As soon as Sakura gets in the car, she feels awkward, she keeps on looking everywhere except Sasuke. She does not know how to act around him. What should I call him now? Is it right for me to address him by his first name?
Beside her, Sasuke leans his head on his left hand, with a bored expression written on his face. He glances sideways to the girl beside her. He knows eventually that he is to be matched with someone he does not know. That is just how it is to be a prince. However, he is shocked to find out who he is going to marry. A common girl.
Indeed, she does not possess the gracefulness a princess should have. She is plain, ordinary. But, he must admit, she is pretty. With her expressive emerald eyes and her unique pink hair. And when she emerges from the dining room earlier, with her hair styled in soft curls and little make up, he is indeed captivated by her beauty.
Still, that does not mean that he is in love with her or something. That is just stupid. Appreciating her natural beauty is far from it. He only hopes and prays she is not like those other girls who will cling to him 24/7.
Actually, she seems nervous whenever around him.
"Uh-Your Highness, I-"
"Why must you call me that?" Sakura looks into the proud prince beside her who's already staring at her. She tries to hide her blush and looks away again. "Then, what should I call you? I mean-"
"Sasuke. Just Sasuke." He pauses for a second and continues. "Listen, you should pay attention to your classes. Remember that you are to be my wife. From now on, every move you make will be observed by millions of people. You shall not bring disgrace upon the royal family."
Expecting her to cry, Sasuke is shocked to see her smiling at him. Though the smile did not reach her eyes.
"I just hope that we get along, Prince Sasuke." Sasuke rolls his eyes at the sound of his title. Does this girl ever listen?
They spend the remaining time in silence. Sakura looks through the window; it is her first time out of town. She gazes at the tallest buildings and observes the people passing by. She remembers Ino: their plans on going to college in the city. Now, everything has definitely changed. She does not know if Ino already knows where her best friend is, why is she not in school today. Well, it turned out her best friend is promised to be married to a prince a long time ago. And Sakura does not know if she will be killed because she did not tell her immediately, or because she is going to marry the Prince Sasuke.
As soon as she catches a glimpse of her new school, she feels nervous and conscious. She starts to worry that she will most likely be alone, and that maybe people will judge her. That maybe she does not fit at all.
A guard opens the car door for her, and she is beyond amazed on how big Konoha University is. I wonder if they have this huge library with all the biology books that I dream about.
The students, used to having the Prince Sasuke around, have gathered in the main building staring at the girl beside him with their guards. Sakura, oblivious to the situation, keeps on gazing at the magnificent halls of the university.
"Who is that?"
"Is she a relative or something of the royal family?"
"Awful color"
Murmurs have subsided when Sasuke stops walking. Only then, the crowd has dissipated. Sakura gives him a questioning look which he chooses to ignore. Sakura continues to follow him until they reach their classroom.
A woman wearing square glasses (which Sakura can only guess) in her early 50s meets her and Sasuke in the hall way. She introduces herself as Professor Konan. She leads them inside the room.
The said professor clears her throat. "May I have your attention please. This is Sakura Haruno, she will be your classmate from now on."
Feeling all eyes on her, she speaks up. "Hello, everyone." Sakura smiles bashfully.
"Sakura dear, you may be seated next to your future husband." Konan whispers and winks at her. Sakura just smiles awkwardly to avoid further mortification.
She sits to the empty seat beside Sasuke who looks bored as usual. All the while, she feels that she still has the full attention of her new classmates. Apparently, no one dares to sit beside the Prince. It is the first time someone is assigned to be seated next to him.
During break, Sasuke stands up to leave the room. Sakura, who panics, pulls his uniform. "Where are you going?" She anxiously asks. Sasuke looks down to her hand holding his coat. Realizing what she's done, she quickly releases him and apologizes. He leaves without saying a word.
Sakura, who is now completely alone, tries to engage in conversation with her classmates. She pulls a chair beside her two female classmates. "Uhm, hi." She greets them. One of those is Hinata Hyuuga, the heiress of the biggest corporation in the city. The other one is well.. Princess Temari of Sunagakure. Once she realizes who she is talking to, Sakura bows her head and apologizes to her.
"Your Highness, I-I apologize-"
"Why are you apologizing? Well, look at that, you're glowing. No wonder guys of our class keep on staring at you." Sakura turns pink and turns to look around where she meets the eyes of Prince Gaara; Sakura blushes even harder.
She notices how extraordinary her class has been. It has been composed of royalty, sons and daughters of politicians and businessmen; she completely feels out of place.
I wish Ino is here; she has this way to people.
When Gaara chooses to sit next to her, Temari winks to her brother leaving the two alone and dragging the poor Hinata across the room. He clears his throat and extends his hand to Sakura.
"Hi,I'm Ga-"
"I know who you are, Your Highness." Sakura smiles at the kindness shown to her by the prince.
"Please call me Gaara." Sakura shakes his hand firmly. Gaara offers her food which she willingly accepts. He also asks her to come with him sometime so that he can show her around the campus. She also asks if Konoha University has this huge library full of medical books, and he even offers to accompany her there which makes her smile the brightest.
"So, why choose Konoha University? It's too far in Sunagakure." Sakura asks as she eats her bread.
"It is the only university our father approves of." He explains briefly, which Sakura in return, nods in understanding.
The ring bells, and immediately the students settle down to their proper seats.
Once Sasuke and Sakura are seated inside the limousine, Sasuke gives her a cold stare. Great, what did she do this time
"Instead of flirting with other prince, you should focus more on important things." Sasuke tells her on the way back to palace.
"Excuse me?" Not understanding what he is saying, she faces him properly this time.
"Hn. You heard me. I did not take you to be that kind of girl. It's a shame a great servant of the palace had a daughter like you." His voice cold, hard. He gives her a once-over, a pure disgust clearly written on his face.
She does not respond; she clearly knows what he is insinuating. She tries not to cry and avoids him completely. Once they arrive, she does not wait for the guard to open her door; she runs to her room and refuses to talk to anyone.
Tenten knocks on her room for the fifth time, but she still does not come out of her room. Inside, she cries and pours her heart out. She surrounds herself with her huge blanket and makes herself comfortable on the bed. She picks up her cellphone and dials Ino's number.
When Ino sees the name of her caller, she rolls her eyes. She picks it up after the third ring, unable to resist her friend. "No, you are not forgiven Sakura Fucking Haruno!"
Ino does not know what to expect from Sakura after having Sakura's father explained everything to her this morning when she came to pick her up. But, she definitely did not expect to hear a sob coming from the other end of the line. "Wait, are you crying? Sak, what happened?"
When her said best friend speaks, her voice hoarse due to non stop crying. "I want to go home. I don't think I can do this."
Ino tries her best to calm her down. "Shh. Tell me everything. I am here."
"I miss you and mom and dad and I don't know what to do anymore. I feel out of place like- I'm not supposed to be here!" She pauses for a while to wipe her tears. "I cannot stand this place! They make me wear these expensive gowns, and they also teach me ridiculous history lessons. I'm not supposed to run or wear my favorite pajamas that you gave to me last year. It is suffocating! And that Sasuke, that mean, cold, jerk! Me and him, I feel it, it will just never work for us!"
She tries to catch her breath after her mini speech. "I am alone, Ino. Being a princess- it is not for me." She sighs and lies down on her bed.
Before Ino can respond, Tenten announces the arrival of Queen Mikoto. Sakura hastily ends her phone call and sits up straight. She sends a quick text message to Ino saying she will call again later.
She bows her head politely when the Queen enters her bedroom. Queen Mikoto examines her future daughter-in-law. Tear-stained cheeks, red eyes, messy hair. Queen Mikoto sits down on the bed, wiping the tears on Sakura's face.
To say that she is surprised is an understatement. Sakura assumes that the Queen will most likely scold her for being such a brat. However, when she gazes into the Queen's eyes, she sees how the Queen's eyes are softened. She is not angry. Thank God.
"Sakura, my dear, what is the matter?" The Queen proceeds to fix her hair like what mothers normally do with their daughters. When Sakura opens her mouth, the Queen beats her to it. "Oh don't answer. It's my son, right?"
The Queen smiles sadly. "I know that Sasuke is difficult to deal with. He may be arrogant, selfish even. Nonetheless, if you really get to know him, you will see how pure his heart is. I am not saying this just because I am his mother. I am saying this because I know him. All I ask, Sakura, is that please forgive him. I know that one day, he will also open his heart to you. You're such a sweet, beautiful girl afterall. I wouldn't be surprise if Sasuke falls in love with you." The Queen giggles and hugs her.
Sakura returns the hug; the Queen draws circles on her back to calm her down. Sakura, unable to contain herself anymore, breaks down into the Queen's embrace. "Do not weep, my child, everything is going to be okay. I am here."
When Sasuke goes back to his room, he sees his brother sitting comfortably on a chair beside his bed. He rolls his eyes and tries to avoid him completely.
"How's school, little brother?" Itachi asks when Sasuke chooses to ignore him and takes off his school uniform. When he still does not respond, Itachi stands up to face him. "I'm afraid I ask you a question, Sasuke."
Sasuke lets out a long sigh of defeat and sits on the chair where Itachi was seated a minute ago. "Fine." He says when Itachi continues to look at him expectantly.
"I believe it's not fine when your fiancee locks herself on her room and refuses to go out. So Sasuke, let me rephrase, what did you do this time?" Itachi asks impatiently. Sasuke does not try to hide the fact that he is annoyed by the questions his brother keeps on asking him.
"She is being annoying. That's why." Sasuke answers with a deep scowl now on his face. Sasuke does not intend to hurt her. He does not know that she will react like that. Although, he admits he may have gone overboard a little bit. He only intends to tease her for his own little fun, but he has no clue what possessed him to say things like that to her.
Itachi, not impressed by his brother's behavior, crosses his arms and nags him. "Is that your reason? Are you really going to be difficult? She does not deserve this, and you know it. I remember Father asking you to take care of her. Apologize, Sasuke, before she realizes you are a lost cause."
Itachi exits the room, leaving Sasuke alone with his thoughts plaguing his mind.
Queen Mikoto and Sakura walk alongside as they reach the dining room. Sakura is now dressed in a knee-length, green dress. It is delicate and lacy, matching the diamond necklace on her neck. Her short hair is styled in loose curls; she looks stunning, like a princess.
When Sakura sits beside Sasuke on the dining table, Itachi notices how Sakura flinches when her hand brushes Sasuke's accidentally. The tension between the two hanging into the thin air. Sakura awkwardly apologizes while Sasuke, devoid of any emotion, continues to eat as if nothing happened in the first place.
"Sasuke, Sakura, your engagement party is coming soon. A week to be exact." King Fugaku announces while they eat.
Confused, Sasuke asks "I thought we are not going to get married anytime soon."
"Though it may be the case, the engagement party will be open to the press, introducing Sakura as part of the royal family from now on." Fugaku explains.
When the dinner is over, the Queen leads Sasuke and Sakura to the dance hall. She said about meeting someone important. When they reach their destination, a woman, dressed in a traditional dress with her blond hair styled in pigtails, greets the Queen.
The Queen smiles in respond. "Sasuke, Sakura, this is Tsunade Senju, she will be your dance instructor for your engagement party next week."
"Dance Instructor?" Sasuke raises an eyebrow after hearing the word dance.
"Well, yes, my prince, it is expected for the engaged couple to perform a waltz." Mikoto tries to suppress her laugh on the cute reactions she is getting from her son. Before she exits the room, she wishes both Sasuke and Sakura a good luck.
"Shall we? Your highness." Tsunade asks once the Queen is out of sight.
For the fifth time that night, Sakura steps on Sasuke's foot. He hisses at the pain her high-heeled shoe brought upon his poor right toe. Sakura apologizes again,but seeing a distressed look on her face makes his mood a little better.
"Hn. Inept" Sasuke whispers right into her ear. A cute scowl appears on her pretty face, and Sasuke's cocky smirk does not help at all with the frustration building inside her.
The main reason Sakura fails to concentrate is the fact that Sasuke is far too close to her. She can feel his chest moving as he steadily breathes, his arm encircling her waist, his hand linked to hers. She can feel the blush on her face at their close proximity.
Tsunade gives further instructions as he spins her around the dance floor. Sakura keeps on averting her eyes afraid that Sasuke might know what is currently going on her mind.
"Milady, you shall not bow your head while dancing." Tsunade reminds her constantly during their rehearsal. Sasuke gives her a questioning look once she faces him. She laughs nervously and listens to the sound of music hoping that it will keep her strange thoughts locked away.
The news of the upcoming engagement party of the young Prince Sasuke is spread all throughout the country. Invitations are sent to the noblemen, powerful businessmen and celebrities, heads of the state, and relatives of the royal family.
A day before the said event, Sasuke and Sakura did not come to class. Sakura goes back to the Land of Snow to personally invite her parents and Ino to come to her engagement party. Sasuke, on the other hand, spends his day fitting different types of suit and tie, attending a press conference, and listening to his brother's reminders.
"Have you bought a gift?" Itachi asks him after the series of interviews, while they walk to the parking lot. "What gift?" Sasuke frowns. Itachi, unable to contain his disappointment, shakes his head and tells his brother that he really is a lost cause.
Itachi asks the chauffeur to stop in front of the jewelry shop. When he gets out of the car, Sasuke follows him quietly, trying to decipher Itachi's actions.
Once inside the store, Itachi asks him to choose. Still not able to understand, Sasuke picks a random necklace. "Is this for Izumi?" Sasuke finally asks.
"Do you not think it is only appropriate to buy a present for Sakura?" Ah, that's what it is. He could have just said so. Sasuke rolls his eyes at Itachi's statement. When he hears Itachi sighs, he already knows another lecture is coming up.
Before he can even say a word, Sasuke is already on his way to exit the store. "Fine, I will buy her a gift. Happy?" Sasuke returns to the car before he can see Itachi's reaction.
Sakura, who anxiously waits for her big reveal, takes a peek outside the room where she is currently staying. She paces back and forth, unable to shake her nerves. Oh My God! What if I make a fool of myself? What if I trip on the stairs or something? There are a lot of people outside and I just ugh
Before she can further dwell into her worries, Tenten tells her it is her time to go.
As the maids guide her way to the backstage, she can hear the voice of the King making his speech to the crowd.
For a minute, she considers running away. She can feel her heart drumming in her chest. She doubts if she can really face this honorable guests; this time her life will completely change. There is no going back. She thinks of her parents waiting for her beyond the curtains separating her and the world. I can do this. They will be here. They will be here.
"May I introduce to you, Miss Sakura Haruno." A loud applause is heard throughout the ballroom, and the curtains have opened up to reveal her in a white dress that brushed the floor, and her hair styled in a side-swept curls; she is breathtaking.
Sasuke, who is wearing a black and white suit, stares in awe at the girl who smiles at the crowd. After making sure he is back in his stoic self,he guides her on her way down to the stairs, offering his hand. At the sound of music, a spotlight is given to the couple. Sasuke leads her on the dance floor, holds out his hand to invite her to dance.
As they position themselves, Sakura notices how Sasuke's hand grips hers more tightly this time. She looks straight into his eyes and finds herself lost in how deep he conceals his emotions very well. They start to dance the waltz with Sakura focusing on Sasuke's face this time.
The couple dance their way to the sound of the orchestra. Not once does Sakura make a mistake. From the outside perspective, one can see how in love they are, locked in their own little world. It seems they can't take their eyes off each other.
As he spins her around, the crowd has remained silent, completely struck by the couple's dance movements. Sakura gracefully finds her way back to Sasuke, and he spins her again and suddenly pushes her down in a dip. Cheers and applause echoes through the hall, but Sasuke did not leave his eyes on Sakura's as he helps her get up from the previous dance position.
They make a courtesy bow, and all of a sudden, Sasuke brushes a lock of her hair away from her face and kisses her cheek. With Sakura still frozen in shock, he brings out a red velvet box that contains a necklace with a crown as a pendant and proceeds to put it on her.
"Smile. You look beautiful tonight." Sasuke whispers as he finishes securing the lock of the necklace.
A/N: Happy Birthday to poor old me who turns 20 today