Sakura
"Maybe this isn't a good idea," I say, reviewing my reflection in the mirror.
Ino shakes her head, face contorting into one of disbelief. "Nope, I'm not letting you change your mind. Where'd your confidence go?"
Kurenai let Ino and I leave work early today, so I could get ready for tonight. I wasn't sure why I'd needed the extra time, then, but thankfully, I listened to her. It took a whole two hours for Ino to be pleased with my appearance.
Grabbing the dress I bought from my apartment a few hours ago, we arrived at Ino's apartment. My hair was styled slightly in soft waves, giving me a more vixen-like look compared to my usual appearance to match the vibe my dress gives off. My makeup was a little stronger, too, with smoky eyes and red lipstick, but I refused to go any darker than what she suggested my eye look to be. I want to look different, yes, but not like a whole different person. If I do, I know I'll just be in for a night of taunts. The end result? Ino's right. I look hot.
"I look like I want something tonight."
She raises a brow. "Don't you?"
Slapping her shoulder lightly, I give her an admonishing look. "No! It's strictly business, remember?"
"I know, I know. As I've heard from you multiple times, but as I've said a bunch of times, no one said you two couldn't have any fun."
"And we've been through this. Nothing's going to happen."
My best friend pouts. "Can't hurt to encourage you to live a little."
"I can live a little without having to resort to sleeping with a certain Uchiha."
"Suit yourself. Just so you know, women are going to be flooding your socials once news gets out of this project. You'll be the city's most envied woman!"
"Not like I want to be."
I turn slightly to look at my dress. It's certainly not me, but I don't hate it. I know I'm telling Ino something of the opposite, but in truth, I'm feeling a bit nervous. I swear, if he makes fun of me, I'm going to throw something at him.
Ino is right, though. I'm just letting the nerves talk. This is no time to second guess myself. I'm about to head into battle with Konoha's most elusive bachelor, albeit we're both pretty unwilling. Slowly, I'm getting fired up. This is my job, first and foremost. I need to gain the upperhand tonight for the first article.
I look at the time on the bottom corner of Ino's laptop on the nearby desk. Twenty minutes until I have to be at The Spades.
I can do this.
"Well, you seem to have gained some confidence in the last minute," Ino remarks, amused. "Not complaining, though! Go, forehead!"
I match her look of enthusiasm with my own, embracing it. That's right. I can totally do this. Uchiha doesn't know what's coming.
But with that in mind, I think back to our texts earlier today. He was cocky, as usual, but, to my surprise, he seemed to be flirting back a little? I texted him in hopes to get him thrown off a little before tonight, but he matched me with replies that made me both uneasy and, I hate to admit it, a little flustered.
Uchiha Sasuke? Flirty banter? I'm crazy.
But the texts are still in my phone, and there was no doubt about it.
Did he have something up his sleeve? Certainly, he wasn't going to show up with flowers or something, right? Because if he did, I'd definitely comment on it and never let him live it down. Yeah, he's smarter than that. I'm going to keep an eye out though. This isn't just for my pride, but Kunoichi's too.
I can do this.
The cab stops right in front of The Spades at a little after seven. Can't be too punctual. I have to have him on his toes, but not too late where he'd complain about it all night. Knowing him and his promptness, he isn't just on time, but early.
I exit the cab and take a moment to smooth out my dress before entering the restaurant. The hostess gives me a practiced smile as she sees me.
"Do you have a reservation, miss?"
"I think he's here already. Table under Uchiha?"
Her smile falters for a brief moment, almost undetectable if you weren't paying attention, but I was. The smile is immediately plastered back onto her face, feeling more forced than before.
"Ah, yes, Miss Haruno, then? Right this way."
She leads me through the filled tables of the five-star restaurant as I try to ignore eyes prying into my back. Some from men, others from women who most likely recognize me. I forget that being a well-known editor for Kunoichi came with its disadvantages. That being big city gossip.
The hostess stops and motions to the booth in the corner, and something stops me midstep.
White.
I hope my mouth isn't open right now because if I wasn't in public right now, I'm pretty sure it would be. It's crazy to be so startled by it, really, but if you'd known Uchiha for more than a moment, you'd know that color didn't exist in his world.
I only see his profile, but that's enough for me to see he's wearing a white dress shirt, sleeves folded to his elbows. He hasn't noticed me yet, his eyes focused on what's on his phone screen, and thank God for that. I don't know what he'd say if he sees me so shocked.
Right. I should get out of it. Shaking my head, I walk closer to the table. He doesn't look away from his phone until I fake a cough, stirring him out of his concentration. His eyes start at my feet, not looking at me immediately, maybe to see if I'm not a waiter, but upon seeing the black pumps, his eyes slowly move up.
Slowly.
Looks like the almighty Sasuke Uchiha does have hormones.
"Eyes up here, Uchiha."
Upon hearing my voice, his eyes shoot up straight to meet mine. If he was thrown off, he doesn't show it in his face. I try not to be too disappointed, though. He is a tough nut to crack, and knowing the number of women who flock to him, it'd take more than this to crack him. But somewhere deep in his onyx pools, I can tell he's surprised, if not just a little.
"What's with the Catwoman getup?"
"I have a date with Batman. Gotta dress the part, right?" I greet him with a saccharine smile as I slide into the booth, sitting right across from him.
Now that I'm closer, I notice the top two buttons of his shirt are undone, giving me a peak of his chest. Am I curious? Yes. Will I admit it? Fuck no. Sometimes I forget he's so attractive.
"Eyes up here, Haruno."
I look up, the tables turn with him now looking at me with the same chagrin I had on my face just a few moments ago.
Not letting this get to me, I reply, "It's not everyday you're not in dark colors." If all else fails, say something that has a little bit of the truth in there. "I have to say, I like this look on you. Tell me, did you dig that up just for little ol' me?"
"So sure of yourself?" He says, his face not giving anything away.
"I don't know. Color on our very first date? To what do I owe the honor?"
He shakes his head, and the waiter shows up just before he could open his mouth. The waiter asks for my drink order and leaves as quickly as he arrived. Spotting the glass of red wine on his side of the table, I try to guess what's in it. Knowing Sasuke, he doesn't seem like the type to enjoy the sweeter wines. His personality screams that he likes something dry.
"Pinot? Maybe a merlot?"
"None. Cab Sauvignon."
I shrug. "I was close enough. Knew it had to be something dry."
A brow is raised as he takes his wine glass and takes a sip, his eyes spark with a hint of interest. "I didn't take you as someone who cared for wine."
"That's more of my dad's interest than mine. I picked up some knowledge from him though. I tend to only go for the sweeter ones."
He scoffs. "I can tell from the bubbly pink moscato you just ordered."
"Don't you think it's on brand for me?" I give him a playful grin.
Instinctively, I cross my left leg over my right, lifting myself up a little and pulling down the dress to prevent any mishaps.
By the way his eyes squint ever so slightly, he seems to have noticed.
"Your choice of wine? Quite. Your dress, on the other hand, is a surprise."
I'm a little shocked he's bringing it up. "What? Every woman has an LBD in her closet."
"And this is a special enough occasion for it?"
I grin, a playful lilt in my voice as I speak. "I did say I have a date with Batman."
"As good as you look right now," he starts, grabbing something from his side and standing up to take a few steps until he reaches my side of the table. He shows me his suit jacket - black, of course. "I can bet your legs aren't a fan of the cold temperature here."
He's tall, I knew that, but with me seated, head tilted upwards to meet his gaze, it's clear just how much taller he was than me. His hair is how it's always styled, cleanly, not much done to it. His dark strands match his eyes which are now as they've always looked, guarded. But there's something lurking in there. Could it be concern? No, it can't be. I'm seeing things.
When I don't move, he shakes his head, unfolding the suit jacket and leaning in closer. My breath hitches. Carefully placing the jacket on my lap, he moves back slightly, our eyes meeting again briefly before he pulls away and gets back to his side of the booth.
No, heart, you shouldn't be beating so fast!
Tonight's going to be longer than I thought.
Hokage Mass Media
Konoha City's leading mass media company
Shinobi vs. Kunoichi
Sasuke Uchiha vs. Sakura Haruno
Men vs. Women in the Art of Romance!
First articles will be released on the next issues of Shinobi and Kunoichi.
Men vs. Women: the Art of Romance
After going through the criticism from both fans and nonfans alike, Shinobi Men's Magazine and Kunoichi Women's Journal are teaming up to bridge the gap between the two publications and try to see each other through the other's eyes. For the first time, both magazines will be joining hands in a collaborative project to better their understanding of both their magazines' fans and critics alike. And what better topic to start off with than romance!
To spice things up, its been decided that this will be treated like both a collaborative team effort and a friendly competition between the well-known publications. One person was picked from each magazine's editorial team, and the two representatives will go on six official dates, with each person writing an article about their time together, to be analyzed by their magazine's very own relationship columnists (Kiba Inuzuka from Shinobi and Ino Yamanaka from Kunoichi). The first set of articles will be published in Shinobi and Kunoichi's next issue. The next set of articles will be published on a new tab created specifically for this project on each of the publications' websites, with the final one to appear on next month's printed issues.
In the duration of this project, a poll will be present on the HMM website to determine who the readers think did better on each date. Updates will be present on social media.
Meet the representatives!
Sasuke Uchiha
Senior Editor of SMM's Fitness Department
Winning the poll on SMM's Twitter account with an incredible 63%, Sasuke Uchiha was chosen as SMM's representative for this project.
Known for his in-depth and helpful articles on men's fitness, he is also a fan favorite because of his familial background in the illustrious Uchiha clan and his enviable good looks. Cold and intimidating at first, as told by his coworkers, will he best the bright beauty in this battle of wits and romance?
Sakura Haruno
Senior Editor of KWJ's Health and Fitness Department
Narrowly winning the lead on KWJ's Twitter poll with a five point lead, Sakura Haruno was chosen as KWJ's representative for this project.
A personable way of writing and abundant knowledge in medicine and physical fitness, Sakura quickly found herself as the senior editor of her department. With her unique pink locks and bright personality, will she win over the stoic Uchiha in this psychological battle called romance?
Who's your pick?
Sasuke Uchiha ( )
Sakura Haruno ( )
Notes:
Date part 1! Hope y'all liked it! I'll be working on another chapter soon.
Website screenshot version for Hokage Mass Media is on the AO3 link of this fic!
Stay safe, y'all!