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Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.
AN: Yo. My first fic (actually my second but I deleted the first ages ago), so don't be shy to let me know your thoughts, constructive at least. I'll add some more notes below, so do enjoy!
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"I'm done!" Ino said with a huff, and slammed her hands onto the table. She glared at the Biology textbook in front of her, knowing that this wasn't what caused her sudden ire. She brushed aside her side bangs to hook it behind her ear in irritation and looked up at her study companion sitting across from her.
Haruno Sakura, has been her best friend for about 9 years now. When they were about 8 years old, Ino spotted her due to her exotic pink hair and emerald green eyes. Sue her, but she always had an eye for beauty and extraordinary looks. The shy girl at first seemed put off by Ino's cheerful and outgoing personality. But things changed, when some bullies tried to mess with her Sakura. Let's say Ino got a little protective which led to violence and then a week long suspension from school. It did win her a life long friend though! Over the years Sakura came out of her shell, and the two have been inseparable. Meaning Sakura dealt with her bullshit and theatrics quite often, whilst Ino brought excitement and passion to her sweet pinkette. Although Sakura denies it all and thinks of her as a pain, but that doesn't matter.
Sakura rolled her eyes at her best friend. The two were currently sitting at a café called Leaf Time and they were supposed to be studying, key phrase supposed to be. Sakura sighed knowing it was probably Ino's Vent Time, so she bookmarked her page in the text and fully focused on her blonde friend sitting across from her. Having been friends with Ino for such a long time, Sakura knew how to deal with her friend and her emotional outbursts. Even though she complained about some of the shenanigans Ino would get them into, she knew there was no other person in the world she'd call her best friend. Of course, she'd deny that because Ino doesn't need more to her ego.
"Haa, we should be studying Ino-pig. But knowing how dramatic you can get, what is it you're done with?" Sakura asked. It wouldn't do good to leave whatever this is for later, she thought. It could be minor, but to Ino it could mean an existential crisis.
"Being single Forehead! I mean look around us. There's a bunch of couples here being all cute and stuff." Ino replied in frustration. She gestured to the other tables with a wave of her hand, where there were possible couples sitting, chatting and having a swell time. Sakura groaned and dragged a palm over her face.
Really, she thought. First of all, Ino should have been reading her damn textbook, not surveying strangers around the café. With the pace they are at, Sakura was pretty sure they would end up on a video call later to study which is what she wanted to avoid. Yes, Ino calls her a granny, but damn it, she liked going to bed early!
"There's a low chance that all of these people are actually romantically involved. So that's just your assumption. And weren't we over this whole boyfriend thing already? You even said there's no guy in Konoha worth your beauty!" Sakura said with a small amount of exasperation. Guys asked Ino out but her friend was never interested. Which was understandable, Ino had somewhat high standards being an only child and doted on by both parents. Beyond that, she got a lot of attention due to her looks and confidence, luckily she wasn't a shallow person despite appearances. If that was the case, there's no way the two would be friends, not even acquaintances.
"Fair point. But I only said that as a confidence booster and you know it!" Ino pouted. She leaned closer to Sakura and grabbed her friend's hand with a thoughtful expression. "I mean think about. With a boyfriend, I get to go on dates, we can wear matching couple outfits, take cute pictures, and even get couple's discounts! Don't even get me started on Valentine's Day! It would be amazing, my mediocre high school life will have more substance! See my point?" She played with Sakura's fingers as she started envisioning the fluff and cuteness of having a boyfriend.
Sakura laughed at her friends wistful expression. "Geez Ino, then aren't I your boyfriend? You drag me around doing all those stuff." Sakura knew she might have walked into a trap saying that, but she could handle it. Ino was quite the romantic. Even now she had a small blush as she was lost in her thoughts.
"Hmm, if we were into each other like that, then maybe?" Ino responded with a tilt of her head and an amused smile. "But you're my best friend so that's a given. You're stuck with me for life. Besides if we are single after 35, we can get married. I'm pretty sure I can satisfy my pink lover." She grinned at Sakura's bewildered expression, playfully bumping her knees into her friend's own. Before Sakura would have been completely flustered and blush at her flirting, but now she was accustomed to it. Although she didn't lie about the marriage thing, Ino mused to herself.
And this is why everyone at school thinks we're dating, Sakura thought with a grumble. She was quite sure Ino amped up her flirting game with her in school, just to mess with everyone. One time Sakura retaliated to throw her off, but that just made things worse. Ino took it in stride and straddled Sakura in the middle of lunch, with no warning, in front of everyone. Poor Hinata, Tenten had to help the girl to nurse's office from overheating.
"I appreciate the sentiment." Sakura said dryly while giving Ino's hand a small squeeze. "No offence, but you develop crushes just as fast as you lose interest in a guy. So how is that going to work out?"
Ino chuckled as she twirled the straw in her iced coffee. "Geez, Forehead, what makes you think the first boyfriend that I get, I will stick with for the rest of my life. That hardly happens to others anyway." Sakura nodded at that. Most girls their age were probably on their third boyfriend or more anyway. Except for Mamori, the cute girl had a small harem of girls. Sakura didn't believe it, since Mamori gave off the same innocent vibe Hinata did. Oh boy was she wrong, she learned the hard way, to not barge into empty classrooms. Now Mamori might have a slight interest her, as she sometimes asks Sakura to study with her. "Besides guys our age probably think the same thing or worse. So we'd probably date for like 6 months or something then break things off." Ino shrugged and sipped at her drink.
Sakura rested her head on her palm as she thought of what Ino said. In her opinion, Ino's words held more weight as she had more guy friends than Sakura. Well just two, Shikamaru Nara and Choji Akimichi, the three of them grew up together as their families are close. She probably came to that conclusion from talking to them. Although Sakura doubted those two had any relationship experience. Based on her few interactions with them, they didn't seem to be that popular with the female populace, but they were of the male species. Better to ask them how a teen boys think, than her.
Konoha had two prestigious private schools Mito High School for Girls [MH], and Hashirama High School for Boys [HH]. Students from each school would mingle when there are joint activities, but for the most, majority stayed in their cliques. Hence Sakura and Ino usually hung out with their other friends from school. Sakura wasn't as extroverted as Ino, so she only had her male cousins to ask any questions since she didn't socialize much with others from HH.
"Well, I'm sure at some point you will find someone." Sakura said with a small smile. Existential crisis averted, she thought. With that, she opened her textbook ready to get back into learning about the cells in the human body. Biology was definitely her favourite subject. Before she could focus on the words in her book though, both of Ino's hands covered the page. Sakura eyebrow's twitched in annoyance as she looked up at the scowling girl sitting across her.
"Sakuraaaaaa! I said I'm done! Meaning I will no longer be single. I'm getting a boyfriend today!" Ino growled. The pinkette should know her better. Ino was a woman of action, she mulled over this for the past hour and now she was ready to move on. Sakura blinked, looked up at the ceiling silently screaming in her head "Why me!" and then back at Ino with an unimpressed expression.
"That's not how it works! Are you going to go up to some guy and ask him to be your boyfriend? They will think you're insane or desperate. Just be patient Ino, it will happen eventually." Sakura snapped. Honestly, of all the things for her to be done with, Sakura mentally sighed. She shook her head and decided she should calm her overdramatic friend. Snapping at Ino won't get through to her as her mind was made up. Sakura was about to soothe her friend, when she froze as she saw a devious look in Ino's eyes. Oh no, Sakura frowned, Kami, don't tell me she thinks that's a good idea.
She opened her mouth to refute whatever Ino might do or planned to do, only to blink in surprise as Ino's attention was suddenly somewhere else. Sakura glanced to where she was looking to see two boys, dressed in HH uniform. It was the opposite of their own uniform where the girls wore a red themed attire. That is, a red jacket and skirt over a white short sleeved button up, with a red tie. The two boys wore a similar get up, however with theme being green and of course, pants instead of skirts.
They were walking over to a table, a bit behind where she and Ino sat. Both of them were tall, but very different in appearance. The one walking further ahead, had black hair and dark eyes. A pale complexion and what Sakura considered 'handsome pretty boy' looks. He had a scowl on his face as he seem to be disagreeing with what his companion was saying. Said companion had sunny blonde hair, deep blue eyes and a tanned complexion. He was grinning at the black haired boy as they made their way past their table. In the back of her mind, Sakura noted that both boys looked vaguely similar to the Chief of Police and the Governor, respectively.
Sakura suddenly had a foreboding feeling. Time seemed to slow down as her eyes widened when Ino suddenly caught the blonde guy's hand. He stopped in surprise and looked down at Ino with a confused expression. The dark haired boy, turned around and frowned at the sudden interruption.
"Hey, do you want to be my boyfriend?" Ino asked with a big smile, causing her eyes to slightly squint. Sakura jaw dropped at what her friend just oh so casually asked the boy. No no no no, I need to stop this and apologize for her insanity. She turned quickly to the boy, ready to apologize and drag Ino to the bathroom for a real good scolding, only to freeze in place.
The boy's eyes widened at Ino's question, only to return the smile enthusiastically. "Sure thing! Do you want go get a bowl of ramen with me?" He replied, softly squeezing Ino's hand that captured his. I'm sorry, what Sakura thought. This is not happening!
Sakura wasn't sure if she would have to be hospitalized for jaw surgery or cardio arrest. Maybe both? She did notice the dark haired boy, mimicking her reaction which made her feel glad she wasn't the only one witnessing such an absurd scene.
Ino quickly packed her things into her backpack, with a speed Sakura only witnessed when her friend found out there was sale at the mall. She slung her backpack over her shoulder, and got out of her seat with a huge grin on her face.
"Wait, you -" Sakura spluttered out as her brain was finally able to somewhat reconnect with her mouth. Ino was going to eat ramen with a complete stranger. Didn't the two of them watch enough thrillers and horrors for her to be more cautious!?
"Forehead, I'll call you later! Text me when you get home, hmkay" Ino said cheerfully. She had yet to release the boy from her grasp as she moved closer to Sakura and gave her a quick peck on the cheek.
Said boy, had a blinding grin as he simply followed along with Ino's movements. " 'Suke, I'll catch up with you later ttebayo! I'm taking my girlfriend out for ramen." He glanced over to his companion, who had a dumbfounded expression at what was happening in front of him.
"Oi, you -" sadly the boy couldn't finish his statement as the two blondes merrily made their way out of the café whilst never letting go of each other's hand.
Sakura gaped as she watched her best friend, run off - no, skip away from the café with a strange boy. And yes, the two actually skipped along the sidewalk, swinging their hands like some happy go lucky couple, smiling as bright as the sun. Her brain couldn't even function properly as a million questions and tumultuous emotions raced through her.
"That fucking blonde idiot" she said at the same time with the dark haired boy. They both stared at each other in surprise. However, the two immediately knew they were in the same boat. Sakura sighed and pushed the chair across from her away from the table, with her feet. He gave her a nod and sat down with a heavy sigh, running his hands through his hair.
"Let me guess, you're best friends with a chaotic, overdramatic, idiotic blond?" She drawled as she closed the biology book in front of her. No use in studying with this recent development. She wouldn't be able to focus as she now had to worry about her best friend's safety. The damn wench better text her once she is home or Sakura will bring hellfire and brimstone with her to school tomorrow.
"We suffer a similar burden then." he muttered darkly as he leaned back into the seat.
The two didn't completely register the fact that they were both strangers to each other, as they passionately complained about the antics of their blonde friends. They were just glad there was someone out there who finally understood their pain
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AN: So, what do you think?
I figured getting into fan fiction can help improve my writing. I always have ideas for different media, Naruto being my favourite. Might as well get them out there, whilst I plan out my web novel.
Inspo: This idea was pretty random. I did read a manhua that inspired this chapter though. I just can't remember the name but it was sooo good. The FL randomly asks a guy to be her boyfriend and they were cute.
Anyway, I have a vague idea of where I'm going with this. Normally I would plan this out first, but I end up talking myself out of posting, so we are going with the flow here.
Review … if you want. Follow … if you feel like it. Most importantly, stay vibesy.
