Chapter 3

"Out for a jog again?" Karin asked, and Sasuke just shrugged, grabbing a bottle of water from the fridge.

"Since we have an interview today, I cleared your schedule. Naruto said there'll be a team dinner later at Choji's Restaurant," Karin continued, scrolling through her iPad. Sasuke grunted and headed to the bathroom.

"Suigetsu, please reheat the breakfast you brought," he called, slamming the bathroom door. Suigetsu nodded and glanced at Karin, who was staring at Sasuke's bed. They both thought the same thing: it had been untouched for two days.

Sasuke entered the conference hall that Naruto had booked and found him waiting by the door.

"Can't believe we're only a week away from finishing the film," Naruto said. Sasuke nodded and crossed his arms, looking around the room. He spotted Sakura laughing with Ino and Hinata. Naruto noticed and cleared his throat.

"So, you and Sakura, huh? You're getting closer," he teased. Sasuke shrugged and looked away.

"I know you'll support me, but can you do me a favor? Help me. I really want to ask Sakura out," Naruto said with an awkward laugh. Sasuke wanted to tell him to back off but couldn't find the words.

"After this, I'm planning to have a party at the Grand Leaf Hotel and ask Sakura out," Naruto added. Sasuke just nodded, looking for Kakashi, who pointed to his seat. Sasuke walked ahead, with Naruto following. When he sat down, Sakura appeared beside him, beaming.

"Hey!" Sasuke chuckled and nodded back. Naruto glanced at him, surprised by his softness toward Sakura.

"Hey! Heard Naruto's inviting everyone to a party." Naruto leaned closer to Sakura, making Sasuke lean back to create distance.

"I was going to invite you personally, but, well, word got out. So, are you going?" Sakura smiled and nodded eagerly.

"Of course! I wouldn't miss it. Will there be lots of alcohol?" Sakura asked, making Sasuke smirk.

"What?" she asked, noticing his expression. Sasuke shook his head, amused. Naruto watched, confused about their closeness.

"Anyway, if you have a few, I can bring a lot," Naruto joked, earning a laugh from Sakura.

As they waited for the media to settle, Sakura chatted with Ino about their red carpet dresses while staff placed snacks and drinks on their table. Sasuke saw they put peanuts in front of Sakura and strawberries in front of him. He swapped the bowls, knowing she loved fruit. He took a sip of his iced tea and noticed her drink was cola, so he swapped that too, earning a puzzled look from her.

"It's cola," Sakura said, smiling and squeezing his hand in thanks. Naruto watched, realizing how considerate Sasuke had always been toward her.

"Thank God Sasuke swapped the peanuts; we don't want an allergic reaction," Ino joked, making Sakura laugh.

"The press conference will start in a minute. Please prepare your questions and mute your devices. The audience can ask questions after the journalists," Kakashi announced, silencing the room. Sakura sat straight, anxious about her first adult movie interview. Sasuke noticed her cracking her knuckles, so he placed his hands over hers to help ease her nerves.

"You're gonna be fine. If you can't answer, let me handle it," he whispered, and Sakura nodded.

"Welcome to the Press Conference! We have the whole cast of *Red Movie* here, along with the author, Jiraiya, and Director Naruto. We're open for questions from the journalists," Kakashi said.

"Hi! This question is for Jiraiya and Naruto. Are there any changes from the book to the movie?" Jiraiya smiled at the media.

"At the start, we agreed to keep everything authentic, so readers will enjoy the movie," Jiraiya answered.

"Director, are you fine with this?" another reporter asked.

"Yes, I've always been a fan of Jiraiya, so I wanted to keep it as is," Naruto replied.

"Question for Sasuke: This is your third romance movie, but it has more sexual scenes. Are you sticking with this genre?" Sasuke leaned forward.

"If opportunities arise," he said, earning a few disapproving looks at his short answer.

"Sakura, you've experienced the second lead curse. Do you think this movie will be your big break?" Sakura smiled and laughed.

"Hopefully, I and the team did our best, so I hope this opens new opportunities for me," she answered, earning positive murmurs from the media.

"How is it going with Sasuke? Your chemistry is great while just here at the conference. Hopeful it's much greater on screen.," another reporter asked. Sakura glanced at Sasuke and smiled.

" Oh, please. The chemistry between them on and off set is amazing. ", Ino answered earning giggles and chuckles from everyone.

"It's true; Sasuke is amazing off and on set. He taught me a lot, and I'm grateful to him," she said, leaning her head on his shoulder, earning an "aww" from the crowd.

"How's it going with Sakura, Sasuke?" he took the mic from her.

"A little annoying, too hyper, but everyone enjoys her positivity," he replied, earning a playful poke from Sakura.

"Naruto, seeing the two close, how do you feel as the director?" Naruto looked surprised, glancing between them.

"It's refreshing to see my best friend being so friendly with Sakura since he's usually a block of ice," Naruto said, making everyone laugh while Sasuke crossed his arms.

"Like iced tea!" Sakura added, getting more laughs.

"Did anything bloom between you two?" a fan asked suddenly. Sasuke looked at Sakura, who laughed nervously.

"I'm sure something did; he's a good companion," she said, leaving Naruto skeptical about her answer.

"When is the red carpet premiere?" As the questions continued, Naruto focused on the audience, stealing glances at Sasuke and Sakura, who kept brushing their hands. The press conference ended with Sakura leaving for a meeting with Tsunade, while Sasuke tried to leave until Naruto jumped into his van.

"I don't know if I'm just imagining things, but what's going on?" Naruto glared at Sasuke, who sighed and stared out the window.

"Naruto, if you're coming into my van to ruin my mood, just leave," Sasuke replied. Karin glanced at Suigetsu, who shrugged and listened in.

"Well, you just ruined my day. You've never been a softie, but I see those looks you give to Sakura," Naruto insisted. Sasuke groaned in frustration.

"Let's have a decent conversation when you're level-headed, not lashing out," Sasuke shot back.

"Oh, we will. After the party, I'll definitely talk to you," Naruto said, leaving the van with a forced smile for the media. Karin looked at Sasuke, who leaned back, closing his eyes and exhaling nervously. Suigetsu noticed Karin's worried expression.

"So, where to, boss?" Sasuke asked, not opening his eyes.

"Just take me back to Itachi's place," Suigetsu said. The two fell silent, knowing that when Sasuke went to Itachi, it meant he was dealing with something serious. Karin bit her lip, looking out the window, aware of the tension between the two actors and hurt that Sasuke wasn't denying anything to the press or Naruto.

She'd been his assistance, been beside him for years, yet now he's much more into the girl he just met for a few months. Karin looked away and silently cried for her broken heart.

Sasuke spent the afternoon talking to Itachi, who tried to calm him down and offered advice that shook his world.

"Naruto has been your best friend since you were kids. Are you really willing to risk that friendship over a girl?" Itachi asked.

Sasuke stared out of the large window in his living room, his face unreadable. "Hn."

"It's not just about you, Sasuke. Naruto has always been there for you. Maybe it's time to step aside and let him have what he wants," Itachi pressed.

Sasuke glanced at his brother, feeling the weight of the decision pressing down on him. He was almost ready to agree when Itachi continued.

"But it's not up to either of you. This is about Sakura. It's a decision that involves you, Naruto, and Sakura. She gets to decide who she wants to be with. Not you, not Naruto. She deserves to make her own choice. If you truly care about her, you'll respect that," Itachi said, his voice calm and wise.

Sasuke looked up, surprised by his brother's words. Everything suddenly made sense. He sighed and nodded, feeling a sense of clarity. It was never a mistake to open up to Itachi; his brother's wisdom and insight had always guided him well.

Sasuke stood at the afterparty with a glass of whiskey in hand, watching everyone dance. As the music grew louder, he retreated to the balcony, only to find Naruto and Sakura already there. They stood face to face, Sakura laughing at Naruto's jokes. Sasuke turned to leave when he overheard Naruto.

"I know we've been friends for three years, but I really like you, Sakura. I want to take you out on a date," Naruto confessed. Sasuke felt his heart race as he waited for Sakura's response.

Sakura gasped. "I like you too, Naruto, but I only see you as a brother."

Naruto laughed awkwardly. "Is it because of Sasuke?"

"No, of course not. I just see you as a brother, and I want to cherish that. My feelings for Sasuke don't change how I feel about you. This decision was made long ago," Sakura explained gently.

Naruto chuckled and rubbed his head. "I guess it was selfish of me to think you couldn't like me because of Sasuke. I just didn't expect it."

"I know you and Sasuke have some tension, and I don't want to ruin your friendship. You should talk to him," Sakura suggested, patting Naruto's arm.

"Yeah, maybe later. I probably pissed him off earlier," Naruto admitted.

"Why don't you go to Hinata? She's been lonely all night, and she's much more comfortable around you," Sakura encouraged. Naruto nodded with a chuckle and left the balcony, barely noticing Sasuke leaning against the wall. Sasuke glanced at Sakura, who was leaning on the railing with a deep sigh.

Sakura stared at the city lights below, her mind preoccupied with her situation with Sasuke. She felt insecure about her feelings for her co-star.

"Hope you're not thinking of jumping," Sasuke said, startling Sakura. She turned to see him leaning on the railing with his whiskey.

"Definitely not. I still haven't received my paycheck," she joked, making Sasuke chuckle.

"Seems like the movie will be a success," Sasuke noted. Sakura nodded, feeling the need to discuss what was on her mind.

"Sasuke—"

"I want to make this official," Sasuke interrupted. Sakura's eyes widened, and she giggled.

"Wow, you're not even asking?" she teased.

Sasuke chuckled. "Okay then. Do you want to be my girlfriend?"

Sakura's smile reached her ears as she nodded, wrapping him in a tight hug. She pulled away, lifting a hand to his cheek, and Sasuke leaned into her touch.

"It drove me mad, thinking this was just temporary," Sakura mumbled. Sasuke opened his eyes to look down at her, wrapping one arm around her waist while the other, holding the whiskey, rested on her hip. He leaned down for a soft kiss, a moment of pure bliss and sweetness.

"Hey, Sakura—" Naruto's voice interrupted them. Sasuke pulled away, not needing to look to know who it was.

"N-Naruto? Uhm," Sakura stammered. Sasuke finally mustered the courage to look at his best friend, who was laughing.

"Come on, give me a break. Let me move on without breaking my heart more," Naruto joked, though Sasuke knew he meant every word.

"I should go find Ino. I'll call you later," Sakura whispered, patting Naruto on the shoulder before leaving.

"You're a dick," Naruto said, but there was no anger in his voice.

"And I'm a bigger dick for getting mad at you when Sakura never liked me that way," Naruto admitted, approaching Sasuke and facing the city lights.

"Do you like her?" Naruto asked.

"Ah," Sasuke confirmed.

"Do you love her?"

"Ah," Sasuke repeated. Naruto rubbed his neck awkwardly.

"I guess I'll let this slide for now. But you better take care of her," Naruto warned, raising an eyebrow. Sasuke nodded, making Naruto chuckle awkwardly.

"We're best friends, and Sakura is my friend too. I don't want to see you two hurting each other," Naruto said. Sasuke nodded in silence, standing beside his best friend as they looked out at the city lights, offering silent comfort to the man who had just lost the girl he loved.

"Three years have passed since the rumors of two former amazing couples, who are now CEO of UBio and Doctor of Hidden Leaf National Hospital, and here we are live broadcasting from the Monumental Holy Garden Church in Konoha, witnessing the grandest wedding of the century. The outer garden is flocked with journalists to cover the wedding," Kurenai spoke as she stood by the entrance gate of the huge castle-like church filled with flowers and leaves. From the camera view, many guests walked down the red carpet wearing extravagant dresses and suits, all in mint green.

"According to my sources, guests are to strictly follow the dress code and rules given along with the invitation. No surprise there, as we heard Mikoto Uchiha handled most of the preparations."

Sakura rolled her eyes at the TV as she listened to her own wedding being broadcast live. With a nervous breath, she glanced back at the window to stare down at the garden where her wedding would occur. The place where she would forever be tied to the man she had loved for years.

"Don't tell me you're getting wedding jitters. I don't want to see a runaway bride," Ino said as she stood up to grab Sakura's hand.

"I am a bit nervous, but you won't see me running away from the wedding," Sakura answered with a giggle, her response calming Ino's nerves as she paced around the room.

"I hope you realize I'm the one getting married," Sakura said, sarcasm lacing her tone.

"I know, you've been with that hottie for three years, and we've been best friends for three years. It's unfair you're leaving me in the single department," Sakura laughed and reminisced about how she and Ino became close friends during the afterparty. Finding out the blonde wanted to study medicine as well, they got closer than ever and since then, they've been to concerts and vacations. Ino moved in with her despite Sasuke's frustration and soon met one of Sasuke's cousins, Sai. The two started off casually with no strings attached until two years ago when they became official. Ino moved in with him six months ago, and Sasuke took the opportunity to have Sakura move in with him, closer to her university.

Not only did she meet the love of her life, but also her best friend, Ino. Her friendship with Naruto grew stronger as he became her savior and brother whenever she had fights with Sasuke. The man got engaged two years later to Hinata, and eight months ago, they both got married at Hinata's home due to clan rules.

"The guests are all in while the catering service has just arrived. I have yet to spot the boat for guests on the way to the reception in the island, but hopefully, they'll be here thirty minutes before the wedding ends. Also, dear, the cinematographers are ready to take your video and pictures with the bridesmaids and maid of honor," Sakura looked back as she found Mikoto entering followed by Rin and Izumi.

"Oh, okay," Sakura smiled, feeling more nervous than ever.

"Is the hair and makeup done?" Rin asked the artists who nodded with a smile.

"What's wrong, Sak?" Izumi said as she approached Sakura.

"I'm scared, what if after this Sasuke finds someone better than me?" Mikoto laughed at her answer as she grazed her knuckles on her jaw with a soft smile.

"As his mother, I have never seen that boy fall so hard for anyone but you. You have completely stolen his heart in many ways, and I'd rather have you take it, a beautiful and kind woman." Sakura smiled at her and breathed in deeply as she lifted the cherry blossom necklace Sasuke gave her on their first anniversary.

"Now, let's get you to the photographers. Your friends are waiting outside." Sakura nodded at her as she approached her best friend, while Rin and Izumi, her bridesmaids, followed behind her. She was lucky that Sasuke's family was warm and accepting, especially the females. The males were a bit stoic, but they respected her to the point they fought for her against Sasuke's grandfather. Sasuke was meant to be in an arranged marriage to a rich family, but Itachi spoke against it while Fugaku threatened his father. Though, not long after, Madara warmed up to her and would now look for her at every family gathering.

Mikoto smiled as she watched the girls head out for the photoshoot. She made her way to Sasuke's room, where she found all his groomsmen and best man, silent in his room getting into their suits.

"The bride was as beautiful as a flower," Mikoto said, earning everyone's attention.

"Was my lovely Hinata pretty in her dress as well?" Naruto asked, making Mikoto giggle.

"She was pretty in her pink dress," Naruto smiled widely. Sasuke rolled his eyes with a chuckle. Mikoto approached him and fixed the stray strand of his hair.

"Are you ready?" She asked as she held his hand. Sasuke looked at her then at the window.

"Ah," Mikoto smiled at this.

"Well, boys, the photographers called, so you can all head down, except for you, Itachi." Itachi nodded as he opened the door for everyone. Shisui smirked and just sat down; Mikoto just rolled her eyes at this. Shisui became more of a brother to Itachi than a cousin, and Mikoto was closest to Shisui. After a minute of silence, Fugaku entered the room and sighed heavily as he approached him by the window,

"I-. Sasuke, I never have told you this before, but congratulations on your wedding. I'm proud of what you have become, and I'm proud of what you will become. Your mother and I love you." Sasuke looked shocked at his father, who just stood beside him staring at the window. Mikoto smiled with tears in her eyes and embraced the two of them.

"Ey, what about me and Itachi? Come on!" Itachi was dragged by Shisui, who made his way to the group hug, squishing Fugaku, Itachi, and Sasuke in the middle, while Mikoto and Shisui embraced them all. Sasuke almost felt the tears threatening to fall in his eyes, but he just covered it with a scoff, making Itachi chuckle.

"Now, let's go have our family picture, then let's meet your bride at the venue," Mikoto said as she wiped the tears from her eyes.

Sasuke stood in the middle of the garden, beneath a magnificent arch of rock adorned with pink flowers of every variety, their delicate petals creating a vibrant tapestry against the sky. He looked back at the guests, seated in anticipation, their expressions a mix of excitement and joy. Mikoto had lovingly rearranged the traditional wedding aisle so that Sakura would walk toward the guests rather than away from them, creating an intimate and inclusive atmosphere. The aisle was a vision of beauty, a long white carpet laid over the lush grass, scattered with pink petals that seemed to whisper of romance. The carpet stretched to the other side where the guests were located, the absence of petals marking the path for them, while the flower-strewn side was reserved for the bride.

In his all-black suit, Sasuke watched as the bridesmaids and groomsmen made their graceful procession. His best man, Naruto, and Sakura's maid of honor, Ino, brought up the end of the line, their steps in perfect harmony. He noticed Sakura's parents walking together with his brother, Izumi, Shisui, and his parents, completing the heartfelt procession on the guest aisle. Naruto stood beside him while Ino took her place opposite, both anxious but brimming with excitement.

Taking a deep breath, Sasuke listened to the familiar song from their rehearsals begin to play. Although he was meant to have looked at the bride's aisle long ago, he had been too anxious, seeking comfort in the familiar faces around him. As he finally turned, the sea of mint green attire blurred into the background, even the press dressed in coordinated suits and dresses.

With a deep sigh, he turned around and saw Sakura walking down the aisle in her white dress, the only person dressed in white in their wedding. Sasuke felt his heart stop as he watched her veil fluttering in the breeze, her steps graceful and confident. The world seemed to pause, and the gasps and murmurs of the guests faded into nothingness. Sakura reached the three-step platform, and Sasuke leaned down to offer his hand to her. She looked up with a radiant smile, and despite her veil, he could see her beautiful green eyes.

Sakura ascended the stairs, and they stood there, staring at each other with soft, tender smiles.

Everyone watched as the priest entered the scene, yet the couple remained lost in each other's eyes, momentarily forgetting the ceremony. As the priest began his speech, time seemed to move fast forward, and soon Sasuke was removing Sakura's veil, revealing her face fully to him. Without hesitation, he grabbed her face and kissed her softly, their lips meeting as pink petals floated down from above, carried by the gentle breeze.

"I love you," Sakura whispered, a genuine smile forming on her lips—the same smile that had taken his breath away on her hotel balcony.

"I love you too," Sasuke replied, and Sakura's smile grew wider as she pulled him in for another kiss.

NOT MY BEST WORK, since the idea just popped in my head and I want to write it down. ASAP, though hope you all liked it!

Review! React!

Love

Luna

XOXO