Summary: Sakura's been down on her luck for awhile now, losing her temporary teaching position was more than she could take. However, thanks to a friend she finds herself in a tutoring gig for a billionaire's son with behavioral problems. On top of that, her employer, the billionaire himself, is a self—centered, stubborn, yet handsome man with his own repressed issues that he hides behind. The more time she spends with them both, the more the lines get blurred between them but Sakura can't help but feel this is where she belongs.
"You know you'll still see me right?" I joked as Ino nearly lost herself to tears in my empty classroom.
"It's not the same," she clung to me. "No more lunches together, coffee breaks, ditching detention." She almost sobbed, "it's no fun without you."
"You're so dramatic," I laughed lightly while patting her head.
"We finally get the chance to work together and it's over." She squeezed me tightly.
"Pig," I huffed, "you're suffocating me."
"Ugh, I can't believe these people." She said and released me, "you're a class favorite and for them not to renew your contact is stupid on their part. The principal should've at least hired you on as an assistant teacher." Ino was upset enough for the both of us.
I appreciated her support, "that means a lot pig but I understand why the school board made the decision." I said and started to gather up what was left, "I'll find something else eventually."
Ino turned off the light and followed me out, "ya know Shikamaru mentioned that Temari's nephew needed a tutor."
"Hm, I do remember hearing something like that." I said vaguely, it's been awhile since I've even seen Shikamaru. "But wouldn't they want like an ivy league tutor? And isn't his wife's family extremely wealthy and intimidating." I questioned.
"Fair point," she agreed. "But, I'm sure the pay would be worth it."
That thought stuck out to me, "it would be nice to be able to afford my rent without having to get a second job." As a sixth grade teacher, our salary is nothing to get excited over.
"Exactly."
"Uh, but still I'm totally under—qualified for what they're looking for I bet." I said doubtfully.
"Um, excuse me but my best friend is never under—qualified." She said frankly, "everyone else is simply blind to your brilliance."
"If only everyone thought like you, pig." I smiled, "I'd never be jobless again."
It's literally the love for my future students and my profession that keep me afloat.
"Let's get together this weekend," Ino perked up. "I'll invite them and you can ask Temari herself."
I sighed helplessly, "sure, why not." She'd never let me rest if I simply said 'no'.
"I'm only looking out for your best interest forehead." She sassed and held the door as we walked outside to the car lot.
"I know pig." She meant no harm, everything she does for me is because she genuinely cares. "I'll talk to her if she's able to come."
She practically squealed, "of course she'll come forehead. No one can resist my charms." I couldn't confirm nor deny that theory, Ino did have a habit of getting her way like right now for example.
"Just don't force it okay?" I said in all seriousness, "If it's not possible I'm sure I can find another position on my own." I clarified for her sake, I didn't want her worrying about me all the time.
Not like the last time.
"I know that." Her eyes caught mine, "I know you can do anything. I just want to help anyway I can."
I didn't want to have this conversation again so I changed it, "what time this weekend?"
She sized me up before letting it go, "seven—ish at the new sushi bar downtown, you know the fancy one."
"The one that opened up two weeks ago?" I popped open my trunk and slide my last box to the back. "It's going to be hard to get a reservation at that place."
She smiled sheepishly back at me and I sensed that I'd been set—up, "what'd you do?" I asked with a raised brow. "You're making that face."
"Tsk," she rolled her eyes. "I do not make a face."
"Spill pig," I crossed my arms and leaned against my car.
"I madereservationsalready." She muttered real quick and completely dodged my eyesight.
"You did what?"
She sighed loudly, "I made reservations already."
"So it was a set—up." I said bluntly.
"Hey!" She said offensively. "It wasn't like that at all. It was supposed to be a friendly gathering but now it's a friendly gathering slash job interview." Ino cheered. "A win—win."
"For Kami's sake Ino. I didn't want the whole world to know I'm unemployed."
"It's not like you were fired," she stated for good measure. "It's just us, Sai is busy as per usual, the Nara's and Naruto— maybe Hinata, if she gets home in time." She said with an apologetic smile, "that's it."
"Fine." I caved and closed my trunk, 'as long as he's not attending.'
"And don't worry, I told Naruto that if he even breathes a word of this to a certain Uchiha. He'd be eating his precious Ramen through a feeding tube for the rest of his days." She said proudly.
"I'll go but it won't take up the whole night— either I get a chance or I don't. End of story." I wanted that to be perfectly clear, "I'm not a charity case."
"Never, forehead! I have total faith that she'll hire you because you're the kindest teacher I know." She said honestly.
'At least someone has their hopes up because I'm not so sure.'
"See you tomorrow?" I said, ending our previous conversation.
She had walked over to her car next to mine, "at seven and don't be late."
"I wouldn't dream of it." I said as I waved good—bye.
Ino drove away first, I stayed awhile longer in the parking lot even though I had only been apart of the faculty for a short few months, I had grown to love the school and the students that walked the halls.
My time at this school was always temporary but with the Administration not knowing whether their previous teacher would be returning or not, I couldn't help but hope I'd get to stay.
After much consideration, the teacher decided to return from maternity leave for the remainder of the school year so I didn't have much a choice after that. The school couldn't afford to place me in another classroom and no current subjects needed to be filled— I was at a complete loss.
'Ino's idea might be my only chance,' I thought to myself as I started my car and drove out the lot. 'I mean, how bad could tutoring be?'
7:35 p.m.
"Welcome to The Sashimi Bar." The hostess greeted politely, "reservation?" She held a tablet in her hand, readying to check for the name.
"Yamanaka." I glanced around as she scrolled through, the restaurant was beautiful— colorful fans hung from the ceiling and lilies filled this elegant water fountain, all surrounded by soft lighting it was very pleasing.
"Miss," she gained back my attention and smiled, "right this way." I followed her through the crowded restaurant to the table.
"Sakura!" Ino spotted me right away and stood up from her seat. "It's about time you showed up."
I gave her a hug, "you said seven—ish, pig." And took a seat beside her, "Hinata it's nice to see you again." I smiled at the raven haired woman, she was an ER nurse so that means she is frequently absent from our get togethers. "I'm glad you were able to make it this time."
"It's nice to see you too, Sakura." She said softly, "work has been hectic, I'm happy for this little time off."
"Sakura," Naruto whined. "Don't ignore me, I'm here too ya know." My other blonde best friend was more like younger brother that always needed a scolding.
"Naruto, I saw you two days ago." I stated as a matter of fact.
"Oh yeah that's right." He grinned sheepishly, "I forgot."
I rolled my eyes playfully, "of course you did." I reached for my water and took a sip, I didn't fail to notice that Temari and Shikamaru had yet to show.
'Maybe they were to busy after all.'
"Ino, where's Sai?" Naruto asked casually, the waiter had just brought the table an appetizer.
"Oh you know him, he's locked away in his art room penciling away at his new masterpiece." She said as she served herself some sushi. "He should be finished by next week."
"Isn't his art show coming up?" Hinata asked, "I'm sure that's exciting."
"He's worked so hard on every piece," Ino said."Everyone's invited so be ready to mark your calendars, I expect to see everyone in attendance."
"Hello everyone!" Temari came out of nowhere with Shikamaru in toll, "sorry we're late. This one decided to take the long way."
"We didn't have to rush, they haven't even started eating." He sat down with Temari next to him.
"Typical Shika," Naruto laughed over a glass of beer.
"Sakura, you look great. How are you?" Temari asked as she settled in.
"I'm good," I smiled kindly back at her, "thank you." I could feel Ino eyeing me like a hawk but I wasn't about to start that conversation out of thin air.
The evening was quite eventful, each of us catching up with one another— we've all been friends for years, most of us growing up together all through our school and college years.
It's been so long since I've laughed like this even though it doesn't feel quite the same because someone is missing, but I know it's better this way.
"So, Sakura, Ino told me that you've been thinking of taking up a tutoring profession?" Temari questioned, "any practical reason?" Her blue eyes sparkled curiosity.
"No reason, I simply love to teach and since this opportunity with my previous school fell through and I thought maybe I'd try something different." I answered honestly. "I'd teach for free if I could afford it."
Temari smiled fondly back at me, "That's very admirable of you."
"Sakura tutored me all through high school and college," Naruto reminisced, "if it wasn't for her flash cards and extreme study hall— I never would've made it."
"The study hall of death!" Ino cried, "she'd hold me captive till I answered each question correctly." Hinata giggled lightly at Ino's theatrics.
"Did you pass your SATs or didn't you?" I quipped back.
"I passed but not before I suffered mental damage because of it." Ino bantered. "Shikamaru didn't even torture us like that."
"That's because Mr. Lazy Ass here let y'all copy instead of actually teaching you something." I mocked.
"Troublesome," said the lazy ass himself. "I'm going for a smoke."
Naruto perked up, "oh I'll tag along."
The two men left the table and Hinata was next, "I have to run to bathroom."
Ino took that chance to excuse herself as well, "I'll come with." I knew what she was doing, the look in her eyes practically screamed 'go for it forehead!'
I took a sip of wine to calm my nerves and placed the glass back down, "so how's everything with you?"
"It's been a little hectic if I'm being honest, our company is expanding so there's much to do." She said, "between that and helping out with my nephew. It's gotten pretty busy."
I nodded in understanding, "if you don't mind me asking... what's going on with your nephew? He's just a kid isn't he?"
She sipped her wine, "mhm." She placed the glass down, "yes he just turned eleven last month. He's been suspended from the Academy for bad behavior, he's just having a hard time adjusting to change."
My heart went out to the little boy, "change can be difficult for anyone."
She sighed tirelessly, "and that's not even the half of it. His father has received word that as of right now, no Academy will take him in because of his suspension and his troubling grades."
"What, that's ridiculous." I said appalled by their lack of concern for his education. "They should be finding resources to assist him with what he needs."
"That's why I convinced my brother to try a tutor instead." She said optimistically, "maybe some one on one will be more comfortable for him."
"That makes sense," I understood the whole situation now. "Some kids need a little more patience before they can make a move on their own."
"That's what I told him," she had this knowing smile playing on her lips.
"What?" I asked skeptically, she had the same look Ino got when she was up to something.
"Would you be interested in coming for an interview?" She asked out of the blue, "when you're available of course."
I had been taken by surprise, "uh, I mean— I'd be happy too, if you're sure that's okay."
"Yes yes this is perfect." She said happily. "I'll discuss it with my brother and you'll hear from me in a couple of days."
"Okay, great." I smiled appreciatively.
'That was easier than I thought.' I was relieved that the hard part was over and it went surprisingly well.
Shortly after we ended our conversation, the girls returned and the boys right behind them. We had a few more drinks and laughs before we ended the night with good—byes and promises of doing this again sometime.