Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto. The plot is inspired by multiple "rental girlfriend" manga that I read in the past.

Chapter 2: The Girlfriend

The next time she wakes up, there are two hours before her class starts. A quick check on her phone shows that there is a request for an "appointment" tomorrow. After looking through the details and her notes, she clicks "accept".

She takes a quick shower and cooks a small meal before getting ready to leave. It takes 30 min from her apartment to the university on foot, and only 10 min by bus. She likes to walk, but the bus is a saving grace whenever there is rain or snow. Her apartment is in a quiet area and the opposite direction of the university apartment. Due to its location, she can get away with turning down hosting a party or having many people over.

"Not that she has that many friends anyway." She happily thought.

As she is approaching the university, there is a loud voice calling out to her.

"SAKURA-CHAN"

Immediately, she turns to the direction of the voice and gives its owner a glare that promises a thousand years of pain. The person makes a small "yelp" and gives her an apologetic smile as he is running toward her.

"I didn't see you in school this morning, Sakura-chan."

"Don't pretend you don't know my schedule, Stalker-san"

Instead of being embarrassed for getting caught, the "stalker" gives her a big smile while taking her bag. Normally, she would have shot down such behaviors, but her action hasn't been able to stop him. Sakura learns that social norm is a dead language to the idiot. Besides, if she keeps refusing him, he might resort to more indecent acts.

"The last thing I need is to encourage the infatuation of the mayor's son."

The blond continues with his chatter during their walk to her class. Like the masochist that he is, he doesn't mind her silence even though she ignores some of his questions. As they are getting closer to her class, a baritone voice stops the blond in his track.

"What are you still doing here, dobe?"

"Teme, stop calling me that. I have a name. It's Naruto."

"Did Naruto forget that he has a meeting in 5 minutes?" The boy called "teme" snorts.

"…. Okay, you win this time, Sasuke."

"I win all the time, dobe. Hurry up, we don't have time to play with a doll."

"How dare you call—" Naruto is going to defend her honor, but a touch on his hand stops him.

"It's fine. Go, Naruto. I will see you in tutoring later."

The blond looks like he wants to say more, but Sasuke pulls him away before he can voice his thought. As she observes the two leaving, she can't help but be impressed with Sasuke's instinct.

"Most people drop their guard around me initially or over time, but he has been on alert ever since their first meeting years ago." She thought amusedly.

The girl is no drop-dead gorgeous, but her look is unique enough to prompt staring. Long petal hair that stops at the middle of her back, and emerald eyes that always have an indifferent gaze. Her skin is milky and soft to the touch. Her petite body looks even thinner at 5'6. Sasuke calling her "doll" isn't exactly an insult. He merely states the impression that people get from seeing her. Her look tends to make people stare or think of her as another pretty face, but Sasuke's hostility is both amusing and alarming.

"Disliking someone is a form of attention in itself."

You see, her cold attitudes make her invisible to other students. At this age, people are only interested in getting their degrees or partying their heads off. No one wants to get into another's space without invitation.

"Except Naruto." She curses annoyingly.

She has nothing against the blond, but as Doll, his infatuation with her is dangerous considering his family and circle. It's a good thing that his friends don't follow his example and try to approach her. Thank God for young adult's common sense. She would stick out or encourage negativity if she shot down the elites. Sasuke's uneasiness toward her makes him more dangerous than Naruto. Between love and hate, she prefers the former as love is blind.

As she is lamenting her situation, the professor walks into the class, and all students stop chatting and take their seats. She can't help but feel all her worry being washed away, and she is filled with excitement as her favorite subject takes over her mind. She has declared war on the entire underground world and law enforcement just to be able to study this major.

"Who needs love when you have physical chemistry."

"My gen chem exam is next Thursday. Can we focus on hybridization today? I still don't have a clue about the whole thing."

"Sure, Naruto."

For someone who hates chemistry, Naruto puts effort into the class. He could have aimed for a passing grade, but he chooses to learn the subject. This is one of the reasons why she respects the blond. It's so common for a student to complain to her instead of studying, so to see him so hardworking puts a smile on her face.

"I like your smile, Sakura-chan."

There is no denying that Naruto's most attractive feature is his smile. Due to her "occupation", she has been the receiver of many types of smile, but Naruto's is one of a kind. You can see the blue sky and sunshine behind his back. Your chest is suddenly free of any negative feelings, and you just want him to look at you like that till the end of time. All the wonders in the world can't compare to the love that he is exuding. How easy it is just to let herself fall.

"Focus, Naruto. You can't afford to be distracted."

"But I'm finished, Sakura-chan."

"Huh?"

True to his words, the blond finished all the exercises that she prepared for him. There are minor mistakes here and there, but overall, the blond understands the materials.

"Like father like son." She fondly remembers the man. Even to the subjects that they don't like, those two can easily adapt.

"Say, are you coming to the movie event at the student lounge tonight, Sakura?" Naruto sheepishly asks. "I heard the movie is really good. My friends and I will come. It would be great if you can come too. They have been curious about you."

The girl shakes her head, "I have work tonight, Naruto. I hope you have fun."

"Oh, I understand," Naruto whispers sadly. He looks like a kicked puppy from her angle, though the hand on her waist makes her lose any sympathy. "What kind of work are you doing, again? I don't think you have ever told me."

"Let's say it likes hospitality."

Time: 7 PM to 11 PM

Location: The Konoha Museum of Fine Art

Request: An elegant and charming girlfriend. She is expected to spend 2 hours talking with other guests. The rest of the time will be spent on accompanying the client. The driver will pick up the girlfriend at 6:30 PM at the designated location.

When it comes to high-profile clients, the service makes sure the girlfriends are prepared to fulfill their requests. The women are provided with clothes, jewelry, and etiquette classes. Girlfriends are forbidden from accepting gifts from clients during appointments to prevent complications. When the requests involve attending a formal event or simply having a "pick-up tag", the girlfriends are expected to be picked up at a designated office owned by the service instead of their own houses.

By 6:15 PM, she is already at the designated location. There is another girl at the place, though she is not here for an appointment.

"Looking good tonight, Sakura. Who is the lucky guy?" The girl whose name is Rina asks. Just like Sakura, she is another "girlfriend". The two met when Sakura was 1 year into this work, and they form a close companionship. Though Rina doesn't act like it, the girl is extremely perceptive. For a person who lacks interest in people's affairs, Rina is proficient at picking apart people. Her Nara-like strategic mind and emotional intelligence make her someone not to be underestimated. Sakura suspects that Rina has a vague idea about her other identity, but the girl is too lazy to care.

"The usual. Tall, dark, and handsome." Sakura shots a smirk at Rina. "Oh, I forgot. He is rich too."

"Is there is an older tag in there?" Rina returns a smirk her way.

"You know the answer to that, Rina."

Sakura can never joke about her job with other people due to the non-disclosure agreement. Even without it, she can't be as comfortable as she is with Rina. Despite the reputation of the "Love Maiden", the stigma is still there. The work is not exactly a decent topic that you can casually discuss in a family get together.

"So, there is a lockdown at the Akatsuki headquarter today." Rina casually remarks though the glint in her eyes is anything but casual.

"Uh-huh. It must be serious."

"There is a rumor that a file was stolen right under Akasuna's nose."

"The hacker must be a genius."

"She is." The innocence in Rina's eyes is too normal to be authentic. Sakura always feels like a prey whenever Rina is in her hunter mode.

"Well, that was a productive conversation, Rina. Unfortunately, my client is here." Sakura has never loved her client's punctuality like now.

Sakura sends a wave to Rina, then step outside to see a familiar black limo that is waiting for her. The driver opens the door for her to get in. Once she has settled in her seat, she turns a warm gaze to her "boyfriend" for the night and slips into her role as the girlfriend.

"How do you do, Uchiha-sama?"

Summary: an infatuated Naruto, a hostile Sasuke, a sharp Rina, and the tall, dark, handsome, rich, and older client. Meanwhile, there is a storm brewing in the background.

Sakura's major in college is my current major- computational chemistry. To study this field, it is essential to understand physical chemistry.

Reviews are much appreciated.