My words from me to you: Yay! Now Chapter 5's turn… Decided to discontinue 'between shelves' that fanfiction. I can't stand Neji's character inside there… Don't know why also… heeheez… But I believe that wasn't one of my best… So guess that was the real reason. And I would like to thank those who read this story with much anticipation and of course those who pushed and guided me how to write here in Really, thanks a lot. Also, by the way, I have a new story entitled 'Deeply embedded' with a pairing of Sakura and Itachi, protraying Itachi on a gentler side he used to be before he killed the whole Uchiha clan. Do give it a try.

Chapter 5

(Kiba)

After the prom, the girls and us went on different ways. Neji, Naruto and I went home together. Neji was smiling happily to himself. Too happily in fact. He was even walking in a light floaty manner. Naruto was the first to notice it. I noticed it later when he nudged my sides. "What has gotten into him? He's like smiling to himself…" Naruto whispered.

"I heard that." Neji muttered.

We jumped.

But it was kind of expected though.

We grinned back and said nothing. We continued to walk slowly when Neji suddenly stop. "What?" I asked, raising an eyebrow at Neji. "When do you think I'll see Sakura again?" Neji looked at us. This time, he wasn't smiling anymore. He looked troubled and kind of tortured.

"I… I don't know…" I stuttered. "After all, we must go on seperate ways right? I mean…"

"I know… Thanks…" Neji answered, not looking at me. His voice was twisted. He was upset.

"What you know? YOU DON'T KNOW NEJI! You don't stand down here and let fate decide your life! You write your own. You do the work and take the initiative! IF YOU LIKE HER, THEN GO AFTER HER! TELL HER 'I LOVE YOU.' Don't just stand down here and let others control how your life should go." Naruto suddenly yell in one shot as he slapped Neji across his back.

Neji took a while to register those words and the slap with a nonplussed look.

Then, he realised.

"Thanks. I know what to do now." Neji thanked him urgently and ran off in the opposite direction.

"Hey! Wait for us!" Naruto screamed at Neji while grabbing my hand as he gave chase.

"Hey! I can run myself!" I choked.

(Neji)

Naruto is right. Why should I sit down there and wait? I can feel the adrenaline rush in me. I want to tell her I love her. I want to see her again. I want to write my own story of life.

I don't want to lose her.

I ran for quite a while with those people running behind me before I caught up with the girls.

"Sakura!" I shouted over to her.

All three of them, Ino, Hinata and Sakura looked up. Sakura's eyes were a bit red. She had been crying.

But I don't care. I need to tell her what I want her to know first.

I caught up with her and held both her hands.

"Sakura… I'm not really good with words… I may be proud, full of pride in other's eyes… but I guess I can put them aside now that I have you… I love you, Sakura…" I said it gently and smoothly, still half-panting.

But, she gave me a 'stunned' look.

I became afraid. Afraid that history would repeat itself.

I held her hands even tighter, not caring that Hinata, Kiba and the rest of them were actually staring at us.

"Sakura, I know I've done certain things that upset you in the past… But I'm really sorry about it… I really do… After losing you, I felt really helpless and lost. When you ignored me, I feel the slashes in my skin. When I see you cry, I feel a stab in my heart… I've always pictured that whenever you need someone to cry on, or to protect you, or to love and care for you… I would be the very first to be there for you… and the very first you'll turn to… I hope that, I, Hyuuga Neji would be the one…" I said gently, trying to look into her eyes which looked away from me.

"Can you give me that chance?" I asked.

(Sakura)

I couldn't get a hold of myself.

It was like a high coloured dream. It's… just… just too good to be true.

But it was true.

I looked up at Neji who still held onto my hands and nodded. I smiled.

This time, I smiled a true and happy smile. I've never felt so happy for a long time.

Really.

(Neji)

She said 'yes'.

I don't know why but I can feel a tear roll down my cheek while I smiled at her.

"At last… I told her about my true feelings… At last, we're together…" I thought.

I pulled her to me and gave her the warmest hug I can give.

I love her… I really do…

(Sakura)

Neji gave me sense of security when he hugged me. I felt warm inside.

"Neji…" I whispered into his ear.

"Huh?" He replied softly, stroking my hair.

"You don't need to do anything to make me love you… Cos' I already do… ever since I laid my eyes on you…" I answered closing my eyes, allowing my head to rest on his shoulders.

Neji then made me face him.

And he planted a kiss on my forehead. "Umm…" He nodded and smiled.

(Naruto)

So that's how Neji got together with Sakura at last.

Neji thanked me for knocking his head into place. I said nothing but patted him on the back.

Well, now I can tell you, brother.

You're welcome.

End of Chapter 5