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Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.

Chapter Three

Rivalries and Epiphanies

"Oy, Sasuke."

Sasuke looked up from his desk to the man standing by the door of his room. He was browsing the internet for videos for his next music experiment when one of the maids informed him that one of his buddies, Neji, was downstairs. He absently motioned them to lead him to his room.

"Hn?"

"I need to talk to you."

Neji didn't wait for his answer and proceeded to sit on his black bean bag chair near his desk while he shuts off his laptop.

"Drinks?" he asked when he turned to him.

Neji shook his head. "I won't be long."

Sasuke nodded, leaning back to his reclining chair. "Talk."

He quickly noticed that his friend grew tense and that got his attention. Neji was like his twin brother when it comes to attitude. They were both quiet, stoic and proud. They rarely feel nervous around a person. He smirked inwardly. What could possibly agitate the arrogant Hyuga? If he's about to tell him that he's head over heels in love with some girl, then that might ruin his composure and laugh at his face.

"...I want to pursue Sakura."

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.

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.

.

.

.

"Pardon?"

He supposed he had to take that annual check up his mother has been pestering him about because he just thought he heard the Hyuga say that he wanted to court his best friend.

He saw his friend's eyebrow twitch as if repeating the words was just too painful.

"I said I want to pursue Sakura."

"..."

Oh, well, at least he wasn't going deaf and was still healthy enough to postpone his check up. But damn, why does it feel like he wanted to kick the daylights out of his friend for even thinking of that he could date Sakura? As if he's allowed to be as close to her as him, her best friend. Many have tried (KEYWORD: tried) to ask the pinkette for a date, only to be thwarted by his infamous glare. Strangely enough, he has perceived beforehand those idiots who wanted to make a move on his bestfriend, so through his glower, he conveys them his message of dislike even before they get to ask her. Good thing Sakura was clueless to all of this and hasn't wondered why no one was asking her out now that they were in college.

He knew he was being ridiculously overprotective and only wants Sakura's happiness but every time he thinks of her going out with another guy, his fist clench tightly and his eyes were like seeing red. He can't even understand himself and it was getting annoying. He feels like he was stricter than her own father.

He justified himself by thinking he was just looking out for her. He didn't want his pink-haired confidante to get hurt and see pain cloud her emerald eyes so he felt like it was his responsibility to make sure she ends up with the right guy; one who deserves her pure heart and unwavering faith. There should be no mistakes. Her first boyfriend should also be her last to avoid unnecessary tears.

And yet, he can't stop asking himself: if that was his reason, then why does he feel the same way with the Hyuga? He knew Neji for years. He was a part of their gang which they formed back in high school. Neji may be silent and stoic but he was also serious and sensitive. He wouldn't jeopardize their friendship just to fool around. He even plucked up the courage to tell him about his feelings before he ask Sakura out. He knew Neji can proceed through his plans even without his consent, being the arrogant bastard that he is. But in respect for the bond he and Sakura have molded through time, he went to see him first before he make his move. And for that, Neji earned his respect.

Still, he didn't like it.

What a bastard he really was.

"Uchiha?"

He snapped out of his musings and focused his obsidian orbs on a pair of silver eyes who didn't flinch at his stare. He smirked inwardly. Yes, he may have more balls than the others, but he was still under his scrutiny, friend or not.

"Aren't you going to say something?" Neji asked testily.

"Like what?"

"Like how I should stay away from her and that I don't deserve her?"

"Hn."

He saw Neji bit out a retort. He inwardly chuckled at the sight of his obviously agitated friend. Though he himself was still in turmoil. A part of him wanted to give Neji a chance since he knew he was a good guy. But a bigger part of him was itching to yell at the Hyuga to back off his girl.

Whoa, wait, back up! HIS girl?

When did he ever had such claim on Sakura?

Ever since you caught that silly hat of hers when you were little, a small voice told him. He groaned in his mind. This was really getting out of hand. Did he have feelings for Sakura? Was that why he didn't want any guy get close to her? Because he wants her for himself?

Well, fuck it. He wasn't ready for this.

"What if I told you that we both feel the same about her?"

Neji's eyes widened at the Uchiha's question. Was he joking? Was this just to test him? He knew Sasuke was very protective of Sakura, but would he really play dirty tricks like this? On the other hand, what if it was true? Would he really give up the only girl he liked for this bastard?

No fucking way.

Not until Sakura herself tells him to.

"Then may the best man wins," Neji said challengingly, his white orbs lit with determination.

Sasuke almost growled in irritation at his buddy's words. The old rivalry they had when they were children was surfacing again, and he knew he wasn't gonna back down. Even though he still wasn't sure about his true feelings for his best friend, he wouldn't just give her up without a fight. Onyx eyes matched violet orbs evenly, a smirk confidently playing on his lips.

"We'll see."

I'm missing something here.

That was Sakura's thoughts as she took a glance at her bestfriend, who was driving at the moment on their way home from the festival. It wasn't his quiet mood that bothered her because, duh, he was always like that. It was his behavior the whole night that caught her attention. Actually, his and Neji. She knew of their competitive tendencies when they were in grade school and she thought they have gotten over it now that they're in college. But tonight, she was certain they were at it again. And unless she is wrong, Sakura had a feeling it has something to do with her.

She can't help but feel amused because of their display of attention towards her. They were adamant on outrunning (resulting to two frightened dango vendors when she voiced out that she was craving for sweets), outmaneuvering (dragging her into two different directions for the nearest restroom when she said she needed to use one) and outshining each other ("Please, sirs, you may take the biggest prize, just don't destroy my booth with my own guns!"). Even the issue of who's gonna take her home has become some sort of a contest to the two, earning confused looks from the rest of their friends. While it was sweet of Neji to volunteer, it would be out of his route home unlike Sasuke who lives just two blocks from her. She gave Neji an apologetic smile which he returned with a disappointed but understanding "hn" though his slit eyes was focused above her head. When she turned around, she caught Sasuke's smug face for a moment before heading for his car with her in tow.

If she was honest with herself, the attention was quite overwhelming and flattering. But she doesn't have a clue what's going on both boys' minds. Or maybe she does but won't acknowledge it because it was impossible. I mean, Neji and Sasuke-kun? To even think of them fighting for her...ehem...affection...was just effing impossible! She was Sakura. Just plain, annoying, violent, pink freak Sakura. And they were two of the campus crush in their university. Why in hell would they want her to be their girl?

Even if there was the slightest, as in miniscule, almost microscopic chance that Neji did like her, Sasuke was just not feasible. He was probably being his overprotective jerk self again. She did notice it. Sakura wasn't stupid to think that not even one guy had a crush on her. She can be charming if she wanted too. She just didn't mind it, and thought that it was unnecessary because she can never like a lesser guy when she was in love with the greatest. Her viridian orbs went to the man beside her, expression melancholy. Yes, she, Sakura Haruno is in love with her bestfriend, Sasuke Uchiha. It wasn't clear when it started, for how long or why, but she recognized it before they graduated high school. She also knew it was one-sided and scary and a bit painful. Sasuke has never expressed any love for her except for a platonic one; scary because one wrong move can ruin years of bond; and painful just the thought of him not being able to see her in a different light. But she was content on being his most trusted friend for it was the next best thing she could hope for. She was happy that way.

"We're here."

Sakura broke out of her thinking only to realize they were at the front of her house.

"Oh, yeah. Right." She gathered her bag and the huge slug stuff toy Neji and Sasuke won for her. "Thanks, Sasuke-kun. Guess I'll see you on Monday. Text me when you get home, all right?" Her hand proceeded to open the car door when Sasuke spoke.

"Wait."

Sakura leaned back on the passenger seat and looked at her bestfriend curiously as he began to reach for something at the back seat. He pulled out a big brown paper bag and pushed it in her direction. "For you."

She blinked. "What's this?"

He didn't answer but his dark eyes prodding her to accept it and see for herself.

She took the bag from him and with hesitant hands, started to open it. Warmth spread through her body as she pulled out a lovely wide-brimmed straw hat with a knot of white ribbon inside. It was a simple gift but the thought was there, enough to make her smile gratefully as she stared at it.

"I saw it at one of the stalls in the festival and thought of you. At least now, you can tie it under your chin so it won't fly away again," Sasuke said, his face expressed satisfaction at the sight of her wide smile.

Sakura turned to Sasuke, her smile wider than ever. "Aww, that's sweet! Thank you, Sasuke-kun!" Her arms hugged his neck and her lips went for his right cheek for a quick peck.

Only it wasn't his cheek that she landed on.

She stiffened in shock as soon as she realized what's happening. Somehow, Sasuke had moved, unintentionally facing her, not knowing what she was about to do. And now, now she has accidentally kissed him straight on the lips!

Oh, God, his lips are soft and warm- I mean, crap, this is baaaaddd!

She immediately pulled away from him, eyes wide but strayed from his, afraid of what she might see, of the disgust that his face might show.

Cursing herself inwardly for her own clumsiness, she bowed her head in apology and to hide herself from embarrassment. "Shit, I'm so sorry, Sasuke-kun! I mean, Sasuke! I-I didn't mean it! I-I-I was aiming for your cheek but you moved and I wasn't able to stop right away and- Oh, I'm so sorry-"

Suddenly, a finger on her lips stopped her rant, making her eyes cross and her cheeks hot before it went down to her chin and slowly lifted her face, forcing her to look at him straight in the eyes. His beautiful obsidian eyes held no disgust or revolt that she was expecting but glinting in something she was afraid to name because it might hurt her in the end if she was wrong.

"I'm not."

He pressed his lips on hers.

It took her five full seconds before she realized he had initiated this kiss, five more to understand what he had just said and another five to grasp the fact that their lips were still intact. All in all, it took her about 15 seconds before her heart burst in happiness at his acceptance and kissed back.

When they ran out of air, they pulled apart though their foreheads still touching, feeling each other's breath on their own faces and indulging in each other's scent. This may mean something but Sakura had to make sure she wasn't assuming anything. She had to ask.

"Sasuke...did you...did you mean it?" her voice soft and unsure.

Sasuke explored her brilliant green eyes, her small nose, her smooth and pink cheeks, her swollen lips and thought of one thing: beautiful. He was now ready to admit that he did want this beautiful person for himself. He wanted to be the one to protect her, make her smile, walk with her on this journey of life and to be the reason of her happiness. It was a gamble he had to take when he kissed her and thankfully, it was all worth it. Now he was determined to be her first in everything and most especially, her last. Words may come later but for now, she needed an answer and he would assure her her trust wasn't misplaced.

"Aa."

And he kissed her again.

At that day of the Fireworks festival, they officially became a couple.

Sorry, Neji, I guess I am the best man.

o0o0o0o

My upside down heart jumped up

As we both laughed, haha

We said I love you and we kissed

o0o0o0o

tbc…

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