XxX

Sarada hadn't heard from or seen Metal in days. He was even absent that Monday, and of course rumors were flying. All she could do was quell the drama as much as possible until school was over. She literally had two days left of her sophomore year before summer break, then she wouldn't have to deal with any of this for two months! Hallelujah.

Boruto seemed to be in a rather chipper mood lately, and everyone was only making his ego more inflated than it already was. Though him and Sarada weren't necessarily socializing publicly with each other quite yet, they actually made eye contact now and then and acknowledged each other in the hallways. But, they both knew they were being watched like hawks, and Sarada still didn't know how to approach the entire situation.

He had started wearing the cross necklace daily, which Sarada definitely noticed, but if she returned the favor, the second she put hers back on it would mean something much more. It meant that her and Metal were over. It meant that she was ready for Boruto.

So, she couldn't.

At least not until she had solid answers.

That night after school, she arrived at Metal's house. She had texted him only to get no response. And for him to miss the second to last day of school meant he still really was upset. Sarada felt so bad, and she wanted to talk to him and really get all these endless questions off her mind, so that brought her physically to his house.

Knocking, she waited a few moments before footsteps were heard. Seconds later, his dad, Rock, answered. He was in his martial arts uniform, so it looked like he was just on his way to the studio.

"Sarada! What a nice surprise!"

"Hey, is Metal here?" She asked. She liked Rock, he was always exuberant and positive, something Sarada needed right now. Her anxiety was through the roof.

"Yes, but he is not feeling well." He said. "Want me to leave a message?"

Oh. So basically he didn't want to see her. Sarada swallowed her hurt and shook her head. "Um, no, it's fine. Just let him know I stopped by."

"You got it!" Rock held up a thumb, and Sarada turned back down the patio.

It was ridiculous. Her own boyfriend was avoiding her over something that wasn't even her fault. Metal should be mad at Boruto, not her. He should be fighting hard to keep her, not distancing himself. She tugged at her hair. Gah, this was so frustrating!

There was nothing she could do at this point. Her mind was tugging her in one direction, and her heart was tugging her in the other. She had followed her mind and logic, but look where that got her.

Once at home, she flipped back on her bed. Life was all about trial and error, right? So if she'd already gone down the path of logic, did that mean it was time to try the path of emotion?

Glancing at her nightstand, she finally came to a conclusion.

XxX

The next morning at school, Sarada was clutching the necklace around her chest speaking to Sumire at her locker, Boruto and his friends were only a few feet away, and Chocho and her posse a few yards away from them.

When Metal walked through the door, all three groups immediately turned their attention to him, as did everyone else.

Sarada was relieved to see he was okay, but still was anxious. She didn't know where they stood, nor who he even was anymore. She needed to talk to him and really explain her feelings. It was only fair.

Boruto was annoyed to see his face, but it was expected he'd come back eventually.

Chocho was just excited to see all the drama unfold.

Metal caught Sarada's gaze from her locker, and he made his way over to her, much to everyone's surprise.

"Hi," He said with a smile. "My dad said you came to visit me yesterday."

"Y-Yeah," Sarada said unsurely, and Sumire glanced between the couple. She quickly excused herself and tip-toed over to Boruto's friend group.

Literally everyone around the couple was watching them. Sarada was very self-conscious about being the center of attention, so she looked at the floor.

"I-I really need to talk to you, but not with all these people around."

Metal's expression was unreadable. He blinked a few times, and a robotic smile came on his face. "Why don't you come over after school today? You don't have student council, right?"

Sarada shook her head. Last Thursday had technically been her last day since the final assembly had been on Friday, and this week of school didn't really count. They still had to show up to homeroom yesterday and today, but tomorrow was just yearbook signing, so it wasn't even mandatory. It was sad to think this year of her life was over, but at the same time she was so ready for it to be.

"Okay, I'll see you later today then." Metal said, and leaned forward to kiss her. She didn't move as his stiff lips pressed against hers, and he walked away.

Everyone was still staring, including Boruto.

Sarada knew, so she didn't look at him.

XxX

Metal opened his front door to let Sarada in. He kissed her upon greeting, then shut the door behind her. Rock was in the kitchen making dinner, and Sarada smiled at him.

"Hello Sarada, good to see you again!" Rock said.

"Yeah, you too."

"Come on," Metal urged, and Sarada followed him upstairs questionably. Metal shut the door behind them to give them privacy, and Sarada felt so out of place in his room.

Everything still looked the same, but it felt different.

"Can you believe tomorrow is the last day?" Metal laid on his bed. "It's crazy!"

"I know," Sarada sat on the edge of the bed. "I can't believe I survived being on the student council."

"Do you think you'll do it again next year?"

"I honestly don't know. Sumire, Wasabi, and Namida really want me to play volleyball with them this summer, so if I like it I might try out for a sports team."

"You've never been good at sports though." Metal said. "I think you're better suited being smart than athletic."

Sarada went quiet. Well… maybe he had a point. "Yeah, I guess so."

"And most everyone at our school has been doing what they do since they were little. So it'd be hard for you to break into a sport if you've never played it."

She hated the feeling that was bubbling inside her chest.

Why was he putting down every new thing she wanted to try? She… didn't like that, it didn't make her feel good. The more she thought back through their relationship, the more she realized that Metal tore her down just to build her back up the way he wanted her to be. It was as if all the puzzle pieces were slowly being moved to the right place, but they still weren't connected yet. Sarada felt like she was about to pass out with anxiety if she didn't start asking him a million questions. She felt like she was going insane with all the overthinking.

"What's wrong?" Metal asked.

Sarada felt the lump in her throat tighten. What was she supposed to even say? She had come here to talk to him, but how did she even begin to word it? Everything Boruto had said seemed so real… but was it the truth?

"Sarada," Metal sat up, a concerned look on his face now. "What's wrong?"

Her eyes were getting watery, and her face was starting to feel hot. Why was she getting emotional right now? Was she more scared of the truth, or was she more scared of the lie?

"Sarada–"

"You were the one that started the rumor." She interjected. Her gaze was sitting on him ferociously. Metal blinked and leaned his head forward.

"What rumor?"

"The one after prom. The one that you and me slept together."

Metal furrowed his brows. "What are you talking about? Boruto was the one–"

"No, it was you trying to make Boruto jealous!" Sarada exclaimed, and Metal gave her a look.

"Are you serious?"

"Yes, I am!" Sarada insisted. She was borderline hysterical, but trying her best to keep her composure. But it was too late, the dam had been cracked. There was no going back now. "You lied to me over and over again saying it wasn't you! But it was!"

"Sarada, are you sure you are not saying this just because Boruto confessed to you last week?" Metal said. "He got in your head and has you believing him. I am your boyfriend, I would not lie to you."

Sarada hesitated. "B-But you did, I just…"

"Why would I try to make Boruto jealous? He is not worth my time, so there is no reason for me to do that."

Sarada was completely speechless now. Was she going crazy? Who was lying to her?!

Metal narrowed his eyes. "You still have feelings for him, don't you? Is that why you are acting like this?"

Sarada's stomach lurched.

"N-No, I-I...I don't– I don't–"

Metal sighed. "Don't lie to me, Sarada. I know you do, or he would not be able to affect you like this."

"I don't!" Sarada exclaimed. "I-I don't, and stop trying to change the subject!"

"What subject?"

"Did you start the rumor that you and me slept together?"

"No."

"Then why did you confront Boruto outside at prom like that?"

The shock in Metal's expression came as quickly as it left, and then Sarada knew. Even though he tried to hide it. That was it. She knew. And now Metal knew she knew everything.

He stammered over his words. "N-Nothing like that ever happened."

"Yes it did, Boruto told me!" Sarada said. "The day that he confessed at school and you left me in the parking lot! He told me everything."

"How do you know he didn't make it all up? Since when did he ever tell you the truth?" Metal stood from his bed. "He did nothing but lie to you the entire time! Isn't that why you two did not work out in the first place?"

All the memories hurt. Boruto did lie to her a lot in the past. About so much. His friends, his feelings, where he was, who he was… so Metal was right. But, Sarada was also right in believing him now, because she knew deep in her heart that he had truly changed. And now, he would do nothing to lead her astray.

And that is what kept her here fighting. Fighting for him, fighting against her boyfriend, fighting for herself.

"You can say I'm trusting him blindly, but he's the only one who actually cares about me." Sarada stood up as well, her tone laced with venom. "This whole time you've just been trying to make Boruto jealous because you had what he didn't!"

"I don't have time for childish grudges like that. He is not a good person, I don't think you remember how he used to be. You are just blinded by your feelings."

"I-I don't have feelings for him!"

"Then why are you wearing the necklace he gave you?"

Sarada's entire body froze.

How… did he know Boruto gave this to her?

Metal's jaw clenched. "I am not stupid. You took it off when we started dating, even though Chocho was telling the entire school I gave it to you. Boruto started wearing his again, too, that cross necklace you gave him."

It was common knowledge Boruto had gotten the cross necklace from Sarada since Chocho made him confess at his birthday party, so that wasn't news. The ruby necklace, though, had always been more of a secret.

"You had that necklace in your vanity desk this entire time, I saw it every time I was at your house. So now that he has it, that means you two met up and you gave it back to him, am I wrong?"

Sarada didn't know what to say.

"So now what am I supposed to believe? Are you cheating on me now?"

"No, Metal!" Sarada exclaimed. "What the hell? I'm not cheating on you!"

"So then why does Boruto have so much power over you? Even after all the times he hurt you, got you in trouble, and lied to you, when I've never done any of that to you?" Metal's eyes were now glossed over with tears, and Sarada felt her hands tremble. "I just love you so much. Why don't you love me like I love you?"

Sarada's heart raced and her mind was spinning like a tornado, but her voice was cut off when Metal pulled her face to his, interlocking their lips. Sarada made a noise as his hand gripped onto her wrist tightly.

"What are you doing—M-Metal, you're hurting me!" Sarada struggled to speak as Metal wouldn't ease up. His grip grew tighter and tighter, and she struggled back, contorting her body in different ways to pry him off of her.

"S-Stop–" She writhed, twisting her face away from him. "Stop it!"

Metal was shoved back, and Sarada stood there, her hair, clothes, and demeanor completely disheveled, she stared at him in complete disbelief.

"S-Sarada, I-I'm sorry—"

Sarada ran out of the room.

XxX

Sarada cursed herself.

She hadn't even been able to say her piece fully because of whatever the hell just happened. She was so angry with herself. All she could do was run away instead of stand up for herself.

Deflating into her sheets in her sun struck room, Sarada wondered what happened now. Was she really making the right choice? Was following her heart the right thing to do? Because it felt so scary and hard to break away from what she knew.

But, what she knew was tearing her down. And she didn't like that. So, she supposed, change was both scary but necessary. There was no way her and Metal could go back to how things were before. Not now, or probably ever. Too much had been slid under the rug with no future explanations. Too many things unfelt and unsaid.

She was home alone, so the house was very quiet. The only thing she could hear was the bristling trees outside through her cracked window. Her toes felt warm under her sheets, her back felt relaxed against the top of her mattress, but still. Her heart was thudding. Her eyes felt heavy. Her mind was overwhelmed with gloom. She was so tired. She wanted to stay in bed the rest of the night and be depressed.

The phone on her nightstand began vibrating, and she looked at it curiously. Inojin?

"Hello?" She said.

"Hey, Sarada!" He said. It was windy in the background. "I know this is random, but Himawari and I are going to the new ice cream shop and we were wondering if you wanted to come with us."

Sarada blinked. Looking to the clock, she sat up. Third wheeling sounded horrible, but not more horrible than what she'd just gone through with Metal. Besides, ice cream was the number one cure to everything bad in life, and she needed a pick me up after today.

"Uhh… sure! Yeah." She said, suddenly bouncing over to her closet, phone propped between her cheek and shoulder. She flipped through her clothes and scowled. It seemed as if she never had anything to wear. She hadn't really gotten anything new recently, either. "When are you guys going?"

"I'm heading over there right now, so I can swing by your house and pick you up if you want."

"Yeah, that works."

"Okay! I'll be there in five."

He hung up, and Sarada stood there.

This had to be ironic. Pure coincidence. The universe was playing with her.

An all too familiar plum Miata zoomed up to the curb of her house, and Sarada locked the door before running to the car. Hopping in the front, she vaguely wondered if she'd see Boruto.

They arrived at the Uzumaki's house, and both stepped up to the door. Sarada combed through her ragged hair, and Inojin rang the doorbell. Moments later, Himawari answered it gleefully.

"Inojin—! Oh, hi Sarada!"

"Hey." She said sheepishly.

"Boruto!" Himawari screamed towards the stairs. Sarada's heart pounded. Seconds later came a response.

"What do you want?!" He yelled back irritably from upstairs.

"Come down here!"

"Why?" He asked, appearing at the top of the steps. He had on an old t-shirt and sweats. "I told you I'm not giving you money—oh."

"Get dressed. You're coming with us." Inojin smiled. Boruto looked at Sarada, Inojin looked at Himawari with accomplishment, and her face lit up. This was a set up the whole time?!

Boruto appeared to shy away for a split second, but then covered it up with a huff and folded his arms.

"Hmph. Fine." He disappeared around the corner and Himawari giggled smugly.

Sarada was battling nerves as she and Boruto climbed in the backseat while Inojin and Himawari were in the front. The two siblings fought over the auxiliary cord, and finally Inojin took it from both of them and played his music. Himawari was content while Boruto pouted, but when his and Sarada's knees bumped their knees together his foul mood didn't last long.

There was a lot of banter and small talk. It was so much fun and a great distraction from what had happened earlier. It was still disturbing to let her thoughts dwell on what happened, and she was oddly quiet which everyone could tell but weren't commenting on. They just kept up their loud bickering and It was helping Sarada feel more normal. She was just enjoying this time with a couple of the people she felt closest to.

When they walked into the ice cream shop, Sarada's eyes widened. She had seen this place under construction when she had come shopping for prom dresses, but hadn't expected it to be so large and lavish.

There were so many different types of cones stacked along the back wall; dipped, sprinkles, ones different shapes, flavors, colors, sizes, deep-fried, coated with cinnamon, and just plain. The ice cream selection spanned across the entire front of the store, there had to be well over thirty flavors along with sorbet, and milk-free. There were jars of gummy worms, lollipops, sour candy, hot tamales, and all sorts of sweets lined up in jars on top of the glass, and on the other side adjacent to them was cases full of deserts: fudge, strudels, lava cakes, cheesecake, cupcakes, fruit tarts, cookies, Rice Krispies, and so many other things Sarada couldn't name.

"Ice cream!" Himawari shouted, running to the glass case, Sarada following in suit. Boruto and Inojin walked calmly behind them.

"What are you getting Inojin?" Himawari asked. He leaned closer to the glass.

"Hmm...probably English toffee."

"I want salted caramel!"

"What are you getting Sarada?" Boruto asked. She leaned closer to the glass.

"Probably raspberry."

They all ordered, Himawari got a sprinkle cone, Inojin deep fried, Boruto dipped, and Sarada plain. Inojin paid for Himawari, and while Sarada was going to pay for herself, Boruto stopped her.

"I got it." He said. She looked at him as he pushed her aside, handing the cashier money. Moments later, they were handed their ice cream, and Himawari took hers exuberantly.

It had to be some of the best ice cream Sarada had ever tasted. Everything from the first lick down to the very last bite of the cone was absolute perfection. She wanted to bring her uncle here as soon as possible.

They had found a bench to rest on while Inojin and Himawari were exploring the art exhibit. The nice thing about this mall was half was indoor, half was outdoor, so they could bask in the breeze while they waited. The weather was a little humid today, and the sun had been relentlessly beating down on the pavement so the heat was still radiating from the stones, even though the sun was now dipping closer to the horizon line. Sarada's nose had the tiniest flush of red on the tip – meaning she must've gotten a good amount of sunlight today.

"Thank you for paying, you didn't have to do that." She said to Boruto. He only shrugged in response.

"It's no problem." Boruto said, leaning back. "You seem kinda off today."

She looked at him. He gave her a warm smile, and she smiled back despite her depleted energy. He was pretty calm and complacent today; it was a nice neutralizing equivalent to Sarada's downtrodden stature. If she had to deal with anything more, it would've been too much.

"A little."

"What happened anyway?"

Sarada curled her fingers underneath her palms and took in a deep breath.

"Metal… well," She said slowly. "I was at his house today. And I confronted him about everything."

Boruto leaned forward and clasped his fingers together.

"Oh. How did that go?"

"Not good." Sarada let out a nervous laugh. "I still honestly don't even know what to believe, but… I believe you over him. I know that much."

Her and Boruto met each other's gaze. The soft wind tousled the front of his hair. His bright blue eyes looked like a soft, cozy campfire compared to the usual raging volcanic explosion they had ignited inside. It made Sarada lean into him for comfort. He adjusted his position so she could rest her head on his shoulder with ease.

"I just don't understand." She said with a sigh. "He kept making me feel like I was the crazy one."

Boruto set his hand on her leg. "I'm sorry."

She shrugged. "I just don't know what to do anymore."

"Well, do you still want to be with him?"

"I don't think so, but I–I don't know." She lifted her head as her eyes quivered. "Like, he's all I know, and I tried everything I could to be the best girlfriend, so I don't understand why he would do all the things he did."

Boruto rested his arms across the back of the bench. "It has nothing to do with you, trust me."

"I'm just… scared. I don't know who to trust anymore. I don't even trust myself." Sarada said.

Boruto looked at her, and only then did he catch a string of red light from Sarada's chest. Slowly, his eyes widened and he leaned forward. Sarada was still talking, but he had completely spaced everything she was saying. She noticed his expression and stop mid-sentence, frowning.

"What?"

He just kept looking directly at the necklace. The ruby necklace. Sarada had put it back on.

"Oh—" She looked down and realized once again that she was wearing the necklace.

Catching his intense gaze caught her off guard. He had that look in his eye — the one she had seen many times before they shared a kiss. Her breath hitched in her throat.

There were no words spoken as his eyes flickered back and forth from her lips to her eyes. His grip tightened on her leg. Sarada felt butterflies rumbling in her stomach — a feeling she hadn't felt in a very long time.

They somehow, suddenly, were centimeters apart, and Sarada felt her heart pumping erratically, her hands were on fire, and every muscle in her body was pushing her closer, and closer—

"What a surprise!"

A voice instantly tore them apart. They flung to opposite sides of the bench, and there, Chocho, Leila, and Allison standing front and center. Chocho had an expectant look on her face.

"Long time no see love birds." Chocho said cheerfully, though her expression said otherwise.

Boruto rolled his eyes and crossed his legs. Sarada shifted uncomfortably.

"H-Hey, Chocho." She said.

"Are you guys on a date?" Allison asked.

"No!" Sarada exclaimed. "Inojin and Himawari are here too!"

Chocho dramatically searched with a hand perched to her forehead. "Hm, where? I don't see them! So looks like a date to me!"

"Chocho, stop it." Boruto grumbled. Chocho only laughed.

"I'm only playing with you guys!" She hit Boruto playfully. "Looks like your plan worked!"

"Plan?" Sarada echoed. She looked to Boruto. "What plan?"

"Oh, nothing." Chocho giggled. "I'm happy for ya. We'll be sure to go on a double date soon!"

She threw up a peace sign and the other two girls followed, but not after receiving a glare from Leila. Sarada sighed.

"What is she talking about?"

"When I got up in front of everyone at the final assembly." Boruto stated. "It wasn't a plan, it was just a premeditated, impulsive attempt to get you back"

Sarada gave him a stupid look. "So, a plan?"

Boruto huffed.

Sarada smiled. "Why'd you do it?"

"'Cause I know how stubborn you are, and when I tried to get your attention any other way it didn't work." He gave her a cheesy grin. "So it was all or nothing I guess!"

Sarada snorted. Yeah, truly.

"I just want you to be happy." Boruto's tone dropped more seriously. "And it hasn't seemed like you have been for a while." He gazed into her deep brown eyes.

Sarada's heart pounded. Well, yeah, that was definitely true. Strange that Boruto had been so distant from her, yet still knew so much about her. It was incredible. And also scary; someone knowing her sowell, and actually caring.

"You know Metal and I are still together though." Sarada said. This conversation was the last thing she wanted to have since it was like twisting a knife in an already open wound, but she needed to be firm. She couldn't be cavorting with Boruto until things were one hundred percent over. "We didn't officially break up."

Boruto gave her a stupid look. "Now I have a lot of things to say back to that, but I'll just say okay."

Sarada bumped their shoulders together. "Shut up."

Boruto grinned.

For a moment, it seemed like…

They were back to their normal.

XxX