Chapter 30 – Sakura's Chapter (Part 5)

Everyone was so in love. It was great but so aggravating. It was hard being the only single girl in my friend group. Ino and Sai were always together snuggling, cuddling, kissing and being super adorable. Sai would paint Ino a lot and the pictures he painted were actually winning prizes in art contests. She was his muse. It was so sweet. Ino would also be so attentive and caring towards him. I wasn't too surprised when she told me she wanted to marry him.

Hinata and Naruto were another endearing couple. Even though Hinata was shy, with Naruto she was beginning to break out of her shell and Naruto was actually maturing though at snaillike speed. They were always laughing and holding hands. Hinata looked even more beautiful whenever she was with Naruto and he looked more handsome. They were meant for each other.

Tenten and Neji had been dating for forever and were super happy together. They were going to go to the same college and then maybe get married once they graduated and got jobs. I was glad I had reconnected with Tenten in these last years of high school.

But the problem with everyone dating was they were always talking about their boyfriends and the dates they went on and their double-even triple-dates. I was slightly envious. I wanted someone to call my own and to love and make plans with and go out with, but the one I wanted to do all that with was Sasuke-kun and he did not want those things. If he ever did want to and with me I would be the most ecstatic girl in the world-no-universe! But Sasuke-kun did not want to do those things with me. He didn't even like me in a romantic way…

"Is something wrong, Sakura?"

I looked up to remember I was walking the dogs with Kakashi-sensei.

"Oh, yeah. I'm fine," I smiled so he wouldn't worry.

"You know you and talk to me about anything, Sakura," He practically invited me to share my feelings.

"All my friends are dating and I'm not. I feel so out of the loop. I mean I've had guys ask me out but I want it to be Sasuke-kun but no matter what I try, he doesn't like me. I know it is selfish of me to want Sasuke-kun's love but I do want it. I really want him to love me," I somehow said that all in breath.

"Ah, Sasuke," Kakashi-sensei sighed.

"I'm sorry, Kakashi-sensei."

"No, it's fine. He is very important in your life. I think you should just not try so hard. Just let things run its course and if you're meant to be you will be." He sounded like every talk show advice person.

"I guess so," I sighed.

"That sounded a bit generic, didn't it?" I was surprised at how aware he was of himself.

"Yeah."

"I'm sorry. I can't give too much advice on love. I haven't been in a relationship for a long time."

"But you're hot!" I covered my moth after the bold declaration that came from my mouth,

"Am I?" He grinned.

"Most girls find you attractive," I tried to play it cool. He shrugged and chuckled as he walked on with the dogs.

Once we got back to his apartment and finished with the dogs, Kakashi-sensei wished me good night and I left. I was walking down the street minding my own business when I ran into him.

"Sakura," He said my name awkwardly.

"Itachi," I was equally awkward.

"How-how are you?" He asked.

"I'm fine," I faked a smile, "How are you?"

"Fine," He responded. We stood there together awkwardly. We used to be abel to talk so freely and for hours but now we were just asking how each other was and giving short responses. I missed him. I really did but how could I say that after telling him I didn't want to be around him. I didn't want to give him false hope or anything either.

"What are you doing walking out in the city so late?" He asked me.

"I just finished with Kakashi-sensei," I answered.

"Oh, right. You work for him."

"Yep."

Silence.

"So you just got off of work too?" I asked.

"Yeah. I'm going home to sleep for the first time in a two days," He half chuckled.

"Two days? Are they overworking you?"

"No. I just didn't sleep the other night thanks to my obnoxious neighbor throwing a party all night."

"He sounds awful. You should go kick his butt." He laughed at my comment.

"I'd rather not. He is pretty huge and could kick my ass."

"You're such a pacifist," I giggled.

"What can I say? I prefer peace over getting beaten up."

I laughed. I felt so relaxed like I used to be with him.

"I've missed you," he suddenly stated.

"I've missed you, too," I confessed. He smiled a little at my words.

"I'd like to see you more, if that's okay with you."

I didn't know what to say to him. I had missed him those past few months but was I ready to be around him again?

"I…"
"If you don't feel comfortable, I understand," He looks so sad despite his forced little smile.

"Itachi, I really do want to be with you again but I don't want you to think I'm leading you on. I love Sasuke-kun and my love for him isn't changing."

"I know, Sakura. I've always known. I'm not trying to stop you for loving him. I just want to be near you again. You're my best friend. I just confused my brotherly and friendly love for you with romantic love. I've gotten it straightened out no. I know my feelings for you are completely platonic."

"Really?" I wanted to believe him.

"Yes. Please, Sakura, let's be friends again," he had slight desperation in his voice.

"Okay," I caved, "But if you even start to get confuse with your feelings for me again let me know instead of kissing me."

"I promise," He crossed his heart. I was happy. Itachi and I had reconciled. He started coming to the house more often which made everyone else happy. He still lived in his own apartment but that was fine.

There were moments when I did question the validity of Itachi's "straightened out" feelings. I caught him sometimes just staring at me. But I wanted to believe him. I had to believe him. I had my friend back so I had to believe. His parents were happy so I had to believe. Sasuke-kun was the happiest so I really had to believe in Itachi.