boruto or were there sparkles coming around Kagura?
"Y-yeah," Boruto took a sip of water and looked away. "Did you find anything you like?"
"I have a taste for something sweet. I think I'll have a slice of the strawberry cake with my coffee. I don't think I could handle much." Sarada said to Boruto with the same soft smile on her face.
"Alright. Anything you want, princess." Boruto grinned but then froze on the spot. He slipped up but tried to play it cool, raising his hand to call the waiter. "I think I'll have a chocolate cake. Have you ever tried it, Kagura?"
A kind smile was on his face. "No, I haven't. But that did look enticing. I heard the muffins were good, too. I think I'll have that instead with some tea."
"Right." Boruto then greeted the waiter, giving their orders and slumping back on the couch, listening to Kagura and Sarada's conversation.
"How do you feel about it when people call you by your character's names, Sarada? Or perhaps if they assume that's who you really are?" He asked, leaning a little forward. "I hope you pardon the questions. I've always wanted to hear an actor's take on it."
Sarada crossed her legs at the knee under the table and continued to smile at Kagura. "I don't mind. There are people who mistake me personality-wise for a character I have played. That just means they don't know me. I haven't had anyone call me a name I've gone by in different films in years though. It doesn't happen that often. Especially with my fans, they know who I am."
"Interesting," Kagura nodded, keeping a smile on his face, too. "And you, Boruto? How does it feel to work with someone so famous?"
"I could ask you the same thing," Boruto rolled his eyes. "How does it feel to work with dad?"
Kagura laughed. "It's an honor working with your father. He's such a respectable man, but can be quite the goofball, too."
"Huh," Boruto shrugged. "I like working with Sarada. I don't usually get star struck because she's the biggest star out there for me." The only star he really liked to look at if he was being completely honest.
"Oh, really?" Sarada gawked at Boruto. "Did you forget about Uncle Itachi and Uncle Shisui? Because I haven't…"
Boruto blanched and felt the heat rise to his cheeks. "Th-that's different!"
"Itachi and Shisui Uchiha?" Kagura asked. "From Keeping Up With the Uchihas? I loved that show."
"Yes, my uncles. Boruto is a big fan of the show as well, especially my uncles." Sarada giggled.
Perhaps he could die now. His girl just threw him under the bus when he was trying to play it cool. "They were amazing, okay? I didn't know they were even that scary in real life."
"You've met them?" Kagura was looking so excited. The waiter arrived and placed their food in front of them. "Tell me all about them."
"Not you too!" Sarada laughed. "They're similar to how they were on the show… just more intense and very, very overprotective."
"No way!" Kagura laughed. "They do look like the type."
"They totally are!" Boruto huffed. "I thought they were going to kill me just for existing."
"Pft. They wouldn't do that." Sarada laughed. "They just want to know that I'm safe."
"You are!" Boruto whined. "I would never let anything bad happen to you."
Sarada patted his shoulder, still giggling. "I know that, but they didn't." She said before glancing back across the table to Kagura. "They can be a bit much, but they're really great men. Maybe one day you could meet them too."
A happy smile came on to Kagura's face. "They sound lovely. I would be honored to meet them."
Honestly. This guy was like a character straight out of a fairytale. But as the conversation flowed and they ate their cake, Boruto actually had a good time, finding more things in common with Kagura than he previously found. Sarada was laughing most of the time, too.
Kagura offered more information about himself, what his hobbies were and which shows he indulged in. He also shared some stories about the famous people he had encountered. "But none of them were as down to earth as you are, Sarada. I sit here and feel like we're two old friends catching up."
"I am no different from anyone else… at least I don't want to be. It's nice feeling normal and free, even if only for a little while," She said softly. "I like quiet and try to stay in my own little world as much as I can."
Kagura tipped his head to the side. "I think that part of you is captured well, despite your nicely curated social media pages."
"I take care of that for her," Boruto replied. "I know what her fans want to know, and I filter the things Sarada likes to keep private. Not everyone has the privilege of knowing Sarada."
"It's a nice control to have," Kagura smiled. "Though I did notice you two like to appear in each other's social media quite a lot. I saw your story this morning, Sarada. Really cute."
"Yes, of course, we do. Boruto is my manager and I depend on him for everything basically. We're always together and he's so helpful. My fans know and respect how close we are. Everyone should."
"I agree," Kagura sipped his tea. "I do notice your fans love Boruto. I just wonder how Hōki copes. He must be a very secure man not to get jealous." He caught himself and waved his hand. "Ah, sorry. That was too bold of me. I don't know him and I shouldn't have said that."
Boruto raised a brow at that. This guy was sharp. "He understands what Sarada and I are to each other. We've spent some time together as well. He's well aware." Hōki was aware, alright. Aware that Sarada would never be his but he grasped at all the little straws he could to keep her close to him.
"Right. Besides, I don't need a man in my life who doesn't trust me." Sarada snorted and crossed her arms. "I deserve to be respected and if I'm not, then I'll be single."
Kagura laughed. "Of course, of course. He's lucky to have you and you're right. You definitely deserve to be treated like a princess."
The cake Boruto was swallowing lodged on his throat and he tried to clear it but it came out in a fit of coughs. He kept coughing until his eyes watered and drank some water to help push the cake down. God. This guy was something else.
"Boruto, are you okay?" Sarada leaned closer to him, patting and rubbing his back with a look of concern on her face.
"I—I'm okay," he wheezed. "It's getting late, don't you think?"
Sarada gave him a smug, knowing look before cradling her mug in her hands and lifting it for a sip. "I'm almost finished with my coffee, then we can go. I have some things to take care of."
Kagura looked at his watch and gasped. "Time flies, huh? I didn't realize we've been here for three hours."
"Sure does," Boruto nodded, thankful that Sarada had caught on. "Sorry to cut it short, too. But we have some things to attend to for her lessons tomorrow."
"No problem, I'm just so happy you two came out to see me and this cake is wonderful." Kagura smiled.
"Get some for takeout. They usually sell fast," Boruto suggested. "Sarada, do you want anything to bring home?"
"No, thank you. I'm not going to be hungry for any more cake tonight." She murmured behind her mug.
Boruto felt a chill run down his spine, knowing full well what Sarada would want to eat once they got home. "Alright, let me get the bill, then."
"Oh please, let me take care of it." Kagura stood from the couch and headed over to the register. "It's the least I can do."
Boruto stopped himself and blinked for a few moments. "Alright if you insist."
Kagura grinned at him and walked over to the register, leaving the two on the couch.
"God, he is on to us," Boruto whispered to Sarada.
"How will you feel one day when we don't have to be a secret anymore?" Sarada asked quietly, gazing into his eyes in wonder.
"I would be the happiest man alive, princess." Boruto took her hands in his and gave them a quick kiss. "I wouldn't have to keep choking on things trying hard to hide how much I adore you."
"Boruto," Sarada whispered, her face twisting into a look full of sadness and longing. "Don't you say things like that to me when I can't do anything about it."
He grinned cheekily at her and let go of her hands the moment he noticed Kagura approach. "You can make it up to me when we get home." He winked.
With that smug smile on her face, he was sure she would.
A/N: Shoyo is such a cutie and is so fun to write. Teehee!
Tyy and I also have a new fic that's published on her account: Deepest Affections. It's a Royal AU, wherein Boruto is a prince, and Sarada is a high born lady. The chapters for that story are significantly longer, and the writing style is also different to suite the time period. Make sure to hop on over there to give it a read!
It looks like Hoki isn't out of the picture just yet, and Kagura wants in. But in a cast full of boys and new players, who do you think will be taking Sarada's attention next? Please do leave us a review on whom you think is the next contender! Hehe.
Cheers and have a good work week ahead, fam. Wash your hands and stay healthy!
Kairi and Tyy