School Library

"The book...it's such a joke" Sasuke commented, sneering at cover, titled, Romeo and Juliet, by William Shakespeare. "Nobody talks like they did in the Elizabethan times" Sakura, who unfortunately agreed with the boy for once, did not mutter a word audible enough to hear across the table. It was as if he was some kind of distraction. Her eyes were glued to the book, struggling to decipher the text. Or at least she pretended to look occupied.

It was always silent when the two met at the library . Occasionally, when Sasuke seemed concentrated enough to study, Sakura stole a couple of quiet glances.

She finally got around to admitting to herself (and not to another soul) that he was an okay, handsome guy. Big deal.

It's not like she was going to drop on her knees and suddenly profess undying love she's been secretly harboring towards him like Juliet did. Man, that would have been stupid.Slowly and little by little, she was opening up and letting her guard loose. Repeatedly, she had to warn herself not to.

Trusting was absolutely not an option.

Sasuke managed to catch a couple of her glimpses, but the girl quickly narrowed her pupils elsewhere, slightly blushing as well. Sasuke chuckled to himself whenever she blushed, aware that he was responsible for it.

It was all to sweet.

"Well, if you just read it and pay close attention to the vocabulary, you'll get used to it " Sakura suggested. "Seriously. I understand that the book is boring but–"

"Exactly." Sasuke pointed, snapping the novel shut. "The book is boring. Why should I waste life on books when I can be doing something else for pleasure"

Sakura shot him a look of disbelief. "Life isn't all fun and games" she retorted. "Don't you wanna live a successful life?"

Sasuke chuckled. "Life's too short" he said. "So, I try living everyday like it's my last"

That's why I live alone"

Sakura suddenly looked curious. "Your parents just let you go...just like that?"

"It took a lot of convincing" told Sasuke. "But my dad agreed if my grades improved. He also gave me the rights of one of his gas stations to manage"

That's right, thought Sakura. No wonder he's so unstable with his life. Yet, I live alone and get good grades...It's so unfair.

"If you think about it, nothing in life is ever truly promised...except death" said Sasuke, grimly.

Surprisingly, Sakura did not object at his statement. He was right. For a second, she envied him. No responsibilities, no worries. She quickly shook off those thoughts before she gave in to them.

Both of their attention traveled back to the novel. Though frequently, both their glances encountered, but were quickly averted.

Hallway

When life offers you a guaranteed opportunity, be aware that there will be a downside. Sasuke was foolish enough to disregard the severe consequences of asking Ino out. It required the following:

1. walking her to every class.

2. taking her to her modeling auditions.

3 .buying her lunch.

4. buying her clothes.

5. actually being seen with her

6. serious acting skills- preferably boyfriend material.

The first five, he could perform with ease. The sixth requirement was a little too difficult, considering that he contained little interest in the girl. Ah yes. And the girl had a semi-interest for him. Sure she found him handsome but her affections lied more among his money and the endless attention/jealousy from other females.

She wondered if he knew that she was playing him at all. It was that one afternoon in school that she figured the 'downside' on her half.

"You two are really different" Sasuke accidentally commented as they strolled along the hallways, their hands intertwined. Ino's feet halted out of shock.

"Who?" she asked suspiciously.

"You and Sakura" replied Sasuke. Out of silent frustration, Ino tightened her grip on Sasuke's hand unknowingly.

It was when Sasuke roughly jerked his hand out of hers that she realized what she had done.

"Yeah, we're different" Ino agreed as Sasuke massaged his throbbing hand. "She's a really good girl...deserving a really good boy"

She spoke of this purposefully to hurt him. She now discovered Uchiha Sasuke's true motive: Haruno Sakura

You've got a guy that is capable of claiming any girl to his liking. Yet, he's unable to lure the one girl he plans to claim. The irony was too good to not chuckle at.

Ino was certain that Sasuke was using her to get to know Sakura. She was also certain that Sasuke was aware that she was using him for her own personal reasons as well.

It was a deal too scheming to discuss. You simply could not speak of it since it involves such sneaky behavior.

A/N

Spare me if you will. My exams were this week and I was just not into writing mode last week. Sorry. ): Anyways, the good news is I've thought this story througout the ending, meaning that you won't have to worry about writer's block and whatnot. ) I warn you: It will get darker. (not the angst type of dark. )

thanks for the reviews. y'all are f/cking awesome!!!!