Author's Notes:
I just realised. When I re-posted the prologue and updated the first chapter, it was exactly 5 years when I first put up the original prologue. Wow, that timing XD
Enjoy the second chapter! :) In this chapter, Sakura is in her final year of primary school!
You
Chapter 2: First Date?
Age: 10-11 years old
Sakura adored her taekwondo classes held every Friday afternoon for two hours. The discipline, the sweat poured into every punch and kick – faster, higher, stronger, and especially the sound of her kick's impact on the paddle her teacher held – ooft. Satisfying.
She studied the red hair in front of her. Crimson hair, tired jade eyes and too pale skin. He almost looked sickly, but the way he replicated the teacher's positions and moves were with a steady precision argued otherwise.
Their teacher had assigned them into pairs, with instructions to carry out the just demonstrated attack and defence sequences. "Okay…" Sakura started with a greeting smile, "So do you want to attack or defend first?" This is class time, so no time for babbling introductions – oh gosh, she doesn't even know his name. Although, he had been a regular face for the past 6 months since she was enrolled, she still had no idea what his name is (her reasoning: she's been too absorbed into the class, and every time she saw him, he was always with his siblings. At least she knew his face).
"You'll attack, I'll defend." His voice left no room for argument, breaking her out of her racing thoughts.
Sakura nodded, placing her fists at her side in position. She stepped forward to place her fist and –
"Ooft!" Sakura felt her breath leave her as someone behind her stumbled into her back, pushing her form forward – 'Oh no.'
Her fist was planted in her partner's nose. Jade eyes glared at her, before sliding to the person behind her.
Sakura gulped.
.
.
.
"See you next week!" Sakura waved to her twin classmates as they clutched their father's hands, almost dragging him out of the doorway.
Sakura lingered by the doorway, waiting for her father (her father who strongly supported her interest in any form of self-defence, and was very quick in finding a suitable class and mutters of 'My Sakura flower, learn how to kick those bo – bullies away', much to her mother's exasperation). As she gazed around the room, watching with interest as the adult class commenced their stretching exercises – she noticed the boy she punched earlier, sitting cross legged with a carefully blank expression.
'He's usually with his siblings,' Sakura mused, as she thought back to a tall, sandy-blonde girl with spiky ponytails, and a brunette boy who favoured rustling the fiery red hair of his brother. They – well, they as in the former two older siblings, would often cause a small ruckus in the corner as they practiced their polished punches and kicks (with the occasional slap) on each other. Now, the image of the redhaired boy with jade eyes sitting by himself, seemed…too peaceful, too lonely.
'It's no fun to be alone!'
Naruto's words echoed through her mind. Strangely enough, Naruto and Sasuke has established an odd friendship – almost like brothers. But within a month of meeting the loud blonde, it has brought the latter from a broody, almost petulant (no offence, Sasuke-kun) to…a less broody, less withdrawn boy. And he transitioned from the grunts of 'Hn' and one syllable replies to smaller sentences with her. Definitely an improvement. There was one exception…if the topic of his big brother came up, Sasuke brimmed with life and excitement ("Big brother this, big brother that" Naruto mimicked in a high-pitched tone with an eye-roll, "Shut up, Sasuke!").
Well. With that thought as positive encouragement because honestly, there's no harm with making new friends (and because she needs to apologise for that earlier punch in the nose), Sakura's feet carried herself to in front of red hair and squatted in front of him. "Hello!" She chirped, sending him an awkward smile, "You were my partner for a bit today – I'm really sorry about that punch by the way. I'm Sakura! Nice to meet you!" Okay, maybe she stammered that out a tad too fast.
Jade eyes flitted to her, studying her for a moment, before his eyes flickered away in disinterest. "Gaara." He replied, monotonously. An uncomfortable silence followed. Sakura resisted the urge to roll her eyes.
Wow. Sasuke, now this. 'I can't believe I'm becoming proficient at understanding the grunts and one syllable replies of these antisocial idiots,' Sakura shook her head at the thought.
"So…" Sakura's voice trailed off, as Gaara continued to gaze forward, not meeting her eyes as she spoke (wow, isn't it basic manners to look at someone when they're talking?). "Where are your siblings?"
"Stopped classes." Gaara's replied curtly. Sakura settled herself from a squat to a more comfortable cross-legged position, clearly indicating she wasn't going anywhere. He sighed, and continued "They moved to a middle school, further away."
"Ooh. So, not Konoha Middle School?"
"No. Suna."
"Wow. That's far away." With that comment, Gaara nodded and gave no further response. Unfazed, Sakura continued, "Well…since this new term started, it does feel a little quieter!"
Gaara snorted, a tiny smirk on his lips. "A little would be an understatement."
Sakura grinned.
.
.
.
"So, Sakura honey…who was that boy you were…chatting with, when I went to pick you up?"
"Papa! He was my partner today in class. We were running through some attack and defence practices."
"Oh? Did you throw in some good punches and kicks at him?"
"Kizashi."
"M-Mebuki dear, what's with that look? I'm simply making sure that our beloved flower doesn't – OW! My hand!"
"Next time, dear," Mebuki stated, saccharine tones dripping, "Your head is next."
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.
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"Gaara." Once again, Sakura was partnered with the said boy. "Are…you still mad at me?"
He stared blankly at her. "Why?"
"Well…I did punch your nose last week – it was an accident, I swear!"
"Someone pushed you. It wasn't intentional."
Frankly, he would like to wipe that embarrassing memory from his mind. Thank goodness, Temari and Kankuro (Kankuro especially) weren't around. There's something about a petite, pink haired girl who looks far more delicate than her fist who's a potential hazard for causing collateral damage.
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.
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"Hey Gaara!" Sakura skipped to the said boy who was sitting down, stretching his legs.
He looked up and gave a small nod. "Sakura," he greeted.
The pink haired girl smiled as she dropped to the floor, mimicking his stretching positions. After a few series of leg stretches, she turned her head to him. "Wanna be partners again, today?"
Gaara blinked owlishly. "Again?"
She pouted, nudging his side with her elbow. "Don't sound too disappointed! C'mon, I know you looooove being my partner."
She was met with silence, as jade eyes studied her dubiously.
"Wow…I'm totally going to punch you again in the nose."
"…on purpose, or by accident?"
"Don't tempt me!"
.
.
.
"You know, I'm glad that Sakura-chan befriended Gaara-kun at the start of this year, Sensei."
"What do you mean?"
"I could have sworn the boy smiled! Smile, Sensei! Granted we're only halfway through the year…"
"Ah…you know very well that a smile doesn't appear on the boy's face. Even when he moved on to the next belt colour in an impressive amount of time."
"As close to a smile, he can get! I swear, that boy has an emotional capacity of a rock!"
"Now, now, that's bit harsh. And…as the assistant teacher, don't you have some lesson planning to do?"
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.
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"That was a good session, today!" Sakura cheered, as she stretched her arms reaching for the orange painted sky. Gaara stepped beside her as they waited outside for their parents to pick them up – well, in Gaara's case, his caretaker.
"Sooo…" Sakura turned to Gaara, "Is your dad coming again to pick you up?"
Gaara blinked. "My father is in Suna."
"Oh, mum then?"
"My mum passed away when I was young."
Seconds ticked by, and it was only until Gaara turned to Sakura (not like he really expected a response) to realise that she was staring at him, with her mouth slightly agape.
"Gaara…" Sakura placed a hand on his shoulder, eyes soft, "I'm so sorry."
"It's fine." He shrugged. "I don't know her that well."
"But…do you miss her?"
"You can't miss someone that you don't really know."
Sakura pursed her lips, as her arms dropped back to her side. "I can't imagine what it's like to not have Mama here."
Gaara didn't respond, but when he glanced over away, he saw tears prickling the corners of her eyes, lost in thought. "…Hey," he said gruffly. His tone softened the slightest. "Are you okay?"
She dabbed at her corners of her eyes, laughing it off with "Yea! Yea, don't worry – I just got lost in thought when I thought about it – and oh gosh, I don't know why I'm like this!"
"Sakura." Her name was unfamiliar on his lips – he's not use to anyone except for his siblings to stick around him. Honestly, if he's moving away to Suna at the end of the year, there's no point having this girl to be attached to him.
But…now, he's so used to the pink hair girl with bright green eyes at his side – so use to her immediate greetings and smiles as she caught sight of him before class begins.
Sakura looked up, and to her slight surprise, she saw a nicely folded napkin in his waiting, open palm.
"Here."
He was presented with her warm smile, as she gratefully accepted the napkin. He doesn't understand this confusing, heart dropping (was it guilt?) moment when he caught sight of her tears – and was he the reason for her crying?
He preferred her smiles more.
.
.
.
She liked to think they got closer the past several months. Sure, it's like talking to a brick wall (though his hair is rather a lovely shade of red, than a dull, washed out red of a brick), but Gaara is Gaara – and she can't do much to change that about him.
There was a pressing question on her mind ever since she approached him at the start of this year, and she wanted to know the answer – "Gaara?"
The sudden inclination of the ending syllable of his name – she had a question. His eyes shifted from some adults practicing their kata, to her.
Sakura bit her lip. "Are you going to…move to Suna as well? Like your siblings?"
Ah. Would this be the revelation where she would realise, that this 'friend' she made in taekwondo class wouldn't be around anymore, one day? That she is better off, devoting her time and effort elsewhere?
"Yes."
"Oh…"
Disappointment.
"When will you be moving?" She spoke so softly, he almost had to strain his ears to catch her wavering voice.
Is she going to cry again?
"I'll be going to Suna after the school year ends. Sometime in mid-December."
"Then…we only have two months left!" Sakura's face was close to his, Gaara could almost make out every fine strand of her eyelashes. He stared at her, confused. "Two months," she repeated. "Let's make the most of it!"
He blinked.
He can see the hint of sadness in her eyes, even as she pulled away back to hugging her knees. She sighed, rolling her eyes as she smiled at him fondly. "Gaara, you inept, unsocial monkey." She stifled a giggle at his narrowed eyes. "I don't know the next time I'll see you after you move, but I'm sure we will meet again!"
So hopeful. So innocent. So optimistic.
But he didn't want to see her crestfallen face – his gut twisted at the memory of her sad, sad eyes.
"I'm sure we will."
Her smile was the only thing he could focus on. For once, he allowed his lips to slightly twitch upwards.
"Gaara! You smiled!"
"…You're surprised."
"You should smile more! Did you know that it takes more muscle to frown than it does to smile?"
"How is that relevant?"
"Don't be so grumpy all the time! C'mon, smileeeee – " Her hands reached for his face, resting on his cheeks and attempted to pull them upwards. She blinked, puzzled at her result – Gaara's pulled cheeks forced his eyes to appear smaller, and his lips pulled into a distorted grimace. Totally not what she was looking for.
"That hurts." Gaara gently pried her hands off his cheeks and he pulled away with scowl. Sakura stuck out her tongue cheekily before bursting into laughter. He watched as she doubled over, shaking with mirth, green eyes sparkling and could not resist another tiny smirk (not smile, ok?) to escape.
.
.
.
"Papa?"
"Yes, Sakura honey?"
"I was thinking…can I pretty, pretty – just like Mummy pretty – please, have a phone?"
"Dear…you're in your last year of primary school – you don't need one, now!"
"But, I'll be going to middle school next year! A phone is a good way to stay in touch with my friends if we won't be in the same school!"
"Hmm…isn't Ino-chan also going to the same middle school? Your lovely friend?"
"She's my best friend! And Naruto and Sasuke too!"
"Oh, that's nice! Wait…who!?"
.
.
.
"Gaara!" Sakura dashed off the moment she caught sight of her friend. "Gaara! Gaara!" She repeated, a little out of breath.
"Hello," Gaara nodded his greeting, almost perplexed at the sight of his pink haired friend digging through her bag enthusiastically.
"Gimme…a sec…Got it!" She brandished a smartphone with a triumphed grin. She was met with a flat stare.
"A phone," he deadpanned.
"Yes, silly. I'm glad you recognised it's a phone," Sakura shot back. "This." She gestured at it with her other hand. "Is an Apple iphone."
Gaara stared at her. Part of him was questioning why on earth is he affiliated with her?
"I was being sarcastic…" Sakura mumbled out, puffing out her cheeks. "But give me your number, this is how we're going to stay in touch!"
First name: Gaara
Last name: Sabaku
Mobile Number: XXXX XXX XXX
She beamed, taking her phone back and tapped the screen.
To: Gaara
Friday, 9 November, 3:56PM
HIHIHIHIHI
TEE HEE
"There," she declared, pride shining in her eyes. "You have my number now."
We can stay in touch.
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"It looks like that was our last taekwondo lesson together," Sakura kicked lightly at the ground in front of her. Her head was down, pink bangs covering her eyes.
"At least…" Gaara searched desperately in his mind, anything to lift her spirits, and as embarrassing as it was – "You didn't punch me in the nose again."
Sakura snorted. "Oh, that was a horrid first impression, wasn't it?" She nudged him playfully. She lifted her head to the sky. Despite it being early in the evening, the sky was a lovely light blue, hinted with orange. She sighed, when Gaara didn't respond. She knows that the 'punch in the nose' incident is not the best memory for him (this boy and his pride), and resisted the urge to applaud at his miserable attempt of lightening the mood. Change of topic – "Off to middle school next, yea?"
"Where else? You'll won't be repeating grade six, would you?" Gaara commented dryly.
Wow. Rude.
"Of course not!" Sakura huffed. She paused, contemplating with tight lips. "When would you be moving to Suna?"
"On Monday."
She bit her lip. "That's so soon…" She paused, eyes sliding to Gaara. "How about, we meet up tomorrow? It's a Saturday, so you should be free, right?" Her green eyes looked hopefully at him.
Gaara blinked at her.
"C'mon!" Sakura begged, clasping his hand into hers. "We'll just go eat lunch, talk about something that's not taekwondo for once, and – "
See you one more time.
"Sure."
He allowed his hand to softly squeeze her own.
I'm still here.
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.
Sakura poked around at her rice, watching the grain stick to her chopsticks and then to the side of her bowl.
"Sakura?"
The said girl jolted her head up from to her parents' faces, with a sheepish smile
"Aren't you hungry, dear?" Mebuki questioned, "You usually have more appetite than this after your taekwondo lessons."
Kizashi chortled in agreement. "Don't tell me that just because it's the last lesson of the year, your teachers went easy on you this time?"
Sakura shook her head. "No, it's not that." She released a sigh at the thought of her last taekwondo lesson, lips twisting into a pout. "My friend in the taekwondo class…is moving away to Suna soon."
"Oh." Kizashi placed his chopsticks neatly atop his bowl, and folded his elbows across the table. "That's how things are, honey. People come and go."
Sakura's eyes fell back to her rice.
"But, it's not like you'll never see them again," Kizashi continued with a gentle smile, "You have her number, right? You guys can chat online too. And perhaps, she'll come back to Konoha and you can see her then."
Sakura's lips twisted into a slightly amused smile as the thought of Gaara being female and shook her head. "Papa! Gaara is a boy, so he not she."
Kizashi's smile slowly twitched into a grimace. "H-he, did you say – "
Mebuki kicked him under the table cutting her husband off, green eyes sharpening into a glare at her target. 'Shut up,' she mouthed, steely eyes not leaving him until he meekly nodded. The dark blonde turned to her daughter, eyes softening as she patted her daughter next to her. "Sakura, as long you two put the effort to talk to each other, you'll still be friends, no matter the distance between you two."
Sakura raised her shoulders, and nodded firmly though her eyes never left her bowl. "Yea," she agreed softly. "I got to be positive, Mama – at least I'll be seeing him tomorrow."
Mebuki's eyes danced as she leaned closer to her daughter. "Oh?" She encouraged, and narrowed her eyes at her husband and pressed her foot down harshly on his. 'Don't say anything!' She mouthed. Kizashi's mouth fell open in aghast.
"Yea! We'll meet up for lunch at the mall. I just want to see him before he goes."
"So…like a date?" Mebuki said slyly, eyes dancing with mischief.
Kizashi blanched, moustache bristling with disbelief and suppressed words. 'Lord, help me speak, but please do not invoke my wife's rage,' he silently prayed.
The tips of Sakura's ears went pink. "N-No!" She stammered out, eyes widening as she met her mother's eyes. "We're just friends!" Her father released a sigh of relief, slumping in his chair. "It's not a date!"
Mebuki winked, only adding fuel to the fire as Sakura's cheeks became increasingly warm.
"S-Sakura!" Kizashi finally cried out, "J-Just because you're going to middle school next year, doesn't mean you should get a boyfriend!"
"Papa! He's not like that!"
"Thank goodness, he's moving to Suna. Good riddance!"
"Kizashi! Don't be like that!"
"Mebuki, she's too young to be dating!"
"Mama! Papa! We're only friends – it's not a d-date at all!"
"That's right. You hear that, Mebuki dear? It's not a date – OW!"
.
.
.
Sakura wanted to melt into the floor as she watched her parents bicker – god, her parents can be so immature. 'It's not a d-date!' She thought, as she pressed her hands to her warm cheeks.
Her earlier words to Gaara drifted back to her.
"How about, we meet up tomorrow? It's a Saturday, so you should be free, right?"
She cringed, cheeks growing warmer. 'It sounded like I asked him out on a date!' She shook her head, abandoning the thought. No. Nope, definitely not.
Hell no.
Her parents – embarrassing parents made this a bigger deal that it actually is!
'It's simply…a meet up,' Sakura nodded determinedly, cementing her opinion into place. 'Because we won't be seeing each other for a long time!'
Not a date.
Not a date, at all.
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.
.
Lunch (at the food court of the mall) flew by. Both Sakura and Gaara, disinterested in the idea of exploring the mall (for the umpteenth time, in Sakura's case), found themselves in the nearby park.
Sakura's dragged the tip of her sandals into the sand before flicking the sand away, as her swing pulled her back. The redhair boy was next to her in the swing, unmoving, feet planted firmly onto the sand.
"So…" Sakura started, allowing her swing to lose momentum, chains clinking as she slowed down, allowing her feet to skid into the sand finally halting in place.
"Hm?"
Sakura released a sigh. "Do you think you'll come back? Back to Konoha?" She flicked the tip of her sandal again, watching a curve of sand rise briefly and then fall, collapsing into a small file.
Gaara shrugged, shoulders raising for a moment before slouching back down. "I don't know."
She wrinkled her nose at his answer. "So…change of topics!" She forced the chipper tone into her voice. "Are you excited about middle school?"
The redhair studied her for a moment, before his eyes drifted to the ground. "Not particularly," he admitted.
"It's going to be very different," Sakura tucked a stray pink hair behind her ear as she looked up into the clear, blue sky. "There's going to be more work, after school clubs to join…" Her voice trailed off.
"You sound worried."
"I guess I am…" Green eyes darted to her hands and studied her chipped, uneven nails.
"Why?"
"Oh…" Sakura ran her thumbs over each uneven curves and bumpgs of her fingernails, "I'm worried, that I'll won't fit in as much." She thought of the bright, sunny smile of Naruto, the confidence that Ino exudes with ease – and even Sasuke in his aloofness, is both clever and popular. But…she's different. What if Ino leaves her for a popular crowd, or for someone who's equally as confident? What if Naruto and Sasuke want to be around a sportier group? She isn't as bubbly and pretty as Ino. She doesn't have the charisma that draws people in like Naruto. She's not –
"Why are you so insecure?" Gaara deadpanned.
Sakura gasped loudly, eyes flashing. "H-hey! That's uncalled for!" Her eyes flitted down, to her scuffed-up sandals with the beginning signs of the colour peeling off, and wrung her hands together. She bit her lip, trying – desperately trying to think of a retort back.
"I have pink hair," she said finally. "It's weird. My forehead is huge – and in middle and high school, what would people think? What if they see me as weird and…you know?"
"No. I don't."
Sakura pouted. It felt like excuses were pouring out of her mouth, and Gaara knew that.
"Sakura."
Green eyes flew up to meet jade eyes.
Gaara sighed. "Don't worry what others think. Why do you care so much?" Perhaps, it was the strict environment he was raised in, perhaps it was the spiteful comments and judging eyes because he was his father's son…and the reason why his precious mother passed away from the ordeals of childbirth. It doesn't mean that every word that comes out of their mouths are true. Why should he listen to what a stranger says?
Sakura screwed up her nose. "My friends, what they think matter to me…and new people I'll meet…in clubs or class, I guess?"
Gaara paused. Friends. It was a strange concept to him, but he clearly remembers at one of his father's 'fancy' events where he was forced to attend – a loud blonde boy, with whiskered cheeks and a sunny smile, childishly chirping "Let's be friends!" And he stuck to Gaara's side every time they met, much to his siblings' amusement. Gaara doesn't have many friends, and he's okay with that.
"Don't let their opinions affect you," he stated, eyes boring into hers. "Not worth it."
Sakura stared at him.
"You're fine the way you are," Gaara added. "Don't let the negativity get to you." He looked away from her earnest eyes, the tips of his ears red. When did he become a counsellor – especially to pre-teenage girls? He's sure that Temari would be proud, and Kankuro would never let him live this down. "You…shouldn't have to be someone you don't want to be."
She nodded at his words. "Thank you," she whispered gratefully. Perhaps, it was the unconcealed bluntness, the non-judgemental perspective that Gaara has, atop with her…uncertainty of the future ahead, that led to her doubts being spilt out.
He darted his face away, refusing to allow her earnest eyes to see his slightly flushed cheeks (it was the warmth of the sun, okay?). "You can talk to me anytime," he added.
Her smile slowly stretched from ear to ear. "Of course!" She chirped and reached off to tug at the sleeve of his jacket, bringing his attention back.
Jade eyes returned to sparkling green eyes smiling back at him. Strands of loose, pink hair were swaying with the light breeze. Pink lips upturned into a beam, directed at him. He felt his heart lurch a little faster.
He wanted her to stay like that.
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To: Gaara
Monday, 29 January, 3:36PM
Gaaraaa!
How was the first day of middle school?
Omg
There's so much work.
Already missing that 'free-time' from primary school.
To: Sakura
Monday, 29 January, 4:10PM
Hello Sakura.
It was fine. Everything was what I expected.
Do your best to not fall behind in your work.
Regards,
Gaara
To: Gaara
Monday, 29 January, 4:11PM
HAHAHAHA XD
You don't need to be so formal!
I keep telling you – no need to add the regards
I swore I said that 2 months ago
Just be idk chill
Anyways, any clubs you gonna join?
Regards,
Sakura
:P
To: Sakura
Monday, 29 January, 4:20PM
Ok.
I was considering a taekwondo club.
It's basic form of manners in messages.
Clearly you don't have that.
To: Gaara
Monday, 29 January, 4:22PM
Oooooh!
You'll definitely smash it.
Idk what to join tbh
Library committee?
Maybe I'll join a taekwondo club too o.o
And oiii. Rudeeeee
To: Sakura
Monday, 29 January, 4:30PM
What is ' o.o '?
I can imagine you in a martial arts club.
To: Gaara
Monday, 29 January, 4:32PM
o.o
Is a face. Like a cute little blank face.
Can't u see it?
Omg.
HAHAHAHA
XD
Gaara's thumb hovered over his phone, and his eyes swept through the messages for the umpteenth time. After allowing her words to sink in, he scrolled down to read the next message again. Her words were comforting. Her words were cheerful. These words brought her little quirks to life.
"You seem to be on your phone a lot these days," Temari commented with a sly smirk.
Kankuro waggled his eyebrows. "Is it the girl you went on a date with last year?" Suddenly his face dropped, as if realising what he just said. "I still can't believe that you, out of us three would go on a date first!"
Gaara shot them a deadpanned look, tucking his phone into his pocket. "It's nothing."
"Ohhhh?"
"Mind your own business."
Because, he's their baby brother, Temari and Kankuro knows. Gaara seems to be pretty happy nowadays.
"Who are you messaging, Sakura?" Naruto looked up from his steaming cup ramen. "You're typing pretty intensely."
Sakura raised her eyes from her phone, "My friend who lives in Suna! I'm telling him about the clubs here, I'm still struggling to pick one."
"Just join a sports one like Sasuke-teme and myself! Wha ish your fuwriend's nam?"
Sasuke grimaced. "Ew. Dobe. Don't eat with your mouth full."
"His name is Gaara! He's from the same taekwondo classes I went to in primary school."
"Ah – WAIT! You know Gaara, too!?"
"Naruto, your ramen cup was so close to falling off the table! Be careful!"
"Ahhhh! Can't let this beautiful ramen fall to the ground, my heart would be broken, my soul shattered – "
"Good."
"Shut up, teme!"
"Naruto, how do you know Gaara?"
"We met a few times as kids at the fancy pancy events Dad and Mum dragged me to. For their business stuff or something. Oi Sakura-chan, pass me your phone!"
"Eh? Wait, I'm not done with my message!"
To: Gaara
Wednesday, 6 February, 12:11PM
Gaara!
I found out some more options for the clubs!
Gardening club.
Arts and Crafts sounds cool
Or should I stick to something sporty?
Maybe th
GAAARAAAA
YOYOYOO
HEYA HEYY
IT'S ME, NARUTO!
HIIIIIIIIIIIII
ABOVE IS SAKURA
I DIDN'T KNOW U GUYS WERE FRIENDS
"Dude. Sakura-chan. Why do you want to join the gardening club, or the arts club? They sound so lame."
"…do you want me to throw you and the ramen in the bin?"
"Please do a favour to us and the world, and do that."
"Oi! Sasuke-teme!"
"Welcome home!" Temari and Kankuro chorused together as Gaara emerged into the kitchen. The former two shot each other glares and and hissed back "copy-cat" and "who wants to copy you?"
They cut off by the loud slam of Gaara's room being shut.
Temari looked at the empty space that Gaara was just in. "He seems to be an awfully bad mood."
"Probably teenage drama," Kankuro snorted. "He'll get over it."
.
.
.
Gaara stared at his phone's screen, re-reading the text messages over and over.
This time, rereading her messages wasn't bring that…warmth to him. There was a…distasteful whirl in his stomach, every time he thought her – her smile, her feelings being opened up to someone else. Who wasn't him – someone with a sunny smile, someone with a brighter personality, someone who's there physically, where he cannot be. He didn't like it. He doesn't like this feeling either.
To: Gaara
Friday, 8 February, 3:31PM
Hey Gaara!
You didn't seem to reply from before
But that's okay, dw!
I'm going to join the boxing club.
Just submitted the form :D
Just wanna try something different
It sounds cool!
What do you think?
.
Sunday, 10 February, 10:11AM
Gaaraaaaa
Hellooooo?
Anyone home?
.
Wednesday, 13 February, 9:11PM
Yo, is everything alright?
You usually reply a lot faster
I'm here for you, ok? :)
Oh yea, just started boxing club!
It's really fun!
.
Saturday, 16 February, 2:00PM
Gaara?
I'll always look back on the fond memories we shared, and smile. I become wistful, and long for these memories to be a reality again, as this drift becomes larger and larger. It becomes bittersweet – to think that once we were so close, and now…what are we?
Tell me. Do you not care anymore?
Author's Notes:
Whew. To be honest, I wrote more than what I have planned for...oops. Well, I hope you enjoyed that! :)
Just to clarify on the timeline on this chapter, from where I'm from, primary/middle/high school starts in late January, and finishes in mid December - of course, it can be a bit different depending on the school itself. When I watch anime or something, I do get a bit confused sometimes, since their school year starts in April - and I have no idea how it works ^^;
So in this chapter, it started off with Sakura starting off Grade 6 (final year of primary/elementary school), and finished off with Sakura starting middle school. So if the chapter seemed a bit jumpy...sorry about that! ^^;
Apologies if the text messages between Gaara and Sakura were a bit over the place, in my word document, it had Sakura's texts on the far right, and Gaara's on the far left alignment. But on Fanfiction, it looks like I can only do 'far left' and 'centre' alignment. :( So to me, on my word doc, it looked a bit...less messier.
Thank you so much for reading! I shall work on the next chappie...although my eyes are more focused on adult Sakura because more dramaaaa (ish?) :D
Reviews:
kayna96: Thank you so much! :D :D :D I'm glad that you enjoyed it! Ahahaha, I'm not a big fan of fangirl Sakura especially at the start of canon Naruto, either xD
Guest: Thank you! I hope you enjoyed it ^^