Chapter 2: Sakura Blossoms Bloom

Sakura woke up at the sound of a text notification on her phone. She blindly reached for her phone, knocking over some candy wrappers and an empty plastic cup on her nightstand. She pulled the phone to her face, reading the text with her eyes half open. Get up loser. Let's go to the mall. It's a tax-free week! It was a text from Ino. Sakura looked at the time. 10:03.

Sakura got up from her bed begrudgingly. She was not a morning person, but she knew it was wise to get accustomed to waking up early since school was starting soon. She showered and rushed through her 8-step skin routine. She hated her current routine, which cost her a good amount of her allowance, but her skin still was not how she wanted it to be. The constant flow of unrealistic and filtered photos she had grown accustomed to seeing during her constant scrolling on her phone at night had taken its toll on her self-confidence. It was even worse for her body. While her friends were growing into a feminine hourglass shape, Sakura felt that her hips were the only thing seeming to grow. Her breasts gained only a little bit of tissue, but nowhere near the amount she wanted. It drove her to want to purchase a pushup bra. Anything to help her feel more confident and fit into her clothes.

Sakura had her 17th birthday in March. Although she was seven months away from being an adult, she had long been sick of being treated like a child by her parents. Konohagakure High School was a public school without uniforms but had some strict dress code rules. Her parents were even more strict about her clothing choices. She hoped that they would finally relent and let her express herself. After finishing her makeup and getting dressed, she heads downstairs.

"Hey, sunshine." Her mother said. "Where are you headed?"

"Ino is coming to pick me up. We're going to the mall." Sakura said.

"Oh, now that sounds fun. Do you need some money?" Mrs. Haruno said.

"Yes please." Sakura said. Sakura's mom reached into her bag and pulled out a generous amount of cash. She handed the money to Sakura.

"Wow! That's a lot. Thanks Mom." Sakura smiled as she put the money away in her wallet in her crossbody bag.

"Sakura…" Mrs. Haruno started. Sakura focused her attention on her. "Your father and I talked yesterday. We think that we were a little bit harsh on you in the past when it came to clothing. Even though your father was a little upset that you have a boyfriend now, he accepted that you are a young woman and can make your own decisions about what you choose to wear. Just be wise with the money and remember to stick to your school's dress code." Her mom said. Sakura's face lit up.

"I love you guys." Sakura beamed. She closed the gap between herself and her mother, both of them embracing each other in a bear hug. Sakura's phone buzzed and she looked down at her screen. I'm outside. Let's GO. "Ino is here. I'll be back later!"

"Are you sure you don't want to eat first?" Mrs. Haruno said.

"I'm fine. You know I don't eat breakfast much." Sakura said as she went to the door and slipped on her sandals. "I'll be back later!" Sakura repeated.

"You girls have fun!" Mrs. Haruno said. Sakura steps outside, frowning suddenly at the thick, humid air.

"I knew I should've used the anti-frizz product in my hair." Sakura thought to herself. She saw Ino's white car parked in the driveway. Ino was carefully applying eyeliner using the car mirror. Despite the start of her day, Sakura was excited at the thought of school starting. She was happy to see her friends daily again and to take part in the various school activities and the two dances. She enters Ino's car on the passenger side.

"Give me just one minute." Ino said. "I smudged it on my way here" referring to her eyeliner, which she managed to wing into a cat-eye look. Ino wore a cropped white tank top with light blue destroyed denim shorts. She had on white Nike's, hoop earrings, a necklace, and a tennis bracelet. Sakura felt underdressed around Ino, who did not have any such harsh restrictions on her clothing choices. Sakura wore a red blouse with skinny ankle jeans. She wore brown Birkenstock sandals with a rose gold anklet. "If we have time later, we should get our nails done too." Ino said as she placed her makeup back in her purse.

"Yeah, that would be nice. Mine need some help." Sakura said, looking at her nails which were plain and all at different lengths. "I don't want Sasuke to think I stopped caring about myself."

"Is he back home yet?" Ino asked as she started backing the car out of the driveway to Sakura's house, taking care to avoid the trash bin at the end.

"Only two more days." Sakura said as she looked out the window of the moving car. Then she placed her hand on her chin, deep in thought. "I think… I have lost track of time, honestly." Sakura giggled.

"Yeah, the summer days all kind of blend together. I barely know what day it is anymore." Ino said. "It's so easy to lose track of time."

"I was just thinking that I better start going to bed early, or my first week is going to be tough." Sakura said. "I've been going to sleep around 3 am lately."

"You've been speaking to Sasuke that late?" Ino asked as she made a turn at a traffic light, headed towards the city limits.

"It's fourteen hours ahead in Japan. It's been rough." Sakura said sleepily. "I miss him."

"You've been up late as well. Who have you been talking to? Sakura teased.

"Oh, nobody special. Just mindlessly scrolling out of boredom." Ino said.

A brief time later, Sakura and Ino arrived at the mall. After parking the car, they made their way into a major department store. Tax-free signs littered the windows and the sale racks. Ino and Sakura's eyes got big as they walked through the departments. Sakura could not wait to finally buy something that she was forbidden to wear previously. Her desire eventually drove her and Ino to visit a lingerie store.

"Hell yeah! A sale." Ino said.

"Thank goodness for that. I'm finally going to do it." Sakura said. Ino looked at Sakura surprised.

"You mean…" Ino started.

"Yes. Today is the day. I'm getting it." Sakura said. "My parents gave up on telling me what to wear finally." Sakura and Ino approached a display full of heavy-looking padded bras. "These are going to help me look bigger." Sakura said, picking up a pink bra from the top.

"But doesn't Sasuke know?" Ino said. "Like, he's going to know that it's just an overstuffed bra, not that you grew that much in the two weeks he's been gone."

"I don't care. I just want to wear things and not look stupid in them." Sakura said.

"He hasn't seen them yet, has he?" Ino said. Sakura's face flushed almost the same color as the bra she held.

"NO!" Sakura said. Ino grinned, enjoying the teasing. Sakura was easy to get flustered whenever it came to her and Sasuke doing anything more than the common affections such as kissing, holding hands, and PDA. "We haven't gotten there yet." She admitted, both embarrassed and ashamed.

"Well, it's best not to rush things. Anyways, you should get it in a color that matches your skin tone, otherwise, it'll be too visible under white tops." Ino said. Sakura took a long look at Ino incredulously. "What?" Ino asked.

"Since you seem to know so much, then why aren't you wearing a bra?" Sakura said.

"Oh no. It is a bit cold in here." Ino snickered. "Just kidding, I don't care about that. Bras make them look great, but it's so uncomfortable sometimes. I'll get back to wearing those things next week." Sakura could not blame Ino. The long summer of wearing athleisure and pajamas made her feel strange wearing jeans and an actual blouse. Ino suddenly became self-conscious. "Hopefully we don't see anybody we know." She spoke.

"No kidding." Sakura said. "If I see Naruto today, I'm just going to die."

"Oh, I can't remember the last time I saw that guy. The soccer team does not get cheerleaders." Ino said. "Why, has he been bothering you lately?"

"No, not really. It's just awkward around him sometimes. I think he still likes me, even though Sasuke and I are together." Sakura said. Ino frowned.

"You sure are popular with the guys." Ino said, trying to conceal her envy.

"So are you." Sakura said.

"Yeah, but I don't like any of the ones that approach me." Ino said.

"Neither do I, except for Sasuke." Sakura said.

Sakura carefully picked out several bras, trying each of them on before deciding on one strapless bra and one with straps. She made her purchase while Ino browsed the perfumes and the very adult lingerie on display. A purple corset top with a matching panty caught her eye. Sakura went back into the changing room, swapping the sports bra she was wearing for the new bra she purchased. She enjoyed the look of her figure with the new enhancement. Sakura met with Ino, and they both left the store, deciding to go to a store only a few doors down. The store had a variety of clothes that were popular among the youth. Although the quality left a lot to be desired, it was comfortable and affordable for Sakura's budget. Ino picked up some clothing for herself to try on, both of them getting into the rhythm of the loud music playing in the store.

"Let's go to the sale room!" Ino chimed. "We probably should have gone there first." She chuckled. Sakura followed her there.

The room was towards the back of the store. The room was large and had many displays, including clothing for males. Although it was a Monday, there was a moderate crowd of people shopping for the back-to-school discounts. Sakura and Ino made their way around a group of people to a wall that was stacked high with jeans. Sakura stepped up to the wall, inspecting for her size after seeing the amazing sale price. Next to her stood two young men with dark hair.

"Oh, excuse me." Sakura said as she reached for a pair of skinny jeans on the rack, near the head of the guy sporting a bowl cut. He stepped sideways politely to make room and glanced at her with a friendly smile, only to do a double take once he realized who she was.

"S-Sakura?"

Sakura turned her head to the man addressing her, holding the jeans she just pulled down. She looked at him and then spent a moment analyzing him. She then realized the familiar face looking back at her.

"Oh! Lee? Is that you?" Sakura said. Lee pointed at himself awkwardly and nodded, at a loss for words. Shino was next to him, both entertained by the scenario and wishing he was just a fly on the wall instead. "You got tall." Sakura noticed as she had to look upwards while addressing Lee.

"Hello." Shino said, feeling unsure of what to say and too uncomfortable not to say anything.

"Oh! Hey, I know you!" Ino said as she approached the three. "You're… Brock?" She said to Lee.

"Oh." Lee snapped out of it. "Hello, Ino. It is good to see you. It is Rock. Rock Lee." Lee said. He turned back to Sakura, his face still flushed.

"Sakura, it has been a while." Lee said. He had only been looking at Sakura's social media the night before and enjoying her latest selfies and photos that did not include Sasuke, but it was the first time since May that he had seen her in person. "You are even more beautiful than the last time I saw you."

Sakura remembered Lee quite clearly. She remembered herself in her sophomore year, crushing over the new student who was Sasuke. Sasuke's older brother, Itachi, was Ino's crush whom she did not manage to secure. He was in his senior year when he started, two years ahead of Sasuke. She recalled the time when Lee approached her during the lunch period they shared, and she promptly turned him down.

"You're much too unique for my tastes." Sakura said to him after his love confession two years ago. These words still echoed in their heads now that they had crossed paths.

"Oh… Lee…" Sakura said, slightly blushing. "And you're still too kind like I remember."

Ino looked at Sakura incredulously. She could not believe she was entertaining this absolute loser in her eyes. Although, he was much taller now. And more muscular… Ino snapped out of her thoughts. Though Lee shared the same hair color as Sasuke and Itachi, Lee and his eccentric personality were on the opposite spectrum from the Uchihas.

"Well, it was nice seeing you, Lee. We have a lot of shopping to do, and it looks like you do too. We'll see you around." Ino said, ushering Sakura to the fitting room to try on what they had in their hands.

"Have a nice time, ladies." Lee said politely and waved. His eyes fixed on the bag Sakura held as she turned away. He recognized the brand, and his mind went wild about the contents of the bag. He felt his face getting hot and his imagination going wild. His eyes then fixed on her wider hips and curvy legs in her tight jeans. He cursed himself for looking as she stepped around a corner and out of his sight.

"I'm still here." Shino said. Lee snapped out of his thoughts and nearly jumped out of his skin from Shino's stern voice. Shino was annoyed that he was ignored the entire conversation.

"Sorry, Shino." Lee apologized. "I was not expecting this today."

"It's fine. Let's hurry up though. The lights in here are hurting my eyes." Shino complained.

The pair made their purchases and made their way out of the store. Lee kept looking back as he walked, hoping to get one more glimpse of Sakura before leaving. The disappointment on his face was apparent once they exited the store, with no pink-haired ladies in sight.

"You'll see her next week." Shino said, trying to reassure his disappointed friend. A small smile crept on Lee's face. He felt his heart thumping in his chest and heat in his cheeks. For the first time in a while, he felt his heart was on fire. Though Sakura's photos online were touched up, Lee found her even more beautiful in person. "You got it bad for her." Shino observed. He could not help but relate to Lee. Sakura and Ino are exceptionally beautiful. Though Shino no longer participated in sports, he was thankful for his last growth spurt, which increased his height and allowed him to grow a small goatee. Lee was thankful he wore his favorite green long-sleeved button-down shirt instead of a hoodie. If he knew Sakura would be around, he would not even consider wearing something so informal around her.

"I know. It cannot be helped." Lee said, accepting his fate. He saw couples walking around together at the mall. The sight of them being happy magnified his loneliness. He longed to hold Sakura close to him and feel accepted by her. He was still thinking about their interaction. She seemed too receptive to his sweet words. Could she and Sasuke be having issues? Lost in thought, Lee almost walked into a pole. He and Shino made their way to the mall's exit. Lee took one last look back, hoping to catch even a glimpse of the rare beauty.

After trying on the haul of clothing, Sakura and Ino made their purchases and made their way to the food court. They sat down after getting ramen noodles from the takeout restaurant. Both of them had skipped breakfast, evidenced by their rumbling bellies, and feeling weak. The hot broth and spicy chicken warmed Sakura, who was enjoying the attention she was receiving at the mall. She noticed a few guys looking at her after her bra swap at the first store. Her encounter with Lee and Shino still stuck with her. While she was not too familiar with Shino, she did remember Lee. She remembered his kindness and how polite he always was to her. He had manners, unlike most other guys. She brought him a flower to the hospital after his injuries during a soccer game. She had witnessed the incident herself.

Gaara, Lee's teammate, was angry with Lee for not following their strategy. Lee was in a defense position but kept leaving his post as an offensive player. Gaara lost his temper and caused Lee to trip while mid-sprint, crashing into the bench on the sidelines and breaking two bones in the process. Sasuke was playing offense, witnessing the whole event too. Naruto was the goalie, horrified by the injuries. He helped move Lee's broken body to Guy's car, who took him straight to the hospital.

Sakura was impressed by Lee's recovery. He looked even better than ever before. Not once did Lee post online about his injury or recovery. It was common for Sasuke to share his sports injuries online. As much as she loves Sasuke, she wishes Sasuke would be humbler like Lee. Although Lee still had his round eyes and unfashionable hairstyle, Sakura could imagine he would manage to attract some girls. Sakura's thoughts about Lee were interrupted by Ino's silence and suspicious look.

"Girl. You're not thinking about Brock, are you?" Ino said.

"It's Rock." Sakura corrected, swallowing her mouthful of ramen. "It was nice seeing him. That is all."

"Mmmhmm…" Ino said, doubtful of Sakura.

"Are you insinuating something, Ino?" Sakura asked, taking an aggressive bite of her food.

"That guy is as dumb as his stupid name. Forget about him." Ino said. "What would Sasuke think?" Just then, Sakura's phone rang. It was Sasuke. "Speak of the devil." Ino grinned. "You better tell him to come home fast before you cheat on him." Sakura stuck her tongue out at Ino as she answered the phone.

"Hey." Sasuke said. "How are you?"

"Oh, I am doing well, Sasuke. I'm at the mall with Ino. How are you?" Sakura asked.

"I'm fine." He said curtly. "I will be home tomorrow."

"Oh, that's great! I have been missing you so much." Sakura said.

"I miss you too." Sasuke said. "Did you pick your courses yet?"

"Not yet. I think it's supposed to open in a couple of days or so." Sakura said, looking down at her food. "I lost track of the dates."

"Sakura." Sasuke said.

"What?" Sakura asked.

"Enrollment began days ago." Sasuke said. Sakura stood up suddenly, almost knocking over the table she shared with Ino. Ino grabbed the table to support it, saving the bowls from spilling.

"Are you shitting me!?" Sakura shouted, a mixture of anger and shock filling her.

"No." Sasuke said on the other side of the line. "You should pick them before it's too late. I will let you go. Bye." Sasuke hung up. Sasuke was embarrassed by her outburst as he had his phone on speaker mode. His brother Itachi, their grandparents, and their mother heard the whole conversation as they were all enjoying some tea and laughing. Sasuke sulked. Sakura believed he was alone at that time, but his plane was leaving incredibly early morning in Japan and his family decided to stay up all night until it was time for them to leave to catch their flight. Sasuke intended to sleep during his flight.

"Ino! Why didn't you tell me class enrollment began already!?" Sakura said, pulling her hair at the ends in frustration.

"I thought you knew!" Ino cried. "It's fine. Let us pack this up and get you back home. That site doesn't work on mobile phones." Ino and Sakura packed up their food and gathered their shopping bags. They rushed across the mall back to the parking lot. After a while, Sakura returned home and ran straight up to her messy room. Her mother came in and cleaned up the garbage and took the dirty laundry downstairs, but there was still clutter on her bed and furniture.

After booting up her laptop, she loaded the site and quickly secured the classes she needed. She still needed one last elective she had not taken yet. The last available seat was for a class called Child Development. Sakura added the course and sighed in relief. Her drama class was the most important one to her, aside from the core classes she needed for graduation. She laid herself down in her bed, trying to calm her still-pounding heart. She was afraid it would be too late for her.

After her heart slowed to a steady resting pace, she turned to the next task at hand, which was cleaning her disorganized bedroom and putting away her new clothes. She got up to her feet and started clearing the surfaces and stripping the bed sheets off of her queen-sized bed. She tossed her various plushies and pillows onto her desk chair. She noticed the layer of dust on the surfaces untouched by clutter and knew she was going to be busy doing some deep cleaning for the rest of the day. However, she was excited at the thought of Sasuke returning home from visiting his relatives. She could not wait to wear the new clothes around him. She daydreamed about what he would say as she cleaned.