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 day of the photography club's hiking trip had arrived, and I was practically bouncing with excitement. This was it – my chance to spend some quality time with Sasuke and hopefully, just hopefully, inch a bit closer to his heart. As we gathered at the bus stop, I couldn't help but picture us sitting together on the ride, sharing stories, and forging an unforgettable connection.
But oh boy, little did I know that fate had a mischievous side, and her name was Karin.
As we boarded the bus, I tactically took a front-row seat, banking on the fact that Sasuke might follow my lead. I cast a sly, over-the-shoulder glance at him, armed with a hopeful smile that screamed, "Hey, Sasuke, this seat next to me is practically begging for you."
But just as Sasuke started inching toward me, like a quiet cat, Karin swooped in and seized the seat next to him. I swear, it was as if she had been practicing for this moment in front of a mirror. I froze, my jaw dropping so low I thought it might touch the bus floor. Sasuke looked equally stunned, but not in the way I'd hoped.
"Sakura," Karin purred with the charm of a sly fox, "mind if I sit here next to Sasuke?"
My heart plummeted into my stomach, and my voice wavered as I replied, "Uh, sure, Karin. It's... it's okay."
Defeated, I slunk to a seat further back, wondering if fate was playing a cosmic prank on me. There Sasuke sat, locked in conversation with Karin, probably discussing the finer points of aperture and shutter speed, or worse, comparing camera lenses.
But just when it seemed like all hope was lost, destiny decided to throw in a plot twist – a hilariously awkward one.
The bus hit a particularly treacherous stretch of road, and suddenly, Karin slid a tad too close to Sasuke. His discomfort was written all over his face, as if he were trying to figure out how to escape this sticky situation without causing a scene.
Seeing this as a sign from the heavens, I decided to seize the moment. As the bus hit the next bump, I executed my brilliant plan – I pretended to trip and fall forward. It was a performance worthy of an Academy Award, complete with exaggerated stumbling and flailing limbs.
In the chaos that ensued, I crash-landed into the seat next to Sasuke. The look of astonishment on his face was priceless, and I flashed my most innocent smile, complete with sparkling eyes. "Oops, sorry, Sasuke. I guess I tripped."
Karin, utterly flustered and clearly not pleased with my unexpected arrival, begrudgingly retreated to her original seat. She shot daggers at me with her eyes, the kind of look that could turn Medusa into stone. But at that moment, I couldn't have cared less. I had secured my coveted spot next to Sasuke, and nothing, not even Karin's expert scheming, could steal that away.
As the bus roared to life, and we set off on our hiking adventure, I couldn't help but giggle inwardly. Sometimes, all it took was a bit of luck and a touch of slapstick clumsiness to get what you wanted – and perhaps, just perhaps, get a little closer to the one you fancied.
...
As I sat next to Sasuke on the bus, my heart raced like an agent in a high-stakes mission. This was it, the perfect chance for a meaningful conversation that would bring us closer. But, oh boy, the silence was more awkward than a cat trying to walk on water.
I cleared my throat, my voice coming out in a squeak that would put a mouse to shame. "So, Sasuke, are you excited about this hiking trip?"
Sasuke turned his head to look at me, and I swear I saw the faintest hint of a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. It was as if he found my attempt at small talk amusing.
"Yeah," he replied, his tone as cool as an ice. "It should be interesting."
Interesting? That was it? My brilliant opener had garnered a one-word response. I couldn't let this conversation die like an unattended campfire.
Desperate to salvage the situation, I pressed on. "Have you been on many hikes before?"
Sasuke leaned back in his seat, his eyes gazing out the window at the passing scenery. "A few," he said, his voice carrying a hint of nostalgia. "But it's been a while."
I seized on this nugget of information like it was a priceless jewel. "Oh, really? Any memorable hikes you'd like to share?"
Sasuke's lips curled into that elusive smirk again, and I couldn't help but wonder if he was secretly enjoying my attempts at conversation. "There was one," he began, his voice softer now, as if he were lost in the memory. "In the mountains near my grandparent's estate. It was... peaceful."
My heart skipped a beat. This was it, a glimpse into Sasuke's past. I had to tread carefully. "Peaceful, huh? Must have been nice."
Sasuke nodded, and for a brief moment, his guard seemed to drop just a fraction. "Yeah, it was."
Emboldened by this tiny crack in his stoic exterior, I decided to push my luck a little further. "You know, Sasuke, I've always found nature to be so... inspiring."
Sasuke turned to look at me again, and this time, that smirk of his was more pronounced. "Inspiring, Sakura? In what way?"
I could feel the sweat forming on my brow. I had to come up with something poetic and profound, something that would make Sasuke see me as more than just a clumsy girl. But instead, I blurted out the first thing that came to mind.
"Well, you see, nature is like... a metaphor for life, you know? It's beautiful, unpredictable, and sometimes, you just have to go with the flow, like a leaf in a river."
Sasuke's smirk turned into a full-fledged grin, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of triumph. Maybe, just maybe, I was starting to crack his tough exterior.
"You have a way with words, Sakura," he said, his eyes twinkling with amusement.
I blushed, feeling like a fireball had just ignited in my cheeks. "Th-thank you, Sasuke."
Our conversation continued, and although it was still a bit awkward at times, I couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. Sasuke had shown his comfort in a subtle way, with that smirk of his, and it was a small victory that made the bus ride to the hillside a lot more enjoyable.
...
The hiking trip was in full swing, and I was determined to make the most of it, especially when it came to photography. Armed with my camera, I ventured off the path in search of the perfect shot, my excitement bubbling over like a shaken soda can.
But, of course, my journey to photographic greatness was filled with a fair share of hilarious mishaps. I was practically the poster child for clumsy photographers.
First, I stumbled over a rogue tree root, my camera snapping wildly as I tried to regain my balance. "Whoa!" I exclaimed, narrowly avoiding a face-plant into the dirt.
Karin, Juugo, and Suigetsu, who had been observing my antics from a distance, burst into laughter. Karin's melodic giggle rang through the forest, and I couldn't help but blush at the spectacle I was making.
Not one to be easily deterred, I continued my quest for the perfect shot. I ventured closer to a picturesque stream, hoping to capture the glistening water against the backdrop of vibrant greenery.
But the universe had other plans. As I tried to frame the shot just right, I slipped on a mossy rock and tumbled unceremoniously into the stream. My camera went flying, and I let out an undignified yelp.
Karin, Juugo, and Suigetsu, who had been keeping a watchful eye on my misadventures, roared with laughter. They were practically rolling on the ground now, and I couldn't help but join in despite my soggy predicament.
However, amid the laughter and my not-so-graceful water exit, someone extended a hand to help me up. It was Sasuke, and his expression was a curious mix of concern and amusement. "Need a hand, Sakura?"
I took his hand, feeling my cheeks heat up even more. "Thanks, Sasuke. I seem to be making quite the impression today."
He gave me a lopsided grin, his gaze flickering to the soaked camera beside me. "Well, at least you're not boring."
It was such a Sasuke-like response, and I couldn't help but smile back at him. But as we shared that moment of camaraderie, I couldn't ignore the seething jealousy radiating from Karin as she pressed her lower lips.
Karin's smile had disappeared, replaced by a forced one. She exchanged a glance with her friends, and it was clear that my little accident had not only soaked me but intensified her desire to one-up me in Sasuke's eyes.
So, there I was, sopping wet and slightly bruised, but in Sasuke's good graces. It seemed like clumsiness had its perks, even if it meant providing entertainment for Karin and her friends. As we continued our hike, I couldn't help but chuckle at my own misadventures, knowing that every stumble was bringing me closer to Sasuke in more ways than one.
...
As the hiking trip continued, I couldn't help but notice how close I had gotten to Sasuke after my clumsy antics. It was like fate was conspiring to keep us near each other. Sasuke's occasional smirk and subtle gestures had me convinced that he was becoming more comfortable around me.
We stumbled upon a breathtaking clearing with dappled sunlight filtering through the leaves. The scene was straight out of a fairy tale, and I eagerly snapped pictures, hoping to capture its ethereal beauty. But my attempts to get the perfect shot were met with a frustratingly uncooperative camera since it was just soaked with water due to my mishap earlier.
Sasuke, who had been observing my struggle with mild amusement, approached me. "Let me see your camera for a moment."
I handed it over, my heart doing somersaults in my chest. Was he going to help me with my settings? The thought alone was enough to send my pulse racing.
With his usual air of indifference, Sasuke adjusted a few settings and handed the camera back to me. "Try it now."
I raised the camera to my eye and took a shot. The difference was like night and day. The colors were richer, the composition perfect. I couldn't help but gasp in awe at the improvement.
Sasuke's smirk returned, but this time, it held a different kind of satisfaction. "You just need to know your equipment better."
His words were like music to my ears, and I couldn't help but smile gratefully. "Thank you. You really saved the day."
But while Sasuke's assistance had elevated my photography game, it had also ignited a fiery jealousy in Karin. She had been watching our interaction with a scowl that could curdle milk.
As we continued our hike, Karin began to hatch a plan. A plan so unusual, it could only be described as hilariously devious. She decided that if she couldn't have Sasuke's attention, then I shouldn't either.
So, with a sly smile, she sidled up to me and engaged me in a conversation, all the while leading me further away from the group. I was so engrossed in talking to her that I didn't realize we had veered off the path until it was too late.
I eventually noticed the telltale signs of being lost – unfamiliar landmarks, strange sounds, and a sinking feeling in my gut. Panic began to well up inside me.
Unbeknownst to me, Sasuke had been quietly observing from a distance. His indifference had melted away, replaced by genuine concern. He excused himself from the group without drawing much attention and began to trail after me, careful to keep his presence hidden.
I was oblivious to his pursuit as I wandered deeper into the forest, my anxiety growing with each passing minute. That's when it hit me – I was completely lost, hopelessly lost.
Just when I thought all hope was lost, a familiar voice called out, "Sakura."
I turned, and there stood Sasuke, his usual cool demeanor masking the worry that had brought him to my rescue. "You're a long way from the group. Let me help you find your way back."
Relief washed over me, and I couldn't help but smile gratefully. "Thank you, Sasuke. I don't know what I would have done without you."
As Sasuke led me back to the group, I couldn't shake the feeling that there was something more to his assistance than met the eye. Perhaps, just perhaps, my clumsiness and misadventures had endeared me to him more than I had ever imagined.
...
As we rejoined the group, my heart was still pounding from the ordeal of getting lost, but it was a relief to be back with everyone. Sasuke had once again come to my rescue, and I couldn't help but feel a growing sense of gratitude toward him.
However, Karin was not one to give up easily. She had noticed that Sasuke's concern for me was growing, and it was driving her to new levels of desperation.
With a sly smile, Karin approached me, her voice dripping with fake concern. "Sakura, are you okay? Getting lost in the forest like that must have been terrifying."
I nodded, appreciating her apparent kindness. "It was, but Sasuke helped me find my way back. I'm lucky he was there."
Karin's smile remained, but there was a glint of something more sinister in her eyes. "Yes, you are lucky, Sakura. It seems like Sasuke is always there to save the day."
I didn't think much of her words at the time, but looking back, I should have realized that she was up to something. Karin was not one to be outdone, especially when it came to winning Sasuke's attention.
As the day wore on, Karin decided to try a different tactic. We were all gathered around the campfire, and she suggested a game of chance – spin the bottle. It was a game I had never been particularly fond of, especially with Karin's ulterior motives in mind.
The bottle spun, and predictably, it landed on me. I hesitated, not wanting to participate, but Karin gave me an encouraging nudge. "Go on, Sakura, it's just for fun."
Reluctantly, I spun the bottle, and it landed on Sasuke. My cheeks flushed crimson, and I felt my heart race. This was not the kind of attention I had anticipated.
But then, before anything could happen, Sasuke casually picked up the bottle and spun it again. This time, it landed on Karin. She leaned in, puckering her lips in anticipation.
However, just as she was about to close the distance between her and Sasuke, a loud noise echoed through the forest, startling everyone. It was a branch snapping under the weight of an unseen creature.
Sasuke's instincts kicked in, and he immediately jumped up, ready to investigate. "I'll check it out. Stay here."
Karin was left pouting as Sasuke disappeared into the darkness, leaving her unsatisfied. She had failed yet again to get closer to him, and her frustration was palpable.
As night fell, we set up our tents, and exhaustion from the day's hike began to take its toll. Sasuke, who was clearly tired, settled into his sleeping bag, his eyes slowly closing as sleep overtook him.
That's when I noticed Karin, her eyes gleaming with a mischievous glint, approaching Sasuke's tent with a sly smile. Alarm bells rang in my head. Something was not right.
I rushed over, my voice a frantic whisper. "Karin, what are you doing?"
She turned to me with feigned innocence. "Oh, just checking on Sasuke. He looks so peaceful when he's asleep."
But I could see through her act. She had something devious in mind, and I wasn't about to let her harass Sasuke in his vulnerable state.
I grabbed her arm and pulled her away from the tent, my frustration boiling over. "Leave him alone, Karin. This isn't right."
She shot me a glare that could curdle milk, but I stood my ground. I may have been clumsy and prone to mishaps, but I wasn't about to let Karin take advantage of Sasuke.
As the night settled in and the forest came alive with nocturnal sounds, I couldn't help but chuckle to myself. Despite all the bizarre twists and turns of the day, one thing was clear – Sasuke had become my unexpected protector, and no amount of Karin's tricks could change that.
...
As the sun lazily peeked over the horizon, casting a soft, golden glow over the forest, Sakura decided it was the perfect morning for a refreshing bath in the nearby river. The prospect of some solitude amidst the chirping birds and rustling leaves sounded like a slice of paradise.
With her towel and toiletries in tow, Sakura made her way to the riverbank, blissfully unaware that this idyllic excursion was about to turn into something out of a comedy show.
Unbeknownst to Sakura, Suigetsu, the perpetual prankster, had followed her to the riverbank with mischief dancing in his eyes. His mischievous plan? To snap an embarrassing photo of Sakura in the river, turning her tranquil bath into a scene from a slapstick comedy.
But wait, who should emerge from the shadows like a vigilante of decency? None other than Sasuke. In a flash, he swiped the camera from Suigetsu's eager grasp and unleashed a glare that could've melted even the hardiest of steel.
"Are you out of your mind?" Sasuke hissed, his voice low and lethal. "Leave her alone!"
Suigetsu, not one to test the boundaries of life and limb, wisely backed off, realizing his prank had just backfired spectacularly. However, in his haste to save Sakura from digital embarrassment, Sasuke unintentionally became the victim of his own heroics. His gaze locked onto the river, where Sakura was serenely wading through the water, completely unaware of the impending chaos.
The shock of seeing Sakura completely naked was like a tidal wave of embarrassment crashing over Sasuke. He turned beet red, looked away faster than a jetster, and took off running in sheer panic.
Sakura, not understanding the source of the mayhem just yet, emitted a scream of horror that probably woke up the forest's critters. She stumbled over herself, desperately trying to cover up while mentally calculating the odds of ever returning to civilization.
Meanwhile, Karin, who had been peacefully in the midst of her beauty sleep with her eyes conveniently shielded, was abruptly awakened by the commotion. She jolted upright in her sleeping bag, looking bewildered and slightly alarmed.
"What's going on? Why is Sakura screaming bloody murder?" Karin demanded, eyes darting around like she'd woken up in the middle of an alien abduction.
Sasuke, still sporting a vibrant shade of crimson, stammered out an explanation that made about as much sense as a riddle from the Sphinx. "I... I accidentally..."
Karin's eyes widened with understanding, and she couldn't suppress a sly smirk. "Well, well, Sasuke, it seems like you had quite the view, didn't you?"
Sasuke's embarrassment, already at epic levels, plunged further into the abyss of awkwardness. He mumbled something that probably would've required a Rosetta Stone to decode, then executed a brisk about-face, fleeing into the forest.
The incident became a campfire legend, and Suigetsu earned the dubious honor of being the guy who almost photographed Sakura in the river. Meanwhile, Sasuke's embarrassment lingered like a cloud over his usually composed demeanor, serving as a hilarious reminder of that unforgettable morning in the forest.
...
The morning after that infamous river incident, things were... awkward, to say the least. Sasuke and I had shared an unforgettable, albeit mortifying, moment that left both of us unsure of how to face each other.
As I reluctantly joined the group around the campfire, I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. The memory of Sasuke accidentally seeing me in the river was a specter that loomed over us, casting a weird, uncomfortable vibe around our interactions.
Karin, who had always harbored some form of jealousy towards me, saw this as an opportunity. She had a reputation for her unusual tricks, and this time, she decided to use her unique talent to sow discord. With a wicked glint in her eyes, she began to subtly manipulate the situation.
Leaning forward, Karin let her smile widen deviously as she proposed a game, her voice dripping with faux innocence. "Hey, you guys, how about we play a little game of 'Truth or Dare'? It might help us break the ice. You know."
Her suggestion seemed harmless enough on the surface, but beneath that veneer of innocence lay a carefully crafted plot. In her version of "Truth or Dare," she intended to steer the questions and dares in a way that would dredge up the awkward incident at the riverbank.
As both Sasuke and I hesitantly agreed to the game, little did we realize that Karin's manipulative web was already weaving itself, ready to ensnare us in a tangled mess of truths, dares, and unresolved tensions. The campfire's flickering light illuminated her sly grin as she prepared to set her plan in motion, determined to exploit the discomfort and division within our group.
With a smirk, she addressed Sasuke. "Sasuke, you know, it's not enough to just apologize. Sakura deserves to know the truth about what happened at the river."
My heart sank as I realized where Karin was heading with this.
Sasuke's eyes flickered with uncertainty. He cleared his throat, searching for the right words. "I already told Sakura it was an accident. There's nothing more to say."
Suigetsu, always looking for an opportunity to stir the pot, chimed in, "You know, Sasuke, it's not every day you get such a, uh, scenic view, right?"
Juugo, usually the observer in these matters, surprisingly joined in, adding fuel to the fire. "Yeah, Sasuke, it almost looked like you did it on purpose."
Their words hit me like a bucket of ice-cold water. A rush of anger and embarrassment surged through me, and I couldn't take it anymore. I abruptly stood up from the campfire and announced, "I need some fresh air."
I stormed off to my tent, the tears welling up in my eyes. It was infuriating how easily they had pinned the blame on Sasuke. I thought he had been genuinely trying to help. But now, my trust felt broken.
As I sat in my tent, wiping away the tears, I heard the rustling of the tent flap. Sasuke had followed me, and he looked genuinely concerned. He began to explain, "Sakura, what happened back there was an accident. I didn't mean to..."
But I wasn't in the mood to listen to explanations. I cut him off, my voice trembling with anger and frustration. "I don't want to hear it. You should have been more careful."
Sasuke sighed, realizing that words alone wouldn't mend the situation. "Okay. I understand. But I promise you, it was a mistake, and I'm really sorry."
I turned away, still feeling hurt and embarrassed. "Just go back to the campfire."
But Sasuke didn't leave. Instead, he surprised me by saying, "I'll apologize in front of everyone tomorrow, okay? I'll make it right."
I blinked in surprise. Sasuke, the typically stoic and reserved guy, was willing to make a public apology? It was unexpected, to say the least.
The next day, as our trip was coming to an end, Sasuke gathered everyone around the campfire. He cleared his throat awkwardly, and for a moment, it seemed like he might back out. But then, in his unusual way, he looked straight at me and said, "I want to apologize to Sakura for what happened at the river. It was a mistake on my part, and I'm truly sorry."
The others fell silent, surprised by Sasuke's unexpected apology. I felt a mix of emotions, but deep down, I appreciated his sincerity. It wasn't easy for him to do this.
I nodded, accepting his apology, and a weight seemed to lift from both of us. As we packed up our campsite and prepared to leave, I couldn't help but smile at Sasuke. Our relationship had taken an unexpected turn, but sometimes, it takes a little chaos to bring two people closer together.
...
The aftermath of the river incident was nothing short of chaotic. News spread like wildfire throughout the school, and it seemed like everyone knew about the embarrassing episode between Sasuke and me. Teasing and rumors became a part of our daily routine.
In the bustling school hallway, the boys, their mischievous grins barely concealed, relentlessly bombarded Sasuke with questions about the infamous river encounter. Their curiosity carried a not-so-subtle hint of malice, and the scene was infuriating to witness.
Kiba, always the brazen one, leaned in, his grin stretching. "So, Sasuke, did you get a good look? You know, for, uh, posterity?"
Sasuke's jaw clenched, and his discomfort practically radiated from him. "That's none of your business."
Chōji, never one to miss a chance to tease, chimed in with a hearty laugh. "Come on, Sasuke, we're all friends here. Spill the beans. How red did you turn?"
Shikamaru, who usually preferred to maintain his laid-back persona, couldn't resist adding his own sly comment. "Troublesome, isn't it? Seeing your crush in such a... revealing situation."
Sasuke's scowl deepened, and he muttered something under his breath, clearly not wanting to engage in their banter.
Lee, brimming with righteous indignation, couldn't hold back any longer. "How dare you harass my girl, you bastards!" he snapped, his anger palpable.
Unable to bear Sasuke's continued discomfort, my voice rose above the teasing banter, firm and unyielding. "Enough, guys! It's not funny anymore. Sasuke deserves some privacy, and we should respect that!"
The boys exchanged glances, momentarily taken aback by my stern tone. Finally, Shikamaru shrugged, his mischievousness subsiding. "Alright, alright, Sakura. We'll drop it. No harm meant."
As the hallway crowd quieted down, the uncomfortable tension dissipated, leaving behind a sense of relief. In that moment, I couldn't help but hope that our shared understanding would prevail over needless teasing and harassment, and that Sasuke could finally find some respite from the relentless inquiries about that ill-fated river encounter.
I couldn't pinpoint who had initially spread the story—whether it was Karin, Suigetsu, Juugo, or someone else from the photography club. The truth was it didn't matter anymore. The damage had been done, and it was Sasuke and I who were paying the price.
One day, as I walked into the classroom, I noticed a curious commotion near Suigetsu's desk. Students from our class were huddled around him, their faces a mix of excitement and anticipation. It was clear that whatever was happening involved the river incident.
I approached the group cautiously, wondering what could be going on. As I got closer, I overheard Suigetsu speaking animatedly, his eyes gleaming with mischief.
"And then," Suigetsu said, relishing the attention, "I tried to capture the perfect shot, but Sasuke appeared out of nowhere and swiped my camera! That fool! What a pity since her body is chef kiss!"
The students gasped and exchanged impressed glances. Suigetsu continued, enjoying his newfound status as the center of attention. "But I didn't give up. I attempted multiple times to get that shot, but Sasuke was like a shadow, always there to protect her."
It suddenly hit me like a ton of bricks. Suigetsu was the one who had been attempting to capture my embarrassing photo in the river, and Sasuke had thwarted his efforts time and time again. My anger and resentment towards Sasuke began to crumble as the truth sank in.
I had been wrong to blame Sasuke for things he didn't do. He had only been trying to protect me, even if it meant putting himself in an awkward and embarrassing situation. My heart swelled with a mix of gratitude and guilt.
As the students listened in rapt attention to Suigetsu's storytelling, I couldn't help but feel a sense of relief. The truth was finally coming out, and Sasuke's intentions were being recognized, even if it came with its own share of bullying and mockery.
- To Be Continued -
