CHAPTER 24

His first date with Sarada went better than he expected. They texted each other regularly afterwards. Now that they had one date behind them, Boruto wasn't sure what to think of this recent development in his life. One date wasn't enough for him to know if he'd be able to move on and love her. He did like her, but was it love? She said she loves him. Love was a stronger emotion compared to only liking someone. He experienced it before with Asami, right? Was it love or just him liking her? Maybe his relationship with Asami ended in a way it did because he didn't love her enough and only liked her.

If that were the case, wouldn't it be unfair to Sarada to repeat his own mistake by prolonging going out on dates, while being unclear about where he stands decision-wise? It was like a bunch of rocks were falling down on him with no warning and demanded for him to hurry to save his life from meeting its end. And like he was desperate enough to cling onto a lifeline that would make everyone else happy, even if he'd end up crushed underneath the weight of everyone's hopes and dreams.

Boruto hated to let anyone else down. However, when Sarada's name was flashing through his mind, that was amplified to a degree that made him terrified of not meeting her expectations. He could not explain why. She was the person he desired to be noticed by the most. That meant the pressure and fear something could go wrong was an unbearable thought.

Was it even possible without him doubting his life choices? First stages of dating were always fun, but it was what happened after that fun Boruto couldn't help questioning.

What if she was only pretending to be interested in him? It'd be undeniably crushing under the weight of expectations he didn't fulfil, or things he did, asking himself what he did wrong and feeling like a real idiot for giving Sarada hope, while not knowing his full answer. He wanted to trust Sarada, really. It's just every time he makes a step forward, he also makes a step backward, consumed by the negative memories of his past relationship. Deep down, he knew he shouldn't decide anything in that state of being.

Expressing affection even as a friend was hard for him. Sarada was very bold with expressing her emotions lately. It wasn't an unwelcome change for him. He liked it a lot. He did not know how to respond to her boldness. Boruto admired Sarada's courage a lot. Maybe that's why he was so afraid to screw everything up. He admired her too much. His respect for her only grew with time when she admitted she has a hard time conveying her emotions to others, while ending up openly pursuing him.

"I need to clear up my mind," he muttered. Maybe talking about this fresh development with his friends would help? It was the weekend but they can still meet at school. Being the principal's son had its perks sometimes. Boruto didn't like the idea of asking his dad for favours, although there are exceptions. One of those exceptions was making sure to properly consider Sarada being happy in the end.

He speed-dialled Shikadai, who was apparently hanging out with Sumire. They both promised to arrive at Boruto's proposed meeting space to have a private conversation.

Sumire, Shikadai and Boruto were inside of the empty school, walking towards the room they were most familiar with — their club room. They closed the door, moving to favourite seating spots each of them had. Once they sat down, it was the time for a private talk Boruto sought.

"Are you okay?" Shikadai asked him, furrowing his brows. He rarely started the conversation first, so that was quite a shock. His gaze focused on Boruto. "You don't look too good."

Sumire turned her head around in both directions her friends sat. "I'd let you speak first, but Shikadai's right. Are you not feeling well? We were pretty worried about your sudden call to discuss something urgent."

Part of him didn't want to show how relieved he was that both of them came to hear him out. A small sigh of relief he let out was liberating.

"Sarada loves me," he said. Another sigh escaped from his lips. "And that's the problem."

"Why is Sarada loving you a problem? Isn't that great?" Sumire inquired, while exchanging confused glances with Shikadai.

"I don't think I measure up to her at all. Sarada's really amazing, brave and kind. A coward like me that can't respond to her love properly doesn't deserve her." Boruto summed up only fraction of what was happening inside his mind. His friends were very perceptive. He was sure they caught onto his insecurities a while ago.

"You don't feel you've done enough to earn her love?" Shikadai started lightly tapping the desk with his thumb.

Boruto vigorously nodded at Shikadai's question. That was it! He didn't know why Sara had fallen for him. She just asked him to go out on a date out of nowhere after confessing with no explanation!

"I guess that nailed exactly part of it! Sumire, you've fallen in love with Mitsuki, right? What were your reasons?" Boruto would be lying if he didn't say he wasn't curious. Shikadai also curiously looked at her, like he was expecting something. Weird. Thinking of it, when he called them, they were together. Did he interrupt them in the middle of an important task?

Sumire delicately pulled on one of her braids, shaking a bit and looking everywhere, aside from the two people in the room. After that, she ended up taking a few deep breaths and smiled. It sent shivers down to Boruto's spine. Class Rep wasn't someone he wanted to anger. Ever.

"Please, give me a minute," she weakly whispered.

He was lucky her reaction showed she would open up about the subject. Though he needs to proceed with more caution in their future interactions.

Five minutes passed before Sumire's breathing was even, and her shaking stopped. She opened her mouth, then immediately closed it. It's only after she saw Shikadai giving her a thumbs up, Boruto followed up the suit. He was here to sort out his own complicated emotions, so giving an extra encouragement to Sumire to open-up about it was a fair exchange.

"I'm sorry for my overreaction. My reason for falling in love with Mitsuki, huh..." she processed to smooth the wrinkles on her dress. "I grew up in an orphanage after my parents died. That's why I was extremely envious of other students that had parents. When I met Mitsuki, I thought I overcame this jealousy of mine. I was wrong."

Sumire choked a bit, then paused, to better pace her talking speed;

"Back then, everyone picked on him because of his parent, Orochimaru. Mitsuki had outlandish responses to those that did, but I realised his family members were quite affectionate toward him. I told him as much and you know what his response was? He said that instead of wasting my time being jealous, I should focus on building connections with people that might be as precious or even more than the family I currently desire. It shook me to my core. Most of the people in my life just expressed pity when hearing about my background. I hate being pitied. Mitsuki didn't pity me. He openly listened to my problems, then gave me a shocking reality check."

That story was interesting. Hearing it now, Boruto recalled the time when Sumire behaved strangely, learning he included Mitsuki in their circle of friends. Was it because she experienced how he brutally dissected people's emotions? Speaking of which, Shikadai was unusually silent too. Normally, he'd complain mid conversation about needing a break.

"After that moment, I noticed him everywhere. It was small, simple things that made me slowly realise my feelings for him. I confessed, got rejected, and you know the rest." Sumire finished her story with teary eyes.

Boruto suddenly felt bad for asking her about love. However, she was the only one here he was comfortable to ask about former love interests. It'd get messy if he'd questioned Shikadai, considering he loved Asami. Boruto preferred to avoid mentioning his ex-girlfriend. Today's meeting was supposed to be about Sarada and only her.

"Damn," muttered Shikadai. "Were your feelings always that complex?"

"Of course they were! Though, I'm not sure whether it was love or just me falling for the idea of affection and attention romantic love would provide. In that sense, I'm glad I got rejected." Sumire embraced herself.

"Thank you for sharing your story, ya know! I appreciate it."

It was Boruto's words that shifted Sumire's attention again to him. The experience was eye-opening for the blond. Perhaps all those negative thoughts he had, along with positive ones, were proof he loved Sarada. He couldn't find the words to describe what he was experiencing every time he thought about her.

"By the way, Boruto... I don't know the reason you asked me about Mitsuki when your situation is different, but I think you're too hard on yourself. You say you didn't earn Sarada's love and are not deserving of it, yes? I don't think Sarada shares the same opinion. She confessed to you as the person you currently are." Sumire gave her final verdict on his situation.

"Sumire's right. Based on your behaviour, you reciprocate Sarada's love. The only thing holding you back is your own fear." Shikadai added to the conclusion she reached.

Boruto was grateful he had the support of his friends. Perhaps their words were the push that was necessary to pinpoint his emotions. He loved Sarada back. He was just afraid to lose their friendly bond.

"Thanks, Sumire, Shikadai! There's only one other person I want input from."

"Who is it?" They both replied in sync.

"Chō-Chō! Let me quickly call Chō-Chō!"

Boruto took out his phone and found Chō-Chō on his phone contact list, but she didn't pick up. After a minute, she called back, and he never picked up a call as fast as he did at that moment.

It took a while to explain all the details of what was currently happening and his emotional state.

Chō-Chō exploded with laughter on the other end of the line. "You're a moron. I understand your fear of your relationship failing like your last one, but you worry too much. Sarada's loyal to a fault. You should focus more on communicating with her on a regular basis, instead. She might've pushed herself too much because she's still not used to being vulnerable in front of you. You're the first person she opened up to talk to about her past. Own up to it and go tell her you love her too!"

"Will do! You're a God-send, Chō-Chō! I knew you'd have insight we don't have as Sarada's bestie!" he loudly shouted out in his excitement.

Glares from Shikadai and Sumire made him immediately silent and trying to keep a low-indoor voice.

"Yeah, yeah, I am super amazing, I know. Just remember, if you hurt Sarada, you'll have me to deal with." Boruto guessed Chō-Chō wouldn't let him off without warning, but now that he received one, he got hit with the realisation how serious he was about making relationship with Sarada work out. It was very important to him on a personal level.

"Yes, ma'm!" He saluted, and that ended the call.

Sumire and Shikadai respectfully accompanied him in silence during his phone call with Chō-Chō, but Boruto felt bad making them stay inside of an empty school building to give him love advice. He thanked them in his own way.

"Wanna go get ice cream? I'll treat us, since you both ended up staying longer with me than I expected." Boruto said.

Sumire jumped out of her seat in excitement. "I'll never say no to a free dessert!"

"Me neither," yawned Shikadai, while lazily getting up.

"Let's go then, guys!"

With dismay, he needed to do some grunt work for his dad, since he pulled off a few strings to make this meeting in an empty school possible at Boruto's request. However, even that couldn't stop from dampening his mood. He was happy to have such amazing friends and discover what to do next. For the first time in a while, he truly felt he deserved happiness in a new relationship and try again being in a serious relationship. It was his turn to express his feelings for Sarada. He hoped she was prepared for the surprise of her lifetime!

AN:

Hello everyone!

We've reached chapter 24. A few years ago when I started this story — I'd not believe I'm so close to hitting a milestone with chapter 25. It's mind-boggling that the fanfic I practised on to write better came so far.

The first chapters are rough around the edges, but I progressed a lot. Both as the writer and a person. I learned a lot from all of my mistakes too throughout those years.

By the time I post this chapter, I should be ahead of you all and be in the middle of editing either chapter 25 or 26, maybe even an epilogue. That means once we reach the next chapter, I would post the following chapters at least once a week or two times a week to reach my end goal of finishing this story. Unfortunately, my nasty cold and irl stuff slowed down the process more than I thought.

I'm so happy to still accompany you all on this crazy journey along with me and don't worry, despite how my author note sounds, there' are still a few chapters to go through!

Sincerely yours,

Karinrumi