Sakura hated Ino.

Ino was always right, always stylish, always good-looking. Ino was smart, and knew how to get her way. She had many boys wrapped around her finger.. Why did she want Sasuke? It was just a matter of time before Sasuke was hers, and Sakura knew that. That was the reason there was such a huge knot in her stomach - which only grew every time she looked at her rival.

Ino hated Sakura.

Sakura was the cute type of girl that boys automatically liked. She didn't have to try so hard like Ino did. Sakura didn't worry and obsess over her hair and weight. Sakura was naturally skinny, she didn't have to diet. Sakura had good grades because she was smart naturally - she didn't have to spend hours studying. She could make any outfit look cute because she was simply cute. Ino had to amp up her sex appeal to get the boys' attention. That was the reason why looking at Sakura filled Ino with hate.

Sakura loved Ino.

Ino was the only true best friend Sakura had ever had. She helped her find confidence and strength, she taught her how to be cute and get attention from people. Ino helped Sakura learn how to cook and match outfits together right. Ino gave her tips and advice on cute hair ideas - she also taught her how to keep her hair and nails healthy and pretty. Ino made Sakura laughed and showed her how to arrange flowers in a correct order for beauty. Ino was always there for her . . . until Sasuke came along.

Ino loved Sakura.

Sakura was so clueless and helpless when Ino first met her, but Sakura understood Ino's desire to be on top. Sakura encouraged Ino and made her feel special. Ino liked to teach Sakura about girly things - it made her feel superior. She felt secure, knowing she had Sakura as her best friend. She loved how she always felt good when she spent time with Sakura. She loved the memories they shared . . . the memories that were slowly fading away as their fight for Sasuke continued.

...

" Hey, Ino! " Kaori yelled over to Ino, waving for Ino to come to her.
Ino obeyed and went straight to Kaori's desk. " I heard that you asked Naruto to the dance. "

" Naruto? " Ino stepped back, made a disgusted face and chuckled. " Why would I ask him? My eyes are set on Sasuke Uchiha. "

" Of course, " Kaori said coyly. " Whose eyes are NOT set on Sasuke? "

The girls giggled and looked over at Sasuke. He was glaring at the back of Iruka's desk while Iruka finished writing the homework on the board. School was almost over with for the day.

" You should ask him to go with you to the upcoming dance, Ino. " Kaori said, smiling. Ino blushed - she hadn't even thought of the dance that would be arriving in a month.

" Okay, I'll give it a go. " Ino smiled back. The school bell ring, signalizing the end of the school day.

Sasuke was walking to the ramen shop when Ino spotted him shortly after they left the school building. " SASUKE-KUN! " Ino yelled and waved. Sasuke turned to see her. He stopped and waited as she caught up to him. " Sasuke-kun! What a surprise. I can't believe I ran into you. " She giggled, knowing that she had been following him.

Sasuke lifted an eyebrow and stared at her with ice-cold eyes. Ino actually shivered, suddenly feeling discomfort. " Um, " She sighed. " I was wondering . . . if you were attending the upcoming dance at school . . And if you would like to go with me . . ? "

" I will be going out of town that week. I have to go visit my girlfriend, Sora. Sorry. " Sasuke said with his blank stare and monotone voice.

Girlfriend?, Ino's mind repeated over and over. She blinked, holding back her true feelings. " Oh, um, I totally understand. " She said, her voice a little higher than usual.

" Sorry. " Sasuke repeated, turning and leaving.

Rejection hurt. It hurt more than bricks being slammed into you, breaking your ribs. Ino frowned, secretly wondering if he would have liked to have gone with Sakura more.

:P

Naruto belongs to Masashi Kishimoto.

Next chapter will be more about Sakura, since this one was more focused on Ino.

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