So sorry, it has been so long since I updated the last chapter. XD

First Impressions

meeting strangers

It's been three days and she still doesn't remember anything. Sasuke and Sakura were getting along quite fine. In fact, Sasuke was lucky to be still alive considering the pinkette's abrupt attitude-transformation. (Maybe it's just Sasuke's imagination) She was getting more and more irritated day by day. It was more severe than the dreaded PMS.

Sasuke concluded to call for drastic measures. And alas, help arrived faster than the wrenched fairy- godmother. As he stirred in the broad daylight, waking up for another day, his phone received a message.

From: Neji Hyuuga

Sasuke, I heard Sakura's with you. We've been worried sick. Do us a favor and drop by here in our place with her today.

The Uchiha re-read the message, his face surprised. This was not Neji. The message's too girly.

"WAKE UP, LAZY! OR I'LL DRAG YOU OFF THIS ROOM!"

He heard her shrill voice as the door suddenly opened. He nearly lost hold of his phone which was the latest release of Blackberry. (Of course, he could easily buy a new one but Sasuke felt that it's The One, you know.)

"Have you ever heard of knocking?" he retorted.

Sakura gave a sarcastic look. "Hmm… sorry? But I think it was you who is so deaf enough to ignore my polite knocking!" Then she slammed the door and walked out.

This must be Sasuke's worst summer.

***_oO0Oo_***

Sakura's jaw dropped as she stared at the massive mansion. She would never have thought she actually had a friend this wealthy. In Sasuke's place, it's understandable to have acquaintances with the same social status. Damn these rich people.

She imagined that the one owning this mansion has an attitude parallel to her arrogant chicken-butt-haired housemate. The marble door opened, and to her surprise (and delight), it revealed a girl with light lavender eyes and short black hair swapped by a yellow bandana.

Sakura glanced at Sasuke whom she expected to give the pretty girl a familiar look. But he seemed to share the same astonishment she had. The girl gave him a look that caused him to blush. Sakura had a wild guess that Sasuke may have interest towards this woman. After all, the girl did have a nice figure—just enough (or even more) to make any dude's mouth water.

The pinkette forced her giggle in. Sasuke broke the silence.

"Hyuuga…"

"Hinata," the girl corrected.

"Hinata, your hair…" Sasuke gestured at her silky hair.

"Oh, this? It's getting freaking hot here so I decided to chop it off," Hinata replied then glanced at Sasuke. "So how are you?"

Why was she asking about Sakura? She barely even knows the chick. Oh well, it doesn't hurt to play along. "Never been great!" she lied.

As the Hyuuga led them in the mansion, Sasuke gave her a do-you-remember-everything-now look. She just giggled and shook her head. She leaned higher towards his ear and whispered, "You do have a crush on Hinata, don't you?" She just let out a soft laugh.

And a meter in front of them was an oblivious Hinata who thought that the two of them were getting along together—more than enough.

***_oO0Oo_***

Sasuke can't take it anymore. First, he can sense that the Hyuuga thinks he and Sakura must've done something for the past three days. Second, the pinkette had the total misunderstanding of him having interest in Hinata. Oh Kami, help me…

"So you borrowed Neji's phone, didn't you?" he asked as they were still walking.

The Hyuuga stopped dead and turned around, sweatdropping. She held a finger on her lips, "Yeah. Could you keep it down? You know how protective Neji is when it comes to his phone."

And when it comes to you, Sasuke mentally added.

The Uchiha simply shrugged and had the feeling Sakura was getting more confused by the minute. They finally arrived at the rear of the house which was facing a serene garden. The floor was covered with the traditional tatami mats. And to Sasuke's surprise, the whole gang was there.

Shikamaru lazily slept on Ino's lap. Naruto laid flat on the floor, fanning himself as sweat tickled his body. Neji and Tenten busily scribbled on their summer preparations in college. They all noticed and looked up the newcomers.

"Hey guys, look who I've got!" Hinata made way to the not-so-happy couple.

Sakura was puzzled as ever as she saw freakin' people darkly smirking at them. Sasuke looked at them, annoyed, thinking that this must be a trap.

"Look," he quickly said. "What you're thinking is out of the question." It was so hard to stay cool and collected. Even he was fighting naughty thoughts. "It's not like that."

"SAKURRAAA~!"

The blonde suddenly stood up, making her boyfriend's head bang on the floor.

"UGH. WHY DID YOU DO THAT, YOU CRAZY WOMAN?" Shikamaru scolded as he rubbed his head.

Ino, who had already flung her arms around the pinkette, apologized.

"I couldn't contact you yesterday. Where have you been?" Sasuke snapped.

Ino gave a guilty smile. "Sorry, I had some very important business to attend to." The Yamanaka family had a famous flower shop which was booming with business. She turned to her pink-haired best friend, "You sure are happy having Sasuke living with you."

Sakura was at an urge to laugh despite the confusion. Her life with him could be called a living hell. Even though they had only met days ago, they were cat-and-dog naturals. Maybe they were born to hate each other. "What are you talking about?" she asked in an offended voice.

All of the gang—well, except for Sasuke—were shocked. The Uchiha sighed and filled them in.

***_oO0Oo_***

"So… what can you remember about Hinata?"

"Hinata Hyuuga. Neji Hyuuga's cousin. Heir of the Hyuuga Coorporation. One of my best friends since elementary. Her hair was long until her waist before she had cut it. One of the top 10 performing students of Konoha High. Has a crush on Naruto—" The girls thought Hinata blushed a second ago. "—but eventually gave up and became herself."

Sakura sighed after her long recitation. She was sleeping over at Ino's for a long research about the gang's autobiography. She can't help the feeling that she really had known them for so long. And she was slowly recovering her memories. As she flashed the name cards in her hands, she caught sight of one name whose owner she really can't remember: Sasuke Uchiha.

Maybe they really have met only days ago…

So... what do yo think? ;D