Author's Note: Hi, everyone! Sorry for the late update. I've been very busy with school. I'm sorry if it's a short one, but I want to explain Sakura's relationship with her dad. I hope you like it anyway!


Chapter Five

To: Hinata

From: Sakura

Subject: (no subject)

Hi, Hinata! Sorry for not writing you the past two weeks. Final exams are around the corner and I've been busy studying and helping out to fix my grades. Now is the only free time I have.

My mark on the Japanese mock exam is the lowest and I had taken remedial tests, but they're still below average. It's funny that I got a bad score on it, because I'm Japanese, but it's not my cup of tea and I find it so difficult, I don't know why. And so, Hatake-sensei made me help him with his work, as a make up for my bad results, everyday until before finals week. Being with him after school hours at the teachers' office is nerve-wracking, but I don't really care. I quite like the thrill rushing up my spine by just being near him.

He usually asks me to help him mark grades, get him coffee, and organize this or that. He some times tells me very lame jokes, but I can't help laughing at how bad they are. They somehow reminded me of my dad's jokes.

Then one time he asked me how my crush was. My whole face turned red and, stammering, I told him he seemed to be doing okay. He is still oblivious that my crush is him…but I'd like to remain that way.

I'm sorry that I wasn't there for you when you felt sad and lonely. I really wished I could give you a hug and talk to you, but I'm glad you felt better after looking at the sky. I feel the same way after looking out my window when I feel down. There's so much to look at from where I stand, such as my neighbor's houses and them walking their dogs. I find it really soothing, like how housewives like to look at jellyfish in the aquarium to calm themselves.

Yes, I do remember that time when we were in grade one and you shared to the whole class you wanted to catch a shooting star. I can still see clearly the admiration on our classmates' faces and the frown on our teacher's face. What was his name? Iruka-sensei? Anyway, I've always admired you since then.

I have the same issues as you. My dad has been neglecting me too. Not just me, but my mom as well. I guess it started some time on the second year of junior high school, around the time after you moved. He used to be a very fun person, making lame jokes and puns, laughing loudly with mom. Then one day he just stopped being that person. He always comes home late at night. He's never at home, but when he is he stays in his study and never goes out. I often woke up in the middle of the night and hear my parents fight. I found out during one of their arguments that he has a mistress. I know my mom wants to leave him, but I guess she's afraid of what everybody will think.

I used to hate the fun side of dad, but after all these years of silence from him, I want the old him back.

How different is your relationship with your cousin, by the way? I want to know.

Oh! I just remembered! I've asked my mom about spending winter break with you and she agreed for me to go, but I have to ask my dad about it. My whole expression changed when she mentioned dad. I hadn't spoken a word to him for a long time, and now I have to ask him for permission to go. I hope he'll let me.

Until next time!

Sakura