"Dragging Myself Back"

Heaving a sigh, Sakura secured her passport back in her bag. She will be bound to Tokyo to see Sasuke's latest concert. Surprisingly she received the invite with plane tickets a month ago."Are you okay Sakura?"Her mom asked with worried eyes wondering why the lady is not happy to go on the trip. Nodding in defeat they walked towards the departure hall. "Why is it such a sad atmosphere?" The matriarch inquired. "Shouldn't you be happy to finally get reunited?"

True, the pinkette was coming to Japan to see him, but will he notice her? For the past years, the Uchiha has been busy with the group and individual activities. It is great to see him successful, but it cost opportunities to meet up and get to know each other more. They thought they could meet up after the Tokyo Dome concert three years ago. It was before her father was relocated to London. Sakura had to do her medical proper course there. Given her superb intellect, she was accepted to the Imperial College London. Some credit is also due to Tsunade Senju her mentor at Tokyo University who drafted the recommendation letter.

Sakura was expecting to have a drink with him when she comes of age. However, due to his work promotions, it was not made possible. When the medical student met up with the rockstar to say goodbye he promised to visit her in London. But the singer never did.

How long has it been? Sakura is in her final year of college in London this coming semester. Not even a word from the onyx-eyed, then out of the blue this one-time random invite came in. Will there be a way to meet up face to face now? After the event, Sasuke will be busy with the press. The pinkette knows she will just be another face in the crowd. It's better not to expect much.

The fall of their camaraderie reached the point of being tired of communicating via SNS and SMS years before. The rockstar never messaged her back anyway. When the medical hopeful stopped, he didn't seem to mind. From that point on Sakura concluded, her presence is not needed. Without her, his life will go on. Fast forward to now as proof, Sasuke Uchiha is rich and famous. Living the life he aimed for.

"Sakura call me immediately once the plane lands." Her mother reminded. "The time difference does not matter. " The woman nodded at the request. "Remember have fun. Your final year will be hell so take this time to enjoy." The maiden smiled meekly, her parents had always been supportive.

Alighting the plane and settling on her seat, Sakura buckled up waiting for the plane to set off. Looking out the window, she remembered their last adventure together. It was a shopping trip along the road of Shibuya. He tried to make her feel special. To this extent, the Uchiha brought Sakura clothes to upgrade her wardrobe. Visiting the Meiji shrine at the end of the day, he boldly prayed out loud that they get closer. They even got their fortune read, the tarot card lady said, Sasuke is not passionate enough to maintain anything close to his life. Both didn't want to believe it at first. However, as the years have gone by that statement was proven true.

She cried in the past while building up the resolve to forget him. Why has the thought of being special entered her mind? In the entertainment industry, he can meet prettier, affectionate, and opinionated women. How much chance does a plain civilian like her have? People said she was too lively for a sulky guy like him. Sakura was just too much of an extrovert it would exhaust an introvert like Sasuke. Despite what people said, they managed to put up with each other. He was comfortable and not pushing her away. It was enough then.

The plane lifted off and in a few hours, she will be in Japan. Sakura closed her eyes and tried to contain the emotions swirling inside her. To forget him, various ways were tried. First, all of his presents were disposed into good use. All those signed CDs were anonymously auctioned and proceeds went to charity. Second, the clothes Sasuke bought for her were donated to the salvation army. Third, the medical student refused to listen to his new releases. The pinkette just did not want to hear the brunette's voice. Fourth the green orb female even unfollowed him on Instagram. Originally he did not follow her back. She was just one of the million followers he had. That guy probably did not notice her absence.

Fifth, Sakura unsubscribed and blocked Japanese entertainment sites on news feeds. The less she knows about Uchiha Sasuke the better. He should be out of the pinkette's system to function normally. Damn him for making her feel this way. And despite all that, here she is on a plane bound for Tokyo accepting his invitation. Of course, the odd thing is, the medical student did not tell him of her arrival. Sakura was already okay to see him perform live one last time. After that, the female will focus on studies and aim to get an internship spot in John Hopkin's located in Baltimore. The lady also aims to get her residency in child psychology there. In total it would be another four years. She made it through once, it's no biggie to get through it again.

When the plane landed, Narita feels foreign, is this home? It felt kind of empty since no one is welcoming her back. She also has no prior commitments with old friends. It is kind of lonely being alone. Picking up the phone after the immigration procedure was over, the voice of her mother calmed the anxiety within. "You made it safely. I am glad." The matriarch said in relief. "Head straight to your hotel and rest. Tomorrow will be a tiring day.

"I have no plans of lining up early." The daughter replied. "I have reserved seats, so I will arrive late to maximize my sleep."

"Didn't you have backstage passes too? It was set for a meeting before the concert starts." The parent inquired.

"I have no intentions of lining up with fangirls mom." The medical student confessed. "I am just too old for that now.

"Do what you want. I am just concerned that you came all that way and just intentionally did not meet up with Sasuke." The mother warned. "Why did you go through all the trouble and not acknowledge him?" The argument was valid but Sakura has already convinced herself not to expect much. If he wanted to see her, he would have years ago. The Uchiha has always been like that. He does not want to be bothered. Clinging to him greatly annoys him. And for all, it's worth she does not want to be called annoying.

"I just need to see him for one last time." The young woman expressed."It might hurt a lot. But not facing this, I will never be able to get over it" Why does her heart feel constricted right now? Can she do it?

"Fine, do what you must and be careful." The parent warned. "Your heart might get broken again. Even so, keep in mind we are here back home waiting for you." The older comforted. "You will always have me and dad, no matter how old you get." With a smile, both women hanged up and Sakura prepared to ride the hotel shuttle van.

Riding the service vehicle, Sakura cursed Fate. She was aboard a vehicle full of Sasuke Uchiha fangirls. Of course, it is expected to encounter groupies during this stay. However this early on? Someone has got to be toying with her. The van's speakers blared with his latest song. Honestly, the pinkette could not understand the lyrics due to all the shrilling going on. Gosh, she needs a good cup of coffee to calm her nerves.

Fortunately, the ride was done in less than thirty minutes. Sakura quickly checked in the hotel and decided to order caffeine from room service. Glancing at the charges, her eyes widened. It is insane, how can a cup be priced like that? Might as well go out and get the beverage in the convenience store. It is just as good at the proper price.

Finding her way, Sakura quickly found a familiar store. The door chimed as the pinkette got in. The sound is just as she recalled, so nostalgic. Ordering the drinks on the counter, she opted for the smallest decaf cup. The jade orbed woman told herself she just needs to calm down. A stronger variant might not allow her to sleep. She needed to make up for the jetlag to function correctly the next day. Satisfied with the warm purchase the lady trekked back to the hotel to get some snooze.

Back in the hotel room, she sat atop the bed sipping coffee. It is indeed a relief on a very tiring stretch of a flight. The pinkette then remembered her close friend Ino is still stationed in Tokyo. Maybe they can have a meal together to catch up before the concert starts. The medical student sent a direct message to the old acquaintance. In a matter of seconds, the blonde replied they must meet up right now. Sakura argued she needed to sleep a bit.

The blonde friend then conceded and asked which hotel she is staying in. The blue-eyed beauty will be coming over with the best take-out sushi in tow. Sakura smiled at the gesture and typed in she would love that. It was four pm in Japan time. Ino replied that she will be giving her five hours to sleep. Then the blonde will come knocking at her door at ten pm. The pinkette told the blue-eyed female to bring in her pajamas, she can stay over. The suggestion was immediately accepted and replied with a "See you soon forehead." SNS message.

The old nickname made her heart leap. It was just like before when things were less complicated. Ino probably has the latest on everyone from their high school class. Hopefully, everyone is doing well and living their dreams. Just in case everyone did not achieve all they hope to be, she sincerely wished they were happy. Life satisfaction is a life fundamental all must-have.

Finishing the coffee up, Sakura yawned and decided to shut her eyes. Blanking her mind to succumb to a dreamless relaxing sleep. Free from visions of a black-haired onyx eyed boy who only shows his smile to her. By now maybe he found the person who can make him feel complete and loved. That would be great if it were true because Uchiha Sasuke has always deserved to be happy. Everyone wished it for him except himself.

Unfortunately, no matter how she tried, her mind has been always bombarded by the same dream.


They were both in their high school uniforms on top of Konoha high's roof. It was the last day of class and tomorrow will be graduation day. "Are you going to study medicine? It will be a lot of work." The boy asked in a deep tone.

The girl nodded excitedly. "Yes, it has always been my dream to become a doctor for children." Her eyes shimmered at the thought of achieving the goal. "How about you? Will you continue to pursue singing? "

"It's my only outlet." The male answered with hands inside his pocket. "But I need to take a business course or else my family will block me in the entertainment industry."

"It's good you managed to convince them about venturing into music." The girl praised. "They must have seen your potential. I know you won't disappoint."

"I will be going to Tokyo University too." The boy shared. "Come to my gigs whenever possible okay?"

The female bobbed her head. "I would love to Sasuke-kun. Congratulations on finally getting what you want."

He had always struggled to earn approval from his father. Despite his exceptional grades, he is often overshadowed by his elder prodigy of a brother. The only aspect Sasuke can best over Itachi is through music. It is the reason why the young Uchiha clings to this hobby like dear life. It gives him value and confidence. Plus the admiration and attention of the people around him is something he secretly enjoyed.

"I wouldn't celebrate just yet. " The brunette rebutted. "There is another thing I want but the time is not yet right."

"Something worth waiting for?" The pinkette thought. What could it be that Sasuke desires which require a lot of time? Well, whatever it is as a friend she will cheer him on. "Don't worry Sasuke-kun in time you will acquire what you want."

The boy mockingly smirked and torn off his second button. The action shocked the female. With a nonchalant face, the male hovered his hand containing the button towards the pinkette. "Here keep this for me." The handsome boy ordered. "Girls will be chasing me for it. I am going to get rid of it now."

Dumbstruck the girl received the button. Blushing the female replied. "You should have just thrown it away. Why give it to me?" The girl clenched the button. "I will be the target of fangirl attacks. It will be so troublesome."

"Am I nothing but trouble to you?" Onyx's eyes stared at her intensely. Those orbs stared at her with contempt. "If you don't like it, then give it back." The male challenged. He was upset since she refused his generosity. But kept his face stoic.

It was every girl's dream to receive Uchiha Sasuke's second button. But only if it is given in the right context. At the moment it did not serve the purpose. Green eyes expressed the feeling of defeat deep inside. Sakura's small hands reached out to give the button back. Sasuke's eyes widened at the act. But with proud features opened his palms to receive it again.

The girl gently deposited the button on his hand. The contact sent shivers to her spine. Smiling bitterly the female muttered. "One day I pray you will find someone you can be sincere with." Pushing back her tears the girl bravely proclaimed. "Because you deserve every good thing this world has to offer."

"I don't need the world," Sasuke replied. He placed the button inside his pants pocket and walked away. The boy did not spare her a glance. It was a good thing though, he did not get to see her face which is akin to a fish brought out of the water. He just abandoned her thereafter inviting her to talk. Sakura's hands continued to shiver and her eyebrows furrowed.

The jerk, calling her up here. Suddenly pulling the second button scheme to probably prank her. If he had been half sincere and normal as the rest of the population, Sasuke should have executed it more differently. The pinkette swayed her head. Well Sasuke will be Sasuke. She needs to do something about her habit of willingly complying whenever he wants to drag her along. If it goes on any further, one day it's going to be burdensome for the both of them.


Greens eyes soon opened up in surprise. That dream again? For Pete's sake, how can that memory be erased?

The girl sighed, they were still young back then. Maybe now they mature a bit, the two of them can talk things out more openly. Clasping both hands towards her chest Sakura sincerely wished that things will turn for the better for the two of them.

Maybe she needs to take the chance of going to that meet and greet event. Her presence will send a message she wants to talk about. Then she can clear things with him. More than ever for her sanity this Uchiha Sasuke arc must conclude.

It just has to, everyone deserves a satisfactory ending even if life is not a fairytale. And for crying out loud she was never a princess nor a damsel in distress, to begin with.