I don't own Naruto and the songs in the story; they are merely used for creative purposes.

If you could download or prepare the songs before reading that would make the fanfic worth reading.

Sakura gripped the mic with her pre-performance jitters surging all over her body for the semi-finals. It was just a school singing competition, she's not that committed to singing her whole life, she's just joining to competition, for the sake of winning the cash prize, so she can pay for the whole 5 months of her tuition. She had a fair share of talent, and among was singing, where she had performed sometimes in school productions. Now an opportunity was opened for her with a talent, she thinks was useless for her career that suddenly became useful. As a self-sufficient medical student, she had been working overtime and doing other commissioned work, just so she could pay her college tuition of 3 months, especially since she's graduating 5 months from now.

Her parents weren't really supportive of her taking up medicine, they just wanted her to graduate high school and then take over the family bakery, but Sakura knows she has more potential than just baking. So, her stubbornness brought her to this, in the semi-finals, she was surprised that she had won levels with her singing and was almost at the finals, a few weeks from now. She looked to the side, and there she saw Sasuke, who also joined the competition after losing a bet with Naruto and Itachi.

For almost 5 years in the university, she had heard his name, everywhere, the man was a babe magnet, without trying, he got fans tailing him, and you could see his distaste for it. She would hate to deny it, but when she first saw him, she immediately had a crush on him, though, she got too busy with studies, she barely thought of him. She was working and studying 6 days a week, the only vacant day she had was Saturday where she did laundry and spent time with her friends, Ino, Hinata, Tenten, and Temari. Sure, she saw him once in a while, but the business department building was on the other side of the university campus while theirs was on the other side. She had to laugh internally at how their campus was like a mini town, where there's a mall, park, housing and dormitory, and rivers and forest. She smiled at Sasuke who was talking to the staff, to double-check his mic a couple of times.

Sasuke double-checked the mic, just like what Itachi had told him before the competition even started. It was among the important points in performing, it's fine if the music disappears you can do an acapella, but the mic helps you sing with everybody hearing you, especially on big stages. Especially Konoha University has the biggest gymnasium in the country. Despite being a graduating student, he was just lax, as he only had a few subjects left and he had already done his internship in the summer up until the start of the school year. Sasuke was in the business department, ready to graduate, learn the ropes of his father's company while building his own from scratch then soon take over his father's company.

Everything was planned out, by him, for him.

Not until he lost to a bet with Naruto and Itachi, they were all drunk as they attended Itachi's listening party for the soon-to-be-released album. Despite his brother being his father's favorite, Itachi decided to choose his own path, and that was to become a singer. He was not surprised as the man had ditched the math quiz competition to attend a music competition when he was still 6 years old. Years later, he studied business while studying music at the same time in the art academy, that's where he met his girlfriend, Izumi, who was taking up fashion.

For years, Itachi had taught Sasuke to sing and tutored him, despite Sasuke's annoyance. It was easier to learn as it was in the family genes, since Mikoto was a famous singer before she settled down to marry their father, Fugaku.

Sasuke glanced to his side, after feeling someone's eyes on him, he looked at Sakura, who was caught red-handed, Sakura turned red then smiled at him. Sasuke smirked at her and shook his head, he had barely known the woman, he had met her 2 months ago, where Naruto had gushed about his new crush, Sakura, who they both met during the audition for the competition. Sakura rejected him the instant he tried to ask her out, the idiot, immediately stopped and then went for her friend, Hinata. Sasuke found Sakura annoying at the first few days of meeting her, as they met up with their vocal coaches and their practices, somehow Sasuke made the time to practice every 6pm, where students are all out to go home or are all in the library, to be able to enjoy the silence and practice without eyes on him, and somehow, the pinkette has the same mind with him, as she tend to do her practices at 6pm.

This annoyed Sasuke as he thought she was one of those crazed fans, but as he got to know her, he found out, it was the only, time she was available, from 6 pm to 7 pm, before she went to her night job at a local bar until 12 pm. So, they both shared the huge practice room, Sasuke though was being kind enough to let her use it first, though he made sure to come to the room every 6 pm, to watch her practice, not that he should let her know.

For a whole month, he learned so much about her, that she's paying for her tuition, and that she's working 2 part-time jobs and a commission work, where she does projects and assignments for students. Sasuke made sure to bring snacks during practice to share with Sakura, so she could have her dinner before she went to work. Sasuke was surprised by her diligence, from the outside, she looked like a typical girl, who hung out with her friends in coffee shops, especially being friends with Ino. He had known the blond woman for so long as they went to the same elementary school, and the girl was as spoiled and bratty as she wanted the world to know and Sakura was the complete opposite, she was kind and sentimental.

For the whole month since the competition, he knew her background, what she likes and what she's like, but for 2 weeks of practicing for the semi-finals together as they got paired up for the duet, Sasuke learned even more about her, her perks, pet-peeves, her mannerisms, how she avoids eye contact when she lies, how she stares straight in the eye when she's interested, how she bites her lip when she's concentrated and how she's genuinely happy, when you see her eyes sparkle.

Sasuke heard from afar Sakura's deep sigh that brought him to his senses, for the competition today, he and Sakura will be doing a duet, they were randomized, where their performance would be a point base, and the first three highest points will proceed to the finals. They will be performing three songs for the semi-finals; one for tonight and two for tomorrow while another duo, Karin and Suigetsu, will also be performing, which scared the pinkette, since Karin was a singer and Suigetsu has good vocals. Sasuke walked up to her and stood beside her as she stared at Karin and Suigetsu performing.

" Starring at them will just make you even more nervous. ", Sasuke said in a low whisper, he heard her sigh again then chuckle.

" Really, Sasuke-kun, should I stare at the ceiling then? ", Sasuke rolled his eyes at her sarcasm, then faced her, to which Sakura followed after.

" You can look at me. ", Sasuke said in a soft whisper, Sakura turned red but didn't back down and looked up at his eyes, the whole remaining 1 minute of Suigetsu and Karin's performance, Sakura just stared at Sasuke, and it did help her, the shaking on her hands stopped, her mind went to angry waves to calm waters, next thing they knew, Tayuya walked up to them and told them to be ready in 30 seconds.

Sakura looked back to the stage and sighed deeply. Sasuke did the same but calmly. They both tucked in their in-ear monitors and then fixed their outfits. Sakura's long hair cascaded on her back with small white flowers adorned it and she was wearing a white choker. She was also just wearing a simple silk long-sleeve button-up, with the other sleeve falling off her shoulders, the button up was layered over with a white corset, the button-up ended up just an inch below her bottoms and underneath it she was wearing a white skin-tight short paired with white ankle boots, it was a bit sexy for Sasuke, but then she did look in it, not that he can complain as well, Izumi, Itachi's girlfriend, had volunteered to do their outfits for this moment.

Sakura in all white had looked different, she looked like an angel, not that Sasuke would admit to her. His pride can't embarrass himself like that. If she looked like an angel with her all-white outfit, Sasuke was wearing an all-black outfit, with the first two buttons of his button-up long sleeve, unbuttoned, while wearing black jeans, and black boots. The way their outfit had also contrasted each other's looks and personality.

Sasuke stole a glance at her and saw her looking at him with a smile.

" Thank you. ", Sakura whispered to him and Sasuke barely saying anything to her just smirked. The whole gymnasium turned black, and they both went to their respective places.

Author's note: I suggest you play the song while reading it helps, gives the excitement on their performance.

Glowing in the Dark

Song by The Girl and the Dreamcatcher

The beat started as the whole stage was still dark. While purple, pink and blue lights danced all over the gymnasium.

The light shone on Sasuke as he sang the first verse. Sasuke's pale skin made him shine under the light, while the silk button shirt glimmers softly. Sasuke was holding onto the microphone on the stand. Whenever Sasuke pauses singing in the first verse, the light turns off. Everything else on the stage was dark though Sakura could be heard doing her lines in the background. Everybody could hear Sakura's voice despite her absence on the stage, all they saw was Sasuke under the spotlight singing his lines with a fierce look but with so much emotion.

When they reached the pre-chorus, Sasuke was still under the spotlight while slowly making his way to the middle of the stage with the microphone in his hand while harmonizing with Sakura's voice who was overpowering the lines, though Sakura was still absent from the view. Then Sakura sang a solo line which was her adlib, the room went dark. After that, the room immediately went quiet for a whole 2 seconds.

" When the lights go out ",the spotlight immediately did a 2 seconds-flicker on Sakura already in the middle of the stage while staring fiercely at the crowd. Sakura was glowing under the light with the all-white silk outfit she was wearing. The room then again got engulfed in the darkness.

" We're glowing in the dark! ", both Sasuke and Sakura screamed in the dark then the whole room lit up as the strong sound of the instruments filled the room, with bright white light lighting up the stage while different laser lights danced all over the gymnasium. Sasuke sang his heart with enjoyment while Sakura sang with him while they both shared glances. Sasuke walked to the left side of the stage near the edge while Sakura to her side singing to the crowd.

" Dark days but it's alright

So fine, every night

Oh, oh, woah-woah-oh "

They looked at each other with a smile as they sang this line and walked towards each other to the middle of the stage. When the chorus was about to end they both met up to the middle. Sakura lifted her hand up in the air in her last line in the chorus and did a twirl, then Sasuke sang his solo line as he bent down as he screamed the line.

The lights in the room softened with the beat and while the lights were still bright but slowly dimming.

Sasuke moved closer to Sakura as he grabbed her hand while facing her and stared in her eyes, while they both sang the second verse with Sasuke overpowering the lines with Sakura harmonizing. When Sakura reached her adlib lines, she smiled cutely at him and turned her back on him while pulling him closer to the edge of the stage. Sasuke sang while holding her hand and just following her as Sakura sang the pre-chorus again with her voice overpowering the lines, as she reached the end of the pre-chorus, the stage and whole stadium was close to getting dark again.

" When the lights go out ", Sakura whispered while the two were now at the end of the stage. The crowd could their silhouette despite the faint white light at the back of stage.

The moment they sang again the chorus, the whole room lit up into bright white and different lights danced all over the room, as Sasuke and Sakura both jumped up and down on the stage singing the songs. Sakura danced gracefully on the stage, and just when the chorus was about to end Sasuke twirled Sakura who was laughing and smiling while Sasuke sang the last line of the chorus.

The room turned dark, as the room was filled with the sound of instruments. As it neared the bridge of the song, the room slowly lit up, and on the stage, you could see Sakura and Sasuke, standing still while facing each other as they both the bridge calmly with their silhouettes in the middle while a faint light at the back of the stage supported them in the darkness.

The stage again lit up in lights as they sang the chorus and as it neared the end of the song, they both sang the first line of the chorus still on the same spot and position, followed by them looking back to the crowd at the same time. Sasuke moved closer to the left crowd as he sang his lines, while Sakura moved toward the right crowd as she sang the high-pitched second voice. Just when they almost reached the end of the song, they went back to the middle of the stage with lights filling the stage as it became brighter than it used to be. The song ended with Sasuke and Sakura facing each other.

The room immediately erupted in applause. Sakura breathed in deeply as she glanced at the crowd with her smile up to her eyes. Sasuke however was glancing down at her and wondered how for a span of 1 month, was he able to fall with the girl, who had made him stay up until 3am wondering, if he's in love, because to him, for 23 years, Sasuke Uchiha had never been in love, for 23 years, his dreams were about success, being praised by his father, finally be loved by his father but for the two weeks, he'd been dreaming how to be finally be loved by her. At that moment, as he stared at her, he knew he had it hard, he was in love.

Sasuke Uchiha was in love.

Sakura looked up at him with a smile and the room dimmed again, a sign they weren't meant to get off the stage. Sakura pulled him to the side, still silent as ever.

" One more duet performance tomorrow. Let's hope the weather is nice. ", Sakura whispered as she tried to catch up with her breath. Sasuke nodded as he became too speechless for the sudden realization.

Soon, Naruto, Izumi, Itachi, Shisui and Sakura's friends with their boyfriends which was also Sasuke's friends, engulfed Sakura in a hug.

" That was so beautiful. ", Izumi said as she gave Sakura a tight hug.

" Thank you. ", Sakura turned red and smiled at Izumi.

" You sure, you don't want to shift courses? ", Ino teased which a laugh from the group.

" no! "

" Damn, bastard, didn't know you had it in you to smile in the stage. ", Naruto teased which Sasuke scowled.

" I was not- "

" You were smiling, my baby! ", Mikoto broke out of the group and hugged her son.

" M-mom? Why are you here? "

" Itachi told us you were performing tonight, so we cleared all plans for 2 days. ", Sasuke rolled his eyes and just embraced back his mother.

" I have never seen you smiling that Sasuke! Do you want to pursue music as well? ", Sasuke shook his head quietly and unable to answer his mother.

" Oh, with your look earlier-. . . are you somewhat- ", Itachi hinting immediately what his mother was about to say immediately moved closer. Sasuke, however, froze in his spot, he had never told his mother, she was unable to finish but he knew what she meant. It was not the time to tell her, the realization had not settled yet in his guts.

" Maybe it was just feeling the moment, mother. ", Itachi cut off as he kissed her cheek, stopping the question. Sasuke sent a grateful stare at him. Itachi was the person who he had confessed the weird feelings in his system, to which Itachi just laughed at. Sasuke stole a glance at Sakura who was already laughing with her friends and complimenting her outfit. Sakura also stole a glance at him and smiled.

The second night of the performance was a Saturday where it was held in one of the campus lakes, where they set up the instruments in a wooden deck, fairly large and sturdy for the musicians and contestants to stand on. Despite the place, it was fairly large, and they used the opportunity for students to set up food stands all over the place. The setting was meant for a serene and calm event, where the contestants would be doing a live performance with a live band, some students sets up tents, some brought their chairs and coolers whiling jamming into the contestant.

Sasuke had just arrived, where he and Sakura agreed to set up a blanket, just beside their friends, for the two of them to relax before their performance. He was as usual bringing her snacks in a borrowed picnic basket from his mother, especially her favorite, blueberry cheesecake paired with white sparkling wine. He looked around for her, she had texted him, she got early and set up their spot, just when he was about to call her, he spotted her a few meters away, she was talking to Karin and beside her was Sasori. He was very familiar with the man, Sasori and Itachi used to be roommates in the university, so he was also not surprised why he's here, he was an alumni.

From what he knew, Sasori and Sakura had a thing in Sakura's first year of college, also the man was around Itachi's age, which was 3 years older than them. Sakura shared it at one moment, when she met Sasori at a friend's party, they immediately hit it off, for a month before Sakura decided to focus on studying.

Sasuke stood in the crowd feeling dejected at the feeling, he suddenly felt warm arms around his shoulder and found Naruto grinning.

" Don't feel upset, Sasori is just here to visit, and that man has been travelling for years, I doubt Sakura would want to commit with that kind of man. ", Naruto said, Sasuke had to glare at him.

" What- "

" We know, our friends know. You are too obvious you like a girl, you can't keep your eyes off her, even Sakura's friends are also guessing about your attraction towards her. "

" Yesterday? ", Sasuke suspected which Naruto boomed out laughing.

" Bastard, you have been eyeing her for the past month, you are too obvious like we said, you could just sit hours, and listen to her, not breaking eye contact. ", Sasuke suddenly felt embarrassed, his friends and even hers, had already figured out his own feelings, while it took him a while.

" It's fine, we've been best friends since kindergarten dude, and I know, a girl can't make you stare at her whole day, like the way she did. I mean I know, you can appreciate women at some point, but you can't stare at other women, not the way you stare Sakura so deeply. ", Naruto whispering then grinning at him.

" You can only have a moment like this, and while it's still strong, give it a shot. Believe it. ", Naruto said and patted his back and dragged him towards where his friends were. His eyes left Sakura's form and shifted towards their friends. While making their way to the group, who was just near the deck, a couple of females, called him, to which he replied with a grunt. He sat down, waiting for Sakura to join them, but unfortunately, the redhead decided to join as well.

Sakura called to him and sat beside him. Sasuke nodded only at her and decided to just ignore her for the duration. Sakura felt sad at this and decided not to annoy the man, especially he looks somewhat disappointed. Sakura moved her attention to her friends, who were gushing her about Sasori, she only laughed and said he was an old friend. Sakura kept stealing glances at Sasuke who was in a conversation with Sai. Sakura looked at Ino, asking for help, when Ino winked at her.

" Hey Sasuke, can you move a bit? I want to sit beside my boyfriend, thank you very much. ", Sasuke grunted and moved aside, where Ino sat beside Sai. Sasuke sighed and distanced himself from the couple, as they started making out. Sasuke took an extra blanket and laid it, just near the group, Sakura took this chance and helped him.

" Let me help you. ", Sakura said and grabbed a few pillows for them to sit or lay on, then grabbing Sasuke's forgotten picnic basket.

" I smell, blueberry. ", Sakura said cheekily as she crouched beside Sasuke who was sitting now and staring at the staff setting properly the stage. Sasuke glanced at her and chuckled then took the basket from her hand.

" Ah. ", Sasuke opened it, and handed her a container inside it was a neatly sliced blueberry cheesecake. Sakura immediately grabbed it from him and plopped beside him, this time moving closer. Sakura felt confident and slightly embarrassed, but she took Ino's advice, who said that she should risk an effort, if she really liked Sasuke. She did say that they only have a few months left, if Sasuke rejects her, they wouldn't be seeing each other, since the man will be graduating soon as well.

Sasuke glanced surprisingly at the pinkette and just shook his head.

" Congratulations for yesterday. ", Sakura said, her voice almost near to a whisper. Sasuke smirked at her and nodded.

" You too. ", Sakura smiled at this then opened her container to smell the food, which she'll devour said food after the performance. Sasuke scrunched his nose at the sweet scent which Sakura laughed at him then closed back the container. The two went back to a comfortable pace, where they talked about their day and especially the incoming performance. Sasuke had reassured Sakura again about the performance and said she will do great like yesterday, as their conversation drifted to Naruto and Hinata, the conversation got cut off as Karin and Suigetsu started performing. The two were immediately called by Tayuya to the side, to prepare as they'll be performing after Karin and Suigetsu, 2 song performance. Sakura smiled as the two decided to perform country and reggae.

Sakura sighed deeply, and Sasuke tapped her pinky. Sakura looked at him.

" Do I have to say it everytime? ", Sakura smiled at him then shook her head and faced him. She stared at him, taking her to another world, as she stared at Sasuke for a whole minute. Sakura kept staring at his eyes, this had been thing between them, whenever Sakura's too disturbed, Sasuke's lets her stare at his eyes, until she calms down. According to her, his eyes were so black and deep, it feels like she's being sucked into another calmer world.

" You're both up next in 30 seconds. ", Tayuya said breaking the staring competition between the two. Sakura puffed out air with her breast out then smiled at Sasuke.

Author's Note: Listen to the song while reading, it helps build up the emotion while reading.

If The World Was Ending (Cover)

Song by Kurt Hugo Schneider, Yoandri, Rain Paris

Sasuke just chuckled at her and made his way to the stage as Tayuya signaled them, Sasuke took a seat on the keyboard, Sakura took a seat just across from him, while she was hugging a small pillow while holding the microphone on her hand. She glanced at Sasuke who had adjusted the mic stand to his level, his fingers hovering over the keys. He takes a deep breath, glancing towards the audience with a steely resolve then at Sakura.

The opening notes of "If the World Was Ending" fill the area, making a natural echo all over the place, resonating with emotion. Sasuke's fingers glide effortlessly across the keys, pouring his untold feelings into the melody. Sakura stared at Sasuke, and could already feel her throat closing in at the emotions of the song.

Sasuke leaned closer to the mic as he paused for a bit from playing the piano for him to sing the first line, then started playing again with calmness on the first verse. Sakura swayed left and right as she listened to Sasuke singing the full verse with her eyes closed, when she opened her eyes, she looked at him and felt the feelings going intense as she saw Sasuke seeing with so much emotion and calmness.

Sasuke glanced at her as they reached the pre-chorus where Sakura's voice, soft and angelic, intertwines with his as a second voice as they're, harmonizing in perfect unity. Their gazes occasionally meet, each glance revealing a depth of emotion they dare not speak.

" But if the world was ending, you'd come over, right? ", Sasuke sang the first line of the chorus as he stared at Sakura with his eyebrow slightly raised which had Sakura smiling, understanding the meaning of his action. Sakura smiled at him as he sang the whole chorus while staring at her, Sakura did her best to blend in the chorus as a second voice without tearing up at the thought that Sasuke might actually love her back through the song.

" Right? ", Sasuke sang like he's trying to say something for her, as he sang the last line of the chorus, Sakura closed her eyes as she sang the second verse. Feeling the song deeply as it now had given her an impact. Sasuke somehow just played the keyboard while stealing glances at Sakura. She lifted her head up and stared at Sasuke, singing the last song of the verse with so much pain.

When they reached the pre-chorus, Sakura sang the song with so much feeling while Sasuke's voice blended perfectly with her, as Sakura's voice, overpowered the lines.

As the song progresses onto the second chorus, the lyrics become a poignant exchange of unspoken words, a confession hidden within the music. Their voices meld, carrying the weight of their unexpressed emotions with Sakura's voice clearer while Sasuke's voice blends seamlessly. The audience is captivated and drawn into the raw vulnerability of their performance.

The pre-chorus arrives, a crescendo of shared longing, as Sasuke sang the first line followed by Sakura and they both sang the chorus, starring at each other, forgetting the audience momentarily. Sasuke's fingers dance across the keys, his eyes never leaving Sakura's. In this moment, their hearts beat in time with the music.

As the final notes linger in the air, a hushed silence blankets the garden lake. The spell is broken by thunderous applause, the audience on their feet, moved by the transcendent performance.

Sasuke and Sakura exchange a glance, their eyes now alight with an unspoken understanding. The weight of their untold feelings lingers in the air, a promise of what could be.

Sakura looked at the audience and waited for Sasuke to play the next song.

this is how you fall in love

Song by Chelsea Cutler and Jeremy Zucker

The setting sun casts a warm golden glow over the tranquil lake, painting the scene with hues of orange and pink starting to blend to the purple and dark blue skies. A wooden deck juts out over the water, providing a picturesque stage for the semi-finals of the singing competition. The atmosphere is charged with anticipation for the pair's next song, who had forgotten the competition.

Sasuke sits at a keyboard piano, the soft breeze ruffling his dark hair. Sakura sitting beside him was now grabbing the guitar while 3 backup singers made their way at the back while the drummer made his exit. Her gaze fixed on the crowd, her heart pounding with anticipation.

The audience, a mixture of students and judges, sit in rapt attention, eager to witness another magic that is about to unfold.

Sasuke whispered on the mic, " 1, 2, 3. "

Sakura nods, her eyes meeting his, a silent exchange of support and shared anticipation. As Sasuke's fingers gently caress the keys, the opening notes of "This Is How You Fall in Love" fill the air, a tender melody that mirrors the unspoken emotions between them as he sang the first verse and pre-chorus with his eyes closed, connecting his feelings to the lyrics.

Sasuke sang the chorus as he slowly opened his eyes and stole a glance at Sakura who met his gaze for a second before his gaze moved to the crowd, he stared at his mother, who he had just noticed in the crowd, smiling with glossy eyes, while Itachi and his father has a proud look in this face. His friends are waving their phones up, in slow motion with the flashlights on, to which everybody followed suit.

Sakura's voice, like a gentle caress, carries the lyrics of the second verse until chorus, her eyes staying to the crowd. Barely glancing at Sasuke as she saw the lights made by the crowd. Sakura's eyes glisten with unshed tears, the intensity of the moment threatening to overwhelm her. She pours her heart into every word, every note, knowing that this performance is a declaration, a confession.

The lake shimmers in response to the music, nature itself seeming to hold its breath. She would steal looks at Sasuke as she strums the guitar softly.

Sasuke joins in the chorus nearing the end, his voice blending seamlessly with Sakura's, their harmonies creating a hauntingly beautiful duet. Their voices dance together, an intricate tapestry of emotion woven into every note. The lyrics resonate with the unspoken feelings that have lingered between them for far too long.

As the song neared the Sasuke and Sasuke's voice echoed the place as the backup singers stayed silent, showing a raw display of talent and emotion, as they sang the chorus together alone. Sasuke's voice, filled with a raw vulnerability, hangs in the air. His gaze is fixed on Sakura, his heart laid bare for her to see.

The sun dips lower on the horizon, casting long shadows on the deck. The music swells, reaching a crescendo that seems to echo across the water.

The final note lingers, fading into the quiet embrace of the evening. The audience sits in awed silence before erupting into thunderous applause.

Sasuke and Sakura share a moment, their eyes locked, their untold feelings now woven into the fabric of the song. Tonight, they bared their souls to the world, leaving no room for secrets.

Itachi could feel the intensity of their performance for the whole night compared to yesterday's performance, yesterday's performance was all about the intensity of their stage presence but today, everything was raw, the way they sang the songs as if it was written for them. He glanced at his mother who was shedding quiet tears.

" The two of them looked so beautiful together. ", Mikoto whispered to her husband who chuckled and only kissed her forehead. Itachi glanced down at his girlfriend, and felt the song's true meaning, as he too felt so in love at this moment. The way the two sang the song made everybody fall in love.

Hinata looked up at Naruto who was grinning at the pair in the stage but was now holding her hand with a smile. Hinata felt the song was about them, then again, the song was strongly meant for the pair on the stage.

Ino stared at Sai, who had pulled her into a sweet kiss, as they listened to Sasuke and Sakura sing the song. Ino who was all about having fun in a relationship, had felt so in love right now with Sai, who was showing her his intense feeling which rarely happened.

Karin who was standing next to Tayuya and stared at Suigetsu who was looking at the couple from a few feet away from her. She felt funny really, cause she hated his guts, being annoyed by him since forever, but tonight felt different.

Everybody in the lake, had felt the love that Sasuke and Sakura had shared in the stage creating a different atmosphere.

Perfect - One Direction

Song Cover by: GAC & Kurt Hugo Schneider

Sasuke and Sakura stayed at their spot while Karin sat beside Sakura and Suigetsu sat on a high stool beside Sasuke.

The moon made its appearance to the crowd while the stars twinkled in the now dark sky. The deck stage juts out over the water, providing the perfect setting for an impromptu performance.

Sasuke fingers poised over the keys, while Sakura, Karin, and Suigetsu gather around, their faces lit with excitement and anticipation. Sasuke nodded at them waiting for their silent response. They nodded in unison back at him, their hearts pounding with a mix of nerves and exhilaration. As Sasuke's fingers gently press the keys, the familiar melody of "Perfect" by One Direction begins to fill the air.

Suigetsu took the first lead of the lyrics, as he bobbed his head in a slow manner as he sings the first. Karin sang next she smiled at Sakura as the two girls started snapping their fingers to the beat while Suigetsu tapped his leg on beat.

Their voices intertwine, creating a tapestry of harmonies that seem to weave with the gentle evening breeze as the four of them sang the chorus. The lyrics resonate with each of them in their own way, a shared understanding of the complexities of love.

In between the second verse Sakura made her solo lines, as she smiled at the group then to the crowd.

Sasuke's voice, smooth and resonant, carries the second pre-chorus, each note reverberating across the water. Sakura, Karin, and Suigetsu join in, their voices blending seamlessly with Sasuke's.

As the chorus arrived again, their performance takes on a new energy. They move in sync, their eyes locked in a shared connection that transcends competition and rivalry. The song becomes a vessel for their unspoken feelings, a declaration of the bond they share as friends, as competitors, and as individuals navigating the intricacies of love.

Sasuke's fingers dance across the keys, the music flowing effortlessly from his fingertips. Sakura, Karin, and Suigetsu's voices soar, their harmonies lifting the song to new heights.

As the final chorus neared, a sense of unity and joy washes over them. They let go of the pressures of the competition, allowing themselves to simply revel in the magic of the moment.

Their voices rise, filling the air with a sense of freedom and exhilaration. The final note hangs in the air, a testament to the perfect harmony they've found in this fleeting moment.

They share a collective, breathless smile, the lake and the evening breeze bearing witness to a performance that transcended competition, reminding them of the beauty in shared experiences.

Everybody applauded at the performance while a number stood up giving them a standing ovation. Sakura and Karin embraced each other in joy while Suigetsu grinned at Sasuke in recognition to which Sasuke replied with a smirk.

Temari walked up to the stage with a card on her hand. The four immediately moved to stand side by side while Temari stood in the middle.

" I have the winners who will be moving up to the finals, next week! ", Temari announced as she opened the envelope with a grin. Sakura grabbed Karin's hand while glancing at Sasuke who also stole a glance at her before moving their gaze to the crowd. Karin was holding Sakura's hand so tight while her eyes are closed.

" First for the spot! Drum roll! ", the drummer made the intense sound as anticipation filled the air.

" Karin! ", Temari exclaimed. Karin gasped with shock and joy then embraced Sakura and moved to stand at the front with a smile, everybody cheered for her.

" Second spot! ", the drummer started playing the drums again, as everybody stood up howling their biases' names.

" Sasuke! ", Naruto howled as Temari said his best friend's name while Izumi and Mikoto jumped with joy. Itachi and Shisui smirked at Sasuke and clapped their hands, followed by his friends. Sasuke stood beside Karin who shook his hand.

" final spot! ", the drum roll filled the place again raising anxiety for everyone. Izumi and Ino, held hands as they manifested the position for their dear friend.

" The final spot will be filled in by- ", Temari paused and then looked at Sakura with a wide smile.

" Sakura! ", Sakura gasped and was immediately embraced by Temari. She embraced back the woman with tears in her eyes while glancing at Sasuke who was smiling at her. Sakura moved to stand beside Karin who immediately embraced her.

" Congratulations! To our final contestants! ",

" Suigetsu, don't worry! Due to the Uchiha's generosity, you will be taking home a prize given by the Uchiha Family. ", Temari announced which had Suigetsu smiling in joy.

The night ended, with Sakura spending her time with her friends while Sasuke had spent the night drinking with his friends by the lake, while a hired band performed live until 11pm.

The two had been stealing glances at each other, for awhile but had made no move to talk to each other, not until Sakura reached her limit.

" Girls, I think I need to get back to the housing. I'm tired and just wanna sleep in, my projects are all piled up and I need to make them tomorrow. ", Sakura said as she stood up and grabbed her bag. Ino pouted but nodded at her.

" Do you want me to take you home? ", Tenten said but before Sakura could answer, Sasuke moved to stand beside Sakura and interrupted them.

" I can just take her, since I am heading out of the campus to go back home, since it's the weekend. ", Ino smiled wickedly at Sakura and winked at her.

" Are you sure? ", Sakura replied with her cheeks already burning from the alcohol they drank. Sasuke nodded and turned around to head off not before stopping by his friends and saying his good night. Sakura glared at her blonde friend and jogged off towards the raven who was making his way to the parking lot.

The walk out of the mini forest was quiet but not suffocating as the two indulged their time, thinking about their feelings. When they reached Sasuke's motorcycle, Sasuke handed her an extra helmet.

" Oh, you didn't bring your car? ", Sasuke shook his head.

" No, I had it picked up for its weekly cleaning. ", Sakura oh'ed at him and had a hard time wearing the helmet which Sasuke chuckled at then helped her wear it properly.

" Have you not tried wearing a helmet? ", Sakura laughed at him.

" No, this broke girl only walks or rides taxis plus, I don't trust anyone driving a motorcycle, while I'm on it. ", Sakura added which had Sasuke smirking at her.

" really? Then why are you wearing my helmet and riding my motorcycle then? ", Sasuke teased Sakura who turned red.

" Oh, I uh trust you. ", Sasuke chuckled and turned his back hiding his smile as he rode his bike.

Sakura followed and sat inches away from him.

" Sakura, you're going to fall if you sit that far. ", Sakura scooted a bit closer though no contact was made, while her hands are on her knees.

" like that? ", Sasuke groaned at her and grabbed both of her hands and wrapped it around his waist, to which Sakura turned red.

" Like that. ", Sakura nodded at him as she felt his voice vibrate while her left cheek was placed on his back.

The ride started slow, not until Sasuke decided to tease her by adding more speed. Sakura at first had anxiety hit her until she felt the cold rush of the wind on her face when she opened the visor.

Sasuke could hear her giggle which had him wondering about his feelings for her. As Sasuke stared ahead he could already spot the house that Sakura and her friends had rented out, it looked like one of those small modern houses, surprisingly it looked spacious in the inside with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, 1 kitchen connected to the living room and dining room.

Sasuke slowed down and made a stop just on their driveway and removed his helmet. Sakura took a few seconds, before she had to let him go, before getting off the huge motorcycle and removing the helmet. Sasuke felt her embrace him a bit tighter before she got off, which sparked hope in his chest. Sasuke also got off the vehicle and leaned on it.

" Here ", Sakura said as she handed him the helmet back, Sasuke nodded at her as he just stared at her. Sakura awkwardly smiled at him and waved at him then dashed for the door, just when she reached the door, she looked back at Sasuke with a weird look at her, a nice feeling look, she bit her lip as he slowly gave her a small smile, ready to get up and drive off.

" Sasuke-kun! ", Sasuke looked at her pausing from wearing his helmet. He saw Sakura run back to him and next thing he knew, she embraced him.

" Thank you. ", Sakura whispered breathily, then pulled away with her arms still around his neck.

" Anytime. ", Sasuke replied in a whisper. Sakura stared at his eyes then at his lips, without much thinking she leaned up to kiss his lips, which shocked Sasuke for a second, Sakura was about to pull away when she felt Sasuke grabbed the back of her neck and kissed her back. It was not like one of those first kisses made in the movie, where everything is intense, this one was different. They shared an open kiss, but it was soft and sweet.

Sasuke could taste the blueberry cheesecake and wine on her lips and tongue while Sakura could taste the root beer in his. The two pulled away to catch their breath, while avoiding their gaze. Sasuke's hand moved from her head to her neck, to her back and lastly to her waist.

" I-, uhh I'm sorry it was just the alcohol. ", Sakura said to him, which had Sasuke smirking. He doubted it was just alcohol.

" Ah, then- ", Sasuke pulled her even closer between his legs and kissed her again, Sakura gave in to him and kissed him back slowly moving her left hand on his torso feeling his hard muscles hidden under his shirt, while using her other hand on his hair.

They both exchanged a much hotter kiss, which heat also pooled on Sakura's stomach. When Sasuke moved his hand underneath her shirt but kept it on her waist feeling her skin on his hard touch, Sakura released a closed moan while kissing him. Sasuke groaned and pulled away as he started to feel his pants tighten.

" I- ", Sakura said with embarrassment all over her face.

" Go, you need to sleep. ", Sasuke said, Sakura looked somewhat disappointed and pulled her arms to her side, ready to leave when Sasuke regretted his tone. He groaned and pulled her arm and kissed her forehead.

" I mean it. I'll text you, later when I get home. ", Sasuke said in a low whisper. Sakura nodded a bit shocked then watched as Sasuke pushed her slightly, Sakura walked faster until she reached the door. She looked back before closing the door of the house and looked at Sasuke who nodded at her then zoomed off. Sakura smiled and immediately closed the door.