Disclaimer: No.. I don't own Naruto

A/N: This is pretty much the same as Chapter 1, except it's in Sasuke's perspecitve.

Chapter 2: His Story, Age 12

It was nearing summer when I received a small, pink note at the age of twelve. Much to my embarrassment as well as annoyance, I had received several notes from girls I didn't even know, asking me out. However, that pink note instinctively formed a picture of Sakura in my mind. So, unless my instinct was correct, I had no idea who it was from, yet again.

"Please come by your homeroom class after school for just a few minutes."

The note sounded as if whoever wrote it already knew I discarded such notes without much second thought. It almost sounded like a plea, and as the image of Sakura formed in my head again, I decided to go take a look.

Just in case.

When the school bell rang, I walked to my homeroom class, only to find it empty.

So I'm early. Che.

Whoever had asked me for some of my time had better be worth it.

I had just situated myself by the window so it'd look like I was, at the very least, gazing outside, and not just dumbly waiting for a stupid fan girl. The door slid open then, and a "fan girl" did slip in.

Sakura would always attempt to give me compliments which never failed to annoy me. However, the pink-haired girl standing in front with a surprised look that I had even bothered to come by, was, well, almost cute.

When she froze up, I knew I'd be annoyed with the awkward silence that would soon follow, so I pressed her on with a "So?"

However, that silence inevitably followed, as my mind started racing to wonder what kind of reaction I should hold.

It was definitely annoying. It was her who called me out for something, and yet, I was also shaken up as well? I was just about to open my rude mouth in frustration when I heard a loud clatter of footsteps coming this way.

When I heard the small chattering of none other than our classmates, I looked up to Sakura in panic. Could she possibly not hear them coming?

I gritted my teeth a little before I tried to warn her, "Sakura –"

"I LIKE YOU, SASUKE!"

And, just in time, the classroom door slid open, revealing a crowd of wide-eyed classmates.

However, it was then when her words reached my senses.

She likes me.

She likes me?

A part of myself desperately urged for some kind of explanation to chase away the class, but my mind would just stay silent. It really was too much of a surprise. I hadn't actually thought that the small, pink note was one that would lead me to Sakura's confession.

At that point, I knew that it would not have mattered if the class was there or not. My response to Sakura would have been the same: a silence. A horrifying, terribly long silence for her, I knew, but what was I supposed to say without having had time to sort out feelings like… these?

Just then, my senses were brought back to the classroom when Sakura spoke sharply, making her way out through the crowd.

When she was gone, the class turned to look at me with some sort of anticipation.

Don't tell me they expect me to chase after her?

Trying to keep my cool, I gave out a smirk and teased with a hint of obvious mockery, "What, you guys never been confessed to before?"

With that, I was also out of the class, just as confused as they were.

. . .

It was a sleepless night as I stayed wide awake, looking blankly at the white ceiling.

"I LIKE YOU, SASUKE!"

It kept playing in my mind endlessly.

But, she was usually just as annoying as those "fan girls". Sakura was probably not serious. She was just a kid, anyway.

And, there was just no way would I ever fall for her. Even if she was the only girl, well, girl enough to catch my interest…

The next morning, I purposely took some time to reach the school and open the door only to hear…

"I HATE SASUKE!"

Sakura was gripping on her fists so tightly.

It only took one look at the blackboard before the situation clicked.

Sakura. Who did she think she was to offend me in such a way? I knew her true feelings weren't an honest "like". Sudden anger grumbled inside me as my eyes flashed a dangerous red, which was quickly subdued when I felt her shudder slightly before me.

No. I don't want her to be scared of me. That'd be the last thing I'd want.

I quickly composed myself and turned to the class. All eyes were curiously set on me, and I fought off the annoyance as I spoke words to try to chase away the class's interest.

"Hn. Who would ever like Hirano Sakura."

When those words left my mouth and icy silence was the only thing that followed, I knew it would be something to regret on. I hadn't meant my words to weigh so heavily on them. On her.

I stood my stance and my heart constricted itself before I took in the effect on Sakura.

Something glistened in her eyes before she walked away. She didn't come back, although I saw her again in the hallways as she made way for the other classes.

If I had known those words would be the last thing to reach Sakura for the next few years, I would have stopped myself then.

I wanted to let her know I didn't really mean it, but Sakura stayed true to her words as she ignored me countless times. I gave up shortly after, but the burden resulted from the unintentional weight of my words would not get out of my heart.

Who was the real idiot?

A/N: Phew. I finally got the very basis done and over with. I'm hoping there'd be around ten chapters max. So far, I've lived my life as a drawer (more like a hopeless doodler), and I haven't really attempted to write much.. Having said that, ALL reviews welcome! Especially critiques. I know I need them.

I don't like long author's notes personally, but look what happened to mine..

Regarding the story, I thought it'd be nice to give Sakura her heartbreak at the immature age of 12 – not saying everyone is immature at that age…- then have the story continue years later.

Confused Sasuke.. is what I'd hoped to achieve here, although it may not exactly suit him.