Chapter 5: The Last Ball
Disclaimer: Naruto and all its characters belong to Masashi Kishimoto. The story is based on the fairytale Cap O' Rushes by Joseph Jacobs.
Author's note: Thank you to all those who followed, favorited or reviewed. It means a lot to me! I know that this chapter is quite late, but I promise to update more often next time.
"Are you waiting for someone, little brother?"
Sasuke turned, annoyed, only to see his older brother Itachi smirking down at him.
"Hn."
"Don't you 'hn' me, Sasuke. I am your older brother. I would know if you take a liking to a certain pink-haired girl."
"I don't like her."
Itachi sighed, muttering something along the lines of "stubborn little brat" before opening his mouth and closing it again as he glimpsed Sasuke's slightly widened eyes. Any other person would just assume that it was his normal expression, but Itachi knew his little brother well. He knew that at that moment, he was surprised, whether he would admit it or not.
"Wha-"
Before he got to voice his curiosity, Sasuke had gotten up and disappeared. Itachi watched as Sasuke approached the pink-haired girl, his face features obviously brightening at the sight of her. The elder prince shook his head, a small smile on his face as he proceeded to observe (he is definitely not spying!).
"Sorry I'm late," she said, looking as if she would burst with joy any moment.
"Better late than never, right?" was his response, he silently cursed himself at how cliché it is. What was wrong with him?
"So, you were about to tell me your name last night," he continued, seemingly unfazed.
She grinned, "It's Karin."
"Hurry up, Sakura, the prince can't wait forever, you know!"
"Just slow down, Ino! I can't run that fast!"
With a shove (courtesy of Ino), Sakura stumbled into the ballroom, amidst surprised gasps and stares. Wondering what is going on, Sakura lifted her head, only to meet black onyx pools. And another pink head beside him.
As if on cue, both eyes widened.
"Ino, what's going on?" Sakura asked in a hushed voice, as if she was afraid of the answer.
"I-I don't know." She whispered back.
The prince looked to the girl at the entrance, and then back to the girl in his arms. He repeated the action again, before fixing his gaze on the girl in front of him.
Sakura took this as a rejection. "Come on, Ino, I don't think we are needed here anymore." With that, she dragged Ino back the way they came.
Prince Sasuke noticed, and was about to give chase, before he felt a slight tug on his arm. He glanced back at the imposter, trying to hold in his anger. It would not do to cause a scene in front of such a large audience.
"I-I am sorry…"she started to say, but he interrupted.
"Save it." And he disappeared towards the direction in which the pink-haired girl was heading towards.
"S-Sakura… Are you sure?"
"Yes." Came the soft reply.
"It doesn't have to be like this, you know," Ino said, hopeful, "He probably doesn't realise the difference.
A sigh, "That would be for the best. But what if he did?"
"Then reveal yourself! Be happy with him!"
"I may fall for him, Ino, but he won't fall for me. He can't. I am not even in the same league as him. We were never meant to be."
Ino shook her head, "You think too lowly of yourself, Sakura. Be more optimistic."
There was no answer.
Ino sighed, glancing at the almost packed bag sadly, "So, where will you go?"
"I don't know yet," Sakura said quietly, "But I am sure someone will take me in. Just as you did." She stood up, with her bag in hand.
"I guess this is goodbye then."
"Yes," Ino agreed, embracing her in a hug, "Remember to visit, alright?"
Sakura hesitated, "I'll try," she said slowly, "And you promise not to tell anyone about me?"
"I swear on my father's grave."
Sakura smiled, "Thank you, Ino. You are the best friend I ever had."
"And the first," Ino added with a cheeky smile. Her expression then turned serious.
"Good luck, Sakura. I hope you know what you are doing."
They then bid their final farewells, as Sakura disappeared into the night once more.
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