Chapter 2

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto. You already know that, of course.

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"Sakura."

Sakura snapped out of her inner thoughts.

They were at a small restaurant near the university where she was currently studying in. She just had had her last subject when Neji came and picked her up.

She was studying in a medical school in the east of Fire country aiming to be a successful surgeon in the future. Neji on the other hand was taking some business related course on a different school and was a year her senior.

"I'm sorry, Neji. I was just.. thinking."

"Are you experiencing bullying in school?"

"What-No!" Sakura laughed. "Why would you think that?"

Neji's expression was serious. He gave out a small sigh. "I'm glad to hear that. I heard many freshmen are being picked on lately."

Sakura took a sip in her lemonade. "Yeah. I heard such stories, too. It scares me sometimes."

"You can always transfer to my school."

Sakura laughed again. "You know I can't do that!"

Neji has been offering her to transfer to his school. He was studying in one of the most prestige schools in the country. Sakura heard that it also offers the best medical courses. She really wanted to enroll there but unfortunately, she do not have the money to afford its fees.

Neji was very much willing to pay for her tuition though, but she had, hands down, declined his offer. Apparently, he was not aware how much it would hurt her pride.

"You always do that."

"Do what?"

"Declining my offers."

Sakura suddenly felt guilty. She was supposed to be his girlfriend but she was not performing her supposed role properly.

Whenever he was taking her out to eat, she would always insist on paying for her own. She would not receive any gifts either unless there was an occasion, provided also that she would give something in return.

It's not that she didn't want them. She was grateful that Neji loves her that much. But she felt that it isn't necessary and that she didn't deserve all of them.

"I'm sorry." she said, looking down.

"It's alright." Neji smiled, one that was reserved only for her. "I'm not gonna force you to do something that you do not want."

That was one of the things she liked about Neji. Many sees him as a cold and arrogant ice block but if you get past that barrier, he is an extremely kind and caring man. He rarely shows this side of him though, and Sakura felt very special to know that she was one of the few exceptions he made.

It made her happy to know that someone was always there for her, loving her beyond shadow of doubt.

"Anyway," Neji said, changing the subject. "On the 27th of December, Hinata will be turning 18. Our family will be throwing a huge party and will invite friends and business partners."

"Hinata-chan, eh? That's great. I'm sure it will be grand."

"Without a doubt." Neji said. "Our clan treasures our Hinata who is the sole heiress of the main family. And.. I would like to invite you, if.. you would be free on that date."

"Of course." Sakura answered with a smile.

"However," Neji held her hand. He looked, though very subtly, worried about something. "Our clan also visions this party a good opportunity to form stronger bonds with our business partners and to showcase our wealth."

"I understand."

"We will be inviting other clans.." Neji paused for a moment. "that which includes the Uchiha Clan."

Uchiha Clan. Of course, the Hyugga will be inviting the Uchiha, their rival in every competition. The current head, Fugaku Uchiha, and his whole family will be there. Including..

"Sasuke will be there."

Scenes of that sinful night flashes through Sakura's head.

No. It is a night to be forgotten. It does not- should not entail anything.

"I am not forcing you to attend. If it will cause you even the slightest discomfort, then I will understand."

"Neji.." Sakura squeezed his hand with both of hers. I cheated you. If only she could say that and asked for his forgiveness. If only she could undo her stupid actions before. She knew he is experiencing pain on his end because her being still affected by her past relationship only means that she still hasn't moved on.

She wanted to equally return his feelings. She does not want to hurt him anymore.

"I will be alright. I will come with you."

"But Sakura.."

She wanted to make him happy. She wanted to show him that she is grateful for his undying love.

"Past is past. I will not be affected anymore." she said with a smile.

She wanted to give him what he deserves. She does not want him to be always at the short end of the stick.

"I am your girlfriend. I will be with you."

A blush formed its way on Neji's cheeks. He looked away.

"Why? Did I say something wrong?"

"You- Nevermind."

"Eh? What's that all about?"

"I suddenly had the urge to hug you."

To Neji's surprise, Sakura suddenly stood up and went to his side of the table. A soft smile was on her face. His eyes widened a bit when she suddenly enclosed him in her arms.

"Neji, forgive me."

"Sakura.. For what?"

"Just forgive me."

Waking up the morning after that night, and seeing Sasuke gone, Sakura has come to realization of the display of utter stupidity she had done. Like what she had expected, but not hoped for, Sasuke was not there anymore. The side of the bed where he slept was cold indicating that he had long left her.

Thinking back about that night, she realized that she was really selfish. She was only thinking about herself, about her feelings. Sleeping with someone else's boyfriend.. Isn't that what Karin had done? Then she was no different from her after all. She would be destroying a relationship. And will only be hurting herself even more.

That was why she had decided to look at what she currently has and cherish them.

"I'm sorry, Neji. Please forgive me."

She felt Neji returned her hug. "Whatever it is, I am forgiving you."

"Thank you."

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"S-Sakura-chan.." Sakura heard Hinata's voice calling her. "You may come out. Please let me see how it looked."

"No!" Sakura forcefully said. This was too much. She can't come out of the dressing room wearing this. "Hinata-chan.. Why do I have to wear this? It isn't my birthday!"

To her surprise, Hinata had already opened the door using the spare key she had. "I'm sorry, Sakura-chan.. But don't you want to look good for Neji-niisan?"

What's this? Where is the ultra mega super shy Hinata she had known?

Sakura had agreed to let Hinata provide a dress for her and do her make up. She thought it was really unnecessary but somehow, thinking that she might offend her appears to be an appalling idea. Hinata is too kind to be hurt. She had felt a sister-like urge to protect her.

"I do." Sakura answered. "But I don't really wear this kind of dress."

Sakura was wearing a red strapless dress with form-fitting bodice with black embellishments and stops at her mid thigh. She was planning on wearing a simple baby pink shirt dress she had bought last month but Hinata wouldn't have any of that.

"You look beautiful Sakura-chan." Hinata said admiringly.

"No, Hinata-chan. The beautiful one here is you." Sakura countered after seeing Hinata's look for the first time. Hinata, on the other hand, was wearing blue empire waist dress that goes down just above the knee. Her make up was made so that her eyes would be accentuated. It gives her an aura of sweet and innocent yet determined and highly respected look. "That's the Hyugga heiress for you."

Hinata blushed at hearing her. "A-Anyway.. L-Let's get going.."

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The party was indeed a grand one. Sometimes, Sakura would find herself meeting familiar faces, but most of the time she would be alone drinking a little to herself. Neji would, from time to time, approach her to chat a little but being a member of the hosting clan of the party, he was very busy and could not accompany her the whole night. Not that she was complaining though. She understands that there are lots of visitors they needed to greet and attend to.

She had also seen a familiar raven haired man. Her heart skipped a bit but it turned out that it was Uchiha Itachi and not him. She had politely greeted him as he had courtly greeted her back. But somehow, she couldn't stand his perceptive look with his familiar onyx orbs so she excused herself and went to the washroom.

When she went back, the venue, for some reasons, felt too crowded. Thinking of getting some fresh air, she went outside and walked leisurely at the mansion's garden.

It was a good thing that she had not bumped into Sasuke or Ino yet. She didn't know what she would do if ever that happens. Well, she probably can exchange a few words with Ino. After all, they used to be best friends.

They were both aware of each other's feelings for Sasuke. They have marked themselves as rivals and would also always compete at about everything. But unlike Neji and Sasuke, they have realized how immature it was and eventually made up. When she and Sasuke started going out, she felt Ino became a little distant but they remained friends nonetheless.

It was a week before their high school graduation when she had found out that Sasuke had cheated on her. He had slept with some red haired girl named Karin. She was devastated. But everyone was busy graduating and looking for colleges. And so was Ino. After graduation, they haven't seen each other then.

She let out a heavy sigh.

She went her way back to the function room. When she was near the entrance, she saw Neji seemingly looking for someone.

She smiled to herself.

That's right. She has Neji now.

When she was about to call him, someone suddenly grabbed her from behind. The man covered her mouth with his hand to prevent her from screaming. His other hand snaked its way around her waist and pulled her back to the dark part of the garden. What the hell? When she was about to break free, the man turned her around and pushed her against a tree.

"Sakura.." he breathed.

He could feel his breath fanning her face, and looking up at him, she saw he had his eyes closed. "S-Sasuke?"

"Dropping the -kun now, are we?"

"L-Let me go, Sasuke."

Sasuke opened his eyes and looked at her straightly. "What are you doing Sakura.."

"What do you mean?"

Sasuke pulled her leg and wrapped it around his waist. He inched his face closer, his voice sounded like he was in pain. "Do you know how much amount of will power it took me to restrain myself?" He kissed her jaw languidly. She tried to suppress her moan. "What's with this dress? Are you trying to seduce every living male in the party?"

"No, I'm not!"

Sasuke nibbled her ear, licking her earlobe, his hand stroking her thigh. And then he kissed her full in the lips. Sakura tried to push her away, but Sasuke was stronger. "I saw how their eyes trained on you, checking you out.." He bit her lower lip and lapped at it. "Some dared approach you.." His kisses traveled down her neck. "Even my brother.." he pulled her hair as he suck on her neck. But somehow, it didn't hurt. Instead, Sakura find it somewhat pleasurable.

No. This is wrong. This has to stop.

"Stop.." She whispered. But Sasuke didn't heed to her plead. "Stop this, Sasuke.." And Sasuke continued kissing her. "I said STOP!"

Her raise of voice stopped him from his movements. Sakura took the opportunity to push him away. If Sasuke was surprised at her actions, he didn't let her see it in his face. His face became impassive, a total opposite of what he has when he was a moment ago.

And just like that, he left.

Like nothing happened. Like he was just messing with her.

That moment, Sakura couldn't hold back her tears. She cried, leaning against a tree. She didn't care if her make up would be ruined. Her heart was in so much pain. How can he just walk out like that?

She heard footsteps coming near her but she didn't pay attention to it. She continued crying. She heard someone called her and felt that someone ran towards her.

"Sakura, are you alright?"

When she looked up, she saw a familiar face.

It was Ino.

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A/N: Hisashiburi de gozaru :"3