Sorry for the late update! This past week has been crazy hectic and my dumbass decided to pick up extra shifts at work...

To make it up to you guys I'm doing a double update so the next chapter's already up!

Thank you Heartshinelove and sndlr for your reviews! I really am glad to see that you're enjoying the story so far.

Also thank you to those who followed/favorited my story!

I hope you'll like this chapter, enjoy!

Chapter 3

"-kura-chan… Sakura-chan!" a voice called.

Sakura broke out of her dazed state. She looked over to the source of the voice and it was her boss.

"Sweetie you've been holding that pitcher for over a minute, do you want Taka-chan to take over for you?" He asked worriedly.

"Sorry Goro-san, I'll get right on it." She replied quickly pouring some milk into the pitcher.

It was a slow day at the cafe which is not good for Sakura as she needed something to distract her today. Earlier that day she had played her favorite sport for the first time in what felt like ages. In the moment she felt ecstatic but once her actions finally sunk in, she began feeling conflicted. This led to a lot of spacing out on her part.

As she was about to pour in the milk into the cup a hand stopped her.

"I got this, why don't you take a quick break?" Her co-worker, Takashi, suggested.

Sakura took a step back and watched as Takashi poured in the shots before creating the latte art on top with milk. He then placed it on a tray and walked over to the table where a customer sat. He placed the order on the table while exchanging polite pleasantries before walking back to the bar.

"So what's been on your mind?" He asked.

"A lot," she replied.

He chuckled. "I can tell that much from how distracted you've been since coming in earlier. You wanna talk about it?"

"I think I just need a distraction, is your band playing tonight?"

"Actually we are, wanna come?"

"I'd love to," she gave him a small smile.

"Sweetheart, are you okay?" Her boss asked after coming back from filling the pastry case.

"I'm okay Goro-san, sorry about earlier." She apologized.

"Seeing how slow we are today, why don't you clock out early? Sacchan should be coming in a bit anyway." He offered. "Taka-chan's getting off early too so he can take you home."

Sakura was about to protest when Takashi started pushing her towards the employee's lounge.

"Okay let's head out, see you tomorrow boss!"

"Take care~"

Once inside the lounge Takashi swiftly made his way to his locker to change out of his work clothes.

"Why'd you do that? I didn't mind staying a little longer." She pouted.

"Oh shut up, I'm taking you out with me whether you like it or not."

"What makes you think I'll let you?"

"Because I'm giving you a distraction of a lifetime so better get changed quick love," he winked.

Takashi took Sakura all over the place and each time she started to daze off he quickly changed venues. He tried making conversation with her never letting the silence between then grow longer than a few seconds. Feeling more in the moment, Sakura finally grew more invested in her surroundings and the friendly banter with her companion. She then realized something about the places they went to.

"Takashi," she called.

"Yeah?"

"Did we just go through all the places we went to when we were dating?" she asked.

Takashi laughed. Sakura gave out a sigh and smiled at his outburst.

"I didn't think you'd notice, but then again, I wasn't trying to be subtle." he said as he tried to catch his breath after laughing so hard.

"Being subtle was never your best trait," she replied. "You're not trying to get back with me are you?"

"No no no no no! No. I just thought you needed a little change of pace." he said as he held back another laugh. "Plus, I'm guessing you haven't been to any of these places in awhile."

Sakura gave a sad smile.

"Yeah, it doesn't help when your partner wants to keep things on the down low."

"Hmm… How are things going with your secret lover anyway?" He asked.

"To be honest, I… I don't know."

Takashi gave a moment for Sakura to collect her thoughts, to let her air out any grievances. However, she was silent and Takashi knew not to prod any further. He extended an arm to gently pull Sakura's head to his chest, letting her rest there.

He caressed her hair. "It's okay, you don't have to say anything."

Sakura did just that as he continued to pat her head in silence.

That night, Sakura and Takashi were backstage in a room with the rest of Takashi's band members. Some have already started taking shots of tequila to calm their nerves. Takashi just got back from his 3rd smoke break and Sakura could tell he was tense.

"Why are you guys so nervous?" She asked. "You've played here plenty of times before."

"Yeah well they've got some big names out in the crowd tonight and it's a chance for us to get our names out there as long as we don't mess up." The drummer, Suzuki answered.

"We can't afford to mess this up, come on let's get ready." The vocalist, Honda, added. He's trying to shake off his tenseness as he downed another shot before standing up to prep himself.

Sakura didn't understand how alcohol would help in this situation but she's seen them perform drunk and they weren't half bad. She still thought they would do fine without it but people get over their nervousness in different ways. She hoped none of them would throw up on stage after downing half the bottle collectively.

"Alright, wish me luck," Takashi said.

"Always," Sakura replied.

Takashi and his band members went up on stage and the roar of the crowd greeted them.

"We are The Marks! Are you ready to rock tonight!?" Honda screamed.

The crowd cheered even louder. The members nodded to each other and Suzuki began tapping her drumsticks together to start a rhythm. She started a solo for a few bars before the rest of the members joined in. The crowd screamed even louder. Sakura stood to the side of the stage, hidden from view. She gave out a sigh of relief and smiled. The alcohol had not hindered their performance one bit.

The band performed a handful of songs and the crowd loved them. By the last song, Sakura noticed Honda's singing had slightly slurred. She was thankful that it was their last song or else he might begin singing in gibberish. After finishing their last song Takashi took the mic seeing as Honda was starting to sway.

"Once again we are The Marks! Have a good night!"

The deafening cheers could still be heard as they exited the stage and headed to the waiting room. The next band had already gone up to perform their set.

"Fuck that was intense," the bassist, Yamaha, sighed in relief.

"Language!" Honda slurred. The group just laughed at his response.

"I'm heading to the bar, what about you?" Yamaha asked.

"I'm gonna take care of this drunk oaf, you guys go ahead." Suzuki replied.

"Alright let's get our drink on!" Takashi cheered.

"Takashi, we're still underage." Sakura deadpanned.

"I know the bartender, we'll be fine."

"Well you're driving so I don't wanna have to walk back after this."

"Yeah yeah, I promise I won't get drunk."

The trio headed out to the bar and Yamaha ordered some drinks. She handed one to Sakura.

"I don't think I should drink tonight," she said.

"Don't worry it's a mocktail, I'm not gonna get you drunk with all these people around." Yamaha reassured her.

Sakura scoffed. "Thanks," she replied.

As the three took sips of their drink, they yelled over the crowd trying to make conversation. They playfully talked about random people in the crowd making guesses on their age and day job. It was all fun and games until Takashi pointed out a girl in the corner leaning up against the wall. Said girl was talking to a guy beside her and she was being very touchy with him. He seemed to like the attention as he leaned closer to her.

"I bet you she's married to some rich dude and is looking for a quick hookup cause her sugar daddy can't get it up." Takashi jokes.

"Why the hell would some rich lady be hanging out in a dump like this?" Yamaha asked.

"Maybe she likes them bad and young? In contrast to her glucose guardian being all old and stuff." Yamaha laughed at this.

"Can I get a shot of vodka?" Takashi asked the bartender. Then he noticed Sakura was staring intently at the girl he singled out. "You good there?"

"Shot of vodka," the bartender said as he placed the drink on the counter. Sakura didn't reply and grabbed the drink. She downed in and slammed the shot glass onto the counter before heading to the corner. The man was about to lean into the girl to kiss her when Sakura grabbed his shoulder and punched him on the nose. The guy went out like a light.

"Sakura! W-what are you doing here?" The girl stuttered.

"I should be asking you the same thing, you said you were out sick. You refused to let me come visit you. What other excuse do you have for me now?" Sakura demanded.

"I-I swear it's a misunderstanding! Let me explain myself!"

"I've got all night."

"W-well… y-you see…" she began but she couldn't continue.

Sakura could tell she was trying to come up with another excuse. Teeming with anger she turned away bumping into Takashi who had been standing behind her. Knowing he had not had that much to drink she grabbed his arm ready to leave the place.

"Sakura wait!" The girl called but her voice got drowned out by the cheer of the crowd.

"Woah woah, where are we going?" Takashi asked in shock.

"We're leaving, I can't stand to be anywhere near her right now."

"Why are you taking me with you then?"

"You said you'll give me a distraction of a lifetime right?" Sakura stopped as they reached the waiting room. Her hands trembled in anger as she continued to clutch Takashi's arm.

"So distract me before I punch another poor son of a bitch because of her."

Okay so this chapter is a little different. I wanted to show Sakura's life outside of school and the people she's with.

Next chapter is up, go read it!