Author's note: The point of view (POV) always shifted between the author's POV and Sakura's POV only, so don't get confused since I wanted to make the story flow naturally.
The next day, I couldn't believe my own audacity as I stepped into the photography club room. It wasn't the grandest space, but it exuded an undeniable charm, adorned with captivating photographs taken by the members, proudly displayed on the walls. Among them, Sasuke's work caught my eye—a tranquil lake, graced by a pink flamingo wading through shallow waters. The beauty of the scene left me in awe, prompting curiosity about the location where he had captured such a picturesque moment.
Adjusting my skirt nervously, I steeled myself for what lay ahead. My heart raced with anticipation, for there was only one reason I had joined this club: Sasuke was a member. My lack of photography experience was a secret I was determined to keep.
To my surprise, the club's president, Karin, led the interview with a friendly yet probing smile. "Sakura, we're excited about your interest in joining our club. Can you share a bit about your photography experience?"
My voice wavered as I grappled with my hidden agenda. "Well, I don't have much experience, but I thought it could be a fun way to spend time with friends."
Karin, with keen intuition, leaned in slightly, her eyes narrowing subtly. "Friends, huh? Anyone specific in mind?"
Embarrassment engulfed me as I hesitated, unwilling to reveal my true motive. "Well, actually... I mean, nothing in particular. Just forget it."
Karin's eyes lit up with understanding as she skillfully grasped the unspoken. A subtle smile played on her lips. "Ah, I see. Well, photography has a way of revealing unexpected things. Let's move on to the practical test."
As I navigated the camera settings, Karin's two male friends, Juugo and Suigetsu, exchanged knowing glances. Suigetsu couldn't resist leaning toward Juugo and teasing, "Looks like someone's more focused on our club's pretty boy than on photography."
Juugo chuckled softly, his gaze fixed on my sincere yet uncertain attempts with the camera. "This should be interesting."
Oblivious to their comments, I continued to snap random photos, striving to make a favorable impression. When I finally handed the camera back to Karin, my face was aflame with embarrassment.
Karin reviewed the photos on the camera's screen, offering a reassuring smile. "Not bad for a beginner, Sakura. We'll help you develop your skills if you decide to join us. But one last thing: Why do you want to be a part of this club?"
My thoughts circled back to Sasuke, the sole reason I had ventured into this room. With a soft smile, I confessed, "I want to understand photography better and learn from all of you. I'm genuinely passionate about it, but I have no idea where to start."
Juugo and Suigetsu exchanged glances once more, this time tinged with sympathy for my sincerity. Karin, possessing an uncanny ability to read people, sensed my authenticity and nodded approvingly. "Alright, Sakura, you're in. We'll guide you through the process. Just remember, photography is about capturing moments and emotions. It's not just taking pictures; it's finding your passion."
As I officially became a member of the club, my heart soared with relief and gratitude. Being closer to Sasuke was an opportunity I couldn't pass up, and I was determined to ensure that Karin wouldn't interfere with my plans. However, Karin had a knowing twinkle in her eye; she recognized that my interest in photography was deeply intertwined with my feelings for Sasuke from the very beginning.
Little did I realize at the time that beneath Karin's friendly demeanor, a hint of jealousy lurked. She had sensed my true intentions, and it unsettled her.
...
In the days that followed, my fascination with Sasuke only deepened. I remained convinced that there was a hidden side to him, a complexity that intrigued me beyond measure. Our brief, secret exchanges during the basketball game lingered in my mind, leaving me eager to peel back the layers and discover more about his true feelings.
Then, one unexpected afternoon, as the school day concluded, Sasuke did something that sent my heart racing. He approached me, his demeanor uncharacteristically uncertain. "Hey, Sakura. I've noticed you've been coming to our games lately."
I couldn't help but blush slightly, my composure wavering. "Well, your games are exciting, Sasuke. I can't resist watching."
Sasuke's eyes held a hint of something I couldn't quite place, a mixture of surprise and gratitude. "I... um, I appreciate it. I mean, I appreciate you being here."
My heart skipped a beat as I noticed Sasuke's cheeks turning a faint shade of red. It was a rare sight, one that revealed a vulnerability I hadn't seen before. In that moment, I realized that beneath his stoic exterior, Sasuke harbored emotions he rarely expressed. It was a revelation that left me both captivated and hopeful, convinced that there was more to Sasuke than met the eye.
However, before I could dwell on this newfound connection, Naruto shockingly bounded toward us, his enthusiasm uncontainable. He immediately wrapped his arms around both Sasuke and me in a bear hug.
"Gah! Naruto! You're suffocating me!" I protested, trying to catch my breath.
"Same here!" Sasuke chimed in, swiftly pushing Naruto's arm away.
"Sasuke, I can't believe you were just trying to flirt with this girl," Naruto teased with a mischievous smirk.
"You're so wrong," Sasuke retorted quickly. "We're not flirting."
"Yes, you are," Naruto chuckled proudly. "I mean, just look at your face in the mirror."
I couldn't help but stifle a silent laugh when I saw Sasuke's flustered cheeks. "Sasuke-kun, you look so cute."
Sasuke immediately scowled and averted his gaze. "What the hell are you talking about?"
"Sakura-chan, just ignore this weirdo. How about we grab some ramen together? You know, the weather's still quite cold, isn't it? Ramen will warm you up," Naruto suggested with an inviting grin.
"Okay, sure," I replied. But before I could move, Sasuke decided to leave. Fortunately, Naruto clamped his arm around Sasuke's neck, preventing his escape.
"Hey, weirdo! Are you giving up so easily? I know I'm hotter than you, but I don't want to see you look miserable. Come on, join us! Okay?" Naruto urged with an unwavering sense of confidence.
I couldn't help but shake my head at Naruto's delusions. He thought he was more charming than Sasuke? That was quite a stretch.
"Who's jealous, you idiot!" Sasuke snapped irritably. "Let go of me! You almost suffocated me, you know!"
"I'll let you go as long as you come with us! But I'm sorry, if you become the third wheel later!" Naruto declared with excessive self-assuredness.
Deep within, I valued Naruto's steadfast friendship, recognizing that I couldn't reciprocate his romantic feelings. His infectious enthusiasm and genuine laughter added brightness to my life, even as my heart remained set on Sasuke.
...
Seated at Ichiraku Ramen, Naruto's go-to spot, a wave of nostalgia washed over me. The comforting scent of steaming ramen filled the air, and the lively chatter of fellow diners created a warm and inviting atmosphere—an ideal backdrop for a heartfelt conversation.
Naruto eagerly slurped his ramen, eyes twinkling with anticipation. "So, Sakura, tell us more about your life in New York! What was it like?"
I couldn't suppress a smile at Naruto's enthusiasm. "Well, it was quite different from life here in Tokyo. Everything was fast-paced, and I had to adapt quickly. I was living with my foster parents, and they had a daughter of their own."
Naruto's curiosity was palpable. "Did you get along with her?"
I sighed. "Not really. She was always busy with her own life and hardly visited our home. In fact, I never really met her at all."
Naruto, with a mouthful of ramen, managed to quip, "By the way, you must've turned into a big city girl with fancy tastes!"
I chuckled at Naruto's witty remark. "Well, I suppose I did adapt to the city life, but it's nice to be back."
Naruto's eyes sparkled mischievously as he scanned me from head to toe. "Speaking of being back, Sakura, have you seen yourself in the mirror lately?"
Sasuke, who had been unusually quiet, raised an eyebrow in curiosity.
I blinked, puzzled. "What do you mean, Naruto?"
Naruto grinned widely. "I mean, the guys in the school are practically tripping over themselves to get a glimpse of you. It's like you transformed into Britney Spears overnight!"
I blushed deeply, not accustomed to this level of attention. "Oh, come on, Naruto. It's not that big of a deal."
I glanced at Sasuke, who was busy pretending to be indifferent to our conversation but couldn't help but overhear. I noticed the subtle shift in his expression, a hint of curiosity beneath his facade.
"Naruto's right. You did change quite a bit. What's your secret?" Sasuke finally chimed in.
I laughed nervously, my heart doing somersaults at Sasuke's sudden interest. "Well, a little change can be good, right?"
As our conversation flowed, I found myself growing more at ease around Sasuke and Naruto. My guard naturally lowered a bit. Then, it happened. As I gestured enthusiastically while sharing stories about my foster parents, my hand brushed against Sasuke's in an unusual way.
Unbeknownst to me, that simple touch sent a jolt of something through Sasuke. His usually composed demeanor wavered momentarily. It was a reaction he couldn't quite grasp, but one thing was evident – I had an effect on him.
Attempting to shift the conversation, I cleared my throat. "Speaking of interests, Naruto, have you ever thought about joining the photography club?"
Naruto nearly choked on his ramen. "Photography club? You're a member?"
I nodded with a shy smile. "Yes, I joined recently."
Sasuke raised an eyebrow, his interest piqued. "You're into photography?"
I nodded again, feeling a bit more confident. "Yes, kinda. In fact, I was hoping to ask for your help with it sometime. You're really good at it, Sasuke-kun, and I thought... Maybe you could show up at the club more often?"
Naruto's eyes widened in disbelief. "Wait, you're asking Sasuke for help? This is groundbreaking! Sasuke, you better not let her down!"
Sasuke couldn't hide a small smirk, his dark eyes glinting with amusement. "I'll consider it."
As we continued to chat, I couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment. My life had taken an unexpected turn since returning to Tokyo, and now, surrounded by friends like Naruto and Sasuke, I couldn't wait to see where the future would lead.
...
In the days following our ramen outing, a surprising development unfolded – Sasuke began attending the photography club more frequently. The unexpected shift caught everyone off guard, myself included. Karin, our perceptive club president, seemed to misinterpret the reason behind his newfound interest.
Approaching me with a sly smile, Karin remarked, "Sakura, have you noticed Sasuke's increased presence at the club lately?"
I nodded, a mix of excitement and nervousness coursing through me. "Yes, he has. It's been nice having him around."
Leaning in with mischief in her tone, Karin suggested, "You know, Sakura, I think he might be interested in someone here."
My heart skipped a beat at her insinuation. Could it be that Sasuke was finally taking notice of me in a different way? "Oh, really? Any guesses on who it could be?"
Karin's eyes sparkled as she replied, "Well, it's hard to say, but I have my suspicions. Could it be... Me?"
Karin chuckled loudly as I rolled my eyes, mildly irritated by her overconfidence.
As the days passed, Sasuke's presence became a regular occurrence at photography club meetings. He not only observed but actively participated, offering tips and guidance to everyone, including me.
On a sunny afternoon during a school break, I found myself in the schoolyard with my camera, attempting to capture the spirited basketball game. As a clumsy beginner, I struggled to get the shot I envisioned.
Unexpectedly, Sasuke appeared by my side, his presence stirring my emotions. In a soft, almost whispered tone, he offered, "Let me show you how to capture the perfect moment."
As Sasuke guided me through camera settings, adjusting focus and exposure, we leaned in closer together over the camera. Our shoulders brushed, sending a thrilling shiver down my spine. It was an intimate moment, prompting me to consider if Sasuke's feelings might extend beyond mere friendship.
However, just as the tension between us was hitting its peak, Karin, always one to assert herself, swooped in with her usual flair. She pulled out a small feather and theatrically waved it between us, causing both of us to jump back in surprise.
"Oops, didn't mean to interrupt your moment there," Karin said with a smirk. "But you know, we don't want to damage the camera, do we?"
Sasuke and I exchanged a bewildered glance, and it suddenly struck me that Karin had misunderstood our interaction entirely.
"Thanks for the help, Sasuke," I mumbled, feeling slightly embarrassed.
Sasuke nodded, his usual stoic expression returning. "Anytime."
As the days went on, the misunderstanding continued, with Karin convinced that Sasuke's frequent visits to the club were all about her. Meanwhile, I couldn't help but secretly hope that there was more to Sasuke's presence than met the eye. And as for that intimate moment during the basketball game, it remained a precious memory locked away in my heart.
- To Be Continued -