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.
In the quiet morning before the world woke up, I kicked off my morning routine with determination. The bathroom's low-key lights set a calming vibe. This whole ritual was my chill zone, turning the ordinary into something enjoyable, and I just soaked it all in.
Step one, wash off the night's troubles and exhaustion. Standing in that warm shower, the water did its thing, not just cleaning my body but giving my mind a refresh too. It felt like the world's weight was getting washed down the drain.
Now with my skin all awake, I focused on my face. Gave it some love with gentle scrubbing, getting rid of any gunk. The soft exfoliation left my face feeling refreshed, the perfect kickoff for the day.
Wearing a heatless curling rod headband, my hair effortlessly transformed into lively curls, framing my face with ease—a nifty, heat-free styling trick.
"Release yesterday's worries, Sakura. Today is a fresh start," I reminded myself, inhaling the invigorating steam.
Now, onto my unique touches. Imagine this: Peter Thomas Roth cucumber de-tox Hydra-Gel eye patches. Applying those feels like a mini spa session in the tranquility of the morning. Eyes get cool, puffiness bows out – classy and fabulous vibes unlocked.
So, my morning routine is basically a low-key masterpiece. Rocking this Electric Facial Roller, all gold and fancy, sculpting my face like I'm some kind of artist. Then there's the Jillian Dempsey Gold Bar – glamour boost engaged. Each roll is a step closer to my poise and elegance goal, you know?
Cue BearKig's Ice Roller, doing a light dance on my skin. Cool vibes, promoting healthy blood flow – it's like stress melting away. Feeling renewed, I grab the Mount Lai Jade Gua Sha, turning my collarbone, neck, and face into a canvas. It's a simple routine, but it works wonders.
Next, a playful touch to my morning routine – a quick nose hair trim, just keeping it real.
It's Jenny Patinkin Pure Luxury Organic Reusable Sheet Mask time – face gets a luxurious hug. I close my eyes, let it do its soothing thing. Then, Raw Shea Butter Body Lotion for softness and a comforting scent. It's my own personal spa moment.
Sally Hansen's Airbrush Legs in Beige Glow is the grand finale. Covers imperfections, giving my legs and arms a flawless touch – like the finishing stroke on a masterpiece.
Post-transformation, I throw on my school uniform, then kick it up a notch with Agatha's plaid wool coat. Confidence rises with transparent stockings – crystal water legs, anyone? Feeling good in the mirror, all prepped and ready.
Makeup time, channeling my inner Agatha Whitney with a natural yet classy look. Each brushstroke is my nod to sophistication.
Standing there, surrounded by my morning chaos, I'm feeling put together. The world's waiting, and I'm ready to tackle it with style. "Perfection is within reach, Sakura. You've got this," I tell myself, soaking in that final reassurance.
...
My day kicked off with all the subtlety of a marching band in a library, thanks to my not-so-genius decision to stay up late binge-watching Pride and Prejudice and embracing the oh-so-essential '4 a.m. mourning routine' which had gifted me a throbbing headache. "Ugh, waking up early after a Pride and Prejudice marathon? Brilliant, Sakura, just brilliant," I mumbled, shuffling zombie-like toward the kitchen cupboard to grab some much-needed cat fuel for my furry alarm clock.
There he was, Tabby, my pudgy British Shorthair cat, meowing and waddling after me. "Oh, my little Tabby. You're so chubby now," I cooed, squatting down to stroke his head. "Even though I plucked you from the cradle, you've transformed into a portly prince with an insatiable appetite, haven't you?"
Tabby replied with a meow that sounded suspiciously like he was serving sass on a silver platter. The sun poured through the ventilation, turning his gray fur into a radiant spectacle, as if he'd been prepped for a catwalk.
I poured cat food into his bowl, and he attacked it like he'd been fasting for a year. Meanwhile, my mother was in breakfast-prep overdrive, and she had a few opinions to share.
"Sakura, set the table. I'll wake your dad," my mom ordered, slightly exasperated. "Why does he have to be late even at this ungodly hour?"
I plunked an empty plate onto the table and then returned to shower Pico with affection. "My Tabby, darling, you have no idea how much I've missed you."
Tabby responded with a gentle meow that tugged at my heartstrings, a reminder of that fateful rainy day three years ago when I'd rescued him from a ditch. Sasuke, my childhood friend, had been the mastermind behind convincing me to keep him, despite my parents' initial reluctance.
Thanks to Sasuke's cunning persuasion, Tabby was now an honorary member of the Haruno family. My mother, who'd once harbored an intense dislike for cats, had undergone a miraculous transformation and was now head over heels for Tabby.
"Tabby, thanks to Mama, you've become quite the chunkster. You really ought to hit the kitty gym or risk getting kitty diabetes," I cautioned, pinching Tabby's cherubic cheeks with a grin.
...
Getting ready for school, I decided to don a coat that would undoubtedly send shockwaves through the fashion cosmos.
"Sakura, you're seriously wearing that coat to school?" my mother exclaimed in disbelief as I headed for the door.
"Of course, what do you think, Mama? It's cute, right?" I twirled around, aiming for a dramatic flair.
"Where on Earth did you get it?" My mother approached, inspecting the coat as if it contained the universe's deepest secrets. "Is this... legit wool?"
I nodded with exaggerated enthusiasm. "Absolutely! Handcrafted, 100 percent wool, and it's Versace."
My mother's skepticism was palpable. "Oh my! Where did you snag such a luxurious coat?"
I rolled my eyes. "Come on! It's a gift from my foster parents, a keepsake from their daughter who's no longer with us. That's it, Mama! I'm outta here!"
"Sakura, you look like you're auditioning for a role in a tacky soap opera, not going to school," my mother sighed, massaging her temples. "You're set to charm the socks off everyone."
"Consider it a free show!" I quipped with a triumphant chuckle as I stepped out of the gate. "Bye, Ma! Catch you later!"
"Be careful if you're coming home late!" my mother warned. "I won't hesitate to lock that gate if you stroll in at midnight!"
"Don't worry. I've got a secret weapon: a spare key," I grinned mischievously before sprinting through our housing complex, heading for the nearest bus stop.
...
Dragging myself onto the morning bus, I scanned for a familiar face to save me from the upcoming monotony. There, like a beacon of hope in a sea of dreariness, was Ino a few rows ahead. Summoning my last bits of energy, I made my way toward her, only to sense that something was off.
"Well, look who's here! Pleasant surprise," I said, genuinely taken aback.
Ino turned to me, shifting from bewilderment to curiosity. "Sakura, you're back! I thought you'd disappeared."
Suddenly, I noticed Ino's unfamiliar uniform. "Yeah, I just got back from New York. But, seriously, Ino, why the change of uniform?"
Ino chuckled heartily. "Oh, Sakura, you're in for a treat! I've got a story. I switched to a different high school, and this guy next to me? That's Sai, my boyfriend."
My jaw dropped. "What?! New school and a boyfriend? You're on a whole new level!"
Sai, who had been silently spectating our exchange, decided it was time to introduce himself.
"Hi, Sakura. Ino's mentioned you before. It's a pleasure to meet you," said Sai, offering a polite smile.
I spontaneously stammered, finding him good-looking, although not as much as Sasuke. "Uh, hi, Sai. This is all so...unexpected. I mean, I thought Ino and Sasuke... you know."
Ino wore a devilish grin. "Sasuke? Oh, that's old news. Sai's the headliner of my life now."
Her gaze then shifted toward my coat. "Sakura... Wait! Wait! You're not seriously wearing a... real fur coat, are you?"
I couldn't help but beam with pride. "You bet! It's the real deal, and it's Versace. What do you think?"
Sai chimed in with a poker face, "Hmmm, seems like you have some high-society connections?"
I chuckled nervously, "Hahaha! Oh, no, not at all! I'm just your run-of-the-mill high schooler. Actually, this was a gift from my foster parents in New York. They were super sweet and gave me some of their daughter's clothes."
Ino couldn't resist a playful jab, "Ah, so it's hand-me-downs, huh?"
I raised an eyebrow, slightly miffed, "Well, yeah, but isn't this coat still in great condition? It's practically brand new!"
Ino couldn't help herself, "Honestly, Sakura, that coat's swallowing you whole. You'd look better in a grandma sweater than a Versace coat."
I shot back with a grin, "Geez! Are you telling me you're secretly jealous and itching for a matching coat? Come on, spill the beans!"
Ino just smirked, "Nice try, but I'll pass!"
Soon after, Ino and her boyfriend disembarked at a bustling bus stop, their hands still entwined, which left me both amazed and slightly envious.
Ino shouted from the bus stop, "Catch you later, Sakura-chan! Text me, okay?!"
Waving back, I yelled, "Of course! Bye, Ino!" The bus pulled away, and I couldn't help but marvel at the unpredictable twists that life, high school friendships, and style decisions could throw our way.
...
Confidently striding into the school grounds, the atmosphere buzzed with an unexpected blend of amusement and curiosity. The corridor turned into a lively stage for reactions, with boys expressing genuine surprise and interest.
Overhearing a guy with distinctive blue hair chatting with his friend, he remarked, "Who's she? I haven't seen her around, but she's quite attractive."
His friend agreed, albeit more casually, "Yeah, she brings a different vibe."
Another boy joined in with a friendly smile, still intrigued, "New student, perhaps? Let's find out more."
Their reactions reflected genuine curiosity and appreciation without veering into exaggerated theatrics. It was clear that my presence had piqued their interest, and they were genuinely intrigued by the new face in school.
Amidst the inquisitive gazes, there stood Sasuke, my childhood friend, attempting to maintain his usual air of indifference. His face took on a subtle shade of red, but he tried to downplay it, offering an explanation that almost had me bursting into laughter.
Sasuke pretended that he was unbothered when I slowly approached him. "Sakura, don't flatter yourself. I'm not blushing. It's just...uh, mild sunburn."
Unable to resist the opportunity to tease him further, I responded with a playful tone, "Oh, Sasuke, I've heard of sunburns, but I didn't know they had a side effect of turning your cheeks into a neon sign."
Sasuke, visibly irritated by my persistent teasing, shot me a look that only deepened his embarrassment, a contrast to my amusement.
Continuing down the hallway, I couldn't help but chuckle at the unexpected humor of the situation. However, my amusement got the best of me, and I took a few clumsy steps, almost stumbling into the teacher's room. My face turned warm with embarrassment as I quickly stepped back, catching the puzzled glances exchanged by a group of teachers.
Today, the entire school seemed like a stage for my teenage comedy, with surprises around every corner. The more I chuckled at the antics, the more I realized that life's most entertaining moments are the ones you can't script, even if you tried.
...
Standing before the class, small droplets of sweat formed on my brow, and introducing myself as the new student felt like balancing an elephant on a seesaw. The classroom was filled with unfamiliar faces, a sea of curious stares that could rival an alien invasion. Amid this uncertainty, my eyes found a familiar face—a friendly harbor amidst the tempest—Naruto, my ever-enthusiastic childhood friend. He greeted me with a wide grin, clearly nursing a childhood crush that had yet to diminish.
Naruto, ever the mischievous soul, leaned over with a cheeky smile to one of his classmates in the back. "Oh boy, Sakura-chan's next up! This is gonna be chaotic!"
His comment, though in good fun, grated on my already frayed nerves. My heart raced even faster as I cleared my throat, attempting to begin my introduction. But, alas, my words decided to make a comedy of their own.
Stumbling over words, I delivered my introduction with all the grace of a newborn fawn attempting its first steps. "Um, hi, I'm Sakura, and, uh, I'm the new kid here. I think...uh, I enjoy studying? Oh, and I have a cat. A rather chubby one. Yep, that's...that's about it."
The classroom erupted in laughter, with Naruto taking center stage in this chorus of chuckles, his infectious giggles filling the air. Even our usually stoic teacher couldn't help but crack a faint smile. Amidst the mirth, though, one figure remained unmoved—a stoic monolith, to be precise—Sasuke. His expression was as cold and indifferent as ever, revealing no hint of emotion.
Sasuke responded with half-lidded, half-interested eyes that barely acknowledged my presence.
His indifference felt like a letdown, and frustration surged within me. I'd invested time and effort into my New York-inspired makeover, early-morning routines, and this pitiable introduction, all hoping to catch his attention. Yet, there he sat, an enigma seemingly immune to my efforts.
Retreating to my seat, a wave of doubt and self-deprecation crept over me. Were my efforts futile? Was Sasuke truly unimpressed, or was his silence a skillful act? The notion that my attempt to catch his attention had become a series of mishaps lingered uncomfortably. Amidst the uncertainty, one element stood out: Naruto's playful remarks and the laughter in the classroom underscored that even awkward moments could be infused with humor, fostering a sense of camaraderie.
...
The schoolyard buzzed with energy during the break, and in the midst of it all, Sasuke and his classmates were locked in an intense basketball match. The bleachers were packed with enthusiastic students, all fervently cheering on their respective teams. Amid this spirited spectacle, I tried my best to catch Sasuke's eye, but he seemed utterly absorbed in the game, determined to outmaneuver Naruto and the others.
I muttered under my breath, a self-encouragement, "Come on, Sakura, you've got this."
Refusing to be overshadowed by the athletic fervor, I subtly crossed my legs while perched at the front row of the bleachers. The minor movement didn't escape notice, drawing the attention of some of the boys, including those on the basketball court.
I could see Naruto momentarily torn between the game and my sudden presence. "What the fuck is Sakura-chan doing here?"
This split-second distraction caused a momentary upheaval, with some boys stumbling over each other and fumbling the ball. Nevertheless, Sasuke managed to execute a flawless shot, scoring a point for his team. His peers, with a mix of admiration and amusement, couldn't resist showering me with catcalls and whistles, creating a scene.
I cleared my throat, keenly aware of Sasuke's eyes on me. He called out to his peers, a touch of irritation in his voice as he urged them to refocus on the game.
"Concentrate on the game, guys! Don't let distractions get the best of you!" Sasuke's commanding voice resonated authoritatively.
A pang of regret washed over me; perhaps I had been too hasty in my judgment. Maybe Sasuke wasn't quite like the others.
Amid my contemplation, Sasuke's protective instincts came to the fore as he redirected his peers' attention back to the game. A glimmer of realization flickered within me. Concealed beneath his stoic exterior might lie a layer of concern and care reserved solely for me.
This spark of hope rekindled my disappointment into optimism. Sasuke's apparent indifference could be a façade veiling deeper sentiments. My curiosity about the enigmatic boy swelled, and I became increasingly eager to uncover the mysteries of his heart.
As the basketball match raged on, I couldn't help but sneak occasional glances in Sasuke's direction. His unwavering focus remained on the game, yet there was something about the way his gaze occasionally flitted toward the bleachers, as if covertly checking on me without letting it show. It was a subtle gesture, but it bolstered my growing belief that Sasuke was more complex than met the eye.
Finally, the basketball showdown reached its conclusion, with Sasuke's team emerging victorious. Amid the jubilant celebrations, Sasuke's eyes briefly met mine, and the faintest hint of a smile played at the corners of his lips. It was a small, intimate exchange, but it spoke volumes.
Excitement surged through me, leaving behind an electric anticipation. There was something about Sasuke, something deeper. I couldn't wait to unravel the enigma that was Uchiha Sasuke.
Amid the exhilarating basketball game, my attention briefly strayed to a new character in my otherwise mundane life story—Karin. She wore glasses and exuded an intense aura, but her unwavering obsession with Sasuke was the real spectacle. Despite his courteous refusals, Karin clung to the belief that she had a shot with him.
Karin was quite the intriguing character, her relentless pursuit of Sasuke a sight to behold.
I couldn't help but catch her furtive glances in my direction, her expression oozing disdain. It was clear that the undivided attention some boys paid me didn't sit well with her.
With Ino's departure to a different school, I found myself lacking a close confidante. Most girls around me either seethed with envy over my newfound popularity or were engrossed in their own dramas, leaving me feeling isolated.
A pang of loneliness gripped my heart. I yearned for someone to confide in, someone with whom I could share my thoughts.
Then, I overheard Karin gushing to her friends not too far from my location. "Did you see that? Sasuke-kun totally looked at me during the game. He can't resist me!"
Suppressing an eyeroll proved impossible; it was painfully evident that Sasuke's gaze had never wavered from the game. Karin's interpretation of events seemed nothing short of delusional.
After one of the basketball matches, I witnessed a rather unsettling scene. As the game concluded, Karin bolted onto the court, flinging herself at Sasuke and wrapping him in a tight embrace. Sasuke, clearly uncomfortable, struggled to maintain his composure. Yet, anyone observing the spectacle could tell he was far from at ease with Karin's clinginess.
"Could you please not get too close?" Sasuke's request was firm, his discomfort unmistakable.
"Gah!" Karin, torn between embarrassment and irritation, reluctantly distanced herself from Sasuke and rejoined her friends in the bleachers.
"What's wrong? Did Sasuke-kun reject you again?" one of Karin's close friends inquired.
"I can't believe he pushed me away like that. It must be a mistake! He just stole a glance at me, and suddenly he wants to shoo me away. It doesn't make any sense!" Karin lamented. Her disbelief was palpable.
"Maybe it's because he was looking at that new attention-seeker," her friend whispered discreetly behind me, as if I couldn't overhear their conversation.
"Ugh! That plain-looking girl! How dare she try to flirt with Sasuke!" Karin sneered in frustration.
Turning my head toward them, I noticed their abrupt shift to mundane topics like their after-school plans. Nevertheless, it was abundantly clear that Karin's obsession and jealousy were brewing into an unwelcome drama, a storyline I had never asked to be part of.
...
Navigating the crowded cafeteria, I felt like a stranger amidst my peers, their annoyed glares adding to my unease.
One girl with a ponytail was clearly not a fan of my presence and shared her sentiments with a friend. "Why is she even here? She's such an attention-seeker."
Her friend rolled their eyes in agreement. "Ugh, I know, right? It's like she's trying way too hard."
As if this wasn't enough, a group of boys decided to escalate my discomfort by flirtatiously inviting me to join them.
A guy with neon green hair energetically waved in my direction. "Hey there, gorgeous! Care to join us at lunch?"
My reluctance was palpable; I had no intention of encouraging their advances.
Just when I thought things couldn't get more overwhelming, Naruto, my savior, appeared.
Naruto enthusiastically beckoned me over with a wave. "Sakura! Over here!"
His red cheeks revealed his evident infatuation with me, although I remained blissfully oblivious to his feelings.
"H-Hey, Sakura, how's it going?" he stammered nervously.
Sasuke, seated across from Naruto, remained detached, focusing solely on his meal.
"Just sit down already," he said nonchalantly.
With a hint of reluctance, I settled into the seat beside Naruto, trying to ignore his flustered state. Little did I know then that Naruto had more than just friendship on his mind.
"Uh, Sakura, there's, um, something I wanted to ask you," Naruto began, his gaze fixed on the table.
However, my attention was abruptly diverted when a guy with notably thick eyebrows suddenly materialized.
"Greetings, fair lady! I am Rock Lee!" he announced with a beaming smile. While I couldn't remember if he was one of my new classmates, his face did seem oddly familiar, probably due to the distinct structure of his brows.
Lee introduced himself, and I extended a polite handshake, initially expecting it to be a brief formality.
I replied with a friendly smile, "Nice to meet you, Lee."
As Lee clung to my hand for a duration that exceeded the confines of a mere handshake, my discomfort surged like an erupting volcano. With a hint of relief, I delicately extricated my hand from his iron grip.
"Um, thanks," I uttered, my words dripping with awkwardness.
However, Lee, seemingly impervious to my not-so-subtle excuse, seized the opportunity to make his move.
With a flirtatious grin, he unleashed his proposition. "Sakura, how about we watch movie together this Saturday night? I promise it will be splendid!"
His voice dripped with flirtation as he extended the invitation, punctuating his request with an audacious wink.
Sasuke, unable to conceal his irritation any longer, clenched his teeth, biting down on his lower lip. "This guy..."
Though Sasuke strived to project an aura of indifference, his protective instincts couldn't help but surface.
Meanwhile, Naruto, blissfully unaware of the tension between his rival and Lee, found himself growing increasingly flustered and disheartened as he observed my interaction with the persistent newcomer.
"Just when I thought..." Naruto muttered in silent dismay.
The cafeteria bustled with activity around us, but within that moment, my world was filled with discomfort and unwelcome attention, with conversations and tensions simmering just beneath the surface.
...
Karin, the unwelcome surprise, appeared as if summoned by some cosmic force. Her audacity knew no bounds as she casually squeezed Sasuke's shoulder, sending shockwaves of jealousy and irritation coursing through me. My lower lip bore the brunt of my anxiety as I anxiously bit down.
Sasuke, caught off guard and visibly uncomfortable, was quick to rebuff Karin's advances. It was a fleeting moment of relief for me, like a passing storm cloud.
Karin graced us with a sly smile and conspicuously placed a camera on the table, right in front of Sasuke. "I'll give you your camera back. Haven't seen you around the photography club lately."
Sasuke's response was curt, laced with finality. "I'm not interested in that club anymore."
My curiosity piqued, I couldn't help but inquire, "Wait, Sasuke, you're in the photography club? Since when you got into photography?"
Sasuke, his frown deepening, offered a terse reply. "That's none of your business."
But Karin, relentless as ever, pressed the issue with unwavering determination. "It's a shame, really. We're planning a landscape photography hike for a competition next week. Sasuke, you should consider joining us."
Sasuke remained resolute. "I'm busy preparing for the Midterm Exam."
Attempting to divert the conversation away from the brewing tension, I chimed in, "The photography club does sound interesting."
Lee, ever the spontaneous one, enthusiastically added his own pitch. "Sakura-chan, why not join the theater club with me? It's a lot of fun, and I'm sure you'd make a fantastic leading lady."
Naruto, equally determined, jumped into the ring. "No, Sakura, you should join the Taekwondo club with me! You loved Taekwondo as a kid; why not continue?"
I faked a grin. "It's karate, not Taekwondo, dumbass!"
Sasuke, with a hint of annoyance, reluctantly relented in response to Karin. "Fine, but don't expect me to show up regularly."
Karin, never one to back down, declared, "I'll make sure you're there. You'll sit with me on the bus."
My heart raced at the thought of Sasuke sitting beside other girls, fearing it would undermine all my efforts to capture his attention.
Karin, in an attempt to shift the conversation, extended an invitation. "Sakura, how about joining our club? We're in need of more members. If you're interested in our photo hunt on Miyazaki Hill, I'll give you the details later. And don't forget to visit our club room near the infirmary tomorrow for new member screening. It's best if you have your own camera."
I hesitated, feeling like a complete novice when it came to photography techniques. "Um... alright," I replied uncertainly.
"Oh, I forgot to mention that you have a nice coat," Karin commented seemingly out of thin air. I begrudgingly admitted that her compliment caught me off guard.
"Thanks," I muttered, my previous positive attitude quickly waning.
"Well, where did you get that? I bet, from Wish with a cheap discount?" Karin couldn't resist taking a jab, and her snide remark swiftly shifted the balance.
She waved her goodbyes to Sasuke with a faint smile, leaving an impression that she was making deliberate attempts to win his attention, possibly stemming from the incident on the basketball court. My insecurities deepened like a pit in my stomach.
Yet, I clung stubbornly to the belief that Sasuke wouldn't be easily swayed by such advances. I reassured myself that everything would eventually fall into place.
- To Be Continued -
