Before we start, I'm very curious to know from you readers here.
What was the reason or which was the scene that led you to think that Sakura and Sasuke would be the endgame? The part that all you said "These are definitely going to be a couple."
For me it's the iconic "Who did this to you?" scene from the forest of death.
The quiet of the night settled over the Land of Tea, the distant hum of the town soft beneath the rustling of the trees. Outside the hospital, Sasuke and Sakura sat side by side on a fallen log, both leaning against the tree. They had agreed to remain near the building just in case Hana's little sister needed anything during the night.
Sasuke, stared up at the sky, his gaze not quite focused on the stars, but on something deeper—something he had been holding inside for longer than he cared to admit. Sakura, too, found herself lost in thought, her gaze drifting over the moonlit landscape, though her mind was on the little girl and the operation.
For a moment turned his head to see Sakura, he forgot about the world around them, lost in the sight of her. Under the silver hue of the moon, Sakura looked different—more delicate, more radiant than he had ever remembered her. There was an unspoken grace in the way the light seemed to wrap around her, highlighting the softness of her expression, the quiet strength in her posture.
Sasuke found himself staring at her, mesmerized by the way the moonlight made her seem almost otherworldly. Her pale skin seemed to glow in the darkness, and the way her hair caught the light added a subtle shine to the strands that framed her face. He noticed how her eyes—so often full of determination and strength—held a gentleness when she wasn't looking at him as a warrior, but as a woman, just being herself.
It was... disarming.
He realized he had been staring at her for longer than he intended, a strange warmth creeping into his chest. Sasuke quickly looked away, but the image of her under the moonlight lingered in his mind, unbidden and undeniable.
"You're... different tonight," he muttered, though the words felt clumsy even to him. He wasn't sure why he'd said it, but it was as if the beauty he saw in her tonight was something he couldn't ignore. The words hung in the air, and he winced slightly, unsure of how she would respond.
Sakura turned to him with a soft, surprised smile, her eyes wide and curious. "Different how?"
He hesitated, his throat feeling tight. "You just... you look different." He struggled to put it into words, but it felt awkward, even more so because of how he felt when he noticed it.
Sakura blinked, caught off guard by his compliment, but the warmth in his words was unmistakable. She felt a slight blush creep up her neck, though she tried to hide it with a small laugh.
"Maybe the moonlight's just getting to you."
But Sasuke didn't laugh. He just turned his head slightly toward her again, this time less guarded, more willing to let the moment settle between them.
"I don't think it's the moonlight," he said softly. "I think it's just you."
Sakura's heart skipped a beat, and she turned away slightly to hide the blush spreading across her cheeks. She didn't respond immediately, but his words lingered in her chest like a sweet, quiet melody. For the first time, Sasuke's gaze felt like it reached deeper into her than it ever had before. She wasn't sure if he fully realized it, but she could feel how different this moment was.
"Sakura," he began, and she turned her head slightly toward him, wondering what had prompted his sudden shift in tone.
"How is it possible," Sasuke continued, his voice barely above a whisper, "for a girl to continue loving a boy... when he could have broken her heart so many times?"
Sakura's heart skipped. She blinked, caught off guard by the question. Her breath caught for a moment before she slowly turned to face him more fully, her wide eyes searching his face for any sign of jest. There was none. He was serious.
"Why do you ask?" Sakura murmured, her voice filled with both curiosity and a trace of apprehension.
Sasuke shifted slightly, his back still against the tree but his body posture tense, as if trying to put his thoughts into words that wouldn't come easily.
"It's just... I've never really understood it," he said, his eyes flickering briefly to hers before returning to the sky. "Love. Why someone would keep holding on... when there's so much that could tear them apart."
She let out a soft sigh, feeling the cool night air on her skin as she turned her body more fully to him.
"Maybe," Sakura began, her voice quieter now, "the heart doesn't follow rules. It doesn't work the way we think it should. I mean… sometimes, even if we know it could hurt us, we keep loving someone because... it's just the way we're made."
"Very understandable," Sasuke said in a mocking tone.
Sakura laughed lightly "See, it's simple in principle but a little difficult to explain."
"It's difficult in any situation," Sasuke said as he looked at the sky. "Why should you love someone when they hurt you, and not hate them?"
Sakura rested her head on her hand. "Hmm, let's say, would you hate tomatoes if they had more salt than necessary?"
"No. What does tomato have to do with love?"
"Focus Sasuke-kun. If you go to the market and buy tomatoes and they turn out a bit sour than usual, would you keep buying tomatoes or would you get mad and don't buy anymore?"
Sasuke raised an eyebrow as he now looked at Sakura with confusion. "I would buy them again, just because they turned out sour once doesn't mean they'll always be that way."
"You see, that's a point. Just because someone hurts you once doesn't mean they'll always do it. It depends on the reason why someone hurts you, though."
"Once... what if it happens multiple times?" Sasuke asked, growing more and more confused by the idea.
"As I said, it all depends on the reasons why it happened. Love is not mathematics Sasuke-kun. There are no rules or calculations, everyone experiences it differently and thinks differently."
"I see," said Sasuke and the two were now standing in silence.
Sakura moved again, turning her attention and gaze completely to Sasuke. "And you?"
"What about me?" he asked.
"Why haven't you allowed yourself to love someone? Didn't you want to love someone or hasn't the right person come along yet?" Sakura's questions might have seemed simple, like she wanted to continue a conversation, but their purpose was deeper.
"I don't think I deserve love in my life."
"Don't be stupid, everyone deserves love in their life."
Sasuke felt something in him stir—a strange mixture of discomfort and clarity. His gaze fell to the ground, where the soft shadows of the night stretched long. "I don't deserve that kind of love," he murmured, his voice barely audible.
Sakura's heart ached at his words. She leaned forward slightly, the space between them closing just enough to make the moment feel more intimate.
"You don't get to decide that," she said gently, her tone kind but firm.
"Hn."
"You know what?" Sakura asked as she stood up. "I'll find you the perfect woman."
Sasuke looked at her in surprise. "Tonight?"
"Tonight!? No tonight, where am I supposed to find her tonight?" She asked.
"I thought you'd find her tonight since you got up," Sasuke said with a smirk.
"Don't take it as a joke. I'm serious, I'll find you the perfect woman." Sakura said as she placed her hands on her waist confidently.
"Where the hell did this come from?" Sasuke said, his face showing that he was bothered by the topic.
"Sasuke-kun, you deserve to have a woman by your side and to be able to love each other."
"Sakura, sit down before you fall to the ground." He said, annoyed by this topic now.
"Okay, I'll sit , but I'm serious about this."
"Hn, cover up and let us both get some sleep. Enough with this love talk for tonight."
Sakura started to laugh, now that she realized how much this topic was bothering him. "Okay, Sasuke-kun."
"Good night," Sasuke said, covering himself with a blanket and finding a comfortable position to sleep. The two of them had their backs to each other.
"Good night to you too," Sakura said as she tried to hold back her laughter.
After the silence was prevailing Sakura turned her head back to look at Sasuke. "Sasuke-kun..."
"What?" he asked, turning his head slightly.
"Blonde or brunette?"
"Good night Sakura!" he said and Sakura started to laugh.
The first light of dawn began to creep over the horizon, painting the sky with shades of pink and gold. The crisp morning air hung thick with the scent of fresh snow, the world outside still covered in a blanket of white. Sasuke blinked open his eyes, his body stiff from the cold night spent outside the hospital. He had gotten used to sleeping in uncomfortable places during his travels, but the chill of the winter morning still managed to settle deep into his bones.
Just as he was about to sit up, the chirping of birds echoed through the quiet morning. He furrowed his brow, the high-pitched sounds ringing in his ears. And before he could even process the noise, a sudden snowball came flying through the air, smacking him square in the face.
He quickly wiped the snow from his face, turning toward the source of the attack. Sakura was standing a few feet away, arms crossed, clearly proud of her handiwork.
Sasuke glared at her, still trying to process what had just happened. "What was that for?" he muttered, his voice still rough from sleep.
Sakura burst into laughter, unable to hold it in. "I couldn't resist! You looked so serious when you woke up." She was doubled over in giggles, clutching her stomach.
Sasuke sighed, shaking his head and wiping his face again. "It seems the cold is starting to affect your brain."
This only made Sakura laugh even harder, nearly falling over from the force of it. "Oh, come on, Sasuke-kun! You should have seen your face!" She kicked at him playfully, and though he didn't move, the slight twitch of his lips betrayed that he wasn't as annoyed as he let on.
Sasuke adjusted his clothes and stood up, brushing the snow off his shoulders. But then, Sakura suddenly stopped, her expression shifting to something entirely unexpected. She crouched down slightly, tilting her head in the direction of the trees nearby.
"Listen," she said with an exaggerated seriousness.
Sasuke raised an eyebrow, the movement so subtle that only Sakura would have noticed. "What?"
Without answering, Sakura let out a soft, high-pitched chirp, followed by a little trill. Sasuke blinked, staring at her as if she had lost her mind.
"Sakura..." he began slowly, his voice betraying his confusion. "What are you doing?"
She turned toward him, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "I'm talking to a bird," she explained matter-of-factly, as if this was the most normal thing in the world.
Sasuke stood still for a moment, his gaze flicking to the nearby branches where birds chirped cheerfully in return. "You're… talking to a bird?" he repeated, unable to keep the skepticism out of his voice.
"Yep!" Sakura nodded enthusiastically and chirped again. This time, the bird responded almost immediately, its song matching the pitch of Sakura's chirp. "See?" she grinned, her voice filled with satisfaction. "It's answering me."
Sasuke blinked, staring at her as the absurdity of the situation slowly sank in. He opened his mouth to speak but then paused, realizing the ridiculousness of the moment. The image of Sakura, with her serious expression and playful chirps, was just too much for him.
And then, to his own surprise, Sasuke laughed. It was a deep, unrestrained laugh—something light and genuine. It wasn't forced, nor was it self-conscious. It was simply the kind of laughter that came when something amused him, something completely unexpected. The sound filled the air, a rare but refreshing sound.
Sakura froze mid-chirp, her eyes widening in shock. This was the first time in her life that she had seen Sasuke laugh like that—so uninhibited, so free. She stared at him for a few moments, her heart skipping a beat at the sight. She had always known that Sasuke was capable of feeling emotions, but seeing him laugh so openly, with no reservations, was something new and special.
She blinked rapidly, trying to collect herself, and then grinned from ear to ear. "Sasuke Uchiha is laughing. I can't believe it!" She placed a hand over her heart dramatically. "I didn't think I'd live to see the day."
Sasuke's laughter died down, and he wiped his eyes, still holding back a smirk. "You're ridiculous," he muttered, though his tone lacked its usual bite.
Sakura giggled, stepping closer. "Maybe. But, hey, I got you to laugh. You've got to admit that's a win."
"Yeah, yeah. And, what's the bird saying to you?" Sasuke asked as he laughed again.
"He's telling me he's cold," Sakura replied
"Are you going to get him a blanket?" Sasuke asked mockingly.
"Why are you being so mean? Try it yourself, chirp and see how he responds."
Sasuke exhaled and chirped, the bird immediately chirped after him. "Interesting" he said.
"You see how beautiful it is, what do you think he said to you?"
"He said 'Sakura is annoying'." With that Sakura made another snowball and hit Sasuke harder.
After a quick wash in the nearby river, Sasuke and Sakura stood side by side, both brushing their teeth in the cold morning air. The crispness of the water against their cheeks had awakened them completely, and now, with the day fully beginning, the hunger in their stomachs was beginning to remind them of their next task: breakfast.
Sakura wiped her mouth and smiled at Sasuke, brushing a few stray strands of hair from her face. "Ready to eat?"
Sasuke only nodded, his usual stoic expression in place. The two of them made their way toward the small village, the early morning sun casting a soft glow over the snowy landscape. It wasn't long before they reached a small, bustling part of the village where a restaurant stood—a simple, cozy building that looked welcoming enough for breakfast.
As they entered, the clinking of plates and murmurs of conversation filled the air. It was a busy spot, but one look around and Sasuke could immediately tell that it was… a little too busy for his liking. The place was packed with men—local farmers and workers who seemed to be more than a little preoccupied with the two newcomers.
Sasuke couldn't help but feel a wave of annoyance as several of the men's eyes immediately turned toward Sakura, lingering just a moment too long. He stood just slightly behind her, his arms crossed, silently observing the situation with a touch of irritation.
Sakura, on the other hand, was blissfully unaware at first. She made her way to the counter with a cheerful smile, oblivious to the sudden attention she was getting. But Sasuke, ever the observant one, couldn't help but mutter under his breath, "Apparently women don't eat breakfast in this place."
Sakura turned to look at him, her expression a mixture of amusement and confusion. "What do you mean?" she asked, her voice light.
Sasuke gave her a dry glance before nodding slightly toward the men. "They're staring at you like they haven't seen a woman before."
Sakura blinked and glanced around, finally noticing the admiring gazes from across the room. She bit back a smile. "Oh, come on, Sasuke-kun," she teased, nudging him with her elbow. "Maybe they're just admiring my charm."
Sasuke didn't respond, but his jaw tightened slightly. He might have been annoyed by their attention, but he didn't show it outwardly—except for the occasional narrowing of his eyes whenever one of the men so much as glanced in her direction.
Just then, a waitress approached their table. She was a young woman, and she smiled brightly as she looked at Sasuke, her eyes widening as she took in his appearance.
"My, you look like you've seen a lot," she said with a soft laugh, her gaze lingering on Sasuke's face. "I've never seen anyone quite like you around here."
Sasuke raised an eyebrow, unsure whether he was being complimented or scrutinized. He didn't say anything, but his expression shifted into his usual neutral state.
The waitress, oblivious to the quiet tension, continued. "Your eyes are so striking," she said, almost dreamily. "You must be someone important."
Sasuke simply blinked, clearly uncomfortable with the attention but not wanting to be rude.
The waitress, clearly still mesmerized by his presence, finally tore her gaze away and turned to Sakura. "What can I get for you today?"
Sakura, who had been watching the interaction with an amused expression, caught Sasuke's subtle discomfort and smiled to herself. She quickly placed their order before the waitress could say anything else, and the woman hurried away, clearly still floating a little bit from her encounter with Sasuke.
As soon as she was out of earshot, Sakura couldn't hold back any longer. She burst out laughing, her voice a little louder than usual.
"Oh my god," she giggled, trying to catch her breath. "She was practically swooning over you!"
Sasuke, who had been trying to focus on his cup of tea, shot her a look. "Tch, whatever."
Sakura laughed even harder, shaking her head. "I think you're just a little too modest. You had her staring at you like you were a god."
Sasuke sighed, running a hand through his hair in a rare moment of exasperation. "I don't care about that."
"Oh, I know," Sakura teased, her voice playful. "Anyway, what do you think if after we finish breakfast we order something to take with us and take it to Hana's family at the hospital? I don't think they've had a chance to eat anything since last night."
Sasuke nodded in agreement. In a short time their breakfast arrived and they began to eat. They finished quickly, got food for Hana's family, and headed together to the hospital where her family were staying.
They arrived at the small hospital . The faint scent of herbs and the muted sounds of healing were all around them as they entered the room. The little girl was lying in the bed, her face pale, but her eyes still held a quiet strength.
Hana, who had been waiting anxiously by her sister's side, stood up as they approached. "Thank you so much for coming," she said, her voice filled with both relief and gratitude. "I know you've already done so much, but… I just want to make sure she's okay."
Sakura gave Hana a gentle smile, her focus turning to her little sister, who managed a weak smile in return.
"Let me take a look," Sakura said as she stepped closer to her, her fingers brushing over the girl's forehead to check for any signs of fever. As she worked through the various tests, her brow furrowed. Emi's condition was better than before, but it was still dire.
After a few moments, Sakura sat back on her heels, her gaze meeting Hana's father, who stood nearby, watching quietly. "She's stable. She needs time to rest and recuperate. It might be best if we send her home so she can be more comfortable while I continue to monitor her progress."
Hana's father nodded. "You're right. She'll feel better in her own bed. Thank you again for everything."
Sakura smiled softly, standing and gathering the small medical supplies she'd brought. "I'll stay with her, check on her every few hours. I will make sure she's okay."
The little girl took Sakura's hand and smiled slightly, "Sakura-san, thank you so much for your help."
"No problem, sweetie. Can you tell me your name?"
"My name is Emi."
"Emi, what a beautiful name. I'll be with you for a few days, so whenever you have any concerns, you'll tell me right away. Okay?"
"Mhm," the little girl said, nodding her head. Even though she was tired, she didn't lack a smile on her face.
The family exchanged looks of relief, the weight of worry slowly lifting from their shoulders.
"I'll take you all home," Sasuke said simply.
Hana's father stepped forward, his expression filled with gratitude. "Thank you, Sasuke-san. This means a lot to us."
After returning from the hospital, the family settles Emi into her room, her small form tucked under the covers, her face pale but peaceful. Sakura stands by her side for a moment, carefully using her chakra to ease the pain. The air in the room is calm, the quiet hum of the house adding to the sense of safety. Sakura glances at Hana, who lingers in the doorway, a silent understanding passing between them.
Meanwhile, Sasuke spends the day with Hana's father, the two of them seated in a corner of the house. The older man, full of curiosity, asks about Sasuke's past—his life as a shinobi, his clan, the war—but Sasuke answers with the cool distance that's become his norm, the weight of his history clear in his silence. Though Sasuke remains guarded, the questions keep coming, a reminder of how foreign his world is to these simple, peaceful people.
As the conversation lulls, Sakura watches from a distance, she could clearly see the embarrassment Sasuke was in and it made her laugh.
Two days passed, flowing in a steady, unhurried rhythm, much like the quiet breeze that rustled through the fields surrounding the small house. The land of Tea, with its sprawling orchards and gentle hills, felt as though it existed in a separate world, untouched by the violence and chaos that had once consumed their lives. In this moment, the world was peaceful. Taking care of Emi for Sakura was the best part of the day, with her unrelenting questions and bursts of joy, was simple—soothing, even.
Sasuke had spent the days helping Hana's father. Since her mother was with Sakura and the little girl, Hana's father had been left with all the work. Hana's parents worked in the market and sold fruits and vegetables, it was hard work for her to do alone. On this occasion, Sasuke had decided to help her a little. He was in the yard quietly arranging some small tomatoes in plastic boxes.
It was a quite afternoon and Sakura found herself watching him from the doorway, a small smile tugging at her lips. Every day, she was surprised by how far he had come. Gone was the man who used to carry the weight of the world on his shoulders, shying away from connection. In his place was someone who, despite the scars and the past, had found his place in the world once more. Helping, quietly and earnestly, without need for recognition or praise. Sakura was so proud of him.
Sasuke movements were deliberate, methodical, as he adjusted the plastic boxes of tomatoes with the same precision he applied to everything. She had been meaning to offer her help, but the way he seemed so absorbed in his task made her hesitate.
Just as she was about to take a step toward him, Hana appeared from the side, walking toward Sasuke with a bright, hopeful expression. Her steps were light, almost hesitant, as though she were unsure of how to approach him. Sakura paused, watching from the doorway.
"Do you need help?" Hana asked, her voice soft but laced with genuine concern.
Sasuke, without looking up, gave a simple, polite response, "No, I'm fine."
Sakura noticed the slight flush on Hana's cheeks, her eyes darting away, a shy smile tugging at her lips before she began to retreat. But just as she was about to turn back, something unexpected happened.
Hana's foot caught on the edge of a stone, and in an instant, her balance faltered. Sasuke's hand shot out instinctively, catching her arm with the same precision he applied to everything else.
Time seemed to slow for a moment. Hana's eyes widened in surprise, and a deep blush spread across her face as she found herself steady in Sasuke's grasp. Sasuke, for all his usual stoic demeanor, stood frozen for a moment, his blank face betraying the faintest hint of discomfort.
"Be careful," Sasuke said quietly, his voice barely above a whisper.
Hana stammered a quick, embarrassed apology, her cheeks now an even deeper shade of red as she pulled away, a flustered smile playing at the edges of her lips. "I—I'm sorry, I didn't mean to—"
"No harm done," Sasuke replied, his tone as neutral as ever. He gave her a quick nod, turning back to his task without another word.
From her vantage point, Sakura couldn't help but watch the exchange closely. Hana, her face still glowing with embarrassment, was now walking away with a flurry of quiet, unspoken thoughts clearly running through her mind. As Sakura's eyes followed her, a strange feeling bubbled up inside her—one she couldn't quite explain.
It wasn't that she didn't want Sasuke to experience feelings for someone else, but... but it was a feeling Sakura wasn't used to. And yet, seeing the small exchange between Sasuke and Hana—the way he'd caught her with that rare flicker of emotion, however small—made something stir deep within Sakura. Maybe it was the jealousy of seeing another woman around Sasuke, or maybe it was simply the vulnerability of the moment, but it left her wondering if there was more between them than just the fleeting, casual help of a simple neighborly gesture.
She stood there for a moment, staring out into the yard, but as her gaze lifted, she caught sight of Sasuke. He was looking at her—his dark eyes focused, and his brow furrowed as if searching for something in her expression.
Sakura blinked, startled for a brief moment, before offering him a small, reassuring smile.
"Is something wrong? Are you okay?" Sasuke asked, his voice as calm and neutral as ever, though there was an undeniable undercurrent of concern.
Sakura let out a soft laugh, shaking her head. "Of course I'm okay, Sasuke. Why wouldn't I be?"
He didn't reply immediately, but the look on his face remained unchanged. He stepped closer, scrutinizing her with a subtle intensity that sent a small, inexplicable flutter through her chest.
"You seemed lost in thought," he remarked, his eyes narrowing slightly.
Sakura paused for a moment before smiling a bit more brightly. "There's nothing wrong, really. Just... thinking."
His gaze softened ever so slightly, but the expression on his face was still guarded. Sakura could feel the lingering weight of his concern in the air, even though he wasn't expressing it in words.
"Don't worry, Sasuke. I'm fine. Go on, get back to work. I'll see you later. Dinner will be ready in a few hours, so don't tire yourself out," she said with a playful glint in her eyes.
Sasuke stared at her for a second, then gave a small nod, returning to his task without another word. Sakura watched him for a moment longer before turning away, the lightness in her chest fading slightly as she moved toward the house.
Sasuke's thoughts, however, were far from light. As he continued his work, his mind wandered back to the past few years—the long road of redemption, the quiet, difficult steps he'd taken toward healing. He had never once imagined that things could return to anything resembling normal. The war, the pain, the loss—it had all seemed so vast, so insurmountable.
But somehow, he was here. In the Land of Tea. Helping out in a small village. Walking beside Sakura. And it made him think of the words Naruto had once spoken to him, before they had set off on this journey:
"Teme, if you ever want things to be right between you two, you'll have to figure out how to tell her. She needs to know how you really feel. You can't keep hiding it. Not anymore."
Naruto's words had echoed in his mind ever since. Find a way to reassure Sakura. Find a way to show her.
But how? How could he express what he had been carrying inside for so long? Every instinct told him to keep his emotions locked away, to let his actions speak louder than any words. But Sakura deserved more than that. She deserved more than the silence, the uncertainty.
Sasuke's fingers tightened around the small box of tomatoes he had been adjusting. He didn't want to lose her. He wanted to be by her side today and forever, but he needed to turn on his engines a little. He needed to break some barriers in order to express his feelings properly and as Sakura deserved.
Dinner was served in the cozy dining room, the warm glow of lanterns casting a gentle light over the table. The scent of freshly prepared food filled the air, and the atmosphere was peaceful. Hana's parents sat at the table, chatting with Sasuke and Sakura, their laughter and gentle conversation filling the air.
Hana's mother smiled warmly at the pair, her eyes twinkling with gratitude. "Thank you both so much for everything these past few days. You've been such a great help. I can't tell you how much we appreciate it."
Sakura smiled, shaking her head. "Please, there's no need to thank us. It's the least we could do."
Sasuke, who had been quietly sipping his tea, said nothing but gave a small nod in acknowledgment. The hum of conversation continued around them, but the atmosphere was easygoing—comfortable. After the days of helping in the yard and the quiet, shared moments with Hana's family, Sakura felt a sense of calm she hadn't realized she'd been missing.
It wasn't long before Hana hurried into the room, a sheepish expression on her face. She glanced around apologetically, her cheeks pink with embarrassment. "I'm so sorry for being late," she said, slipping into her seat beside her mother.
Hana's mother waved a hand dismissively, a playful glint in her eyes. "This has become a regular thing now, hasn't it? Every night, late to the table because you're practicing with your katana."
Hana gave a sheepish smile, nodding in confirmation. "It's just... I want to get better," she mumbled, her eyes flicking to the table. "I promise I'm not doing it to be rude."
Sakura chuckled softly, intrigued by the glimpse into Hana's world. She thought for a moment before an idea sparked in her mind. "You know," she said, looking up at Hana, "Sasuke-kun use a katana too. I'm sure he could give you a few lessons, if you're interested."
Sasuke looked up from his plate at Sakura, confusion flashing across his face. His brow furrowed slightly, as if unsure of where she was going with this.
Sakura met his gaze, giving him a subtle nod to indicate that he should play along. He sighed inwardly but didn't protest. The last thing he wanted was to appear uninterested or unhelpful. After a brief moment of hesitation, he nodded his head in agreement, though his expression remained stoic.
"Yes, I could show you a few things," Sasuke said, his voice cool but polite.
Hana's eyes widened in surprise, and a rush of color flooded her cheeks. "Oh! That would be... amazing. Thank you Sasuke-san!" Her voice was a little too high-pitched, betraying the excitement she was trying to hide. She looked away for a moment, flustered, but couldn't hide the smile tugging at the corners of her lips.
Sakura watched the exchange from the corner of her eye, her mind working as she looked between Sasuke and Hana. There was no denying the connection in the air between them, however subtle. Hana's admiration was clear, and Sasuke, though his usual stoicism remained, had given her a rare moment of attention.
As the conversation shifted back to the meal, Sakura's thoughts began to drift. 'Could this be it? Could Hana be the one who could bring Sasuke the happiness and love he deserved?'
Dinner continued in silence, with conversations that Hana's parents were telling about their life as a couple. At the end of it, everyone together arranged the dishes and the kitchen so that they could finish quickly and lie down. Sasuke and Sakura stayed in the same room. It was a small room that Hana's parents had arranged with the aim of making the two of them feel as comfortable as possible in their home.
The room was quiet except for the soft rustling of pages as Sakura turned the next one in her novel. It wasn't often that she indulged in reading for pleasure, but tonight, she needed an escape—something that didn't involve medical terms or Sasuke's unreadable silence. The book was lighthearted, a welcome distraction from the weight of the last few days. Still, her eyes drifted more often to Sasuke than the pages in front of her.
He was lying on the other bed, his gaze fixed out the window. The night sky was clear, a scattering of stars visible through the glass. Even in the stillness of the room, he felt distant—like he was somewhere else entirely, lost in his own thoughts. Sakura knew better than to ask what he was thinking, but she couldn't stop herself from wondering.
The quiet stretched between them, and finally, Sasuke broke it. "Why did you suggest Hana train with me?"
Sakura paused, her fingers halting in their movement as she turned the page. She looked up at him, meeting his gaze for a brief moment before returning to her book. "I thought it might make her happy," she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "She admires you, Sasuke-kun. And... I think she's been trying to find something she can be good at. Something that makes her feel strong."
Sasuke's brow furrowed. "I'm not someone who teaches others. I don't like training others."
Sakura's heart tightened, but she didn't let it show. Instead, she simply said, "I know. But I think you might be able to help her, even if it's just a little. I just... want her to be happy. And I think you could be a part of that."
For a long moment, Sasuke didn't respond. He just stared out the window, his mind working through her words. It wasn't that he didn't understand what she was saying—it was the fact that, where did this sudden concern to make hana feel good come from? Sasuke helped people but he wasn't one to focus on the feelings of people he had no connection with. However, if Sakura wanted this and it made her feel good then Sasuke could do it too.
As Sasuke continued to look out the window, he suddenly heard something. A small, muffled sniffle broke the silence.
He turned toward Sakura, his eyes narrowing as he took in the sight. She was sitting on her bed, a tissue clutched in her hand as she wiped her nose and dabbed at her eyes. Her shoulders were trembling, her face contorted with the unmistakable signs of crying. Sasuke blinked in confusion.
"Sakura?" His voice was hesitant, but his concern was clear. "What's wrong?"
Sakura sniffled again, her eyes puffy as she looked up at him through a blur of tears. "The main characters died," she said in a broken voice, as if it was the most tragic thing in the world.
Sasuke blinked, not sure he understood. "The... main characters?" he asked slowly, glancing down at the book in her lap.
She nodded frantically, her tears continuing to fall. "Yes! The main couple! They weren't supposed to die! It was supposed to be a happy ending!" She dabbed at her eyes, clearly devastated.
Sasuke stared at her for a moment, his expression unreadable. 'This is... what's making her cry?' He couldn't help but furrow his brow in confusion. "So… you're upset over a book?"
Sakura looked up at him, the sorrow in her eyes deepening. "Yes! I hate novels like this! I only read medical books for a reason! They don't do this to me! This is awful!" Her voice cracked, the frustration and sorrow mixing together in a pitiful sound.
Sasuke sat back against the headboard of his bed, trying—unsuccessfully—to suppress the smallest hint of a smile. It wasn't the kind of reaction he was used to from Sakura, who usually hid her emotions behind a strong, stoic exterior. But seeing her in such a state over a fictional couple was… almost endearing.
"This is terrible," Sasuke said, his tone serious.
Sakura nodded, wiping her eyes as more tears spilled down her face. "Yes! Exactly! He gave up everything, and for what? For nothing!" She was almost shouting now, her frustration palpable.
Sasuke, struggling to hold back the urge to laugh, looked at her with a mockingly somber expression. "I'm sorry, Sakura. When's the funeral?"
Sakura's face went from devastated to completely bewildered in a matter of seconds. She blinked at him, as if processing his words, and then it hit her. "Wait… you're mocking me?" Her eyes narrowed in disbelief.
Sasuke simply raised an eyebrow, his lips twitching with barely contained amusement. "I didn't mean to. But... it's a bit much for a book, don't you think?"
The air between them shifted, the tension easing as Sakura's eyes narrowed further. "You think this is funny?" she asked, her voice full of indignation.
Sasuke tried his hardest not to laugh, but it was too late. A small chuckle escaped him, and that was all Sakura needed.
Before Sasuke could react, Sakura grabbed the nearest pillow and hurled it at him with surprising force. "Take that, Mr. I-don't-care-about-books!" she yelled.
Sasuke barely had time to react as the pillow hit him in the chest, but he quickly retaliated, grabbing his own pillow and tossing it at her with equal force.
The next few moments descended into pure chaos, with the two of them flinging pillows at each other with abandon, laughing and dodging as the once peaceful room became a battleground.
Sakura ducked as Sasuke tossed another pillow, only for it to miss and hit the wall behind her. She grabbed another pillow from her bed, launching it at his face with a playful grin.
"You can't even hit me properly!" Sasuke teased, though his tone was light and full of amusement.
Sakura smirked, grabbing the final pillow and launching it straight at his chest with a triumphant yell. Sasuke barely had time to react before he was hit square in the chest, causing him to stumble backward and fall onto the bed in mock defeat.
"I win," Sakura said victoriously, panting and grinning down at him.
Sasuke lay on the bed, his hands resting on his stomach as he stared up at the ceiling. For a moment, the silence returned, but this time, it was far more comfortable. He turned his head slightly to glance at her. "Sakura," he said, his voice quieter now. "Do you want to pray for their souls?"
Sakura's smile softened as she looked at him. "Haha, very funny Sasuke-kun."
Sasuke sat up, still with a slight grin on his face. "At least you're not crying anymore."
Sakura gave him a playful look. "That's because you distracted me with your terrible jokes."
He smirked. "Good. I'm glad I could be of help."
The playful silence lingered between them for a moment. Sakura shifted on her bed, her gaze turning toward Sasuke, who was now sitting up, his eyes unfocused as he stared at the ceiling.
After a long pause, she spoke softly, her voice almost shy. "You know," she began, drawing his attention, "I like this version of you."
Sasuke turned to look at her, confusion flickering across his features. "Which version?" he asked, his brow furrowing slightly.
Sakura smiled, a tender warmth in her expression. "This one," she said, gesturing lightly toward him. "The one who jokes and laughs." Her voice softened, and she shifted, propping herself up on her pillow. "I feel happy seeing you like this. And, above all, I feel really… appreciated. You know, because up until now, I feel like I'm the only one who's seen this side of you."
Sasuke blinked, the words sinking in. He'd never thought of it that way—that his moments of lightness, of teasing, might be something special. He was used to his serious persona, his carefully controlled exterior. But Sakura's words made him realize that in these moments, he was allowing her to see him in a way he didn't show others.
He didn't know how to respond to that, so instead, he just gave her a small nod, his voice quiet but sincere. "Thank you, Sakura."
Sakura smiled, a soft, genuine smile that lit up her whole face. She was about to say something more when Sasuke suddenly broke the silence again.
"We should spend tomorrow together," he said, his voice thoughtful.
Sakura looked at him, her brow raising in curiosity. "What do you mean?" she asked, leaning forward slightly. "You're going to train Hana tomorrow, right?"
Sasuke narrowed his eyes slightly, but there was a softness to his expression. "Hana can wait. You're more important." He paused, thinking for a moment before continuing. "Let's spend the day walking around. We haven't seen much of the Land of Tea yet. I want to see it with you."
Sakura's heart fluttered a little, warmth spreading through her chest. There was something in his words that made her feel special, as if, in this moment, he was truly prioritizing her over everything else. A smile tugged at her lips, and she nodded. "I'd like that. A day just the two of us."
Sasuke gave a small, almost imperceptible nod, as if he were pleased by her response. The thought of a peaceful day with Sakura, away from responsibilities, felt like a rare and precious opportunity.
Sakura stretched slightly and glanced over at the window, the moonlight casting soft shadows across the room. "Okay then, we should sleep," she said with a yawn, settling back against her pillow. "We're going to need all the energy we can get for tomorrow."
Sasuke didn't argue. He glanced over at her, then nodded again, his eyes briefly lingering on her before he lay back down, the familiar quiet settling around them once more.
"Goodnight, Sakura," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.
"Goodnight, Sasuke-kun," she replied softly, her eyes already closing as she let the calm of the evening lull her to sleep.