SAKURA'S POV

I watched as my lab partner stirred the content of the container before placing it on the boiler. I observed for few minutes as the colour slowly changed to wine red. It was the exact shade. So far no one in our class has gotten the exact output as he did. Before him I tried my hand too at it for fifteen minutes but I got the blood red colour. Why were their so many damn shades of a single colour anyways?

"Look what we have here. Someone finally got the desired result. "

Kakashi said as he gave Sasuke an appreciative look while I gritted my teeth. Chemistry wasn't a field trip for me. Sure I managed to score good marks in theory but I wasn't too good at practical. Sasuke gave me cocky look and I looked away with a huff. We have been paired up since a week and we weren't getting along at all. He was too smug while I was full of pride and those two traits weren't a good match quite frankly.

I could simply ignore him in the lecture and concentrate on the lesson but in the lab we have to work together as a team. To my displeasure their were two labs in a week and I have to work with him for forty minutes while trying hard not to pour the concentrated acid over his head. Yes I was flushed when I saw him on the first day but he had thrown all my expectations of being a decent person out of the window. Unlike others who worked together he simply stood by the table as he watched me make a fool out of myself when I used a different salt and the pungent smell hit the air.

"You picked the wrong bottle."

He pointed out after he got the correct result and gave me his cocky smirk. When I yelled at him that he should have told this before he simply told me he was doing what I said before.

"Listen hotshot. My grades depend on you and I don't want it to fall because of your nonchalant attitude. So here's the deal. We both will work on the experiments alone. I don't want anyone else to be responsible for my marks and I hope you don't either. So let's just stay out of each other's business."

I remember my words from yesterday as I could only fume in anger while he walked past me. He used my words against me.

Since then it was a cold war as I ignored him completely and he being a selfish jerk didn't speak either. This was why I didn't ask for his help today as I struggled with the experiment. Yes I was too proud to ask for his help. I spared him a sideway glance and my breath hitched in my throat when I saw his eyes already on me. He was giving me that look again, the one which made my insides churn and heartbeat wild. Even though we were sorta enemies at this point but I melted under that smouldering gaze. Dammit teenage hormones. I was sure I didn't have them until Sasuke decided otherwise. Why does he have to be so hot? It would have been easier to hate him if he looked like Sloth from the goonies. I bit back a chuckle as I imagined his head over Sasuke's well carved body. Shouldn't have done that. A small laughter broke out of me as I covered my mouth with my hands.

"What's so funny?"

I realized only then that I was staring at him all the while and he naturally thought I was laughing at him. Well duh. He looked at me with a mix of confusion and irritation as I shook my head slowly. I cleared my throat as I went back to my practical and tried to figure out what I did wrong.

/

SASUKE'S POV

My fingers played with the string of my guitar as I tried to compose a good beat. The tune was way off as I started from the top again. Music was my escape. As much as I loved to play football I didn't feel the raw passion which I felt in the soft tunes my instrument produced. I loved it. I gave a quick glance at my door as I didn't want anyone to hear me. Specially my father. I couldn't imagine the disappointment on his face if he saw me now. I was supposed to be at the top of my class and be a good soccer player. After graduation I was supposed to land up in a renewed business school and then carry on our family's business. My life has been planned all out for me before I was even born. I didn't want this. This mechanical life. If it was up to me I would just travel the world and sing my song in the local clubs. But that wasn't to be expected from son of Fugaku Uchiha.

A gentle knock brought me out of my thoughts as I kept my guitar back in its case before opening the door.

"You certainly seem out of practice."

"I have been busy with the seasonals."

My elder brother Itachi gave me sympathetic smile as he got inside. Unlike my father Itachi was really supportive of my passion and he even bought this guitar for me as a present on my thirteenth birthday. He always understood me. He was my supporting pillar. Itachi even gave up on his dream of joining the law school so that he could run the company while I followed my dream. Yes he loved me that much. But my father was adamant. He have divided the shares of the company for both of us so I didn't have a way out.

"How is it going?"

"Tiresome. Suna almost managed to beat us last time. We have to be better."

He nodded as he looked around my room. We both sat in a comfortable silence for a while as I texted my teammates to be on ground at 8 am. We have our first period free so we have more time to practice which was exactly what we needed.

"So….Any new romantic interest I should know about?"

He wiggled his eyebrows suggestively as I shot him an agitated look.

"No. I don't need any distraction."

He hummed as though he didn't agree with me. An image of Sakura came into my mind before I blocked it immediately. Last thing I needed was her.

"Are you still hung up on that readhead. Wait. What was her name again..Karumi…"

"Karin."

I cut him short as he chuckled. Of course he remembered her. Who could forget her annoyingly high pitch voice? Itachi always disliked her and was quite vocal in showing his distaste. I still remember all the time he would call her with wrong names to piss her off. Sometimes I wondered if he was really older than me.

"No. I am not hung up on her. I didn't even like her to be honest."

"That didn't stop you from fornicating with her."

I glared at him as he gave me an amused look. Karin wasn't exactly my girlfriend. I didn't want the fangirl lurking around me all the time so I came to an arrangement with Karin. She was Naruto's distant cousin and daughter of a family friend so I knew her well plus she was a designated slut. She liked her freedom so we came to an arrangement. We pretended to be a couple in the school which benefitted both of us as she became quite popular and I got rid of the clingy girls. Sex was just an added benefit. We hooked up sometimes when she didn't have a boytoy to hang out with. Our families were obvious to our relationship and they grew happy at the prospect of us marrying in the future. This was where I drew the line. Before my father could make me sign a paper where I have to marry her in ten years I broke it off. I would find someway to deal with the airheads. Karin didn't seem too pleased as she knew it would affect her status at the school. Selfish bitch.

Itachi was the only one who knew the truth and he was more relieved than me when we broke it off.

"Falling in love is not a bad thing you know."

"Easy for you to say. You have Izumi."

Itachi and Izumi have the most perfect love story. They fell in love when they were only thirteen and had been inseparable since then. Izumi wasn't like other girls. She was selfless and kind hearted. They both completed each other. She was with him through thick and thin. Their romance was all rainbows and fairies. I have never thought about love. The idea seemed very foreign to me. Most of the girls in my school only wanted me for my looks and reputation. I wanted someone to love me even if I lived in slums. They never tried to understand me as all they did was ogle me.

"I am sure someday you will find someone who will turn your world upside down brother. She will make you feel variation of emotions and when that time comes, don't let her go."

I registered his word and didn't say anything. I was only seventeen years old. I have a whole lifetime ahead of me. If I was meant to fall in love I am sure I will someday.

/

SAKURA'S POV

I slid open the glass doors as I got inside the gymnasium. Very few people were here but that was to be expected. It was only 6 am in the morning and not everyone was an early riser. This was my first time here at this hour. My routine time was 7 o'clock but somehow I got up early today and since I couldn't get back to sleep I decided to come a little early.

I took out my sweatshirt and hung it on the side as I moved towards the weights. It was leg day today. I decided to start with deadlift as I got into position. I was beginning to feel the burn in my muscles after few minutes when my eyes landed on a familiar figure. Of all the people in the city.

Sasuke Uchiha was doing benchpress on the opposite side of me and I tried not to ogle his delicious muscles as he worked them. He was a sight to behold in a black wife beater and gym shorts. I could see his defined calves and the curve of his bicep as he did his reps. Of course he workout. That body can't be achieved by playing football alone. I was sure he didn't see me as their were few people blocking his view. I looked away as he finished his set and tried to focus on my own exercise. After I was done with the weights I decided to use the leg extension machine. I rarely got the time to work on it as someone was always occupying it plus I was content with my barbells. Curiosity got the best of me as I reached it and tried to adjust myself over it. I tried to lift my leg but the machine won't budge and I felt a wave of embarrassment. It was early morning so gym trainers haven't arrived yet and I certainly didn't want to ask a stranger. I was a really paranoid person. I couldn't back out now as my pride was on stake and tried to lift the handles again. It didn't move. Well fuck.

"Need a hand?"

I heard the familiar baritone voice as I glanced sideways and found Sasuke Uchiha standing in all his sweaty glory. Wait. Did I just say sweaty?

"No I got it."

Did I mention I am a stubborn person? So yeah I didn't take his help as I tried to push my leg. I could feel his eyes on me and I was sure he was taking great joy in my misery. A hand came up to my side as I flinched and found Sasuke adjusting the metal bar. His eyes held no trace of amusement and I blushed as I felt his hand brush my thigh.

"Just hold onto this and slowly lift it forward."

He guided with his hand as I followed his instruction and soon enough I could find my legs in a perpendicular position. He held onto my side for few reps as I got used to it then let me go. I got the hang of it pretty quickly as I completed one set. I got up and turned to thank Sasuke for his help but he was nowhere in sight. A wave of disappointment passed through me. This was the nicest thing he had ever done for me. The question was why though? He have made it very clear that he wasn't much fond of me so why now. I pushed the thought out of my mind as I decided to head back to the apartment. He was weird.

It took me ten minutes to reach my building and I decided to use my key as I was sure my roommate wasn't up now. I opened the drawing room to a sight which left me scandalized to my bones.

Kiba was pounding into Ino as she lied down on the table with her legs up in the air.

"OH MY GOD!"

I yelled as I looked away immediately and shut my eyes while trying to burn the memories of Kiba's penis from my mind. They both got up as I I heard the rustling of clothes before Ino's voice rang into my ears.

"It's all safe now."

I opened my eyes and looked back with mortification as Kiba gave me a sheepish grin. He have finally pulled his pants up and Ino was in his shirt as she laughed at me.

"ARE YOU SERIOUS? THE DINING TABLE! REALLY?"

I was sure that I won't be able to eat their ever in my life. I wondered if they did it there before too and it made me want to puke.

"I am sorry. I thought you won't be back till eight."

"Well I left early today. Can't you guys keep it in the room?"

I hissed at them as Kiba gave an impish grin and shrugged.

"The bedroom was kinda boring so we…"

"Ughh. I don't want to hear it."

I shuddered as I moved towards my bedroom but before I could close my door I heard Kiba's mischievous voice.

"Hey why are you complaining? You got to see my big dick."

"FUCK YOU."

I yelled as I heard Ino punch him and he groaned before telling her he was just kidding around. This wasn't the first time Kiba have made such remark at me. He had teased me in the past too with his lecherous comments. He promised he was just fooling around but I didn't like it. He was my best friend's boyfriend. Plus I was never much fond of Kiba anyways. He was crude and whenever he came here his only goal was sex. I know that teenagers are more interested in canoodling but their is more to a relationship than that. I always liked Shikamaru more and he was a perfect gentleman and I hated it when they broke up but I didn't speak anything because it was really not my place to say. It was wrong of me to think but I was sure their relationship won't last through senior year. Kiba was a hit and leave type of guy while Ino believed in fairytale romance. Yup. Not a chance.

/

SASUKE'S POV

I rushed towards the class as I glanced up at the watch. I was two minutes late. I knocked on the door as my History teacher Kurenai gave me a sharp look. Of course. She was always on time.

"I hope you don't make a habit of being late to the class Mr. Uchiha."

"No."

I replied shortly as I got inside. To my dismay a boy has already occupied my regular seat and I glared at him. He cowered as he looked down and I cursed. Their was only one seat left beside Sakura. Just my luck. No one wanted to take the first bench and listen about the world war which didn't even concern us. Yes. I wasn't much of a fan of this subject myself. Before Kurenai could chastise me with another of her smartass comment I settled down on the lone seat. I felt Sakura stiffen beside me as I turned my head and our eyes met briefly before she looked ahead. Seeing her so close now brought back the memories of two days ago at the gym. When I saw her that day in that tight tank top and skinny leggings all the blood rushed to my groin. I never knew she was hiding that body underneath. She have always wore comfortable dress to the classes which didn't accentuate her curves or her perfectly round ass as they did in those tights. I couldn't keep my eyes off of her as I watched her that day. I was amused when she didn't know how to use the leg equipment and decided to assist her without a second thought. She was even more sexier up close and I felt the sudden urge to press her soft body close to mine.

I had helped her despite my nature and left before she was done. The sight of her sweaty and hot body was too much and I didn't want to act on my instincts. All of which begged me to kiss her. I pushed the scandalous thoughts out of my head and tried to focus on the causes of the world war.

"Thank you."

I was surprised to hear Sakura's soft voice as I peeked at her from the corner of my eye. For what?

"For helping me that day."

Oh. I shook my head in acknowledgement and she went back to listening the lecture attentively. She really was a diligent student. I admired her determination and it was always funny to see her freaking out when she couldn't perform the chemistry experiment correctly. Chemistry wasn't her strongest suit I assume. I was a natural at it but she struggled a lot during the lab. I wanted to help her but she has clearly stated that she didn't want an interference from me. Okay then. I was a conceited bastard too. I decided I won't help her unless she explicitly asked me. She came close to breaking down a several times but collected herself together. She was stubborn as a mule. This won't do. Someone has to take a step further because we still needed to complete our assignment. One thing I can't compromise with was my grades. I took in a deep breath.

"Are you free at 6 pm tomorrow?"

I whispered to her as she gave me a stupefied look. She looked up at Kurenai and then turned back to me.

"For what?"

She didn't try to hide the malice in her voice as though I was asking her on a date. Yeah right.

"For project. We need to start working on it."

I left no room for argument as I stated and she looked perplexed for a second. It was funny how her expressions changed in a matter of split second. She have the most expressive eyes I have ever seen and they depict every single thing she is feeling.

"Where will we meet?"

"At my condo."

I stated as it was the most natural thing ever. Although I lived with my family but I sometimes spend my night at my bachelor pad when our practice session lasted till night and I was too tired to drive back home. It was lavish and I was supposed to move out of my family home in senior year but my mother's tear stopped me. She said I was already moving to another city next year and it was the last time I will be at home. She didn't see any reason for me to move out. I couldn't say no to my mother so I stayed. My condo was at ten minutes walking distance from our school while it took me thirty five minutes by car to come from home. Of course this detail slipped out of my mom's mind. Typical.

"I am not coming to your apartment."

"What?"

I didn't want to negotiate with her in this matter too. Why can't she be like a normal person and cooperate with me?

"Why not?"

I hissed slowly as I didn't want to catch our teacher's attention. Kurenai was strict and she was known to give detentions to student like our PE teacher handed the F grade. Which means a lot.

"Are you crazy? My parents would never allow me to go alone to a boy's apartment."

"What they don't know won't hurt them."

I replied smartly as she gaped at me as that was the most absurd thing she ever heard in her life. Why does she have to overreact about everything?

"Unlike you I don't lie to my parents. We will meet at the library."

She said haughtily as I narrowed my eyes at her. What does she think I was gonna do? Jump her bones. Tempting but my mother raised me better than that. Any other girl would have jumped at the opportunity to be at my place alone with me, I don't know if I respected her or hated her for this. She didn't trust me. Well I can't blame her, I didn't exactly have the reputation of a saint.

"Mr Uchiha and Ms Haruno. Care to share with the class what is so important that it can't wait till after class?"

Busted.

Sakura froze and gulped as Kurenai looked in between us with her crossed arms. She could be really scare if she wanted to.

"I am sorry sensei we were just discussing about the assassination of Archduke."

Smooth.

"But we already cover that ten minutes before Sakura."

She flushed as she bit her lip in nervousness and I knew their was no way we were getting out of this unharmed.

"It's my fault Sensei. I asked her that question."

I was astonished by own words. But I didn't want Sakura to be punished. I was the one who distracted her after all.

"That's very noble of you Sasuke. Detention after school. Both of you."

Should have known she won't let her off the hook because I said so. Forget about her I will miss the practice session. Fuck.

/

SAKURA'S POV

I can't believe this was happening to me. I, Sakura Haruno was spending my time into detention. In all my twelve years of school I have never been scolded let alone be send into detention. But here I was. I fisted my palms as I saw Sasuke walk into the lobby with a bucket and broom. Did I mention we were to clean the second level corridor as our punishment. I bore daggers into him as he looked at me and raised his perfectly arched eyebrow.

"What?"

"Are you shitting me? It's all your fault."

I was beyond pissed. He broke my discipline record and now my parents will be notified of it and hell would be unleashed at home. Great.

"Did you miss that part where I tried to get you out of it?"

"Do you want me to thank you for your failed effort?"

A slow smirk spread across his handsome face and he pursed his lips in deep thought. Are you kidding me?

"Screw you Uchiha! I have never been to detention ever in my life unlike you who might be used to it."

I turned and started mopping the floor as I heard him speak.

"A bit judgemental of you don't you think.."

He said coldly as he started cleaning on the other side and I frowned. Their was no way it was his first time too. Football players were known to land into detention at the blink of an eye. They were all so hot headed and it didn't take much to rile them up and engage in a fist fight or undisciplined behaviour. I remember Naruto frequented the detention room atleast twice a month.

We didn't talk for the remainder of our time as we both finished our work. It was already past four by the time we finished and Ibiki let us off.

"I will see you in the library tomorrow."

Sasuke said flatly as he walked past me and I know he was mad. Shouldn't it be the other way around? I blew out a puff of air as I got ready for my long evening.

As expected my dad called me as soon as I got into my flat and he told me he will pick me up and I was to have the dinner at home. It was longest forty minute of my life as I sat silently with my dad in his car. His face didn't show anything but I knew better.

As expected they both lectured me on discipline and the reputation of our family and that I should know better.

"You should stay away from that Yamanaka girl. She has started to rub off on you."

I stared incredulously at my mother as she said my friend's name with spite. I know that Ino wasn't the most decent girl but she was still my friend. She have been my shoulder to cry on for twelve years now.

"It's not her fault mom. Sasuke and I were just discussing a topic. That's it."

"Sasuke Uchiha."

My father said with so malice that I flinched and wondered what did he do to my parents.

"Since when do you spend time with him?"

He interrogated as I gulped and looked away. I almost forgot Sasuke was a boy.

"We were just sitting next to each other that's all. I swear I never talk to him Dad."

"You should know better than that. I don't want you hanging out with that scoundrel. These varsity players use girls as toys. Do you hear me?"

I nodded meekly as I started to feel the tell tale signs of tears in my eyes. No. I won't cry. Not in front of someone who don't care.

"Good. This is the final warning for you. Next call and you will move back into this house and will stay grounded except school."

I darted from there towards my old room and it was only after I closed the door that I let myself break down. I cried into my pillow for what seemed like hours. They hated me. My own parents hated me. They would never forget the incident which happened nine years ago. I would have to live with that regret for the rest of my life. Everything they did for me was a burden on my shoulders. They never failed to remind me that they were still taking care of me as a daughter after what I did. With an anguished smile I realised that I lost my parents too on that fateful evening.