DISCLAIMER: I do not own Naruto & the characters, but I do own the OC and the plot.
FOOL FOR YOU
Chapter Two - Realization Struck
Today is my day-off from the library. Not that I work there or something. I just spend most of my time there.
Every once a week, I try to use what I have learned from reading those 'How To' books and socialize with people. A day when I make a complete fool of myself.
I walked around town thinking. Ever since that day when I had my first conversation with Sai, we talked more at the library - well not in a super talkative way...just a few statements here and there. I am ecstatic! I never expected I'd be able to be a tiny bit closer to him. But...I wonder, is that a good thing or a bad thing?
The thought immediately erased from my mind when a delicious scent trickled into my nostrils.
I sighed as I saw where the enticing aroma came from. The barbecue shop. Of course, I decided to go inside. I thought that not only will I eat something yummy, I'll try to become friends with the waitresses or something.
I heard a girl squeal the moment I went inside. "I'm so glad Sai is here again~!"
The instant I heard his name, I automatically scanned the area for a certain dark-haired, pale-skinned shinobi.
The moment I saw him I felt excitement and then it instantly turned into disappointment. He was with his friends and he sat beside a beautiful, blonde kunoichi. Are they an item? They look sweet. I felt a knot in my stomach. I should leave.
I spun around to leave and-
"Excuse me, miss?"
"Eek!" I yelped, shocked, twirling around as I heard a voice behind me. Few of the people in the shop turned to me, including Sai.
Another scene of me being a complete dunce. Dammit. Why do I have to get so surprised so easily?
"W-would you like a table, miss?" Apparently, the one who called me was one of the shop's waitress - she appeared a bit surprised, probably because of my embarrassing response.
"Yes..." I mused. I mentally slapped myself for saying that. Why did I said 'yes', when I clearly wanted to leave? I blame my paranoia...if I say 'no' she might think I'm rude or annoyingly indecisive. She'll probably think -if I said 'no'- , 'She comes in here, wastes my time and doesn't pay'.
"Hey!" I heard a woman call as I was following the waitress. I turned to see Sai's group...? "Come sit with us. You're a friend of Sai's, right?" The blonde girl said.
How does she know I'm a friend of Sai? Was she spying on Sai? Does she think he is seeing someone else? Does she think that 'someone else' is me, and she wants to interrogate me? Is she even Sai's girlfriend? There's only one way to find out.
I faced the waitress and she nodded knowing I now have a table. Reluctantly, I took the blonde's offer. I sat beside Shikamaru -I know him since he spends some time in the library too- and in front of Sai.
"I'm Ino Yamanaka." The blonde girl introduced. "Sai said your a friend of his at the library."
Oh...of course he'd say that! Stop over thinking things, Mui!
"Chouji Akimichi." Said the chubby guy on the other side of Shikamaru.
"Naruto Uzumaki" A blonde boy grinned. I already knew...everybody knows him. I even did some research on him once. I know how much he cares for his friends and the village. For one thing, I admire him! He sat beside...
"Sakura Haruno" The pink-haired girl smiled.
"I'm...Miu...Kotoko..."
"Eeeh!" Naruto reacted. "That name sounds like a cat's meow!" He exclaimed.
"IDIOT!" Sakura shouted punching him. I winced. It looked awfully painful. "You don't say that to a girl!"
"Sakura-chan~" Naruto whined, tearing from the pain.
"Shut up and apologize to Miu!"
Naruto sighed. "Okay..." He turned to me, "Sorry, Miu..." he apologized with a sheepish grin.
I smiled. "It's okay..."
"Hey, Shikamaru...?" Ino spoke.
"Yeah?" He answered nonchalantly.
"Why don't you introduce yourself to Miu?" She gave an obviously forced smile, barely hiding the fact that she is completely annoyed by Shikamaru's lack of care.
He shrugged. "I already know her...and you already said my name. If I didn't knew her already, she'd know my name now."
Ino growled, glaring at him.
"How troublesome..." Shikamaru mumbled.
"So, how do you know each other?" Sakura questioned, making Ino drop her glare and share the same curiosity.
"She's a member of an information gathering squad."
I nodded implying that what Shikamaru said is true.
"Ohh..." The two kunoichis mused.
We continued eating. I can't help but watch Sai the whole time. Hopefully, nobody notices. I can't help but wince whenever Ino and Sai talked to each other.
I guess I should ask...
"Uhm...are you and Sai dating?" I questioned the blonde kunoichi.
Silence.
I started panicking. Was I wrong to ask?
"Pfft." Sakura held in a laugh.
Ino was taken aback by this. "What's so funny, FOREHEAD?"
In a mocking tone, Sakura answered, "I just couldn't imagine any guy willing to date you, INO PIG!"
"Hm." Ino smirked. "You're the one to talk."
"WHAT!" Sakura shouted.
The two kunoichis continued their argument. And from the background you can hear Shikamaru mumble, "How Troublesome."
I smiled as relief washed all over me. I turned to Sai and he was smiling at me. I generously returned the smile.
At that moment, I instantly felt sadness overcoat my short relief.
I do not have a chance.
There is no way.
"Miu?" Sai's tranquil voice did not made me feel any better when it usually does.
"I...have to go." I informed standing up. The shinobis looked at me curiously. "Thank you." I added, smiling an artificial smile. "Really. Thank you very much" And I am truly thankful.
Soon after, I walked away.
Crestfallen.
Realization struck as I tore to pieces.
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