Disclaimed. AU.

The third part is a narration and it will revolves to Karin's perspective. And the italization of those words indicates the present time, please be known.

Importance

by: you are my math

- But I loved him first -

. . .

He wasn't listening when I told him to ease down. His eyes were focused elsewhere but mine; completely lost in thoughts, probably even having a silent argument against his will, and against what he really felt at that time.

I should've known.

"She will be fine, just focus on this, Sasuke." I tried, holding his hand with mine. It was the best I could offer regardless of how vain it may ended up.

He wasn't listening to me, my words wouldn't reach him, but he didn't remove my hand from his; too caught up. "Sasuke. Sasuke, hey," I knew Naruto was already there, I was certain of it. Why couldn't he just understand that? My cousin wouldn't let her in that situation alone, so I knew, and I had to keep it with myself.

That was also the reason why I couldn't just let Sasuke to leave. I couldn't let him see what was there to begin with. I didn't want him to regret what he was planning to do. Because no matter how much I wished for him to realize their relationship, I didn't want him to feel any less of what he actually deserved.

But, I couldn't catch up onto what happened when he suddenly slipped his hand away from mine. "Sasuke!"

"Sasuke," I repeated despite myself. "You might not want to find her! Please, Sasuke!"

He left without uttering a word. He couldn't care less about our professor's cussing at his lack of respect and absurdity; nor on my pleas of my own indignity.

I was so much of an idiot to let him slip away. I didn't want him to be in pain.

I didn't want him to see them together.

.

.

When I first met her, I worked on a part time job; and was an undergrad, senior high school student.

The obvious thing any person would've noticed first was her undeniably wide forehead. Well, I doubt it, majority of the people she met might have probably, in some way, noticed her pink locks first, than her own forehead. But she's pretty, whatever the case is.

She handed me her drink, slid her bill on the counter, and left. I couldn't care less though, she was on the phone, that was why. She did not even suppress the smile across her lips.

That familiar expression on her face, I noted, kind of reminded me of myself when I talk to someone I'd want to waste my time with.

I watched as she pushed the door forward with her body. But before she completely left, she glanced over from her shoulder to me; "oh, I forgot," I was caught off guard on the process, when she smiled at me the brightest. "Thanks."

I hardly even did anything relevant. And, it wouldn't take even a 6 year old kid to notice that she was in total good mood. But I appreciated her politeness.

The second meeting wasn't what I was expecting for it to be.

I eventually figured out that the woman I met several days ago in my workplace was someone I didn't know would be a part of the family someday... or not... I wouldn't know. It was the first time of Naruto to introduce someone like her to the family.

I was used to Hinata-san's often visits in the house. Well, all of us in the family were. We almost even thought those two best of friends were official, since there was no one Naruto needed to introduce to us, than Hinata-san herself. But who would have thought that it wasn't the case at all? Sakura's very existence to me, and perhaps to the family also, were unexpected to say at least.

That might also explain why Hinata-san's occasional visits in the house idled into a halt, too.

I shrugged. It wasn't my life to begin with. So whoever my cousin would choose—though, I doubt the choosing part, since there was none to choose to even begin with—it'd be best to give my regard to both of them. I soon realised that, girl best friend is far different than the real girlfriend.

"It was nice to meet you, I'm Sakura." She held out her hand for a handshake, which I gladly took, in return.

She didn't recognise me, but I recognised her. Who wouldn't, with her pink locks, and huge forehead? Sure, as hell, anyone would. "Karin." She, once again, gave me that smile she had given me several days ago.

For a moment, I think she would be a good cousin-in-law.

But I still preferred Hinata-san.

.

.

It was several weeks ago after they announced they're engaged.

I met Sakura on my way back to my apartment. As usual, she was the friendly one, who has a friend tagging along with her. I shifted my gaze to the other way, quite avoiding her very self approaching my direction. I even almost pretended that I was rummaging something in my bag.

Somehow the thought of meeting her after all those things that happened was difficult to me. I didn't want to meet her yet, not until I've calmed myself down first. But I should've known that avoiding her was impossible to do so.

So, whatever the reason I've came up to myself, my plan, still, didn't happen.

"Karin-san?"

I was quick to abide on her voice, while subtly looking as though I was surprised. "Oh, hi, what're you doing here?" I wasn't smart enough to know my words, plainly because I just didn't care at all.

She gave me her familiar smile. A smile that I wouldn't know if still held a sincere gesture. I traveled down, and took a glimpse of her engagement ring. "Hmm? I was just about to head at Tsunade-shishō's office in the library with my friend."

I nodded at her friend, and smiled.

I stared back at her, she was always the ever so polite, bubbly person I've known—I wondered if what she portrayed outside was still similar to the real her inside. I wouldn't know.

Her engagement ring, though, I noted, it wasn't as grandeur as I expected for it to be.

It was unlikely for Naruto to give a plain one. But who was I to judge?

Who was I to say the opposite just to make myself good? After all, that the same engagement ring, she wears, should be the sole reason why I should be feeling joyous now.

She gave me a chance to prove myself to someone. But that wouldn't still erase the fact that I was competing on a very lame reason with someone who wouldn't even gave their best, and yet kept on winning the battle whatever the situation was.

"I see..." My reply was short, uncaring. I looked down on her hands again, contemplating the years we've known each other now. I could say...

My votes had always been to Hinata-san—even before all these things have started, that wouldn't change—but for some reason, I was glad that Sakura met my cousin first, before Sasuke could even meet her in the university. For some reason, I was glad to put my trust on the stronghold of loyalty she possessed towards my cousin, because on that moment on, I knew Sakura wouldn't easily let go of Naruto.

"Are you all right, though? You don't look so well." I felt her palm on my forehead.

I hardly moved. "Ah, yes, just tired, I supposed. How was Naruto by the way? Have he called you already?"

"Mhm, yes, just recently. He said he missed us already, like it wasn't the obvious thing, ever. He also sent me a lot of pictures. Did he, too, to you?"

Halfheartedly, I smiled. "Yes, he did. Though, some of those were kind of blurry."

"Couldn't have said it better! Typical of him. But some of those shots were still on point, I couldn't argue. Indeed, Paris has always been my favourite."

"Then follow him." It involuntarily slipped through, really, I wasn't being so careful, should've refrained myself sooner. But it just felt so right to just tell her that.

"Huh?"

"I mean, follow him, and just stay with him. I knew he really wishes to see Paris, France with you, too."

"If that has been that easy, then I would've already flew my way there. But I still have remaining one year left to graduate." A paused. "But hey let's look at the brighter side, it's just a year. What could possibly go wrong within a year?"

Anything could happen in a year. Feelings may vary; he might meets someone better—but I doubt, still, the chances are not impossible to come true. But in all, what I just wanted to say was...

I might also lose this only chance I have against you.

I couldn't afford that to happen.

.

.

Although, I didn't bother to, I still came to learn things about her.

I wasn't fond of her that much though, unlike the relationship I had built with Hinata-san—given the nature of her reserved, and gentle personality; but, really, I wouldn't know why it somehow bothered me, I didn't know if it were because I preferred the woman who first came into the picture, or simply because Sakura's personality and mine wouldn't complement together.

But, there were still times when Sakura would initiate a talk, and as a well-mannered person, I would, of course, comply. I respect, appreciate and treat her as though she belongs to the family, too. I wasn't that much of a hostile person.

As a matter of fact, I was actually glad that she was here. She was the sole reason, why I often see that smile on Naruto's face. She made him happy, and that alone was enough for me as his cousin.

So, when she got accepted to the same university we were in, I was happy. For the most part? Yes, I was with all honesty.

I acknowledged her efforts, and she proved her worth, not only for Naruto, but as well to his family. It was going well, and I might gradually learn to confide myself to her existence.

That, until she met Sasuke.

I did pay an attention, but I wasn't worried; Not a chance at all, since I've already made a mental agreement to myself to trust Sakura enough.

But given her bright, and pure personality, I should've expected that there would comes a time where Sasuke would eventually fall for her. So hard; I could see the way he cared for her, even if she wasn't around.

I could see how he gave his attention to whatever she would say. I shouldn't feel threatened, but I couldn't help but to feel as though my pride was humiliated.

I eventually realised that I was small compared to her. I shouldn't have let this happened.

I met him first.

I met Sasuke first. I knew things about him, even before she did. I met him first, but never in my life he did give me his attention, but to her. I met, and love him, whereas she didn't.

So, even if it was unintentional, why did she have to steal those away?

It wasn't like I didn't understand, but her friendly attitude gave him a wrong green signal of a go. She could've just won the title of miss congeniality instead, it would've been a lot better.

I didn't hate myself for not being like her though, I wouldn't degrade myself that much for the sake of admitting that she was better than me. I knew exactly my worth, but what annoyed me was the fact that the only option I could do was to risk my pride just for my own assurance that she wouldn't fall in love with him in return.

Even if there was no assurance at all, in the end.

But how could one know? Tables might turn, and I might found myself on his own thoughts someday.

It was only a matter of time.

.

.

It was months after their graduation, when Naruto have decided to go to Paris, France to pursue and accept the recommendation of his outstanding works, Sakura was left in Japan to continue her major.

It was also after they had a fight. I didn't know the details but I was certain it was about my cousin's sudden migration to France. It was unfair to think it so in Sakura's part, but I thought it was the least thing he can do to compensate the years he had stayed with the Uchihas as their being adopted son long before he met his biological parents.

It was complicated turned out events, and I didn't care for the most part of it.

But if you were to ask me, I am thoroughly concerned to my cousin. It must have been so hard for him, even though we were not that close as relatives.

And though it may sounded as though it was for my own sake that I've been doing all of these, I'd come clean and say I'd support him whatever the case would be.

I was just wishing that Sasuke may someday forget about what he felt towards Sakura, because even if how much he sees the situation in a different angle, he'd still lose her in the end.

And even though I've loved Sasuke so much, I'd still choose to support my cousin in the end.

Because I knew for the fact, that Sasuke deserved someone better.

Someone better; someone, who he didn't have to push himself into.

.

.

I learned not to give in anymore.

Fin.

A/N: Thanks for reading through this. I enjoyed writing this because I loved writing the different perspectives of these characters.

Oh, btw, my preliminaries have just began, so maybe a review or two won't hurt. Encourage me! Love y'all.