When word got out that Sasuke had chosen to take Sakura with him on his next redemption journey, the village buzzed with excitement. Naruto, ever the gullible and optimistic friend, immediately had a "brilliant" idea: to throw a huge party the night before their departure. He figured it was the perfect way to celebrate and send them off in high spirits. Without hesitation, Naruto set off, inviting all their friends from the village, eager to see everyone gathered for the occasion. It didn't matter that Sasuke wasn't exactly the party type—Naruto was determined to make it a night to remember.

Despite Naruto's infectious energy and so called "brilliant idea", not everyone was keen to attend.

Sasuke, as usual, found it bothersome and preferred to avoid the crowd. "Everyone's going to be there," Sakura insisted, hoping to convince him. "Exactly why I don't want to go," Sasuke replied flatly, uninterested in any noise and attention.

Sasuke sat at the small kitchen table, quietly sipping his tea, his expression clearly bothered. The warmth of the tea did little to soothe his restless mind, and the early morning silence seemed too loud. He glanced over to see Sakura, already bustling about, calmly packing her lunch for her early shift at the hospital. She moved with practiced ease, humming softly as she folded her bento box shut. Sasuke watched her out of the corner of his eye, his fingers tightening around the tea cup, trying to center himself amidst the calm domesticity, but his thoughts were anything but peaceful.

"I know you don't like noisy places or drinking, but can you do this for me?" Sakura asked softly, glancing at Sasuke as he sipped his tea. "You go with Naruto first, and I'll follow after."

Sasuke frowned. "Why?"

"You know I still have my shift at the hospital," she replied, packing her bag. "Don't worry, I'll just meet you there after work. I'll be with Ino."

"Who's Ino?" Sasuke asked, clearly confused.

Sakura stopped and gave him a knowing look. "He's not a boy, Sasuke, before you get riled up too much," Sakura stated, clearly knowing what Sasuke was thinking. "You know, the blonde girl from the Yamanaka clan?"

Sasuke's brow furrowed even more. "I don't remember."

Sakura sighed with a small smile. "You'll remember her once you see her."

Not entirely his fault, she thought. Sasuke had been away for so long, consumed by revenge, it was natural that he wouldn't recall some of the people who had once been around him.

Sasuke set down his cup. "Just don't take too long. I don't want to be stuck alone with Naruto. You know how loud and obnoxious that idiot can be."

Sakura chuckled and nodded in agreement. She gave him a quick farewell, grabbing her things before heading out the door to the hospital. As she made her way down the village street, she spotted Ino in the distance, practically bouncing with excitement at the sight of her.

Sakura sighed inwardly as she spotted the blonde figure ahead of her, beaming with excitement. Dread crept in as Sakura realized she couldn't avoid her this time, though she'd been trying to steer clear of Ino ever since the shirt incident. The memory of it still made her cringe—Ino pestering her non-stop for "explicit" details about her and Sasuke. Sakura valued their privacy, knowing full well Sasuke preferred to keep their relationship, and everything in between, strictly between the two of them. And, honestly, she liked it that way too. But Ino, with her endless curiosity, just wouldn't let it go. Today was no different, and Sakura braced herself as she walked toward the inevitable conversation, hoping it wouldn't take too long.

Ino wasted no time, her eyes gleaming with curiosity as she closed the distance between them. "So, what are the things you're not telling me?" she demanded, arms crossed. "Don't tell me nothing's up! Every time I come by your apartment, Sasuke's there, and the second he sees me, he bolts like I'm a disease. Is he living with you or what? People around the village talk, you know!"

Sakura gave a tired smile, greeting her with a sarcastic, "Oh, good morning to you too, Ino." She sighed, clearly prepared for this conversation. "There's really nothing to tell, honestly. Sasuke's just… Sasuke. He likes his privacy, and that's how he wants to keep it."

Ino huffed, stomping her foot dramatically. Her blonde hair shimmered under the morning sun as she crossed her arms tighter. "No fair! I tell you everything about me and Sai—everything! And you're telling me nothing?"

Sakura raised an eyebrow. "Not that I was really keen on knowing all your 'adventures' with Sai , you know. You just… freely tells me everything. Besides, some things are better left unsaid," she quipped, shaking her head as Ino pouted and Sakura couldn't hold back a mischievous grin.

Ino sighed dramatically, clearly accepting defeat, and decided not to press the subject any further. "Fine, fine," she said, waving a hand dismissively before her face lit up again. "So, the party's later—what are you wearing?" she asked excitedly, eager to switch topics.

Sakura smiled at the shift, and they linked arms like schoolgirls, walking together toward the hospital. "Well, Sasuke wasn't exactly thrilled about it," Sakura admitted, "but I managed to persuade him to come."

Ino grinned. "Of course you did! And don't worry, I'm coming over to help you get ready. We'll make sure you're the hottest girl walking into that club later. Trust me, by the time we're done, Sasuke won't be able to keep his eyes off you!"

————

As Naruto and Sasuke stepped inside the establishment, the atmosphere hit them instantly. The place was alive with laughter, music, and the soft glow of lanterns that filled the space with warmth. Naruto's excitement was palpable, but Sasuke immediately regretted coming. The idea of mingling with people he'd once fought against or barely interacted with in the past felt suffocating. He desperately wished Sakura were by his side to ease the awkward tension building inside him.

Naruto, oblivious to Sasuke's discomfort, threw an arm around him in a friendly hug. "See, teme, I'm such a great party planner! You're gonna have the best time tonight—with all the booze we're gonna drink!" he said, his voice bursting with enthusiasm.

Sasuke, clearly unamused, elbowed Naruto, prying his arm off. "You're the most annoying person I know," Sasuke muttered, his tone flat. He cast a glance at the drinks being served around them. "And no, I'm not drinking."

Naruto crossed his arms, scowling at Sasuke, who was staring at the cup of sake like it had wronged him personally. "Come on, Sasuke, don't be such a pussy," Naruto said, his voice loud enough to make a few people nearby snicker. "Just drink already! All our friends are here to wish you well, and, let's be honest—if Sakura wasn't going with you, I wouldn't even care if you're off on another one of your broody redemption trips. This party's really for her. Everyone here loves her. You? Not so much. So stop acting all high and mighty and drink up, for her sake!"

Choji took a big gulp of sake, munching on his chips as he glanced at Sasuke. "I don't hate you," he mumbled between bites, barely looking up. "You're alright, I guess." Sasuke raised an eyebrow, retorting with his usual sarcasm, "Gee, thanks. That's the validation I've been waiting for."

Shikamaru, clearly entertained by the banter, lazily sipped his sake, flicking his cigarette with an amused smirk. Naruto's voice echoed in Sasuke's head, "Everyone's here." And it sure seemed like it—he spotted Hinata chatting with Ten Ten and Temari at another table. A few other faces looked vaguely familiar, but Sasuke didn't bother trying to remember their names.

Now, if only Sakura were here. He glanced around, irritated. She'd finished her hospital shift hours ago, and yet here he was, stuck with this loudmouth blonde hero everyone worshipped. Where the hell is she? he thought, his annoyance growing by the second.

As Sasuke brooded over Sakura's absence, something pink caught his eye. He turned toward the entrance, and there she was. Sakura stood in the doorway of the club, and for a moment, the whole room seemed to dim in comparison. Her hair, usually wild from the day's work at the hospital, was sleek and straight, falling perfectly around her face. A subtle, but undeniably alluring makeup highlighted her features. She wore a white crop top that accentuated her slim waist, paired with a sparkling pink mini skirt that left her long, creamy legs on full display. She looked stunning—breathtaking, really.

But then, Sasuke's gaze shifted to the blonde girl beside her, linked arm-in-arm with Sakura. Great, he thought. He recognized her instantly as the girl he'd seen multiple times at Sakura's apartment—the one he always tried to avoid. That had to be Ino, the one Sakura kept talking about. Her face looked vaguely familiar now, though Sasuke had never bothered to get a proper look before.

Sakura glanced around the club, scanning the crowd until her eyes landed on Sasuke. Her face lit up, and she waved at him, making her way through the crowd. As she walked, heads turned, men openly staring as she passed by, drawn in by her striking presence. Sasuke's eyes narrowed slightly as he noticed the attention she was getting. A flicker of annoyance surfacing but quickly replaced by a stoic expression. It was clear the pinkette wasn't just breathtaking to him—she was a commodity among men, and they were making no effort to hide it.

Sasuke felt a familiar tightness in his chest as Sakura approached, and for a moment, he didn't know how to react. Emotions weren't his strong suit; in fact, if there was one thing he excelled at, it was repressing them. The surge of feeling he had toward Sakura was overwhelming at times, pulling him in two directions. In one moment, he felt a deep, quiet admiration for her—her strength, her beauty, her resilience. In the next, an almost fierce possessiveness would rise within him, like he had to shield her from the world.

But none of that ever showed on his face. He had trained himself to stay expressionless, to bury it all so deep that on the surface he seemed impassive, maybe even uncaring. In truth, though, it was the opposite. The emotions ran so deep he wasn't sure how to express them without losing control. Thankfully, Sakura understood him in a way few others could. She didn't need him to say anything to know what he felt, and for that, he was grateful—because words, for him, would never be enough.

Sakura finally reached Sasuke, beaming. "Hey, Sasuke-kun!" she said brightly, her eyes twinkling as she waited for his reaction. Ino, standing beside her, cast them both a knowing look, nudging Sasuke subtly with her elbow as if to say, Well? What do you think?

Sasuke, oblivious to the situation, looked her up and down and said flatly, "Aren't you cold in that?"

Sakura's face fell instantly, her excitement draining away, but before the awkward silence could settle, Naruto popped in, as loud and clueless as ever. "Sakura-chan looks gorgeous! " he said, grinning. "Seriously, what's wrong with you, Sasuke?"

Sasuke, clearly annoyed that Naruto was doling out compliments, muttered curses at him.

Sasuke kept his expression neutral, not wanting to voice his opinion about Sakura openly. He was a private man, and Sakura understood that better than anyone. He wasn't the type to admit, especially in front of others, how he felt like she was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. But in the quiet of their private moments, when it was just the two of them, he would tell her—again and again—until she probably got tired of hearing it. Here, though, in front of their friends, he decided to keep those feelings to himself. Some things, after all, were meant for them alone.

Naruto, with a wide grin plastered on his face, nudged Sasuke playfully. "You haven't taken your eyes off Sakura-chan since the second she walked into the club! You're practically whipped!"

Before Sasuke could respond, they were ushered to their seats, and drinks began circulating fast. Sasuke, who had made a mental note not to drink, suddenly found himself being peer-pressured by none other than Naruto himself. "Come on, just one drink, Sasuke! What, are you scared of losing to me?"

Sasuke glared, but one drink turned into several, and before he knew it, Naruto had him roped into an impromptu drinking contest. Sasuke's mind, sharp as ever, was now fogging up, and he realized with growing irritation that he'd been tricked. Clearly, his promise not to drink had gone out the window—and so had his ability to think straight.

Sakura's eyes narrowed as she noticed Sasuke starting to get tipsy. Sure, he still had a few senses left, but things were heading downhill fast. The aloof, composed man everyone knew was slowly slipping away—and she could see it happening in real time. Sasuke, the one who usually kept everyone at arm's length, was now slinging his arm around her shoulders, pulling her close, and even circling his arms around her waist, all while whispering things only she could hear and giving her these little playful nudges.

Sakura, trying to keep her cool, glanced around and noticed the others watching in amusement, clearly entertained by the sight of the normally stoic Uchiha becoming clingy. His soft laugh— Sasuke, laughing? —was all the more jarring to everyone. She could see the disbelief on their faces.

Internally, she was panicking. Sasuke had a reputation to maintain, and this wasn't helping. Shit, she thought, the one time he decides to let loose, and it's in front of an audience. She gently tried to nudge him off, hoping to preserve what was left of his stoic image, but Sasuke just leaned in more, clearly unbothered. The man, who was the definition of "pristine composure," was crumbling right before them, and she knew she'd be hearing about this later.

Sakura's mind raced—she had to think fast. There was no way she could let anyone see Sasuke like this for much longer. His reputation as the cool, aloof Uchiha was hanging by a thread, and they needed to bail— and fast. She herself was feeling a little light-headed from her own drink, but there was no time for that now. Standing up a bit unsteadily, she called out, loud enough for the whole group to hear, "Sasuke-kun, don't you think it's time to go home? I just remembered we have to leave the village early tomorrow."

She gave Sasuke a nudge, hoping he'd catch on, but instead, he flashed her a smile so genuine it sent a collective swoon through the group. Even worse, Naruto was now laughing hysterically. "Oh man, I'm never letting this go!" he howled, tears in his eyes.

Trying not to facepalm, Sakura grabbed Sasuke and attempted to help him up, holding onto his arm for support. But instead of discreetly leaving, Sasuke, completely out of his wits, draped his arm around her shoulder and announced proudly, "This is my girl."

Sakura's eyes went wide as the room erupted in laughter and cheers. She quickly responded, her voice more urgent, "Yeah, we really need to go now." Despite the protest from the crowd, who were clearly enjoying watching the great Uchiha unravel, they finally let them go—mostly because of how much they adored Sakura. And, of course, the spectacle of seeing Sasuke crumble was enough for one night. As she ushered him out, Sakura couldn't help but roll her eyes, but deep down, she was relieved they'd escaped with at least some dignity intact.

When they finally arrived at Sakura's apartment, she fumbled with her keys, trying to juggle both the door and a very uncooperative Sasuke. After what felt like an eternity, she managed to get the door open and helped him inside, guiding him to her couch. Standing in front of him with her arms crossed, she glared down at him, clearly unsatisfied with his behavior.

"Damn it, Sasuke-kun," she muttered under her breath. She had been having such a good time with her friends tonight, and now this was how it ended. Just great. They were leaving for their journey tomorrow, and this was not the memory she wanted to carry with her.

Determined to snap him out of his alcohol haze, she made her way to the kitchen to prepare some tea. But as she reached for the kettle, her eyes fell on a bottle of sake sitting on the counter. With a sigh of frustration, she poured herself a cup, but as soon as it hit the sink with a clatter, she decided she'd had enough of pretending.

Grabbing the bottle instead, she plopped down on the floor near the sofa and began taking large gulps, feeling a mix of irritation and exhaustion wash over her. Sasuke, now a bit more sober, glanced at her, bemused.

Sakura looked ravishing, her face flushed from the alcohol, her skirt riding up her creamy thighs, and a hint of cleavage peeking out from her top. Sasuke couldn't help but stare, his earlier drunk self fading as he took in the sight before him. She was making a mess of herself, but there was something undeniably captivating about her reckless abandon.

"Are you really going to drink that straight from the bottle?" he asked, his voice laced with mild incredulity.

"Why not?" she shot back, taking another hefty swig. "You've ruined my night; I might as well enjoy myself!"

Sakura was officially making a mess of herself, and it was quite the sight. With each passing second, she became more and more tipsy, her cheeks flushed and her laughter ringing through the room. Hiccuping uncontrollably every time she tried to speak, it was like her body had declared a war against coherence.

"Y-you know," she began, wobbling slightly as she took another swig from the bottle, "this is, hic, so unfair! I was having the best time… and then you had to go all sappy and clingy!"

Each hiccup punctuated her sentences like a poorly timed drumbeat, causing Sasuke to look at her in amusement. "Clearly you can't handle your alcohol," he shot back, a smirk playing on his lips.

"C-can't handle it?" she retorted, eyes narrowing in exaggerated defiance. "I'm a medical ninja! I can handle—hic—anything!"

Sasuke watched in amusement as she dramatically flopped back against the floor, looking up at the ceiling with a goofy grin. "I'm just… so sober, you know?" she declared with exaggerated seriousness, and then promptly hiccuped again, which sent her into a fit of giggles.

"Yeah, totally sober," he said dryly, shaking his head. "You're a mess."

"I am not!" she protested, lifting her head to give him a serious look, though the effect was ruined by another hiccup. "You're the one who got drunk first!"

Sakura's playful demeanor began to shift, the alcohol amplifying her emotions as she looked at Sasuke with a seriousness that caught him off guard. "I'll let you in on a secret, Sasuke-kun," she said, her voice steady despite the obvious influence of the sake.

Sakura swayed slightly, her cheeks flushed, eyes glassy as she tried to keep her focus on Sasuke's face. Between hiccups, her voice came out slow, the words slurred, but her gaze was steady and serious.

"Y-you know," she began, her lips trembling as she bowed her head lightly, "s-sometimes… when you're away for so long… my mind—hic—drifts. Not too far… but, I wonder… about those men who… confessed to me. Like… w-what if I accepted one of them?" Her voice cracked as she paused, hiccuping again. "Would you… do something? Or… just let it—hic—be? Would you acknowledge it?"

She took a deep breath, her head tilting slightly. "But… I wouldn't. I couldn't. My heart… it's too… too invested in you to ever—hic—do that." Her eyes softened, though a hint of vulnerability slipped through. "It's just… something I think of… sometimes…"

The weight of her words hung in the air, cutting through the playful atmosphere. Sasuke felt a pang of guilt, realizing just how much she had sacrificed for him. He opened his mouth to respond, but no words came out. Instead, he could only watch as the alcohol-fueled honesty flowed from her, her vulnerability laid bare before him.

Sakura paused, her gaze searching his, and he could see the mix of hurt and longing in her eyes. "I just… I need you to know that," she finished, the gravity of her confession crashing down between them.

For a moment, he was at a loss, feeling the weight of her unspoken expectations and the consequences of his own indecision.

Sakura suddenly looked at Sasuke with an intensity that made him sit up straighter. "If you didn't see me with Yuta that night, would you have taken action?"

Sasuke blinked, caught off guard by the abruptness of her question. He thought about it for a moment. Probably not. But he came home for her, didn't he? That had to count for something. Sure, he might not have taken immediate action, but he knew deep down that he'd get there eventually. Instead of voicing this complex web of thoughts, he simply settled for a nonchalant "Ah."

A flicker of annoyance sparked within him as a mention of Yuta's name. Memories of that night rushed back, a wave of irritation swelling inside him. He recalled how that guy had been ready to steal a kiss from her, his hands poised to touch her in a way that made Sasuke's blood boil. What would have happened if I hadn't arrived on time?

Sakura narrowed her eyes, clearly not missing the change in his demeanor. She let out a small, frustrated scoff, crossing her arms defiantly. "What? Are you jealous?" she teased, trying to keep the mood light, but the tension was palpable.

Sakura narrowed her eyes and let out a small, angry scoff at him. The tension between them crackled as Sasuke resolved to show her just how he felt—this was about more than just words for him. He wanted to convey a sense of control, a claim over her that he hadn't fully expressed before. He wasn't a man of many words; he was much more comfortable showing his emotions through actions, especially when it came to her.

"Stop saying that man's name," Sasuke said, his voice low and firm. "It's annoying."

Sakura let out an exasperated puff, her determination shining through her tipsiness. She looked him straight in the eyes, a teasing glint lighting up her expression. "Yuta… Yuta, Yuta, Yuta!" she repeated, drawing out each syllable as if it were a chant, clearly trying to get under his skin.

And just when Sasuke thought he could ignore it, she leaned back and added an exaggerated, almost erotic lilt to the last "Yuta," arching her back and giving him the most sensual look she could muster. That was the last straw.

Sasuke snapped, reaching out to her with an impossible speed, catching her completely off guard as he pulled her closer. The heat between them surged, and in that moment, it was clear he wouldn't let anyone—or anything—come between them, not even the name that stirred his jealousy.

Sasuke's grip tightened around her neck, his fingers firm yet gentle enough to convey his possessiveness. The moment felt electric as his Sharingan activated, the vibrant red swirling in intensity. It was a silent plea in his expression, urging her to stop whatever teasing game she was playing.

"I dare you to speak his name again," he challenged, his voice low and dangerous.

Sakura looked at him, her resolve unwavering, a playful smirk threatening to break free as she opened her mouth to utter Yuta's name once more. But before she could get the words out, Sasuke's forceful lips crashed down on hers, silencing her in an instant.

The kiss was heated, filled with an urgency that left no room for argument. They were on the floor, surrounded by the remnants of their chaotic night—sake bottle spilled across the table, cups and vase scattered haphazardly from the small table beside them. But none of that mattered anymore; it was just the two of them, lost in the moment as the world outside faded away. The mess around them only amplified the rawness of the situation, adding to the intensity as they surrendered to the chaos and passion igniting between them.

Ripped clothes flew everywhere, he took her on the floor, face flushed on the carpet as he thrust merciless behind her. Sakura lay there, her mind swirling in a haze of confusion, not quite sure if she was feeling pain or pleasure. Each thrust sent a rush of sensations coursing through her, igniting her senses in a way that left her breathless.

The sharp edges of the moment tugged at her, each pulse a mix of euphoria and a slight sting that made her skin tingle. It was as if her body was caught in a tug-of-war between two extremes—one that felt overwhelmingly good, while the other reminded her of the raw intensity of the situation.

With every movement, she found herself teetering on the brink, gasping for air as the sensations crashed over her like waves. It was exhilarating yet disorienting, leaving her unsure whether to surrender to the bliss or to brace herself against the force of it all. The lines between pleasure and pain blurred, and all she could do was ride the wave of emotion, losing herself in the chaos.

As her breath hitched and she grappled with the overwhelming sensations, one thing became clear: whatever she was feeling, it was unlike anything she had ever experienced before, and it was impossible to ignore.

Sasuke was rough, but there was an undeniable purpose behind his actions—a display of control and power that left no room for doubt. Each movement was deliberate, a testament to his strength as he guided Sakura through their shared intensity.

They began on the floor, the chill of the surface contrasting sharply with the heat between them. Sasuke's grip was firm as he held her in place, ensuring she felt every bit of his determination. But he wasn't satisfied; the moment called for more.

With a swift motion, he lifted her, carrying her to the kitchen counter where he set her down with a mix of gentleness and authority. The cold countertop added an exhilarating edge to the experience, and the sounds of their bodies moving filled the space around them. He claimed her again, their connection raw and electric, the world outside fading away.

Not done yet, he shifted them once more, this time to the dining table. The clatter of dishes echoed as he positioned her, the thrill of the moment surging through them. Sasuke's gaze burned with intensity, a silent promise that he was in control. Each thrust was a reminder of his strength, the way he commanded the space and the way she responded to him, igniting a fire that was impossible to extinguish.

In that whirlwind of movement, he showcased not just his physical prowess, but the depth of his feelings, leaving no doubt in her mind that this was just as much about connection as it was about dominance.

Sasuke shot Sakura a bewildered "What?" look, his brow furrowing as he took in her pouting, angry expression. She was sitting there, all ruffled and indignant, and it was almost comical how she managed to look both fierce and adorable at the same time.

"Seriously, Sasuke? I thought you'd be more composed when it comes to these things," she huffed, crossing her arms defiantly, trying to cover her bare chest to no avail. "But it turns out you have no control at all!"

Sasuke smirked slightly, leaning back with an air of confidence. "Every man is possessive, Sakura," he replied coolly, brushing off her playful jab. "You've crossed a line that was never meant to be crossed. From now on, I'll make sure that only my name comes out of your mouth."

Sakura raised an eyebrow, fighting back a laugh. "Oh really? Is that a promise or a threat?"

"Maybe a little bit of both," he shot back, his expression turning serious but his eyes glimmering with mischief.

She couldn't help but roll her eyes, knowing full well that the possessive side of him was just part of the charm. "Good luck with that, Uchiha," she quipped, her voice dripping with playful sarcasm. "You're going to need it!"

As Sasuke paused for a moment, he couldn't help but reflect on the whirlwind of events that had brought them to this point. With each passing day, it became increasingly clear to him that taking Sakura with him on his journey was the best decision he could have ever made.

The thought of leaving without her felt impossible. After everything they had been through, he couldn't imagine a life devoid of her presence. She was his anchor, the one person who saw through the layers of his stoic exterior and understood the complexities of his heart. In a world that had often felt dark and uncertain, she was a beacon of light that illuminated his path.

As he thought about the journey ahead, he felt a sense of calm wash over him, knowing she would be by his side. The idea of facing challenges without her laughter, her fierce spirit, and her unwavering support was unimaginable. It was as if she had become a part of him, woven into the very fabric of his life.

Sasuke felt a warmth spread through him, a quiet determination blossoming in his chest. No matter where their travels took them, he knew that as long as they were together, he could face anything. She had become his strength, and he couldn't wait to explore the world with her by his side.

fin

Author's Notes:

Wow—writing this feels like I'm in a creative space where I'm grappling with the complexity of portraying characters faithfully while exploring emotional depth. I urge to keep the story light yet facing the challenge of not making Sasuke out of character reflects my dedication to maintaining his essence. Sakura's internal struggle also seems tricky—balancing her unwavering loyalty and love for Sasuke, with the very human experience of doubt due to his long absence. I think it's natural for her mind to wander in such circumstances, but like Tsunade's devotion to Dan, Sakura's long-standing love for Sasuke can anchor her, even if fleeting thoughts of what-if scenarios emerge.

When writing this, I could allow Sakura to briefly question things in a natural, human way, but reinforce her ultimate resolve to stay loyal to her feelings for Sasuke. This might add emotional depth without betraying the character's core traits, while also keeping the tone of the story in line with the lighter, flowing narrative I'm aiming for.

Hope you guys like it!