The night has brought me an almost sleepless night. I found myself drifting slowly into sleep and quickly out of it so I could be barraged by what I've done wrong, and what I should've done for Ino. The night gave me almost a painful unlimited time to think of what I could do to make Ino comeback, or how it'd be like if I followed her request to stop loving her. The memories of our delirious time together made my heart pound faster and my body get hot from the fluttering warmth in my bell, but the time I hurt her was like an unwanted winter quickly assaulting my belly, smothering the warmth. I would feel cold and not in this world, but slowly drifting on a sea of loneliness. It was a yearning feeling to be warm and in love without thinking of the consequences, but that was even before I know I fell in love in the first place.

The night told me the bitter truth and secrets to help get Ino back, but the truth was stronger.

I broke from my trance as I stared at myself in the mirror. I was once again aware where I was at and what I should be doing, but my eyes still continued to stare at my reflection.

Was I the type to give up? Did Ino really think I'd give up so easily? Was she even in love with me? If she was, how could she throw it all away so quick? Would I be able to do the same?

Was I strong enough to do it?

…

Was I strong enough to get Ino back?

--

My eyes were glued to the lone podium on the school's stage. The crude iron chair I was sitting on was uncomfortable. The floor was sticky with soda from last night's dance. I could smell it too. It was coca-cola with liquor mixed in. The scent was faint but enough to make me want to scrunch my nose, Liquor was the top five grossest smells in my mind, yet instead I felt myself shuffle in my seat. I was too focused on the beginning of the school assembly. The students were filtering in the narrow doors and randomly sitting down. They too were oddly quiet and fully focused. Memories started flashing through my mind of the previous week, it was chaotic and fast.

The ceiling lights began to dim, signaling the start of the assembly. The few talking students became silent instantly. The auditorium sounded vacant, except for the occasional creaks of the chairs or shuffling of bodies. I hesitantly glanced around to see everyone's eyes forward, searching for any movement behind the red curtains on the stage. I turned back while licking my lips, what a dead crowd. Sadly, my attempts at humoring myself were in vain. My eyes returned to the stage again. They were heavy from the lack of sleep last night. My mind replayed the dancing students, the encouraging music, and the smell of deodorant. I washed myself longer than I should've this morning.

"Where were you last night?" A worried voice called to me, I lazily peered over to see Tenten. Her facial expression was mixed with worry, annoyance, and relief. If someone else looked at her face, it would look like she was tired. Her eyes were dull from stress, or something similar. It was hard to tell her emotions, but after a few years you learn to decipher her poker face. I gave her a casual shrug. I didn't want to break the silence of the meeting. She quickly took a seat beside me and averted her attention to the stage. I did so as well.

As if on cue, the president shambled across the stage to the podium. A different silence loomed over us. It was filled with anticipation and suspense. What caused this silence? It was the beginning of the year, which meant this assembly is for the newest expectations of every student body enrolled in this prestigious school. Each year there were new rules to back up old ones, or new ones to follow by. It got so tight and strict in this school that no one could show their individuality here.

The president's eyes were frantic and lacquered with hesitation. What was she waiting for? Let's get this thing over. We don't have all day Ino.

"Don't stare so hard Sakura," Tenten joked quietly, "you might make Ino burst into flames."

I didn't retort back to her because the blond began to speak. "Welcome e-everyone," her voice cracked noticeably. She flinched inwardly, somebody coughed in the crowd while a few laughed at her. They were instantly silenced once more when she shuffled her papers, trying to regain her usual calm composure.

"This year we'll be experiencing some dramatic changes, that all of us may not be accustom to," she began slowly with an un-sure voice. What was Ino doing? Surely she knew she was making a fool out of herself, which was beyond peculiar! She was usually full to the brim with confidence and calmness. Yet here she was, stuttering and tripping over her words like a bashful child. Her shimmering blue eyes scanned the room, like she was looking for someone. It was only until she met mine that she inhaled sharply, I continued to stare. She flinched before coughing and looking away. Silence claimed its victory in the assembly for ten seconds.

"Sorry let me continue," her voice was still edgy. Her eyes landed on me again, yet this time she didn't avert her gaze. A new found exuberant gleam shined in her beautiful eyes. Her confidence leaped along with composure. There you are, my thoughts cooed when the usual Ino returned.

"Like I said a little awhile ago, we will experience something new this year." Her voice was musical and fluid, no bumps or nervous cracks. My memories started flooding into my head again, reminding me of this previous week. Reminding me why I was here, and why I've kept an eagle eye on Ino.

I was here to admit defeat in the IR club. I was waiting for Ino to say the ban list and clap in response, like the rest of the depressed smitten kids. We were going to lose the battle, to show Ino I was telling the truth. That I only wanted her and not to win anything, it didn't matter who won or lost. The thing that mattered the most was if I would be able to mend Ino's heart. It was broken and in pain, she even admitted it, and it was caused from me. She was suffering worse than before.

I looked deeper into her eyes. The pain was still there. It was evident to me, but everyone else thought it was only pride and selfishness shining through those blue eyes. To me, it was the burden of her life to be better and make her family proud. She felt the weight of everything unlike Deidara and Naruto. She believed she had full responsibility on keeping the family together. She was the one who carried most of the burden without recognition.

She was a fallen angel. Carrying the world's burden on her back with a tear stained face and a weak smile, and I happened to make that burden heavier by inflicting her with a broken heart disease.

I racked my brain for a better memory as she spoke the introduction that they said every year. I glanced down at my feet and squeezed my eyes shut.

Changes are made to make one realize that they are maturing, that they are becoming stronger and need to evolve to keep surviving! One could not sink further into their old ways because they will surely drown in it. So this year we will take it to the next step with new rules and regulations! We will succeed!

I pictured Ino smiling at me. Her eyes were warm, vibrant, and happy. There wasn't a trace of sadness within her.

I stopped thinking.

She was happy with me. Ino didn't think of sadness. Her burden was lifted when she was around me. She was in love too. I felt like jolting up out of my seat but refrained myself from doing so.

She didn't want me around anymore though. The thought almost sent me slumping into my seat. Almost. I quickly shot my gaze back up to her. She was still staring at me with adamant hard eyes. I gave her a curious look.

What was she trying to prove? She was in love with me, and she knew it. She also knew that she felt better around me. So why was she pushing me away? I didn't understand where she was coming from.

"I will now tell you the new rules of this year." Her voice cracked. Her eyes were becoming glossy again. I heard chair squeak and glanced over to see the elders standing up in their seats. Concern wasn't one of their emotions, it was fright.

I returned my sight back to Ino. She cleared her throat, but you could hear the strained tears and pain in her voice as she looked at me. I shot up from my seat, unable to endure this any longer. Ino was in love and she was pushing it aside. I know I hurt her, but didn't she see my tears too? She felt it and I felt it too! Wasn't that enough?

Love wasn't like a fairytale with happy endings. They weren't always happy endings or great beginnings. Love in real life was an entirely different story which Ino could not see. The beginning always started with the problems. The endings were always sad, but it was always the middle that counted the most.

We were still in the middle, and I wasn't going to let our story be cut short. I began maneuvering out of the crowd quickly. People were spitting curses at me as I fumbled and stepped on their feet.

"I-I…I.," Ino stammered. In the corner of my eye I saw a glimpse of Ino with tears rolling down her face. A murmur began to emit from the crowd.

"Take her off the stage, now!" I heard an elder hiss to the other.

She was cracking. She needed me! I was the only one that could help her. If I didn't she would end up in a rut she would never be able to pull herself out of! Ino was digging her own grave. I had to stop her.

Sakura, I can't love you.

I know she couldn't love me, because she already loved me. She felt weak and hurt, afraid I was using her for some diabolical plan. I was using her for a plan, a plan to help everyone out in the end, but now it was over. I was here to save Ino, not the school body anymore.

She needed the most help out of all of us. She was the one who was in pain, and not the students.

I began to pick up my pace until I was at a jog. Maneuvering and avoiding feet in the narrow space between people's legs and the other chairs, people were yelling at me now, but I could care less. They didn't understand what it was like to watch the one you love try to destroy what made her happy and try to survive afterwards. It was painstakingly heartbreaking. I could feel the tears prickle at the corner of my eyes as I finally dashed out into the aisle.

"This school has gone through enough. We no longer need a guiding hand. We don't need people who don't belong here to tell us what to do anymore." Her whisper echoed throughout the auditorium.

I stopped in my tracks as I saw Ino furiously rubbing away the tears in her eyes. She lifted the paper in her hand and glanced at it.

The room became quiet again. She cleared her throat again. The elders sighed in relief and were about to sit down until she uttered these last vital few words.

"All the ridiculous rules are released."

Everyone in the crowd shot up in surprise. A word didn't escape their mouths, but instead they hung open in attempt to comprehend what was said.

The elders in the front row began to yell and curse at Ino.

"What?!" Tenten came running from the aisle to stand near me. She put a hand on my back in comfort.

Ino jumped and looked where Tenten was. A spotlight slowly slid over to us. I felt like choking as the whole student body watched me and Tenten.

"What did you say, Ino?" Tenten asked again in a yell. She wanted to hear it loud and clear. What surprised me the most was that she addressed Ino by her first name in public, symbolizing that they were friends. Nobody called Ino by her first name in public for the world to hear, until now.

Ino's eyes were wide before she forced them shut as streams of tears descended her face. I watched in fright as she gave in. She was accepting defeat. She was telling me that I could hurt her and win what I wanted. What I previously wanted until I met the true her.

"ALL THE RIDICULOUS RULES ARE RELEASED!"

With those words screamed into the microphone, the student body jumped in joy and screamed in happiness. You could hear Kiba howl in delight. Cell phones were brought out, ringtones went off, I-pods were playing at their maximum, people were yelling at the top of their lungs, and a few people were releasing their hair from the restricting ponytails and letting their hair free.

All around us people were happy. They were feeling their freedom again. No longer did they have to follow the rules in a depressed state. Now they could run and dress how they wanted, they could say what they desired; it was a free school again.

Tenten yelled in happiness. "Sakura! We did it!"

I soon realized that Ino was no longer on the stage. I didn't waste another second before running after her in daze. I didn't care for the other students. It was Ino who should've been getting the applause. She should've been thanked and congratulated.

As I climbed the stairs up to the stage I could see the teachers in the second row sit up and smile to each other. The elders were in an outrage, shooting up as fast as their old bodies could and yell in betterment. They knew they lost it. They were no longer in control, all because of Ino. She made it clear that this school was through with the elders and they were no longer needed, especially their absurd rules.

I dashed to the backstage as a few students were cheering back there. The light crew decided to put in colored lights and make them dance all around the room. Another plugged in their I-pod into the speaker and played a song that blasted through the speakers. The bass was pounding as I ran quicker to the back exit where I knew Ino fled to.

I had to tell her that we had each other and together we could help each other. We could make each other happy, brighten each other's day, get through tough times, and even take away the burden she was carrying.

I pushed on the doors handle and plunged into the autumn cold air. It overcame me quickly as my school uniform flapped in the strong wind. I closed my eyes as the sun with blinding brightness. I let out a noise in frustration.

I had to get to Ino. Yet, I couldn't see.

I began to run without knowing where I was going. I couldn't let the light bring me down from finding her. I continued to run until my eyes stopped hurting. I blinked them open, spots overcoming my vision in different colors and shapes.

I then noticed a figure taking shape in a bench. Ino, it was her. She was in a small heap on the bench near the white Burch trees. I could see her shoulders shaking uncontrollably. I hugged myself in attempt to conserve heat. I slowly made my way towards her, not wanting to startle her and make her run again. As I drew near I could tell she was she was crying, and not shivering from the autumn bitterness.

I was taking my time as I thought of something to say. I couldn't be direct and say that we needed each other. I couldn't do one of those unbelievably long conversations in this skin-nipping cold weather, and I couldn't just use actions for my words. I found myself absolutely unprepared for something like this. The whole time I was running after Ino I did not once consider what to say, and here was the consequence for doing so: Being absolutely speechless in a dire situation.

I was right beside Ino now, breathing heavily in anticipation and partly from running. I still didn't have the slightest idea on what to say. Ino's cries were muffled through her hands but with each sniffle and gasp I felt my concentration crumble. I just wanted to hug her and tell her I was here for her, but I knew it wouldn't cut it for her.

Ino was the girl who needed facts and something to remind her through severe times that she didn't have to worry, but I couldn't supply them right now. I didn't know anything convincing to say. If I told her I loved her and she loved me and that's how it was supposed to be she wouldn't believe a single word from me.

A giant gust of wind blew that caused me, and Ino to shiver violently. I quickly sat down on the other side of Ino until I noticed I was the one taking shelter behind her. I got up and sat on the other side of Ino so I could protect her from the icy breeze.

Ino stopped crying and peeked from her sheltering hands. Her blue eyes were tired, wet, and red around the rims. When she finally realized who was by her she scooted further away.

"Please, Sakura just let me be." She uttered into her hands. Her voice was shaky. I could easily tell she was holding back her cries. I watched her shiver again. I was too far away to be her wind block now. I scooted closer to her. She needed to know that I won't ever hurt her again. I had to tell her that she couldn't hide those feelings just like I couldn't. She needed to know that'd I would help her no matter what the problem was, but she kept denying it while clamping her hands over her ears.

She knew she needed to hear those words and she'd trust me again. She was just too scared of getting hurt again like an abused puppy.

"No." I said in a firm voice. She quickly removed her head from her hands and furrowed her brows in confusion.

"I said get away." She restated in a stern tone.

If I continued it this way we'd only get into big fight, and that's the last thing we needed. Yet I didn't know how to respond. How could I react to Ino when she was in a defensive mood? What could I ever do? What was the best move? Nothing came to mind.

But my heart was telling me to do something that I would never do in a moment like this. After being in so many situations, I never thought I'd resort to this childish act.

I gave a weak smile before sticking my tongue out slightly.

"Can't make me," I replied in a playful voice. My mind was telling me that it was a stupid move to make, but my heart was pleased.

Ino's furrowed brows lightened up and she glanced away. "Whatever."

She was forgetting her burden and pain. I knew this because she stopped crying. She had her mind on me now. She was remembering all the good times we had. It was slowly putting her at ease and she didn't want to show me that. She knew if she did that I'd be able to bring her back to light that she was running from.

She was trying to go back to her old ways because that was her only way to cope.

I scooted closer so that we were exactly by her side. What else should I do now?

My heart spoke for me again. "Changes are made to make one realize that they are maturing, that they are becoming stronger and need to evolve to keep surviving. One could not sink further into their old ways because they will surely drown in it. So this year we will take it to the next step with new rules and regulations. We will succeed. "

Ino froze up. She stopped breathing for a second. She realized that I knew exactly what she was thinking. Ino wanted to run away from this unstable emotion within her, believing that it was only going to hurt her in the end.

The speech was right. She couldn't go back to her old ways of hiding her emotions and running away from them unless she wanted to drown in her childish facade.

I was here for her now, to help her through times when it got rough. She knew that.

"You know who made that quote for the school?" She asked me. The wind blew just a little gentler than before. I smiled.

"No, who did?" I replied in a curious voice. She waited a second before replying.

"My dad," she answered. My smile grew a little weaker. That's why it affected her so much. I chosen probably the worst quote to use against her, but it also was powerful enough to make her realize what she was doing to herself, and how childish it was.

This time around I wasn't loss at words. I knew what I should say to her because she was opening up to me. She was giving me my second chance.

"Your dad would want you happy, Ino. Not sad and taking the whole burden." I told her. She froze up again. I doubted no one else told her these words since she hid her feelings away from the world, until a week ago when she defending Stoner. It was the only time she happened to give the world a chance to cure her from herself, and I ended up being the person to help and fall in love with her. It was romantic in a way.

"And," I continued to add, "going against the feelings that make you happy and the people that make you happy only ends up hurting you even more, no matter what the reason is. You should know that." I said as I lightly leaned against her to show that I wasn't mad and was here for her, and forever will be.

"I know," she whispered to me. I smiled.

"Then why are you doing it like right now?" I asked. She remained quiet for the longest time as leaves floated on the strong wind that hit me. I was almost forgetting the coldness as I felt Ino on my shoulder. She was here with me, giving me her time.

"Because it hurts so much, Sakura." She answered before turning her head to me. She leaned back into me. She was unburying the love she had for me within her. She was trying to become a better person and forgetting her old ways. She was trying for me, and that's the most I could ask from her.

"My dad told me he would never hurt me or leave me, and he died. My step-dad said the same and died in a car crash. My brother told me he would never leave but he ended up moving far away to go to an art university. Naruto doesn't know anything, and now…now you're here promising me love and protection." She murmured.

"How could I not be scared of it, Sakura? Please tell me something that will help me believe you won't hurt me. I just can't love with the past reminding me what can happen." She said. "It doesn't matter if I want it or not…I doubt I can take another blow again. It's already too much."

I listened intently to her confession. She was finally telling me why she couldn't love, and this one was the truth. It wasn't actually about trust. It was truly about if she would be able to love, attempting to try again. She was skeptical if my promise would last, believing it would end like the past promises she had. It almost made me hesitate on my answer. I couldn't promise her that I would never die, but I could promise her my love and all its worth.

I watched our breath blend together before being swept away by the wind.

"I can't promise that I will never die, Ino. I would love to say it but I'd be lying." I told her. She nodded into my shoulder and head. I grabbed her hand that was lingering near mine. It was so cold, almost just like snow, but my warm hand would revive it back to its warm state.

"I can promise you all the love and every bit of protection I can give to you. I'll give you my all." I told her as she rubbed my hand with her thumb.

"But what if you fall out of love with me?" She asked me. I almost wanted to laugh at the question. How could a feeling so strong like this end? It was too strong, persistent, and undeniable to die away. It would never die as long as she requited my love, I knew that for sure.

"I won't, but you have to promise me something." I said. She removed her hand from mine and moved her head so she could look me in the eye. Something gleamed within her.

Love, hope, dreams, and inspiration was all in one single twinkle in her eye. I smiled brightly at her. She returned it back.

"This would be the first time someone made me promise them," she told me. I was surprised at this. I suppose my promise would be the first and probably most important one to her.

"Promise me to never look down or think twice about my love, or yours." I told her as I slowly put my forehead on hers. She closed her eyes, allowing the words to sink in and to savor this serene moment.

The wind howled around us, leaves crashed into me, our limbs were aching in the cold, our hair whipping at our sensitive skin, and the sun went behind a cloud. Yet, all was calm and perfect. This is what heaven was called; when everything was going bad you still felt like this moment was the best in the world.

"I promise."

"Then, we'll stay like this forever."