By Misty Raia
mE: Oh, I decided to put some twist! I love pink! I love pink! Yay! And they met! Yay! Anyway, I'm reviewing for my exams! Wish me luck!
pReViOuSLy:
But it's not her fault. Okay, she fell into a deep sleep, but it wasn't her idea to leave Sasuke alone in the chat room. If only she knew, she hadn't thought of Ino herself in the first place! That's it! I'll cut this one off if you won't reply. What does that mean?
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It was about 8 quarter when Ino phoned her. Sakura fell into a dreary sleep again, unable to answer her wireless phone immediately. She felt that she was dragging herself towards the table near her bed for it. And that was a really tough job, now that her head stings painfully. She was able to utter a soft hello, and she could tell that Ino was as excited as ever by the atmosphere of her breathing. She felt her fingers that held the receiver upright beginning to get numb, her voice turned to be really hoarse, and she almost felt that she was about to vomit.
"Sakura, are you all right?" her friend asked thoughtfully, as though she was able to see her position right now.
She started to think of a nice reason why she sounded ailing this morning. Contrary to how she acted yesterday, she felt really awful. And that made Ino's behavior change. Of course, Sakura knows that she called because she's damn too thrilled about what will happen at 7 but she didn't want her to worry. "I over-slept…" she meekly replied.
Sakura now felt that Ino was just plain concerned for her. After all, she had been her friend, meaning, she knows when she's sick, or ill, or what. She was also able to tell whether something's bothering her, and this would be the right time for that. But, she didn't also want her to feel as though she didn't want to carry her at their meet-up thing with Sasuke. There's really a side of her that wanted to shout that thought into the receiver but she must learn how to control herself. Let alone that she didn't want her to be offended. It's just that she doesn't want to repeat what happened last night. That would be too much, way TOO MUCH.
"Are you fine? Are you feeling well? Did you take your breakfast? Do you want me to drive there? Is there anything that bothers you? Is there something I can help?" It went really fast and Sakura felt a bit guilty on what she just thought a while ago. Maybe Ino was more disturbed about her situation than what'll be happening later. And she sounded as protective and as caring as ever, which made her fell well at the instance.
After a while, Sakura managed to turn her breath evenly, and the pain in her head ceased out. And it was all thanks to Ino who unconditionally told her to calm down and try not to mess things up. It couldn't be the best, but it's the only thing they could do.
When Ino made sure that Sakura's thoughts and perceptions were stable, she told her the reason she called. "I can't really contain this feeling when you told me about Sasuke…" she started. Sakura's eyebrow winched upward upon hearing that. Was she going to blurt it out how much he likes him? Oh, no! This is bad! This is what she fears and now that this time came, she's certain that there's no taking back. But maybe you're just exaggerating?
And her instincts were right! "I told all of 'em, meaning Naruto, Hinata, Shikamaru, Choji, Neji, TenTen, everyone, about the meeting so… You know… When Kakashi heard of this, as an initial reaction of an adviser, and as common sense and logic dictates, he became excited… And he decided to have a sort of reunion at the Music Factory…" Ino's voice was rather flat, trying to catch any sound Sakura made. Silence followed and Ino felt uncomfortable. "I know that would be rude in your part because it was supposed to be a you-and-Sasuke date. But if you want, I'll cancel that one. Or you could sit away from our table. It's just that I wasn't able to control my mouth and this is what happened…" She paused for a few seconds before Sakura heard a sigh.
"But if you really don't like that idea, I can postpone it. After all, it was my idea at the first place…"
"Did you said that you just called a reunion for all of us?" asked Sakura.
Ino let out another sigh before she replied a weak yes, and that would be much better than not responding at all.
Reunion? Flashes of memories way back when they were in grade school flickered to her mind. It's as if a VCD just played by itself and started to show scenes that happened ten years back. In Sakura's point of view, the greatest years of her life was when they were just in grade 2, 3… "Reunion?" she repeated. Since when did she have this habit of repeating words when she seemed not to grasp the right thing she was about to say? Ah! Sasuke!
"Sakura, please… I promise we won't bother both of you. And I can tell them that I decided to change the venue and meet some place else…"
Sakura beamed enthusiastically, as if Ino could see her wide-open mouth. "Ohh! That's the best thing you can think off!" Yay! She was able to say the right word! And for the first time also, she felt this old feeling that she can't explain. At seven o'clock, she'll be able to chat with her classmates, telling how her life went on, and how she was able to survive everything…
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At 6:45 PM, Sakura was already prepared. She's wearing a pink blouse with prints of butterflies, pink butterflies. And a skirt with pink lines at the side is what she got from her closet. Before she stared herself at the mirror, she asked herself whether she would tie her hair up, or she'll just let it down. She tried to tie her hair but then, she decided that it's better to look simpler. Her earrings were pink butterflies, which match up her entire outfit. Since when did she have this desire into stuffs that were anemic red?
She grinned in front of the mirror and after she gave all her finishing touches, she immediately reached her beanbag before exiting at her apartment's door. Sakura descended down the stairs and she happily opened up the gate. It's 6:50, she might as well hurry up or she'll be late.
"Hi!"
Sakura was dazzled with surprise. There, in front of her, standing at the outskirt of the gate, was Hyuuga Neji. She stared him at awe before she was able to greet him back. "I'm here to pick you up," he said, as if guessing what Sakura pinned in her mind. She nodded vigorously and smiles before the Hyuuga opened the flap of his car. She learned that Neji had been waiting for almost half an hour, but he never had that courage to tap the doorbell or to even knock.
Since when did she last saw him? Graduation? Retreat? Sakura can't seem to remember because the only classmate she had to meet in her high school years was Ino. But she knows that he really changed. And she also kept in mind that he was a business tycoon. At the car's digital clock, it read 06:55. They're going to be late!
"How are you doing now?" he asked, as the traffic jam started to build up. Sakura looked at him for a minute before she was able to give out a reply.
"I am working for my new novel now. I'm still at the beginning so I can't tell you how it will go," Sakura answered before she smiled. "Do you think we will get there at 7?" She's been growing too impatient especially that it's Sasuke that's waiting, and not some other hideous guy.
The Hyuuga sighed for that instance and shook his head. "I don't think so… Damn this traffic!"
So, they wont be able to make it on time, Sakura thought. She swung her head and looked at the car's window. There were buildings, and buildings and a whole lot of buildings! But what's much more attractive are the lights. Car lights, window lights, billboard lights… They come in blue, red, yellow, green, purple… Her eyes glittered at them but their car doesn't seem to move even for just an inch after 5 minutes. It's already 7 o'clock and she's late! Why does she have to spend more time in the bathroom this time?
"That's it! We're late," blurted Neji as he sighed again.
Sakura played with her fingers before she sighed too. "I know it's my fault… I shouldn't have wasted time. If only I knew that you were waiting for me outside at 6:15, and if I only I knew that a big traffic jam was ahead…" She tapped her head awkwardly and pouted meekly. "I heard you're managing a very large company, how's it doing?"
Neji just smirked invisibly. "It's going pretty well," he answered. But he really meant it's going really well! With a lot of those investments and other business stuffs, their company is technically ranking in the top five most built-up companies in whole Japan! So, he mustn't blurt all of these to her, not now. "It's a good thing I was able to take a leave for this reunion. It was Ino who called me up…"
"She told me that," interrupted Sakura. Actually, Ino told her that she phoned everybody, so… Okay, you got the idea! "I think this would be gr---" Sakura almost stopped her breathing as her cell phone began to ring. Her beanbag vibrated for a few times before she answered it up. "Ino…? Yes, I'm with him… We're stuck in the traffic… I don't know… I think we're going to be late… Yeah…" She nods at every reply she makes while Neji stared at her. "Neji, do you think we'll be able to get there at what time?"
He blinked before he said that maybe, or the earliest time they could arrive was 7:30. Sakura sighed and told Ino that they're going to be really really late! "Kakashi is not yet here! Damn that adviser! Anyway, Sasuke's here with us!" Sakura froze from where she was seated, and her face became pale. The mention of his name sends shivers to her fingertips. Her heart hammered faster, and she can hear the rhythmic beat it creates. Its as if she would be dropping her phone down at any minute. "He arrived here at 6:45, and he was really shocked! But I have to excuse myself to the bathroom to call you so I left Naruto, Hinata, TenTen, Choji, Shino, Lee, and Sasuke there. And oh! Did I tell you how cute he really was?"
Sakura knows that Neji can hear their conversation because her speaker was turned on, but she doesn't care about that now. Sasuke was already there, meaning, she's just a few minutes away from him… Geez, what am I thinking? She doesn't know whether she'll react by saying how glad she was that he's there or by just merely chuckling. What now?
Her unusual trip to dreamland again was interrupted by Ino when she told her that she has to go back to them. But she will tell Sasuke that Sakura will be a bit late. She thanked her for calling her before she ended Ino's call. The moment she hanged up, the car started moving, I can say a few meters, but that didn't even help. Her mind now was focused on Sasuke. After all, he came…
It'll be a lot better to just walk, thought Sakura. For god's sake, she can walk faster than this damn car. But that would be really impolite for he Hyuuga's part because he did fetched her and that was a big deal to her. She stared uncomfortably to him, trying to find traces of irritation and annoyance because of the traffic in his face, only to find out that he's been wearing that plain look on his visage. She began drumming her fingers in the window as she gazed at the Christmas lights and giant Christmas trees all over the sidewalk.
And agonizing as it was, they were able to make it. To be specific, they arrived at exactly 7:35. Well, not bad, at least they weren't the last to arrive. Let me guess, their beloved adviser was not here yet. And they doubt whether he will be really coming.
Neji had to park the car before they were able to get in. The moment she stepped at the Music Factory, her heart resounded an irregular beat. She stretched her skirt unevenly, a bad inclination she does whenever she's nervous. A number of consecutive slabs beside the billiard tables were making rather silly noises, and she can tell that these are where Ino and the others were seated. She didn't want to scan everyone who was seated there, for she's afraid that she might see him.
Yeah, he's wearing a blue shirt… Sakura's body quivered as they made their way to the tables. There's a lot of laughing and taunting and laughing again. When Ino called her an hour ago, she told her that they were just seven, or eight, but now, they occupy almost ten seats. They were really busy chatting when Ino saw Neji and Sakura.
"Hey! You made it!" she interrupted as the ten heads in the table faced them. They stopped what they're doing and grinned earnestly at both of them. Ino pulled two more seats and the two joined the group. Sakura became more nervous at this time, she's afraid of looking around, and so far, the only people she was able to notice are Ino, and Hinata, for she was seated beside her. She placed her hands in her lap as Ino happily introduced her to their classmates.
She began grinning at anyone who admired her for her books, especially Aburame Shino, who turned out to be one of those rabid fans that kept on bugging her through mails. "I use pen names so you won't recognize me…" he said as he adjusted his glasses.
"Really? Anyway… There's Shikamaru," interrupted Ino as she eyed the guy who was sitting beside her. "And he's the only one who thinks this reunion is nothing but troublesome." Everyone nearly laughed at her as Shikamaru pouted and started his troublesome speech. They chuckled for the second time, but Sakura just tapped her fingers on the desk, keeping her eyes low, for she might lock her gaze to him. She occasionally beams to Hinata, trying to be as natural as ever. Damn, I can't go on like this… Of course she can't. Sooner or later she'll be able to see Sasuke again, and she doesn't have anything to make it stop.
She stared Ino again as she told them about Shikamaru's laziness and what-so-ever stuffs. Sakura felt a bit uneasy and the tapping on the table became faster. "Shikamaru has always been like that, isn't he?" Sakura asked as all of the ten pairs of eyes were locked into her. That was the first sentence she was able to say at this whole reunion thing. I mean, she was able to utter a couple of words and laugh. It's as if as a writer, her opinions were not really being taken for granted. "Right?" Sakura added as she looked at all of them. And there, she saw him. She nearly froze. He's seated at the farthest side of the table with Naruto. He too was looking at her.
Wait a minute! What's that jerk doing here? She felt that her eyebrow winced. What's he doing here? Her mind started to swirl counterclockwise, and after a minute, it went clockwise. Ino, which was interrupted by Sakura's astonishment, turned to look at where Sakura was staring and smiled satisfactorily.
"And that's Sasuke!"
Everything nearly stopped and she felt her mouth gapped open. The guy just stared at her perplexedly. Confusion filled her up as she looked at him. That can't be! He won't be Sasuke… But Ino won't definitely lie to her, ever. So… after all, this guy… Her thoughts spun again and the feelings she felt the day she met him returned. Anyway I was waiting for you till five at the park, this is what he replied in one of their talks. Sakura can merely believe it. So, that's what her head started bugging the moment she saw him. But… But why? Why hasn't she recognized him? Why didn't he recognize her? How could that be? She lifted her head once more to get a glimpse of him, and that's when her mind rested into its unusual clamor.
Why hasn't she recognized him? That question kept on haunting her. Was she that preoccupied that she wasn't able to… to even remember him? But that's impossible, really impossible. She took time to register his face and that's when she was convinced that he's really Sasuke. If only she knew… If only…
"Yo!" Everyone nearly jumped from where they were seated as their ever-late adviser popped out of nowhere. Even Sakura was snapped back to reality from all the pondering she's doing. She managed to steal a gaze from Sasuke, who was also looking expectantly to their newly arrived teacher. She felt a sigh releasing in her mouth, if only she could turn everything back to where they even first met, that would be even great. But… She knows he's as confused as she was, and they might end up not talking to each other if that would be the case. And it sends shivers to her spine as she remembered how awkward and immature she acted in the meet-up at the park…
"You're late!" they all uttered in unison except for Sakura. Naruto pouted silently on the table as he mumbled how long he's been waiting for all of them. Well, he was the first to come and to his bombshell, it was Sasuke that came shortly after him. Sasuke, who was ever confused why Naruto was there, explained that he was supposed to have a sort of a date. Anyway, back to the story…
As he had always done, he made those speeches how he was lost in the road of life and when he was halfway there, he stumbled upon a black cat so he has to find another route to avoid bad luck. "Yeah, yeah, I haven't heard that lame excuse since forever and I'm still glad about that," Shino whispered but he made sure that Hinata and Kiba were able to hear it.
And before Kakashi would be able to pick another excuse, they decided to order their food. Ino volunteered that she'll be the one to call the waiter, but that doesn't mean that she has to pay. As if a thunder struck them all, they eyed Kakashi who was happily preparing to sit down. "Since you let us wait until our eyes popped out, it's gonna be your treat!" Naruto pointed his finger to him as he stood from his seat. Everyone affirmatively chorused as the teacher sweat dropped.
The menus started arriving and after a minute, they were all set to order. Sakura moved the menu at the level that she would be able to look at Sasuke and at the same time, be able to hide her face if she's caught. Her hands were still trembling but she was proficient in hiding her emotions. She eyed the name of the cuisine as she decided to pick up Lasagna. She's still full from the snack she took a while ago and doesn't have the feeling to eat more than that. Orange juice, mango juice, pineapple juice, APPLE JUICE! She lowered her menu a bit to the extent that she was able to take a look at Sasuke, who was at that time disturbed by how the dobe complained for not including ramen by their list of foodstuffs.
The waiter came back after two minutes to pick up their orders. Kakashi was the first one to order, since he decided that he wouldn't be able to get away with his radical students, so it'd be his treat, fine, fine. One by one, they gave their orders. Sakura felt a bit shy as she said that her beverage would be an apple juice. She didn't bother to look at Sasuke for the fear that she might turn beet-red. When it was Sasuke's turn, he told them that he was a bit undecided.
"Just pick up anything!" Kakashi tormented as he consulted his wallet, his eyes nearly watering.
And it was a rather long night for all of them. When they began eating, each one of them was given a chance to tell or say anything and everything he/she wants to share. They played janken to determine who'll come first and after a few tries and elimination, it was Shikamaru who landed the first, since he was too lazy to even mess with this kind of situation, and Kakashi being the last.
"Well, it really explains that I'm a janken genius!" he praised himself, but to his dismay, no one ever noticed that. Everyone got tired of Shikamaru's troublesome stuffs and decided to move on the next. As expected from Neji, he would speak about his outnumbered buildings and other business matters. TenTen got to speak about her hair buns, and how she was able to preserve it until now. Choji shared something about the way he felt about the taste of the food in this restaurant. Naruto? Blah blah blah blah, then a bit blah blah blah again. Hinata, poking her fingers, told them that she couldn't think of anything else to share. Okay, Shino said that he hasn't really changed but he was doing a bit of painting this time. Ino just shared something about her studies, Sakura shared how she felt while she's writing, and Kiba was happy that he got a new puppy. Sasuke said he just arrived from U.S. (where everyone was really shocked). And it was Kakashi who wrapped it up as he told them about the new issue of the Icha Icha Paradise.
"Do you really have to tell us that?" asked Neji as-a-matter-of-factly. Well, everyone agreed to him and went unusually to eating their food. 'But, who would think that he's Sasuke, anyway?' she thought. And it's a shame for not recognizing him. Maybe that's what he thinks too, yet… It's just that it's really bad for both of them. Not mentioning that Sakura was very much annoyed on the way he acts.
At about 8:30, the group started to squander off. Shikamaru was so tired that Ino and Choji have to assist him while going out. Naruto decided that he'd stalk Kakashi to discover nasty secrets about his road of life and other stuffs. Sakura rather thought that she'd drop into a bookstore to buy some books, though Neji offered her a ride. Kiba and Shino escorted Hinata while Lee and TenTen left the bistro. All that was left was Sasuke, who was thinking rather deeply than usual.
If he had known from the start that she's Sakura, then they won't need to set up another meeting. And that's the sole reason why he hasn't got the guts to even look at her eyes. Is he that dumb that he forgot how she even looks? Dammit! He pocketed her hands as he exited the Music Factory. But she occupied his thoughts in many ways. So, that's why he had this sudden change in attitude these days. And he knows there was something in that girl that he can't seem to remember, and he even thought of her for almost a day. In short… in short… Geez! What am I thinking?
For all the people in the whole world, why…? Sasuke scratched his head, a habit he barely even does. If that's so, why did he call that a habit? Anyway, he began streaming at the sidewalk. His head was bowed, and he was starring at his feet as he makes a step further. He even needs to cancel one of his performances for him to be able to get there, expecting to meet his childhood friends, Sakura and Ino, only to find out that a reunion was bound to happen. But he doesn't regret that in a different perspective, who anyway didn't want to see your grade school classmates?
He stared at the streetlights he passed by. It's a good thing Sasuke brought a jacket with him. And why on hell was he walking? He got his car waiting for him at the parking lot, and his keys were in his pockets, why settle in walking? After all, he's not used to squander at the depths of the night without his car. What if a crazed fanatic saw him? As his spine shivered at that thought, he noticed an empty can of Coca-Cola lying impassively at the corner of the road. Sasuke began kicking it, just following wherever it rolls into.
Well, he can't blame himself. It's just that he had nothing to do, and he was really dozed up at everything that happened. Imagine not being able to talk to the person, who turned up also as the reason, why he was there at the Music Factory in the first place. And what was he doing now?
The sound of the tin can being hit was the only echo that he hears. Nothing. No horning that comes from the cars passing by, no screeching, no, not even a single sound. He tapped his hands inside his pocket and drummed a tune of one of his favorite gigs. A minute, an hour passed, but he was unaware where he was headed. After all, he can come back anytime he wants to, he can phone up his manager to fetch him at this instance. But Sasuke rather wants to be alone now. Even though how weird it was, he thinks that would be the best thing he could do.
While he was in a verge of his thoughts and reality itself, Sasuke noticed that the empty soft drink could hit something rather than the flint it used to every time he kicked it. Before he could lift his head, he can already tell the person that was standing in front of him.
"Sasuke? What are you doing?" asked Sakura in a rather worried tone. He smirked invisibly as he confirmed his guess. "And…" She really wants to say something, Sasuke can tell that, but at this point of time, he's not ready to hear about it.
"I was just hitting that stupid tin can."
Sasuke noticed that she was carrying a small paper bag from somewhere a bookstore before he faced his childhood friend after ten years. But, oh, of course, their unexpected meetings were not counted. "Did you know that once in my books, I wrote that certain incident at a certain character."
He was rather amazed from what he heard. Even the way she talked to him changed, compared on how she used to talk to him during the unexpected meet-up in the park, which was a bit barbaric.
"But in my story, the character who used to do that believes that a simple, empty, Coca-Cola can wasn't just as plain as it used to be. It takes him where his heart really was. And that didn't only happened once in his life, but twice!" Sakura doesn't have any intention to generalize that 'Sasuke has been following where his heart is', definitely not. But she can conclude that this is going to be a very long night.
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mE: This chapter sucks! But don't blame me! Blame those nagging teachers and test papers that I will be answering this week. Hehe. Yes, I'm a Filipina, for those who ask. Thanks for your e-mails on how the chapter would be going. Thanks! Yay! Chapter 6 is up by next week, and that would be a Christmas Special. But after that, I won't be able to update because I will be spending my Xmas vacation at my aunt's house. So, 'til here, folks! Yay! You would give me a review, right? I got a Physics term test tomorrow! My gosh! And to those who thought that my shcool was haunted by ghost, well, I think it's not! But there're few! Awooo! XD
Waaah! They're thinking the same thing!