"Release me before you regret it! You know if something happens to me they'll kill you!"
He sneered. "Sweetheart, you truly entertain me with your bluffing. Continue your little rant while I make myself useful."
Ino jerked her hands sideways. The psycho was rummaging hastily through the drawers. Ino know he had limited time till her team saved the day.
"Oh dear, please accept my apology for running late but worry not, it's never too late." He had an injection filled with green liquid.
"What is it for?!" She screeched.
The man walked to her side, gently brushed his fingers on her arm where he was about to inject.
"Worry not dear, it's exactly what I want to find out too."
Ino thrashed harder now that she was cornered. It did manage to get on the gentleman's nerves. He wanted his aim perfect, if she kept moving it won't be such a satisfying experience now, would it.
"That's very rude of you, Ino. I'm trying to be as gentle as possible but you're testing me. Now keep still."
And Ino surprisingly froze. He stifles his laughter. "I like obedient little girls. Now I'll be very sleek and not hurt you."
He once again aimed and when Ino didn't make any rejection he advanced the injection to her arm.
Ino used the opportunity to her advantage head butting him. He shrieked.
"You insolent scoundrel!" He holds her neck, tightening his grip by clock ticking.
Ino choked, her hands bounded. Nothing made sense as her agony took her senses.
"Orochimaru, they're a few doors away. Let me handle her."
"No, I'll do it."
Ino heaved and coughed upon his releasing grip. She didn't fight back anymore. Injection was inserted and emptied inside her aggressively. She screamed—
Ino jerked up from her bed, breathing heavy and deep, cold sweat covering the bits of her skin on a winter night. She unconsciously rubbed the spot where she was injected in her dream— praying it was just a bad nightmare but alas; the scar of his aggressive stab was still there to remind her every bit of that nightmare was real.
She sighed depressingly, pulling her knees to her chest, staring blankly at nothing. Let bygones be bygone. She said, Was she cruel for saying such words to her bleeding heart?
--
"Ino, this is for you. The person didn't tell his name."
Iruka dashed towards her, handing her envelope and messily made his way inside the class as a cue for Ino to follow him.
Ino stared at the envelope, it's been a long time since she received these. Pondering no longer she entered the class.
"Exams are near, it's about time you all stop playing around and skipping classes. Practice and practice till you make it-"
Ino silently observed the interaction, crossing her legs. Iruka sensei never changed, his words never changed and so did his passionate speeches. Truly he was the kindest teacher she had the honour to make acquaintance with. She then remembered the tiny envelope.
Ripping the top she pulled a single folded paper out. Casting a look around the class she unfolded the paper.
'Like a ray of sun lightening up my gloomWish I could tell you how much I adore youFrom the first time, I saw you my heart was meant for doomWish I could tell you how much I love youYour secret admirer...'
Secret admirer? Now she has fans? She nearly giggled.
"A love letter?" Iruka peeked from her back.
Ino rapidly curled the paper into a rough ball flustered at being exposed. "Ah no! Just a- a thing!"
There was a know-it-all smile on his face. "Its nothing to be embarrassed about. It was about time, you're at that age."
She ignored his laughter and pretended to be busy with random papers. But her heart was curious at the sender of such a sweet letter.
--
List of things that managed to get on Ino's nerves were a lot, however Sakura and Sasuke relationship took the icing on the cake.
Just like at this very moment, Konoha 11 were gathered to dine just like they do once a week or a month depends on how much available they are. She gripped a little tighter on her chopstick, feeling green at their interaction.
Sakura was surely one lucky lady, her master was lady Tsunade, her lover who at one point everyone had a crush on was Sasuke Uchiha, Sakura herself a capable ninja with no ninja background, what was Ino compared to her. She scoffed bitterly before picking a piece of meat to munch on it.
Now as a petty girl Ino was, she has to point out the things Sakura has and she doesn't. Who was her master? Tsunade had never really focused much on her despite her request to train her. Lady Tsunade stated Ino had to be by her side all the time— but for god sake if her family let her skip her clan training she would've gladly abandoned them but that wasn't something she had the privilege too. Clan jutsu were her gifts she was bound to learn and perfect.
Now Sasuke, she never hides her feelings for that one man who could care less about her existence. She loved him before Sakura even know the guy existed, yet with destiny on Sakura side, he was her teammate. Which means all the hardships and good time they share were bound to make them friends to lover. Again destiny was against her with how bitterly she has to witness their interaction. That was also the point she stopped heart to heart conversation with her friends. No one understood her pain and expected her to move on, criticise her for not being happy for them. She was happy for Sakura, truly she was but what about her pained heart? Did they not care?
"Ino, here taste this." Chouji passed her a plate of fried tofu.
Ino smiled and took a piece thanking him.
And most of all, the thing that killed her from inside— after experiencing their cold reaction to her earlier problems she hid it well from them. It was that day where team ten had to find out was happening under one of the underground warehouses. Which happened to belong to Orochimaru, and he happened to need someone to test his new experiment. And her lacking in combat skills, she was the chosen one out of her team.
"Hinata is getting stronger each time with the help of Neji. The progress is mind blowing."
Ino sulked.
After the injection, she lost her ninja abilities. Her clan jutsu, her skills and everything related to ninja in general and become this fragile incompetent civilian. Her friends were concerned, questioned but she sealed her lips assuring them it was okay. How could she speak of her pain when they disregarded it previously. She didn't trust them anymore. It was for a show off she had to meet them, had to listen to them and pretend they were best of friends. Why her? Why was destiny cruel with her? At this very moment, she felt the lowest of them all. They were skilled ninjas compared to them, she was just a teacher's assistant and flower shop keeper.
Her eyes secretly watched Sakura and Sasuke. They were in deep conversation away from all the attention.
"Guys, I heard from Iruka sensei that Ino received a love letter today!" Naruto cheered.
Ino glared at the blonde head, that sensei should've kept it secret! Now everyone expected answers from her. From the corner of her eyes she waited for Sasuke's reaction. Was he jealous? Uncomfortable?
He wasn't. He quietly picked at his rice as Sakura stopped talking and waited to be entertained with Ino's reply.
Hopeful eyes stared for confirmation.
She sighed. "Anonymous. Don't worry about it, just a random letter, nothing more."
And half of them whined in frustration.
Ino shrugged. Why were they eager to see her date, for what? To make sure she won't be a burden to Sakura and Sasuke.
Walking back home, there was yet again another envelope in front of the door. She rolled her eyes. This secret admirer was getting ahead a little too fast. Picking up the envelope she went inside, throwing the sealed paper on her bed before doing her usual routine.
Once done and ready to sleep she ripped it open and read the contents.
'I wish you were with meI wish you were besides me my loveSo that I could cuddle you like a pillowJust whisper in your ears about my loveAnd all the deep desires of mineBut, all my thoughts went in vainWhen I did look at the timeIt's the time to sleep my dearSo smile as you close your eyesAs I just remembered youWishing a lovely night to youGood night to you!Your secret admirer...'
She smiled, unable to restrict the warmness spreading through her body. Somebody loved her. Her insecurities were pulled aside by the letters she received. She hugged the letter to her chest, pulled the blanket over her body and dozed off for the night.
--
He watched his letter cradled her closer to heart and smiled widely. He reached for the glass panel, hands flat as he imagined touching her. He loved whenever she forgets to draw the curtains. For he would be watching her sleep throughout the night and get a glimpse of her skin as she moved. Her pale long legs oh her body was his greatest desire he wished to violate against her wishes. Just a bit more, and she would be his by any means.
--
"I don't know why we keep doing this every single day. Just give up already." Mitsuki complained irritatedly.
Ino gulped back her disappointment. If giving up doesn't mean accepting her fate she would gladly do so. However, she refuse to be lesser than what she used to be. How would Mitsuki or anyone else would understand what it feels to lose the only thing that identified your being.
"Please, believe in me..." She pleaded, if he gave up on her, who else would help her out. She can't ask Iruka sensei, or anyone from her friends for she knew asking them would be her admitting she was no longer on their level.
Mitsuki sighed deeply. But kept quiet as she rubbed her tears away. Even though it felt like wasting his time, her vulnerable sight was hard to ignore beside all she asked him to stay and guide her. Basically, he was resting.
"Fine, whatever, keep exhausting yourself if you feel better about it." He bitterly uttered.
Ino nodded, before focusing on her hands to force chakra out. She had been doing this for about two months with no progress.
"Its about time academy starts." Mitauki interfered after two hours of napping.
Ino dropped her hands down again with no progress. She bowed to him to thank him for his time and both went their ways.
"Ino, look there's another letter." Iruka held out another envelope.
For a second Ino hesitated to take it. Another letter? Who was the sender anyway. Nonetheless she took the envelope and rammed it inside her purse.
The day ended for her as she lay down on her bed and the letter up her face as she read its content.
'Ino darling, I'm sorry for writing this but I'm warning you, stay away from men. You're mine, and I hate to see you interacting with a man who is not me, especially Mitsuki. Know your place.Your secret admirer...'
She stared indifferently. And read it again. That possessive bastard thought he could intimidate her. How the hell does he even know about Mutsuki; no one was aware of this except Mitsuki and herself for they meet each before sunrise and go their way after two hours of practising.
This was getting on her nerves. No one has the right to tell her what to do and least of all a stalker.
She crumpled the letter into a rough ball, then opened her window, throwing it down slamming her window shut.
Someone took the letter from ground, stared up at the window then at the letter.
The poems aren't mine. Were available on an app for free use.