Naruto could not contain his happiness when the coach of the team announced that he would be playing for Konoha High in the upcoming basketball season. Among him, other second year and third year students were also selected to join the cup and of course his best friend, Sasuke Uchiha.
The team members had undergone an intense training every day after class which resulted to spending less time with Sakura. He hoped that his childhood friend would take his feelings for her seriously this time. They had matured, and unlike what she thought, his feelings never changed. Back when they were kids, it could easily have been mistaken as a silly crush. She was the top of the class; she had mesmerizing eyes, long hair.
He never understood then how could such a pretty girl be bullied. He defended her to which she was grateful but still wasn't enough for her to notice his growing feelings. Until Ino came in, and suddenly they spent less and less time playing together. To the point where they had to leave because of his father's job.
During the break of their team practice, he smacked Sasuke on the shoulder who was then drinking cold water from his blue water jag to quench his thirst. Automatically, Sasuke's eyes twitched and was about to pour the water to the idiot. But Naruto was quick to get away.
After a while, Naruto asked about his opinion about their pink-haired girl companion. His bestfriend's angry reaction turned into somewhat a confused one before turning to his usual unreadable, calm and collected facade. "What do you mean?" He asked.
"I dunno, maybe I want to hear something from you. We've been hanging out for a while now. She's bubbly and nice, right?" Naruto turned to Sasuke who was sitting beside him in one of the benches.
"She's…okay. Tolerable." The high school heartthrob said, careful of what he may had to say.
"What? That's it? She's okay? You seriously are lame, Bastard." Naruto replied, standing up.
"What do you want me to say then?" Sasuke crossed his arms, looking at his companion with a challenging look.
"Maybe I want my best friend's support! God, Sasuke, I am finally telling you about this girl I like since we were kids. Be a man and tell me some stupid advice because that's what brothers like us do!" The blonde then sighed and continued. "You know what? Never mind, there maybe thousands of girls screaming your name on court, but I am sure you are still one clueless broody guy who still couldn't get a girl."
In response, Naruto received a death glare from Sasuke. "Tch, I need no such thing. It is a waste of time."
"Keep telling yourself that. One day when you really fall head over heels for a certain girl, I'll be the first one to laugh at you." Sasuke ignored the blonde's statement altogether; he shook his head and gathered all the players in the court once again.
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Given the busy schedule of both Sasuke and Naruto, Sakura had been spending more time with some of her female classmates and Ino. Her closest friend had always teased her about her long-time crush.
"No. It's not what you think. He probably tolerates me because Naruto insists to include me in their group. I cannot even say we're friends, Pig." Sakura told Ino during lunch break. The two were alone in Ino's classroom this time. The pink-haired girl was seated to her usual seat, on the last row near the window, while Ino settled down beside her.
"Oh come on! You're wasting such a big opportunity to make a move. You, my friend, could be the closest thing that sulking guy had as a female companion. He's the hottest guy and Mr. Oh so Perfect of this school, and if I weren't with Sai right now, I'll not waste a second and just jump on him. Seriously, I'll even ditch our friendship for him." Ino said, winking.
"Are you serious? I'm hurt. Oh, my poor heart. My best friend chooses to ruin our friendship because of a guy." Sakura replied, gasping and pretending to be devastated about the news.
Ino rolled her eyes. "Just tell her your feelings, Forehead! And stop acting like a cutesy girl in front of him, that will not work."
The pink-haired girl raised her chopsticks in protest. "What the!" A blush took over her cheeks in mixture of embarrassment and anger. "I'm not acting! I just- I couldn't contain my reactions, okay?"
"Yeah, yeah. Whatever you say." Ino waver her hand. "No explanations needed. He probably thinks you're a weird girl or if your feelings haven't been obvious, he certainly knows how you feel for him." Ino continued, rolling her eyes once again.
This time, Sakura wasn't faking it; she gasped in response. "You think? Am I that obvious?"
"Like I said, you act like those stupid fangirls of his, swooning at the mere sight of him. Blushing at the slightest contact, seriously Forehead? I thought you were better than that." Ino scolded her friend.
"I am not swooning!" Sakura sighed after a minute; her tone changed considerably. "Can we please stop talking about this? I am contented just being his companion from time to time. You know that, right?"
"Fine. But in my defense, this is my way of looking after you. You had been in love with the guy, since what? Forever? I can't help but be concerned."
"And I appreciate it. It's been a while since I spent my lunchtime with you, let alone talk to you. I missed your bitchiness, Pig." Sakura smiled.
"Well, I'm glad to hear that, Forehead."
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It had been exactly twenty-three days since Sakura got the chance to spend some time with either Sasuke or Naruto. The two of them still came to class, but more often than not, the pink-haired girl would notice the blonde dozing off in the middle of a lecture while the basketball heartthrob would be fighting off to stay awake.
She always tried to catch a glimpse of their training after class. She also heard that they often called it quits by nine in the evening. Moreover, they had to do their homeworks and other responsibilities in school after that. And the classes would start at eight in the morning. So, Sakura totally understood when one morning Naruto said his apologies for abandoning her. As usual, Kakashi was nowhere to be found.
"No, no. What are you apologizing for? You guys have practice." Sakura shook her head.
"I know, but we're friends, right? I feel like we ditched you." Naruto countered.
Sakura stood up from her seat and placed her hands on top of Naruto's shoulders. "Listen. Joining the basketball team does not necessarily mean that we're not friends anymore. You guys are busy, I get it. Next week, you're going to have your first match, right? And as your friend, I will be there to support you and Sasuke-kun. I know you can win that one." She smiled this time.
Naruto returned the gesture. "I am a hundred percent sure we can this one, Sakura-chan! Especially now that I know you're there!" He held up his hand and gave her a thumbs-up.
That was when Sasuke had chosen to interject in the conversation. "Don't be cocky, idiot. Iwa is pretty good." He was seated by the window again, using his right hand to support his head.
"So, what! Are you saying that we can't beat them?" Naruto nearly shouted.
Sasuke crossed his arms across his chest. "I am not saying we can't. I'm just reminding you to focus."
Sakura blinked at the sight of the two bickering. She smiled; she has pretty missed the two of them for almost a month. Although most of the time, Naruto would be try to confess his feelings. And sometimes he would also compliment her and try to drop some hints. She missed his goofiness and his energy.
And as for Sasuke, they rarely talked. But then, she had always felt safe whenever he is around. They enjoyed the comfortable silence be it in the court or in the classroom or wherever. And she had craved that feeling ever since. She remembered that time she borrowed his hoodie; it smelled so nice. She wished she could just keep it, but unfortunately, she had returned it immediately the following day. She felt embarrassed just remembering it.
Moreover, Tenten had given her knowing looks whenever she would be talking to Sasuke. And that would even lead for the pink-haired girl's cheeks to blush more. Tenten had certainly enjoyed teasing her.
Meanwhile, Kakashi finally arrived and cleared his throat to make his presence known. As the students settled down on their seats, Kakashi started teaching and writing something on the board. Hours gone by and before anyone could notice, the ring belled. The students raced to the cafeteria for their lunchbreak. But not Sakura.
She had been asked by Kakashi to see him during the break for an important class representative duty. The teacher apologized to Sakura for being tasked to stay a little late due to paperworks she had to submit. He also pointed out that since Sasuke would be having his usual late practice; he could not burden him anymore. Sakura smiled in response telling Kakashi it was fine, that she could manage to do it alone.
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The pink-haired girl had called her parents, informing them that she would be a little late. Well, considering it was already thirty minutes past the hour of nine, it could not be considered a little anymore. She was sure it was only her and the body guard remaining in the school.
She sprinted through the hallway of the building, ready to submit the reports Kakashi had mentioned. She noticed that the light was still on in the faculty room so she knocked twice and excused herself. Sakura was kinda surprise to see Kakashi still there.
"Sensei? You're still here?" She asked as she went inside of the room.
"Sakura? You hadn't gone home yet? I thought you already left and finished it all at home." Kakashi furrowed his eyebrows.
She laughed nervously explaining that she had not noticed the time. Kakashi then expressed his concern over her safety considering how late it was. He even offered to call her parents to fetch her up. However, she quickly told him that she lived nearby and it would only take her fifteen minutes to go home.
She politely bowed her head and dashed off the room.
As she raced along the corridors, she noticed that the gym's lights are still on. She made a quick trip to look if the basketball team were still there, but only found Sasuke packing his things up.
The raven-haired guy noticed her right away. "What do you think you're doing? It's 9: 41." He said without looking up from his bag.
"Kakashi-sensei assigned me some reports to finish." She answered, walking in the middle of the court. "You guys still practice until this hour?"
Sasuke then glared at her. "You should be home by now. It's late."
Not expecting the sudden anger she was receiving from Sasuke, she tilted her head in confusion. "Why are you mad at me? I was only asking you a question."
"Tch, you're annoying." He said, slinging his bag on his right shoulder. And in other instances, she would have retorted, but she was tired and hungry and sleepy. She wanted nothing but to get home right away.
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As they exited the school altogether, she smiled at him telling him to get home safely. She turned around facing the empty streets, knowing that Sasuke's home was the other way around. After taking a few steps, she turned around once again to wave at him. He was still standing near the gates of the school, his face unreadable as ever.
She was a bit disappointed. A simple "Take care and get home safely" would do, she thought. She sighed, of course, this was Sasuke-kun we were talking about. What are you thinking Sakura?
While she was scolding herself a few more times, she noticed the roads are dead silent. Comparing it to the busy streets with many people during day time, Sakura realized how truly late it was for a student going back home.
And as she was walking down the street, she could not help but feel nervous. She clutched her bag more tightly; she was half-walking, half-running. She never dared to look back, afraid that someone might be following her. Then she heard footsteps, a man's, keeping up with hers.
Before she knew it, she was running. She turned to the left but still she could sense someone following her, running too, this time. Leaving with no choice, she opened her mouth to scream. But not before the man grabbed her and covered her mouth with his hand.
With wide terror eyes, she turned her face to face her abductor. Wild thoughts keep running through her mind like what would this man do to her: Would he take her things? Would he molest her? Kidnap her? Perhaps, murder her? What would her parents feel?
But then she visibly relaxed once she saw the face of the man. It was Sasuke.
He had released her once he was certain she would not cause any noise anymore. She exhaled a sound of relief, clutching her chest, breathing heavily. She wanted to shout at him for scaring her, but she had never felt thankful it was him.
Before any words went out of Sasuke's mouth, a few tears run down his companion's face. He looked away in an instant, uncomfortable at the sight.
Wiping her tears she had not realized started flowing down, she apologized. "I am sorry, Sasuke-kun. I was just really scared. I- I did not realize it was you." She uttered, still gasping for air to breathe.
"If you are this defenseless, you should have thought about the consequences of going home at this ungodly hour." He said, trying to keep himself from being mad at her and himself.
"I know. I am sorry." She bowed her head. Her knees felt like jelly; her body still shaking from what had happened a few minutes ago.
Sasuke exhaled loudly. "Come on, I'll walk you home." He said, turning his back.
She took a few steps forward, trying to calm her racing heart. "You don't have to. Your house is the other way around." She insisted; her voice still trembling.
Hearing such an absurd thing, Sasuke glowered at her. "If you can just look at yourself right now. I am certain you will faint any time now." A scowl made its way into his lips. "Stop whining and let's get you home."
A tense silence between the two. Sakura watched Sasuke's back as they crossed the streets. While waiting for the stop light, she heard the sound of his stomach grumbling. He averted his eyes, knowing she heard it. "You can have your late dinner at home. I'm sure Mom and Dad won't mind."
"It's fine."
"No, I insist. You bothered to walk me home. Not to mention, you had your training. I am sure you must be really tired. I am sorry again for this." Her brows furrow in concern and guilt.
Before they knew it, they reached Sakura's home. They stopped a few meters away from the doorstep. "Thank you, Sasuke-kun. Sorry for this. Please have your dinner at home or I can pack some food for you. I remember you like onigiri, I can ask Mom."
Her non-stop apologies annoy the hell out of him. Why does she always apologize for the things she was not even at fault? Annoying girl.
Once again, Sasuke would be turning down her offer. However, the sound of the door opening interrupted them.
"Sakura! My dear goodness! Do you know what time is it?" Mebuki nearly shouted. She then noticed Sasuke. "Well, well, what do we have here?" She made a quick once-over at the young man before her eyes brighten up. "Oh! You must be Sasuke Uchiha!"
"Mom!" Sakura shook her head and made a few hand gestures Sasuke could not comprehend.
Sasuke nonetheless bowed his head in respect. "What a fine, young man we got here. Tell me, are you now dating my daughter? I heard so many good things about you from Sakura."
"Mom! Jeez, please." Sakura interrupted her mom again. She placed her hand on her face. She kept preventing her eyes from meeting Sasuke's, but she could tell he was smirking.
"Oh come on, Sakura. Invite him over." Mebuki ushered the poor guy in their house. "I know my daughter's pretty handful. Thank you for looking after her. She tends to study too much that she forgets what is life outside of school. Knowing she have a boyfriend as attractive and respectful as you, I feel at ease." She added, lowering her voice only for Sasuke to hear.
He merely nodded in response, but a clear amusement was written all over his face. And when he was forced to sit down at the dining area, he tried to voice out his protest. "I do not wish to impose, Mrs. Haruno."
"Nonsense." She waved her hand in dismissal. "Sakura-dear, sit beside our young Sasuke. I know that you teenagers must be hungry."
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After dinner, Sakura accompanied Sasuke until they reached the side of the road.
"Sorry again for this, Sasuke-kun. I did not know my mom would be acting like this." She exhaled. "I know your family must be worried about you. Sorry for keeping you here far longer than I expected. Please ignore also those things my mom said to you. Gosh, I was never this embarrassed."
"It's fine. Just learn to say no. Your mother's right, you should also look after yourself."
A blush made its way to her cheeks after hearing that. She bowed again, apologizing. "Please get home safely. It's almost eleven now." She paused, contemplating if what she was about to say was appropriate. "Can you text me once you get home?"
Sasuke blinked in response. Panicking, the pink-haired girl shook her head too many times saying she take it back.
They had exchanged numbers for a group project they had a couple of months ago, but never once messaged nor called each other. It was always through Naruto. If by chance, this would be the first time, Sasuke would be messaging a girl his age.
"Aa. I will."
At the sound of his voice, she stopped talking. She smiled shyly and sent him off.
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By 11:30, Sakura's phone buzzed.
Your mother's cooking is good.
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The opening of the basketball season was attended by over three thousand students occupying Konoha High's gymnasium. Among the crowd was Sakura and Ino. While Ino was cheering loudly, Sakura kept to her seat clapping her hands every time Konoha would score a basket.
Embarrassingly enough, Naruto would flash her a wide grin and a thumbs-up whenever he would score. The pink-haired girl feeling couple of eyes on her would nervously sip into her iced tea.
Sasuke was great; Sakura can tell all eyes were on him. She was certain he had stolen all the girls' hearts in the gym.
At the halftime, the score was Konoha-47 vs Iwa-41. She had noticed how often Sasuke would run his hand through his hair whenever he was getting frustrated. There was this other player on the other team who was playing too aggressively.
It was number 8 of Iwa, someone named Han. It was obvious he was going after Sasuke. He tried to elbow Sasuke in the cheek causing an intense atmosphere in the court. Naruto had even tried to ask what the problem of this player was. Until the referees separated the players.
Sakura stood up, worried about the two of her closest guy friends. Ino squeezed her shoulder in support. Her best friend reassured her by telling her it would be fine.
At the end of the game, Konoha won. 81-74. And although everyone in Konoha was happy; it was clear that Sasuke was not satisfied. Sakura was sure it had something to do with Iwa player number 8.
As she caught a glimpse of the players going to the dugout, he was shaking his head in discontentment. She brought out her phone and sent him a quick message.
"You did great."
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A/N: Okay, I lied. This will be composed by more than three chapters. Anyway, I hope you enjoyed the second chapter.
Newsflash! I will be starting this job thing next week. I hope things go well. See you guys soon.
And please please leave me a review. That will be very much appreciated.