It's been almost two months since Itachi left for his mission. Sakura was wearing the ring since he left. And every day she waited anxiously for his return. She wanted to hug the man as soon as he steps into Konoha's gate. She wants to make him feel that she really did love him. Her hesitation that night was because of surprise.
One day, when she was having lunch with team 7, Sasuke's eyes were fixed into Sakura's hand.
"So Itachi gave you that ring?" Sasuke asked.
Naruto who was busy stuffing his face with ramen. Looked up suddenly. "Huh? What ring?"
"That ring." Sasuke pointed to Sakura's finger.
Sakura blushed at the attention that her teammates were giving her. Even Kakashi looked mildly interested in her hand.
"Ah... Yeah. Itachi gave it to me the night before he left for his mission."
Sasuke nodded. Understanding his nii-san's intention. And who is he to object to that. Sakura really grown into an admirable, beautiful woman. No wonder Itachi wanted to stake his claim.
Naruto, having swallowed a mouthful of ramen, finally caught up with the conversation. "Whoa, Sakura-chan! Itachi gave you a ring? That's a big deal!"
Sakura chuckled, her cheeks still tinted with a rosy hue. "Well, it's not just any ring. It's a promise. He said he'll fulfill it when he returns from his mission."
Kakashi, his lone visible eye crinkling with interest, spoke up. "A promise, huh? That sounds serious. Itachi doesn't make such gestures lightly."
Sakura nodded, a mixture of emotions playing on her face. "It is serious. And I'm willing to wait for him."
Sasuke, who had been silently observing, added, "Itachi cares about you a lot, Sakura. Take care of that ring."
Sakura smiled gratefully at Sasuke, appreciating the support from her teammates. The lunch continued, filled with a mix of camaraderie and unspoken understanding.