5 years ago *
Sakura flopped back onto her bed with a thud, and Sasuke ended up on top of her, their lips locked in a deep kiss. The room buzzed with intense energy as they held each other tightly. They explored each other's bodies with their hands, fueling a burning desire between them. Finally, they broke apart, their chests heaving as they caught their breath.
"I never thought you could look so irresistible in a graduation gown," Sasuke said, his lips trailing soft kisses along Sakura's neck and collarbone.
She giggled softly, tilting her head to give him more access, her breath quickening with every tender touch of his lips.
"You might make me want to wear it more often," Sakura whispered, her fingers gently running through Sasuke's hair, urging him closer.
Sasuke kissed her throat, then pulled back to look at her, his eyes filled with love and admiration. A tenderness that he only showed to the most special people in his life, like Sakura. Her heart swelled with affection as she placed a gentle hand on his cheek.
"By the way, congratulations," Sasuke said, giving her a slight smile.
Sakura giggled again, tracing her fingers down his jaw. "Thank you."
Sasuke took her hand and kissed her palm, then intertwined their fingers and placed their hands over her head. They kissed again with renewed passion, losing themselves completely in each other, as if time had momentarily stood still, and the world around them ceased to exist.
Later, they lay in bed, wrapped in each other's warmth, Sakura resting her head on Sasuke's chest, and Sasuke gently running a hand through her hair. The afterglow of their affection lingered, and a serene silence enveloped them.
"Others will probably be wondering where we went." Sakura said after a long moment of silence.
"Mm, let them wonder," Sasuke murmured, his voice soft and content, as he held her even closer.
"We should probably go. Ino is throwing a 'surprise' graduation party that she thinks I don't know about and asked me to be at the flower shop after the graduation ceremony." Sakura said, sitting up.
Sasuke sighed, reluctantly following suit. Sakura gave him a soft kiss before heading to the bathroom to freshen up. Just as Sasuke was getting up and pulling on his clothes, his phone buzzed. He picked his phone. It was a text from Naruto.
"The results are in. We made it!"
Sasuke glanced at the text in disbelief. The news hit him like a bolt of lightning. They had made it into Shadow Guard, one of the most exclusive and prestigious security firms in the country. A mix of excitement and apprehension surged within him. He and Naruto had undergone rigorous tests, and even Itachi had struggled to gain entry. Yet, here they were, accepted into the organization that represented his long-held dream.
But as the reality of his achievement settled in, so did the weight of the decision he had to make. If what he had read were true, this changed everything. Everything.
He shakily ran a hand through his hair, realizing the magnitude of the choice he faced. He heard Sakura come out the bathroom and quickly pocketed his phone. He needed to think before telling this to Sakura. This was too big.
"You ready?" Sakura asked, her voice breaking him from his thoughts.
"Uh, yeah, just give me a minute," Sasuke replied. He went to the bathroom to freshen up and quickly send a text to Naruto, asking him to keep quiet about their success until he had figured things out.
Sasuke took a moment to collect his thoughts as he splashed cold water on his face in the bathroom. The weight of the news he had just received was immense. Joining Shadow Guard was a great achievement, and he knew it would demand unwavering commitment and dedication. He couldn't help but feel torn between his long-cherished dreams and his love for Sakura.
After composing himself, Sasuke returned to the living room where Sakura was waiting, looking expectant and excited for the party. He forced a smile, trying to mask the turmoil within him.
"Ready to go?" Sakura said, smiling.
Sasuke nodded. "Yeah, let's head to the flower shop."
Arriving at the flower shop, Sakura's friends were all gathered, cheering and congratulating her on her graduation. Sakura was ecstatic, and Sasuke didn't want to dampen her spirits. He decided to focus on her happiness for now and deal with his own internal struggle later.
The party went on, and as the night wore on, Sasuke found himself stealing glances at Sakura, trying to memorize every detail of her smile and laughter. He knew he needed to talk to her soon, to discuss their future together, but he wanted to find the right moment.
As the evening drew to a close, Sakura hugged her friends and thanked them for the surprise party. They strolled through the familiar streets, hand in hand. The air was charged with an unspoken tension, and finally, Sakura spoke up.
"Sasuke-kun, you've been a little distant tonight. Is something bothering you?" She asked softly.
Sasuke paused. "There's something I need to tell you, Sakura."
"Of course. You can tell me anything." She said, looking concerned.
They found a quiet spot under a cherry blossom tree, its delicate petals gently falling around them, creating an ethereal atmosphere.
Sasuke took a deep breath. "Naruto and I got some news today. We both made it into Shadow Guard."
"Shadow Guard?" Sakura said, surprised. "That's incredible, Sasuke-kun. Congratulations!"
Sasuke looked conflicted. "Thank you, Sakura, but there's more to it. Working for Shadow Guard will be demanding, and it might require me to leave Konoha."
Sakura's brow furrowed, but she nodded understandingly. "For how long?"
Sasuke swallowed but remained silent.
Sakura's expression changed from excitement to concern as she realized the implications of Sasuke's news.
"Are you saying... you might have to leave? Leave me?"
"I don't know yet, Sakura. But this job is something I've always wanted. It's an opportunity of a lifetime, and it's not an easy decision for me." Sasuke said gently.
"I understand, Sasuke-kun. I know how much this means to you. But what does that mean for us?" Sakura asked as her eyes filled with tears.
"I don't want to lose you, Sakura, but I can't ask you to wait for me. This job will demand everything from me, and I might not be able to be there for you like I should." Sasuke said, wishing his eyes conveyed the emotions he was unable to express through his words.
"So, you're asking me to choose between my dreams and you?" She asked, holding back tears.
"I'm not asking you to choose, Sakura," Sasuke said softly, "I'm asking you to understand that this job will change things between us. I want you to pursue your dreams as a doctor, and I need to pursue mine."
Sakura sniffled, looking away. "I don't want to lose you, Sasuke-kun," She paused, struggling to find the right words. "But... I can't." She said, her voice trembling.
"Sakura, I..." Sasuke took a step toward her. But she raised her hand to stop him.
"I need time to think about it. I can't pretend like I'm okay with it right now." Sakura said. Her lips pursed as she tried to hold back tears.
"Sakura, I didn't mean to upset you. I just wanted to be honest with you about what's going on." Sasuke said softly.
"I know," Sakura said, frustrated, "and I appreciate that. But it's also a lot to take in all at once." She looked down. "I need time to figure out how I feel about all of this."
"I understand," Sasuke said, his shoulders slumping slightly. "Take all the time you need, Sakura."
Sakura looked back at him, forcing a smile. "Thank you, Sasuke-kun. I appreciate that."
They stood in silence for a moment, the tension between them palpable. Eventually, Sakura took a step back.
"I'm going home now. I'll see you tomorrow."
Sasuke nodded. "I'll crash with Naruto tonight. Take care, Sakura."
Sakura walked away, leaving Sasuke standing under the cherry blossom tree. The night ended on a sour note, and Sakura's heart felt heavy with conflicting emotions. As she walked home, she replayed the evening in her mind, wondering how everything changed so suddenly.
Throughout the night, Sakura reflected on her feelings for Sasuke and the potential impact of his decision on their relationship. She realized that she's angry and hurt, but also understood that Sasuke's dreams were essential to him.
In the morning, after a night of contemplation, Sakura felt a sense of clarity. She knew she could not ask Sasuke to give up his dreams, just as she wouldn't give up hers. With a heavy but resolved heart, she called Sasuke to meet her in the coffee shop.
"Sasuke-kun, I've had some time to think things through," Sakura said, looking composed, "and while I'm still not entirely okay with the situation, I understand that your dreams are crucial to you. I won't stand in your way."
"Sakura, I didn't want any of this to hurt you." Sasuke said, looking sad.
"I know," she said softly, "and it's not your fault. Life takes us on different paths sometimes." She took a deep breath. "I want you to pursue your dreams, Sasuke-kun. And if that means you leaving Konoha, leaving me, then so be it."
Sasuke's jaw worked as he stared at this woman. The love of his life. He realized this was probably the last time he would see her. He wished desperately for the things to work out between them, but there was nothing he could come up with that wouldn't leave them hurt in the long run. The mature thing to do was to end this right here, and keep the memories of the last five years with them forever.
"When are you leaving?" Sakura asked when Sasuke remained silent. He cleared his throat.
"In a week. They emailed the schedule this morning."
Sakura nodded, a flicker of hurt flashed through her eyes, but she masked it and smiled widely. "I'm really happy for you, Sasuke-kun."
"Thank you, Sakura. I'll never forget what we had together." Sasuke said, placing his hand over hers. Sakura looked down at their hands.
"Neither will I," Sakura said, smiling again.
They share a bittersweet smile, both knowing that their paths are diverging. They parted ways amicably, knowing that sometimes, the most loving thing to do is to let go.
After a few moments, Sakura gently pulled her hand away and got up. "Good luck, Sasuke-kun." She whispered.
Sasuke stood up too. "You too, Sakura," he whispered back, "take care of yourself."
They went their separate ways, each carrying the weight of their decision, but also knowing that they're both pursuing their dreams and doing what's best for themselves. As Sakura walked away, she felt a mix of sadness and acceptance, but she was also grateful for the time they had together.
As the morning sun painted the sky in shades of orange and pink, Sasuke stood at the entrance of Konoha Airport, his heart weighed down by a whirlwind of emotions. His gaze lingered on the city he had called home for so many years, where he had experienced growth, love, and battles with his friends. It was in this place that he had discovered love with Sakura, and now, he found himself saying goodbye to it all.
As he glanced over his shoulder, he caught a glimpse of a lone cherry blossom tree afar. His mind drifted back to that night when they had fought, and he couldn't help but wonder if he had made the right decision. He still cared for Sakura deeply, and leaving her was tearing him apart. But the opportunity at Shadow Guard was one he couldn't ignore.
He wished things could be different, that he could have both his dream job and be with her. But he knew life wasn't always that simple. Sometimes, sacrifices had to be made, and this was one of those moments.
Taking a deep, weighted breath, Sasuke shifted his focus back to the path that lay ahead. Determination coursed through him as he resolved to pour his heart and soul into establishing his name at Shadow Guard. His aspiration was to become a guardian not just for the Land of Fire but also for the people he cared about, even if he couldn't be physically present with them.
In his heart, he hoped that someday, their paths might cross again. Perhaps fate would bring them back together, stronger and more capable of navigating whatever life threw their way. For now, he had to focus on the journey ahead, knowing that the choices he made were shaping the person he was becoming.
"You ready?" Naruto asked, stepped up beside him.
Sasuke nodded. "Yeah. Let's do this."
With a deep breath, Sasuke took one last look at the city he loved. His heart felt heavy, but he was determined to move forward. He didn't know what the future held, but he was ready to face it with courage. He hoped that one day, he could come back to the place and people he cared about.