It was a peaceful evening at the Haruno household. Sakura sat in front of the TV, her gaze fixed on the screen, but her mind was elsewhere, swirling with thoughts. The sitcom playing on the television was a familiar distraction, but it couldn't pull her out of her thoughts.

Was she being fair to Sasuke? Maybe it would be better if they talked and explained things like two adults. Sakura thought she sometimes overdid it with her childish behavior. She wanted to show Sasuke that she had matured, but still the anger and sadness inside her seemed to be deeper than that.

Her dad, lounging on the couch with a bowl of chips, glanced at her with a knowing smile. He had been watching her for a while now, noticing how absent she seemed, as if the world around her wasn't quite real.

"What's up, Sakura?" he asked, his voice light and teasing. "You look like someone just told you the sky's falling. You thinking about Sasuke-kun again?"

Sakura blinked, letting out a small sigh. She didn't look at him; she couldn't. Her father's jokes were relentless, and today, she just didn't have the energy to keep up.

Her dad, clearly seeing her silence as an invitation, pressed on, his grin growing wider. "Come on, don't tell me Sasuke finally decided to come to his senses and confess his undying love for you. I swear, if he does, I'll have a whole speech ready—about how no one is good enough for my little girl."

Sakura let out an exasperated groan. "Dad, please."

She hadn't actually told her parents about the things that had happened before Sasuke left for his training. She wasn't ready for her father's endless teasing, or for her mother's advice that she was still young for these 'love problems'.

But her dad was having too much fun with this. "I'll even tell him I'll turn him into a frog if he hurts you," he continued, completely unfazed by her discomfort. "Maybe a toad, or a rock. I'll pick depending on my mood."

Sakura buried her face in her hands, a deep sigh escaping her lips. Her father had an uncanny ability to make every situation feel ten times more embarrassing than it needed to be.

"Just stop, Dad," she muttered, barely able to contain the secondhand embarrassment.

But her dad wasn't done. "You're lucky you've got me to look out for you," he said, nudging her playfully. "I'll even give Sasuke a ninja challenge. I'll see if he's strong enough to handle my dad jokes."

Sakura could only shake her head. "You're unbelievable."

Sakura shot him a look and stood up, shaking her head in amusement mixed with a bit of embarrassment. "I'm going to my room."

Her dad waved her off, a grin still plastered on his face. "You do that, kiddo. You're not fooling anyone. Go think about Sasuke-kun some more."

Sakura didn't answer him. She just walked up the stairs, trying to shake off the awkwardness of the conversation. But by the time she reached her door, something felt off. She hesitated before pushing it open, her heart picking up pace.

When she stepped inside, she froze. Her breath caught in her throat. 'How did he get in here?'

There, sitting on her bed with his usual air of casual indifference, was Sasuke. He was leaning back, arms crossed, as though he belonged there.

Sakura's pulse quickened, and her breath caught in her throat. She stared at him in complete shock, blinking rapidly to make sure she wasn't imagining things.

"W-What are you doing here?" she whispered, her voice barely audible, her mind scrambling to catch up with the shock of seeing him.

Sasuke didn't move at first, his eyes meeting hers with the same calm expression he always wore, like nothing out of the ordinary was happening.

"Nothing. I got bored at my house and said why not I'm going to stay at Sakura's house."

"I see. Training in Oto not only made you a strong ninja but also lengthened your tongue. Who taught you irony? Or wait, I know Karin."

"You need to stop this unnecessary jealousy, and sit down and talk calmly."

"I have nothing to talk about. With all due respect, can you get out of my room?"

"No."

Sakura let out an irritated sound. She couldn't believe Sasuke had the nerve to come all the way into her room, let alone through the window.

She approached him and crossed her arms in front of her. She looked Sasuke straight in the eye with a fierce look as if to threaten him to leave.

"You know, this Fugaku Style attitude doesn't intimidate me at all. Sit down, we'll talk. I don't plan on leaving without explaining myself."

Sakura stood there, frozen, staring at Sasuke as her heart pounded. The silence in the room was thick, the tension hanging between them like an invisible rope that neither of them could touch.

Just as she was about to say something, anything, to break the silence, she heard a noise downstairs.

"Sakura!" her dad's voice echoed up the stairs, full of exaggerated concern. "I thought I heard something upstairs! You're not hiding anything from your old man, are you?"

Sakura's eyes widened in panic, and she turned to look at Sasuke, who was still lounging on her bed like he hadn't just broken into her house like an unexpected storm. Her mind raced, her thoughts scrambling to figure out how she could get rid of her dad—and Sasuke—before this got any worse.

"Sasuke!" she whispered urgently, pointing to the window. "Out. Now!"

Sasuke didn't move, staring at her blankly, clearly unbothered. "I'm not going anywhere."

"What?!" Sakura hissed, her eyes darting to the door. "Dad's coming! You have to hide!"

Sasuke's lips twitched slightly, as if amused by her panic, but he still didn't move. Sakura could feel her stomach flip with dread. Her dad was notorious for being both overly curious and a little too nosy, especially when he thought something was amiss.

There was another loud call from downstairs. "Sakura! You sure you're not hiding a ninja up there? Because I swear I hear someone moving!"

"Dad, please stop yelling!" Sakura shouted back, trying to keep her voice steady. She turned back to Sasuke, her eyes pleading. "You need to hide. My dad will flip if he finds you here. It'll be the end of both of us."

Sasuke raised an eyebrow, looking entirely unconcerned. "It's just your dad. He doesn't scare me."

Sakura could feel her patience thinning. "This is not the time for your... whatever you call that attitude," she snapped, quickly glancing at the door and then back at Sasuke. "If you want to be a part of this 'family reunion,' you're going to have to be a little more cooperative!"

He casually leaned back, folding his arms. "Maybe it'll be good for him to finally meet me properly as your boyfriend , don't you think?"

Sakura groaned and rubbed her forehead. "You're impossible. Just hide in the closet or under the bed—anywhere!"

She turned away for just a second to check the door, but when she looked back, Sasuke was still sitting there, unfazed.

"Sasuke!" she whispered urgently.

He shrugged nonchalantly. "What? He can't be worse than your mom's cooking," he said with a half-smile.

Before Sakura could retort, her dad's voice rang out from downstairs.

"Sakura! What's going on up there? I could have sworn I heard two people up there!"

Her eyes widened in panic. "Sasuke-kun, please!"

With a smirk, Sasuke finally gave in, quickly darting toward the window and sliding behind the curtains just in time as the door opened.

"Hey, kiddo!" Sakura's dad cheerfully called as he poked his head inside. He looked around suspiciously. "What's going on up here? I thought I heard voices. Something inappropriate happening?"

Sakura's face went beet red as she tried to force a smile, but her dad wasn't buying it. He leaned in closer, narrowing his eyes and inspecting her closely. "Hmm… don't tell me Sasuke-kun's here again? Are you two, uh... practicing your ninja moves in here?"

Sakura couldn't suppress a nervous laugh. "Dad, no! What the hell ! I'm just... thinking."

Her dad tilted his head, looking unconvinced. "Thinking, huh? Well, just make sure you're not thinking about anything that might make your dad's heart skip a beat," he winked.

Sakura was about to die of secondhand embarrassment. "As you can see I'm fine. Can I sleep now?"

"Of course my dear!" Kizashi said with a laugh. "Good night, sweet dreams and have as many dreams as possible with Mr. Sasuke Uchiha."

Sakura groaned, resisting the urge to smack her forehead. "You're impossible. Good night!"

With that, he left the room, the sound of his footsteps fading down the stairs.

Sakura let out a deep breath, turning to Sasuke with a glare. "You could've at least acted like you were trying to hide."

Sasuke, still standing by the window, didn't even bother moving from his spot. "He didn't catch me. That's all that matters."

Sakura glared at him. "It's a miracle he didn't."

Sasuke smiled lazily, stepping forward with a calmness that only he could pull off. "Now that we're alone..." He paused, his smirk widening. "I think you owe me a little something for keeping quiet."

Sakura blinked. "What do you mean?"

He stepped closer, his tone suddenly dropping into something more serious. "I could tell your dad I was here. Imagine what he'd say about that."

Sakura froze. "You wouldn't."

Her heart pounding as she registered the playful yet pointed threat. Sasuke wasn't just teasing. Part of him was daring her, testing her, pushing her to do something. She had never really seen him this vulnerable before—not when it came to them.

"Oh, I definitely would," Sasuke teased. "But here's the thing... I'd be willing to stay quiet, on one condition."

Sakura's eyes narrowed. "What condition?"

Sasuke took another step closer, his voice lowering in a playful threat. "You kiss me."

Sakura's cheeks turned bright red. "Sasuke!" she sputtered, backing away a little. "You can't just... demand that!"

She stared at him, caught off guard, not knowing how to respond. There were too many emotions tangled up in her thoughts: the anger they'd shared in their earlier arguments, the memories of their first kiss, and the quiet longing she had buried deep inside when Sasuke left.

He leaned in a bit, his smirk never fading. "Oh, I can, and I will, unless you want to explain to your dad why you're hiding me in your room."

Sakura stood there, torn between her mortification and the very real possibility of Sasuke making good on his threat. She sighed in defeat, giving him an exasperated look.

"Fine," she muttered. "But you're impossible."

Without another word, she grabbed the collar of his shirt and pulled him closer, kissing him quickly on the lips. It wasn't a long kiss, but it was enough to make her heart race, her face glowing with heat.

The kiss wasn't just a response to his demand. It was everything she had wanted to say to him in those two years. The frustration, the longing, the anger—it all melted away as she pressed her lips against his.

When she pulled back, Sasuke's gaze softened in a way she hadn't expected. There was something vulnerable in his eyes that made her feel like she had just given him more than he had bargained for.

Sasuke's smirk was back in full force. "See? That wasn't so hard, was it?"

Sakura shoved him lightly. "You're unbelievable."

Sasuke leaned back against the wall, his smirk softening into something more genuine. "I'm glad we're on the same page. You'll thank me later."

"You came here, you came into my room without asking, you made me kiss you, how about you leave now?" Sakura said as she gave him a fake, ironic smile.

Sasuke was looking into her eyes, a very intense look that made Sakura flinch. He reached out and lightly grabbed her nose in a playful way.

"No, I'm not going to leave."

"Are you serious? Come on, go now!"

"No, I said we'd talk. I'm not leaving without explaining myself to you."

"Now you're making me angry. I don't want to disscus anything."

"You don't want to? Maybe you want to kiss instead ?"

Sakura felt herself starting to blush, her heart beating erratically. "Sasuke seriously, how about we talk tomorrow? I have the day off at work."

Sasuke leaned against the window frame, his arms still crossed, but there was something different in his gaze—a hint of warmth that softened his usual indifference. He looked at her for a moment, as if weighing her words. Then, in his typical Sasuke manner, he gave a small nod.

"Tomorrow then," he said, his voice low, but there was a slight tug at the corner of his lips that suggested he was more at ease with the idea than he was letting on.

Sakura let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding. "I'm serious, Sasuke. We need to talk about everything."

Sasuke gave a small smirk. "I know." His eyes flicked to the door, then back to her. "But... how about we have lunch together tomorrow?"

Sakura blinked, surprised by his suggestion. It wasn't like him to make plans like that.

"Okay," she said softly, her lips curling into a small smile. "Lunch tomorrow. And hey, no more surprises like this tonight."

Sasuke took a step closer, his gaze softening as he closed the distance between them. "You sure about that?" His voice dropped an octave, just enough to make her heart race.

Sakura bit her lip, trying to keep her cool. "I'm sure," she replied, but her words faltered when Sasuke placed a hand gently on her cheek, his thumb brushing lightly over her skin.

The moment hung between them, their breaths mingling in the quiet room. For a second, everything felt suspended in time—like nothing else mattered except the space they shared, the unspoken words, the unacknowledged feelings.

Sasuke leaned in, his face inches from hers. "Then I'll see you tomorrow," he whispered, his breath warm against her lips. And before she could say anything more, he kissed her again—this time slower, deeper, with an intimacy that felt both familiar and new.

Sakura's heart skipped a beat as she kissed him back, allowing herself to forget for a moment everything but the feeling of his lips against hers. When they pulled away, she was left breathless, her hand still resting on his chest as if to steady herself.

Sasuke's smirk returned, but there was a tenderness in his eyes that made Sakura's chest tighten.

"Goodnight, Sakura," he said quietly, his voice no longer teasing, but something softer, almost... caring.

She could hardly get her breath back to speak, but when she did, she gave him a shy smile. "Goodnight, Sasuke-kun."

As he turned and slipped out the window with the same casual grace he had come in with, Sakura stood there, her fingers still tingling from his touch, her mind racing with everything that had just happened.

The morning had arrived with a strange, chaotic energy at the Haruno household. Sakura stood in front of her mirror, her room a complete disaster. Several outfits were strewn across her bed, each one examined and discarded. She pulled yet another blouse from the hanger, holding it up in front of her, then tossing it aside with a huff.

Should she go casual? Should she wear something nice, but not too nice? Her heart raced at the thought of the lunch she was about to have with Sasuke, and the uncertainty of what might happen between them.

"This is hopeless," she muttered to herself, her stomach fluttering. She couldn't decide what to wear for her first lunch date with him. It wasn't supposed to be a romantic date, not really. It was supposed to be a clarifying meeting between them —but it felt like a date.

Sakura was quite excited. This was their first 'date' as a couple, they had only expressed their feelings the night before Sasuke left.

"Why is this so hard?" she muttered to herself, pulling out a shirt and holding it up to her body. She examined herself in the mirror. Too casual. She tossed it aside. Another shirt—too formal. Tossed. And then a dress—too flashy. Tossed again.

A knock at the door broke her frantic thoughts.

"Sakura, sweetie, lunch is ready! I don't want you to be late," Mebuki called from downstairs, her voice chipper as usual.

Sakura froze, her eyes darting toward the mirror. 'Late? '

The anxiety bubbled up again. She wasn't late. She wasn't even sure what time they will meet. But the idea of her mom knowing about her plans with Sasuke was suddenly terrifying.

"Mom, I'm not late! Just a minute!" Sakura shouted back, trying to keep her voice steady. She needed to figure this out—what she was going to wear, how to act, what to say.

She wasn't even sure if she was ready to talk to Sasuke. Wasn't sure if she even knew what she was supposed to feel anymore. She just wanted this to go smoothly.

"Sakura, I'm coming in, okay?" Her mother's voice sounded almost too cheerful. Before Sakura could protest, in came her mom, practically beaming with her signature, knowing smile. She had that "mom intuition" that Sakura had no chance of escaping.

"Sweetie, what are you doing? You look like you're about to explode." Her mother stood in the doorway, arms crossed, looking more amused than concerned. "Do you have a date with Sasuke?"

Sakura froze, her eyes wide. "What? Sasuke? I—what are you talking about?"

Her mom raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. "Don't tell me you're trying to avoid it, sweetie. I know what you're up to."

Sakura's face flushed bright red. She knew. Of course she knew. But how much did she know? Did her mom already figure out that she and Sasuke were… well, more than just friends?

"No, Mom. I'm not—" Sakura stammered, but her mother was already inspecting the various outfits scattered around the room with a grin on her face.

"Oh, I see," her mom said, picking up a blouse and holding it up. "You're trying to impress Sasuke, huh? That's why you're acting like this." She looked at Sakura, her smile widening. "Well, it's about time. You've been spending enough time with that boy."

Sakura felt her face heat up further. "Mom, it's not like that!" She jumped to the defense, waving her hands as if to dismiss the entire situation. "We're just talking, okay? Nothing serious."

Sakura was absolutely not ready to tell her parents the truth, not until she and Sasuke talked about the problems they had.

Her mom, ever the tease, stepped closer with a mischievous glint in her eye. "Mm-hmm. Just talking, huh?" She shook her head, clearly enjoying the moment. "Well, if you're just talking, you should totally wear that one." She held up an ultra-casual T-shirt covered in playful cartoon characters.

Sakura's face paled. "No way. I'm not wearing that!"

Her mom chuckled, clearly enjoying the chaos. "Oh, come on. It's perfect. If Sasuke sees you in that, he'll be so distracted by the colorful frogs that he won't even notice how pretty you look."

"Mom!" Sakura protested, rolling her eyes. "I'm not wearing that. Can you please stop joking around for one second?"

Her mom, still smiling, tossed the T-shirt onto the bed and picked up another blouse. "Alright, alright. But you've got to admit, this is a little exciting, right? I mean, Sasuke's a great guy. He's serious, a little cold sometimes, but deep down, I know he has a soft spot for you. Honestly, it's about time he figured that out." She gave a wink, then added in a lower voice, "And I can't wait to see how this 'talk' goes."

Sakura blinked. "Mom, stop. It's just lunch. We're just going to talk. That's it."

But her mom didn't seem convinced. She crossed her arms and tilted her head, eyeing her daughter. "Uh-huh. Just talk. I don't know if I'm buying that, Sakura. You've had your little 'romantic adventure' with Sasuke for years now."

Sakura was just about to open her mouth again when her mother, seeing that the teasing was getting a little too much, raised her hands in surrender. "Alright, alright, I'll leave you to get dressed. But remember—you look beautiful always!" Mebuki gave her a pointed look before heading toward the door.

Sakura took a deep breath, running her fingers through her hair. She had to focus. It wasn't a date. It wasn't a big deal. She just needed to get through this lunch and talk to Sasuke. Simple, right?

She quickly undressed, grabbing the blouse she had settled on earlier. After a few more adjustments, she nodded to herself in the mirror. The outfit was casual enough to be comfortable but still looked presentable. Perfect.

With one final glance in the mirror, she exhaled deeply and headed downstairs. Her heart was pounding in her chest and she hoped that this would all go well.

The Konoha Police Station stood ahead, its familiar structure framed by the warmth of the midday sun. Sakura's heart fluttered as she approached the entrance, the rhythmic thrum of anticipation filling her chest. She didn't expect Sasuke to be there yet—after all, it was his lunch break, and that was when they'd agreed to meet. She settled onto a bench outside, her mind racing with all the things she wanted to say, all the things she hoped he would say.

The minutes ticked by slowly, but her thoughts were anything but idle. She replayed the kiss they shared—the tentative, unsure pressure of his lips against hers. A kiss that had meant so much more than she had ever expected. Sasuke, who had always been so distant, had kissed her. He had opened up to her in a way she never imagined, and yet, there was still so much left unsaid.

Suddenly, the door to the station opened, and there he was.

Sasuke, his features sharp as ever, emerged with his usual cool demeanor. But there was something different about him today. Something softer in the way he looked at her, a hint of something that made Sakura's pulse quicken.

He paused when he saw her, just for a moment, as if trying to adjust to the sight of her waiting for him. And then, without a word, he approached. His gaze met hers, and for the first time in what felt like forever, there was a quiet understanding between them. No more barriers. No more distance.

"Sorry I'm late," he said, his voice steady, though there was a flicker of something in his tone.

Sakura stood up, her heart beating faster in her chest. "You're not late," she said with a grin, trying to hide the excitement bubbling up inside her. "I've been waiting for you."

Sasuke looked down at the bench, as though searching for something to say. But the words never came, and the silence between them stretched for a beat too long.

Sakura didn't mind. She had learned, over the years, that Sasuke didn't always know how to express himself. She could wait.

After a moment, he glanced at the bags beside her. "What's all this?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Oh, I got food from a restaurant. I thought it would be better if we sat in a park so we could discuss quietly, away from people." Sakura suggested, her voice light. "I know a place—a park not far from here. We can eat there, just the two of us, without anyone staring at us."

His gaze softened for a moment, just a brief flicker, but it was enough to make her heart skip. He wasn't used to her ideas, and yet, there was a certain curiosity in the way he looked at her. It wasn't a rejection.

"Alright," he said, his voice almost a murmur. "Sounds good."

They walked side by side, a comfortable silence between them. Sakura stole glances at him, noticing the subtle shifts in his expression—the way his usual tension seemed to ease with each step they took together. It was something she hadn't seen before, and she wondered if he even realized how much he had changed.

She hadn't realized how much she'd missed being this close to him, how natural it felt for him to be there beside her. There was something about this moment, something about him that made her stomach flip. She glanced over at him again . He looked so... good.

The simple black police uniform hugged his lean frame in a way that made her heart race in a way she hadn't expected. His broad shoulders, the way the fabric pulled slightly across his chest, the sharp lines of his jaw—it all caught her attention. The subtle way he carried himself—so effortlessly cool and composed—had always been a part of him, but there was a new depth to him now, something she couldn't quite put into words. She couldn't help but smile a little to herself, knowing that beneath that stern exterior, there was more to him than the world saw.

Sasuke, on the other hand, wasn't as focused on her outward appearance as he was on the small, but significant changes he noticed about her.

As he walked beside her, his gaze occasionally flicking to her profile, he couldn't help but think about how different she looked. It had only been two years, but Sakura seemed to have changed more than he had anticipated. Her hair was longer, the strands of pink falling softly past her shoulders, catching the light of the afternoon sun. Her expression—more confident now, more assured—held a quiet strength that he hadn't seen before. It was subtle, but he could feel it. There was something about her posture, the way she carried herself, that was different from the shy, uncertain girl he had left behind.

Even her voice had changed, though it was still unmistakably Sakura. There was a certain calmness to it now, a maturity that spoke to the years she'd spent training, growing stronger in her own right.

He found himself quietly admiring her, but just as quickly, he pushed the thought aside. This was new territory for him, and he didn't quite know how to navigate it. But he had to admit—he was glad to see this change in her.

When they finally reached the park, Sakura led him down a narrow path lined with trees, the sounds of the village fading into the background. The air smelled of fresh grass and flowers, and for a moment, it felt like they were the only two people left in the world.

They found a quiet spot beneath a large tree, its leaves providing a thick shade. Sakura laid out the blanket she had brought with her, and Sasuke set the bags down carefully beside her.

For a while, neither of them spoke. The simple act of unpacking the food felt peaceful, almost meditative. Sasuke watched her with a quiet intensity, and Sakura felt the warmth of his gaze on her, but she didn't look up. She didn't need to. She knew he was there, and that was enough for now.

They started eating in silence at first, savoring each bite. The air was filled with the soft rustling of leaves above them, and the distant murmur of the village seemed so far away. It was just the two of them, finally allowed the space to breathe.

Sakura glanced at Sasuke as she took a bite of her sandwich. "I've missed this," she said quietly. "It feels nice… just being with you."

Sasuke's eyes flickered to hers, and for a moment, he didn't say anything. Instead, he looked away, his gaze drifting toward the horizon, but his lips curved into the faintest of smiles—so faint that Sakura almost missed it.

"Yeah," he agreed quietly. "It's been a long time."

Sakura turned to him, her voice soft. "I'm glad we did this."

She swallowed, her voice steady but edged with a mix of frustration and hurt. "Why didn't you write to me after the first four months?"

Sasuke's shoulders stiffened slightly, but he didn't look at her. His voice was quiet, controlled, as if the words had to be carefully measured.

"I couldn't... I didn't want to be distracted. I needed to focus on my training," he said, his tone almost too calm. "But that's no excuse."

The words landed like stones, and Sakura felt a sharp pang in her chest. She had prepared herself for this moment, for this conversation, but hearing him admit it still stung more than she expected. The silence stretched out between them, and for a long moment, she couldn't find the words. She didn't know whether to be angry or relieved, but the hurt was still there, still festering beneath the surface.

"I waited," Sakura said after a long pause, her voice softer now. "I waited for months, Sasuke. I kept telling myself that you'd come around, that you'd send me something… anything. But I never heard anything."

Sasuke didn't respond immediately. Instead, he shifted, finally lifting his gaze to meet hers. The cool detachment that usually defined him was gone, replaced with something else—something deeper. It was the first time in a long while that she saw a flicker of vulnerability in him.

"I'm sorry," Sasuke said quietly, his voice hoarse, as if the words had been buried for too long. "I know that a simple 'sorry' it's not enough. I should've written to you. I should've opened your letters…"

The apology hung in the air between them. Sakura's chest tightened, and she found herself struggling to breathe for a moment. She had imagined hearing those words, but now that they were out in the open, she wasn't sure how to respond. The weight of everything that had been left unsaid suddenly seemed unbearable.

Sasuke shifted again, his hands tightening into fists in his lap. "I didn't want you to feel... like you were chasing after something that wasn't real anymore," he continued, his voice quieter now, almost apologetic. "I didn't mean to make you feel that way. You were the one I missed the most. But I couldn't afford to let myself think about you. Every time I did, it made it harder to stay focused on what I had to do. So I thought it would be easier... if I just didn't write."

Sakura turned her head slightly, her fingers unconsciously gripping the edge of her sleeve. Her heart thudded in her chest as she thought back to those long, painful months. The endless nights spent lying awake, wondering what had happened, why he hadn't reached out. Her mind had tormented her with questions, doubts, and fears. She had convinced herself, time and time again, that it was better this way, that it was what Sasuke needed. But even now, as he spoke, the hurt of it all still lingered.

"It wasn't easy for me either, Sasuke," she said, her voice steady but filled with a quiet, lingering ache. "I had to convince myself every day that I was being stupid, that you were doing what was best for you. But that didn't stop the hurt. Every letter I sent to you, unopened... it felt like a reminder that you didn't want me in your life anymore."

The words were out before she could stop them, and for a brief moment, the world around them seemed to quiet down. Sasuke was silent, and she could feel his eyes on her, but she couldn't bring herself to look at him. She was afraid that if she did, she would break.

For a long while, neither of them spoke. The only sound was the faint rustling of the leaves in the breeze, the gentle hum of life continuing on around them. Sakura's chest felt heavy with everything they had yet to say.

Finally, Sasuke shifted next to her, leaning just slightly forward, his eyes searching hers with an intensity that made her stomach flip.

"I didn't mean to hurt you," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I was selfish. I thought shutting myself off you... would make things easier. But I was wrong."

"I know," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "I know you're sorry, Sasuke. And... I'm glad you're here now. But it's not going to be easy to forget this. I don't think I'll ever forget it."

Sasuke's expression softened, and he leaned a little closer, his hand almost brushing hers. "I'll prove it to you," he said quietly, his voice almost tentative now. "I'll make up for the time I've lost."

Sakura looked at him, her heart racing, and for the first time in what felt like forever, she smiled—a real, genuine smile. "I'll always mention this to you," she said with a little laugh, her eyes bright with the hint of tears. "Every time you make me wait, every time you act like an idiot and I have to remind you of what you did, I'll make sure you never forget."

Sasuke didn't answer immediately, but he gave her a look—a faint glimmer of something softer, more affectionate than she had ever seen from him. Then, without another word, he pulled her into a hug.

Sakura froze for a second, surprised, before she wrapped her arms around him, burying her face in his chest. The familiar warmth of him was a comfort she hadn't realized she had been missing, and as he held her, the weight of the last two years began to feel a little lighter.

When he pulled back, his eyes met hers, and in that moment, everything between them felt right again. It wasn't perfect—nothing ever really was—but it was enough.

And then, just as if the world had paused to give them this one moment, Sasuke leaned down and kissed her.

It wasn't a rushed kiss, nor was it a fleeting one. It was quiet, tender, as if he was pouring all the things he couldn't say into that single gesture. For Sakura, it was everything she had hoped for, and more.

When they finally pulled away, their foreheads rested against each other, and the silence between them was no longer heavy. Instead, it was comfortable, filled with a sense of unspoken understanding.

"So... tell me about your training." She said.

Sasuke chuckled, his voice a little more relaxed now, their hands brushing against each other.

"It was brutal. I was pushed beyond my limits. But Orochimaru taught me a lot. It wasn't easy, though."

Sakura nodded, already feeling the familiar tug of curiosity. "What about your... new friends? Suigetsu, Karin, and... Yugo?"

Sasuke looked at her with a raised eyebrow. "You're asking about them?"

Sakura rolled her eyes. "I'm just curious. I had no idea you made friends there. Especially Karin."

Sasuke smirked, clearly amused by the hint of jealousy in her voice. "Karin was annoying at first, but she grew on me."

Sakura gave Sasuke a smile, one of those smiles that looked 10 km away and was fake. "How nice. So, you and Karin spent a lot of time together, huh?" She forced a casual tone, though there was a bite to her words.

Sasuke looked at her, his expression perfectly neutral, though his lips curled into a small, teasing smile. Now he knew exactly what he was going to do.

"Yeah. A lot of time. We'd train together, spar... sometimes we'd take breaks and talk about things. She even made me lunch once." His voice was too casual, the slight chuckle that followed dripping with mischief. "She's a pretty good cook, too."

Sakura's eyes flickered to the side, her grip on her drink tightening. She hated how every little comment felt like it was digging under her skin.

"She made you lunch? How cute," she said, her voice sweet but laced with barely concealed jealousy. "Did she pack your bento, too? Or did she add some little notes? 'Good luck, Sasuke-kun!'" Sakura said, emphasizing the "Sasuke-kun" with a mocking tone.

She hated how childish she sounded, but it was hard to ignore the ache in her chest as the images of them together—laughing, training, spending time in ways she couldn't—played in her mind.

Sasuke leaned back on his hands, clearly enjoying this. His smirk deepened, knowing just how much his words were getting to her.

"Actually, she did write me a note once. It was simple... just a reminder to stay focused. But it was thoughtful. Not like your notes though in our genin days."

Sakura's face flushed. "What about my notes then?" she shot back, trying to hold onto her composure.

Sasuke raised an eyebrow, leaning in slightly closer. "You always wrote to me with so much... emotion. She was more... subtle. Her messages were practical, direct. Nothing too overbearing." He paused for effect, watching her squirm. "She's not as dramatic as you."

Sakura's heart dropped, her stomach tightening painfully at his words. She couldn't tell if he was being serious or just trying to rile her up, but it didn't matter. The jealousy and frustration were bubbling over, threatening to spill out of her.

"You really want me to believe that?" Her voice was tight with frustration, though she did her best to keep it in check. "You really think I'm... too much for you? That I'm dramatic?"

Sasuke chuckled softly, his eyes dark with teasing intent. "You're not too much. But you've always been a little..." He trailed off, letting the silence hang in the air as he stared at her, his gaze purposefully intense. "…Intense. Karin didn't overwhelm me the way you do. She never had all those... feelings."

Sakura clenched her fists, trying to hold back the sharp sting of his words. He was clearly enjoying this too much—watching her struggle with her jealousy, watching her doubt herself.

"I never asked you to be with me because I'm 'easy.' I just... I don't know, Sasuke. I don't get it." She glanced down at her hands, the raw feeling inside her pushing her to speak without thinking. "I tried so hard to understand you, to always be there for you. And yet... you're telling me that she—someone who didn't even know you like I do—was better?"

Sasuke's expression softened, but the teasing lilt remained in his voice. "I'm not saying she was better, Sakura. I'm saying we just had a different... connection." His eyes flickered to hers. "She didn't need me to be anything more than what I was. You, on the other hand..." He trailed off, as if weighing his next words. "You needed me to change. To be... someone else."

Sakura's breath hitched, but she forced herself to meet his eyes. "So, you're saying I was too much for you?" Her voice trembled ever so slightly, but she refused to back down now.

Sasuke's smirk only deepened, but there was a flicker of something else there, something more genuine. "You were never too much, Sakura." He leaned in a little closer, watching her intently. "But Karin... she never pushed me the way you did. She never questioned me or challenged me."

Sakura's heart skipped a beat, her chest tightening at the implication. Did Sasuke actually enjoy that? Was he telling her that the fact she cared so much about him—wanted him to change, to grow—had been too much for him?

Sakura was silent for a moment, unsure of what to say. Her heart was still racing, still aching from the jealousy that had surged through her, but something in Sasuke's words had broken through that wall of frustration.

Finally, she sighed, letting out a shaky breath. "Nah, I don't believe you. I think your making all of this just to make me angry or something but these thing don't bother me. You're a terrible liar, Sasuke-kun," she said, though the smile she gave him was hesitant. "And I can't believe I'm still letting you get to me like this."

Sasuke leaned back, his smirk widening. "I don't understand what's there to lie about here. You yourself wanted to know how I spent 2 years in Oto and now I'm telling you." He paused, his voice lowering as if to share a secret. "Karin and I did spend some time alone, but... it wasn't anything serious. Not like you're imagining."

Sakura raised an eyebrow. "What!? What do you mean?"

Sasuke's eyes glinted with a mischievous gleam. "Let's just say that after spending so much time training, she started to... pick up some bad habits. I had to remind her to focus. She was getting a little too comfortable."

Sakura jumped at that moment as if someone had stung her. "What the hell do you mean by 'too comfortable' ? What did she do? What did you do exactly? Did she touch you? Did she kiss you?"

Sasuke gave Sakura a look and at that moment he broke down. After so long he started laughing louder, he couldn't imagine that Sakura would be so jealous of a person who didn't matter to him at all.

Sakura sat down, her eyebrows furrowed. From Sasuke's laughter she realized that everything was a lie and she had fallen into his trap. "So funny. HaHa. My stomach hurts from the humor."

Sasuke chuckled, his smirk turning into something softer. "You're the one who keeps getting jealous," he teased. "You really need to stop worrying about her."

As the conversation began to settle, the weight of everything that had been said and felt between them hung in the air, but the playful tension remained. Sasuke glanced down at his watch, the time reminding him of his responsibilities. He sighed quietly, pushing his plate aside.

"I should probably get back to work. Duty calls," he said, a hint of reluctance in his voice. He wasn't in any rush to leave Sakura's side, but he knew he couldn't keep skipping out on his shift.

Sakura, still adjusting to the new rhythm of their conversations after so long apart, nodded with a soft smile, though there was a slight sadness in her eyes. She didn't want the moment to end.

"Yeah, I guess you do," she replied, trying to hide the disappointment in her voice. "But how about this—when you're done, we can go for a walk, just the two of us."

Sasuke raised an eyebrow, his gaze lingering on her face, sensing the vulnerability beneath her casual words.

"A walk?" His lips quirked upward, and there was something teasing in the way his eyes met hers. "Are you sure? I'm not sure you can handle walking with me for too long." He tilted his head, his gaze intense as if daring her to rise to the challenge.

Sakura flushed, her cheeks tinged with pink at his teasing. She shot him a look, trying to hide the warmth that was spreading over her face.

"Oh, I can handle it," she said quickly, clearing her throat. "It's just a walk, Sasuke. We're not going to race anywhere." She rolled her eyes at him, trying to play it cool.

Sasuke chuckled softly, his teasing glint in his eyes deepening. "I think I need to remind you... no kissing on this walk, Sakura. Our parents don't know anything yet and you know people will start talking for us."

Sakura froze, her mouth opening slightly as her face turned a shade deeper red. She hadn't been expecting that at all. She had already been feeling a little self-conscious after their earlier conversation, but Sasuke's words... they sent her heart racing.

"I-I...!" She stammered, flustered. "Sasuke! What the hell!" Her hands immediately flew to her face, trying to hide the embarrassment that had quickly overcome her.

"I'm just saying, Sakura." His voice dropped lower, teasing her as he stepped closer, his presence enough to make her pulse quicken. "You can't blame me for thinking you might just get carried away again. You've got a habit of doing that around me."

Sakura puffed her cheeks out, trying to hold back a laugh. "I'm not the one who can't stop teasing," she shot back, though her voice was a little softer than she intended.

Sasuke's smirk softened, the teasing in his expression giving way to something more tender. He placed a hand on her shoulder, his touch light but firm, grounding her in the moment.

"You owe me, you know. Dinner and a walk. And I expect you to not get too distracted by me again."

Sakura blinked at him, her breath steadying as his words settled over her. There was something comforting about how he could turn her embarrassment into something playful and easy.

"I can do that," she said with a nod, smiling a little more genuinely now. "I promise about keeping my distance."

Sasuke gave her a small, genuine smile, that same warmth in his eyes that had always been there, only now, it felt more open, more accessible.

"We'll see about that," he said, his voice calm, but there was an undeniable fondness in the way he said it. "I'll meet you after work, then. Don't be late."

"I won't be. I'll be waiting."

Sasuke paused at the door of the station , glancing over his shoulder with that familiar glint of mischief in his eyes. He gave her a smile.

With a final, fleeting glance, Sasuke disappeared through the door, leaving Sakura there for a moment, her heart still racing from the flurry of emotions they'd just shared. As much as he teased her, and as much as her jealousy still simmered, she couldn't deny that having him in her life again felt more real, more grounded than ever before.

Sakura smiled to herself, knowing the evening wasn't over just yet. It was just the beginning of a new chapter for them—one filled with understanding, lighthearted teasing, and a whole lot of walking.