Note: If you are looking for information on this story, please see the first one.
Smiling PastaCourse 1: Removing the love curse by being in love for 90 years (Part 1)
"Sasuke!"
"Sasuke!"
"Hello everybody. I'm reporting live from the idol singer, Sasuke, and his band, Freedom's, annual new single showcase. A lot of fans have been lining up for the event since before dawn, just to catch a glimpse of this charming prince."
"We are really lucky to be drawn to come to this new single showcase."
"Yeah! How many postcards did you send in order to get drawn to come to this concert? I sent 500 of them."
"500? I sent 800 of them."
"Good thing we got drawn, or it would've been a waste."
"Oh please! Everything we do for Sasuke-kun is worth it."
"Yes! Yes!"
"It's a good thing we came to line up at 5 am or else we wouldn't have had a chance to get a front seat."
"Yes, exactly! Even though we sacrificed our sleeping time, but because it's for Sasuke-kun, I'm willing to do anything."
The screaming fans screamed louder and louder.
"At today's new single showcase, besides showcasing Sasuke's new single, everyone is most concerned about today's mysterious guest. Many people are guessing that this mysterious guest could be Sasuke's rumored girlfriend, who is also Sasuke's childhood friend, Ino."
"Sasuke!"
The famous pop star appeared in leather clothing above a huge crowd. He was on an elevator that slowly went toward the ground. He made his way toward the stage and picked up his guitar.
"Sasuke!"
Freedom started playing. Fog started to swirl around the stage.
"The distance between dreams and reality is infinite
Conflicts result when they are drawn near
As for where is the location of the new beautiful world?
Everyone has a different opinion
My pocket is already carrying full of golden chips
It's insignificant yet also mighty"
Backstage:
A girl wearing a leather jacket, hoop earrings, and her hair up approached Sasuke's manager. "Kakashi."
"Ino, you came?" He gave a handsome smile. "After Sasuke finishes his performance, I've arranged for you to go on stage. Right now, you are Sasuke's most mysterious girlfriend. The paparazzi are so interested in you. So I, as an agent, have bought you a little gift." Kakashi reached for a bouquet of flowers that was resting at his side moments ago and handed it to Ino. "Here."
Ino seemed hesitant, but Kakashi insisted. Finally, Ino nodded. "No problem."
"So, it's up to you."
Ino nodded in understanding. 'Sai, I'm about to go on stage to become publicly known as Sasuke's girlfriend. Will you come get me?'
At a hideout, a band was furiously playing their instruments. A guy wearing a leather jacket torn jeans entered, having a girl wrapped around each arm of his. He pushed the keyboard player away and floated over the keys. He started playing along with the music to his own cool beat. The girls that used to be surrounding him started to dance around.
Flashback:
Ino was by his side, staring at him hopefully. "Today is Sasuke's new single showcase. I have to go there right now. Kakashi will announce that I'm Sasuke's girlfriend to help him promote his new album."
Sai took his sunglasses off. "You have always been his girlfriend. Making it public is a good thing." He fumbled with his sunglasses in his hands.
"You and Sasuke both know that since we were little, the one I liked was you. Even up until now, I've never changed. I can't stay by Sasuke's side anymore because I can't truly fall in love with him. It's not fair to him or me…"
Sai shook his head. "That is none of my business." With that, he started to leave.
Ino went after him. "I believe…" She waited for Sai to stop. "If it wasn't for Kagami, would you have chosen to be with me?"
"I've said it before…" Said took in a deep breath. He turned to Ino. "Don't ever bring up Kagami."
Ino paused before continuing. "Sai, this is my first time confessing to you and it is also my last, so if you choose to accept me, then come take me away at the event. If you don't come, I will understand the decision that you have made. Remember that from this day on, I will publicly be known as Sasuke's girlfriend. I will never leave him again. It's up to you whether to come or not."
Ino left Sai with that thought still echoing through his mind.
End Flashback
Sai continued to play the keyboard furiously with such amazing speed, that his band mates (and the girls) stared in wonder. Once finished, he had to catch his breath.
Everyone cheered.
"You're so incredible!"
"That's how you play the keyboard."
Sai didn't bother to hear the rest of the compliments.
"Sai, where are you going?"
"To get my girlfriend."
The crowd cheered. Sasuke's song was finished.
"That was Sasuke's new single performance. Wasn't it good?" The spokeswoman pointed the microphone to the crowd as they cheered, "Yes!" "Up next, a mysterious guest will come out on stage right now. She came to give Sasuke a surprise. She is always the main girl in Sasuke's music, Ino."
The crowd cheered louder as Ino came out, onto the stage with a bouquet of flowers. Her beauty astonished everyone in the crowd. Sasuke turned to face her, a smile present on his face. Ino couldn't help but smile back.
"Just as everyone expected, today's special guest is Sasuke's mysterious girlfriend, Ino. Sasuke's agent, Kakashi, has always been good at stirring up gossips. Today's new single showcase has been full of surprises. Looks like Sasuke will be all over the entertainment news headlines tomorrow."
Ino handed Sasuke the flowers. "Congratulations, your new single showcase is very successful."
"Your appearance is really special." Sasuke came close to Ino and hugged her tightly, which made the crowd go crazy. Ino hugged him back.
Just then, Sai stepped through the doorway. Ino saw him and made up her mind.
"Thank you, Ino, for coming here today and appearing in front of the media," Ino pulled away from Sasuke's hug. "… For the first time to give us a chance to see," Sai walked boldly into the room and took off his sunglasses. "… Sasuke's rumored mysterious girlfriend's real identity. It is believed that Ino," Ino looked to Sasuke. "… Is the reason why Sasuke's music," Sasuke smiled at Ino. "… Has so much life and energy and also always touches people's hearts." Sasuke and Ino broke their stare and looked out to the crowd. "Let's thank Ino again for coming here. Thank you!"
Fans screamed as Ino left the stage. "Alright, let us now listen and enjoy Sasuke's second single, 'A Wound In The Heart'." Sasuke handed the flowers to the announcer as he prepared for his next song.
Ino approached Sai cautiously. As Sasuke looked at them, he became confused, a frown present on his face.
Ino searched Sai's eyes for something. Finally, he smiled and caressed her face… and brought her in for a touching hug.
As Sasuke watched this, his eyes filled with sadness.
Sai was giving Sasuke a death glare. After a few seconds, he spun Ino around and pretended to shoot Sasuke with a gun.
"Memories fill the room" Ino and Sai left.
"Our dwelling entraps me as I smile no more and drink no more
Alone as one person suddenly absent-minded
In the state of love no one inhabits
Memories distract my footsteps, hindering the way out
It testifies your selfishness and your greediness
While mercilessly watching me be helpless"
Sako was watching Sasuke on T. V. longingly.
Matsu snuck up behind her and hit her on the head. "Fool! Has watching T. V. made you stupid? Get to work!"
"He's so handsome… It's Sasuke-kun! He's truly a superstar."
Matsu couldn't help but come back and watch. "It's really Sasuke-kun, he's so handsome." She squealed in delight. Both women watched the television intently… until someone changed the channel.
"Who changed the channel?"
The two turned to see Kumakichi. "Dad, we were just watching Sasuke-kun's new single showcase," Sako couldn't help but yell at her father-in-law.
"Sasuke-kun? Yes, you guys need more 'Sasuke-kun'," Kumakichi sarcastically said, "… so you guys should watch the news with me." The customers frowned at this.
"Dad, we aren't the only ones watching."
"Handsome…" Matsu warned.
The customers started to complain. "Mister, you're the one that needs to be more 'Sasuke-kun' gracious. We all want to watch Sasuke-kun."
"Yeah!"
Kumakichi finally gave in. "Okay! Okay!" He turned the channel back.
Everyone motioned for Kumakichi to get out of the view of the T. V. and cheered. "Sasuke's coming out. He's so handsome!"
Kumakichi shook his head and murmured, "It's so strange, how did I become the one who's not gregarious?" He looked back to the television. "Who is that person? What's so good about watching him? … I still don't get it."
In the kitchen:
Pasta was put in the boiling water, carrots were chopped, red peppers were sliced, zucchini were cut, and sauce was being made. Grandpa stood over the stove, cooking. He poured pasta onto a plate exclaiming, "It's done! It is the best!" He poured white sauce all over the cooked pasta. He laughed as he saw his good work and turned to Chouji. "This is what I want to give to my beloved granddaughter, Sakura, as a present for her memorable success in Love Day." He kissed his fingers. "Smiling Pasta is sending out to all of its customers now."
Sako turned the sign from "open" to "closed". Everyone put up giant, encouraging signs all over the restaurant. Matsu was humming happily, waving her golden pom-poms everywhere.
Grandpa and Chouji marched in, carrying the plate of pasta. Sako almost tasted it, but Grandpa stopped her. "Don't touch it."
A pink-haired girl came in wearing a white dress, pink jacket, white tights, and high-heeled white shoes. She had trouble walking in them, but she didn't give up.
Sako's face brightened. "Sakura is here!"
Matsu scurried around, excited. "She's here, quickly! Move faster!"
"Line up!"
"Samuru! Get over here quickly!"
"Stand properly."
"One… two… three… four!"
Sakura's entire family started to chant. "Best wishes to Sakura's success in love. Break the curse! Success in love!" Sakura smiled widely and started to laugh. Her family cheered.
Sakura started to walk toward them, but slightly slipped on her heels, causing some worried gasps coming from her family. She rubbed her ankles.
Grandpa whispered to the rest of the family. "It's Sakura's first time wearing high heels."
"Don't laugh…" Matsu warned them. She ran up to her daughter. "Yes… precious, you are really my child. You look beautiful in anything. Beautiful…"
Sakura's dad went to her side too. "Yes, beautiful… You have such good taste in picking out clothes."
Sako got frustrated. "Dad, what is so good about it? That clothing belongs to me, your daughter-in-law."
"That's strange. It didn't look good when you wore it." Sako gave a disgusted look. "But it looks so good on her."
Matsu agreed. "Looks so good… so beautiful…"
Grandpa nodded in agreement.
"Sakura!"
"Big brother!"
A smug looking guy approached her. "You haven't left yet? … Or have you been dumped by your 'almost up to 3 months' boyfriend already?"
Matsu, Kumakichi, and Grandpa shot a glare in his direction.
"Samuru!"
"Big Brother, stop talking rubbish, okay? I haven't even gone out yet!" Sakura was yelling so loud, her mother's fingers slipped on the buttons of Sakura's jacket.
Matsu looked up at her daughter. "Precious, do you think you should start eating less? You need to hold your breath. I can't button it. Go breath in, breath in."
Sakura squeezed her gut in.
"Quickly, just hold it a little longer." Everyone was watching the show being displayed. "Breath in…" Sakura groaned. "That's great, come on… Just a little longer… It's almost done, that's great." Matsu finished fastening the button under Sakura's chest.
"Yes, that's right. Look, you have breasts now." Chouji snickered and Grandpa hauled him away. "That's great."
Sakura shut her eyes in pain.
"It looks great."
Samuru shook his head in disbelief.
"Hold your chest high," Kumakichi advised.
"Yes."
"Stand up straight."
Sakura's grandpa shuffled to her side. "Come, Sakura. Sakura, Grandpa specially made this pasta for you and I even gave it a new name." Everyone gathered around the plate of pasta. "It's called, 'In Love for 90 Years'."
Sakura looked to her Grandpa. "In Love for 90 Years?"
"Yes, that's right. Who cares if it's 3 months or 90 days?" He leaned in close to his grandchild. "As long as you eat Grandpa's pasta, you're guaranteed to be in love for over 90 years." Everyone cheered.
"Sakura… You'll definitely break the curse of 'never having a relationship that exceeds three months'."
She clapped in happiness. "Thank you, Grandpa."
"Sakura," Sako called. "Don't lose this chance because in 10 days, you can celebrate your 100 day of dating."
Everyone bolted upright. "SAKO!"
"Do you have any respect? Stop talking nonsense."
Samuru motioned to her that she should stop talking.
"That's right precious, there's still this." Matsu handed Sakura a purple bag. "You stayed up all night to make this present."
"Oh yeah, I almost forgot about it." Sakura took out a cloth baby doll that had little tuffs of hair and floppy ears. It had on a shirt with writing. "But Mom, don't worry this time. I will definitely break the curse today. In fact, I'm going to meet his Mom today." Her entire family gasped.
"Is it for real?" Samuru couldn't help but ask. "Don't try to be a big talker to save face, okay?"
"He said he'll bring me to see his most important woman today. If it isn't his Mom, who else would it be?"
Sako still cheered. "That's great, the ugly daughter-in-law finally meets the parents-in-law. Everyone bolted upright.
"SAKO!"
Kumakichi spun his daughter around to face him. "Sakura, since you're going to visit his mother, shouldn't you take the chance to bring him here for everyone to see?"
Samuru leaned in close to his sister. "Or should we wait and see if you get dumped today before making that decision?"
Sakura looked hurt. "Brother! Can you stop putting me down?" She shoved the doll in his face and enunciated her words. "I will bring him home today!"
"Impossible!"
"If I don't bring him home today, then I won't come home either."
"How can we trust your word?"
"What do you want me to do?"
"Nothing really…" Samuru made up his mind. "Whoever loses will have to dress up as the Italian Pasta Superman and do a belly dance to attract customers in front of the entrance. How about that?"
Sakura gathered all of her courage. "We'll see who's afraid of who!"
And with that… her button popped off of her jacket and onto her brother's face and into the pasta.
Sakura walked down a staircase in the busy streets of Tokyo.
'I'm Haruno Sakura, a third year university student who has been cursed with a love curse. I've been cursed to never have a relationship that exceeds three months. This is such a cruel curse put onto a 20-year-old girl. But this time is different. Today is my boyfriend, Peter, and my 3-month anniversary. He said that I would meet the most important woman in his life today. So today… today's the day… After today, I can break this love curse. You can do it, Haruno Sakura!'
Sakura accidentally kicked a can on the street. She spotted a trashcan and tried to kick the can in. It bounced off the rim, off the bus, off the tree, off the light post and into the trashcan. Sakura stood there in disbelief. "Yes!" She then realized something…
She missed the bus! "Wait for me!"
Sakura ran after the bus as fast as she could in her high heels. "Bus driver, wait for me!"
He didn't wait.
Sakura bent down, picked up a rock and threw it at the bus, hitting a raven-haired pop star image square in the mouth.
"It's been a long time since the concert ended."
"Yeah!"
"It's not right to have us wait so long…"
"It's like this every single time."
"Please explain!"
The paparazzi were restless. Kakashi finally spoke up. "He's coming out very soon. Please give him a bit more time to change. He'll be out soon, okay?"
Sasuke checked his phone for what seemed like the millionth time.
'Sorry, I can't be by your side anymore… because I cannot stop myself from liking Sai. Hope you understand.'
Sasuke snapped his phone shut after reading the text message from Ino. He walked out into the conference room.
"Everyone, let's welcome Sasuke." When Sasuke sat down, Kakashi continued. "You can ask questions now. Thank you."
"Today's new single showcase was very successful. You must be very confident about your upcoming Asia Tour Concert now. How do you feel right now? Are you happy?"
Flashback:
Sai was giving Sasuke a death glare. After a few seconds, he spun Ino around and pretended to shoot Sasuke with a gun.
End Flashback"Why isn't he answering?"
"Why isn't he saying anything?"
"Why is he like this?"
Sasuke was flipping his phone around in his hand casually.
"Weird…"
"Sasuke, you said before that you would turn into a song-writing singer. But it seems like there isn't any songs composed by you in this album. Can you really write songs?"
That question made Sasuke raise his head.
"Yeah! Can you really do it?"
Kakashi grabbed his hand in an attempt to calm him down.
"Earlier, your girlfriend, Ino, came and gave you flowers, but lately, there has been an online rumor saying that you guys have broken up long ago, and also said that she's dating an underground band member. Do you know about this?"
"Did you guys arrange for her to appear on stage today to stir up some news?"
"Rumors said that the band member is actually your younger brother. Is that true?"
Reminder: This series is going to have long chapters. Please review!