"Just like that," Ino said, grinning encouragingly. Sakura sure had improved her skills working with flowers all day at the store. The remnants of her first few tries were long forgotten – conveniently hidden underneath an upside-down watering can. Sakura's face glowed at the praise. Then she handed the scissors back to Ino.
"That was so much fun!" she exclaimed, "I hope we can do that again someday."
"Of course," Ino promised, starting to put away the various tools and flowers back in their respective places. Sakura stood up and stretched.
"Here, I'll help you," she said, yawning.
"You look dead on your feet, Sakura-chan," Ino teased lightly, "I don't think you'll be much help like this. Besides, I'm almost done cleaning up."
Sakura wiped her brow with her sleeve. "Who knew flower cutting would be so much work? How are you not tired after doing all this every day?"
"We don't do it every day," Ino explained, "There are still plenty of other jobs besides cutting flowers. You should wait until it's time to rake the flowerbeds!"
Sakura giggled.
"Come on, let's go to the playground," Ino suggested.
"Okay!"
Ino stuck her head out the storeroom. "Okasan! Sakura and I are leaving for a bit, okay?" Her mother didn't reply, but Ino grabbed a sweater and left with Sakura trailing behind her.
The playground was empty. "Awesome!" Ino cheered, earning a timid smile from Sakura. "What do you want to do?"
Sakura shrugged, a light blush forming on her face. "A-anything Ino-chan. I don't mind," she whispered.
Huh? Ino wondered why Sakura was acting so shy again.
"Hey, Ino!"
She turned around and saw the source of Sakura's renewed shyness. "Oh, hello Haruko, Ume."
Her friends waved at her energetically. Ino felt Sakura shift her weight uncomfortably. She knew Sakura wasn't confident with being around a large group of people.
"Who's this, Ino-chan? I've never seen her around before." Ume said, gesturing at Sakura, who was turning slightly green.
"She's Haruno Sakura," Ino said, turning to Sakura encouragingly. "Sakura, these are Ume and Haruko. Say hi!"
Sakura trembled, and gave a tentative wave. "H-hi." Then she darted behind Ino and hid her face with her hands.
"Aw, isn't she cute!" Haruko grinned, "She's your new friend, Ino-chan?"
Ino nodded.
"I think I might've seen her before," Ume said slowly, her eyes unfocused. Sakura tugged on the back of Ino's shirt. What? Ino mouthed. Sakura shook her head frantically.
"I don't think so. She's not from around here," Ino invented wildly.
"Oh," Ume said, frowning slightly. Sakura blinked at Ino gratefully.
"Nice to meet you, Sakura!" Haruko said brightly, extending her hand. Sakura gulped and moved closer to Ino.
"Your friend really is shy," she noted.
Ino sighed. "She'll come out of this phase somehow. Sakura, do you want to go on the swings?"
Sakura nodded mutely.
They walked in silence to where the swings were located on the playground. Ume and Haruko followed from a distance. Ino sat down as soon as they got there, but Sakura remained standing, frozen.
"What's wrong, Sakura? You should sit down," Ino encouraged. Sakura flopped onto the swing next to her just as the other two girls approached.
"Hey, Sakura!" Haruko called. Sakura blinked, but otherwise did not react.
"Your hairstyle is really pretty," she noted, "Especially with that red ribbon you wear."
Ino did not expect Sakura to answer and was pleasantly surprised when she whispered, "T-thank you. Ino-chan gave it to me."
Ume gave Ino a fleeting, sideways look that left her thoroughly confused. "That's very nice of her."
"Yes," Sakura nodded forcefully. Then she smiled.
Ino felt a warm feeling beginning to grow inside of her. Sakura was such a kind and gentle soul, damaged by the bullying she received from Ami and her friends, but nonetheless, still whole and intact. It seemed as though she was starting to get along with other people, perhaps she would be able to develop the ability to stand up for herself. Now that she was getting over her shyness, maybe she would be happier and more carefree. Ino smiled at the thought. Sakura was indeed blossoming, and there was no question that she would become a beautiful flower.