I'm like sooo excited y'all!! I really can't believe I could continue this story even this far! I know it really doesn't look much and isn't much either but I started this so impulsively, even 17 chapters is too far for me. And I'm so close to 20 chapters, I plan to release the first chapter of this story after being done with writing chapter 20 and I so can't wait for all of you to actually read it (and you already did that haha) and drop some reviews! (Hopefully) Crazy. Anyways, moving on, enjoy the chapter guys!


Chapter 17- After a Week of Longing

Ring ring!

Even seconds didn't pass of Sakura fluttering her eyes open when her phone started ringing. This is it. The exam day. She spent her weekends studying vigorously and last night didn't go smooth either. With her studying till late at night and build up of panic, she wondered if she'd even be able to wake up in the morning although it was in her nature to wake up before the ringing of the alarm on occasions like this. But despite that, she made sure she kept herself on the safe side. Ino's subjects weren't scheduled for today for which she had no exams to sit for, so she asked Ino the night before to call her beforehand in case she misses the alarm.

Thinking Ino called her early, she picked the phone without even taking a notice of who it actually was and began speaking with a still sleepy tone.

"Mhmm.. I'm awake."

"Sakura."

Immediately, Sakura stiffened and shot up from the bed, eyes widening, any hint of sleepiness now completely gone. Her heart started beating faster and she could feel herself heat up. It didn't even take her any time to recognise who it was. This.. this tone, the way he always called her name, his voice. This unexpected hearing of his voice completely took her by shock. It's been a week since she last heard it, and as much as she expected- and was lowkey waiting for him to call her, this sudden call wasn't something she saw coming. She didn't talk with him ever since he left, and now this sudden interaction after what happened last week.. she felt her cheeks heat up even more as the memories washed over her, a wave of multiple emotions swirling around her, many of which she couldn't name.

"Sasuke-kun!"

This. Sasuke has been dying to hear this. The voice ringing in his ears for the past whole week, completely taking over him. 'Sasuke-kun...' He could hear this over and over again, all day. And now, he finally heard it, after one entire week of longing. Her voice, her honey like sweet voice.. calling his name.. it was music to his ears.

A smirk formed on Sasuke's face sensing her amazement. Surely his wife didn't expect his call, but God, he's been waiting for this all week. He kept on looking for reasons to call her. Until this came into his mind, he made up his mind to wish her luck anyway before her exams since he couldn't be there for her physically, promising himself to make sure she doesn't feel his absence, while also fulfilling his desire to hear her. He wanted to return the same caring treatment she showered him with, and while Uchiha Sasuke was never a person to show affection openly even to his close ones, he couldn't help but return these feelings to his wife. He didn't care if he was being obvious or not, she understood his developing attraction towards her or not, he just had to.. keep her. He wanted to keep her, without knowing if she really wanted to stay with him or not. He'd give his everything to her, anything she asked for if she chose him in return. He assumed she already had someone in his life, the thought of which nowadays was getting unbelievably distressing for him to bear, but if there was even the slightest possibility for her to accept them, he'd do anything it takes for that to happen. He was ready to give their marriage a chance, specially after seeing what Sakura did for him and everyone, how angelic she was, absolutely selfless and gifted, on top of her mesmerising beauty. What's this spell that Sakura cast over him?

"Um.. hi.." She mumbled quietly, suddenly embarrassed at expressing her own excitement so openly. "I thought it's Ino.." She said almost in a whisper, hoping to get herself out of the embarrassment by bringing something to talk about up.

"Hn. Are you leaving for university early?" He asked, wondering why she was already awake.

"No Sasuke-kun.. I woke up just before you called. The night was.. rough I'd say." She replied chuckling as she remembered herself waking up out of panic from time to time. It was amusing to her, how a single call from Sasuke relaxed her so much compared to how she felt the night before. Sasuke on the other side couldn't help but sigh, although the smirk- now a soft smile, never left his lips since the moment he heard her voice.

"Don't be nervous Sakura." He said in almost a command to which Sakura smiled.

"I'm trying, just that.. it's the final semester and the deg-"

"You've worked really hard for it. You managed to overcome.. everything to be this prepared, you're extraordinarily talented and have already gained a lot for yourself at this age. Don't be scared, even you know you can do well." Sasuke assured. He wasn't the best in giving motivation or encouraging someone- more like he wasn't the best at expressing emotions openly enough to do so, nor he was a man of speaking many words but he still hoped his little try would calm Sakura at least to a certain extent.

Little did he know, this was far more than enough for his wife to cheer up, to forget all residual nervousness she had. Sasuke's voice alone was enough to calm her down, and now that he showered her with unexpected compliments and acknowledged her, she had nothing more to fear. She blushed, smiling softly at nothing in particular, touched by Sasuke's words. Everyone says Sasuke is a man of few words. Maybe that's why, when he speaks, he speaks volumes, he leaves an impact, because that's what was happening to Sakura right now. She grew up hearing praises about her from people as well as got a lot of encouragement, it was always lively and the tone did more good than the words. However, in case of Sasuke, Sakura felt the complete opposite. He didn't say it in an exciting manner, the way anyone else would. He didn't really 'cheer her up', but she understood it, his words were meant to encourage her, to relieve her from the nervousness and it did. Not only did she forget about the panic, but as well as began soaring over heights she didn't know she could reach. Sasuke himself was nothing less than a prodigy, he had both intelligence and wit and there was no doubt about that. A compliment from him was already unbelievable to her, and now with her feeling things around Sasuke she never felt around anyone else, it made her all more delighted.

"Thank you Sasuke-kun.. How are you?" She asked in a timid voice.

Sasuke suppressed a chuckle hearing her tone. She has always been shy around him, even now that they are pretty much comfortable around each other's presence. She was certainly intelligent and outgoing, and there was no doubt that she'd be bold too whenever needed. So was she only shy around him? He wanted to know her. There are so many things he's yet to know about his wife and he could only hope to be able to do that. But for now, her voice was more than enough for him.

"Good. Things.. were hectic all week." He replied. Although he normally wouldn't probably say how his week went, but he wanted her to know this. Despite how vague it sounded, he hoped that she'd understand why he didn't call her earlier- apart from his own hesitance which of course, he was too embarrassed to tell her.

True to Sasuke's expectations, Sakura understood him, yet again. She giggled at his vague explanation.

"I understood that, I know I won't have to say it but, stay focused Sasuke-kun! You'll do amazing! But.. do remember to take care of yourself too alright?.."

Sasuke could swear this girl had the capability to melt his heart anywhere and anytime. Not everyone can do that and yet Sakura does it so easily. The warmth in her tone reverently expressed her concern for Sasuke and he couldn't feel any more peace than he was right now. Every worry and stress seemed to fade away immediately and it was amusing how it took Sakura close to no effort to put that impact on him. She really is like the comfort of spring that comes after a harsh winter. Why did she worry so much about him? Sure she had it in her nature to treat everyone and everything around her with utmost delicacy, but the way she cared for his wellbeing was almost pampering, Sasuke was beginning to feel spoiled around her for all the kindness she showered him with. She had so much to deal with herself and yet she never hesitated to look after the people around her, that too completely willingly and selflessly. How angelic.

"Aa. You too." You replied with only truth in his voice. She deserved all the happiness and kindness, he decided. And as much as he knew they weren't in terms good enough for him to express his developing fondness for her yet, he'd still try his best to treat her as well as possible, and not with the strict and cold nature people knew he has. If anything, Sakura is that one person who deserves it. Maybe Naruto was right back then, he did behave differently around her without even realising it. And how can anyone not? How can someone even be rude to her when she was so gentle with everyone?

"I will.." She replied, absolutely content with everything. Was she really starting to have feelings for Sasuke? Was she even supposed to feel that way? Did he feel the same? Were they still supposed to involve no feelings in their marriage? Despite so many unanswered questions in her mind, she was pleased for the moment they were sharing.

"You should get ready." Sasuke suddenly reminded her, despite his desire to talk to his wife longer, he didn't want her to be late for the finals she worked so hard on.

"Uh.. yes, alright. Um.. I'll see you in a couple of weeks then.." She weakly said, not wanting to cut the call just yet. She wanted to hear him more. But of course, the world existed and she had a lot to do today.

"Hn. I might be busy the next couple of weeks, I'll try to call-"

"Sasuke-kun. Don't worry about me alright? I understand, and I don't want you to get distracted either. Do your best!" An angel, damn right. Sasuke smirked at the thought. However, he couldn't help but wonder how Sakura was too good for him. Did he even deserve her? A distressing thought crossed his mind about how she probably might be bound in a place worse than what she truly deserved by being married to him. Would he even be able to reciprocate the same treatment he got from her? She deserves all the best things in the world whereas Sasuke knew for sure he is nowhere close to that. Regardless, that wouldn't change his mind about how he previously decided to treat her, he was still determined about that.

"Hn, you too. Arigatou, I'll see you soon." He assured, although he himself wasn't prepared for another two agonising weeks of her absence.

"Alright.." She muttered. And with that, their little moment of comfort was over, leaving both of them with the desire of this feeling more, unknown to the fact that the other felt the exact same. Sakura sighed, finally accepting the farewell. However, the grace on her face was still clearly noticeable. Sasuke called her, he assured her and acknowledged her abilities, most importantly he believed in her. The person who's known for his hard work and extraordinary talent. The person who was beginning to matter to her more than she could ever imagine. And Sakura didn't need anything else to lose all her nervousness. She was glad, and now she genuinely believed she will ace her finals. Sasuke gave her the confidence she didn't know she needed and she couldn't ask for more. 'Might as well get ready', she thought with a smile on her face as she stepped out of the bed, ready to face the day.

Meanwhile..

"Steady outflow. A little bit more and we can carry out our next plan." An unknown voice spoke.

"I believe we might have to make slight changes to our current plan, got the command just today."

"I see. And what exactly is that?"

"Not now, looks like the chief has become indecisive. He wishes to let us know when the right time arrives."

Little did these two know is that, even walls have ears.

Bangkok

With Karin's presence and being away from Konoha, every passing day was becoming even more agonising for Sasuke. The last time he had a talk with his wife was on her exam day, a week ago and as Sasuke predicted, things got even more hectic afterwards. Karin left no chance to hold even the most unnecessary meetings, dragging it for long hours to ensure she could be around Sasuke as much as possible. Much to his displeasure, he was currently in one, sitting on a dinner table with one of the group of clients in a cruise, and beside him was of course, Karin. The group had the first course of their meal, after which they proceeded to discuss the project until the main course was to be served. As much pleasant the view of the city and star filled night sky looked from the cruise ship, he'd feel a lot more relaxed if Karin wasn't present here, and cheery on top, if his wife rather stayed with him. Nonetheless, Sasuke gave in and decided to keep his focus on the work, one more week and he will no longer have to deal with the constant unwanted presence of what he totally disliked.

"I expected no less from the combination of the two best companies in Konoha. The final planning is truly convenient!" Omoi, one of the clients said, which was no surprise to either of the two, both Sasuke and Karin were used to hearing such praises about their companies from clients and businesses partners all over the world. Regardless, both cordially thanked in response.

"I suggest we head on to do discuss on the-"

"Oh Sasuke, you're always talking about work. We still have time till midnight before the cruise ends, I'm sure we can start with further discussions later and yet end it with a lot of time in our hands. So how about relaxing a bit first, the view is absolutely mesmerising and I bet you all wouldn't want to miss it?"

Of course. Sasuke clearly saw it coming- this is exactly what Karin has been doing for the past two weeks- dragging meetings like that and trying to go all clingy on him afterward- which he clearly ignored. With Karin so-much-professionally suggesting this idea and the clients merely agreeing to that, Sasuke's intention to get the meeting over with and staying away from Karin for the rest of the time in the cruise went down the drain. The group began conversing afterward and Sasuke absolutely dreaded every second of it.

"So, Sasuke, I really didn't expect you to move on that fast." Sasuke heard Omoi speak, unable to figure out what his words meant.

"Pardon me, couldn't quite catch you Omoi." Sasuke asked maintaining his business-like tone despite the obvious confusion.

And what Omoi spoke out next was incredulously bewildering. "Your marriage of course. I mean it's nothing new in the business world, I'm just saying that getting a divorce that early is quite a shock. Nonetheless, you and Karin will sure make a good match, besides both of your prestigious social statuses, unlike your current wedlock!"

"Wha-"

"Ah, thanks-"

"Karin." Sasuke cut her off this time, rather sternly, caring even less about maintaining his formal attitude with every passing second. No, he was not going to let this woman cut him off now, not when it came to his wife's respect. Whoever spread such nasty rumours, which he assumed was Karin herself, would not succeed in doing so.

"Omoi, from wherever you got such information, I can assure you that it's absolutely false. Sure the marriage didn't initially involve romance but my wife and I are doing just fine. She has done quite well for herself too and is a capable woman, and I believe far better than even most people in what you'd call the upper class." Sasuke said professionally, smirking at his own response for Karin sure felt attacked by his words while Omoi looked slightly confused but seemed to believe him anyway. He might've exaggerated his relationship with Sakura a bit, as it still involved no romance, but he didn't care, not as long as it proved how amazing of a woman Sakura truly is and deserved the praise for it.

"Ah I see, I'd love to see Mrs.Uchiha then, she really must be an extraordinary lady if you're the one saying such words about her." Omoi wasn't wrong. Uchiha Sasuke wasn't known for any sweet talk or throwing around praises here and there, but when it came to Sakura, he just couldn't stop.

"She is. Not to mention we cannot wait for the first doctor in the family." He said smirking, eyeing the now ignored Karin who was clearly fuming with rage.

"You must bring her to the project success party then, we all would love to visit her." Sasuke heard Omoi say and the rest of the people in the group merely agreed, except Karin. Sasuke really didn't consider taking Sakura to any business party until Omoi saying that. He was well accustomed to regularly attending parties and the one Omoi talking about was to be hosted by Karin and himself for the success of the project but never did Sasuke think of Sakura to be in the picture for once. Now that he thought about it, it would be nice taking his wife, he didn't hate the idea.

"Aa." He responded.

The group continued chatting and as well discussed the project afterward until they all proceeded to have dinner. The buffet had a lot to serve and everyone just got up to get their meals when-

"Karin." Sasuke called her upon making sure the rest already walked away enough to not hear them. Karin looked back at him with curiosity and Sasuke continued, "Don't think for one second that I am someone to bear with your bullshit for the sake of the project or the company. Speak ill of my wife or anyone close to me one more time and I actually might forget the residual amount of professionalism we have left between us, let alone me remembering who you are." Sasuke calmly said, but his tone clearly expressed his seriousness about the situation. He walked away from the place upon uttering the last words, not bothering to see her reaction or hearing her response.

Karin could only watch him leave as the whole thing happened, still furious about the night's events. 'This bitch will pay' was all she could think, a new type of hatred developing in Karin towards Sakura, on top of the hate she already had for her being Sasuke's wife.


Author's note- so this took a lot longer than I expected, specially because holidays ended and there's just so much to do apart from the fact that this one was kinda boring to write :( I know this chapter turned out way too descriptive and I'll definitely try not doing so in the later chapters. It just doesn't feel good seeing Sasuke away from Sakura:(( but don't worry, this phase won't last long because guess who are gonna be reunited soon? ;) stay tuned xD

Ps- I was wondering if any of you had any particular Sasusaku moments in mind that you'd want me to write? I might as well include some of those if it's possible, so do drop your ideas on the review section if you want to!!

Next chapter release date- 31st July, 2021.