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 photography club's sessions had become an unexpected backdrop for Sakura and Sasuke's budding romance. They would spend hours together, their cameras capturing moments both big and small, and their laughter blending with the clicking of shutters.

However, not everyone was pleased with their newfound connection. Karin had grown increasingly jealous and was determined to create opportunities to keep them apart.

One sunny afternoon on the weekend, the club decided to venture to the beach for a photography hunting session. The sea breeze was invigorating, and the golden sands stretched out before them, offering a picturesque setting. Sakura, ever the practical one, had brought a straw hat to shield herself from the sun. Little did she know that this hat would play a pivotal role in the day's events.

As Sakura adjusted her hat, a sudden gust of wind caught it and sent it tumbling through the air. The hat somersaulted and landed gracefully at a distance. Sasuke, who had been watching Sakura, was struck by an unexpected sight. Her hair tousled by the wind, the sun illuminating her features, she appeared breathtakingly beautiful. Without hesitation, he began secretly capturing her image through the lens of his camera, each shot more mesmerizing than the last.

Unbeknownst to Sasuke, Karin had also noticed what he was doing. She watched in silent fury as he snapped picture after picture of Sakura, his attention completely captured by her.

Meanwhile, Sakura wandered closer to the shore, her eyes scanning the horizon. It was then that she came across someone she hadn't expected to see at the beach – Sasori. He had transformed from a fellow wedding guest to a professional model photographer, and he was conducting a photoshoot by the water.

"Sakura," Sasori greeted her with a sly smile, "Fancy meeting you here."

Sakura couldn't help but blush slightly at the unexpected encounter. "Sasori-san, it's been a while."

Sasori's playful gaze swept over her. "You haven't contacted me at all since Itachi's wedding party. I thought you might have lost my number."

Sakura's cheeks reddened further. She had indeed kept the paper with Sasori's number, but the truth was, she had been too shy to reach out. She decided to fib a little. "Actually, Sasori-san, I think I misplaced that paper."

Sasuke, who had been keeping an eye on the interaction from a distance, felt an unusual pang of jealousy. He couldn't quite put his finger on it, but seeing Sakura with Sasori made him uneasy.

Sasori, never one to miss an opportunity, offered, "Well, how about this? You can be the subject of my photography session right now. It's a chance to make up for lost time."

Sakura hesitated, feeling the spotlight suddenly on her. "I'm not really comfortable in front of the camera."

Sasuke, unable to contain himself any longer, approached them, his voice laced with a hint of possessiveness. "She doesn't need to be in your photos, Sasori."

Sasori raised an eyebrow, clearly enjoying the situation. "Oh, Sasuke, I didn't realize you were so protective of Sakura. Well, I suppose I'll have to find another model."

Sakura's heart raced as she watched the two men, each in their own way, vying for her attention. She couldn't help but feel a flutter of excitement mixed with confusion. The beach, with its rolling waves and golden sands, had become the stage for a romantic triangle she never saw coming.

Amidst the sun-kissed beach and the simmering romantic tension, Karin, her eyes gleaming with envy, crafted a plan to draw Sasuke closer to her.

She approached Sasuke with a sly smile, feigning concern. "Sasuke-kun," she began, her voice dripping with faux-worry, "don't you think Sakura is becoming a bit too friendly with that guy over there? They seem awfully chummy."

Sasuke, his discomfort more visible than a lighthouse at night, reluctantly turned his gaze toward Sakura and Sasori, who were engrossed in conversation by the water. "I... I suppose so. It's just photography, right?" he mumbled, attempting to downplay his growing jealousy.

Karin leaned in, her words a conspiratorial whisper. "You know that red-haired guy, he seems like quite the ladies' man. Maybe you should keep a watchful eye on Sakura before she falls under his spell."

Sasuke's jaw clenched, caught between trusting Sakura and succumbing to Karin's provocations. His possessiveness was brewing like a storm on the horizon, and Karin's words only fueled the tempest within him.

Meanwhile, at the water's edge, Sasori continued his playful banter with Sakura, subtly encouraging her to partake in his impromptu photoshoot. Sakura, ensnared in the attention of both men, experienced a whirlwind of flattery and bewilderment. Karin's presence was a shadow that loomed over them, casting an ominous tension.

As the golden hour descended upon the beach, bathing it in a romantic glow so clichéd it could rival a soap opera's sunset scene, Karin seized her moment. She approached Sakura with a forced smile, suggesting, "Sakura-chan, how about we take some photos together? It'll be a blast!"

Sakura, always the peacemaker, agreed, though hesitantly. While posing for photos with Karin, she couldn't help but glance at Sasuke and Sasori, both watching her closely. The situation had turned into a complex mix of emotions and hidden intentions.

As the day at the beach continued, Karin's envy-driven schemes intensified. She was determined to delete any evidence of Sakura's presence from Sasuke's camera, but she had to be crafty to avoid getting caught.

With a stealthy grace, Karin crept up to where Sasuke had left his camera unattended, ready to carry out her devious plan. However, just as she was about to press the delete button, a playful crab scuttled over, grabbing her attention. She let out a startled yelp and jumped back, accidentally knocking the camera onto the sand.

Sasuke, sensing something amiss, turned around with a puzzled expression. "Karin, what are you doing?"

Flustered, Karin stammered, "Oh, Sasuke-kun! I just wanted to see your photos. They must be amazing, right?"

Sasuke, though skeptical, decided to let the odd behavior slide for the moment, returning to his camera with a raised eyebrow. He remained blissfully unaware that his camera now held unintentional, candid shots of Sakura and Sasori.

Meanwhile, the playful banter between Sakura and Sasori continued, and Sasuke's jealousy bubbled to the surface like a volcanic eruption. He couldn't bear watching them interact so amicably any longer.

In a bid to grab Sasuke's attention, Karin hatched an audacious plan. She approached him, batting her eyelashes and pretending to trip over an imaginary obstacle, hoping to fall into his arms. However, instead of a graceful fall, she stumbled in the sand, creating a miniature sandstorm.

Sasuke, startled by the commotion, rushed to her side. "Karin, are you okay?"

Karin, her face half-buried in the sand, managed to look up with an exaggerated pout. "Sorry, I'm so clumsy sometimes. Can you help me up?"

Sasuke, torn between concern and irritation, offered his hand to assist her. As he pulled her to her feet, Karin seized the opportunity to lean in closer and whispered in his ear, "You know, Sasuke-kun, I've always admired your strength."

Sasuke's discomfort was palpable as he untangled himself from Karin's unexpected advances. His attention remained divided between Karin and the ongoing interactions between Sakura and Sasori, which were rapidly turning the beach into a theatrical production.

...

As the day at the beach neared its end, the sun painted the sky in a mesmerizing tapestry of red and orange, enveloping the scene in a romantic aura. It was becoming increasingly evident that this outing was shaping up to be a tale straight from the pages of a young adult novel, replete with a blend of romantic tension and whimsical twists.

Sakura's infatuation with Sasuke was as conspicuous as seashells scattered upon the shoreline. Her gaze remained firmly fixed upon him, a compass needle that had unerringly found its true north. Their silent exchanges spoke volumes, and the unspoken undercurrent of their connection was not lost on anyone, save for the blissfully oblivious Sasori.

Sasori, however, was not yet ready to concede defeat. He saw the looming departure as his last chance to win Sakura's heart. With a grin that rivaled the brilliance of the setting sun, he continued to shower her with playful compliments, determined to kindle a spark.

"You know, Sakura, you look even more beautiful when you smile," Sasori remarked, his voice sincere and warm.

Sakura responded with a hesitant smile; her cheeks tinged with a blush. "Really? Don't be ridiculous!"

Undeterred, Sasori leaned in closer. "Just speaking my mind. You have this incredible way of brightening up everyone's day, and I genuinely admire that about you."

Sakura offered a reluctant but appreciative smile. "You're quite the sweet talker, Sasori-san."

Sasori's compliments flowed like a gentle breeze by the seaside, natural and effortless. He remained steadfast in his determination to connect with Sakura, believing that persistence could eventually win her heart.

Meanwhile, the ever-observant Sasuke couldn't help but notice Sakura's unwavering focus. With the setting sun providing the perfect backdrop, he seized the moment to invite her closer with a subtle, inviting smile.

Sakura's heart raced as she left Sasori behind, joining Sasuke. The two of them stood together, silhouetted against the setting sun, their unspoken connection now stronger than ever. Sasuke's usually aloof demeanor softened, and Sakura responded with a look filled with affection and anticipation. In that fleeting moment, the beach faded into insignificance, leaving only the two of them in their own shared world.

"Sasuke-kun, this sunset is so beautiful, just like our time here," Sakura said, her voice a gentle whisper.

Sasuke simply murmured; his dark eyes fixed on the horizon. "Hm."

However, amidst the romantic ambiance, Karin's simmering jealousy reached its boiling point. Frustration clenched her fists as she watched Sakura and Sasuke's intimate exchange. Even Sasori felt a pang of envy as he witnessed Sakura's unwavering attention on Sasuke.

"Ugh, why does Sakura get all the attention? This is so unfair," Karin grumbled to herself.

Sasori's irritation grew, his expression darkening as Sakura's gaze remained unswervingly focused on Sasuke.

Just when the tension seemed unbearable, an unexpected twist swept in like a gust of wind. Suigetsu, harboring his own secret feelings for Karin, decided it was time to inject some humor into the situation.

With a wink and a mischievous gleam in his eye, Suigetsu addressed Karin. "Hey, Karin, you seemed a little too serious. Time for some fun!"

He orchestrated a prank involving an inflatable dolphin and an unexpected drenching, sending the dolphin hurtling toward Karin with the exaggerated flair of a seasoned showman.

Caught completely off guard, Karin let out a scream that rivaled the cries of seagulls as the inflatable dolphin drenched her from head to toe. She flailed in the water, gasping for air, while Suigetsu laughed so hard that he nearly lost his balance.

"Suigetsu! You... you lunatic!" Karin exclaimed, her sopping wet state a testament to the unexpected turn of events.

Suigetsu grinned playfully. "Ah, Karin, you needed to lighten up a bit!"

The unexpected prank left Karin in disarray, her once-impeccable appearance now a salty, tangled mess. For a brief moment, her attention shifted from Sasuke to the uproarious chaos that had unfolded around her.

Karin found herself chuckling despite herself. "Okay, maybe that was kind of funny."

Sasuke and Sakura, lost in their private world of unspoken connection, remained blissfully unaware of the uproar. As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the beach in a warm, romantic glow, they shared a moment that felt like it had been plucked from the pages of a novel.

Sakura whispered to Sasuke, her voice barely audible over the gentle lapping of the waves, "This has been an incredible day."

Sasuke responded with a subtle smile, his eyes never leaving the horizon. "Yes, it has."

...

A French girl was calling Sasori's name out of nowhere. She was very sexy with ornamented beach shawls, and hair as wavy as the ocean. This girl was followed by another girl with exotic skin and curvy waists. Instead of calling Sasori "Sasori," they referred to him as "Sean."

Sakura, surprised, just blurted out, "Sean?"

"Hey, girls," Sasori approached those two models with the French language. These two girls looked amused as Sasori gave them each a kiss on the cheek.

Sakura couldn't help but be taken aback. In Japan, it wasn't common for a guy to casually kiss someone on the cheek like that unless they had a romantic relationship.

Sasori gestured for Sakura to come closer by waving his hand. Sasuke, being overtly protective, couldn't resist and followed Sakura. Suigetsu, who had been busy pranking Karin, suddenly stopped in awe after witnessing the two beautiful and sexy French girls. He couldn't help but follow Sasuke and approach Sasori.

Karin, still playfully punching Suigetsu's arm, only got angrier and tried to catch Suigetsu's attention.

"Qui est cette fille aux cheveux roses aux joues rebondies?" One of the French girls asked in French. (Translation: "Who is this pink girl with chubby cheeks?")

Sakura, terrible at French and thinking the girl was asking for her name, innocently shook her hand and replied, "My name is Sakura. Nice to meet you."

Sasori and the girls beside him couldn't contain their laughter at Sakura's confusion. "Haha. You're so funny, Sakura. Angela just said that your cheeks are..." Sasori hesitated, not wanting to offend the girl he found so amusing.

"My cheeks? What happened to my cheeks?" Sakura asked, puzzled, and touched her cheeks.

"Your cheeks look so red from sunburn," Sasori quickly lied. "Right, Angela?" He turned his head toward the blonde French girl.

"Oui," Angela, who was playing along, laughed silently.

The other French girl beside Sasori was in awe when she found Sasuke gorgeous. She proceeded to wink at him, and Sasuke was not unaware of it. Both Sakura and Karin were furious when they witnessed this, but they kept their mouths shut, each brewing their own plans for retaliation.

The girl then extended her hand toward Sasuke, offering a sultry smile as she introduced herself, "Hello there, handsome. I'm Shasha."

Sasuke, ever the polite gentleman, was about to shake her hand when Sakura intervened, her irritation palpable. With a firm push, she redirected his hand away from Shasha. "Sasuke, don't even think about it!"

Sasuke, taken aback, turned to Sakura with a quizzical expression. "What happened?"

Shasha, her smirk undeterred, chimed in with amusement, "Oh, is this your girlfriend?"

Sakura, her protective instincts in full force, stepped forward assertively. "I'm not, but I am his friend. And you should respect boundaries."

Shasha playfully raised an eyebrow. "Oh, I see. Friends, then? Pity."

Sasori, observing the unfolding drama, couldn't help but find the situation intriguing. With a chuckle, he remarked, "Well, this just got interesting."

As the tension simmered between Sakura, Shasha, and Sasuke, Suigetsu seized the moment, his charismatic confidence propelling him forward. He smoothly took Shasha's hand, offering a flirtatious wink and a charming grin.

"My name's Suigetsu, but you can call me Sui," he purred.

Karin, unable to contain her laughter at Suigetsu's audacious move, couldn't resist teasing him. "Sui? What the hell kind of name is that?" Her laughter bubbled forth unexpectedly, given her previous frustration.

Suigetsu, ever the provocateur, teased Karin further. "So what? Are you jealous, huh?"

Karin's response was a disdainful huff as she turned her gaze away. "Tch. Why should I be jealous of a prick like you when I've got Sasuke?"

Amidst this chaotic interplay of emotions, Sasori spotted an opportunity to get closer to Sakura. With a suave smile, he positioned himself strategically.

"Well, since things seem to be getting a bit crowded here," Sasori suggested smoothly, "how about we continue this conversation over some seafood? My treat."

Sakura blinked in surprise; her earlier irritation momentarily forgotten. "Oh, um, sure, that sounds nice."

Sasori, inwardly delighted at the chance to spend more time with Sakura, aimed to make Sasuke just a tad envious. They all agreed, and before long, they found themselves in the welcoming ambiance of a cozy seafood restaurant.

Inside the restaurant, the chaotic dynamics persisted. Shasha persisted in her playful flirtation with Sasuke, who, to Sakura's relief, remained steadfast in his focus on her. Karin, never one to shy away from competition, continued to vie for Sasuke's attention, much to Sakura's chagrin.

Suigetsu, always one to seize a moment, attempted to charm Shasha but ended up stumbling over his words, resulting in the entire table erupting in laughter.

Suigetsu's voice quivered nervously as he said, "So, uh, Shasha, right? Your name is as beautiful as your... uh, necklace. It's a nice necklace."

Shasha struggled to contain her amusement. "Thank you, Sui."

Karin leaned closer to Sasuke, whispering with a grin, "Look at Suigetsu, making a fool of himself."

Sakura couldn't help but find the situation both amusing and exasperating. While she secretly relished Sasuke's unwavering attention, the competition for his affections had reached comical heights.

Seizing the opportunity, Sasori, seated beside Sakura, engaged her in conversation, his intentions clear - to make Sasuke a little green with envy.

Sasori's smile was charming as he said, "Sakura, have you ever tried the oysters here? They're quite exquisite."

Sakura's curiosity was piqued. "Oysters? No, I haven't. Are they really that good?"

Sasori's enthusiasm shone through as he responded, "Absolutely. Here, let me order some for us. I think you'll find them... intriguing."

As the evening unfolded, the web of flirtation, jealousy, and laughter continued to weave its complex tapestry, creating a memorable and uproarious dining experience none of them would soon forget.

Sasuke, never one to yield, continued to assert his presence subtly, maintaining an air of intimacy that only deepened the awkward tension enveloping them.

Sasuke, his voice a soft murmur, leaned closer to Sakura as he engaged her in conversation. "You know, Sakura, this food is a little bit awful."

Sakura couldn't help but stifle a silent giggle at Sasuke's comment. Before she could respond, Sasori decided to make his move once more, closing the distance between them. His warm breath brushed against her ear as he whispered with a seductive tone, "Sakura, the moonlight tonight... it's almost as enchanting as you."

Sakura's heart raced at Sasori's words, caught in the tempest of emotions swirling around her. Both men vying for her attention were masters in the art of attraction, and she found herself unable to deny the allure of either.

The French girls, observing the situation with amusement, opted to join the playful game. Shasha, her eyes firmly fixed on Sasuke, leaned in closer and whispered into his ear.

Shasha, her voice dripping with flirtatiousness, purred, "Chéri, you and I, we would make a beautiful pair."

Sasuke, growing increasingly exasperated by the mounting attention he was receiving, decided it was time to take matters into his own hands. He shifted his gaze to Sakura, locking his eyes onto hers with an intensity that left no room for misinterpretation.

Sasuke, addressing Sakura directly, stated, "Sakura, would you like to take a walk with me outside? Away from all this... chaos."

Feeling overwhelmed by the escalating tension, Sakura nodded in agreement. As she rose from her chair, both Sasuke and Sasori exchanged competitive glares, and the French girls shared knowing smirks.

The night was far from over, and the romantic rivalry between Sasuke and Sasori showed no signs of cooling down. As Sakura and Sasuke ventured outside, they were about to share a private moment, but the battle for her heart was far from settled.

...

Beneath the enchanting radiance of the moonlight, Sasuke led Sakura away from the bustling restaurant, their synchronized footsteps harmonizing with the distant serenade of the ocean waves.

With a gentle smile, Sasuke remarked, "The moon is beautiful tonight, isn't it?"

Sakura, her cheeks tinged with a rosy hue, replied softly, "Yes, it's... nice. Thank you, Sasuke."

As they wandered along the moon-kissed shoreline, the atmosphere was thick with the mingling scents of salt and sweetness, mirroring the intricate emotions that swirled between them.

Sasuke's voice was tender as he said, "Sakura, there's something I've been wanting to tell you."

Sakura's heart quickened its pace, her eyes locking onto Sasuke's. In that fleeting moment, it felt as if the world had receded into the shadows, leaving only the two of them beneath the luminous moon.

Sakura's anticipation was palpable as she inquired, "What is it, Sasuke?"

Before Sasuke could offer his revelation, an unexpected voice shattered the fragile tranquility.

Karin's voice, seemingly nonchalant, intruded from the shadows. "Oh, Sasuke-kun, I didn't realize you two were out here."

Sasuke and Sakura turned to find Karin standing there, her demeanor remarkably composed for someone who had just ostensibly ventured outside.

Sasuke couldn't conceal a trace of annoyance in his tone. "Karin, what are you doing here?"

Karin, feigning innocence, responded with a casual air. "Oh, you know, I just needed to grab a few things from the hotel, and I saw you two walking this way. I thought I'd join you for a little evening stroll."

Sakura's frustration surged within her. It seemed that regardless of their destination, they couldn't escape the meddling of others.

Sasuke's voice held a firm edge as he expressed his irritation. "Karin, this was meant to be a private moment."

Karin, undeterred, teased with a playful glint in her eye. "Private moment, huh? Well, I'll just keep you company then. Three's a crowd, after all."

As they continued their walk, Sakura couldn't help but let out an internal sigh. The romantic interlude she had envisioned had once again been disrupted, this time by Karin's unwelcome presence. Little did she know that the night held more surprises and comical twists beneath the moon's watchful gaze. Sasuke, his façade of indifference slightly faltering, released a subtle yet exasperated sigh, resigned to the whims of fate.

...

The next morning, as the sun began to cast its gentle glow over the coastal town, Sasori prepared to bid farewell to Sakura. He stood beside his striking red Toyota Centuri, its open roof lending an air of sophistication that matched his charismatic demeanor perfectly. Inside the car, the two French girls from the previous night, Angela and Shasha, waited, their smiles hinting at the adventures that awaited them.

Sakura's smile was warm as she bid farewell. "Safe travels, Sasori. It was wonderful having you here."

Sasori returned Sakura's smile, though there was an undertone of something deeper in his gaze. As he leaned in to say his goodbyes, he surprised her by planting a lingering kiss on her cheek. It wasn't the casual peck he had bestowed upon other girls—it held a warmth that lingered, a hint of longing that left Sakura feeling somewhat flustered.

Sasori, surprisingly, whispered in French, his voice a melodic caress, "Au revoir, ma chère." (Translation: Goodbye, my sweetheart.)

As Sakura watched Sasori drive away with the two French girls, she couldn't shake the sense of both loss and anticipation. The unexpected whirlwind of romance and comedy had left its mark on their lives, and she couldn't help but wonder what the future held for her and Sasuke.

Sasuke, who had been observing from a distance, couldn't deny the unease that stirred within him. His veneer of indifference had wavered in the face of competition, and he found himself questioning the depth of his feelings for Sakura.

Once again, the coastal town basked in the warm embrace of day, and as Sakura turned her attention back to Sasuke, she couldn't shake the feeling that their story was far from over.

...

The bus rumbled along its familiar route home, its atmosphere tinged with an unsettling unease. Sasuke had deliberately chosen a seat near the back, a clear sign that he intended to distance himself not only from the clingy and bothersome Karin but also from Sakura. He needed space, a sanctuary of solitude, to confront the growing jealousy that had taken root within him due to Sasori's presence.

Sakura, her heart heavy with the absence of the connection they had shared just the night before, couldn't help but yearn for what they had. Her gaze lingered on Sasuke, sitting alone at the back of the bus. After a brief moment of hesitation, she gathered her courage and quietly approached him.

Sakura, her voice tentative, spoke softly, "Sasuke..."

Sasuke, his eyes fixed on the passing scenery outside, offered no immediate response.

She gently touched his shoulder, her concern palpable as she asked, "Is everything okay?"

Sasuke eventually turned his head to look at her, his expression guarded and his emotions hidden beneath a stoic facade.

Frowning, he replied curtly, "I just need some space."

Sakura's concern deepened. "But what's wrong? Did something happen?"

Sasuke's response was abrupt and harsh. "None of your business."

Sensing the turmoil in Sasuke's voice, Sakura took a step back. She didn't want to push him further if he wasn't ready to open up.

She said gently, "Alright, Sasuke. I'll give you your space. But whenever you're ready to talk, I'm here."

Sasuke's gaze returned to the passing world outside. The distance between them weighed heavily, and the unease within the bus persisted, a stark contrast to the warmth they had shared under the moonlit sky the previous night.

As the bus journeyed on, the tension remained palpable, and Sakura retreated to her seat, leaving Sasuke alone with his turbulent thoughts. He plugged in his earphones, seeking solace in music, but his mind continued to drift to a different time, a different Sakura.

Staring out of the window, his mind was a whirlwind of emotions and memories. Amidst the tension and his own inner turmoil, Sasuke couldn't help but be haunted by a vivid memory from their childhood—a Halloween party from years ago. In that moment, Sakura had been dressed as a princess, her costume slightly too large and her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. She had become a target for teasing from some of her female friends.

Sasuke, in a rare display of empathy, had climbed a tree and hidden in its branches, silently watching over young Sakura from a distance. He remembered how his heart had inexplicably skipped a beat as he witnessed her struggle, feeling a strange mix of protectiveness and admiration.

As he revisited that cherished memory, Sasuke began to realize that the emotions he had long suppressed might not be as unfamiliar as he had believed. He had been pushing Sakura away because he couldn't fathom the depth of his feelings.

...

While the bus journey continued, the awkward tension between Sasuke and Sakura remained a palpable presence, not going unnoticed by their fellow students who shared the ride. Whispers and sidelong glances circulated among the passengers, as the shift in dynamics between the two couldn't be ignored.

Suigetsu, always the prankster, decided that this moment of tension was too good to pass up. With sly finesse, he discreetly planted a whoopee cushion on Karin's seat before nonchalantly returning to his own spot a few rows away. As Karin arranged her belongings in the upper drawer above her and sat down, the cushion delivered a comically loud fart noise, triggering laughter from everyone nearby.

Karin's face turned beet red with embarrassment, and she shot Suigetsu a furious glare.

Karin yelled, "Suigetsu, I know it was you!"

Suigetsu feigned innocence with a mischievous grin. "What? Why would I do such a thing?"

The entire bus burst into laughter again, effectively dispelling the heavy atmosphere that had lingered since Sasuke distanced himself.

Secretly thrilled by Sasuke's decision to sit alone, Karin couldn't resist boasting to her friends about the situation.

Karin whispered to her friends, "Did you see that? Sasuke-kun chose to sit alone. He must be finally realizing he's too good for her."

Karin's friends nodded in agreement, unaware of the true reasons behind Sasuke's actions but eager to engage in the gossip.

In the midst of the commotion, Suigetsu, who had been eavesdropping on the conversations, couldn't resist adding his own commentary.

Suigetsu teased loudly enough for all to hear, "Well, well, well, it seems the lovebirds are having a little lover's spat."

His comment garnered a few chuckles and eyerolls from their fellow students, further amplifying the already awkward atmosphere on the bus.

Meanwhile, Sasori, seated in his car with the two French girls in the adjacent lane, couldn't help but notice the commotion unfolding on the bus through his rearview mirror. He chuckled to himself, realizing the unintended consequences of his romantic escapade with Sakura.

Sakura, seeking solace from the peculiar situation, retrieved her phone to listen to some music. She plugged in her earphones and began to hum along with the tunes, finding solace in the melodies. Unbeknownst to her, Sasuke was secretly admiring her from a distance. He couldn't help but smile as he watched her, captivated by her infectious joy and unaware of the lingering feelings he had yet to confront.

- To Be Continued -