I just want it to be perfect.

by Valtieel

Summary:

A deeply emotional journey through pain, longing, and the bittersweet beauty of growing up and letting go.

Main Pairings: Sakura x Sasuke / Sakura x Itachi/ Sakura x Sasori
Genres: Romance, Angst, Drama, Coming-of-Age
Warnings: Emotional conflict, mature themes, slow-burn, occasional spice 👀

Notes:

Hey there! 🖤

This fanfic is actually one of my oldest stories – I started writing it about six years ago (wild, right?). The beginning still reflects my old writing style, but starting from chapter 20 onward, you’ll see a big shift. That’s where I pick up the story again with my current style – more refined, more me. So if you can make it through the early chapters (yes, there’s some good old-fashioned cringe and drama 😅), I promise it’ll be so worth it.

Just a little heads-up: this is a full-blown love triangle. The kind that’ll twist your heart and keep you guessing – not just for Sakura, but for me as the writer, too. Seriously, choosing between them? Impossible. 😂

Here are the character ages, so you can keep things straight:
Sakura (17) | Ino (18) | Hinata (17) | Sasuke (18) | Sai (18) | Naruto (17) | Itachi (24) | Sasori (20)
The setting is more or less in the real world – well, kind of. 😉

Also, English isn’t my first language, so please be kind if something reads a bit off. I still hope it flows well and pulls you into the story!

I’ll be updating frequently – just need to finish translating the chapters. Until then, enjoy the chaos, the romance, the heartbreak, and all the messy, wonderful drama that comes with it. 💔💕

Happy reading!

Chapter 1: Chapter 1 : Complicated

March 20

“Oh Sakura, I can tell you're still craving me. Just admit it already—you still want me,” he whispered, one hand already slipping beneath my white top. “I can see it in your face. The way you blush every time I even look at you.”
He started kissing my neck, while his other hand found its way to my chest.
“Please, Sakura… Be my wife,” he murmured.
By now, we were both down to our underwear. He was kneeling between my legs, eyes dark with desire, burning into mine.

“What do you say?” he asked, breathless.

I couldn't hold it in any longer.
“Ahhh, Sasuke-kun, please… I want you. Only you. I love you.”
“Oh, Sakura…”

“Sakuraaaa!”

“Nghhh… Sas—”

“Hey, Sakura, wake up!”

That voice definitely wasn’t Sasuke’s.
I snapped out of my dream so fast I nearly fell off the bed.

Sasori was staring at me, tired and a little worried.
“You were making weird noises in your sleep—like, nightmare-level noises.”

I didn’t answer. I just bolted to the bathroom and slammed the door shut behind me.

What the hell is wrong with me?!
Four nights in a row. Four! And every single time, I’m having super intense sex dreams—while still being a virgin, by the way—and the worst part?
It’s not even my boyfriend in those dreams.
It’s Sasuke freaking Uchiha.
Ugh. Kill me.

I thought I was over him. I really did.
But apparently, he’s just thriving in my subconscious, making damn sure I never forget him.
Not that he ever gave a damn to begin with.

Sasori, on the other hand…
He’s sweet. Gentle. The kind of guy who texts you good morning with a cute selfie.

We met because he works in this quirky little doll shop across from my place. I’m obsessed with collectible figures, and he makes custom ones. One day, he surprised me with a handcrafted figure of me. That’s how it all started.
By date number three, he’d confessed his feelings.
Now we’ve been together for three months.

Or at least, I thought we were good.

I stared at the clock. 6:30 AM. Ugh.
Still totally thrown by the dream, I stepped into the shower, letting the warm water (try to) wash away my guilt.
What the hell was I gonna say to Sasori?
“Oh hey babe, sorry I moaned another guy’s name in my sleep—no biggie”?

Yeah. Not happening.

After showering, I threw on an oversized shirt and opened the bathroom door like I hadn’t just been living a soap opera in my head.
Sasori was sitting on the edge of the bed, still in his boxers, looking both tired and… kinda sad.

“Sakura, something’s going on. You’ve been acting weird for days. Is everything okay?”

I panicked and backed away like he’d caught me red-handed.
“Whaaat? I’m totally fine! You’re overthinking things, babe!”
I flailed like a malfunctioning windmill, trying to sell the lie.
“I, uh, need to get ready for school! Can’t be late!”

I dashed over to the big IKEA-style wardrobe and started rifling through it.

“…Sakura.”
I froze when I heard him say my name like that—quiet, but serious.
“It’s spring break. You don’t have school today.”

Damn.
He gently took my wrist, his gaze softer now but clearly hurting.
“What’s really going on? You’re avoiding me. We barely talk. You don’t even look at me anymore.”

I hated that I was hurting him.
But how could I say the truth?

“I’m sorry, Sasori… There’s a lot going on at home. Stress. And the nightmares aren’t helping.”
I wasn’t lying, exactly. Just... leaving out the spicy Sasuke part.

“You know you can talk to me,” he said gently.

“I know. I just… can’t. Not yet.”

He kissed me then—soft and sweet—but I didn’t kiss him back like I should’ve.
“I’m heading to Ino’s. I’ll message you later, okay?” I mumbled, colder than I meant.
He just lay back down, saying nothing.

I kissed the top of his head and quietly grabbed my things.
Ten minutes later, I was out the door, wrapped in a coat and swallowed by the crisp spring air.

At least the cherry blossoms were blooming.
They always made me feel a little more like myself.
I wonder if that’s why I still dye my hair pink.
Eight days till I turn eighteen. Great.

And yeah—I said I was going to Ino’s.
That was kind of a lie.
I just really, really needed to get out of there. Away from him.

By the time I reached Ino’s house, it was 7:45 AM. Early, but not evil.
She opened the door looking like a pissed-off gremlin.

“You better have an excellent reason for waking me up at this ungodly hour,” she grumbled.

I breezed past her like a woman on a mission.
“We need to talk,” I said, already collapsing onto her massive gray couch.

She followed, still half-asleep, until she saw my face—and all the annoyance disappeared.

“Want something to drink?” she offered.

I shook my head.
“Ino, I had another dream. About Sasuke. Again. While I was sleeping next to Sasori. That’s four nights in a row now. What the hell is wrong with me?”

I buried my face in my hands.
“I love Sasori… I think I do. But apparently, some part of me can’t let Sasuke go. Even though he was always cold, distant, and totally not into me.”

Ino pulled me into a hug.
“Oh, sweetie… even a blind guy with a broken cane could see you’re still hung up on Sasuke.”

I groaned.
“This isn’t funny!”

“Then break up with Sasori.”

“I can’t! I love him!”

“No, you want to love him. Big difference.”

“Ugh, what do you know?”

“I know that Hinata sees it. Sai sees it. Even Naruto sees it—and he never notices anything. You’re still chasing Sasuke, whether you want to admit it or not. And it’s not fair to Sasori.”

I hated that she was right.
I also hated that she knew she was right.

“…Can we talk about this later?” I mumbled.

“Fine,” she said, getting that gleam in her eye. “But since you’re here anyway, we’re planning your birthday party!”

“You know I don’t want a party…”

“Too bad, Princess Cherry Blossom. It’s happening.”

Sigh. There was no stopping Ino once she got an idea.
Fighting her on it was like trying to fight the tide. So I didn’t.

Hinata arrived a bit later—Ino must’ve summoned her like the fairy party planner she is.
We ended up on the floor of Ino’s room, surrounded by snacks and way too many glitter pens.

We were mid-brainstorm when Ino grinned and held up her hand.

“Look what Sai gave me for our one-month anniversary!”
She was showing off this adorable gold ring with tiny diamonds.

“You lucky girl,” Hinata and I said in sync, and Ino beamed.

And of course, she had to poke at me.
“So… how’s everything going with Sasori?” she asked, all fake-sweet.

Before I could even open my mouth, she smirked.
“She dreamed about Sasuke again.”

Hinata’s eyes went wide.
“Sakura, you have to tell Sasori.”

“I can’t. He’d be crushed.”

“They’re just dreams. He’ll understand.”
“Yeah, but four nights in a row? That’s not random.”

Then Ino dropped the bomb:
“Talk to Sasuke.”

“I can’t. He doesn’t even know how I feel.”

“You mean felt?” Hinata asked.

“F-feel,” Ino corrected with a teasing smirk. “She totally still feels it.”

I said nothing. Because honestly? I didn’t know what to say.
My face was already giving me away.

They were both right.
I just didn’t want to admit it.

“Let’s just focus on party stuff, please?” I begged.

Ino clapped her hands like I’d just said “Let’s buy a pony.”
And that was that.

We spent the next few hours planning my totally-unwanted, probably-too-big birthday party.
At one point, Ino even tried to convince me to hire a stripper.
(Hard pass.)

And for a little while, everything felt okay.
Like maybe I wasn’t totally falling apart.

Until my phone rang.
And the dream started bleeding into reality again.

Chapter 2: Chapter 2 : Broken Hearts

Naruto? What could he possibly want? Excited and bursting with energy like always, he shouted into the phone. Ino and Hinata stared at me expectantly the entire call, not saying a word, until I finally hung up after five minutes.

“So? What did he want?” Ino asked immediately, nearly bursting with curiosity.

“Sasuke’s been missing for four days. He hasn’t been home, and Naruto hasn’t been able to reach him either.”

Their eager expressions quickly turned into concerned ones—after all, we were all more or less friends with Sasuke.

“I hope he didn’t do anything stupid,” Hinata said, and I couldn’t help but think the exact same thing. But just as quickly as the thought crossed my mind, I dismissed it—until the memory from eight months ago came flooding back.

“I have to go.” I grabbed my things and rushed to the front door, hastily throwing on my clothes. Of course, the two of them followed me downstairs.

“Where are you even going?” Ino raised an eyebrow at me.

“I think I know where he is,” I said and ran out the door toward the train station. There was only one place left he could be, a place no one else knew about. A tiny, long-abandoned cabin by a quiet lake, about an hour away from here. Only he and I knew it existed.

Eight months ago—on his 18th birthday, to be exact—Sasuke found out that his older brother Itachi had suddenly collapsed out of nowhere. It turned out he’d been secretly suffering from a rare respiratory disease for quite some time. Luckily, it only flares up under extreme stress, so Itachi had mostly recovered since then.

I was the only one who knew about it because that night, Sasuke had suddenly vanished from his own party. No one really noticed or cared—most were just there for the free food and drinks anyway. I chased after him for twenty whole minutes until he finally stopped at the little cabin. He sat down on a wooden bench near the lake. Sasuke told me to leave him alone, but I couldn’t. Especially when I noticed the tears starting to roll down his cheeks.

Right then and there, I promised myself: no matter what happens, I won’t leave his side.

I sat down next to him and tried to comfort him until—surprisingly—it all came spilling out.

“My brother, Sakura... he’s in the hospital. No one knows what’s wrong with him and I’m here... being celebrated... useless.”

He tried to hold it in but eventually let out the softest sob I’d ever heard. I had never seen him like this before. So fragile, so hurt. It didn’t even feel real. I always thought he hated his brother, the way he talked about him with so much contempt. But now I started to think—maybe he was jealous of him. Maybe he even admired him and just couldn’t admit it.

I wrapped my arms around him, trying to offer some kind of comfort. We sat there in silence until his pitch-black eyes locked onto my green ones. For a moment, I thought he might kiss me. But instead, he whispered a quiet, barely audible, “Thank you.”

I blinked, confused. “Thank you for what?” I whispered back.

“If you hadn’t been here, I’d have gotten drunk and probably punched someone.”

A thousand dumb jokes popped into my head, but I didn’t say any of them. I wanted to just... stay in that bittersweet moment. I’d never been this close to Sasuke before. As beautiful as it was, I knew it wasn’t right to use his vulnerability to get closer to him.

I scooted away just a little to look at him properly in the moonlight. Even with red, tear-stained eyes, he looked heartbreakingly gorgeous. I swear, my heart nearly exploded when he took off his black jacket and draped it over my bare shoulders.

“You must be cold in that short dress,” he whispered as he did.

We went inside the empty cabin and talked all night—about his brother, old memories, and just random things. I was grateful I could distract him from the bad news. That night was the first time in ten years of friendship that Sasuke opened up to me like that. The first... and probably the last.

Because the next morning, everything had changed. When I woke up, he was gone. All he’d left was a note saying he’d gone to the hospital.

Since that night, things have been... weird between us. Tense, even. We don’t hang out like we used to. He avoids me, barely even texts. I don’t know if he regrets telling me all that, or if he’s just ashamed I saw him cry. Maybe it’s both. He’s hard to read—and that makes everything even harder for me.

Luckily, a train arrived just as I got to the platform. Now all I could do was hope he’d actually be there.

He’s been missing for four days. And for exactly four days, I’ve dreamt of him every single night. I kept trying to find a connection, but honestly—I don’t believe in stuff like dream meanings.

The train ride felt like an eternity, but finally I arrived and ran to the small cabin. It still looked exactly the same as eight months ago. And to my surprise—there he was, sitting on that very same bench, by that same quiet lake.

“Sasuke!” I called out.

He flinched slightly, but didn’t even bother to turn around or say a word. I walked toward him, but he stood up and took a few steps toward the cabin.

“Sasuke, what’s going on with you? We’re all worried sick. Naruto said you haven’t been home in four days. Are you okay?”

He stopped. Turned around. And with the coldest, driest voice, he said:

“You’re annoying, Sakura.”

I stared at him, completely stunned. That hurt. Way more than I expected. My cheeks burned, my eyes stung. After everything I’d done for him, after all these years—I’m the one who’s annoying?

Before I could say a word, he turned and walked away.

I wanted to scream. To chase after him. But I couldn’t move. I was frozen.

And then the tears came. Hot and heavy and impossible to stop. I had hoped, foolishly, that maybe one day we’d have a chance. But with just two words, he crushed all of it.

I sat down on the bench and pulled out my phone. Seven missed calls from Sasori. Three from Ino. A handful of unread messages.

Just as I was about to text them back, Sasori called again.

I really didn’t want to talk. But... I answered.

“Sakura, are you okay? I’ve been trying to reach you for half an hour. I’m really worried about you. Not even Ino’s getting a response. Did something happen?”

I didn’t know what to say. I stayed quiet, still crying. But of course, I suck at hiding my emotions.

“Sakura... babe, are you crying? What happened? Are you hurt?”

A short pause. Rustling.

“I’m coming to get you. Where are you?”

He was so sweet, so worried—it only made me cry harder. But I had to say what needed to be said.

“Please... don’t call me again, Sasori. I don’t love you anymore.”

And with those words, I hung up.

He kept calling. Again and again. But eventually, I just turned my phone off.

I sat there for a long time... before finally making my way home.

 

March 23rd

My ringtone blared loudly from my phone speakers, and I swear I almost threw it against the wall. I don’t think I’ve ever had a weekend this miserable. Ino, Hinata, Sasori, and Naruto practically bombarded me with texts and calls, but I didn’t respond to a single one. Everything that happened on Friday hit me way harder than it should’ve. Honestly, I just wanted to spend another whole day in bed, stuffing myself with sweets and wallowing in self-pity—but my parents would definitely not allow that.

Like a sack of potatoes, I dragged myself out of bed and made my way to the bathroom. I took a shower, brushed my teeth, tried to hide my dark circles somehow and tame my hair. Then I quickly packed my bag and threw on a tight pair of black jeans and a black sweatshirt—which pretty much matched my mood. I wasn’t in the mood for breakfast today, so I just trudged down the stairs and headed straight out the door to avoid any awkward conversations with my mom.

The bus ride was over quicker than I would've liked, and soon enough, I was standing in front of the school building. I wanted to turn back—but then Ino and Hinata came running toward me.

“S-Sakura…” Ino was panting so hard I thought her lungs might explode. “You’re alive! What happened? You have to tell us everything!” They both looked at me like I was a walking corpse. As much as I didn’t feel like talking about it, they were still my best friends—despite everything that happened—and they had a right to know.

“Lunch break,” I said curtly, saving what little energy I had. They nodded, and we stepped onto the school grounds, heading for our classroom. But right before we entered, I stopped.

I wanted to keep walking, but it felt like I was chained to the ground. He was there. Hair styled just like always. Leaning against the wall in that typical white shirt and tight black pants. I stared at him like one of those crazy stalker fangirls until, finally, our eyes met. His eyes looked tired, and his gaze was so cold it actually hurt.

I wanted to go to him. Punch him. Yell at him. I was furious with him. I hated him. But I also worried about him—and part of me just wanted to hug him. I was about to walk over when Ino and Hinata pulled me out of my trance.

“Earth to Sakura,” they both said at once. I flinched and turned to them.

“Were you just about to talk to Sasuke?” Hinata asked, a little surprised.

Was I? I guess… I wanted to. But also, somehow, I didn’t.

“Hmm, uh… no, I wasn’t! Let’s just get through the day until lunch, and then I’ll explain everything.”

Classes today were thankfully pretty chill and even kind of fun. I actually felt a bit distracted—that is, until Ino totally ruined it at lunch.

“Okay, now tell us what the hell happened this weekend,” she said, stuffing two fries into her mouth and looking at me expectantly.

I sighed heavily. I didn’t feel like it, but I knew I had to fill them in.

“To keep it short: Sasuke hates me, I broke up with Sasori, and I cried all weekend like a little girl.” I grabbed some fries too and tried to look as nonchalant as possible.

Both of them stared at me like I’d just grown a second head, and I knew exactly what was coming next.

“You need to tell us everything in detail,” Hinata said, clearly shocked.

So, I told them everything as best I could—and honestly, I felt like I was gonna start crying all over again.

“You should’ve told us earlier,” Hinata said, a bit disappointed.

“She’s right, Sakura. You know we’re always here for you, no matter what.”

“I just didn’t have the strength and wanted to be alone for a bit. I’m sorry.”

“So, what now?”

“I’m gonna keep my distance from guys for a while,” I said, just as Naruto and Sai walked over to our table.

“Thank god you guys are here,” I said theatrically, slightly relieved.

“Did you miss me that much, Sakura-chan?” Naruto teased. I gave him a light punch on the shoulder to show just how inappropriate that was.

“Hey, Hina-chan,” he added, flashing his signature grin.

We half expected Hinata to faint again, but surprisingly, she managed to keep it together this time.

We talked about everything and nothing, until Ino suddenly asked the boys if they were coming to my birthday party.

“Ino, now really isn’t the time for a party…”

“Oh come on, Sakura-chan! It’ll be the party of the year—you can’t just cancel it,” Naruto started pouting and gave me his classic puppy-dog eyes.

“I hate you all.”

“So it’s settled, people! Saturday at 7 PM the party starts—invite as many people as you can!” Ino said excitedly.

The rest of the day went as smoothly as the first couple of classes. I honestly don’t know what I’d do without my friends. I’d already started to suppress what happened on Friday… but that wouldn’t last long.

Even after the good school day, I was glad it was finally over. To keep myself distracted, I planned to go with Hinata to Ino’s place so we could plan my birthday a bit more.

Just as we were about to leave, someone walked toward us… someone who looked very familiar. Blue jeans, beige sweatshirt—and when I looked up just a little more, my heart dropped to the floor.

“…Sasori?”

Chapter 3: Rage

Notes:

Hey loves,
I'm honestly so happy that some of you are enjoying the story so far! 🥺✨
I can’t wait for you to get to the really good parts—things are about to get so much more intense, hehe.
The next chapter should be up by tomorrow!
I’m planning to always update within a week at the latest. 💌

But for now, enjoy the new chapter and have fun reading! 🫶🌸

“Sasori, what are you doing here?!” the words burst out of me. I stared, shocked, into his caramel-candy eyes. This was seriously the last thing I expected today.

“Sakura, we need to talk about what happened on Friday.” He tried to take my hands, but I pulled away instinctively. His expression was a whirlwind of emotions—from disappointment to sadness to fury. He looked so hurt, and I truly felt sorry for him. But there was nothing I could do.

It would only hurt him more if I kept pretending—for both our sakes. I liked Sasori, a lot even. But Sasuke still had my heart in a vice grip. It was foolish of me to think I could just let go of him after all this time.

“It’s because of him, isn’t it?” Sasori’s eyes grew wet—not from sadness, but from rage. “That Uchiha punk is the reason, isn’t he?” His fists clenched, and I started to feel genuinely scared of what might happen next.

He stepped toward me—slowly—and grabbed my arm, hard.

“Sakura, tell me the truth. You still love that guy, don’t you?!” he shouted, in a tone I’d never heard from him before. Before he could do anything else, Naruto suddenly jumped in out of nowhere and shoved Sasori away from me.

Once again, salty tears streamed down my cheeks.

Ino and Hinata rushed to my side, asking if I was okay, but I couldn’t answer. I felt like I was about to faint any second… until Sasori started yelling again.

“Uchiha! Leave my girlfriend the hell alone!” he shouted, charging at Sasuke.

The last thing I saw was Sasori landing a punch—right into Sasuke’s face.

 

Sasori’s POV:

Nervously, I glanced down at my watch. 3:05 PM. That meant Sakura should be getting out of class any minute now. I couldn’t stand being left in the dark by her any longer. Today, things had to be settled—once and for all. I loved her far too much to just let her walk away.

As I rounded the final corner, I saw her. Those beautiful, shoulder-length locks that looked like a cascade of cherry blossoms—I could recognize them from miles away. My feet moved on their own, drawn toward her. My heart pounded wildly as her large, emerald eyes met mine.

“Sasori, what are you doing here?” she asked, clearly startled. Her voice… God, it felt so good just to hear her voice again. She was about to keep walking, but there was no way I could let that happen.

“Sakura, we need to talk about what happened on Friday. Please.” I reached out, trying to take her hands, but she recoiled like I was a stranger. That same sharp pain in my chest—just like on Friday—stabbed through me again. It hurt. So damn much.

How could someone who once felt so familiar suddenly act like this? I didn’t know what to do—I felt more desperate than I had in a long time. There could only be one reason she was acting like this out of nowhere.

Sasuke Uchiha.

I’d always hated that guy. Arrogant. Spoiled. A golden boy who got everything handed to him. I never understood what Sakura saw in him—he never treated her well, not really.

The more I thought about what he might’ve done to her—seduced her, touched her, kissed her, slept with her—the angrier I got.

“It’s because of him, isn’t it?” the words exploded from my mouth.
“It’s because of that Uchiha bastard, isn’t it?”

Hot tears welled up in my eyes, and with them came even more fury. I reached out—too roughly—and grabbed her arm.

“Sakura, just tell me the truth. You still love him, don’t you?!”

Her frightened eyes told me everything I needed to know—and made me regret my reaction immediately. I wanted to apologize, say something, anything—but right then, her hyper little friend suddenly stepped in and shoved me away from her.

I saw the tears running down her cheeks—because of me. Because I’d lost control.

I scrambled to my feet, heart pounding, and then I saw him. The one who had taken my Sakura from me.

Without thinking, I rushed toward him.

“Uchiha!” I roared, angrier than I’d ever been.
“Leave my girlfriend alone! She’s mine, so back the hell off!”

He didn’t even flinch. Not a single muscle moved as I landed a punch right in his face. Then another. And when I went for a third, he caught my fist mid-air.

His eyes… they were unreadable.

He opened his mouth to say something, but I didn’t want to hear a single damn word from that bastard. I tried to hit him with my other fist, but he caught that one too—and in one swift move, dislocated my shoulder.

“Listen, redhead,” he said coldly.
“I’ll say this once. I. Don’t. Want. Sakura. Got it?”

He threw me to the ground.

“Stay the hell away from me, or this will be just the beginning.”

Then, as he turned to walk away, he landed one more brutal kick—straight to my stomach.

I tried to get up… but couldn’t. My vision blurred.

The last thing I saw… was a face I knew all too well.

 

Sakura’s POV:

“Sasori… nghn, Sasori, let me go…”
I jolted awake, only to realize it had all been a dream. Or… maybe not?
I looked around, trying to get up, but my balance had clearly other plans. I flopped back onto the sofa as a fresh wave of dizziness hit me—accompanied by a pounding headache.
What the hell happened? And more importantly, where even am I?

The room was huge, but surprisingly empty. At least six sleek black wardrobes lined both opposing walls. The wall across from me was entirely covered in mirrors, and on my side there was only the massive black leather couch I was sprawled on. A few potted plants flanked either side, but that was pretty much it.
Looks like I’m trapped in the walk-in closet of some ridiculously rich snob.

I was just about to scream for help when the door to my left opened.
“Ino! Naruto! Hinata!”
Once again, I tried to spring up—only to, of course, collapse right back onto this oversized couch.
They came toward me like the three wise men… only instead of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, they brought tea, cookies, and painkillers.
“You’re my saviors,” I said dramatically before practically inhaling the pills, cookies, and tea.

“Well, if that’s not a grand welcome,” Ino chuckled.

“How are you feeling, Sakura-chan?” Naruto asked first.

“Honestly, not too bad. I’m just a little dizzy, and the headache is killing me,” I said while rubbing my head for effect. “But seriously—what the heck happened? And where even am I?”

“This is Sasuke’s walk-in closet,” Naruto finally began explaining. “He thought it would be best to bring you here first, since his house was the closest. Plus, he’s got a private driver.”

“Urrghh, can you stop dancing around the point and just give me facts?!”
He looked a little intimidated, so Ino took over.

“Long story short: Sasori wanted to talk to you, but then things got physical. You passed out from all the stress.”
All three of them looked at me with genuine concern.
Suddenly, everything came rushing back—Sasori’s grip on my arm, our conversation, and how he went after Sasuke.
Oh God—Sasuke!

“Is he okay?!” I blurted out in panic.

“Huh? Why are you asking about Sasori?” Naruto replied, totally clueless as usual.

“I don’t mean Sasori, you dumb idiot—I meant Sasuke!”
I glanced around anxiously. “Where is he? Is he hurt? Is he okay? Grrr, why won’t you guys answer me?!”

Just when I thought no one would dare say anything, Hinata finally ended the torturous silence.
“Sakura, calm down,” she said softly, stepping closer and wrapping an arm gently around my shoulders. “He’s alright. Sasori, on the other hand… Sasuke hurt him pretty badly. We don’t really know how he’s doing, but Sasuke should be fine.”

I sighed in relief… but then my thoughts drifted back to Sasori.
Even though what happened today was beyond disappointing, I… kinda get him. He really seems to love me with all his heart. And I’m such an idiot—I didn’t even appreciate it.
Instead, I’m chasing after some emotionally unavailable jerk when I already had a perfect boyfriend.

I slapped both of my cheeks with my hands, which were burning with embarrassment.

“Uhh, are you okay, Sakura-chan?” Naruto squinted at me.
I had almost forgotten I wasn’t alone in the room.

“Ahh… yeah, totally fine! Sooo, how about we just get out of here and go shopping instead?” I stammered, a crooked smile tugging at my lips.
Ino lit up like a Christmas tree, Naruto looked annoyed, and Hinata side-eyed me like she wasn’t buying a word of it.

“No worries, Naruto—you don’t have to come,” I added quickly, which made him grin like a kid at a ramen stand.
We said goodbye to Sasuke’s mother, dropped Naruto off at the train station, and then the three of us headed into the city.
I asked Hinata and Ino not to bring up anything about Sasuke or Sasori—I didn’t want my distraction to be ruined again.

“So sooo…” Ino began, and I immediately wanted to run for it because I knew exactly what was coming next.
“We absolutely need dresses for the birthday party. Sakura, your dress has to look just like a princess’s! I still need to find a gift too. How about you, Hinata?”

“I already got one,” Hinata replied sweetly.

“What?! How is that even possible? Ugh, whatever—let’s go in there first!”
And just like that, Ino dragged us from one store to the next.

I hated shopping to begin with, but shopping with Ino? That was a whole new level of chaos.
It was exhausting enough already, but she acted like our entire existence depended on finding the perfect outfit right now.
Normally, I wouldn’t have had the patience for any of this—but today, I needed the distraction.
No matter how much I tried to keep the past few days off my mind, it just didn’t work. Everything had happened too fast, all at once.

I thought about Sasuke—what he had said to me, how much of an idiot he was… and how he’d actually seemed a bit worried about me.
Apparently, he’d been the one to suggest bringing me to his place so I could rest.

Then my thoughts shifted to Sasori… how stupid he’d been to hit Sasuke. And the aggressive side of him I never knew existed.
I unconsciously touched my forearm.
It didn’t really hurt—not physically, anyway.
But if this keeps up, I’m seriously gonna need a therapist.

I sighed heavily as we stepped into what was now the eleventh store.
“If we don’t find anything here, I’m giving up,” Ino pouted, handing a few dresses to Hinata.

The shop was huge—clearly specialized in formal wear.
Racks upon racks of stunning dresses filled the space.
I never really cared about fashion, but when I saw something truly beautiful, I couldn’t resist at least trying it on.

We browsed for a while… and surprisingly, we actually found something.

Ino picked a simple yet elegant violet dress—backless, sleeveless, and strapless.
It ended just above her knees, but had a sheer chiffon layer that draped down to the floor like a cape.

Hinata’s was more playful.
It was a soft lavender, with a similar cut to Ino’s. The top was snug and ruched, while the bottom was a flowy, silky skirt.
A wide sash cinched her waist, a slightly lighter hue than the dress itself. Around it, a thin violet ribbon was tied into a bow that trailed down to the hem.

Both of them looked so happy with their choices—and honestly, they looked amazing. The dresses suited them perfectly, both in color and in style.

But as beautiful as they were, mine was my favorite.
It was red, just like passion and confidence—and cut to the knee like the others.
It had slightly thicker straps and a large round cutout in the back, completely open.
A narrow band, in the same shade of red, separated the fitted bodice from the flared skirt.

But the best part were the ruffles—adorning nearly every part of the dress.
Only my shoulder blades and collarbones were covered with sheer fabric.
It was pretty expensive, but I had fallen in love with it at first sight.
And honestly? I just wanted to feel beautiful again. After everything that’s happened… I want to have fun and feel good about myself.

I was really starting to look forward to the party.
I even wished it were happening tomorrow.
Who knows what the night might bring?

We paid and headed home—it had gotten pretty late by then.

Once home, I collapsed onto my big, beautiful, soft bed.
If I could be in a relationship with this bed, I’d pick it over any guy.

Speaking of guys…
Even if it’s probably not the smartest idea, I have to know what happened with Sasori.
It’s not like I suddenly hate him, or that he means nothing to me.

So I grabbed my phone and sent him a quick message asking if everything was okay—and if he was alright.
He opened it right away… but didn’t reply.

It felt weird—but I didn’t think too much of it.
Maybe he was just busy.

I went to the bathroom, turned off the lights, and messed around on my phone a bit before drifting off into dreamland—exhausted.

Chapter 4: Sasoris Secret

Notes:

Soo, this chapter is told completely from Sasori’s perspective!
You’ll get a few glimpses into both his past and what's going on with him right now.
The story picks up a few hours after his fight with Sasuke — so, buckle up! 💥

The next chapter will be up very soon, maybe even a little later today!
This one's purely Sasori’s POV though, so I get it if it doesn’t feel 100% complete for everyone. It's important for the story though!

Let me know in the comments if you feel like I’m dropping too many chapters at once — or if you’re loving the fast pace!

And now... enjoy! 🖤✨

When I woke up in the massive box spring bed, I felt absolutely miserable.
I honestly couldn’t remember the last time I had felt this terrible.
And when I tried to move my left arm, the pain hit me so hard that all I wanted to do was crawl back under the covers and never come out.
Exhausted and overwhelmed by the pain, I sank back into the soft bed with a heavy sigh.
For a few moments, I just lay there, staring at the unfamiliar room around me.
This definitely wasn’t my apartment, but it didn’t take long for me to figure out where I had ended up.
Another sigh escaped my lips—louder this time.
There was no saving this day anymore. It had already reached its final boss level of awful.

I tried to get up, desperate to get the hell out of here, but of course, that's when he showed up.
His long blond hair was tied up into a high ponytail, and the only thing he wore was a pair of ridiculously tight black boxers and a thin white T-shirt.

»Where do you think you're going, Sasori? It's way too late to head home now,«
he said with that ever-growing grin on his face—the one I desperately wanted to punch off.

»I'm 20, not a damn 14-year-old anymore, Deidara. I'm so not in the mood for your stupid games today,«
I snapped, fighting the urge to throw a whole storm of insults at him.
Not that it would’ve made a difference.
For over six months now, he’s been chasing after me like a lost puppy, acting as if none of what happened between us was his fault.
Honestly, it’s hard to believe we were ever a thing.
It all started three years ago, back when we were still in high school...

Back then, I was 17 and he was 18.
Honestly, I never really liked Deidara all that much. He was way too childish for me, always so hyper, and we constantly argued about art. I always believed that true art should last forever, while he insisted that it was only meant for the moment.
Looking back, I should’ve realized right there that we were never meant to be.
At that time, I wasn’t even really interested in boys — or so I thought.

Our first kiss happened during the senior year school festival, during a dumb game of spin the bottle.
At first, I resisted like my life depended on it, but when it finally happened, it wasn’t nearly as bad as I had expected. Quite the opposite, actually.
His lips were soft as velvet, and he was... surprisingly good at kissing.
From that moment on, everything between us changed.

I found myself thinking about him more often and realized that maybe... I could fall for a boy after all.
At least, I fell for Deidara.

We spent so much time together, texting late into the night, and he treated me like an absolute prince the entire time.
Two months later, during the night of the winter ball, we slept together for the first time.
Of course, I’d had my fair share of experiences with girls before, but this... this was something completely different.
It was magical — exactly the way you’d hope a first time would be.
That night, he finally asked me to be his boyfriend.
And that... was the beginning of the end.

Just three months into our relationship, rumors started floating around school that Deidara had cheated on me multiple times.
I didn’t believe a single word of it.
I trusted him completely.
He was always sweet, thoughtful, and gentle with me — why would he ever cheat?

But three months later, I caught him.
With Hidan.
In the locker rooms.
And they weren't just talking.

He broke my heart in a way no one else ever had...
and yet, I forgave him.

From that point on, things were never the same.
The deep, tender connection we once shared faded.
We barely spent time together anymore, hardly talked — the only thing left between us was sex.
And slowly, I started to realize... that’s all it was for him.

For two long years, I kept trying to hold onto whatever we had left.
Until I finally said no.
I refused to sleep with him anymore — I just couldn’t take it.
And as if it were inevitable, just days later, I caught him again.
This time with his roommate, Tobi.

I didn’t say a word.
I just turned around and walked away.
And I promised myself I'd never look back.

Since then, he’s been stalking me, blowing up my phone with a flood of desperate messages almost every single day.
"I need to get out of here," I muttered, already heading for the door.
Just as I reached for the handle, Deidara grabbed my hand.
"Please don’t go," he whispered, his voice almost heartbreakingly soft.

I turned around and looked straight into his eyes — bright and blue like the endless sky.
"Give me one good reason why I should stay," I said, sounding much calmer than I actually was inside.
I was about to explode like a volcano if I had to spend even another second in this room with him.
And yet... a small, bitter part of me was curious about what he’d say.

"Because I love you, Sasori," he said, his voice cracking slightly as his eyes filled with tears.

I couldn't hold back any longer.
With my uninjured hand, I slapped him across the face.
And it didn’t stop there.

"How dare you even say those words after everything you've done to me?!"
Another slap followed, harder this time, pushing him back into the bedroom.

"I loved you, Deidara! I gave everything for you! I even dropped out of art school just to spend more time with you!"
Another hit, and this time, angry tears welled up in my eyes, blurring my vision.

"You’re a damn bastard — a cheater who doesn’t even know what love is! I hate you, Deidara! I hate you so much!"
I raised my hand again, ready to strike once more — but this time, he caught my wrist.

And then, without warning, he leaned in and kissed me softly.
Startled, I immediately pulled away, wiping my mouth on my sleeve like it burned.

"Damn it, I'm not your stupid toy you can play with however you want!" I snapped, my voice shaking with rage.
I was ready to bolt out of there — but then Deidara started speaking again.

"Sasori, I love you. I love you with everything I have, and I'm not just saying that! Day and night, you're all I can think about.
I finally understand now... that true art doesn’t just last for a fleeting moment. It’s eternal.
You are my muse, Sasori. I can't just let you go."

He stepped closer, pressing another kiss to my lips — and this time...
I didn’t pull away.

My heart was a mess, spinning out of control, and I had no idea what I was doing anymore.
As much as I hated it, I had to admit it: Deidara still had a hold over me.

And for the first time, I realized... maybe this was exactly how Sakura must feel.

Sakura.
Oh god, what am I doing?
I love her.

I only love her.

But even knowing that, I couldn’t stop.
And that made me hate myself even more.
Because by doing this... I was no better than Deidara.

But if that was true...
then why did it feel so damn good to fall like this?

Our kiss grew deeper, more desperate, until it turned into a wild dance of longing. His hands roamed over my body, and I melted into every touch as if I had been starved for this kind of closeness for far too long. In that moment, it didn't matter whose hands were on me — I just craved the feeling.

Deidara pushed me down onto the bed, his eyes dark with desire as he quickly pulled off his thin shirt. His slender but toned body made my breath hitch, and without thinking, I stripped down to my underwear, welcoming him back into my arms. Our kisses became even more fervent, and my fingers found their way into his hair, undoing the tie that held it up.

"Your hair looks better down," I whispered into his ear, nibbling playfully on his lobe. A soft whimper escaped his lips, pulling a smirk from mine. I knew he loved being dominated — and without hesitation, I flipped our positions, straddling him.

I moved my hips against his, drawing low, needy sounds from his throat. His fingers dug into the back of my neck, spurring me on as I left a trail of kisses down to his collarbone, biting and sucking gently, marking him as mine. His moans only grew louder, filling the room like a symphony I never realized I missed.

Trailing lower, I teased him through his boxers, feeling how much he wanted me — how much we both needed this. The air between us was thick with tension and craving, and for the briefest moment, I let myself forget everything else.

Just as I was about to take things further, Deidara's voice cut through the haze.
"Wait," he breathed, his voice trembling slightly. "Let me be on top. Just this once. Please."

Without argument, I lay back against the bed, giving in to his request. Maybe... maybe I deserved to be taken care of too. He quickly freed me from the last piece of fabric, his gaze lingering on my body longer than I expected. Was it me he missed... or just the memory of us?

"Come on," I muttered under my breath, pulling him back to me.

He didn't hesitate. His lips found mine again, and his hands explored every part of me with a tenderness that hurt more than it soothed. His touches were both familiar and foreign, sending shivers down my spine. Slowly, carefully, he prepared me — whispering soft reassurances as he went, as if trying to rebuild something already broken beyond repair.

The pain faded into pleasure, and soon, we were moving together, tangled up in each other like no time had passed at all. Every thrust, every kiss, every sigh blurred the line between love and hate, between anger and desperate need.

When we both reached our peak, I clung to him, panting, lost in a storm of emotions I couldn't even begin to untangle. For a brief, stolen moment, it felt like we were the only two people in the world.
But deep down, I knew the truth would catch up with me eventually.
I wasn't his.
I never would be again.

After a few minutes of heavy silence, I forced myself to get up and made my way to the bathroom.
Only now did the full weight of what I'd done hit me.
I had sex.
Sex with Deidara.
Deidara — the man I hated more than anyone.
I had betrayed Sakura, and now I was no better than he was.
No better than the scumbag I despised.

Anger bubbled up inside me, and I hurled my clothes against the wall with a growl.
I hated myself for what I had done.
Sakura would never forgive me if she found out.
And yet... why did it feel so good with him?
Why did it feel so damn familiar?

Frustrated beyond words, I jumped into the shower, turning the water as cold as it would go — but no amount of freezing water could wash away the filthy feeling clinging to me.
When I finally got dressed, I glanced at the clock and sighed heavily.
2:30 AM.
No trains running at this hour.
Which meant one thing:
I'd have to spend the night here.
With him.

God, I wished I'd never crossed paths with him again.

When I returned to the bedroom, Deidara was waiting with a stupidly bright smile on his face.
I said nothing.
I just got back into bed, pulled the blanket over myself, and stared at my phone.

Sakura... she hadn't messaged me.
Not even a quick "Where are you?".
Had she already forgotten about me?

I locked my screen with a sigh, turned onto my side, and prayed this miserable night would end soon.

The next morning, Deidara was gone.

Perfect.

I threw on my clothes at lightning speed, grabbed my things, and was already halfway out the door when —
düdelüdü
My phone buzzed.

A message.
From Sakura.

Hey, I'm getting a little worried. Are you okay? You didn't answer my message...

Wait — what?
I didn't get any message from her.
Unless...

Right then, Deidara appeared in the doorway, as if summoned by my rage.

"Were you on my phone last night?" I growled, my voice low and threatening.

"Good morning to you too, babe," he chirped, completely unfazed.

"Don't play dumb, Deidara. You deleted her message, didn't you?" My fists clenched at my sides, ready to explode.

"So what?" he shrugged, like it was the most normal thing in the world.
"That little girl doesn't want you anymore. She's got that Uchiha guy now. Besides," he said, walking toward me with outstretched arms, "things are good between us again, right?"

As he reached for me, I shoved him hard, sending him sprawling to the ground.

"You'll never change," I said coldly, my voice void of any emotion, before slamming the door behind me.

I needed air.
I needed peace.

Deidara would always be the same pathetic excuse for a human being.
How could I have been so stupid to let him touch me again?

My chest tightened painfully, and for a moment, I thought I might actually have a heart attack.
But no — it was just that all-too-familiar ache of a shattered heart.

I stared down at my phone, rereading Sakura’s worried message.

Maybe...
Maybe I still had a chance with her.
If only she'd give me a chance to explain — just once.

I quickly replied:

Everything's okay. I miss you so much. I love you more than anything.

And it was true.
I missed her.
I loved her.
Even if, after what I'd done, those words tasted like lies on my tongue.

She could never know about Deidara.
If she did, everything would be lost.
I’d do whatever it took to win her back.

And what better opportunity than her upcoming birthday party?
Just a few days from now.

Yeah.
That’s exactly what I would do.

On Saturday, Sakura would be mine again.

Chapter 5: The Genius

March 27th

School ended surprisingly early today, so I was already home by noon.
The rest of the week had been pretty quiet, almost too quiet.

Sasori hadn’t reached out once since Tuesday.
Not that I really minded... but still, it felt weird.
And Sasuke?
He’d been completely MIA too since Tuesday.
Lately, he was skipping school more and more, even though his father was super strict with him.
That’s why I decided to drop by today.

Mostly, I wanted to apologize for Sasori’s stupid behavior.
In a way, it was kinda my fault everything had blown up like that.

I knew Sasuke hated sweets, so instead of the cupcakes I originally planned, I made him a few onigiri stuffed with sun-dried tomatoes.
I really hoped he’d at least be a tiny bit happy about them.

I quickly changed into something a little nicer, brushed my hair, and packed everything carefully into my bag.
The Uchiha estate was a bit of a trek, so I asked my mom to give me a ride.
Thankfully, she didn’t ask any questions.

When we got there, I gave her a quick kiss on the cheek and hopped out of the car.
The property was huge — if I didn’t already know my way around by heart, I would’ve gotten lost at least three times trying to find Sasuke’s house.

After about a five-minute walk across the grounds, I finally reached the small villa.
I still had the chance to chicken out...
But no — that would’ve been the wrong choice.
Even though my heart was hammering, I gathered all my courage and rang the doorbell.

I didn’t have to wait long.
Someone opened the door — but it wasn’t Sasuke.

Instead, a relatively tall man stood there, his long black hair tied back in a loose ponytail.
He wore a white shirt under a black sweater and tight, dark gray jeans.
Honestly, judging by his outfit, he looked like he was about to go on a date or something.

Despite a few faint wrinkles around his nose, I would’ve guessed he was in his mid-twenties at most.
Whoever this guy was — he looked exactly like Sasuke.
Like, uncannily so.

Oh. Right!

"Uhmm... is Sasuke home?" I asked shortly.

He hesitated for a moment, but then decided to answer.
"No, he’s not."
His voice was deeper than I expected, and the icy tone in it was honestly a little scary.

"Fine, then I’ll just wait for him," I said stubbornly and marched right past him into the living room.
He didn’t even flinch. Totally calm, he closed the door and stepped in front of the couch I had collapsed onto.

His stare was unreadable.
It made me way too curious about what was going on in that head of his.
Why the hell did he look so incredibly familiar?

"Sasuke won’t be coming," he suddenly said, completely out of nowhere.

"What do you mean Sasuke won’t be coming? Where is he? Did something happen to him?"
With every question, I felt myself spiraling into full-on panic mode.
What if something bad happened to him?
Or worse — what if he just disappeared again like last time?!

I needed answers, like, yesterday!

But he just turned around and disappeared into the kitchen, straight-up ignoring me.

Oh no, no, no. He was not going to get away with that.
I followed him.
Cornered him in the kitchen.

"I’m asking you again — where’s Sasuke?!"
Still, no answer.

Instead, he calmly asked in that same robotic voice:
"Would you like some tea, Haruno-san?"

...Hold up.
How did he know my name?!

"How do you know my name?" I asked, my voice sharp.
But again — nothing.
Not even a hint of an answer.

For just a second, I thought I saw the ghost of a smile flicker across his lips...
but no, that had to be my imagination. Definitely.

I gave up.
Clearly, he wasn’t planning to tell me anything.

So instead, I leaned back against one of the many counters in the kitchen and just... watched him.
He was seriously tall, with a build that looked pretty normal but... in a good way, you know?
The more I looked at him, the more I realized how stupidly attractive he actually was.
His long, silky black hair practically glowed under the kitchen lights.

For a tiny moment, I caught myself wondering if he had a girlfriend...
and then immediately wanted to slap myself for even thinking about it.

Effortlessly, he whisked the matcha powder into the hot water — and I just couldn’t tear my eyes away.
I mean, what was wrong with me?!

A loud voice shattered my daze.

"Itachi! Where are you?!"
That voice... I knew it!

"I’m in the kitchen, Okaa-san," the man next to me — Itachi — called back casually.

And that’s when it hit me like a truck.
I had just spent the last ten minutes blatantly checking out Sasuke’s older brother.

If the floor could open up and swallow me whole, now would be great.

"I think... I should probably go now," I mumbled awkwardly, desperate to escape.

But of course, luck wasn’t on my side today.

"Oh, Sakura, darling! Stay a little longer!" Mikoto’s warm, cheerful voice called out as she entered the kitchen.

There was no way I could say no to that.
Absolutely no way.

So, feeling like the world’s biggest idiot, I sat down on the huge couch — as far away from Itachi as physically possible — and placed the box of onigiri on the table.

"I made these for Sasuke," I sighed, taking off my coat.

"Oh, I’m sorry, sweetheart," Mikoto said kindly.
"Sasuke’s staying with his uncle until Sunday."

Great.
I had come all the way here for absolutely nothing.

Meanwhile, Itachi poured some tea into a cup and set it down in front of me.

"Thanks," I muttered shyly, avoiding eye contact at all costs.
No way was I about to relive the embarrassing thoughts I just had.

"Could you give us a moment, Itachi?" Mikoto asked sweetly.

He gave a small nod and walked toward the stairs.

Just before he disappeared upstairs, he turned around once more.

"It was nice seeing you again, Haruno-san," he said, his dark eyes holding a mysterious glint that left me speechless.

And just like that, he was gone.

God, please... let me never have to face him again.

"Say, Sakura... do you have any idea what's been going on with Sasuke lately?" Mikoto asked me directly, her voice laced with a soft sadness. "You two are so close, I thought maybe you'd have some clue what’s bothering him."

"I haven’t spoken to him in weeks," I lied without flinching.
Because if I told her what had really been going on lately — no, scratch that, what had actually gone down these past few weeks — well, let's just say things would’ve exploded in the most dramatic way possible.

I took a slow sip from the gold-trimmed teacup in my hands.
Apparently, Itachi was some kind of tea wizard, because it tasted divine. I didn’t even hesitate before taking another. Then I glanced over at Mikoto, who honestly just made my heart ache.
I knew exactly what kind of emotionally constipated jerk Sasuke could be.

"It’s probably just a phase," I mumbled, more to reassure myself than her.

"Are you sure?"
"Mhm." I nodded, trying to make the lie sound convincing — even to me.

"Could you maybe try talking to him anyway?" she asked gently, squeezing my hand in hers. "He trusts you more than anyone. I think if someone can get through to him, it’s you."

That... didn’t sound like the Sasuke I knew.
But still, I promised her I’d try.
Even though we both knew it would probably crash and burn in the most spectacular way.

"The tea is really, really good, by the way," I said, desperate to change the subject, pouring myself another cup.

"Just one of Itachi’s many talents," she replied with a warm smile and took another sip of her own.

"He’s really... uh, grown up. How long has it been since I saw him?"

"Seven years."

"Seven years... so that makes him, what... twenty-four now?"

"Mhmhm, exactly. Feels like it was just yesterday when he’d come running out to play with you, Naruto, and Sasuke almost every single day," Mikoto said, completely lost in the nostalgia. She even brought out a photo album and started flipping through the pages with a soft smile.

Despite all the stories, I could barely remember. I hadn’t even recognized him when we met earlier.

"What was Itachi like back then?" I asked, curiosity bubbling up inside me.

"Well, he graduated high school at seventeen and then went on to study philosophy in another city for a few years. He stayed there a little while after finishing his degree, but he’s been living with us again for about a year now," she explained, her gaze drifting somewhere far away.

"And what does he do now?" I continued, genuinely intrigued.

"He mostly stays in his room," she sighed. "Hardly ever leaves the house anymore. He reads a lot, but barely talks to any of us."

It had to be because of his illness.
I could’ve brought it up, but something told me now wasn’t the time — so instead, I leaned in a little closer and asked her if she’d mind telling me more about him.

And honestly? I wasn’t ready for how fascinating he turned out to be.

Itachi had apparently always been insanely smart. Top of his class, nothing but perfect grades. He even skipped a year of school because he was that brilliant. On top of that, he knew several martial arts, spoke four languages fluently, was a ridiculously good cook, and could draw like an actual pro.
He was, in every sense of the word, a genius. No question about it.

And the more I learned, the more intrigued I became.

Mikoto told me he only ever had one close friend during school — the rest either thought he was arrogant or just plain weird.
But when that friend passed away... it was like something inside Itachi went silent. He became even more reserved, pulling further into himself than ever before.

Even though I didn’t know him all that well, her story really hit me.
No wonder he seemed so distant. And seriously, I wanted to slap myself for ever calling him a robot.

We kept talking for a little while longer until my phone suddenly started buzzing.

"Oh man, it’s that late already?" I sighed.

"You have to go already, Sakura?" Mikoto asked, a little disappointed — and honestly, it made me smile. She really did seem to like having me around.

"I still need to finish a few things for my birthday," I said apologetically, grabbing my bag and making my way to the front door.

"I’ll come by again soon," I promised, wrapping her in a tight hug before heading out.

"Don’t forget to talk to Sasuke," Mikoto reminded me one last time before I left. I just nodded silently and stepped out into the chilly evening air.

Next stop: one of Hinata’s many vacation houses. Her family was just as wealthy as the Uchiha clan—maybe even more so—though you’d never guess it by looking at her. She never wore flashy clothes or bragged about money. She didn’t even let herself be driven to school because that felt too showy for her. Honestly, Hinata was the definition of humble.

So you can imagine how shocked Ino and I were when she offered us one of her massive houses for my birthday party. On one condition: nothing gets broken.
And honestly? That was the part I was most nervous about. Knowing Ino, she probably invited the entire school.

Two weeks ago I would’ve totally freaked out about that—but now, strangely enough, I was kind of looking forward to it. Maybe this night could finally take my mind off everything.

The house wasn’t too far away. After about 25 minutes on the train, I arrived at a gorgeous three-story building. I rang the bell, and it didn’t take long before Hinata and Ino threw the door open with huge grins on their faces.

After a little tour of each floor (yes, every single one), we settled down in one of the many bedrooms—on a gigantic canopy bed, of course.

"Who knows how many people are gonna end up on this bed tomorrow night—"
Before Ino could finish her sentence, Hinata gave her a warning jab in the ribs.

"Rule number one: No sex. Anywhere," she scolded both of us like a strict older sister.

"I’m not in the mood to do anything with a guy anyway," I sighed dramatically, flopping back against the pillows.

"You two are no fun at all," Ino pouted—and of course, we all burst out laughing like idiots.

"So, how’d the talk with Sasuke go?" Hinata asked once we calmed down again.

"He wasn’t even there. But I did have a very unexpected run-in with his brother."

"You mean… Itachi Uchiha?" she asked, blinking curiously.

"Mhmhm," I hummed with a nod.

"Wow, I heard he was state champion in Aikidō and Kendō for three years in a row. Plus, apparently, he’s super hot. Come on, tell us—what happened between you two?" Ino jumped in, eyes gleaming with way too much excitement.

"Nothing special, really. He ignored most of my questions, didn’t even recognize him at first until his mom called him over. And then, when I left, he just said it was ‘nice’ and called me Haruno-san. Twice."
Honestly, moments like that made me wish Hinata were my only friend. Any time we talked about guys, Ino turned into a hormonal fourteen-year-old—even though she had a boyfriend.

"So what do you think of him?" she asked, hands pressed to her cheeks like we were in some kind of shoujo anime.

"What do you think, Ino? He’s still Sasuke’s brother. And you know I only love Sasuke. Plus, Itachi’s over six years older than me," I snapped a little, already feeling my patience waver.

"Never say never~" she grinned, teasing.

Luckily, Hinata swooped in and saved me from having to answer that with a death glare.

"So, what’s going on between you and Sai, Ino?" Hinata asked, saving me from the awkward Itachi-talk. I mouthed a quiet thank you in her direction and leaned back against the headboard.
Ino actually looked like she had to think about the answer to such a simple question.
Had they… broken up?

"He hasn’t messaged me in days," she suddenly burst out, like it had been bottled up for too long. She looked like she was about to cry, and of course Hinata and I wrapped our arms around her in a group hug, trying to calm her down.

"Maybe he’s planning a surprise for you," I said, trying to cheer her up—and miraculously, it worked. She jumped up, beaming.

"He’s totally going to propose!!" she shrieked with sparkly eyes.

"Don’t you think that’s… a bit early?" Hinata asked gently.
"She’s right, Ino," I agreed, glancing at her with a raised brow.

But Ino was completely lost in her romantic fantasy, and nothing we said could pull her out of it. We let it go.

The conversation drifted into weddings in general. Ino couldn’t help but start planning hers with Sai in full detail—down to the flowers, the color scheme, and the name of their imaginary child.
Marriage… it was something I used to dream about a lot.
And of course, in every one of those dreams, Sasuke was the groom.
But now? I wasn’t so sure anymore if that dream would ever become real.
I mean… yes, I’ll probably get married someday. But to Sasuke? That part felt less certain than ever.

"Sooo, Hinata—who do you think Sakura would marry first? Sasuke, Sasori, or Itachi?" Ino’s mischievous question ripped me right out of my thoughts.

"Obviously Sasuke!" Hinata answered without a second of hesitation.

"I’m putting my money on the older Uchiha," Ino grinned directly at me, and I could feel my cheeks burning.

Not because I actually liked the idea. The blush came without permission, totally against my will.
Me, dating Sasuke’s brother?
Marrying him?!
Honestly, the chances of me marrying Hinata’s cousin Neji were probably higher.

The only person I’ve ever truly loved—and still do—is Sasuke.
That’s not changing anytime soon. No way.

"You two are unbelievable," I mumbled, flustered.

"Thanks, Sakura~ But we already knew that," they giggled in sync like it was rehearsed.

After what felt like hours of talking, we finally got to work.
We had so much to do before tomorrow night: decorating the house and the garden, prepping snacks, and building an epic playlist that had everything from party bangers to emo heartbreak songs (thanks to me).
We had so much fun doing it all, and for the first time in a long time, I was actually excited.

At 2 a.m., we collapsed into bed, exhausted but happy.
That night, I dreamed once again of a man with dark hair...
Only this time, it wasn’t Sasuke.

Chapter 6: Birthday Party

March 28th

"Itachi... ngh... stop that...!"
I woke up with a jolt, completely disoriented.
Where was I?
What time was it?
Oh... right.
Embarrassed, I pressed a hand to my forehead.
I seriously wished I could just control my dreams already.
I'd read about lucid dreaming tons of times, but somehow I never managed to actually do it.
Carefully, I rubbed my eyes, still unable to believe the kind of filthy dream I'd just had.
And as if that wasn't bad enough—it had been about Itachi Uchiha.
It had felt so real... like he had actually been right there with me.
At this rate, I was probably going insane.

Still half-asleep, I stayed curled up for what felt like another 30 minutes before finally dragging myself out of bed.
I didn't even bother changing—I'd do that later. First, I headed straight down to the kitchen.

That’s when Ino and Hinata screamed—way too hysterically—and ran toward me.
They broke into a loud, very off-key rendition of Happy Birthday, before throwing their arms around me, giggling.

"Happy Birthday, Sakura! I know we used to fight and act like total brats, but I'm so glad we made up," Ino said, squeezing me tightly. "You're my absolute best friend, and I seriously don't know what I'd do without you—or Hinata either.
So today, we’re celebrating you, you old lady!"

Then it was Hinata’s turn.

"I wish you a happy birthday too, Sakura," she said with her usual sweet, shy smile. "We haven't been friends for that long yet, but honestly, you and Ino are the best friends anyone could ask for. I hope you stay healthy and that all your dreams come true."

And just like that... I teared up.
Not from sadness—no.
It was pure happiness.
I was so lucky to have them both in my life.

Even though the day had only just started, I already knew:
This was going to be the best birthday I’d ever had.

After one long, squeezy group hug, we finally broke apart a few minutes later, laughing.

"We made breakfast~" Hinata sing-songed, leading the way to the table.

"But no gifts until later!" Ino added with a smirk.

Those two really hadn't spared any effort at all—they had prepared a royal feast for me.
There was everything you could ever wish for at breakfast: fresh rolls, buttery croissants, honey, jam, all kinds of spreads, scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, orange juice...
They had even made pancakes!
I couldn’t help but pull them both into another tight hug and thank them over and over again.

We spent quite a while at the table—eating, chatting, laughing way too much, and getting more and more excited about the big party ahead.
There were still a few finishing touches left to do, though, so we got up and started clearing away the dishes.
We had a few hours left to decorate the downstairs area properly, set up the buffet, and deck out the pool with inflatable animals and floating mats.

Without wasting a second, we got to work.
I was in charge of inflating all the floaties (and almost passed out doing it 😵‍💫), Ino finished decorating the gift corner, and Hinata carefully arranged the food to make it look super fancy.
After about three hours, everything was finally ready—and just as we finished, the clock struck six.

That was our cue: time to get ourselves ready.

Ino and Hinata were pretty much already good to go, but I still looked like I had already survived an entire party.
Luckily, they swooped in to help me—doing my makeup and styling my hair like total pros.
When I finally looked in one of the many huge mirrors, I could hardly believe my eyes.
I had never, ever looked this beautiful before.
I spun around a few times, just staring at myself, feeling like a real-life princess.

Even Ino and Hinata couldn’t stop gushing.

"You two look absolutely gorgeous too," I said, beaming at them.

Just a few moments later, the doorbell rang.
We rushed downstairs and opened the door for the first guests.
Naruto practically launched himself at me, hugging me so tight I thought I might actually explode.

"Happy Birthday, Sakura-chan!" he grinned even wider than usual.

"Ugh, baka! Let me go!" I gasped, trying (and failing) to push him off.

Luckily, he finally let go—probably afraid I’d punch him otherwise.
Behind him, Sai, Shikamaru, and Temari stepped inside.
Temari gave me an enthusiastic hug and congratulated me with a little too much energy, while the guys stayed a bit more low-key.

We stacked the gifts with the others and chatted for a bit.
Shikamaru stayed mostly quiet (big surprise there 🙄) and Ino instantly claimed Sai for herself—which honestly worked out great because I hadn't seen Temari in forever.
She's two years older than me and always super busy with work and life stuff.

The house kept filling up, and the music kept getting louder.
After a while, it was almost impossible to have a proper conversation.
I grabbed a drink, a bowl of chips, and retreated to the massive couch in the living room.
The vibe was incredible, and everyone was having a blast...
But somehow, I couldn’t quite enjoy it the way I wanted to.

Once again, my mind refused to shut up.
I kept thinking about Sasuke—wondering if he was okay.
And about Sasori...
God, I missed him so much.
He hadn’t just been my boyfriend—he’d been my best friend.
As much as I loved Sasuke, I couldn’t just erase the months I had spent with Sasori.

And then...
There was Itachi Uchiha.
I seriously needed to put a stop to those thoughts.

I took a huge gulp of my drink—a weird purple-blue liquid—and immediately winced.
Not only was it definitely like, 40% alcohol, but it also tasted ridiculously sour.
Clearly, I wasn’t made for this kind of thing.
But tonight was supposed to be different.

Just as I was about to get up, the music suddenly cut off.
A familiar voice was yelling, telling everyone to gather downstairs.
I squeezed through the growing crowd and spotted Ino, who was already waving me over like crazy.

Reluctantly, I climbed up onto the kitchen counter with her, my heart sinking a little.
I knew exactly what was about to happen...
and honestly, I wished I could just sink straight into the counter and disappear.

"Alright everyone, this is probably the reason most of you are here today," Ino said, pointing at me.

"Thanks a lot, Ino," I muttered, while some people started laughing. Ino, however, continued undeterred.

"Now that we’re all gathered here so nicely, I suggest we sing a little song together. On three! Three... two... one..."

And just like that, most of the guests started to sing—or whatever you would call it—a birthday song just for me.
I couldn’t help but turn as red as a ripe tomato.
It was incredibly sweet, but on the other hand, also unbearably embarrassing.
Afterward, Ino hugged me again and helped me down from the kitchen counter.

I slowly realized that I was already feeling a little dizzy.
Apparently, I really couldn’t handle alcohol at all.
Despite the growing dizziness, I poured myself another glass of punch and finally made my way towards what had now become a dance floor.

A song I really liked was playing, so I started moving to the beat.
At first, a little shy, but then with growing confidence and genuine joy.
Together with Kiba, Temari, and Lee, I swung my hips to the rhythm and goofed around with them.
It felt good to let loose for once.

After about half an hour of non-stop dancing and jumping around, I was too exhausted to keep going.
The dizziness had worsened, and now a pounding headache joined in as well.
Fresh air would hopefully be the cure, so I snuck outside into the garden.

A little off to the side, but still well-lit, I sat down on the slightly damp grass.
It was unusually warm for this time of year, but the typical spring rain hadn’t spared us entirely.
I closed my eyes for a few minutes, listening to the faint music drifting from inside.
But once again, my thoughts started to spin around—and that was the last thing I wanted right now.

I quickly opened my eyes again and saw a tall figure approaching me.
I stood up, ready to walk away, but then I recognized that wild red hair instantly.

"Wait, Sakura. I just want to talk to you," he said, his voice gentle, trying to stop me from leaving.

"I didn’t invite you," I replied coldly.
Could this night get any worse?

"I’m sorry. For everything I said. For everything I did. You didn’t even give me a chance to properly apologize, and that’s why I’m here," he said, stepping a little closer.

I sighed deeply, feeling like I had absolutely no energy left for a conversation like this.
All I wanted tonight was to celebrate without worries—but this was too much.

"Can we please talk about this another time, Sasori?" I said, feeling my headache intensify with every word.

"Please, Sakura, I need closure. You just broke up with me without giving me any explanation, and it’s killing me to keep pushing it aside," he said and took my hands into his.

This time, I didn’t pull away immediately.
It felt so good to feel his soft, warm hands on mine again.
He looked so hurt, and I hated myself for the way I had handled things.
Hinata had been right. Sasori didn’t deserve any of this.
He had always been kind, thoughtful, and there for me—yet I hadn’t even given him a real reason for how I had been acting.

I looked at him more closely.
I had never seen him in a suit before.
The lights made his doe-brown eyes sparkle like amber, and I felt the same way I had felt back when he confessed his feelings for me.

I wanted to say something, but before I could even open my mouth, he spoke first.

"I don’t want to pressure you or force you to explain anything," he said, his voice shaking slightly.
"But it’s so hard for me. I miss you, Sakura. I miss you so much. I love you..."

His face came closer and closer—and before I could even react, his lips were already on mine.

I wasn’t sure if it was the alcohol or the fact that I still had some feelings left for Sasori, but the kiss was incredibly beautiful.
Short, gentle, but filled with an overwhelming passion.
It was a feeling I had almost forgotten.

With a small smile on his lips, he looked at me.
What on earth was I doing again?
"I need time, Sasori. I need time to think about everything," I replied to all his words.

His tense posture visibly relaxed.
"I’ll wait for you as long as it takes until you’ve made your decision," he said softly.

That was the Sasori I knew—the Sasori I had missed.
Sensitive, understanding, kind.
Maybe I really should just erase Sasuke from my mind?

I found myself studying Sasori a little more closely.
He was carrying a large bag, and of course, I couldn’t help but wonder what was hidden inside.
But before I could ask, he seemed to have noticed already and pulled out a box wrapped in elaborate gift paper.
It was fairly large, decorated with intricate ribbons and bows.

"I almost forgot. This is for you, Sakura. But you have to open it right now," he said, handing me the gift, looking even more excited than I was.
This wasn’t really the best place for it, though, so I suggested we go back inside.

We squeezed our way through the crowd all the way upstairs into a free bedroom.
I locked the door behind us and sat down next to Sasori, who had already made himself comfortable on the bed.
Carefully, I started unwrapping the paper, trying to damage it as little as possible because it was just so beautifully done.

When I finally managed to open it, I lifted the lid and discovered a dark pink fabric inside.
I pulled it out and realized it was a stunning kimono.
Pink, adorned with cherry blossoms, and paired with a black-and-white obi.
There was even a matching pair of black sandals tucked inside.

I wanted to thank him, but Sasori was quicker.

"Would you go to the Hanami Festival with me?" he asked, his voice full of hope.

Spending the most beautiful day of the year with him?
Without even thinking about it, a joyful "Yes" slipped from my mouth before I even had the chance to consider it.

Maybe I really should just let things happen instead of overthinking all the time.
I carefully placed everything back into the box and stored it safely inside the wardrobe next to the bed.

"Doesn’t seem like you’re having much fun tonight," Sasori remarked.

"My head’s just too full at the moment," I admitted.

"You know... I actually have a place we could go to," he said, standing up from the bed and stopping right in front of me.

"I don’t think that’s a good idea. Especially not in my current state," I tried to dodge the suggestion.
It was probably true.
In my condition, it would be better if we went our separate ways for now.
I wasn’t even sure how I felt, and besides, I had definitely drunk way more than I should have.

Sasori looked at me, sadness flickering in his eyes.

"I promise you, nothing will happen. I just want you to enjoy your birthday and make this day unforgettable. If it gets too much for you, I’ll drive you home immediately," he said, taking a few steps back to give me some space.

He was right.
If I felt uncomfortable, I could always leave.
What did I have to lose?

I agreed, and he looked absolutely thrilled.
Slowly, I began to wonder where he was planning to take me.

Sasori went ahead to his car to wait for me there.
I hoped it wouldn’t get too late, considering that tomorrow I was expected at the Uchiha estate by Sasuke’s and my parents.
Coffee and tea, cake, small talk—the usual birthday rituals.
I wasn’t particularly looking forward to it, but I was still a little excited to see Mikoto and Fugaku again.
Sasuke, of course, would probably not even show up—like always.

Sasuke...

I shook the thought out of my head and focused on the here and now.
I packed a few things and hurried outside, jumping into Sasori’s car—a vintage 1967 Ford Mustang.
He loved anything old-fashioned, which is why he had made this dream come true last year.

About forty minutes later, we still hadn’t reached our destination.
Slowly, I was growing impatient, curious—and, if I was honest, a little scared.
I would never have thought Sasori capable of kidnapping me or anything like that, but the situation was still uncomfortable.

When he then asked me to tie a scarf around my eyes, I nearly lost it.
Panic bubbled up inside me; I would have jumped out of the moving car if he hadn’t stopped me.

"You’re so dramatic, Sakura," he chuckled, amused.

I didn’t find it funny at all, but somehow, he still managed to calm me down a little.
Reluctantly, I tied the scarf around my eyes, just hoping that nothing bad would happen.

After about five minutes, the car finally came to a halt, and the door on my side opened.
I felt two warm hands gently grasp my arms to help me out of the car.
The cool spring air brushed against my back, and I couldn’t help but shiver a little.

But the chill didn’t last long, because Sasori must have draped his jacket over my shoulders.

"When can I finally take this thing off?" I asked impatiently.

"Hmm... wait... okay... now!"

I didn’t need to be told twice.
I ripped the scarf from my head—and my eyes went wide, my mouth dropping open in awe.
Never in my life had I expected such a breathtaking surprise.

A small, standalone bungalow nestled in the woods, right by a river.
Decorated with countless lights, lanterns, and strings of fairy lights.
I was speechless, utterly overwhelmed.

"Do you like it?" he asked.

All I could manage was a high-pitched "Mhmhm!"

Sasori took my hand and pulled me inside.
And honestly, it was even more beautiful on the inside than it was outside.

"You planned all of this?" I asked, still wide-eyed.

"Yes. Just for you," he said with a gentle smile.

"I don’t even deserve this. Why are you doing all this?"

"Because I love you, Sakura. That’s all that matters."
He took my hand again and led me onto a terrace overlooking the river.

I didn’t even have a second to process all of it.
On the broad wooden floor stood a small, beautifully set table with two chairs.
Even the trees surrounding the house were wrapped in fairy lights.
It honestly couldn’t have been any more magical.

"Go ahead and sit down—the food’s almost ready," he said before disappearing into the kitchen.

He had cooked?
No wonder the whole house smelled so amazing.
He really was perfect.
So why was I still fighting it with everything I had?

I tapped my fingers nervously on the table.
There was no backing out now.
I wasn’t that cruel.

I should just try to enjoy the evening, no matter what had happened between us.

About fifteen minutes later, Sasori returned, carrying a large, overflowing tray.
He carefully arranged everything on the table and finally sat down across from me.

"Herb butter baguette for the starter and stuffed chicken breast with rice and cream sauce for the main course. I hope you’ll like it," he said, grinning like a kid in a candy store.

He also poured us both some chilled sake with a hint of peach flavor.
More alcohol—great.

We clinked glasses and started eating.
It was unbelievably good.
I had no idea he could cook like this.

"I think this might be the best meal I’ve ever had," I praised him sincerely.

"That really means a lot to me," he said warmly.

"I didn’t even know you owned a place like this. Why have you never brought me here before?"
Maybe I was getting a little too curious now.

"I inherited it from my parents," Sasori explained.
"But I barely ever use it. Originally, I wanted to bring you here when the time for a proposal was right..."
He hesitated for a moment, then smiled softly.
"Well, things have changed—but that doesn't make today any less important. That's why I brought you here today. I wanted your birthday to be special. I wanted you to see how important you are to me."

He kept his gaze locked with mine the entire time, his golden eyes shining warmly into my emerald ones.
Once again, I was left speechless.
A small, but genuine smile tugged at my lips, and a quiet, but heartfelt "Thank you" slipped out.

We continued eating, drinking, and chatting for a long while.
And somewhere between the laughter and the sake, I realized just how much I had missed him.

"Is there any dessert left?" I asked teasingly after we finished eating.

"I thought... you were my dessert," he replied with a mischievous glint in his eye.

"Sasori, you disgusting, perverted flirt!"
I punched him lightly on the arm, half annoyed, half amused.

He just burst out laughing, claiming it was all a joke.
Maybe I was still a bit too uptight sometimes.

"I actually have something even better than dessert for you. Come with me," he said, standing up.
Curious (and a little suspicious), I followed him.

We stopped in what looked like a bedroom—stuffed with fairy lights just like the rest of the house.
Honestly, it couldn’t have been any more romantic.
As I glanced around, my eyes caught on something lying on the huge bed: a red bikini.

Immediately, I shot Sasori a death glare, ready to unleash hell.
He raised his hands defensively in front of his face.

"I just thought we could go for a swim! And since you're definitely not going in naked, I brought you something to wear!"
He almost sounded a little scared.

My fists relaxed.
Cautiously, I picked up the flimsy piece of fabric.

"If you want, meet me back on the terrace in ten minutes," he added, then quickly disappeared.

Honestly?
I wasn’t too thrilled about the idea.
Skimpy clothes, small space, and a half-naked man I used to love.
Yeah. Totally not nerve-wracking at all.

Still hesitating, I stripped out of my clothes and slipped into the bikini.
For a moment, I just stared at myself in the mirror, wondering if my body would appeal to him.
I was slim but not exactly well-endowed.
Not that it really bothered me—big breasts would just get in the way anyway.

After the agreed ten minutes, I stepped back outside—and there he was.
Sasori was already in a large, candle-lit hot tub, the warm, steamy water swirling around him.
He was wearing nothing but swim shorts, and...
Wow.
I had never seen him like this before.

He looked me up and down, and my face immediately flushed red.

Slowly, I climbed into the hot, bubbling water, feeling how pleasantly warm it was.

"If you actually propose to me here, I'll kill you with my bare hands," I joked nervously.

"Don’t worry. That’s not my plan."
He grabbed the bottle of peach-flavored sake standing on the edge and poured us both another drink.

"Trying to get me drunk?" I teased, already feeling the alcohol buzzing in my veins.

"Maybe," he grinned cheekily.

I couldn’t even be mad at him.
Despite my better judgment, I drank with him, enjoying the soothing warmth of the water and the intoxicating atmosphere.
In hindsight, maybe that wasn’t the best idea.

"Tell me, Sasori... why are you doing all this for me? I left you," I slurred slightly, the alcohol loosening my tongue.

He moved behind me, placing his soft hands on my shoulders, gently starting to massage me.

"Because I want you back, Sakura," he murmured.
"You mean everything to me. You're the woman I want to spend my life with.
I love you.
I love you more than anything else in this world."

He turned me around, his gaze intense and unwavering.
My mind was a chaotic mess.
I was about to make the biggest mistake of my life—and I knew it.

I looked at him—his tousled red hair, his golden eyes, his beautiful face, his perfect body...

Before I could process it, his lips were on mine again—this time not soft and careful, but wild, commanding.
Our tongues danced, battling for dominance.
He pressed me against the edge of the whirlpool; I buried my fingers in his messy red hair.
The alcohol blurred my senses completely.

I wanted him.
Desperately.
And unless someone stopped us, it was going to happen.

He pulled away from the kiss for a brief moment, panting heavily, then climbed out of the pool.

"Come with me," he whispered hoarsely.

Without thinking, I followed him into the bedroom.

Chapter 7: Birthday Sidestory - SaiIno & NaruHina

Notes:

Hey Guys! ✨
I'm back — this time with a sweet little chapter from Ino’s and Hinata’s perspective during the party.
It’s just a short one, but don’t worry: the next story-relevant chapter will be up in less than 24 hours!
For now, enjoy this cute little side story. 💕

Ino's POV:

Hinata and I stood a little bored in a quieter corner on the landing leading to the second floor. We were observing the scene, drinking, chatting, and laughing a little, but honestly, it wasn’t very exciting.
All evening, I'd been keeping an eye out for Sai. That idiot hadn't contacted me in over a week. I didn’t even know whether I should be sad or angry about it. I'd even considered ending things, but my heart just wouldn’t let me.
It might sometimes seem like I’m only with him because of his looks, but that’s not really the case. I love him — a lot actually, even if it wasn’t that way in the beginning.
Instead of the face I was searching for, Hinata and I spotted two very familiar ones rushing down the stairs.

"Was that...?" Hinata asked, eyes wide.

"Oh yeah, that was definitely Sakura and Sasori!" I replied, just as surprised.

"Did they not even see us? What’s gotten into them?" Hinata seemed completely flustered.

"If only I knew, Hina. She definitely has a lot of explaining to do tomorrow."
I thought Sakura only wanted Sasuke, and now she's running off with Sasori again? I mean, I'd actually really wanted to see her with Itachi Uchiha! But hey, that’s none of my business.
I continued discussing and speculating with Hinata until a very familiar voice spoke up behind me.

"Hello, beautiful," he said with a cheerful grin.

"Sai?!" I flinched back slightly. How dare he just sneak up on me like that, flashing that dumb grin? My intuition told me to slap him. It would have fit my image perfectly, but I refrained — a true lady knows when to hold back.
Crossing my arms, I stood there waiting for an explanation.

"We need to talk," he said, his expression turning serious. Then he looked at Hinata.
"Mind if I steal her for a second?" he asked. She nodded, and before I knew it, Sai had grabbed my arm and was pulling me upstairs into an empty bedroom.
I sat down on the bed, not saying a word, just waiting.

"I’m sorry I didn’t get in touch, Ino. I've been really busy lately. It won’t happen again, I promise."
He stood right in front of me, leaning in to kiss me, but I turned my head away.

"That's it? You think you can just apologize and everything will be fine? I needed you, Sai! I missed you! Tell me the real reason! Were you with someone else? Did you cheat on me?"
Before I could spiral any further, he grabbed my wrists and knelt down in front of me.
Was he about to... propose? My eyes lit up for a second, but he just chuckled and shook his head — silently telling me no, not what I was thinking.

"I was planning to tell you at a better time, but since you’re about to lose your mind, here’s the truth," he said, taking a deep breath.
"I’ve been working these past weeks. Especially hard last week. I wanted to earn my own money."

"But Sai, you already have money. Why would you work?" I asked, still a little upset but mostly confused.

"That money belongs to my parents. I wanted my own, for something really special. I wanted to surprise you this summer.
A two-week trip to the Caribbean. Just for us."

I didn’t know what to say. On one hand, I was so relieved he hadn’t cheated. On the other, I was just now realizing what he had been planning all along.

"You’re insane!" I blurted out, laughing with pure joy.

"I know," he said with a smile before pressing his lips to mine in a deep kiss.
God, how I had missed him. He gently pushed me back onto the bed, never breaking the kiss.
What happened after that… well, that stays between us.

Hinata's POV:

After Sai dragged Ino away, I wandered aimlessly through the house. I still couldn’t believe Sakura seemed to be hooking up with Sasori again.
It worried me deeply, and I prayed she wouldn't do something she’d regret later.

Eventually, I found a cozy corner with three beanbags. I sank into one and made myself comfortable, just watching the party unfold and listening to the music.
Most people were already ridiculously drunk.
Luckily, I didn’t drink alcohol. Parties weren’t really my thing — especially not normal ones like this.
Honestly, I was such a buzzkill.
Thankfully, I had Ino and Sakura, who loved me exactly the way I was.

I watched a few couples dancing — and making out — and felt a small pang in my heart.
Sometimes I wished I could experience something like that too.
But not just with anyone.
Only with him. Naruto Uzumaki.
A wild whirlwind, always cheerful, sweet, and honestly, really handsome.
I had been in love with him since kindergarten.
Kind of pathetic, isn’t it?

I took a sip of my coke and kept looking around.
Suddenly, a pair of bright, radiant eyes locked onto mine.
I silently begged them not to come closer.
But of course, they did.

"Heeey Hina-chan!" Naruto grinned, dropping down beside me and throwing an arm around my shoulders.
Oh God, stay calm, Hinata. Stay calm.
My face immediately turned redder than a tomato.
I felt hot all over, my body frozen in place.
I wished the ground would just swallow me whole.
And yet... feeling his closeness made my heart flutter.

"Say, Hina-chan, why do you look so hot tonight? I think I’d rather devour you than a bowl of ramen!"
His grin was so wide, I was afraid his face might split in two.
My eyes grew huge.
I had no idea what to say.
I was two seconds away from a full-blown panic attack.
What was he even saying?!
He never talked to me like that!

"Na-Na-Naruto-kun... um... I think you’ve had too much to drink..." I stammered nervously.
I was getting dizzy.
When he placed his hands on my cheeks, I thought I might actually faint.

"Aw, Hina-chan, my angel... Can’t I give the prettiest girl at this party a few compliments?"
He gazed straight into my eyes.
Am I dead? Is this heaven?
Maybe I was just dreaming?

"No, seriously. Maybe I am a little drunk, but that doesn’t change how I feel about you.
You’re beautiful, Hina-chan. Any guy would be lucky to have you as his girlfriend,"
he whispered, stroking my cheeks so gently it made my heart ache.

Stay calm.
Stay calm.
DO SOMETHING.

"I’m sorry, but... I just can’t hold back anymore," he said.
And with that, he leaned in.
I knew exactly what was about to happen if I didn’t move.
My first kiss.
With Naruto Uzumaki.
Before I could overthink it, his lips were already on mine.
Soft as velvet.
The faint taste of alcohol didn’t even bother me.
I closed my eyes and just let it happen, for once turning my brain off and simply feeling.

But when the kiss ended, a thousand thoughts stormed back into my head.
Was this right?
Was I even ready for this?
He’s not even my boyfriend.
What have I done?

"I love you, Hina-chan," he smiled at me sweetly.

And then...
I fainted.

Chapter 8: What Happened?

March 29th

Awakened by a pounding headache, I slowly opened my eyes and looked around the unfamiliar room. Carefully, I turned to the side—only to find Sasori sleeping right next to me.
Startled, I jerked back a little. My mind was completely blank.
Had we...?!
No. No way.
We must've just fallen asleep next to each other. That’s what I desperately hoped, at least.
Trying not to make a sound, I slipped out of bed and quickly gathered my things, disappearing into the bathroom.
I splashed cold water onto my face, trying to clear the fog clouding my mind. It didn't exactly bring back my memories, but at least I didn’t feel like death anymore.
Note to self: Never drink alcohol again. Ever.

As I rummaged through my bag, searching for my makeup, my fingers brushed against something unfamiliar — a small, light gray box.
A folded note was tucked neatly on top of it, with a short message written in a handwriting I immediately recognized:
"For my Cherry Blossom – S."
Inside the box lay a beautiful silver bracelet, delicate and shimmering, with a tiny cherry blossom charm dangling from it.

I immediately put it on, even though I had no idea who it was from.
Could the "S" on the note stand for Sasori?
That's what I was assuming.
I quickly threw on my clothes, then headed to the front door.
Before leaving the house, I grabbed my black stilettos — though I only slipped them on once I was outside.
There was no way I wanted to wake Sasori.
I didn’t want to face the consequences.
How could I have let this happen?
As if my emotions weren't already a complete mess, now they were even worse.
I was most likely not a virgin anymore.
A thousand questions raced through my mind.
Had it at least been... nice?
Did we even use protection?
What if I'm pregnant now?
Why did Sasori take advantage of my condition?
Why did I even go with him in the first place?
Like probably every girl, I had always imagined my first time differently — romantic, magical — not drunk, not with Sasori...
It was supposed to be with Sasuke.
I was so angry at myself, and even angrier at Sasori.
He had probably gotten me drunk just so he could have my body.
A part of me just wanted to march back there and punch him in the face.
But I didn’t have time for that.
It was already 2:30 p.m., and it would take me about an hour to get home.
And of course, just my luck, I had to be at the Uchiha's at 4:30 p.m.
After the night I'd just had, the last thing I wanted was to face anyone.
Would I even be able to look Sasuke in the eyes after what happened?
I felt absolutely awful, even though I hadn’t actually done anything wrong to him.
The entire train ride, I was completely lost in my thoughts.

When I finally got home, I headed straight up to my room.
Before I could do anything remotely productive today, I desperately needed a session with the two most important people in my life.
I quickly texted Hinata and Ino in our group chat, telling them they needed to come over as soon as possible.
Worried yet curious, they promised to be there within half an hour.
While they made their way to me, I jumped into the shower and just threw a dark blue blouse and a gray skirt on.
As I was pulling the skirt up, the doorbell rang — perfectly timed, as always.
Still plagued by a slight headache, I was about to head downstairs when —

“Sakura, your friends are here!” my mom called out, interrupting my steps.

“Just send them upstairs, Mom!” I shouted back.

Only a few seconds later, Ino and Hinata were already in my room.
They dropped their things and settled onto the couch, while I, on the other hand, couldn't sit still and nervously paced the room.

“So, Sakura, are you finally going to tell us what happened?” Ino asked, a little impatiently.

“I honestly don’t even know where to start,” I sighed heavily, trying to gather my thoughts.

“How about you start by telling us what exactly happened with Sasori?” Hinata suggested seriously, her voice full of concern.

“You guys know about it?” I asked, visibly surprised.
They just nodded silently in response.

»Alright... Sasori really insisted that I go somewhere with him.
So I went along and he took me to this secluded cabin in the woods.
We had dinner, spent some time in a hot tub, and then... I woke up this morning in his bed,« I said, anxiously awaiting their reaction.

»You didn’t... sleep with him, did you?« Hinata stared at me, shocked.

»Looks like our little Sakura is finally growing up,« Ino smirked.

»I don’t know what happened. I drank a lot at the party, and Sasori just kept giving me more.
I can’t remember anything after the hot tub,« I paused briefly, »I just... don’t know what to do. I didn’t want this.
What if we didn’t even use protection? Why can’t everything just be easier?«
My voice was trembling.
I felt the salty tears streaming down my cheeks.
The overwhelming sadness was impossible to hold back anymore.

Immediately, Hinata and Ino pulled me onto the sofa and hugged me tightly.
I just couldn’t take it anymore.
Why did these stupid boys always end up making me cry?
I was so ashamed, even though I had no real reason to be.

»Even if you did sleep with him, it’s not the end of the world, Sakura.
You can do that with a boy who’s not your boyfriend. The first time isn’t as magical as everyone says anyway,« Ino tried to comfort me.

»I personally don’t agree with sleeping with someone who isn’t your boyfriend... but you still love Sasori a little, don’t you?« Hinata added carefully.

»I think... maybe a little,« I sniffled.
Slowly, the tears dried up, and I managed to calm myself.

»Just talk to him when you’re ready. You deserve some clarity,« Hinata advised.
And that’s what I would do — when the time felt right.
At the moment, I just couldn’t face him.

»So, what’s been going on with you two?« I asked, trying to change the subject a little.
Apparently, they had a lot to tell — Ino was practically bouncing, while Hinata’s face turned bright red.
They started to share their stories, one in a little too much detail, the other far too little.

I was genuinely happy that everything was going great for Ino again.
But what Hinata told us really shocked me: she had kissed Naruto.
I could hardly believe it — and judging by her face, neither could Ino.

We talked for a while longer until it was time to leave.
Together, we went downstairs where my parents were already waiting.
I said goodbye to Hinata and Ino and left with my parents for the Uchiha residence.

Mikoto greeted me as warmly as if I were her own daughter.
I secretly believed she wished for one.
Fugaku, on the other hand, was a bit more formal, simply shaking my hand.
Still, they both congratulated me and led us to the dining room.

There, Sasuke and Itachi were already seated at the table.
Itachi stood up and slowly walked over to me.

»Happy belated birthday, Haruno-san,« he said politely, shaking my hand.

»You really don’t have to be so formal with me,« I replied quickly.

»Itachi is always polite and formal. It’s just his way, and it’s not something he can easily change,« Mikoto smiled warmly at me.

We all sat down and waited for the only person who hadn’t said a word yet.
Fugaku shot Sasuke a strict look.
Almost like they were communicating telepathically, Sasuke finally spoke.

»Congrats,« he muttered briefly and emotionlessly.
His voice was cold, and so was his whole demeanor.
Was he still trying to avoid me?

Our parents started chatting happily about everything and anything.
Meanwhile, I could barely focus on the conversation.
Again and again, my gaze wandered over to Sasuke.
I hoped to catch some sort of expression on his face — but there was nothing.
His eyes were empty, like someone had stolen every last emotion.

»I’m just going to the bathroom real quick,« I said, trying to escape the awkward atmosphere.

I just couldn’t stand those looks anymore.
Today was definitely not my day.
I had the unsettling feeling that Sasuke could read my mind.
He probably knew exactly what had happened with Sasori.
He was probably disappointed in me.
But why should it even matter to him?

I splashed some cold water on my burning cheeks and opened the door.
Before I could head back downstairs, I saw Sasuke leaning against the wall.
I jumped, startled — I hadn’t noticed him standing there.

»You scared me...« I tried to start a conversation, a bit nervously.

»Yeah,« he replied flatly.
His arms were crossed, his gaze fixed firmly on the ground.
Was it a coincidence that he was waiting here?

"Why are you being so incredibly cold to me? What did I ever do to you that you treat me like I don't even exist?" I ranted, unable to hold it in any longer. My love for Sasuke might be endless, but even I have limits. I won't let myself be treated like this.
He didn't answer, still staring at the floor.

"Tell me what your problem is, Sasuke! I was always there for you, I did everything for you. Do you even realize how much you're hurting me?" My cheeks were burning, my voice getting louder. I had to let out all the anger bottled up inside me.

"Dammit, Sasuke. I love you," I practically screamed through the house.

"Don't say things you don't mean," he finally answered.

"How could you possibly know how I feel about you?" Tears welled up in my eyes.

"You have Sasori now, so don’t mess with me," his earlier coldness now carried an irritated tone.
Sasuke had been at the party?
Sasuke had seen us?

I couldn’t hold the tears back any longer. I had really screwed everything up.

"If you're just gonna screw every guy who's nice to you for two minutes, why the hell are you even wearing that bracelet?" he spat. "You disgust me, Sakura."

He pushed himself off the wall and walked down the hallway to his room.
I stood there like a statue, unable to stop crying.
The bracelet... it was from him?
My chest ached from the cruel words he had thrown at me, but quickly the pain gave way to numbness. I couldn't feel anything anymore, and yet the tears kept falling.
I ran down the stairs and disappeared into the garden, sitting down on a bench by the pond and staring into the water. Only now did I fully realize what had just happened.
The pain returned—and with it, every other emotion.

Sasuke thinks I'm a slut.
He gave me a gift.
He called me his cherry blossom.
There had been hope—and I destroyed it with one stupid mistake.

The crying got worse and worse, and I didn’t even notice someone sitting down beside me.

"My brother often speaks without thinking," I heard a gentle voice next to me.

"He can be difficult sometimes, but deep down, he has a good heart," Itachi said, now sitting properly beside me.
His peaceful aura alone was enough to calm my tears.

"I don’t know exactly what happened between you two, but I’m sure he didn’t mean it. Give him some time," he said, his gaze distant, as if lost in thought.
He was probably right.
Maybe Sasuke really did like me more than he showed.
I prayed that I hadn’t slept with Sasori.

Just as I was about to wipe my eyes with my sleeve, Itachi handed me a tissue.

"Thank you, Itachi-sama," I managed to say with a weak smile.

"Haruno-san," was all he replied.

We sat there quietly for a long while, watching nature around us.
It wasn’t an uncomfortable silence—quite the opposite. It was incredibly soothing.
I truly felt like Itachi had a magical aura that calmed everything around him.
I enjoyed his company a lot, even if he wasn't very talkative.

But this beautiful moment was shattered by my phone ringing.
I pulled it out of my pocket and looked at the display.
13 missed calls from Sasori and a single message:
"We need to talk. Now."

Chapter 9: Truth

I stared at the brightly glowing screen of my phone, feeling a hint of panic rise in me.
I wasn't ready to face him yet.
Especially not after what had just happened.

"I'm a guest at the Uchiha’s. I can’t leave," I texted him as an excuse.
Of course, I could leave if I really wanted to.
But... did I really want to?

He replied instantly:
"I'll be there in 5 minutes. Wait by the gate."
Colder and more clipped, that message couldn't have been.

I knew that sooner or later I’d have to find out what really happened.
But did it have to be now?
I was scared of the truth.
Yet, at the same time, I desperately needed clarity.

Was I really the whore Sasuke now thought I was?

Slowly, I stood up from the bench, casting Itachi an apologetic glance.

"I have to go now, Itachi-sama," I said with a soft smile.

"Don’t worry too much about Sasuke, Haruno-san," he answered just as gently, though his expression remained completely stoic.

"Thank you," I murmured before making my way toward the gate.

Itachi was truly a strange guy.
Strangely good.
Even if he seemed emotionless, he had been surprisingly caring.
I made a mental note to surprise him with something nice next time—something that might make him happy.

But right now, I had far bigger worries.

Before getting into Sasori’s car, I took a moment to collect my thoughts.
Causing a scene now wouldn’t help anything.

I slowly opened the door and sat down beside him.
He didn’t even offer me a simple hello.
I wanted to lash out at him again, to yell at him, but I held back.
My nerves were shot, and I had almost no energy left.

Because of that, we spent the entire car ride in silence until we finally reached Sasori's place.

We got out of the car and headed for his front door.
As soon as I stepped inside, he closed the door and pinned me against it.
His lips were on mine immediately, pulling me into a wild, desperate kiss.

I was stunned—
and for about two seconds, I even enjoyed it—
until my brain snapped back into gear.

I shoved him away from me with all the strength I had.

"Have you lost your damn mind?!" I yelled at him.

"I missed you so much, Sakura," he said, his face darkening.
But I didn’t feel even the slightest bit of pity.

"First, you sleep with me without me even realizing it, and now you kiss me without asking!? What the hell is wrong with you, Sasori?!" I was practically screaming now.
If he didn’t start explaining soon, my anger might just turn physical.

"I think you misunderstood something," he mumbled, sounding almost a little intimidated.

"Then start talking. Now. Tell me what happened last night," I snapped at him, clearly annoyed.

He took a deep breath, struggling to figure out where to begin.
Finally, he started to speak.

Sasori’s Perspective of the Night:

"I want you back, Sakura. You mean everything to me. You’re the woman I want to spend forever with. I love you. I love you more than anything else in this world," I said, turning her around to study her long and intently. I had never seen her so exposed before. Her beautiful emerald eyes sparkled with excitement like the setting sun. I explored every breathtaking inch of her body with my gaze. Slowly, I grew weak — after all, I was only a man. Wildly and passionately, I pressed my lips to hers. Immediately, I slipped my tongue into the kiss, and hers welcomed it eagerly. I pushed her against the edge of the whirlpool, causing her to bury her hands in my hair. Meanwhile, my hands wandered from her neck down her back, all the way to her hips. She wrapped her legs around me, growing even wilder. Slowly, I began to grind my hips against hers, making her moan softly. I couldn’t hold myself back any longer and, with a heavy heart, broke off our deep kiss. I quickly climbed out of the pool and offered her my hand. "Come with me," I panted, and she took it without hesitation.

Once in the bedroom, I gently pushed Sakura onto the huge bed. I carefully laid myself on top of her and picked up right where we had left off. She immediately wrapped her legs around my hips again, clinging to me and rubbing against me like a little monkey. Out of nowhere, she grabbed me between the legs, making me let out a bittersweet groan. I broke our kiss and turned my attention to her neck while my hands gently explored her breasts. With one skillful movement, I tore off her bikini top. I started to suck and nibble lightly on her nipples. Her soft moans sent me into a trance.

But her next words snapped me right back to reality.

"Oh God, Sasori, just take me already. Please. Please don’t make me wait any longer," she moaned desperately. Only then did I realize what we were about to do. My senses finally returned, and I pulled back slightly. I wanted her — wanted her so badly — but not like this. Our first time should be special. Unforgettable, magical, beautiful — and most importantly, she should be fully present for it. She looked at me, disappointed.

"Come on, Saaasoooori-kuuuun," she urged, whining.

"This isn’t right, Sakura," I panted, exhausted.

"You’re such a party pooper," she grumbled and turned away. Before I could say another word, she had already fallen asleep. Once again, I had lost control of myself. Carefully, I covered Sakura with a blanket and lay down next to her. I spent a long time brooding over everything that had happened.

The next morning, I woke up alone in bed. I hated myself for what I had done. And I was sure she hated me just as much. As fast as I could, I got dressed and texted her so we could clear things up.

Back to the Present:

"So we didn’t...?" I asked, only to be interrupted immediately.

"No, we didn’t sleep together. I’m so sorry I let it get that far. I just hope you can forgive me somehow," Sasori said sadly, slumping onto the couch.

I felt my body relax a little. I was still a virgin. Not untouched, but at least I hadn’t actually had sex.
If only Sasuke knew that. Oh God, Sasuke...

"Sakura, are you okay?" Sasori asked, looking at me with concern.
Only now did I realize the warm tears running down my face.
Why do I have to be such a crybaby? Sasori pulled me into his arms, and I instinctively clung to him.

"Sasuke... Sasuke thinks... he thinks I’m some whore who sleeps with anyone... He hates me, Sasori. I’ve never seen him look so disappointed," every word made my chest ache more and more.
I couldn’t take it anymore. I broke down mentally once again.
I really had to stop letting Sasuke control my emotions like this.

Sasori seemed lost in thought, unsure of what to say.

"Sasuke Uchiha is an asshole," he said gently, stroking my head.
That was it — I snapped.

"Dammit, he’s not an asshole! You don’t even know him! I love Sasuke, and not even you will change my mind. Everyone always bashes him, but no one really knows how he truly feels," I shouted, my voice growing louder with every sentence.
Slowly, my tears dried up, and with them, my anger faded too.

"You know I’m right," Sasori replied calmly.

"Yeah, I know," I sighed heavily.
He was right. Sasuke was an asshole.
But even an asshole can be loved.
He could tear my heart out of my chest and it would still beat only for him.
All this pain had to end someday.

Sasori looked at me with an unreadable expression.
What was he thinking about?
Sometimes I wished I could read minds. It would make life so much easier.

"Why don’t you just bury your feelings for him already?" he asked with a crooked, seemingly pained smile.
I couldn’t even imagine how much Sasori must be suffering.
He loved me more than anything, yet here I was, talking about another man in front of him.

"Getting over your first love isn’t that easy," I replied quietly.
And that was all I would say on the matter.

He nodded slightly and thought for a moment. His smile faltered briefly into a sad expression, but it vanished again when I smiled at him.
I had to be more considerate of him in the future if we were going to stay friends.

"I’m going to make us some tea," he said with a smile and disappeared into the kitchen.

 

Meanwhile with Itachi & Sasuke:

"Why are you hiding your true feelings?" Itachi asked gently.

"What are you talking about?" Sasuke hissed back, clearly annoyed.

"Haruno-san," Itachi replied curtly.

"I don't feel anything for her," Sasuke’s tone grew colder.

"You know you shouldn't lie, Otouto-chan," Itachi’s voice sharpened.

"Don't tell me what to do. It's none of your business what's going on between Sakura and me," Sasuke growled.

"She's hurting," Itachi added calmly.

"She sure wasn’t hurting when Sasori's dick was inside her," Sasuke spat, his voice growing louder with every word.

"Don't trust only your eyes, little brother," Itachi remained unshaken.

"Just leave me the hell alone with your stupid love crap and take care of your own shit!" Sasuke shouted, slamming the door in Itachi’s face.

"Foolish little brother," Itachi hummed softly before returning to his room.

 

Back with Sakura & Sasori:

A few minutes later, I got up and followed Sasori into the kitchen. Watching him stirring the matcha powder into the hot water made me think of Itachi. Sasori didn’t even come close to doing it with the same elegance. Quickly, I shook those thoughts out of my head.

Just as he was about to pour the tea, the doorbell rang.

"I'll get it!" I chirped and skipped toward the door.

I slowly opened it, only to be shoved aside by a tall blond guy. Excuse me?! What the hell?!

"Where's my boyfriend?" he demanded, clearly irritated.

Boyfriend? Was he talking about... Sasori? There’s no way this is really happening right now.

"What boyfriend?" I asked skeptically, needing clarification.

"Sasori, of course," he said, rolling his eyes like it was the most obvious thing in the world.

Sasori? Sasori had... a boyfriend?! My mind exploded with a thousand thoughts. No way he was gay. He would have told me. Besides... he loves me. Right?

Before I could say anything else, Sasori appeared in the hallway behind me.

"Deidara!?" Sasori gasped, his face utterly shocked.

And there I was... standing there like the clueless main character in the most absurd soap opera.

Chapter 10: Surprises

Notes:

Hey guys, I'm back!
This chapter’s a little on the shorter side, but don't worry — the really good stuff is just around the corner.
Only a tiny bit more and then we’ll dive right into all the sweet, romantic chaos, hehe.
I hope you’ll stick with me until then!
Next chapter will be up in just a few days, so stay tuned! 🌸

As soon as Deidara grinned at him, he asked,
"So, Sasori, did you miss me?"

"Come with me, Deidara. We need to talk," Sasori said seriously, his face hardening.

"We can talk right here, Sasori-kun," Deidara turned slightly towards me.

"And what are you doing back with her?" His tone was as scornful as his glare.

"Can someone please tell me what the hell is going on?" I snapped, completely losing it.
Just when I thought things might actually start to get better — now this?
Who even was this Deidara guy? What did he want with Sasori?
And why was he treating me like trash?

Once again, the questions piled up in my mind, but no one seemed willing to answer them.

"Come on, Sasori," Deidara sing-songed. "Aren't you gonna explain the situation to Pinkie?"

Did he seriously just call me Pinkie?
I clenched my fists so hard my knuckles turned white. I was about two seconds away from teaching this jerk some manners.

"And who the hell do you think you are?" I shouted at him.

"I'm Sasori's lover. So you better get lost, sweetheart," he said with a sly smile.

My fists slowly relaxed.
His lover?
What was that supposed to mean?
I searched Sasori’s eyes, desperate to understand — and what I found there shattered me: sadness, desperation, anger... and they all mirrored my own.

"Is that the truth?" I asked, forcing my voice to stay as cold as ice.

"Sakura… it’s not what you think… I—" he started.

"Just tell me. Is it the truth or not?" I cut him off, tired of the endless lies and half-truths.
I wasn't some pawn he could move around at will.

Sasori sighed heavily before finally speaking.

"Deidara’s my... messed-up ex. A while ago, we... had a one-night stand. But it meant nothing, Sakura. Nothing. I swear to you — I love only you!"
His words cut into me like a thousand blades.

"You say you love me. You say I’m the only one for you. You act like everything’s perfect… and then you go and sleep with your ex?"
I could barely speak from the anger burning inside me.

I grabbed my things, ignoring his desperate attempts to stop me, and stormed out of the apartment.
There were no tears left to cry.
The sadness had been drowned out by disappointment and rage.

I didn’t even care that he had slept with his ex — what hurt was that he had lied to me.
He had betrayed my trust.

Almost... almost, I had given myself to him.
My stomach churned at the thought.
Had he ever really loved me at all?
Or was I just some prize to him?

A wave of nausea hit me from the sheer stupidity of it all.
No more.
No more crying over boys.

I would rise above this — stronger than before.
There was so much more to life than chasing after stupid guys.
I had dreams, goals, and ambitions.

I swore to myself right then and there:
From now on, my life would be about school, family, and friends. No distractions.

As I reached the front door of my house, I stopped briefly to seal the vow deep within my heart.
No boys.
No broken hearts.
Only me and my dreams.

I unlocked the door and was immediately greeted by the sound of joyful laughter.
Curious, I followed the noise to the kitchen — and nearly fell over in shock.

"Aunt Tsuna!?" I cried out in disbelief.
How could such a terrible day suddenly feel so good?

"Sakura Haruno! Look at you, all grown up!" Tsunade laughed, pulling me into a warm hug.
"Just call me Tsunade," she added with a wink.

"Tsunade’s staying with us for a week," my mom smiled at me. "Her apartment's being renovated."

"You mean...?" I started.

"Yup. I’m living here again starting today!" Tsunade cut me off, laughing.

I hugged her tightly again, feeling a little of the heavy weight in my chest lift.
Even though she had only been my biology tutor for a few years, she had always been like family.
When she moved away in ninth grade, it had felt like losing a big sister.
She had always been there for me, ready with advice, jokes, and especially, comfort whenever Sasuke broke my heart.
Having her back now was like getting a piece of my happiness returned to me.

"By the way," Tsunade said, her face suddenly darkening. "Your mom told me what happened earlier."

She cracked her knuckles with a terrifying grin.
"Where’s that Uchiha brat? When do I get to teach him a lesson he’ll never forget?"

Yup. She hadn’t changed one bit.
She was still the ultimate protector — especially when it came to me.

"It’s fine, Tsunade," I sighed, feeling the exhaustion deep in my bones.
"I’m officially done with guys."

"That’s my Sakura!" she beamed, raising her sake cup in the air.
"Who needs boys when you’ve got sake?"

It’s crazy how some people stay exactly the same their whole life.
I politely declined the sake, chatted a little more with Tsunade and my mom, and then headed up to my room.
Completely drained and exhausted, I threw myself onto my big, cozy bed.

A quick glance at my phone showed me a bunch of missed messages — looks like I had been missed.
Immediately, I explained everything that had happened to Hinata and Ino in our group chat.
Both of them were furious about Sasuke’s and Sasori’s behavior.
They comforted me and tried to cheer me up, even though... I didn’t really need it.
I wasn’t sad.
I wasn’t even angry.
I was just... disappointed.
So sick and tired of everything.

Starting tomorrow, it had to end.
It would end.

After half an hour of texting back and forth, I got up and wandered into the bathroom.
Before hopping into the shower, I put on some music.
Loud, emotional songs — probably too depressing — but right now, they actually made me feel happy.
I sang along at the top of my lungs, letting all the heaviness float away.
When I was finally ready for bed, I popped in my favorite movie and slowly drifted off into the land of dreams.

 

Meanwhile, back with Sasori and Deidara:

 

Slowly, I ran my hands through my hair.
What the hell had I done this time?
No — wrong.
What the hell had he done this time?

Deidara tried to sneak up behind me — but I was faster.
I grabbed his wrists roughly, staring him straight in his filthy eyes.

"Don’t you dare even think about touching me," I growled, my voice low and sharp.
His pupils darkened slightly, but I didn’t care.
I didn’t care about anything anymore — not now that she was gone.

Just when I had finally gotten her back into my life...
She had been ripped away from me again.
My sweet little Sakura.

With all the strength I had left, I shoved Deidara backward — slamming him hard against the wall.

"I don’t ever want to see your face again, Deidara," I spat, rage burning inside me.
"And if you ever show up again, I swear I’ll kill you with my own two hands."

I couldn’t take it anymore.
I couldn’t even stand to look at him.
Any good memories we’d once had were now completely erased — burnt to ash.

He just stared at me like an idiot, speechless.

Honestly, I wanted to spit in his face.
I wanted to drag him out of my apartment by the hair.

But instead, he stood up on his own and slowly made his way to the door.
I followed close behind.
Right before he stepped outside, he turned and looked at me one last time.

"I’ll always love you, Sasori," he said quietly — and then he was gone.

Good.
Hopefully, this time, it would be forever.

Only now did I really feel the full weight of what had happened.
My body trembled uncontrollably.
I was burning up, but freezing at the same time.
I screamed — loud and raw — letting all the pain pour out of me.

I couldn’t hold it back anymore.
Everything I cared about... gone.
All because I couldn’t keep it together.
All because I couldn’t control myself.

I hated myself.
I hated Deidara.
I hated everyone who had ever made my life harder.

What was even left for me to live for anymore?

Sakura.
Only Sakura.

I slapped myself across the face, trying to knock some sense back into my broken mind.

I had to fight for her.
I had to win her back.

But the real question was...
How?

 

Friday, April 3rd

"Finally, the weekend," I yawned to myself the moment the bell rang.
Hinata and Ino had gotten to leave an hour earlier than me today, which meant I was walking home alone for once.

This whole past week had been absolutely exhausting.
One test here, a presentation there.
Why the hell was I even torturing myself with this whole university entrance thing again?

At least all the stress helped distract me from... everything else.
For once, I could finally focus just on studying without my heart getting in the way.
Thank God I still had Hina, Ino, and Aunt Tsuna by my side.
Compared to me, the three of them were living in a freaking romance movie.
Not that I was jealous...
Well, maybe a little.

But honestly?
It just made me happy to see them so happy.

Ino and Sai were practically a picture-perfect couple.
Seriously, they couldn't keep their hands off each other and were practically glued together.
Though, sometimes I really did feel bad for Sai.
Poor guy — Ino could be a bit much sometimes.

Hina and Naruto were getting closer too, ever since my birthday.
They're not exactly official yet, but it’s obvious it’s only a matter of time.
Naruto's being so ridiculously sweet with her — openly showing how much he likes her now.
And Hina, even if she's still shy, is finally starting to open up little by little.

Ino and I couldn't be happier about it.
It’s about time those two got their act together.

Then there was Aunt Tsuna — who’s been engaged for a while now and is getting married in just three weeks.
Of course, I was invited to the wedding.
Sometimes, I honestly wonder how her fiancé survived her all these years...
But it's obvious they really love each other.

Overall, I was pretty damn satisfied with how things were going for everyone around me.
Anyone who says you can't be genuinely happy for others probably never had real friends.
Because honestly?
Watching them all being so happy made my heart burst with joy.

Lost in thought, I wandered down the stairs and headed out onto the street.
Just as I was about to walk through the school gates, I noticed a massive crowd gathering — and it was made up almost entirely of girls.

Carefully, I tried to squeeze past them when—

"Sakura!"
A deep voice cut through the chatter, making my whole body break out in goosebumps.

Was that...?

The group of girls parted slightly, their wide eyes locked on me as if I were some kind of anomaly.
Ignoring their stares, my eyes instantly found the only person that mattered right now.

There he stood — casually leaning against a ridiculously expensive sports car.
Tight black jeans.
A crisp white shirt with a black vest thrown over it.
And those polished dress shoes that somehow made him look even more unfairly hot.

Without meaning to, I bit down on my lower lip, completely consumed by my stupid fantasies.
When he called out my name again, I snapped out of it, shaking my head frantically.

God, please tell me he didn’t see that.

Taking a deep breath, I crossed my arms and forced my face into a cool, indifferent mask — one that matched his perfectly.

"What do you want, Sasuke?" I asked flatly, making sure my voice showed no emotion.

"You’re coming with me," he said simply.
"No questions. Now."

Chapter 11: Hell

"You have to come with me. Now," he said flatly. I couldn’t read his expression behind the dark sunglasses, but his voice—low, exhausted—sounded like he hadn’t slept in days.

"I'm going home, Sasuke," I replied coolly. Just as I turned to leave, he grabbed my hand.

"That wasn’t a question. It was an order," he muttered, clearly annoyed.

For a few seconds, I just stood there, staring at our hands. Then up at his face. Then back again. My cheeks flushed at the unexpected, slightly forceful touch. His hand wasn’t warm—in fact, it was almost ice-cold. Was Sasuke even human? Or some demon sent to ruin my life, one painful heartbeat at a time?

I snapped out of it and quickly pulled my hand away. Being that close to him still hurt way too much. I kept my face neutral and, after a brief internal debate, slid into the passenger seat of his car. The crowd of girls that had gathered around earlier was still there. I ignored their glares as best I could, but the way they were staring at me? As if they were one second away from tearing me to shreds.

They probably hadn’t expected Sasuke to be waiting for a girl. Especially not for me. People have always been a little jealous of how close we were. What they tend to forget though, is that Sasuke never showed any real interest in me—or in anyone for that matter. Honestly, I’ve even questioned if he might be gay, or simply incapable of forming real relationships at all. He never had many friends. I don’t think he even wanted any.

Why did I fall for him again?

He's mysterious. Cold. Guarded. Honestly, I probably know a lot less about him than I thought I did. The sudden roar of the engine tore me out of my thoughts.

"Where are you taking me?" I asked, trying to start a halfway normal conversation.

Silence.

Apparently, he was even grumpier than usual. The quiet between us stretched out like an awkward fog, and after everything that’s happened... it felt weird being alone with him again, especially in such a small space. My fingertips tapped nervously against my thighs. Was he planning to kidnap me? Would he even be capable of something like that?

My mind spiraled until we pulled up in front of his house.

Okay, maybe I was being dramatic.

Once inside the living room, I was shocked to see my parents chatting—laughing even—with Mikoto and Fugaku. So, clearly no one had died. That was a relief. I stepped closer and cleared my throat gently to make my presence known.

"Oh hello, Sakura!" Mikoto greeted me with a warm hug, while Fugaku gave me a simple nod and handshake.

"Would someone please explain what's going on here?" I asked, trying not to sound as impatient as I felt.

"Tsunade... may have had a little incident at our place," my mom began cautiously.

Oh no. That already sounded bad.

"This time, it didn’t go quite as planned, and we... can’t really go back home. For a while," she added quickly.

"And that’s why we agreed you’ll be staying here with us for the time being!" Mikoto chimed in with way too much enthusiasm.

"This is a joke, right?" I laughed nervously.

Nope. Just a bunch of solemn head shakes all around.

I had to be dreaming. There was no way this was actually happening. Living under the same roof as Sasuke, for who-knows-how-long?

Once upon a time, I would’ve killed for this.
Now? I’d rather kill myself.

I wanted to protest. Scream. Run away dramatically into the night. But I knew it wouldn’t help. This was happening. Why do these kinds of things only happen to me?

“Can’t I just stay at Ino’s, Mom?” I asked, flashing her my deadliest puppy eyes.

“It’s already been decided, Sakura. There’s no changing it now,” she sighed with a smile that was way too calm for my liking.

“Come on, Sakura. Maybe this is your chance to finally reconnect with Sasuke again,” Mikoto chimed in, clearly thrilled with the arrangement.

I rolled my eyes. Reconnect? What friendship are we talking about, exactly? The one where he treats me like I don’t even exist?

I couldn't take it anymore. I asked them to show me my new room, just to escape this conversation. Surprisingly, it was way bigger than my actual room, and it looked like all my things had already been unpacked. I silently prayed that our apartment would become livable again soon. Then again, maybe this could be a good chance to get to know Itachi a little better. Even though Mikoto had told me a lot about him, I still felt like I barely knew anything real. And after last week, I definitely owed him something for the comfort he gave me.

I tossed my bag into the corner and took a look around. For a guest room, it was pretty cozy. A large, fluffy bed stood against the right wall. Opposite it was a massive wardrobe made of dark wood. I opened it carefully and found all of my clothes perfectly folded inside. The perks of having housekeepers, huh?

There was also a tall bookshelf and a few floating shelves filled with little decorations—lots of flowers, but no photos. Still, it felt warm, like someone actually cared when putting this space together. I might even feel a little at home here… at least for a while.

I walked over to the big window and gazed out at the huge garden and small pond below. Beyond the tall trees were even more houses—all Uchihas. It was like their own private village right in the middle of the city. Amazing, really, how much influence one single family could have.

One day, Sasuke would take his father’s place as head of the clan and police chief. I couldn’t imagine how that would go, though—Sasuke didn’t exactly scream “family man.” Maybe Itachi would end up taking over instead… if his health would allow it.

I pushed myself away from the windowsill with a sigh and headed downstairs. Only my mom and Mikoto were still in the living room, sipping on some sake together.

“Mikoto, can I ask you a favor?” I smiled gently as I approached.

“Of course, sweetheart. What is it?” she smiled back just as kindly.

“I want to do something nice for Itachi. Is there anything he really likes?”

She paused for a moment, thinking hard. I was beginning to wonder if there might not be anything at all—was Itachi even capable of liking things?

“He’s got a major sweet tooth, though he tries to hide it. He especially loves dango,” she said after a moment.

“Do you have the ingredients? I’d love to make some right now.”

“Of course! He’ll be home in about an hour, so you’ll need to hurry if you want to surprise him today. The kitchen is all yours!”

She seemed genuinely happy that I was making an effort. I guess it meant a lot to her—especially after she told me how lonely he’d been. Maybe Itachi just needed someone to bring him out of his shell a little. Not me, obviously. This is purely a friendly gesture. I mean, he’s definitely different from Sasori, Sasuke, or anyone I’ve ever met... but that doesn’t change anything. Boys—and men—are officially off-limits.

I strolled into the kitchen and gathered everything I needed. I tied my hair back in a little ponytail, rolled up my sleeves, and got to work. I mixed the glutinous rice flour and regular rice flour and divided the dough into three bowls. That’s when it hit me—tomorrow was finally the Hanami Festival.

No wonder I’d thought of dango.

I decided to go with the traditional hanami-dango—soft, sweet dumplings in shades of pink, white, and green. Despite the awkward reality of living with Sasuke, the thought of the festival brightened my mood. I hummed a few tunes as I kneaded the dough with matcha, anko, and water until I had three beautiful colors.

I loved cooking—especially when it was for someone else. I filled a big pot with water and set it on the stove while shaping the dough into little balls. Just to be safe, I peeked around to make sure nobody was watching. Having an open-concept kitchen was both a blessing and a curse. Luckily, the coast was clear.

I twirled around a little to the beat of the music from the small stereo while assembling the mushiki and placing it on top of the pot. All I had to do now was wait for the dango to steam. One of my favorite things about cooking was the smell. The sweet scent filling the kitchen was heavenly—I could honestly eat the dough raw just to get a taste.

While the dumplings steamed, I tidied up and couldn’t resist singing along as one of my favorite songs started to play.

“Lies.
Don’t wanna know, don’t wanna know, oh.
I can’t let you go, can’t let you go, oh.”

I started sliding the soft dumplings onto bamboo skewers—green first, then pink, and finally white. Even as I worked, I couldn’t help but keep singing along.

“I just want it to be perfect
To believe it’s all been worth the fight.
Lies.
Don’t wanna know, don’t wanna know, oh.”

Just as I finished the last skewer, the song came to an end. Cheerfully, I spun around—only to freeze in horror. There, leaning against the doorframe, was Itachi… wearing the faintest trace of a smile.

“You do have emotions!” I blurted out like a rocket launch. The embarrassment of him possibly watching me dance and sing was immediately trumped by the shock of seeing him smile.

Still, I instantly regretted my words. Why couldn’t I just act normal around him for once?

“I’m not a robot, Haruno-san,” he replied dryly, and the almost-smile faded. I wondered if he had found the whole scene amusing—me dancing around the kitchen like no one was watching.

“How long have you been standing there?” I asked, praying it hadn’t been long.

“Okaa-san sent me here about ten minutes ago,” he said plainly.

Ten minutes!? He’d been watching me for ten whole minutes? I wanted the earth to swallow me. Why do these painfully awkward moments always happen around him?

I pulled myself together and remembered why I’d called him down here in the first place.

“I made Hanami Dango for you,” I said, offering a soft smile. “Just a little thank-you for your kind words the other day.” I held out the plate and waited as he slowly took a skewer—hesitating, probably because his love for sweets was supposed to be a secret.

“That wasn’t necessary, Haruno-san,” he muttered his version of gratitude. He looked almost a little bashful as he took a bite, and I grabbed one for myself too.

I couldn’t help but sneak a glance at him as he ate. He actually looked kind of adorable nibbling on the little rice dumplings—like a fluffy ferret or something. I couldn’t deny it anymore: he was very good-looking. I’d never been into guys with long hair, but somehow it worked on him. Really, really well.

For a moment, our eyes met—his dark, coal-black irises locking with my own green ones. I instantly looked away.

“Will you be going to the Hanami Festival tomorrow?” I asked, trying to distract from the awkwardness. He softly shook his head as he polished off his second skewer. I guess that meant no.

I took a few steps toward the stairs and looked back at him.

“That’s a shame. I was really hoping to see you there,” I said sweetly. And I meant it. It would’ve been nice to have at least one peaceful soul around.

Just as I turned to leave, he called my name.

“I’ll think about it,” he said gently.

I gave him the same warm smile he had given me earlier and made my way up to my room. I grabbed all my things and headed into the massive bathroom—it was nearly the size of my bedroom, complete with a whirlpool tub, a freestanding bath, and an open waterfall shower. Maybe… just maybe living here wouldn’t be so bad after all.

I stayed in there for over an hour before returning to my room, wrapped in only a towel. Even though the hallway wasn’t long, I still felt awkward walking around like that.

I went to grab some pajamas from my wardrobe when something caught my eye: a piece of fabric I didn’t recognize, with a note resting on top. The envelope had a cherry blossom pattern, and inside were a few very simple, direct words.

“We’re going to the festival tomorrow.
Here’s something to wear.
I’ll pick you up from your room at 9AM.
– Sasuke.”

Well, poetry certainly wasn’t his strong suit. As expected, the fabric turned out to be a kimono—black, adorned with soft pink cherry blossoms. The obi was a deeper pink, perfectly matched, and beside it lay a pair of black sandals and a red-and-white Uchiwa fan—just like the Uchiha family crest.

Had he picked this out himself? Or was it all Mikoto’s doing? Why in the world would Sasuke Uchiha want to go to a festival with me? I would’ve much rather gone with Hinata, Ino, and Itachi. We could’ve introduced Itachi to everyone and actually had a nice time. Instead, I was probably going to spend the entire day being dragged around by Sasuke and his emotional mood swings.

I sighed heavily. It wasn’t like I could refuse anymore. I carefully put everything back into the wardrobe and grabbed what I had originally come for.

But just as I was slipping on my underwear—

The door slammed open behind me.

I spun around in full panic mode, fists flying.

“Have you ever heard of knocking!?” I shrieked.

Chapter 12: Hanami

“Ever heard of knocking?!” I shrieked, fists raised in full defense mode. I quickly grabbed my blanket and wrapped it tightly around myself like armor.

“What are you staring at!?” I shouted and hurled a pillow at him. Apparently, he was so deep in thought he didn’t even notice. Furious, I stomped over to him, ready to land a punch.

“Sasuke Uchiha, either leave right now or say whatever you came here to say,” I growled. Even I was surprised by how tough I sounded. Normally, I turned into a nervous mess around Sasuke—weak knees, shaky voice, completely incapable of staying mad at him, no matter what he did.

But not anymore. This version of me? A strong, independent woman who doesn’t let anyone mess with her.

“Tomorrow at 8 AM, two housemaids will come to do your hair, makeup, and whatever other girly stuff you need,” he finally said, voice neutral and unreadable.

“Gee, thanks,” I shot back, my tone sharper than I intended.

“Be awake on time,” he added before closing the door behind him.

I let the blanket drop and flopped dramatically onto the big bed. Only now did the full weight of the situation hit me. Sasuke—of all people—had just seen me half-naked. Could this day get any worse?

And the worst part? He didn’t even flinch. Not a blush, not a comment. Just... nothing. I swear I must be cursed by some vengeful demon.

I could only pray that I wouldn’t have to face him again tonight at dinner. Groaning, I finally got up and threw on a comfy tank top and a pair of sleep shorts. I wasn’t really hungry, but skipping dinner felt rude.

So, down the stairs I went, heading to the dining room where Mikoto, my parents—and, unfortunately—Sasuke, were already sitting. To no one’s surprise, the only available seat was the one right next to him. Great.

I felt his gaze on me the moment I walked in, and as I took my place at the table, I forced myself not to spiral. Don’t panic, Sakura. Breathe.

But when our eyes met for the briefest second, I still felt my cheeks heat up. To hide it, I quickly sparked a conversation.

“So… why isn’t everyone here tonight?” I asked as casually as I could.

“Itachi always eats in his room. And Father’s always working,” Sasuke replied bitterly—surprisingly bitter, actually. I didn’t dare ask anything else after that.

Thankfully, my mom started chatting with Mikoto, and I busied myself with my plate—some vegetable rice, mostly for show. It was hard to focus on the conversation, especially with the heaviness in the air.

I got the feeling it really bothered Sasuke that his father and brother weren’t here. Maybe they never had time

He probably always spoke so poorly about Itachi because of all that. I really wished he’d open up to me more—trust me again—and finally acknowledge our friendship. Maybe I should try to mediate between them.

“So, who’s coming to the Hanami Festival tomorrow?” I asked, determined.

“Everyone except Itachi,” Mikoto replied, her tone slightly bitter. I sighed in disappointment. So much for my plan. But it wasn’t just that—I genuinely liked Itachi. A lot, actually. I would’ve been really happy to spend a peaceful day with him.

“That’s a shame… I asked him earlier and he said he’d think about it.”

“Maybe he’ll change his mind,” Mikoto offered gently. I gave her a warm smile and returned to my food. Maybe she was right. Itachi was unpredictable, after all. He might just surprise us.

Sasuke suddenly stood up and left the room without saying a word. I wondered if it annoyed him that we were talking about his brother. Why are Uchiha men so hard to read?

I spent the rest of the evening chatting with my parents about the future and all kinds of random topics. Of course, I helped clean up after dinner too. Mikoto thanked me, but I insisted—it’s only natural to help out.

I wished everyone a good night and finally escaped to my room. With a tired sigh, I collapsed into the soft bed, absolutely sure I wouldn’t get up again tonight. What a strange day this had been. I put on a few episodes of a series and texted with Hinata and Ino before slipping into some much-needed, well-earned sleep.

 

Saturday, April 4th

I groggily rubbed my tired, slightly irritated eyes. 7:30 AM is not a proper time to wake up on a Saturday. I seriously considered going right back to sleep. But eventually, I dragged myself out of bed and went through my usual morning routine.

Just as I finished brushing my teeth, there was a knock at the door. Standing outside were two extremely pretty housemaids—probably around my age. They greeted me politely (maybe a little too politely) and immediately got to work.

They helped me into the kimono—which honestly, I would've never managed on my own. It fit perfectly and looked even more stunning worn than I’d imagined. Black was never really my color, but somehow, it worked. Really well, actually.

They styled my hair in a traditional updo and even helped with the makeup. At exactly 9:00 AM, just as we finished, there was another knock. One of the maids opened the door—and I swear my heart almost stopped.

There he stood: Sasuke. Dressed in a deep navy kimono that was almost black. And to my absolute shock—his hair was tied back. I had never, ever seen him like this. My breath caught in my throat. My heart practically somersaulted in my chest.

He looked… breathtaking.

Not that he wasn’t always ridiculously good-looking—but this was different. That tied-back hair suited him way more than I would’ve thought. And the kimono? Somehow made him even more attractive. It was almost like I was looking at a completely different man.

“You… look nice,” he muttered with a completely neutral tone.

Was I dreaming? Did he just say I looked nice?

“Can you repeat that?” I asked, stunned.

He seemed to hesitate, clearly not thrilled about having to say it again.

“You’re pretty,” he replied bluntly, clearly annoyed.

My heart was racing now.

“Thanks. You look… good, too,” I said softly with a gentle smile, doing my best not to sound like a love-struck teenager. That wasn’t who I wanted to be around him anymore. I didn’t want to be “that annoying little Sakura” who chased after him endlessly.

I wanted him to see me as a woman—not a lovesick girl.

“We need to go,” Sasuke said quietly, taking my hand in his. Another small touch—this time not as rough as before. His grip was firm, yes, but also gentle. Slowly, he led me down the stairs toward the front of the estate, where everyone was already waiting.

Mikoto, absolutely delighted, began taking what felt like a thousand photos of us. Sasuke and I probably looked like an actual couple… and maybe that thought crossed his mind too, because the second he realized, he quickly let go of my hand.

My gaze wandered through the crowd until it landed on a familiar face. He wore a black kimono with a dark red obi, and his long hair was tied back into that loose ponytail he always had.

“Itachi-sama!” I called out cheerfully and rushed toward him. I hugged him tightly, not even sure why—it just made me so happy to see that he’d decided to come. That odd, calming aura he had always pulled me in like a magnet. Maybe he was some kind of sorcerer, and Sasuke hated him because he was a demon in disguise?

With Itachi around, it felt like even the gods themselves couldn’t touch me. His presence was so soothing—it lifted my spirits just by being there.

Though... the hug seemed to make him a bit uncomfortable. Maybe he wasn’t used to that kind of closeness, so I gently let go of him again.

“Forgive me, Itachi-sama. I’m just really glad you came with us today,” I beamed at him.

“Next time, a little less enthusiasm, Haruno-san,” he said. But this time, his words weren’t as dry or detached as usual. Was he starting to warm up to me?

We all chatted for a few more minutes before getting into a giant limousine. It was surreal—I wasn’t used to this kind of luxury. Still, I had to admit... it felt nice to be treated like a princess.

After a short fifteen-minute ride, we arrived at the sprawling park where the festival was being held. My eyes lit up like a kid in a candy store the moment I saw the entrance. It felt like there were even more cherry trees than last year—like the whole world was blooming just for us.

Unable to contain my excitement, I ran off ahead to look around. It was just as beautiful as I remembered—maybe even more. But I hadn’t forgotten my mission: bringing Sasuke and Itachi closer together. So I set off to buy some Taiyaki.

Five filled with red bean paste, three with matcha cream, and six with chocolate emptied my wallet more than I’d planned. Just as I was about to head back, I spotted Sasuke and Itachi walking toward me. Why did they have to look like literal supermodels?

“Here! I got Taiyaki for us!” I greeted them with a bright smile.

“I hate sweets,” Sasuke muttered coldly. Was he annoyed that I was being so kind to Itachi? Could he… be jealous? No way. Sasuke Uchiha, jealous of his own brother? Especially over me? That was absurd.

Itachi, on the other hand, immediately helped himself to three of the 14 pastries.

“Excuse me,” he said calmly, and walked off before either of us could say a word. Did he just purposely leave me alone with Sasuke?

Once we sat beneath one of the towering cherry blossom trees, the mood seemed to ease up a little. Now that Itachi was gone, Sasuke looked noticeably more relaxed. For a few moments, I closed my eyes and let myself get lost in the gentle traditional music around us. The scent of spring and sweet festival treats filled the air, making me smile softly. It felt so good to finally breathe again.

When I opened my eyes, I found Sasuke’s dark irises staring straight into mine. This time, it didn’t feel awkward like it usually did. It was calm. Peaceful. And honestly… kind of nice. Still, I could feel my cheeks turning pink at the thought that he might’ve been watching me for a while.

“I’m sorry,” he said suddenly—genuinely, and unexpectedly soft.

Wait… what?

Did Sasuke Uchiha just apologize?

Had he been abducted and replaced with a nicer clone?

Before I could even process what he’d just said, he continued.

“I didn’t mean to be so... harsh with you. Actually, you’re…” he muttered, jaw tightening slightly.

“What am I?” I asked gently, already knowing the answer he was trying to force out.

“Important,” he finally admitted, almost painfully.

So I was important to him. I wasn’t sure whether to be happy or hesitant. Did he mean it? Was it just a fleeting thought, or did he really feel that way?

He turned his head, clearly avoiding my eyes, hiding a yawn that broke through despite his best efforts. Had he really not been sleeping well? I couldn’t help but wonder what was keeping him up at night.

Then, suddenly and without a word, Sasuke’s head rested softly against my shoulder.

His eyes were closed. His face, for the first time in what felt like forever, looked peaceful. Almost innocent. Had he been that tired—so much so that he forgot to keep his usual walls up?

My heart fluttered at the unexpected closeness. I didn’t dare move. His presence was overwhelming and beautiful, and I didn’t want to lose even a second of it. For a moment, he looked like a sleeping angel—free of the burden he always seemed to carry.

Maybe... maybe we really could be friends again. If only he’d let me in. He was so close, yet still so far. What was I supposed to do with a boy like him?

After about thirty minutes, he stirred awake on his own. His hair had become adorably messy, making my heart squeeze in my chest. I couldn’t help it—I giggled softly.

His confused gaze met mine, and for the first time in a while, it felt like we were just two teens sharing a moment—not burdened by heartbreak or heavy feelings.

“You don’t have to be embarrassed, Sasuke,” I smiled at him. “We’re friends, and friends should be able to trust each other.”

He didn’t reply—I hadn’t expected him to. Instead, he stood up and offered me his hand to help me to my feet. I took it without hesitation.

“Where do you want to go?” he asked, trying his best to sound polite. But I still caught the slight edge of irritation in his voice.

I knew festivals like this weren’t really his thing—too loud, too crowded, too much. But the fact that he was still here with me, doing all the things I wanted to do, meant more than he’d ever say out loud.

We made paper fans and masks, watched traditional dancers, shared festival food, and even stayed for the fireworks at the end. It was like a date... only without the words. Yet somehow, it still meant everything to me.

Sasuke was trying. And that alone was enough to make my heart ache in the best way. Maybe I really was important to him.

Maybe this whole “no boys” rule of mine was ridiculous after all.

Maybe I should just let things happen instead of forcing them away.

By 11 PM, we were back at the Uchiha estate. I went straight into the bathroom and slipped into a long, hot shower. As beautiful as the day had been, it had also drained me completely. Fun always seems to come with a price tag called exhaustion.

Once clean and dried off, I returned to my room and threw on some comfy sleepwear. Just as I was about to collapse into bed, a knock echoed on my door.

I opened it—only to freeze at the person standing there.

“Can we talk?”

Chapter 13: Panic

“Can we talk?” asked a soft voice, colored with lavender eyes.

“Hinata?!” I gasped, a little startled. What was she doing here? Especially at this hour?

She looked heartbroken, like she’d been crying for hours. Whatever had happened—it had to be something serious. Hinata would never show up unannounced otherwise. Instinctively, I wrapped my arms around her, closed the door, and guided her over to my bed.

“Something really bad happened,” she murmured.

I sat down next to her carefully, giving her space to talk at her own pace.

“I didn’t go to Ino. She wouldn’t take this seriously. That’s why I came to you. I’m scared, Sakura. I’m scared to go home,” she explained between heavy pauses. Her shoulders trembled, and I could tell she was on the verge of breaking down again. Slowly, I placed an arm around her.

“What happened, Hina? Please tell me,” I asked gently.

She sniffled, tears streaming quietly down her cheeks.

“I slept with Naruto, Sakura. It was... it was really nice, but if my family ever finds out...” Her words dissolved into a river of salt and sorrow.

Was I dreaming right now?

Hinata—the sweet, gentle angel of our group—was the first of us to have sex?

Not that I thought it was wrong. Honestly, I was happy for her. Just... surprised. I never thought she’d be the one to take that step so soon—especially not with how shy she usually is.

“Do you regret it?” I asked carefully.

She looked up at me, clearly trying to collect herself.

“No. It was wonderful. I love Naruto, I really do, but…”

“No buts, Hina,” I cut her off softly but firmly. “You’re old enough to make that decision for yourself. Your parents don’t have to know unless you want to tell them.”

I knew how strict her family could be. And her cousin... he’d lose his mind if he ever found out. But none of them had the right to control her love life—not anymore. Maybe it was a little soon, sure, but who was I to judge?

Her breathing slowly evened out, and the tears finally stopped.

“Maybe you’re right,” she sighed with relief. I could see her calming down little by little, and it made me happy to be able to be here for her.

“Can I stay with you tonight?” she asked shyly.

“Of course,” I smiled.

We checked in with Mikoto and then headed back up to my room. After Hinata had gotten ready for bed, we both settled into the middle of my bed under the covers.

“So... how’s life under the same roof as Sasuke?” she asked with a playful little grin.

I should’ve seen that one coming. Honestly... how was it, really?

I hadn’t been here long, but so much had already happened.

“He’s slowly starting to open up to me,” I sighed.

“I knew you and Sasuke were meant to be,” Hinata said with a warm smile.

“I’m not so sure about that. I’m just letting things happen as they come,” I admitted.

And I truly meant that. If we were meant to be, then fate would find a way. But if not... then maybe someone else was written in the stars for me. Someone I never expected.

“And what about you and Naruto?” I asked, suddenly a bit nosy.

She hesitated for a moment, clearly thinking about her answer.

“He’s really sweet and thoughtful. He makes time for me and always looks out for me… even if I’m still a little shy,” Hinata beamed, completely smitten. It was heartwarming to see a friend this happy.

But just as quickly as her smile came, it faded again.

“But… I can never say no, Sakura. That’s probably one of the main reasons it even happened between us... you know…” she sighed quietly.

“That’ll change once you’re a real couple and the honeymoon phase starts to wear off,” I reassured her with a wink.

It seemed to work—she smiled again and agreed with me. We spent a while longer talking about everything and nothing, until eventually, way too late and completely exhausted, we finally drifted off into sleep.

 

Sunday, April 5th

Sleepily, I rubbed my eyes and looked around. Hinata was already fully dressed and ready to go.

“Why didn’t you wake me up?” I asked groggily.

“You looked so peaceful,” she smiled softly.

“You’re leaving already?” I asked, still half-asleep. She nodded.

A glance at the clock told me it was just past 9 a.m. Who even wakes up that early on a Sunday?

Still, as the good host I was, I got up and walked her downstairs to the front door.

“Try not to overthink everything, okay?” I encouraged her as we hugged goodbye.

“Thanks, Sakura,” she smiled again before stepping outside. We exchanged a final wave before I closed the door behind her.

What a night that had been.

Just as I turned to go back to my room, I nearly jumped out of my skin—standing right behind me was a face I knew far too well.

“You scared me again, Sasuke,” I exhaled, clutching my chest. Was he secretly a ninja or something? How could he sneak up on me like that?

His expression was... softer than usual. Calm. Almost kind. Could it be that he was actually starting to like me again?

He seemed to be searching for the right words, clearly trying to say something.

“Should I drive you to school tomorrow?” he finally asked, completely out of the blue.

Wait. He wants to drive me? On his own? Voluntarily?! I mean... how could I say no to that? Or... should I?

“Uhm… You don’t have to. Only if you want to,” I stammered.

“Yes or no?” he sighed, mildly annoyed.

“If it’s no trouble, then... yes,” I smiled softly at him.

“I’m leaving at 7:30,” he added and turned to walk back to his room.

A master of small talk, truly. But honestly? I was already beaming on the inside. The fact that he even spoke to me was reason enough to celebrate.

And of course, it brought all of yesterday’s memories flooding back—his messy hair, his peaceful sleeping face, the way his head had rested on my shoulder. He apologized. He said I was important to him.

How was I ever supposed to stop loving him?

I let out a long sigh and started thinking about how to spend the rest of the Sunday.

In the end, I just lazed around in the garden, watching some shows on my phone before heading back to bed.

 

Monday, April 6th

The next morning, I made my way downstairs and out to the garage right on time—7:30 sharp. Sasuke was already there, leaning casually against his sleek black Audi R8. As soon as he spotted me, he got into the car, and I followed suit.

The ride was silent, but I didn’t mind. I didn’t even try to force a conversation. Sasuke would get all the time he needed to open up to me again.

When we finally pulled into the school parking lot, I felt like I was about to be assassinated. At least a dozen so-called “fangirls” of my brooding chauffeur shot me glares sharp enough to kill. It was honestly kind of funny—judging by their faces, they clearly thought something was going on between Sasuke and me.

He, on the other hand, walked straight toward the school building without so much as acknowledging the crowd.

Once the fangirl mob started to scatter, I spotted Ino and Hinata waiting nearby. Ino's grin could’ve lit up the whole block.

“So, is it finally happening with you and Mr. Perfect?” she blurted out.

“No, he just gave me a ride to school,” I sighed.

“You’ll end up together sooner or later,” Hinata added sweetly.

Wait—did Ino already know about the big news?

“Hey Hina… does Ino already know?” I asked cautiously.

“That our sweet little Hinata isn’t an innocent angel anymore? Oh yeah, totally,” Ino grinned wickedly.

“Ino! Don’t say that so loud!” Hinata scolded her, cheeks turning pink.

In the end, we all just laughed about it.

“Honestly, I always thought you’d be the first one out of us to take that step, Sakura. But hey, times change,” Ino shrugged.

“To be fair, I don’t feel anywhere near ready for that,” I sighed yet again.

“That’s what I thought too,” Hinata admitted shyly.

“When it happens, it happens!” Ino concluded with a smirk.

Just as we wrapped up our conversation, the bell rang on cue. With zero motivation, we dragged ourselves into class. Thank god this hell was almost over.

By the time school ended, all I wanted was to go home and crash. The day had been exhausting—not just because of gym class, but because Ino hadn’t stopped teasing me about Sasuke for even a second.

Speaking of Sasuke… there he was again, standing by his car, clearly waiting.

When he called my name, I could feel all eyes on me. Not that he’d mentioned anything about driving me home.

“Well, off you go to your Prince Charming,” Ino snorted, practically doubling over with laughter.

“This isn’t funny,” I grumbled, making my way over to him.

“We’re going home,” Sasuke said flatly.
"Did something happen?" I asked cautiously.
He just nodded—clearly not wanting to talk about it.

We got into the car and I could only hope that it wasn’t something too terrible. Sasuke was driving way too fast—scarily fast. He was clearly in a rush.
I started getting nervous. What if something had happened to my family? No… he would’ve told me. Wouldn’t he?

When we arrived at the house, Sasuke rushed straight into the living room—and I followed.
But I immediately wished I hadn’t.

The scene in front of us felt like something straight out of a nightmare.
Please, let this just be a dream.

There were our parents—Sasuke’s and mine—both of our mothers crying like waterfalls. And I could feel my own tears threatening to fall.
Doctors, paramedics, wires, tubes… chaos.

And in the middle of it all—Itachi. Pale. Coughing up blood.

It was a sight I’ll never forget.

My body went hot and cold at the same time. I was trembling, frozen in place—my brain just couldn’t process any of it. Slowly, I looked over to Sasuke.
His face was a mirror of mine—shocked, terrified.
All I could hear from him was a quiet, broken whisper:
"Please no… Onii-chan…"

Itachi… he really does mean the world to him.

Suddenly, the doctors started yelling, voices rising in panic.

"We’re losing him!" one of them shouted.

And with that, my own tears began to fall.
Everything happened so fast after that—Itachi was rushed into the ambulance, Sasuke’s parents climbing in right after. There wasn’t even time for questions.

We stood there in complete shock.
My mother ran up and pulled me into her arms, whispering over and over that everything was going to be okay.

But Sasuke—he just stood there. Alone. Lost.
It broke my heart to see him like that. I wanted to help him so badly.

Then, he suddenly started walking toward his car—his steps heavy with anger and despair.
I quickly pulled away from my mom and ran after him, desperate to stop whatever reckless thing he was about to do.

"What are you planning to do, Sasuke?" I called after him.
No response.

"Sasuke Uchiha, what are you going to do?" I nearly shouted.

Finally, he stopped and turned back to me.

"Leave me alone, Sakura," he rasped.
Oh no. Not this time. He wasn't getting away with it.

"Do you think Itachi would want you to do something stupid right now? Get a grip, Sasuke! He needs you—your whole family needs you!"
My voice was raw, trembling with emotion. I couldn’t believe he was trying to run away from his pain again.

He stood still—his mind clearly racing.
I took the chance to ask my dad if he could take us to the hospital, and thankfully he agreed.

I turned back to Sasuke.
"Come with us. We’ll take you to him—to your family."

I calmed my voice—and maybe even his.
He hesitated, then silently locked his car and walked over to us.
Still no words. Not a single expression. He just got into my dad’s car with us.

The ride felt endless and suffocating.
I couldn’t stop worrying—about Itachi, about Sasuke. The pain of not knowing what was going on was eating me alive.

When we got to the hospital, Mikoto and Fugaku were already there.
Mikoto immediately ran up to Sasuke and hugged him tightly, crying into his shoulder.
Fugaku, even in his usual stoic way, looked devastated. That told me everything. He might be strict, but he really did love his sons with all his heart.

Mikoto told us what had happened—it had come out of nowhere. She shared more details about Itachi’s illness… apparently, these attacks had become more frequent lately.
But this time—it was worse. Different.

The more she said, the less I could hear. My head was spinning.
I didn’t want to lose him—not now.
I wanted to get to know him better, see him smile for real one day. I wanted to give him a reason to feel alive.
I didn’t want Sasuke—or his family—to be in this kind of pain.

My chest tightened. I felt dizzy and sat down in one of the chairs, trying to breathe deeply.
The others joined me, and together we sat in agonizing silence—waiting for any kind of news.

After what felt like an eternity—five excruciating hours—a doctor finally approached.

The surgery had gone well, despite complications.
He said, Itachi would’ve died if he had arrived even a minute later.

That thought alone made my stomach churn.

I gave Sasuke and his parents some space—figured they needed a moment alone with him.
It must be unbearable to almost lose someone you love that much.

It already hurt me—and I didn’t even know him that well.

After about fifteen minutes, Mikoto came to call me and my parents into the hospital room.
"Haruno-san," Itachi smiled weakly.
His face was still pale, his eyes red and tired. And yet—he wore that same, impossibly gentle smile on his lips. It was beautiful… and heartbreakingly tragic.

I sat down in the chair next to his hospital bed and gently took his hand into mine.

"Itachi-sama," my voice trembled, and I could already feel tears welling up again.
Why am I always so damn emotional?

Itachi lifted his other hand and gently wiped the salty tears from my cheek.

"Don’t cry for me, Haruno-san," he whispered with a smile even softer than before.
Of course, those words only made me cry harder.

"We’ll give you two some privacy," Mikoto said softly, and then they all quietly left the room.

Now it was just the three of us in the small, sterile hospital room.

"You can't just scare us like that, Itachi-sama," I said, trying to keep my voice from shaking again.
"There’s still so much I want to learn about you. I’ll come visit you every single day if I have to—just to make sure this never happens again!"

I kept talking and talking, letting the words tumble out—probably sounding a little ridiculous.
But the entire time, he just looked straight into my eyes. He didn’t interrupt, didn’t smile wider, didn’t blink. He just… looked.

And once I was finally done with my little monologue, his gaze shifted—
"Otouto-chan."

His eyes now rested on Sasuke, who had been silently standing behind me the entire time.
I understood instantly. He wanted to talk to his little brother. Just the two of them.
Especially now. Especially after all this.

I stood up slowly and made my way to the door.

"I’ll see you tomorrow," I smiled at Itachi, though it was a bittersweet one, and then I stepped out into the hallway.

Our parents were sitting there, quietly talking among themselves.
A glance at the big wall clock told me it was already 10 PM.

My dad caught the direction of my gaze and immediately offered to drive me home.
After a short moment of hesitation, I agreed.
I said goodbye to everyone and we made our way out of the hospital.

Once home, I slipped into the bathtub right away, trying to sort through everything that had happened.
I don’t think I’ll ever get those images out of my head.
And I knew—I absolutely wasn’t going to sleep tonight.

After what felt like forever in the warm water, I finally got myself ready for bed and turned on the TV, hoping to distract my brain.
Amazingly, I did manage to fall asleep for a few hours.

But around 3 a.m., I was jolted awake by a nightmare.
I sat up, gasping, heart racing, tears in my eyes.

I tried to calm myself down. Deep breaths.
Please let Itachi be okay.

As I got up and headed for the bathroom, I suddenly heard loud music coming from Sasuke’s room.
So he was still awake too.

Is he okay?

Without thinking twice, I walked straight to his door…
and barged in without knocking.

Chapter 14: Happiness

Without thinking, I made my way to his door… and walked right in without knocking.

Sasuke was sitting on his bed, his back turned toward me, completely silent.
Still, he must’ve noticed me, because he suddenly began rubbing his face hastily with both hands.
No way—he wasn’t crying… was he?

Softly, I stepped over to the stereo and turned the volume down.
As beautiful as Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata was, it didn’t need to echo through the entire house at volume 100.

I turned around, observed him for a moment, then quietly sat down beside him.
He didn’t say a word. Didn’t even look at me.
I couldn’t begin to imagine how much pain he must be in right now.
There had to be something—anything—I could do to help him.

So of course… my big mouth decided to just start talking.

"Itachi’s going to be okay, Sasuke. I’m sure he’ll be home before we know it," I tried to encourage him.
His breathing picked up just a bit. Maybe I really could help.
Or… was I just making everything worse?

"One day, he’ll be cured completely, and then you’ll have your whole life together, without any more worries," I went on gently.

"His illness isn’t curable," came Sasuke’s reply—cold, emotionless.

I flinched. I hadn’t expected a response—especially not that kind of response.

"Well… the doctors are doing everything they can, right? And if they can’t find a cure… then I will," I said with a faint, bittersweet smile.
"Once I become a doctor, I’ll do whatever it takes to help him get better!"

That was my new goal. My future.
If no one else could find a cure—then I would.
Itachi can’t die.
Not now.

To my surprise, Sasuke finally turned to face me.

"Itachi will die," he said, his voice trembling with anger.
That sentence hit me like a punch to the chest.
But what really shocked me—was him.

His skin was even paler than usual, his eyes bloodshot, dark circles etched into his face like shadows.
He looked like he hadn’t slept in days—and like he’d been crying for hours.

"Sasuke..." I whispered, heartbroken.
Seeing him like this… it tore me apart.

He was suffering—and I couldn’t do anything to stop it.
At least not right now.

I stood up slowly, deciding to give him some space, to let him be alone with his thoughts.
But just as I turned to leave, I felt his hand wrap around my wrist.

I looked back at him in surprise.

"Don’t... don’t go," he whispered hoarsely.

My eyes widened.
Had he really just said that?

His face looked devastated, completely undone, and somehow even more fragile than Itachi’s had earlier.

I took a deep breath, forcing myself to stay calm, then sat back down beside him.

"Why can’t you just open up to me, Sasuke?" I asked softly.
"Why do you make everything so complicated?"

He ran his hands through his hair, lost in thought.
I could see the gears turning in his head, fighting something only he could understand.

As terrible as all of this was, it still didn’t excuse shutting everyone out.
If I hadn’t come here tonight, he probably never would’ve said a word.

Then—slowly—he shifted away from me, leaning back against the wall.
He thought for a moment...

And then finally—finally—he began to speak.

“When we were kids, I always admired Itachi,” Sasuke began quietly.
“He was my big brother. He was better than me at everything, so I wanted to be just like him. At some point, Father started giving Itachi more and more attention. He wanted me to become like him. But I could never surpass him—I could never meet Father’s expectations.
Admiration turned into jealousy. Into resentment. He stopped being my brother and became a rival.”

He paused, took a shaky breath.

“When Itachi left us for five years, my hatred only grew stronger… But now that he’s returned, sick and dying…”
“…I need him, Sakura. No matter if Father loves him more than me. I just need him to stay.”

Sasuke exhaled deeply.
Those words had clearly cost him a lot.
He had to stop again and again, even though he hadn’t said that much.
It hurt to hear… but at the same time, I was happy.
He was finally opening up to me.

“You don’t have to carry this burden alone, Sasuke,” I whispered, giving him a warm, soft smile.
“We’re friends, remember?”

At that word—friends—he inhaled sharply.
I had no idea what that reaction meant, and honestly? I didn’t want to ask. Not right now.

“You need to talk to Itachi about all this,” I added gently.

“I did. At the hospital,” he replied, voice heavy with emotion.
“I don’t want to… lose him, Sakura.”

Before he could say anything else, I crawled over to him and wrapped my arms around him tightly.
My cheeks were blushing, but some part of me knew—this was what I had to do.
At first, he stiffened a little, unsure how to respond to the closeness.
But then… slowly… he returned the hug.

And gods, it felt so good.

The warmth of his body, his soft hair brushing lightly against my face—it made me smile without even realizing it.
My heart was doing somersaults.
I never wanted to let go.
Not from this moment. Not from him.

But like all moments—it had to end.

For a short while, our faces were only inches apart.
Despite the pink tint in his cheeks, Sasuke’s dark eyes sparkled beautifully in the dim light.
And he didn’t look away.
He stared right into my glowing green emeralds.

“Do you… want to stay here tonight?” he asked, his voice quiet, eyes still locked with mine.

I jolted back, shot to my feet and turned bright red.

“S-S-Sasuke, I-I don’t think that’s a good idea!” I stammered like an idiot.
Why do I always end up in the most embarrassing situations with him!?

Sasuke tilted his head slightly, as if thinking.

“You didn’t sleep with Sasori… did you?” he asked out of nowhere.
Seriously? Where did that come from?
I shook my head slightly.
And for a fraction of a second—I saw it.
A smile.
A real smile on Sasuke’s lips.

“Stay away from him,” he said more firmly.

“I already do,” I sighed, a little confused.
Why did it matter so much to him?

His eyes scanned me from head to toe—then found mine again.
For just one more second, we stayed like that.

“Good night, Sakura,” he murmured.

I understood what he meant.
So I smiled softly, turned around, and headed for the door.

“Good night, Sasuke,” I whispered.

As soon as I reached my room, I jumped onto my bed with a huge grin.
Only now was I realizing what had just happened.

My heart was racing.
I couldn’t stop smiling.

It had all gone so much better than I ever could’ve dreamed.
I had been so close to him—not just physically, but emotionally.

He had told me about his past. He had opened up to me.
And that smile… even if it was small—it was real.

Thinking about all of that, I finally drifted into the most peaceful sleep I’d had in days.

 

The entire week couldn't have gone any better. School was fun, and I even managed to keep up with all the material—even though I barely had time to study. Every single day, I spent several hours at the hospital taking care of Itachi, hoping that my affection might somehow help him heal. Sasuke even came with me twice, slowly starting to reconnect with his brother.

Speaking of Sasuke—everything between us is going so well.
He drives me to school, takes me to the hospital afterward, and even brings me home again.
Every night, I sneak into his room, and we talk for hours about everything and nothing.
He's even started to laugh again.

We’re finally best friends again.

Even though… I’d much rather call him my boyfriend.
But I’m not about to bring that up. Not yet.

Today’s my last visit to Itachi at the hospital—because tomorrow he’s finally getting discharged. The doctors are now researching his illness more specifically, and apparently, they might be close to releasing a cure. Itachi will be one of the first patients allowed to test the new medication.

Honestly? Life couldn't be going better right now.

I smiled softly when I spotted Sasuke already waiting by his car—but before I could go over to him, Ino and Hinata suddenly grabbed my arm.

"Earth to Sakura! Did you forget what day it is today?" Ino waved her hands dramatically in front of my face.
I snapped out of my thoughts, not even realizing what she was talking about.

"The new club opens tonight—you know, the one where everyone gets two free drinks? You’ve been MIA for ages, so we’re dragging you with us," Ino grinned, looking almost evil.

"She’s right, Sakura. Even though I'd rather stay home, to be honest..." Hinata sighed softly.

"Do your parents even know you're going, Hina?" I asked, slightly skeptical.

"They think I’m sleeping over at Ino’s and that we’re working on a school project."

"You sneaky little fox," I laughed, unable to help myself.

"Sai can’t come, but Naruto is—and who knows, maybe Sasuke will show up too," Ino added with a playful wink.

I hesitated for a moment, but eventually gave in.
What could possibly go wrong?
Maybe I really did need a little break.

"We’re meeting at my place at 10 PM!" Ino shouted after me while I was already heading toward Sasuke.
As soon as he saw me, he slipped into the car, and I followed.

"Hospital again?" he asked, starting the engine.

"Mhmhm," I hummed in response.

"How was your day, Sasuke?" I asked cheerfully.

"Got an A in English and History."

"I’m really happy for you," I smiled at him.
Where the heck did he always pull those grades from?
Maybe I should start studying with him sometime…

"Have you heard about that new club? Hinata, Ino and I are going there tonight and… well…"

"I’m coming with Naruto," he said flatly, cutting off my question before I could even ask.

"I wouldn’t have accepted a no anyway," I grinned cheekily.

A few minutes later, we pulled into the hospital parking lot.
I thanked Sasuke and stepped out of the car, already excited.
He promised to pick me up at 6 PM.

With a cheerful little bounce in my step, I made my way to Itachi’s room.
I was especially excited today—I had brought freshly made dango, taiyaki, and onigiri for him.
Hospital food can be gross, and I wanted to spoil him a little.

When I reached his door, I knocked gently.
A few seconds passed before I stepped inside and found Itachi sitting up, quietly reading.
"Haruno-san," he greeted me with an incredibly sweet and innocent look on his face.
Honestly, I just wanted to hug him for that expression alone.

"How are you feeling today, Itachi-sama?" I asked as I set my bag down on the chair beside him.

"Much better thanks to your visits," he replied warmly. I smiled softly and started unpacking the delicious treats I had brought for him.

"I brought extra today, just for you, Itachi-sama," I said while handing him the plastic containers.
"You really don’t need to go through so much trouble, Haruno-san."

"Of course I do—I like you, after all," I replied casually as I pulled the curtains open and cracked the window to let in some fresh air.
Seriously, the room was more likely to make you sick than help you recover without it.

I grabbed a second chair and sat down next to his bed. Itachi had already started digging into the snacks I brought.

"There might be a new medication released soon that could really help you, Itachi-sama! And if the doctors can’t get their act together, I’ll help out myself when I start med school," I said excitedly.
He smiled faintly but didn’t say anything.
Honestly, we never talked that much during my visits, and yet… I always felt completely at peace around him.
Like we had known each other for years—even though I barely knew anything meaningful about him.

I stayed with him a little longer, telling him about my day and the party tonight.
I told him how I’d never been to a real club before and hoped it would be fun.

"Take care of yourself," he said a little more seriously this time.

"There’s five of us going, and besides—Sasuke will be there to look after me," I assured him with a smile.

Itachi then seemed to drift off into thought.
I took the opportunity to check the time.
Almost 6 PM again—how does time fly like that?

I began packing up my things and turned back to him.

"I should get going. Want me to tell Sasuke anything?" I asked gently.
He shook his head slightly, and I nodded in return.

"See you tomorrow, Itachi-sama," I grinned one last time before leaving the room.
Seeing him slowly regain his strength made me genuinely happy.

With quick steps, I made my way outside and rode back home with Sasuke.
When we arrived, we saw our mothers chatting together—again.
My mom came straight up to me, practically glowing with excitement.

"Starting tomorrow, we can move back home, sweetie!" she said cheerfully.
I… wasn’t exactly thrilled by that.

Just a week ago, I would’ve done anything to avoid living here.
It’s crazy how fast your feelings can change.

"That’s… uh… great," I laughed awkwardly.

"You’re always welcome here, sweetheart," Mikoto chimed in kindly.
While we chatted, Sasuke had already made his way upstairs.
I wondered if he’d mind not spending every night with me anymore.
The thought lingered—until the upcoming party came back to mind.

"I'm going out tonight with Ino, Hinata, Sasuke, and Naruto. We're checking out that new club," I told my mom with a grin.

"I'm glad you're going out with your friends again, sweetheart," my mom replied warmly.
We chatted for a bit about how the day went, and then I went up to my room to start getting ready.

I grabbed a slightly larger bag and packed a few different outfit options.
Also grabbed some pajamas—I was going to sleep over at Ino's anyway.
I spent the rest of the time showering and thinking.
Maybe Sasuke would finally make a move tonight… if he even wanted to.
Ugh, there I go dreaming again.

After what felt like forever, it was finally time to leave.
Luckily, we all didn’t live far apart, so I only had to take a 15-minute bus ride.
The moment I arrived at Ino’s place, the transformation mission began.
Naturally, we all wanted to look drop-dead gorgeous.
Well, Ino and Hinata definitely did—me? I honestly didn’t care much how I’d look tonight.

Eventually, we each picked out an outfit and tried them on.
Ino wore these flashy gold sequin shorts, a white blouse, and a black leather jacket.
Hinata went with a more subtle look—tight black jeans, a black cropped top, and a floral blazer.
The top was a bit daring for her, but honestly? It looked amazing on her.

As for me, I had chosen a simple pair of white jeans and a dark red knit sweater.
The other two looked at me like I’d just committed a fashion crime.

"Are you sure you don’t wanna dress up a little, Sakura?" Hinata asked gently.

"This. Will. Not. Do!" Ino practically exploded.
She started tearing through her closet like a madwoman and handed me a stack of clothes.

"Sasuke’s jaw better hit the floor when he sees you!" she smirked mischievously.
Okay… maybe she had a point.
I did want him to see me as a woman—not as that clingy, annoying Sakura.

I looked at myself in the mirror and honestly couldn’t believe what I saw.
Ino had given me a gorgeous cream-colored dress and a short black blazer to wear over it.
It looked way better on me than I had expected.

We were all excited and buzzing with energy as we finished doing our hair.
Right on cue, around 11 PM, the doorbell rang.
Ino sprinted downstairs to let the boys in, while Hinata and I followed behind slowly.

And then their eyes locked on us—practically burning holes through our outfits.

"Daaaamn, you girls look amazing," Naruto whistled out loud.
Hinata went bright red at his comment, which made me giggle softly.
Naruto and Sasuke didn’t look too bad either, to be honest.

Naruto wore tight black jeans, a white tee, and a denim jacket.
Sasuke, though… definitely stole the show.
He had on slim black jeans, a fitted white shirt, and a black blazer over it.
God, he looked good.
I loved it when he dressed up like that—elegant and effortlessly hot.

We kind of just stared at each other for a moment, sizing each other up—and of course, the others noticed.

"So, Sasuke, when are you finally asking Sakura-chan out on a date?" Naruto teased, loud enough for everyone to hear.
I shot him a nervous glance, my cheeks instantly warming at the thought of going on an actual date with Sasuke.
Had they been talking about me?

"Dobe…" Sasuke growled lowly.

"Teme," Naruto stuck his tongue out playfully.
These two really were best friends, huh?

Everyone laughed—except for Sasuke and me.
We were both clearly flustered by the whole thing.

After the little reunion, we finally piled into Sasuke’s car.
We cranked up the music and started vibing our way into party mode.

After about 15 minutes, we arrived at the club.
It looked super packed, but luckily the line outside wasn’t too bad.

Once we made it inside, we grabbed a table by the bar and ordered a round of drinks.
I had no idea what this night was going to bring… but I was ready for it.

Chapter 15: Nightmare

Once we were inside, we all sat down together at the bar and ordered some drinks.
Hinata went for a simple orange juice, Naruto kept it classic with a beer, Sasuke ordered a scotch on the rocks, Ino got herself a Sex on the Beach, and I went with a Swimming Pool.
I hadn’t planned on drinking much tonight—but hey, one or two cocktails wouldn’t hurt, right?

We chatted a little and observed the club from where we sat.
Only Sasuke was being a little quieter than usual—not that that was anything new.
The place actually seemed really interesting, though I couldn’t really say much since this was my first time ever in a club.

The so-called "Main Floor" we were in was lit in soft blue-green hues, giving it a surreal vibe.
A huge dance floor stretched across the room, the fairly large bar was to our right, and the DJ had his spot all the way in the back.
Surprisingly, they weren’t playing any of the usual Top 40 stuff—which I actually really appreciated.

After a few minutes, we finally got our drinks and thanked the bartender.
I took a slow sip through my straw and let the sweet blue drink melt on my tongue.
It tasted nice—sweet and fruity—but it was stronger than I expected.
Still, I took a few more sips. I mean, I did pay for it, after all.

Eventually I got used to the taste and could feel the alcohol gently creeping into my system.
I wasn’t drunk or anything—just that warm, fuzzy feeling spreading through my body.
Then Tove Lo – I'm Not On Drugs started playing, and I felt an overwhelming urge to hit the dance floor.

I grabbed my two best girls, and off we went.
We started out a little shy, but quickly loosened up.
When the chorus kicked in, Ino and I couldn’t help but sing along at the top of our lungs:

"Baby, listen please
I'm not on drugs, I'm not on drugs,
I'm just in love."

And right on that last line, my eyes locked with Sasuke’s.
He was actually watching us.
Naruto was still sitting at the bar too, completely fixated on Hinata.
Seriously, why even come if they were just going to sit there and mope?

Fueled by fun—and maybe a little bit of alcohol—I marched right over to them.

"Hey! Come on and join us already!" I yelled over the music.

"I was gonna finish my drink first and enjoy the view," Naruto grinned cheekily.

Sasuke, on the other hand, looked a bit annoyed.

I leaned in closer, taking another sip of my almost full drink, and whispered softly in his ear:

"If you want, we can go home."
If he wasn’t having fun, there was no way I would either.
"It’s fine," Sasuke sighed loudly and got up.
I hadn’t expected him to give in that easily, but hey—I wasn’t complaining.

We all headed back to the dance floor and let loose to Poe – Hey Pretty.
Naruto and Ino were pulling the dumbest dance moves I’d ever seen, and Hinata and I couldn’t stop laughing.
Sasuke, however, just stood there awkwardly, like he had no idea what to do with himself.

"Come on, dance with us!" I shouted at him, smiling.

"I don’t dance," he shouted back, dry as ever.

"Fine, but don’t complain when you’re bored," I shrugged playfully.

We danced and laughed through a few more songs, and eventually even Sasuke gave in and joined us.
Sure, he was a bit stiff—but the fact that he was trying at all was more than enough.
After a while, we all got kind of tired and made our way back to the bar.
We finished our drinks and ordered the exact same thing again.

That’s when Ino had her brilliant idea: to play Truth or Dare.
Sasuke, Hinata, and I were not thrilled by the suggestion.
I knew exactly what she was trying to stir up—and I was not on board.

"Oh come on, it’ll be fun!" Naruto shouted with that mischievous grin of his, and eventually, he wore us all down.
Mentally, I braced myself for chaos. Please, please, don’t make me pick Dare.

"Okay Naruto, you’re up first. Truth or Dare?" Ino asked with a sparkle in her eye.
Honestly, I was surprised she didn’t come for me or Sasuke right away.

"Dare, obviously!" Naruto yelled without hesitation.

"Alright, you have to kiss Hina on the lips," Ino chirped, practically bouncing with glee.
Hinata turned bright red, mumbling that he really didn’t have to—but even though they’d already slept together, she still got flustered over the tiniest kiss.

Naruto, on the other hand, gently cupped her face and kissed her softly.
Ino and I melted over the cuteness, while Sasuke just rolled his eyes.

"Alright, your turn, Teme," Naruto teased and stuck his tongue out.

"Truth," Sasuke growled through gritted teeth.
Yeah, maybe agreeing to this game wasn’t the best idea after all.
I hoped—really hoped—Naruto wouldn’t ask something dumb.

Spoiler alert: hope’s dead.

"When are you finally going to ask Sakura-chan out on a date?" he asked bluntly.
Even though the question wasn’t directed at me, I still wanted to crawl under the bar.
I knew exactly what Sasuke would say—but part of me still wished he’d answer with tomorrow or soon.

"That’s none of your business, Dobe," Sasuke snapped at him.

"He didn’t say no, sooo you’re getting a date soon, Sakura-chan!" Naruto grinned triumphantly.

Thankfully, my cheeks were already flushed from the alcohol.
I could only dream that Sasuke actually meant it that way.

The mood grew a little quieter after that, and no one felt like continuing the game anymore.
Sasuke wasn’t into it, and honestly? I didn’t blame him.
Suddenly I started to feel a little off—lightheaded and uneasy.
Probably the mix of cocktails, dancing, and stuffy air catching up to me.
"Excuse me for a moment," I said to the others and stood up.
Sasuke gave me a slightly suspicious look but didn’t say anything.

I needed to get out—now.
My head was pounding, and my legs started to feel wobbly.
What the hell did they even put in that drink?

I had just turned around to head back inside when a very familiar hand grabbed me by the arm.

"Sasori, are you completely insane?!" I yelled at him, furious.

"Calm down, Sakura. I just want to talk," he said gently, finally letting go.
I took a deep breath, trying not to completely lose it.
The pounding in my head got worse, and my heartbeat was racing uncontrollably.

"Can we go to my place? It's important. Please," he nearly begged.

"I can’t just disappear like that," I muttered under my breath, annoyed.

"It’s just five minutes from here. I promise it won’t take long," he gave me that look—the one with the stupid puppy eyes that had always worked way too well on me.

Unfortunately, I said yes.
And gods, I would come to regret it.

The walk to his apartment was silent. Uncomfortably so.
My head was spinning, and every step made me feel more nauseous.
Why the hell did I agree to this?

Once inside, I stayed by the door, my arms crossed, waiting for him to explain himself.

"I’m so sorry, Sakura," he started to ramble.
"I’m sorry I never told you about Deidara. I’m sorry I let myself be seduced by him. I’m sorry for hurting you."

He kept going and going, but my brain had already checked out.
His words blurred into background noise—until suddenly, I felt his arms wrap tightly around me.

That snapped me back into reality.

His embrace felt… overwhelmingly good.
But my heart? It screamed something else.
I wanted to push him away, scream, punch him even.
But my body? It didn’t move.

On the contrary—something deep inside me sparked.
A wild, uncontrollable desire surged through my entire body.
My skin tingled, my knees went weak, and I felt helplessly drawn to him.

Our embrace broke, and he looked straight into my eyes.
"You look beautiful," he murmured, a sly, twisted smirk playing on his lips.

A part of me wanted to punch that smug look right off his face—but another part, shamefully, still warmed at the compliment. His left arm wrapped smoothly around my waist while his right hand gently caressed my cheek. His lips brushed against mine, soft at first—hesitant. I flinched at the sudden closeness but found myself kissing him back instinctively.

My hands tangled in his wild red hair as I pressed myself against him like I’d fall apart otherwise. The kiss deepened, became rougher. His tongue sought mine and my thoughts began to blur, fading into heat and hunger. Desire took over—primal, overwhelming, foreign. I had never felt like this before. Not like this.

It wasn’t right. Something was wrong.

But I didn’t stop.

Sasori pulled off my jacket, gently pushed me back onto the large couch behind us, and continued his trail of burning kisses. He broke away just long enough to remove his shirt, revealing lean muscles and pale skin. My fingers explored him, trembling slightly, until they reached his belt. My body screamed for more, my mind barely clinging to reality.

He got the message, unbuttoned his pants, and slowly slid them down. Then, in one quick motion, he tore the dress off of me. His lips were everywhere—my neck, my chest—his breath heavier with every second. I should have said something. I should have screamed. But I didn’t.

His mouth trailed lower, stopping at the fabric of my tights. With a sharp tug, he tore through them right between my legs. I gasped in shock, then laughed nervously.

What was I even doing?

His fingers brushed the inside of my thighs, teasing, soft, almost reverent. A shiver ran down my spine. I was shaking, overwhelmed, lost in a haze of sensation. One hand slid down, over my underwear, and I jolted.

And that’s when I felt it.

The truth.

I didn’t want this.

Panic gripped my chest as reality returned. I didn’t want him. I never wanted him like this. Shame, confusion, and fear flooded through me. I grabbed my dress and tried to cover myself with trembling hands.

“You want this just as much as I do,” he grinned, his tone slimy and confident.

I shook my head violently. No.

He tried to kiss me again—and this time, I bit him. Hard. Blood bloomed on his lower lip as his expression twisted from smug to furious.

He raised a hand.

I braced myself.

Then—click.

The sound of the door unlocking cut through the tension like a blade. I looked up to see Sasuke, Naruto, Hinata, and Ino bursting into the room.

My friends.

Hinata and Ino rushed to me, their voices overlapping, frantic with worry and rage. I couldn’t speak. My eyes filled with tears, but I felt numb. Hollow.

"Who the hell do you think you are, you filthy bastard?!" Sasuke’s voice roared like thunder.
"You stay out of this, Uchiha. She's mine. My puppet. So don't stick your nose where it doesn't belong," I heard Sasori snarl.

I looked between the two of them, my panic rising with every heartbeat.

Sasuke struck him—hard. Sasori crashed to the ground, and Sasuke climbed on top of him, fists flying. Over and over again, he hit him, with a fury I had never seen before. Sasori didn’t even get the chance to defend himself.

"Didn't you learn your damn lesson last time, you disgusting mutt?!" Sasuke’s voice was pure rage, his punches relentless.

It wasn’t until Naruto yanked him off that the blows finally stopped.

I was crying. Hard. I couldn’t stop the trembling, couldn’t breathe. My body felt like it was floating and sinking at the same time. I caught Sasuke’s eyes for a split second—wild, stormy… red?

No, I must be imagining things. Seeing things. I was going to die, wasn’t I? Were those glowing red eyes the last thing I’d remember from this life?

Suddenly, police officers and paramedics flooded into the apartment—but I didn’t register any of it.

My vision faded into black.

 

My eyelids felt impossibly heavy, but somehow, I managed to open them. A blinding white light pierced my vision—and then, there he was.

Sasuke.

His impossibly perfect face hovered above me.

Had I died? Was this heaven?

But why would an angel look like Sasuke?

My vision began to clear. The sterile walls, the quiet beeping, the faint scent of antiseptic.

A hospital.

I was in a hospital bed.

Too weak to speak, I just stared at him for what felt like forever. Why was he here? What even happened?

"What… what happened?" I whispered, my voice dry and cracked.

He looked startled that I spoke, but didn’t hesitate long to answer.

"That bastard ex of yours drugged you," he growled. "To make you easier to control."

I froze.

His words didn’t fully sink in—until they did. And then the memories came flooding back. Sasori’s voice. His hands. The nausea. The terror.

My body started shaking uncontrollably. I felt disgusting. Violated. Weak. How had I let this happen—again?

I tried to get up, to run away, to disappear. But Sasuke gently held my arms down. My panic surged, and I flinched back, collapsing onto the bed again.

"It’s not your fault," he said softly.

But it was, wasn’t it?

I’d gone with Sasori willingly.

I’d kissed him. I hadn’t said no fast enough.

"I almost… I almost slept with him again," I whispered, horrified at myself. My voice cracked and the tears returned—hot, endless, and full of shame.

Then Sasuke did something I hadn’t expected—he pulled me into a gentle hug.

His arms wrapped around me, warm and strong, and for a brief moment, I let myself melt into the comfort. His scent, the soft brush of his hair—it should have been soothing.

But all I felt was filth.

Shame clung to me like smoke.

Sasuke must have noticed the shift in my body because he slowly released me again, visibly torn.

"Everyone’s here," he said quietly. "They want to see you."

"Let them wait a little longer," I exhaled, barely audible. My body couldn’t handle that right now. My soul definitely couldn’t.

"Hey… Sasuke," I murmured after a pause, my curiosity fighting through the fog, "Did you stay here all night?"

He nodded silently.

"You didn’t have to do that," I whispered, cheeks heating with quiet gratitude.
"From now on, I’ll be the one looking after you, Sakura," he said with a firm, almost commanding tone.

His words surprised me—I didn’t even know how to respond. We sat there in silence for a while, the weight of everything still heavy in the air. Eventually, Sasuke got up and walked toward the door.

"I’ll tell them you need another thirty minutes," he said calmly before stepping out.

A quiet "Thank you, Sasuke," slipped from my lips as I stared at the door.

After he left, I took a long, hot shower—trying to scrub the pain, the dirt, the memory off my skin. But no matter how much water ran over me, I didn’t feel any cleaner.

Once the promised half-hour was over, I let the others in, even though I wasn’t ready. They were all worried, full of questions, but I brushed them off as gently as I could. I really wasn’t ready to talk about any of it—not yet. Naruto looked like he was about to start rambling, but Ino gave him a subtle shake of the head, stopping him. I threw her a thankful glance.

After what felt like hours—and a mountain of paperwork—I was finally released from the hospital. And I swear, I hoped I wouldn’t have to step foot in that place again anytime soon.

As we walked down the hallway toward the exit, I caught sight of someone who made my heart skip a beat.

"Haruno-san," Itachi greeted me with that soft, gentle smile of his—the one that could melt anyone’s heart.

"Itachi-sama!" I beamed, immediately wrapping my arms around him in a quiet, careful hug. I was so relieved to see him well again.

"Do you… know what happened?" I whispered, afraid of the answer.

"Sasuke told me everything," he replied just as softly.

I felt my cheeks heat up in embarrassment. So he did know. But Itachi noticed instantly.

"You didn’t do anything wrong," he reassured me. And for the first time, I actually felt like maybe he was right. Maybe it really wasn’t my fault.

I let out a quiet sigh. I just wanted to go home.

Outside, we all said our goodbyes. The Uchiha family took Naruto along, and I left with Hinata and Ino. Once we got back to my house, the three of us went straight to my room. I collapsed onto my bed, exhausted—physically and emotionally drained. None of us really knew what to say.

"How could he do something like that to me?" I asked, more to myself than anyone else.

I had trusted him. I had opened up to him. And just because I didn’t want him anymore, he resorted to this?

"Honestly, I always thought there was something off about Sasori," Ino muttered.

I sighed. Maybe I should’ve listened to her.

"What Ino means," Hinata added gently, "is that we all misjudged him."

"I knew he wouldn’t give up easily—but going that far? Just to get what he wanted from my body?" Another heavy sigh left me. We sat in silence, each lost in our own thoughts.

"Let’s talk about something else," Hinata suggested eventually, trying to lighten the mood.

"Yeah, like what’s going on between you and Itachi Uchiha," Ino teased with a grin.

I rolled my eyes, thankful for the distraction.

"We’re just friends, Ino," I tried to assure her, even though I wasn’t quite sure if I was trying to convince her—or myself.

"Yeah, yeah," she just grinned in return.
We talked for quite a while—about Itachi, Sasuke, love, and everything else that came to mind. And through all that, I started to realize how much Sasuke was looking out for me lately. It seemed like I meant more to him than he was willing to admit—and somehow, that made me insanely happy.

At 6 p.m., Hinata and Ino had to head home. I walked them to the door, said goodbye, and made my way to the kitchen. To my surprise, I found my mom there—with a very familiar and enthusiastic guest.

"Mom, why didn’t you tell me Aunt Tsuna was here?" I asked, smiling faintly.

"We didn’t want to disturb you girls," she replied, smiling back.
Tsunade, however, was practically bouncing in her seat—she’d clearly already heard what had happened.

"Alright, Sakura. Tell me everything. From the beginning. Don’t leave a single detail out," she demanded.
I took a deep breath—there was no way I could keep it hidden from them forever anyway.

It took quite a while, but eventually, I managed to explain exactly what had happened.

"I swear, I’m going to break that bastard’s neck," Aunt Tsuna growled, fists clenched. Her eyes burned with fury, and honestly, her face was a little terrifying.

"Calm down, Tsunade," my mom tried to soothe her.

"How are you so calm, Mebuki?!" she snapped.

"He’s probably feeling a whole lot worse than I do right now," I interjected.
Both of them turned their eyes to me, confused, so I kept going.

"Sasuke beat him up so badly, I doubt he’ll be able to function without help for a while," I explained.
Tsunade’s eyes lost a bit of their fire, and my mom seemed to ease up, too.

"Wow… maybe this Sasuke isn’t such a bad guy after all," Tsunade finally said, sounding almost impressed.
I sighed softly and finally grabbed something to eat, sitting down at the table with them.

We chatted for a while about the upcoming wedding. Apparently, we’d misunderstood something—it’s happening next Saturday! Tsunade already had the bridesmaid dresses ready and just needed my, Ino’s, and Hina’s measurements. I promised her I’d get them as soon as possible.

I was excited—but also oddly sentimental. The whole upcoming week would be all about love and romance. Funny, considering how little of that existed in my own life. Still, I figured the chaos of the wedding prep would be a welcome distraction from the darker thoughts spinning around in my head.

After some more chit-chat, I finally went to my room around 10 p.m. and got some rest. I stayed up way too long watching random shows until I finally drifted off to sleep.

"Sasori… why are you doing this to me?" I asked, my voice trembling.

"Because you belong to me. You’re my puppet—and you always will be," he laughed, cruelly.

He started using me like I was some plastic doll. His icy hands gripped around my throat and squeezed tightly. Tears streamed from my eyes as I struggled for air. My entire body hurt. I just wanted the nightmare to stop.

Suddenly, he released my throat, thrusting harder before pulling back and raising his hand high.

"This one’s for you, my little puppet."
Again and again, he struck me with his bare hand.

Why was he doing this?
Why…?

I jolted awake, my heart pounding wildly in my chest.
It took a moment before I realized it had all just been a dream.
A horrible, terrible dream.

I took a deep breath, trying to calm down—but it didn’t work.
That awful feeling in my chest wouldn't go away.

I glanced at my phone.
4 a.m.

There was no way I was going to fall back asleep after that.

My heartbeat slowly returned to normal, and my breathing calmed a little.
Still holding my phone, I hesitated.

Should I call him?
No… he’s probably asleep.

But what if he’s awake too?
Then again, I’d probably just annoy him…

Still…
After a long pause, I decided to call anyway.

One ring.
Two rings.
Three—

And then silence.

“Sakura?”
His deep voice rang softly in my ear.

Chapter 16: Savior

Notes:

Hi guys <3
I hope you’ve been enjoying the story so far – things are about to get really exciting! We’re getting closer to a turning point where everything starts to fall into place… and trust me, it’s going to be so much better from here on out.

There’ll be more romance, more heat, more chaos, and definitely more emotions. Oh – and the love triangle? Yeah, that’s about to unravel too 👀💔

I also promise to update more regularly from now on – at least two chapters a week! Translating all the existing chapters just takes a bit of time, but we’re getting there.

Now go ahead and enjoy today’s chapter – and maybe leave a little comment? You know I love hearing your thoughts <3

"Sakura?!"
His deep voice echoed through the phone, and to my surprise, Sasuke had actually picked up.
For a brief second, I thought about hanging up again—but then everything just burst out of me.

"Sasuke… I… He… Sasori was in my dream and… it was horrible. He used me and… I can't take it anymore, Sasuke. I feel so dirty, like I committed some unforgivable sin. I just can’t do this…"
I took a deep breath, but the tears wouldn't stop as I spoke. On the other end, he said nothing.

"Say something, dammit!" I shouted into the phone.
And that’s when I realized… he had already hung up.

I knew Sasuke wasn’t great with words, but I never expected him to just hang up like that.
He said he wanted to protect me. That he cared. That I was important to him.
But maybe… maybe that was all just a lie.

Crushed, I buried my face into my pillow and just wanted the nightmare of this night to end.
About fifteen minutes later—just when I was giving up hope—my phone buzzed again.
It was a message from Sasuke:

"Put something on and come outside."

A little confused, I tiptoed to my wardrobe, threw on a wine-red sweater and white jeans, then crept down the stairs and out the front door.
There he stood—leaned casually against his black Audi R8, wearing a grey sweatshirt and dark blue jeans.
The icy night air wrapped around us like a silent witness.

"Get in," he said curtly.
I hesitated for a moment… then climbed into the car beside him.

"Where are we going?" I asked, nervous.
"You'll see."
That was all he said.

I didn’t ask again. I just tried to calm my racing heart.
Normally, I felt safe with Sasuke—like nothing could touch me when I was near him.
But the shadows of the past few days were still clinging to me like thorns, and I couldn't shake them off.

I tried to be strong, even though that was honestly a joke.
Sasuke already knew how broken I was inside.
So I just sat in silence, breathing deeply, waiting for whatever destination he had in mind.

After what felt like forever, he parked in the driveway of a very familiar place.
It was the lakeside cabin—his escape when life became too much.
Surprised, I followed him inside and curled up on the cozy couch while he brought the fireplace to life.

"Why are we here?" I asked him, hesitantly, after watching him for a while.

"I figured you needed a distraction," he replied, disappearing into the kitchen.

A distraction really did sound like exactly what I needed.
And the fact that he cared enough to bring me all the way out here… I never would’ve expected it.
A few minutes later, Sasuke returned with two mugs of hot chocolate and sat down beside me.

"You don’t have to do all this," I whispered with a faint smile, gently blowing on the warm drink.

"I want to," he said, looking at me with calm determination.
He paused for a second, clearly collecting his thoughts before speaking again…

"Listen, Sakura. From now on, you are not leaving the house without me knowing exactly where you are. As long as that redhead is still out there, it’s simply too dangerous for you."

I stared at him, speechless. I couldn’t tell if I wanted to find his words sweet—or rip his head off.

"I can take care of myself, Sasuke," I snapped, gritting my teeth.

"If that were true, none of this would've happened," he shot back coldly.

"I’m sorry for having a kind heart and trusting someone I thought I knew!" I yelled, springing to my feet, my voice laced with anger.

Sasuke stood up as well and placed himself directly in front of me.

"You can’t trust anyone," he said firmly.
"Sakura, I’m just… I’m worried about you." His voice softened as he sighed.

I didn’t know what to say to that.
Yes, he was clearly concerned. But that didn’t mean he had the right to restrict my freedom or act like some self-appointed bodyguard.
Still… there was something strangely sweet and protective about it, even if it clashed with my independence.

I truly didn’t know what to think anymore.
But when I looked into his deep, dark eyes, all my angry thoughts seemed to melt away.
My legs turned to jelly, trembling like I was made of pudding.
His face moved closer—closer to mine.

I had waited years for this moment.
And even though I wanted to kiss him, I couldn’t.
Not like this.
Not when Sasori's disgusting touch still lingered on my skin like a curse.

Luckily—or perhaps unluckily—my phone rang at the exact right moment, loud and piercing.

It was my mom, clearly worried out of her mind. I explained where I was and what had happened, which seemed to calm her nerves a bit.

"Everything okay?" Sasuke asked once I hung up.

I nodded, but my face suddenly felt like it was on fire. And I knew it wasn’t from the flames flickering behind me.

"The timing’s just not right, Sasuke," I whispered, voice shaky.

"Come with me," he replied bluntly.

I followed him, and when we arrived in a small bedroom, a wave of nervousness hit me.
Was he…?

But before those thoughts could spiral out of control, he cut in.

"You’re sleeping here. I’ll take the couch."

"You should sleep here—it’s your house," I protested, feeling awkward.

"You’re sleeping here. End of story," he said firmly before turning around and walking back into the living room.

I let the door fall shut behind me and looked around.
It was warm and cozy, with a quiet charm that made me feel unexpectedly safe.
But before I could take in any more of the room, exhaustion overtook me.

I collapsed into the soft bed, silently praying that tonight, no nightmares would find their way into my dreams.

 

I was gently awakened by the smell of fresh croissants, mixed with tea and the sound of birds chirping. I rubbed my eyes and sat up with a sleepy yawn. On the nightstand beside me was a tray, filled to the brim with a delicious-looking breakfast. But between the croissants, there was also a small note tucked in:

“Eat as much as you like. See you at school – Sasuke”

At least this time, he had made sure I was taken care of.
And honestly? I was kind of relieved not to see him this morning—after everything that had happened last night.

If it were up to me, I’d have stayed in bed all day.
But unfortunately, life doesn’t work that way. I really needed to focus more on school and what came after. Final exams were coming up fast, and they definitely wouldn’t be easy.

I slowly started eating some of the delicious food.
Comfort food was exactly what I needed right now.
This upcoming week was going to be insanely exhausting.
Besides studying, I also had a wedding to help plan.
I wasn’t exactly thrilled about that part, but at least it would be a perfect distraction.

I finally pulled myself together, took a long shower, and tidied up a bit.
Sasuke had left me a spare key so I could lock up.
I wondered if he’d want it back eventually.

I left that beautiful little place behind and was picked up by my mom.
Thankfully, she didn’t bombard me with questions and let me head quietly to my room.

None of my friends messaged me either, which I honestly didn’t mind.
In fact, I was kind of grateful to have a day to myself.

I spent the rest of Sunday studying and listening to music.
To my surprise, it was actually… relaxing.

I never really found studying all that annoying anyway.

I went to bed early and, for once, actually looked forward to school tomorrow.

 

“Spoke too soon” might as well have been my motto for the day.
Here I was, trapped in bridal hell with Aunt Tsunade, Ino and Hinata.
We were on our way to a bridal boutique where Aunt Tsuna was going to try on her finished wedding dress, and the rest of us would be trying on our bridesmaid dresses.

I had absolutely zero interest in any of it.
Especially not after a day like this one.
School had been exhausting—and to top it all off, Sasuke had been completely ignoring me.
The only thing he did was send the occasional weird look in my direction.
So much for "See you at school."
This constant obsessing over him had to stop. For good.

After what felt like the longest drive of my life, we finally arrived at the boutique.
It was huge and practically empty—appointments only.
Beautiful dresses hung everywhere, ranging from mermaid silhouettes to full-on princess gowns.

Ino, Hina and I flopped onto one of the large sofas facing a small runway.
Aunt Tsuna disappeared with the consultant into a dressing room right away.
Each of us was handed a glass of champagne, and a bowl of gummy bears followed shortly after.
Honestly? Alcohol wasn’t the worst idea to distract myself from this whole mess.

Ino and Hinata, on the other hand, seemed to be loving the whole experience.

“Personally, I’d go for a mermaid dress,” Ino giggled, “so Sai has something nice to admire.”

“I think Naruto would like something with an open back,” Hinata admitted shyly, a soft smile on her lips.

“And what about you, Sakura?” Ino asked, curious.
I just shrugged and downed my glass like it was water.
Why should I care about wedding dresses when I didn’t even have someone to marry?

They both looked a little thrown off by my reaction.

“Is everything okay with you?” Hinata asked gently.

“Can we talk about it later?” I smiled away the truth.
Thankfully, they nodded and didn’t press me further.

Only minutes later, the curtain in the changing room opened—and someone we barely recognized stepped out.

Aunt Tsunade.

Almost nervously, she walked down the little runway toward us, looking happier than I’d ever seen her.
Her dress was simple, but still somehow grand.
The top was fitted with embroidered flowers and sleeveless, the bottom flowing out into a soft princess-like flare.

It made me genuinely happy to see her like this.

Ino was practically screaming with excitement, and even Hinata’s eyes sparkled like a little girl seeing magic for the first time.

“You look beautiful, Aunt Tsunade,” I told her with a soft smile.
She returned it with one just as warm.

After we admired the gown for a while, she changed back into her clothes and waved for us to go get ready.

If her dress looked that amazing, I hoped ours would too.
And I wasn’t wrong.
We looked… stunning.

All three dresses had the same design: a long, straight-cut skirt and a lace-covered bodice.
Ino’s was a pale blue, Hinata’s soft pink, and mine a pastel yellow.

Looking at myself in the mirror stirred something melancholic in me.
Why was I in such a bitter mood?

I loved weddings.
I’d always dreamed of helping plan one—and one day having my own.

And when we stepped out of the fitting room, I couldn’t stop a few quiet tears from escaping.
It just felt… too beautiful to be real.

We even did a little dance number, laughing as Tsunade cheered us on.

Maybe—just maybe—this day was turning around after all.

After we’d taken care of everything important, we decided to grab a milkshake at the best café in town.

“So, Sakura… what happened over the weekend?” Ino drilled me as we waited for our order.

“Sasuke Uchiha happened,” I sighed, already floating in the memory.

“That little punk,” Aunt Tsunade growled, raising her fist dramatically.

“It’s okay. He... kinda helped me,” I said, trying to calm her down a little.

“And what exactly happened?” Hinata chimed in now, her voice soft but curious.

Right at that moment, our milkshakes arrived—perfect timing to delay the question.
What was I even supposed to tell them?
And more importantly—how much?

“I had a nightmare and really needed someone to talk to,” I began carefully, “so I called Sasuke… and he, um, kind of kidnapped me to his hideout.”
The last part I mumbled half into my straw.

Aunt Tsunade’s eyes lit up like a wildfire.
I could practically see her planning his demise on the spot.
It was sweet how protective she always was—but sometimes she could be a little too intense when it came to boys.

“I should probably leave before I go full atomic. See you tomorrow, Sakura,” she said calmly, though her twitching eye gave her away.

Once she was gone, my friends both turned to me with expectant stares—like two very cute, very judgmental owls.

“We only talked,” I said, which technically wasn’t a lie… just a heavy edit.

Of course, Ino immediately sniffed out the missing pieces.

“Spit out the actual facts already,” she demanded.

I took a deep breath and braced for the chaos.

“He said he wants to protect me and, well… we almost kissed.”
I muttered it while taking a giant gulp of my milkshake, as if that could swallow the embarrassment too.

Hinata and Ino’s eyes widened so much I thought they might fall right out of their heads.

“It was nothing, though,” I added quickly. “He was already gone the next morning, and at school today? Not a single word from him.”
I sighed heavily.

“Then either get him out of your head or finally take the initiative, Sakura,” Hinata said firmly.
She was right.
But the truth was—I had already taken the initiative.

And I was tired of all his stupid games.
Sasuke Uchiha was officially history.

“What about his older brother then?” Ino smirked.

“I’m not going to start anything with Itachi, Ino,” I said flatly.

“Why not? He’s sweet, smart, talented… and I bet he’s got an amazing body too.”
She was fully grinning now.

I gave her the most vicious death glare I could muster.
I didn’t even have words for her at this point.

Okay—maybe she wasn’t completely wrong.
But it would never work.
He was too old, too serious, and above all—he was Sasuke’s brother.
It would just be way too weird.

“Alright then… how about…”
Ino started scanning the café dramatically.

“How about him?” she pointed with a sly grin.

Hinata and I immediately turned to look in the direction of her gaze.

Chapter 17: Confusion

Notes:

Okay, I’ll be honest – this chapter still makes me physically cringe.
But hey, I hope you can still enjoy it somehow!

The next chapter will be the last of the older ones. From that point on, the story (and my writing style!) will seriously level up. So hang in there – it’s only going to get better from here 💫

"Alright then, how about..." Ino scanned the café casually. "How about him?"

Hinata and I instantly turned in the direction of her gaze.
Sitting at a nearby table was a man who looked oddly familiar.
His long, tousled black hair framed a flawless, almost unfairly perfect face.
He wore a black suit and was deeply immersed in a book, though I couldn’t make out the title.
My cheeks flushed pink with secondhand embarrassment.

Of all people… how could Ino pick him of all people?
Sasuke’s uncle!
Of course she didn’t know that—but still, this was too much for coincidence.

“Ino, he's got to be over thirty!” Hinata whispered, scandalized.

“Still insanely hot though,” Ino replied with a slurp of her milkshake.

I honestly felt like mine was about to come back up.
If they only knew who he really was.

“Right, Sakura?” Ino nudged me playfully.

“Y-Yeah... sure,” I mumbled.
Of course he was beautiful. He was an Uchiha, and apparently that came with flawless genetics.

“If I weren’t already with Sai, I definitely wouldn’t say no to that,” she teased with a mischievous grin.

“How can you even think like that?” Hinata frowned at her.

Ino just laughed.
Honestly, I didn’t get it either.
Sometimes, the way Ino talked made it seem like she and Sai weren’t all that serious.
But those thoughts vanished the second she started going on about one of their romantic stories—which she did right then.
We listened, though she barely let us get a word in.
Sometimes, she could be so irritating.

While she rambled on, my gaze wandered back to Madara—Sasuke’s uncle.
What was he doing in a place like this?

I didn’t know him well, but I did know he was a shady kind of guy.
Sasuke had told me bits and pieces during those late-night talks we used to have.
Madara traveled a lot for business, lived a high-end lifestyle, and was known for being quite the womanizer.
I sighed, maybe louder than I meant to, as the memory of those nights with Sasuke tugged on my heart.

“Awww… are you falling in love, Sakura?” Ino laughed teasingly.
Only then did I realize I had been staring at the long-haired man this entire time.

Midnight black eyes locked with my emerald green ones.
Panicked, I turned my head back toward Hinata and Ino.
My face was burning.

“I was just... thinking,” I muttered.

“Thinking about what might be hiding under that tight suit?” Ino winked.

“Ino, you’re impossible,” Hinata groaned, and they both started giggling.

Suddenly, a strong hand touched my shoulder—
And their laughter stopped cold.

“Pleasure to see you again, Haruno-san,” said a deep, rough voice behind me—smooth like velvet but with an edge.

“U-U-Uchiha-sama…” I stammered, frozen in shock.
Both Hinata and Ino looked utterly baffled.

“May I?” he asked, placing his hand on the back of the empty chair at our table.

We nodded way too fast.
He sat down.

And just like that, this became the most awkward situation in existence.

“You've turned into quite the lovely lady,” he smiled charmingly at me.

Was this actually happening?

“Unbelievable that Sasuke-kun hasn’t made you his wife yet,” he added with a loud laugh.
What in the actual hell was going on?

I didn’t know whether to laugh with him or crawl under the table.

Ino and Hinata looked like they were trying to figure out if this was real life or a prank show.

“Ha...ha... W-What’s that supposed to mean?” I asked, faking the worst laugh I’d ever heard from myself.

Madara leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms with relaxed confidence.

“So you don’t know?” he said, raising a brow.

“Don’t know what?”
The question marks practically floated around my head.

"Well," Madara began matter-of-factly, "there were original plans to marry you and Sasuke-kun, but since he was so resistant to it, that arranged wedding is likely off the table now."

My breath caught in my throat. For a moment, it felt like my brain had short-circuited.
I burst into laughter—loud, almost manic.
My friends stared at me with concern, but Madara’s expression didn’t change at all.
My laugh slowly died down, fading into silence.
And that’s when the weight of his words finally hit me.

This had to be a joke.
A very, very bad joke.

"Why me? Why would I marry Sasuke?" I asked, still half-laughing.

"Because only you, Haruno-san, can provide the Uchiha clan with a powerful heir," he replied with a faint smile.

I felt Hinata and Ino tense beside me.

"We should probably go," they muttered, clearly overwhelmed, before quickly slipping away.

I didn’t blame them—honestly, I would’ve done the same.
To bear an heir for the Uchiha clan?
What was I, some kind of broodmare?
And why the hell was I supposedly the only one who could do it?

My head spun. My vision blurred.
Everything around me turned to static as I felt myself slowly slipping into unconsciousness.

When I came to, the world was still spinning.

Groggily, I sat up, trying to stand—
And immediately collapsed back into the large, soft bed I’d apparently been placed in.

I had no clue where I was or how I’d gotten here.
Until everything came flooding back.

The café.
The planned marriage.
The talk of children.
Madara Uchiha.

Right on cue, the sliding door to the room creaked open, and in he walked—
The devil himself, looking calm as ever.

"You're awake," he noted with an unreadable tone, holding out a glass of water.

I took it with shaky hands and downed it in one gulp.

"Low blood pressure?" he asked flatly.

"More like extreme stress," I shot back, annoyed.

"Where are we?" I demanded.

"My hotel room," he replied with a smile, sitting down beside me on the bed.

"Why did you bring me here, Uchiha-sama?"

"I didn’t know where else to take you, Haruno-san," he said calmly, gently brushing a loose strand of hair behind my ear.

My heart started racing.
That subtle gesture sent panic—and something else—coursing through me.
Shame. Fear. Confusion.

"I should probably go home now," I mumbled awkwardly.

"It’s already too late for that, Haruno-san," he said in a deeper tone, his hand still resting on my cheek.

His onyx eyes bore into mine.
Eyes that looked like Sasuke’s… and Itachi’s… but also not.

Sasuke’s gaze made me feel safe.
Itachi’s brought peace.
But Madara’s… his was pure hunger. Dominance.
I had never seen that kind of look before—especially not directed at me.

It made me uncomfortable.
And yet—strangely—not entirely unsafe.

A strange tension prickled down my spine as he leaned in slowly, trying to kiss me.

Reflexively, I turned my head away—
Then instantly regretted it.

Did I want to?
Was I actually considering it?

I fought against the whirlwind of emotions, trying to resist the truth—

That I found him dangerously, stupidly attractive.

But I couldn’t.
Not after everything.
Not with him.

I couldn’t let this happen.
I wouldn’t.

"I really have to go now," I said, trying to get out of bed.

But suddenly, Madara grabbed my arm—not violently, but firm enough to stop me.

"Maybe I should tell you the whole truth," he said calmly, releasing my arm.

I froze.

I didn’t know what he was about to say, but something deep in my gut told me I wouldn’t like it. Still, I listened—because I had to. Even if I would regret every single word later.

"Originally," he began, "your mother was the one meant to marry into the Uchiha clan. But she fell in love with your father and rebelled. Violently. After some heated negotiations, the clan agreed to a compromise. The duty would pass on to her firstborn daughter—who is, of course, you, Haruno-san."

He glanced at me briefly.

I didn’t respond.
I couldn’t.
Even if I wanted to.

How could my parents keep something like this from me? Something this big?

Before I had time to let it truly sink in, he continued.

"It’s no coincidence you were allowed to grow so close to Sasuke-kun. He was born around the same time as you, and so he was chosen to be your future husband. No one could have predicted how fiercely he’d fight against it," Madara chuckled softly.

It felt like someone had punched the air right out of my lungs.

Why would he lie?

What reason would he have to tell me something so specific—something this messed up—if it weren’t true?

My mind spiraled.
Sasori.
Sasuke.
And now this?
An arranged marriage straight out of a tragic fairytale.

"Sasuke knew?" I finally managed to ask.

"Only since last month."

I let out a cold, empty laugh.

It wasn’t funny.
It wasn’t even sad.

It just hurt.

Like a thousand tiny needles pricking every inch of my heart.

Here I was, sitting next to the head of the Uchiha clan, being told it was my fate—my destiny—to marry the love of my life.

A love who clearly didn’t want me.

I stopped laughing as abruptly as I had started.

"You could always marry me, instead," his low, seductive voice cut into my thoughts.

I blinked.
Had I heard that right?

"Do you think this is funny, Uchiha-sama?" I growled through clenched teeth.

"I’m being serious," he said, inching closer to me on the bed.
"And by the way—you don’t have to be so formal. Drop the ‘sama’."

His dark, magnetic eyes met mine—pure velvet laced with fire.

"Then stop calling me Haruno-san," I shot back defiantly.

"With pleasure, Sakura," he whispered in my ear, his voice like velvet and smoke.

Then his hand slid to the inside of my thigh.
I gasped sharply, instinctively pressing my legs together, my breath caught between shock and something I couldn’t quite name.
His eyes locked onto mine again—dark, unreadable, magnetic. Somehow, in that moment, they chased away all the noise in my mind.

Madara leaned in, slowly, giving me time to pull away—but I didn’t.
He hovered there, his breath brushing against my lips, his long, tousled hair grazing my cheek like silk.
One of his hands cupped my face, and then his lips met mine in a kiss that stole the air from my lungs.

It was wild.
Too wild.

I tried to resist, I really did—but there was something in his presence that made me feel like I was spiraling into another world entirely. His hand didn’t move farther, but the weight of it on my leg, the way his knee brushed against me—it made my breath hitch again. I didn’t understand myself. My thoughts were a mess of fire, fear, desire, confusion.

I gripped his hair without thinking, pulling slightly—trying to ground myself.

Then, suddenly, he stopped.

Just like that. He pulled away.

I was left lying there, breathless, disoriented, with my heart racing and my mind a tornado.

"I can’t sleep with you," he said with his back turned to me, voice rough, strained.
"Not unless you’re mine."

He turned around slowly.
His eyes—bloodshot. Wild. Desperate. Something about him had changed in that instant.

"You need to go, Sakura," he said again, lower this time.

I sat up, unsure, unsettled.
What just happened?

"Sakura—go!" he snapped, louder now.

That shook me. I stood up, dressed quickly, and glanced back one last time.
He was still facing away.

No goodbye. No explanation.

I left.

 

"Sasuke Uchiha, open the damn door!" I yelled, pounding on his bedroom door like my life depended on it.
Mikoto had been kind enough to let me in, but I could tell she was deeply worried. I didn’t care.
All I wanted was to face this coward who was hiding behind that wooden door.

"Sasuke, I’m serious—we need to talk!" I knocked again and again, until he finally unlocked the door and let me in.

Before he could even speak a word, my hand flew across his face with a loud, echoing slap.
Hot tears streamed down my cheeks, and for the first time, the mere sight of him made me feel physically sick.

"How could you keep that damn wedding thing from me, Sasuke?! All this time I thought you hated me—and it turns out, it was just because of that!" I screamed, pouring every ounce of emotion into my voice.

I couldn’t take it anymore. My knees gave out beneath me and I collapsed to the floor, covering my face with my hands.
I felt hollow, as if someone had cut pieces out of me and left me open, exposed.

"I HATE you, Sasuke Uchiha!" I shouted over and over again, until the words dried out and I fell into a heavy silence.
He didn’t say a word—just waited, patiently, until I’d poured it all out.

"How do you know?" he finally asked, his face deadly serious.

"That’s all you care about right now?" I laughed bitterly, flat, broken.

"Just tell me."

"Madara Uchiha," I answered, my voice as cold and sharp as his.

His face went ghost-white in an instant. His jaw clenched. He looked... alarmed. Terrified.

"What did he do to you?" Sasuke stepped toward me.

"He didn’t do anything to me," I shot back, icy.

"Sakura, tell me what he did." He grabbed me by the wrists.

"Unlike you, he told me the truth!" I snapped, throwing all my pain and fury at him.
Deep down, I knew none of this was really his fault. He, like me, was just another pawn in this ridiculous plan set in motion by our families.
But I was too consumed with everything to see that clearly now.

He didn’t defend himself.
He just pulled me into a tight embrace and held me close.

I fought it—kicking, pushing, trying to break free—but he didn’t let go.
Not once. Not until something inside me finally gave way and I realized who I was really angry at.
I wrapped my arms around him tightly, desperately—like he was the only thing keeping me from shattering into a million pieces.

"Why can’t anything ever just go right?" I sobbed, the tears flooding out all over again.
My stomach twisted as memories of Madara’s touches, his gaze, his kiss surged up again… and with them, memories of Sasori.
His disgusting face.
His hands.
The way he made me feel like I was nothing but a thing.

I broke out of Sasuke’s arms and bolted into the bathroom, barely making it to the toilet before I threw up.
It was humiliating—but I couldn’t stop it.
My body felt like it was caving in on itself.
I collapsed against the cold tiles, drained, destroyed. I thought I was strong enough to forget, to push it all away—but I wasn’t.

How could I make out with Madara Uchiha just days after Sasori almost stole everything from me?
How could I be so careless?
So stupid?

Tears streamed down my cheeks as my entire body trembled.
I had no idea how long I sat there, curled up on the bathroom floor, before I heard it—Sasuke pounding frantically on the door.

"Sakura! Sakura, open the door!"

"Sakura, we need to talk," Sasuke called through the wooden door.

I didn’t respond. I kept pretending that this was just a bad dream.
He knocked again.

"This is all just a misunderstanding. Come on, open up," he said, his voice softer this time—more sincere.

With great effort, I pushed myself up just enough to unlock the door before collapsing back down.
Sasuke opened it, and the moment he saw me, he looked like he'd seen a ghost.
Maybe I really did look like a corpse in that moment.

He let out a heavy sigh—rare for him—and sat down across from me on the edge of the big corner bathtub.
My eyes remained fixed on the floor as I tried to calm my breathing, waiting for him to say something.

"Madara lied to you," he said flatly.

It took a few seconds for that sentence to really hit me.
Was he seriously trying to mess with me now?

Before I could respond, he continued:
"I have no idea what this 'wedding thing' is supposed to be about, but I don’t know anything even remotely close to an arranged marriage."

I felt like the floor had been ripped out from under me.
Could it be that Madara really had lied to me?

"He told me… we were supposed to be forced into marriage, that you fought back… he said…"
My voice faltered near the end.

The images from just hours ago flashed through my mind. His hands on me. The kiss.
Yeah… best not to mention that to Sasuke.

He seemed lost in thought anyway, silent for a long time, before getting up and walking out of the bathroom.
I forced myself to follow him, though every muscle in my body ached.

"I’ll take care of it," he said coldly, throwing on his black leather jacket.
Before I could stop him, he was already out the door.

I just stood there, frozen in the hallway, not knowing what to do or what to believe.
Then… a strange thought crossed my mind—and suddenly my legs moved on their own, guiding me down the hall.

I found myself standing in front of the dark wooden door, heart pounding.

I knocked softly, waited a moment… until it opened.

"Hello, Itachi-sama."

Chapter 18: Hope

"Hello, Itachi-sama," I greeted the raven-haired man with a half-hearted smile.

"Haruno-san?" he asked, his voice laced with concern and confusion.

"Can I come in?" I asked in return, and with a silent gesture of his hand, he welcomed me inside.

I stepped into the room slowly and sat down on the small white sofa. Itachi grabbed the chair from his desk and sat across from me at an angle. He watched me silently while I let my eyes wander around his room.

It was spacious, but very minimalistic.
A small wall unit with a flat-screen TV, a modest wardrobe beside it, and to the left, a desk with a laptop and some pill bottles scattered on top.
On the right, just past the door, was the white couch I sat on, and in the back, a little shelf with books and random items.
In the center, a soft-looking rug and, on it, a large double bed.

Overall, the room felt cold—everything was in black and white. Only a few plants added a touch of color.

Itachi’s warm gaze never left me. I couldn’t believe how patient this man could be.
I sighed heavily, finally meeting his tired, red-rimmed eyes.
He wore a simple black shirt that was slightly oversized and a pair of black shorts. His hair was pulled into a messy, loose ponytail. He looked exhausted.

"Are you okay, Itachi-sama?" I asked, concerned.

He gave me a faint smile and sat down beside me.

"I could ask you the same, Haruno-san," he replied, leaning back with his eyes still on me.

I took a deep breath. Maybe I should just leave. He looked like hell. It wasn’t fair to burden him with my problems too.

"Just a bit of drama with your brother," I mumbled. His brow furrowed briefly.

"Love is a complicated thing," he said after a moment’s thought.

"That’s not what it’s about!" I denied, flustered. My cheeks turned pink.

He was still watching me, clearly amused by my reaction.
I sighed again. I must’ve looked so childish. Even now, as a legal adult, I still acted like a silly little girl.
When would that ever change?

"Sometimes, it’s better to forget, Haruno-san," he said softly.

"Have you ever been in love, Itachi-sama?" The words just spilled out.
There I went again, letting my curiosity get the better of me.

He seemed a little surprised by the question, then thoughtful.

"I’m only human, Haruno-san," he replied with a gentle smile.

"What was she like?"

"He was the best person I’ve ever known," he said, voice soft and full of memory.

For a moment, I blinked in confusion.
Did he just say he?

"Itachi-sama, you’re…?"

"Bisexual," he said without hesitation.

God, how embarrassing of me to just assume he only liked women.

"I’m so sorry... I didn’t know..." I stammered, trying to sound at least halfway coherent.

But Itachi just smiled, glowing like sunlight through clouds.

"Would you mind telling me more about him?" I asked softly.
Nothing would make me happier than to hear more about his past.

"Shisui and I knew each other since elementary school. Everything I know, everything I’m good at—I learned from him. I fell in love with him when I was fourteen, and two years later… he fell for me too," he said, his voice light, wistful.

I’d never heard him talk so freely and joyfully before.
Shisui must’ve been the friend Mikoto mentioned once, back when we talked about Itachi.
I never imagined it was that kind of relationship.

It was beautiful seeing him like this, and I was completely swept up in his story.

"Can I tell you something, Sakura?" he said, looking directly into my eyes.

The way he used my first name caught me off guard.
I nodded silently, heart suddenly a bit faster.

"Being around you… feels the same as it did with Shisui."

My breath hitched. My eyes widened.
Had I heard that right?

He just looked at me, unsure of what to say next.

"Do you still love him, Itachi-sama?" I asked gently.

All I got in response was a quiet, solemn nod.

"Maybe," I began, "maybe what you need is finally someone who can help you move on from Shisui. Someone you could love just as deeply."

I was surprised by my own words, barely believing I’d said them aloud.
If I could give Itachi advice like that—then why couldn’t I follow the same logic for myself?
I, too, needed someone to help carry me away from all the things that had happened over the past weeks.

"Why did you come here, Haruno-san?" he asked suddenly, avoiding my comment.
I sighed deeply. For a moment, I had completely forgotten the reason I came to him in the first place.

"Your uncle is a terrible man," I answered.

Itachi looked at me, clearly confused, and I couldn’t hold back anymore.
I had to turn my feelings into words.

"I almost gave in to him. I almost… almost slept with him. And all of that right after Sasori almost—"
My voice cracked. I didn’t need to finish the sentence.
I could feel my eyes welling up with tears.

"I loved Sasuke so much, I always have. But now, everything tied to him just hurts so goddamn much, Itachi-sama."

I lowered my gaze.
The tears spilled over, dripping down and soaking into the fabric of the sofa beneath me.
I wrapped my arms tightly around myself, as if I could physically hold the pain inside and keep it from tearing me apart.

"I can’t take this anymore—the one-sided love, my naïveté, the feeling that I’m nothing but some object to be passed around..."

Suddenly, I felt strong arms lifting me.
I gasped slightly in surprise as Itachi picked me up and silently carried me out of the room.

"Itachi, what are you—"
I didn’t have the strength to finish the question, and honestly, I wasn’t expecting an answer.

I closed my eyes and surrendered to the feeling of the cold night air on my skin, and the quick but steady heartbeat of the man holding me.

"Don’t be scared," he said softly, breaking the silence after a while.
He gently set me down on a large cushioned swing, surrounded by blooming peach trees and soft, glowing fairy lights.
Then he sat beside me and wrapped a blanket around the both of us.

I inhaled deeply, trying to collect my scattered thoughts as I soaked in the peaceful atmosphere.

"I used to train my swordsmanship here at night," Itachi whispered, almost like a secret he was finally sharing.

"I wish you’d show me someday," I said with a faint laugh.
I leaned against him and tilted my head up to gaze at the stars.
Then I let my eyes drift shut once again, finally beginning to feel at peace.
Maybe… maybe I didn’t need Sasuke Uchiha at all.

"I’d love to make all your wishes come true, Sakura," I heard Itachi murmur beside me.

But the real world was already fading, slowly being blanketed by a dream, and I was too far gone to answer.

Chapter 19: Unraveling

The night had been surprisingly peaceful.
No dreams. No nightmares.
No ghost of Sasuke haunting me.

And when I opened my eyes, my first thought wasn’t about him.
It was about the warm blanket still wrapped around my shoulders.
The soft, rhythmic breathing beside me.

Itachi had fallen asleep.
Just like that.
Right there on the swing.
Next to me.

His head tilted slightly to the side, his hair half undone, the expression on his face more peaceful than I’d ever seen it.
It was the first time I truly saw him sleep.
And the first time I wondered:
Maybe this is more than just comfort.

I didn’t move.
I didn’t want to disturb the moment.
My fingers curled tighter around the fabric of the blanket.
I wasn’t afraid anymore.
Only this dull ache remained in my chest — a reminder that I had let go of someone who might never have loved me...
And maybe found someone else, who looked at me as if I reminded him of something he thought he’d lost forever.

Carefully, I slipped out of the blanket and stood up.
My legs tingled — I must have been sitting there much longer than I thought.
I looked back at him one last time.
At the way he breathed.
At the calm he carried in sleep.

And then, quietly, I walked back into the house.

The morning was still.
Mikoto wasn’t up yet.
Sunlight crept slowly through the windows, and the soft scent of jasmine and fresh wood hung in the air.
I found my bag next to the couch and tiptoed into the hallway.

I paused by the stairs.
Something told me I’d be back here soon.
Some part of me always found its way to this place.

Just as I reached for the door, I heard footsteps behind me.

"Trying to sneak out without saying goodbye?"
His voice was deep, calm — still laced with sleep.

I turned.
Itachi stood in the doorway, his hair tousled, his eyes half-lidded with fatigue.
He wore a simple black t-shirt and joggers.
He looked... vulnerable.
Human.
Not the mysterious older brother of the boy who once shattered my heart.

"I didn’t want to wake you," I mumbled, embarrassed.

He took a few steps closer.
"I slept well. Thank you for staying."

I nodded slightly, feeling my heart do a tiny, unexpected leap.
"Thank you... for taking me with you."

A soft smile played on his lips.
Then, almost casually, he said,
"You’ve changed, Sakura."

I raised a brow.
"For better or worse?"

He didn’t answer right away.
"You’re stronger than you think."

Those words landed somewhere deep.
In a place I’d forgotten was still tender.
I didn’t know how to respond.
Maybe I didn’t have to.

"I... would like to see you again," I whispered.
Almost ashamed.
But not quite.

He didn’t answer.
Instead, he walked past me, opened the door, and looked at me with that quiet, unreadable gaze.

"You know where to find me."

I stepped out into the cool morning air,
my heart a little heavier… and somehow lighter all at once.

I knew this wasn’t the end.
Not even close.

And somewhere between the smile tugging at my lips,
and the memory of a man with wild black hair and a tired heart,
I realized:

Maybe this was the beginning of something entirely new.

 

A little while later, I stood in front of Ino’s house.
I didn’t even know exactly why I went there.
Maybe because she was the only person who could knock some sense into me when I had no idea which way was up anymore.

She opened the door with messy hair and an oversized hoodie.
"You look like you've been emotionally dragged through the mud for three days," she said flatly — and let me in without another word.

I threw myself onto the sofa, knees pulled up to my chest.
For a few seconds, I didn’t say a thing.
Then it all burst out of me.

"I was at the Uchihas yesterday. I meant to go see Sasuke. But... somehow, I ended up with Itachi."

Ino raised an eyebrow and sat down beside me with a mug of tea.
"Itachi? The brother who looks like a mix of mysterious innocence and quiet sorrow? That Itachi?"

I couldn’t help but give a weak smile.
"Yeah. That one. He’s… different. Calm. Honest. Sad, somehow. And I don’t know what that’s doing to me."

Ino studied me carefully.
"And Sasuke?"

"I don’t even want to talk about him. He stormed off — probably to his uncle. And… that’s the thing. I think I have a problem."

I took a deep breath.

"I like Itachi. I feel safe with him. Seen. But the second I see Sasuke, or even think about him, it’s like the ground gets ripped out from under me. I don’t know if I hate him or love him or if I just want him to hurt me so I can finally let go…"

Ino’s expression turned serious.
No smirking. No teasing.

"And then… there’s Madara," I whispered, like even saying the name might summon something dark and heavy.

"What about him?" she asked carefully.

I told her everything.
His gaze.
His hands.
The moment I thought I had surrendered to him — even though my heart was somewhere else.
I explained every detail.
How helpless I’d felt.
How much I hated myself.
And how, somehow, it had felt like a lifeline when I heard Itachi’s voice again.
How ashamed I was when he simply placed me on that swing — and didn’t ask for anything.

"I’m so damn broken, Ino," I said quietly.
"I don’t know what’s right anymore. I don’t even know what I feel. And the worst part? I don’t even trust myself."

She took my hand.
And in her eyes, there wasn’t pity.
Or the expectation that I’d pull myself together.

Just understanding.
Just Ino — the way only she could be.

"Then maybe it’s time to stop trying to figure out what you feel," she said softly.
"And just feel. Let everything else come when it’s ready. You don’t have to decide, Sakura. Not today. Not tomorrow. But you have to be honest with yourself."

I nodded.
And for the first time in days, the weight in my chest felt just a little lighter.

 

~ Sasuke’s POV, the night before ~

“I’ll take care of it,” I muttered, pulling on my black leather jacket.

Without another word, I left the estate.

The door shut behind me like a warning shot — dull, heavy, final.
The sky was iron-gray, like it already knew this wasn’t a night for calm decisions.

I felt that familiar burn in my veins.
Not anger. Not exactly.
It was that other feeling — when something personal gets touched.
Something you thought you’d buried long ago.
But it’s still there.
Half-open. Half-rotten.
And very much alive.

Madara.

My uncle.

Or, as I prefer to call him: the ticking time bomb with a surname.

He was never just the charming, wealthy man in a designer suit.
Not to me.
I always knew — under that polished smile was something cold. Calculating.
He knew how to win people over.
And even better… how to break them apart.

This time, I took the motorcycle.
Let the engine roar and tore through the half-empty streets until I pulled up in front of the high-rise.
His "office."
More like his throne.

Glass windows. Polished facade.
Everything perfect.
Everything a lie.

His secretary tried to stop me.

“He doesn’t have any appointments tonight—”

I didn’t care.
Pushed the glass door open like she wasn’t even there.
With every step over that expensive parquet, my breath grew colder.
I knew how this game was played.
He taught me.

“Sasuke,” his voice greeted me as I entered the room. Calm. Amused. Always.
He stood by the window, the skyline glowing behind him.
Like he owned the city.
Maybe he did.

“You enjoy manipulating girls?” I asked dryly.

He raised an eyebrow.
“Ah, so this is about Haruno-san.”

I stepped closer, hands in my jacket pockets.
“She’s not your toy.”

A soft scoff.
“You’ve changed, Sasuke. You used to be quieter. Smarter. Emotion doesn’t suit you.”

I laughed — bitter and dry.
“Because emotion is dangerous, right? Because it gives you power. And you hate it when anyone else has power.”

Madara turned to me fully.
His eyes, unreadable as ever.
Dark. Calculating.
A trace of amusement — like a teacher humoring a student who almost got it right.

“She’s pretty. Smart. But fragile. And you…” he smirked,
“You’re weak when it comes to her. You know what we do with people like you, Sasuke? We test them.
We tear out their hearts…
And see what’s left.”

I moved before I even registered it.

My fist slammed against his chest — not to kill.
Not even to hurt.
Just to land the blow.
So he’d know I meant every word.

But he didn’t move.
Not an inch.

“Cute,” he murmured.
“But you’re not ready.
You’re playing with fire, little one.”

“And you’ll be the one to burn if you touch her again.”

Silence.

Then he stepped in close — so close I could feel his breath on my skin.

“You don’t even know how close I already was.”

That was the wrong sentence.
The final one.

I shoved him — hard — into the glass wall.
It trembled under the force.
His hand flew to my throat.
My elbow into his ribs.
A brief, brutal storm between two shadows that knew each other too well.
Like only family can.

When we broke apart, both of us were breathing heavily.
He grinned.
I didn’t.

“You can take everything from me, Madara,” I whispered.
“But not her.”

I turned.
And walked out.
No more words.
No glance back.

I knew I hadn’t beaten him.
Not yet.

But I also knew one thing for damn sure:

He wouldn’t touch her again.

Not while I was still breathing.

 

Thursday.

Two days until the wedding.

Two days until I have to pretend again that everything’s fine.

I can’t remember the last time I actually spoke. Not the “I’m okay” kind of talking. I mean really spoke. With Ino, Naruto, my mother... anyone.
I think I stopped answering messages sometime on Monday.
And no one really asked again.

Maybe they thought I needed rest.
Maybe they just knew.

The school let me take time off — at my mom’s request — for “emotional strain.” She called it compassionate, not pitying. I didn’t say anything. I was grateful. Not because I didn’t want to be at school — but because I didn’t know where else I wanted to be.

I was just… here.

Most of the time I stayed in my room.
I tried reading — something about time travel — but I lost the thread around page 40 and never found it again.
I watched shows until the voices blurred together.
I tried drawing, but every face turned into Sasuke’s. Or Itachi’s.

I tore them all up.

I went on walks. Long ones. For hours. No destination.
I liked how much my feet started to hurt.
At least that felt like something real.

I wondered how Sasuke was doing.

Whether he still thought about what he said.
Or about what he didn’t say.

I wondered if Itachi thought about me at all. If he said my name in his head the way I sometimes whispered his.

I wondered if Sasori remembered how I saw him cry.

I hate that I carry all of this inside me.
I hate that I can’t hate anyone.

Maybe I’m just tired.

Maybe this is just a cursed in-between.
A space between decisions. Between then and not-yet.
Between “I love you” and “I need to let you go.”

I’ve become a shadow of who I was.
And somehow, that still feels safer than being whole.

I know I’ll be wearing a dress on Saturday.
I’ll be sitting in some hall, a glass of champagne in my hand, a forced smile on my lips.
I’ll try to look pretty.

But inside?

Inside I’m being pulled in every direction.

Sasuke. Itachi. The fear that I’m not enough for anyone. Not even myself.

And yet…
Somewhere deep down, something inside me is beginning to sort itself out.

Slowly.

So slowly.

The silence isn’t an escape anymore.
It’s my space.
And I think… I’m not entirely lost anymore.

Two more days.
And then… who knows.

And I think I’m not entirely lost.

…Am I?

Do I even know who I am anymore?

Lately, I’ve been thinking about Sasori a lot. Not with longing. But because what happened just won’t let go of me.
I thought I had it under control.
I thought I could deal with it.
But there are nights I jolt awake because I think someone’s holding me down.
Nights when the buzzing of my phone makes me flinch.
Afternoons when I glance behind me on empty sidewalks.

I remember his look. The pain in his eyes. And the fear in mine.
I remember the way his hand gripped my arm.
How love turned to possession.
How tenderness turned to pressure.

I think I underestimated it all.

I keep asking myself if it was my fault.
If I promised too much without meaning to.
If I was too weak to say something in time.
If… I’ll become that version of me again.

But the worst part isn’t what happened.

The worst part is what’s left behind.

Because ever since that night…
I don’t know if I can truly trust again.

Not just Sasori.
Not just Madara.
But anyone.

Sasuke.
Itachi.
My friends.
Myself.

Sometimes I feel warmth when I think of Itachi.
His calm. His quiet gaze.
And then it freezes again.
Because I’m afraid he’ll turn away too someday.
That he’ll use my uncertainty against me — just like the others.

And Sasuke…

Sasuke is chaos.

Sometimes I think my heart still wants him.
And sometimes I think my heart just never learned how to protect itself.

I’m not who I used to be.

Not a week ago. Not a month ago.

I’ve become cracked. Not broken.
But fractured.
And I don’t know how long I can keep pretending it’s okay.

Trust isn’t a feeling.

It’s a risk.

And I don’t know if I can take that risk again.

Chapter 20: Wedding Part I

Notes:

Hey guys,
thank you so much for all the kudos so far – I seriously appreciate every single one of you! 💖

From this point on, the story’s going to take quite a turn. The tension, the drama – it all ramps up, and the decision Sakura has to make? Let’s just say… even I wasn’t sure anymore at one point which guy she should end up with lol

But for now, enjoy Part 1 of 3 of the wedding chapters!
I’ll be updating much faster from here on out, so you won’t have to wait too long ✨

It was almost midnight.

Outside, everything was quiet. So quiet that even the ticking of my old alarm clock sounded like a thunderclap.

I lay on my back, phone hovering above my face, the screen burning into my tired eyes.

I had erased the written words for the tenth time now.
And still…

Message to: Sasuke Uchiha

I don’t know why I’m writing you.
Maybe because I can’t get you out of my head tonight.
Maybe because sometimes I feel like you only listen when I’m silent.

I thought about you. About that smile you never let anyone see.
You confuse me.
You mean something to me, even though I don’t know exactly what.
And sometimes… that hurts.

But sometimes, it also feels like home.

My thumb hovered over the send button.

I held my breath.

Then I locked the screen.

Not tonight.

Maybe never.

I placed the phone on my nightstand and stared at the ceiling.
My heart raced like I’d done something forbidden — even though it was only a thought.
A wish.
A feeling.
And feelings weren’t crimes.

A little while later, I reached for my phone again.
This time, I opened the chat with Hinata.
It felt… more right.

Hey. You awake?

The three dots popped up almost instantly.

Yeah. Are you okay?

I stared at those seven words for a while.
So simple.
And yet they hit me right in the heart.

I don’t know. I think I’m just full.
Full of things I haven’t processed.
Full of fear. And anger. And shame.
Because of Sasori.
Because of me.
Because of everything.
I don’t know how to let it out without it breaking me.

This time, her reply took a little longer.

Maybe you don’t need to let it all out at once.
Maybe just a small moment is enough.
An honest conversation.
A tear you don’t hold back.

And you’re not alone.
Even if it feels like it sometimes.
I’m here. Always.

I could’ve cried.
I think I actually did.
Quietly.
All alone.
And yet… not lonely anymore.

The next morning, I sat down at the kitchen table with my mom for the first time in days.
The smell of fresh coffee drifted into my nose, but I didn’t touch my cup.

“Mom… can we talk?”

She set the spoon down.
No questions. Just a nod.

I took a deep breath.

“I know I haven’t really… been myself lately.
And I know you’ve noticed.
I thought if I just ignored it, it would go away.
But it doesn’t.
What Sasori did to me…
it wasn’t just a fight.
It was a break.
And I’ve been pretending everything’s normal for so long.
But I’m not.
And it hurts.”

My mother didn’t say anything.
She stood up.
Came to me.
And wrapped her arms around me.

No big speeches.
No “I told you so.”
No “You’ll be fine.”

Just warmth.
And a heartbeat that told me:
You’re not alone.

I cried.
For the first time, really cried.
Not because of Sasuke.
Not because of Itachi.
Not because of love or heartbreak.

But simply because it was all too much.

And after that…
it was just a little bit less heavy.

Later, when I pulled the dress from my closet and ran my fingers gently across the fabric, I smiled faintly. The wedding was close. And I didn’t know if I would dance. Or laugh.
But maybe I’d manage to enjoy a moment.

Not because everything was okay again.

But because I’d learned that it’s okay if it’s not.

 

~ The Day of Tsunade’s Wedding ~

The morning was brighter than I expected.
The sun didn’t burn — it caressed.
Softly, as if to say: Today, you’re allowed to forget for a little while.

I sat on my bed, the dress carefully draped over the back of my chair.
Pastel yellow, flowing gently, with delicate lace details at the waist.
Not too playful, not too plain.
It felt like me — or at least the version of me I wanted to be today.

A loud knock on the door pulled me out of my thoughts.

“Sakura! Hurry up! The hair appointment’s in twenty minutes and if I wait any longer, I’ll get wrinkles!”
Ino’s voice rang through the door. Typical.

I smirked. “On my way!”

Ino’s car was filled with sparkly stuff, hair spray, and an overexcited Ino who acted like she was the one getting married.

“You HAVE to keep your eyes open today, Sakura. If you notice any looks from a certain Uchiha brother — tell me. I’ll analyze the whole thing for you,” she grinned as she pulled into a parking spot.

Hinata sat next to me in the backseat, her smile quiet and warm.
“You already look beautiful today. And… calm. I’m really happy to see that.”

I nodded. “I tried. I just want to be able to breathe today.”

The salon was small but elegant — white and gold décor, soft music playing in the background.
Three stylists began working on us at the same time.
Ino got an elegant updo with a few loose strands framing her face.
Hinata let her hair fall in soft, shiny waves over her shoulders.
And me?

I chose a half-up, half-down look. Loose, natural, with a delicate crown of tiny white flowers that matched the dress perfectly.
Once the makeup was done — subtle but radiant — I stared at my reflection for a moment.

And I recognized myself again.
At least… a little.

“Ready?” Hinata asked as we were heading toward the church.

I smiled.
“Ready enough.”

The church was breathtaking.
Bathed in soft light, adorned with white roses and golden ribbons, filled with a quiet sense of anticipation that buzzed in the air like electricity.

I saw them all.
My mother, radiant in a sapphire blue dress, standing beside Tsunade, who — for once — actually looked a little nervous.
Naruto waved at us like a madman, Shikamaru looked bored — as always — and Temari jabbed her elbow pointedly into his side.

And then… I saw them.

The Uchiha family.

Mikoto, graceful and composed as ever, wearing a deep red gown that looked like royalty.

Sasuke — in a black suit that fit almost too perfectly.
His hair slicked back, eyes sharp… but there was something else.
Something vulnerable.

And then there was Itachi.

Wearing charcoal gray. Not too flashy. Not too plain.
Just… Itachi.

He looked like a shadow caught between staying and vanishing.

Our eyes met for just a moment.

Not too long.
Not too intense.
Just long enough to say everything we hadn’t in the past few days.

My heart was pounding — not from fear.
Not from nerves.
But because, for the first time in what felt like forever, I was in it again.
In life.
Among people.
Not just watching from the sidelines.

Ino looped her arm through mine.
“Ready to smile a little?”

I nodded.

And then the music began.

The organ started to play — softly at first, then fuller.
The church doors opened… and Tsunade walked in.

She was stunning.

A simple, flowing gown in ivory, with a deep neckline and a delicate golden belt cinching her waist.
Her hair was down, loosely tucked back.
No veil.
No spectacle.

Just her.

And Jiraiya stood waiting at the altar — wearing a navy blue suit that looked more like accidental elegance than a conscious fashion choice.
His hair wild as always, his grin mischievous — and yet, there was something in his eyes.
Something real.
Something soft.

When she reached him, he leaned in and murmured, just loud enough for us to hear:
“I hope I’m still allowed to annoy you.”

Tsunade smirked, raised her eyebrows.

“Only if you bring me coffee in bed.”

“And you bring me sake.”

A soft ripple of laughter spread through the rows.
Even the pastor had to suppress a smile.

But then… it grew quiet again.
And suddenly, there was only the light filtering through the tall windows.
The words being spoken.
The hands that found each other.
Jiraiya faltering as he tried to say “for better or for worse”—
And Tsunade, simply squeezing his hand.
As if to say: I know. I’m here.

My throat tightened.

But not from sadness.

Because of that quiet, aching pull.

The longing for something that feels just as simple and right.

I used to imagine it just like this. A dress. A glance.
Someone who knows how I breathe without needing me to speak.
I had names for it once. Faces. Dreams where I knew exactly where my heart belonged.

Today?

Today I wasn’t even sure if my heart wanted to belong to anyone.
Or if I could ever let someone close enough again.

But I smiled.
Because it was beautiful.
And because I wanted — truly wanted — to believe that love isn’t always danger.
Sometimes, maybe, it can be a home.

The ceremony ended with soft applause and petals flying through the air in front of the church.
The sun shone like it had been ordered just for them.
And Jiraiya kissed Tsunade on the forehead as they stepped outside — hesitant, almost reverent.
It didn’t quite fit him.
Which made it fit perfectly.

The party was held at a modern country estate, elegant but warm, with a terrace wrapped in glowing string lights.
Soft music drifted in the background, waiters weaved through the guests with trays of hors d'oeuvres, and people scattered between the buffet, the garden, and the dance floor.

I greeted so many people that the names started blending together.
Old teachers, family friends, former classmates.
Even Orochimaru showed up — wearing a suit that looked like it was fighting him for dominance.

Ino vanished almost instantly with Sai, her laughter trailing behind her, his hand firmly in hers.

Hinata danced with Naruto, and he looked at her like she was the only miracle in the room.

And me?

At some point, I found myself standing off to the side.
A glass in my hand.
Music in my ears.
No one beside me.

Not sad.

Just… empty.

Part of me wanted to dance.
Another part just wanted to hit pause for a moment.

I watched the couples. The glow between them. The nearness.
And I wondered if I would ever truly arrive somewhere again — with someone.
If this — these smiles, this laughter — could one day also be mine.

I leaned against the terrace railing, closed my eyes for a brief moment, and took a deep breath.

And there it was again — that gentle whisper of a thought:
Maybe I don’t have to know who I love right now.
Maybe it’s enough… that I still want to learn how to let love in again.

I was still standing on the terrace, the glass half-empty in my hand, when I felt someone step up beside me.

Not loudly.
Not noticeably.

Just a presence I recognized instantly.

“You look beautiful tonight, Sakura.”

I turned slightly.
Mikoto Uchiha.
In a deep red dress, like liquid garnet.
Her hair, as always, was swept into an elegant updo, her posture composed and graceful.
Her voice soft, but steady — like someone who’s seen a thousand things… and didn’t let them break her.

“Thank you,” I murmured.
“Same goes for you.”

She smiled, picked up a glass from the nearby high table.
For a moment, we both stood in silence, watching the celebration inside.
Laughter.
Music.
Dancing.
And the world, still spinning on, no matter what had happened.

“I’ve been watching you,” she said softly after a while.
“Not in a creepy surveillance way — don’t worry.”

I gave a small laugh.
“Don’t worry. I don’t picture you as a secret agent.”

“Though I might’ve been good at it in my youth,” she added with a playful arch of her brow.

Another pause. But a warm one this time.

Then she gently placed her hand on my arm.

“You know I think of you like a daughter, don’t you?”

I nodded, my heart tightening just a little.

“And maybe that’s why I know you better than you sometimes want me to,” she continued.
“I know how long you loved Sasuke. How deeply. How quietly. And I also know how often you questioned yourself when he pushed you away.”

I lowered my gaze.

“It was… never easy.”

“No,” she agreed.
“But it never stopped you from being there. You’re loyal, Sakura. And strong. But you’re also tired. And that’s okay. You’re allowed to be tired. You’re allowed to be sad. And angry. And you’re allowed to fall in love again — even if you’re not ready for it yet.”

I felt my eyes begin to sting.
Not tears, exactly.
Just that deep, familiar pressure — the kind that comes when someone speaks directly to the part of you you’ve tried to hide.

“I don’t know if I can trust again. Not just others… not even myself.”

Mikoto looked at me for a long moment.
Then she said:

“You don’t have to prove anything to anyone. But you can let yourself feel again. Maybe not today. But someday. And when the doubts come back — remember how far you’ve already come.”

I couldn’t find words.
So I just nodded.

She squeezed my arm once more.

“Now go. Someone in there is probably just as scared as you are.”

I gave her a questioning glance.

She simply smiled.

And then I followed her gaze — into the reception hall, across the room.

And there he was.

Sasuke.

Alone.

A glass in his hand. His gaze slightly averted, as if he were trying to disappear into the crowd.

I didn’t know what made me walk toward him.

Maybe it was her look.
Maybe it was my longing.
Or maybe—for the first time—I was the one who didn’t run.

I stopped a few steps in front of him.
He didn’t notice me right away.
Or maybe he pretended not to.

“Seems like standing alone is the trend tonight,” I said calmly.

His eyes shifted to me. No smile. No frown. Just a nod that said more than a thousand words.

“I’m… glad you’re here,” he said at last.

And there we stood.
Two people who hadn’t truly looked at each other in too long.
Two people who had left too much unsaid.

But something in the air felt different.
Not resolved.
Not healed.
But… possible.

We stood in silence for a while. The music inside filtered through the half-open door—muffled laughter, voices, clinking glasses. The world kept spinning.

Sasuke spoke first.

“You didn’t cry today.”

It wasn’t a statement. Not really a question either. More like… an attempt to understand something he couldn’t name.

I looked at him, trying to figure out how much of that was sincere—and how much of it was just his way of masking vulnerability.

“I’m trying not to cry all the time anymore,” I replied softly.

He nodded slowly. His gaze stayed fixed straight ahead.
“I know I’ve done a lot of things wrong. And that I’m not good at… saying things. Or showing them.”

I didn’t say anything. I knew that.
I’d always known that.

“But if you… if you need someone who’s just there. Just present. Then…”

He trailed off. Searching for words.
Then silence.

I helped him out.

“Then that’s already more than I ever expected.”

He looked at me, and for the briefest moment, there was no pride in his eyes. No walls. Just… something real.

“I just don’t want to see you cry anymore,” he murmured—barely loud enough for this noisy world to hear.

I gave him a faint smile.
“Me neither. And I don’t want any more fights. No blame. If all that’s left between us is friendship… then that’s enough.”

He seemed relieved when I said that.
And also overwhelmed.

A little like a boy who didn’t know how to hold something fragile without breaking it.

Then he shook his head lightly.
“I… I just need a bit of air. Excuse me.”

Before I could reply, he had already taken a step back, disappearing into the crowd—not running, but with that familiar mix of tension and retreat.

I stood there a moment longer.
Letting the air settle around me again.

And just as I was about to straighten up—

“Sometimes silence is the only thing that helps.”

I flinched slightly. Thought I had imagined it.

But then I saw him.

Itachi.

Like a shadow that had melted into the darkness—but so present, so unmistakably there, that it almost hurt.
He stood just half a step behind me, hands in his pockets, eyes not on me, but somewhere distant—unreachable.

“You heard everything?” I asked, without turning.

“Only what you didn’t say,” he answered quietly.

I closed my eyes for a moment. Breathed in deep.

With Itachi, words were never necessary.
And maybe that’s why it was so easy to stay near him.

I didn’t know what would happen next.
Whether he had something to say.
Or whether he was just going to stand beside me.

But it didn’t matter.

Because in that moment—I wasn’t alone.

Chapter 21: Wedding Part II

Itachi was still standing there—barely an arm’s length away, and yet somehow in a different world.
His presence was, as always, calm… almost weightless.
And still, I felt like his very existence soaked every one of my thoughts in new questions.

I dared a glance at him.

He said nothing.
Did nothing.
And that’s exactly what made me nervous.

Why?

Why did everything feel so different around him?

I knew that feeling—that flutter in your stomach when someone is beautiful.
And Itachi was beautiful.
In a way that didn’t try to be seen, yet couldn’t possibly be ignored.
His face was so composed it almost hurt.
And his eyes…

Those damn eyes.

It was superficial, wasn’t it?

Was it just that?

The way he walked, the way he spoke?
That quiet, controlled something that he carried like a second skin?

But no.

There was more.

Something I couldn’t name.

It was the way he listened—without saying anything.
The way he didn’t push. Didn’t judge. Didn’t pity.

Maybe it was the fact that he, too, carried something inside that he never spoke of.
That he knew the same shadows.
That he wasn’t made of light—but of things you never really get rid of… and still choose to live with.

I closed my eyes for a moment. Tried to calm the rhythm of my heartbeat.

“You’re quiet,” I murmured.

“So are you,” he replied softly.

No sarcasm. No sharpness.

Just a simple truth.
And maybe… a hint of closeness.

I shook my head ever so slightly.
He understood so much without me saying anything.
And I wondered if that was really a good thing for me.
If it was safe to feel understood by someone who had never really felt safe themselves.

“Sometimes I’m afraid of what I feel,” I said quietly.

Not as a confession—more like a truth that had waited too long to be spoken aloud.

He glanced at me. Not intensely. Just a look.
Then his gaze returned to the hall in front of us.

“Then feel slowly.”

Three words.

That was all he said.

And yet… they hit me harder than anything else that night.

Feel slowly.

Not “think about it.”
Not “let it go.”
Just… feel.

I didn’t know if he realized what was going on inside me.
If he understood what his presence did to me.

But I knew this:

Around him, I didn’t feel small.
Or wrong.
Or broken.

I was simply… me.

And that was enough.

Itachi had turned slightly to the side again, his gaze still fixed on the scene unfolding inside the hall, when a soft, barely audible cough shook his chest.

It wasn’t dramatic.
No fit.
No blood.
No alarms.

Just a single cough.
Brief. Dry. Quickly suppressed.
And yet, I felt my stomach twist.
My eyes moved to him instinctively.
And my heart skipped—just for a moment.

He didn’t look at me. Acted as if nothing had happened.

But I had heard it.
And I remembered.

I remembered the day he had collapsed in front of me.

The flicker of panic behind his eyes.
The cold sweat on his brow.
The fear that had rooted me to the ground.

I had truly believed he might die.
And only then had I realized just how much I needed him.

Not as some dream figure.
Not as a replacement.
Not even necessarily as someone I had to love.

I needed him… because he had seen me—when I couldn’t even recognize myself anymore.

And the thought that he might one day simply not be there anymore—that this short cough could one day be the beginning of the end—tightened something in my chest.

I turned slightly toward him, wanting to say something. Anything.
But his expression stayed calm.
Maybe he hadn’t even noticed it himself.

I didn’t say a word.

Not because I didn’t care.
But because I knew:
He would never find comfort in being pitied.

So I just stayed.

Right there.

And that… was enough.

 

“Well, well… look at you two.”

Mikoto’s voice slipped gently but firmly through the delicate quiet between us.
She stepped up beside us, a glass in her hand, her eyes curious—but never judging.

First, she looked at me.
Then at Itachi.
Then back to me.

“I just came to give you a heads-up,” she said with a smile. “The wedding cake’s about to be served. And if Tsunade isn’t the first to get a slice, she might actually stab someone.”

I chuckled softly.
It felt… good.
Like someone had just lifted the weight of the last few moments—without breaking it.

But then, Mikoto’s gaze lingered on us a little longer.
Something in her expression shifted.
Barely.
Like a soft blur settling over sharp edges.

“I don’t think I’ve seen you like this in a very long time, Itachi,” she said at last.

Her voice wasn’t emotional.
But there was a touch of quiet surprise in it.

“Not since Shisui… Well. I never thought I’d see you let anyone stand beside you again.”

Itachi didn’t respond.
Of course not.
But something flickered in his eyes—a shadow surfacing for a brief moment before settling again.

I didn’t look at him.

I didn’t have to.

Because I could feel it—how something tight in my chest loosened.
How space made itself again.

Mikoto offered me a soft smile.
The kind that said more than any open-hearted talk ever could.

Thank you for seeing him.

Then she turned and disappeared into the crowd once more.

Itachi and I stayed right where we were.
Still silent.

But no longer surrounded by silence.

 

The lights dimmed slightly, soft music began to play, and suddenly every pair of eyes turned toward the center of the room.

A waiter slowly rolled in a flower-adorned serving cart, crowned with a three-tier wedding cake—ivory white, with golden accents and tiny cherry blossoms made of sugar. It was so beautiful, it almost looked too perfect to eat. Almost.

Tsunade was already waiting, a shine in her eyes usually reserved for medical breakthroughs or very good sake. Jiraiya was grinning from ear to ear, pretending to tug nervously at his collar—but everyone could tell: he was proud. Really proud.

“If someone had told me twenty years ago I’d be willingly cutting a wedding cake, I would’ve laughed in their face,” he muttered as they walked toward the table together.

“If someone had told me I’d be marrying you, I would’ve skipped the second drink,” Tsunade replied dryly—but the look in her eyes said she couldn’t be happier.

Everyone burst into laughter.

Then, they both gripped the knife together, hands touching, and the crowd started the countdown.

“Three—two—one!”

The first cut sliced cleanly through the top tier. Applause. Petals rained down from the ceiling. Someone yelled, “Kiss her!”—and though Jiraiya puckered up dramatically, he got nothing but a dry “Keep dreaming” and a forkful of cake in his mouth.

I stood a little off to the side, a smile playing on my lips.

It was beautiful to watch. So much love. So much real joy.

I had just started helping myself to a slice of cake when I heard someone clear their throat behind me.

I turned.

And there he was again.

Itachi.

He lingered near the edge of the room, a glass of water in hand, watching the scene with calm, steady eyes.

My heart picked up, without any clear reason why.
Maybe because he managed to look like he was standing alone on a stage—even in a room full of people.
Or maybe because that moment earlier between us was still echoing through my chest.

I was about to step toward him when I noticed Mikoto standing beside him—not unusually close, but with a kind of maternal alertness in her posture. She said something to him, softly, with the ghost of a smile on her lips. Then, she gently rested a hand on his shoulder for a brief second.

I stopped where I was.

I didn’t want to interrupt.

I took a breath, brought a bite of the cake to my lips. Strawberry cream. Sweet. Soft.

For a moment, I closed my eyes.

And then I felt someone step up beside me.

Not quiet like Itachi.

Something more charged.

Something electric.

Sasuke.

He didn’t say anything.

Just a quick glance in my direction.

And then—

“The cake’s good.”

I nodded.
“Surprisingly good.”

And so we stood there.
Silent.
With cake.
And maybe the tiniest fragment of hope.

Sasuke had turned his gaze away again. Standing beside me like a shadow unsure if it should stay or vanish.
I didn’t say anything. I didn’t try to fill the silence—because it wasn’t really silence that was missing.

And just when that silence started to stretch too long—
She appeared.

“Saku! Come on! Now!”
Ino’s voice cut across the hall, loud and unbothered—pure, unapologetic Ino.
Her voice was a lifeline thrown through chaos, pulling me back into life with a single yank.

I turned—relieved.
Maybe a little too fast.

“Excuse me,” I murmured to Sasuke.
Not cold. Not distant. Just honest.

He nodded. Said nothing.
And I left him behind like a chapter you close before it's fully written.

Ino grabbed my hand like I was five again and dragged me across the room.

“I saw it coming before you even realized you needed saving. Girl, you seriously need more girl-time therapy.”

“Thanks,” I said quietly.
She stopped talking immediately.

The table was warm.
Lively.

Hinata gave me a gentle smile, soft and sincere, while Naruto raised a piece of cake in the air like a trophy.

“Sakuraaa! You missed the best part! I swear Jiraiya almost cried after cutting the cake!”

“He did,” Sai added dryly.
“I took a picture. Just to be sure.”

I laughed.
For the first time in hours—really laughed.
Not forced. Not filtered.

I dropped down between Ino and Hinata, kicked off my shoes, tucked my feet beneath the table, and closed my eyes for a moment.

Surrounded by voices I knew.
By people who let me just be—without asking for explanations.
Without needing me to be perfect.

Here, I was just Sakura.
Not the girl caught between two Uchihas.
Not the one with the fractured story.
Not the puzzle people tried to solve.

Just me.

And for tonight…
that was everything I needed.

 

The wall clock showed 9:57 p.m.
When the lighting in the hall began to change.

The soft, warm hues slowly faded—replaced by muted purples, golden reflections, and the low thrum of basslines vibrating from the corner where, just moments ago, a string quartet had been playing. A DJ now stood behind his setup, grinning like a little god, pushing the first beat onto the dance floor—seamlessly transitioning into a modern love song.

All heads turned to the center.

Tsunade stepped onto the dance floor—dragging Jiraiya along behind her, who looked like he was trying to pretend he knew what he was doing.

“You said we’d dance!” she called out, practically dragging him into position.

“I said I’d try!” he shot back, fumbling as he placed one hand on her waist and the other awkwardly on her shoulder—which Tsunade instantly corrected with a glare that could kill.

And then they danced.

Awkward.
Off-beat.
Perfect.

The hall erupted into laughter, applause, and a chorus of “Awww!” from every corner. And before anyone realized it, the music shifted into a faster rhythm—a remix, loud and bass-heavy, like a silent signal had been fired.

The guests surged onto the dance floor.

Ino was the first to jump in, followed by Naruto, who immediately grabbed two children under his arms and performed some kind of improvised choreography. Sai danced like he was conducting a scientific experiment on body movement, while Hinata laughed so hard she could barely stay upright.

And me?

I let myself be pulled in.

I slipped my shoes back on, lifted my dress slightly, and spun laughing into the crowd, letting the music pulse through me.

For a moment, there were no Uchiha brothers.
No Madara.
No inner chaos.

Only light.
Sound.
And motion.

I was free.
Truly free.

 

At some point—I didn’t know what time it was anymore, only that my breath was fast and my face was flushed—I stepped back for a moment, grabbed a glass of water, and leaned against one of the columns near the buffet.

That’s when she joined me.

Tsunade. Her cheeks slightly flushed, her hair a little undone, but her gaze as clear as ever.

“I saw you laugh,” she said, no introduction, no preamble.

I looked at her. “Is that… rare?”

“Lately? Yeah.”

I fell silent.

She took the glass from my hand, took a sip, set it down. Then she placed an arm around my shoulders—firm, but not suffocating.

“You’ve been through so much, Sakura. More than I’d ever want for anyone. But you’re still here. You’re living. You’re feeling. You’re dancing. And I’m damn proud of you, girl.”

I blinked against the sudden warmth rising in my eyes.

“I don’t know if I’m actually processing it all,” I murmured. “Or if I’m just… pushing it away.”

“Either’s okay,” she said gently. “As long as you don’t forget that you’re not alone.”

I nodded. And just like that, the whole night seemed to glow a little brighter.

“Now get back out there,” she added with a crooked grin. “Or do I have to show you how someone over fifty really parties?”

I laughed. And I went.

The room pulsed with energy. Lights flickered to the beat, and the DJ had found that sweet spot between “the floor is shaking” and “you’re about to lose your voice.”

I was in the middle of it all. Spinning with Ino, clapping with Hinata, laughing with Naruto—who was now barefoot and using one of Tsunade’s silk table runners as part of an interpretive dance.

I couldn’t even say what song was playing. It didn’t matter.

I was warm. Breathless. Free.

And then—I felt it.

That gaze.

Not intrusive. Not uncomfortable. But unmistakably there.

I lifted my head, turned just slightly—and there he was.

Sasuke.

A bit off to the side, one hand in his pocket, the other wrapped around a glass. He pretended to be vaguely interested in the buffet, but his eyes… his eyes were fixed on me.

Not intense. Not possessive.

More like… he couldn’t quite believe I was really laughing.

I didn’t know if I should feel flattered. Or confused. Maybe both.

I looked away. Tried to keep dancing.

But my eyes—they wandered. On their own.

And there, nearly invisible in the soft shadows of an open doorway… someone leaned against the wall.

Itachi.

He was barely visible, but I saw the gleam of his eyes in the light.
Unlike Sasuke, there was no hesitation, no overthinking.
He wasn’t watching with curiosity—but with calm.
As if he was only there to make sure I was truly happy in this moment.

I swallowed.

Two gazes. Two men. Two completely different ways of looking at me.

I wondered if I should dare.
If I should just walk up to one of them and ask him to dance.
Not to make some statement.
Just… because it would be nice.

But before I could make a decision—it happened.

“SSSSASUKEEEE!” Naruto suddenly screamed with the force of an entire karaoke night and grabbed his best friend’s arm like he was rescuing him from a burning building.

“What—? Naruto?!” Sasuke protested, but his resistance was half-hearted at best.

“You’re standing there like a sad penguin! Come on, man! You’re dancing with us or I’m officially ending our friendship!”

Sasuke gave him a look—half annoyed, half not here, not now—but Naruto couldn’t be stopped.

Ino, Hinata, and even Sai clapped along with the beat while Naruto tried to drag Sasuke onto the dancefloor.

And the shocking part?
He came with him.

Slowly.
Awkwardly.
But he came.

I laughed.
And he saw it.
And even though he tried to hide it—he smiled back.
Just for a second.
But it was real.

Itachi was still by the wall. He had seen everything.
And on his face? Nothing but calm.

I didn’t know what I felt.
But I felt.
And that was already more than I’d dared to hope for tonight.

Sasuke stood in the middle of the chaos like he’d wandered in by accident—and then decided to stay.

He didn’t move like the others.
No wild bouncing like Naruto, no perfect hip coordination like Ino, no charming reserve like Sai.
He didn’t “dance,” not really.

He just… moved.

Small, subtle shifts.
Almost like he was leaning toward the music, not following it.
Hands in his pockets, eyes rarely looking up—but he was there. Fully.

And somehow… that was enough.

Eventually, I made my way over to him—sweaty, out of breath, my hair sticking to my forehead, and my lungs threatening to collapse.

He had stopped, now leaning lightly against a pillar, taking the last sip of water, and giving me a look that was only half annoyed.

“You’re completely drenched,” he muttered.

“And you look like you’re trying not to get noticed.”

A tiny twitch at the corner of his mouth.
Almost a smile.

I dropped beside him, letting myself slide down to the floor and stretch my legs out.
“I’m done. My legs feel like udon noodles.”

He sat down next to me—the way he always did: quiet, subtle, but there.

"You were… good," he said eventually.

I turned my head. "At dancing?"

"At laughing."

Silence. Not uncomfortable. Just… honest.

"I can’t do that. This..."—he made a vague gesture toward the dancefloor—"…that storm of energy. I’ve never been able to. And I…"—he hesitated—"…I don’t hate it. But I don’t know how to keep up."

I looked at him for a long moment. Not with pity. Just… understanding.

"You don’t have to keep up, Sasuke. You don’t have to do anything. I didn’t laugh because someone danced with me. I laughed because I felt safe. Because I could… let go."

He gave a barely-there nod, eyes on his hands.

"It still makes me angry. Not at you. Just at myself. Because I keep realizing I was never able to give you that kind of lightness."

I wanted to disagree. To say he was wrong.

But I knew what he meant. And that this wasn’t about guilt. It was about truth.

So I simply said:

"Maybe you don’t have to give me anything. Maybe it’s enough that you’re here. Just as you are."

He looked at me. Not with pain. Not with hope. Just… clarity.

And in that moment, he was more beautiful than I had ever seen him.

Sasuke was still sitting beside me. The music was softer now, voices melting into a background hum of sweat and joy.

Then—so quietly—it came:

"I’m sorry."

I looked at him. He stared straight ahead, as if eye contact might steal the words from him again.

"I know I was… unfair. Too often. And sometimes cold. And I said things—or didn’t say things—that hurt you. I knew it. I knew it and I still didn’t fix it."

My throat tightened.

Not because I didn’t want to hear it.
But because I never thought I would.

He turned his head, looked at me for just a second.

"You’ve always deserved more, Sakura. Always."

Then he stood up.

No dramatic exit. No waiting for a reaction.

He just walked away.

And left me behind—with a heart that felt somehow both heavy and light.

 

I found my way back to my friends not long after.

Ino had claimed a cozy little corner in the back of the venue—strung with colorful fairy lights, a half-empty bottle of white wine on the table, and Sai trying to make music with a spoon.

I drank.
Not much.
Just a little more than usual.
It wasn’t about getting drunk. Or escaping.
Just… a quiet letting go.

The conversations got fuzzier, the laughter softer. My head felt light, like cotton, and eventually, my legs carried me out of the room on their own.

Outside, everything was still.

The garden was bathed in warm light—fairy lights hanging between olive trees, rose bushes adorned with glass spheres, glowing flowers and soft, shifting colors everywhere. And in the middle of it all:

A big white porch swing.

Decorated with plush cushions and floral vines.

I stepped closer. Sat down.

And laughed quietly to myself.

Of course there was a swing.
And of course I thought of him.

Of Itachi.

Of the night he had pulled me out of the dark without a single word.
Of his voice. His calm.
His feel slowly.

A warmth spread through me. Not uncomfortable.
Just that floating feeling between memory and reality.

I closed my eyes. Leaned back.

And then—a breath. A shadow. A presence.

I opened my eyes slowly.

He was there.

Itachi.

As if he’d stepped out of the light. Or maybe out of the moment itself.

No words.

Just that one look.

And everything came rushing back.

Chapter 22: Wedding Part III

He just stood there.

No movement.
No words.

Only his presence—like a quiet mist, slowly wrapping itself around me.

I looked at him, my legs tilted gently to the side, my body loose from wine, from dancing, from laughter. I raised a hand, barely, just a small gesture. A silent “You can sit, if you want.”

He understood.

Slowly, like always, he sat beside me.
The swing moved ever so slightly, just a few centimeters back and forth, but my balance wasn’t entirely mine. A little wave of dizziness rolled through me. I laughed softly.

“I think I’m a little too warm. And a little floaty,” I murmured, pressing my hand lightly to my forehead.

He didn’t answer.
But his shoulder was close. Warm. No touch—just the quiet knowledge that if I leaned, he would be there.

I didn’t lean.
Not yet.

The night had gone quiet.
Only faint music drifted in from the hall. Laughter. Voices that were slowly softening with tiredness.
But between us—there was no fatigue. Only tension. The kind of silence that meant everything.

He didn’t move forward.

But I felt him.

His leg brushing lightly against mine as the swing swayed again. His hand resting loosely on the cushion beside me—just close enough that our fingers almost touched.

Not on purpose.

Maybe.

Maybe not.

I didn’t care.
I leaned back. Looked up at the sky.
I didn’t want to think.
Didn’t want to interpret.
Didn’t want to analyze what this was or where it might lead.

I just wanted to be.

I just wanted to feel.

So I spoke.
Not loud. Not clear.
But honest.

“I don’t know what I want, Itachi,” I began. “I just know that I’m tired. Tired of trying to get things right. Always weighing everything. Packing feelings into neat little boxes. Sasuke. You. Life. I… I just want to breathe. And feel. And not be scared all the time that I’m lying to myself.”

I turned my head slightly. Looked at him.
His eyes were on me—awake, but soft. No judgment. No pressure.

“Sometimes I think I’m broken,” I continued. “Not right. Too much. And still not enough. For anyone. For myself. And then… you’re there.”

I hesitated.
But the wine kept talking.

“And when you’re there, everything isn’t so loud. Not so heavy. And I don’t know if that’s a good thing or a dangerous one. I just know it feels like… like a pause from everything that usually tears me apart.”

I hadn’t looked at him while I spoke.
I had spoken into the dark.
Into the light.
Into the tremble in my own chest.

But now, I looked at him.

And he was still looking at me.

Not shocked.
Not surprised.
Just… there.

He said nothing.

But his fingers brushed gently against mine.

Not as an answer.
But as a promise—
That he was listening.

And that was enough.

The garden was bathed in that golden kind of light that only exists at weddings—
late enough for everything to blur,
early enough that the night hadn’t fully claimed the world yet.

The swing moved gently.
Forward.
Back.

Like a breath.

And he was still there.

His gaze didn’t waver.
His posture was relaxed, but not absent.

And even though he barely moved a finger, he felt like a current beneath the surface—
silent, steady,
pulling everything with him.

I felt his presence.

Not tangible.
But undeniable.

The fabric of his sleeve brushed against my bare shoulder as the swing swayed once more. I shivered—not from cold.
More like a body remembering that it’s allowed to be sensitive.

I kept talking. Softly. Just for me.

“I don’t think I know how to do this. Intimacy. Trust. Just being.”
I swallowed.
“I always felt like I had to be something for someone to stay. Loud. Strong. Perfect. Pleasing.”

My voice cracked.
I laughed at it—because crying would’ve been too much.

“And with you…” I hesitated, “I feel like me. Without having to perform. I don’t know if that’s love. I don’t know what you are to me. I just know that… I don’t want you to leave.”

I bit my lip, the uncertainty rushing in.
“Maybe I’m talking too much. Maybe this is all too much.”

But then he moved.

Not away.

Closer.

His hand—resting loosely between us—turned just slightly. The back of it brushed against mine. Barely there. Not a grip. Not a gesture.
Just: I’m here.

And then—a gentle tilt of his head, so our shoulders almost touched.

No glance. No pressure.
Just… invitation.

I don’t know when I made the decision.
Maybe I didn’t.

I exhaled. Long. Soft.
And leaned into him.

His shoulder was warm.
More solid than I’d expected.
And it smelled like something calming. Not cologne. Not detergent.
Maybe just: Itachi.

The swing slowed.
My heartbeat did too.
I felt safe.
Whole.
As if my body had finally understood that it didn’t have to fight anymore.

I didn’t say anything else.
I had said enough.

And he—he said nothing either.
But I felt his thumb move ever so slightly, brushing the fabric of my dress where our arms met. No urgency in the touch.
No demand.

I didn’t know how long we sat like that.
I only knew I didn’t notice how we looked from the outside. How close we were.

How still.

To anyone watching, it probably looked like something more. Like a promise.
Like a moment you couldn’t take back.

But I didn’t notice.
Because for the first time in so long, I wasn’t analyzing it.

I was just feeling it.

The air around us grew cooler, but I barely felt it.
Not because it wasn’t cold—
But because his nearness wrapped around me like a kind of shelter that went deeper than any blanket ever could.

I inched closer. Slowly. Questioningly.

And when he didn’t move, I simply pulled my legs up, turned slightly to the side, and let my head rest against his shoulder.
This time, fully.
Without hesitation.

I could feel his breath against my forehead.
And it didn’t feel wrong.
It felt inevitable.

I smiled against his sleeve.
And whispered, barely audible—

“I wish time would just stop right now. Just for a little while. So I don’t have to decide anything. So I don’t have to put everything back into ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ again.”

He didn’t answer right away.
But then – his voice, steady as ever:

“Sometimes… it’s enough for something to just be.”

I turned my head slightly, looked up at him.

“But is this? Is this simple?” I asked softly.

He didn’t look at me.
His gaze lifted to the sky, as if searching for something only he could see.

“With you… yes.”

Just three words.

But they hit me so deeply that my throat tightened.

I closed my eyes. Breathed in.
And nestled closer into him.
My arms wrapped around my knees, my face half buried in the fabric of his shirt.

He said nothing more.
And that was okay.

Because he’d said everything I needed to hear.

 

~ Sasuke POV ~

I didn’t know why I’d stepped outside.

Maybe because it had gotten too loud inside.
Maybe because a part of me hoped I’d run into her again.
Or maybe…
Because something in me already knew what I was about to see.

I saw her first.

Not him.

Sakura.

Curled up small on that white swing.
Wrapped in flowers, soft lights, and someone who wasn’t me.

Itachi sat beside her.
Still. Steady.
He barely moved—but his hand rested just close enough to be felt.
And her head lay against his shoulder like it had always belonged there.

No kiss.
No public claim of “we’re more.”
But that was exactly what made it undeniable.

It was closeness.

Real closeness.

The kind that doesn’t happen by waiting.
By staying silent.
By being too late.

I could’ve been jealous.
Could’ve been angry.
But all I felt was—empty.

Not because she chose him.
Not even because she turned away from me.

But because I had taken too long… to turn toward her.

I had always believed she'd be there.
Waiting.

And she was.

Just not for me anymore.

And maybe that was the worst of it—
Standing there, watching her finally look happy.
And knowing I’d never made her feel that way.

 

~ Sakura POV ~

The swing had come to a full stop.
No wind. No movement.

Just us.

Him and me.

Bathed in the glow of string lights.
Wrapped in a world that suddenly felt both infinite and incredibly close.

Itachi’s shoulder was steady beneath my head.
My knees were pulled up, one hand resting lightly on his arm, my breath slow and quiet.

This wasn’t just closeness anymore.

It was intimacy.

Not physical.

Emotional.

I didn’t know when my gaze drifted to his.
But when it did—he was already looking at me.

His face was just a breath away.
His expression… soft. Unshielded.
Not as carefully composed as usual.
His eyes weren’t asking questions.

They were giving me answers.

I didn’t know who moved first.
Maybe me. Maybe him.
But our faces came closer.
Inches. Then less.
My lips parted slightly.
His gaze fell to my mouth.
And for one fleeting second, I thought: It’s going to happen.

And then—I saw it.

Out of the corner of my eye.
A shadow. A movement.

I turned my head sharply.

Sasuke.

At the edge of the garden. Just for a moment.
Our eyes locked.
His were wide. Hurt.

And then—he was gone.

I froze.
My heart pounded twice as fast now.
Not from anticipation.

From shame.

Or was it guilt?

I pulled away.

Not abruptly.
Just… carefully.

Itachi noticed immediately.
I felt the shift in his body—not hurt. Not angry.

Just cautious.

“I… I need to go for a moment,” I mumbled.

And before he could say anything, I was already on my feet.
My legs unsteady.
My head spinning.
And my heart—chaos.

I didn’t know where I was going.
Only that I had to leave.
Leave the moment.
Leave myself.

The women’s restroom was empty—eerily quiet compared to the world still celebrating outside.

I leaned against the sink, breathing deeply.

“Shit…” I whispered. What had I done? What had I felt? Why had his gaze pulled at something inside me again?

I closed my eyes. My stomach twisted. Was it the alcohol? Or had it all just become too much?

The door opened.

“Sakura?”

Ino.

She stepped in, heels in hand, her hair a tousled mess, but her eyes sharp the moment they landed on me.

“Wow. Okay. You either killed someone or fell in love.”

I laughed. Bitterly. Tired.

“Maybe both.”

She came closer. No jokes now. Just Ino—direct, honest, present.

“What happened?”

I swallowed. And this time… I wanted to talk.

I slid down the wall, letting the cool tiles catch me. My dress crinkled beneath me, my head throbbed, and my legs felt like they no longer belonged to me.

Ino crouched in front of me, her brows furrowed gently.

“Alright… what happened?”

I inhaled. Exhaled. Again. And then it poured out—like a dam breaking open.

“I don’t know what the hell is wrong with me, Ino. I was on that swing, and everything was still. It was beautiful. Really beautiful. And then there was Itachi. And it almost… something almost happened. And then Sasuke was there. And now—I feel like I’m going to explode.”

My voice trembled, but I forced myself to stay calm.

“I want to feel. I want to live. But everything I do feels like I’m hurting someone. No matter what. I thought I finally had a moment for myself. A moment where I didn’t have to think. And now—”

I stopped. My gaze went hollow.

“I just don’t know what’s right anymore. What’s wrong. Or if any of it even matters.”

I leaned my head back against the wall. My entire body felt tight, strung out. But I didn’t cry. I couldn’t. Not now. Not here.

Ino sat down next to me, leaned against the stall door, and looked over at me.

“Wow,” she said dryly. “Dramaqueen level 3000. Two Uchiha brothers? Want to throw in Madara for a proper family disaster?”

I stared at her. For a second, I didn’t know whether to laugh or punch her.

“That’s not funny.”

“No. It’s not,” she said quietly. Her tone softened. “Sorry. I thought… sometimes laughing helps. But I can see you’re really at your limit.”

Silence.

Then she turned to me, pulling her knees up to her chest.

“You know, Sakura… I don’t envy you. Not even a little. You’re stuck between two guys who both stir up more in you than you probably want to admit. And I get it. I get that feeling of ‘I just want one moment where nothing is expected of me.’ But to have that…” she paused, “you have to stop tearing yourself apart.”

I looked at her. Her voice was steady, clear. No jokes now. No smirk. Just Ino — as serious as I’d ever seen her.

“You don’t have to choose yet. And you shouldn’t have to. You’re allowed to be confused. You’re allowed to try things. You’re allowed to fall for someone and still question if you even trust yourself. But what you’re not allowed to do… is forget yourself.”

I blinked. Once. Twice.

“And you’re allowed to cry, if you need to,” she added gently.

I shook my head.

“I don’t want to cry.”

“Then not today,” she said quietly. “But I’m here. If you ever do.”

She reached for my hand. And I let her.

Ino held my hand tight — like she was grounding me. Like she was saying, you’re still here. You’re still you, even if it feels like you’re drifting somewhere between breath and nothingness.

“And do you know what you really need to understand?” she asked softly. I looked at her. Tired. Empty. “What?”

She scrunched her brow, looked at me like she wanted to drill the truth into my soul with nothing but words.

“That you’re allowed to be selfish, damn it. You don’t have to save everyone. Or understand everyone. Or protect everyone. You’re not some runaway therapist. You’re a person. A young woman. You’re allowed to fall in love, to mess up, to get lost, to feel. And you’re allowed all of that without guilt.”

Her voice was steady now. Not loud. But clear — like glass breaking.

“You’re always listening to everyone else. To Itachi. To Sasuke. To me. But when was the last time you listened to yourself?”

I wanted to say something. But there was nothing. Because she was right.

I nodded. Just once.

And then I stood up.

Outside, the air had turned cooler. The sky above was velvet black, laced with string lights that stretched like stars over the entrance. The voices from the party were distant, muffled. I was alone.

I took a few steps.
And then — I stopped.

I couldn’t anymore.

Not the kind of I can’t from tiredness.
But that raw, trembling, disarming I don’t know who I am anymore.

I sank onto the stone bench near the entrance. Leaned forward. Pressed my palms against my eyes. And cried.

Quietly. Fiercely. Without control.

I felt stupid. Like a little girl who didn’t know what she wanted. Spoiled. And so endlessly exhausted from being crushed between hearts and decisions over and over again.

“I’m so... pathetic,” I whispered. “Everything is just about boys. About choices. About feelings I can’t even understand… What’s wrong with me?”

I didn’t expect an answer.
I thought I was alone.

But then — a shadow. A step. And warmth.

No words. No questions.

Just two arms wrapping around me. Strong. Silent. Familiar.

Sasuke.

I don’t know how long we sat there like that.

His arms around me. My face against his chest.
The tears slowly faded. My breathing calmed. But something in me still wasn’t finished. Still not ready to carry it all again, alone.

He didn’t move. He waited.
The way only someone can wait when they’re expecting nothing.

Then, eventually — in a voice barely louder than a breath:

“Should I take you home?”

I blinked away the last of the tears. Looked up at him. And nodded.

The drive was quiet.

He drove carefully, his eyes focused on the road. No music. Just the low hum of the engine and the rush of the night. His right hand rested on the gearshift. And sometimes — gently — it slid over to me. Brushed my fingers. Traced across the back of my hand.

Nothing demanding.
Just a pulse that said: I’m still here.

I leaned my head against the window, my forehead cool.
And I realized — I was finally starting to breathe again.

In front of my house, I stepped out. Closed the car door slowly.

Sasuke stayed in the car, hands resting on the steering wheel.
But he wasn’t looking ahead.

He was looking at me.

His eyes didn’t ask.
But they said: I’ll drive away now, if that’s what you want.

And suddenly—I couldn’t bear it.

The silence. The darkness. The being alone.

Not tonight.

“Do you... want to come up for a bit?” I asked softly. Almost a whisper.

He didn’t hesitate for a second. He stepped out. Closed the door quietly.

I unlocked the front door. We stepped inside.

No words.

My room was quiet.
Muted light spilled in through the window—across my bed, my desk, the clothes I had carelessly tossed over the chair that morning.
Sasuke stood in the doorway for a moment, like he wasn’t sure if he was allowed to come in.

I slowly took off my shoes. Then I looked at him.

“You can come in. It’s okay.”

He stepped inside. Sat on the bed. Let himself fall back, arms crossed behind his head.
Not tense. Not cocky. Just tired. Like me.

I walked over. Sat beside him. Leaned into his side.

No words were spoken.

But everything had already been said.

I didn’t resist. I didn’t ask.

I just let myself fall—into him, into the embrace, into the feeling of not needing to be strong.

He said nothing.

But everything about him said: I’m here. For you. Not as someone guilty. Not as someone perfect. Just... as me.

And maybe, in that moment, that was the only thing I really needed.

I lay beside him. In the same bed. Again.

But it didn’t feel like it did back then.

Back then—it was excitement. Hope.
The heartbeat of a girl who thought she had finally reached the heart of a boy that had been shut for so long.

Back then, I was full of dreams.
And full of fear that I’d lose them.

Now… I was empty.
But not in a cold way. More like someone who had finally found the courage to stop holding on.

I lay on my back, the blanket loosely draped over me. Sasuke beside me. Quiet. Eyes on the ceiling—like mine.
He didn’t say a word. And neither did I.

I knew he wasn’t waiting for words.
He was just here. Because I’d asked him to be.

And that meant more than anything he had ever said before.

I turned my head slightly, looked at him. His face was relaxed. Peaceful, almost.
As if he, too, could breathe again for the first time.

“You know…” I began softly. My voice was raw.
“When I slept over at your place back then, I thought I finally had you. I was so happy that you trusted me. That you… at least let me in a little.”

He blinked. Turned his head toward me slowly.

“But today,” I continued, “...today I’m the one who has to open up to you. Not as a girl with a crush. But as someone who doesn’t know how to be whole anymore.”

I swallowed hard.

“And that feels more honest than anything we had before.”

He looked at me. No reaction.
But the hand resting on the blanket moved slightly.
Found mine.

Just like that.

No pressure. No explanation.

I could’ve cried.
But I didn’t.

I just lay there. In that small piece of safety.
And let it be enough—that someone was there, and I didn’t have to be strong.

And that—was more than I had ever dared to expect.

Minutes passed in silence.
Sasuke and I lay side by side. Still no contact, except for the one hand, quietly holding mine.

I thought that would be it for tonight.

But then—he broke the silence.
His voice was quiet. Flat. But every word landed like a soft hammer to the chest.

“I liked you for a long time.”

I slowly turned my head to him.
His gaze remained forward—not fleeing, just unsure.

“I couldn’t show it,” he said. “Not properly. And when I tried… it always came out wrong. Harsh. Cold. I don’t know how to do this.”

He took a deep breath. Swallowed hard.

“I always thought I wasn’t good for you. And honestly—I still think that. Because I’m late. Because I messed it up. Because I couldn’t speak when it really mattered.”

I wanted to say something.
But he lifted his hand just slightly—a silent request.
So I let him continue.

“And you know what the worst part is?” His voice cracked, barely audible. “I spent my whole life trying to be better than him. I never wanted to be like Itachi. I wanted to be more. And yet… here I am. Watching you be with him. Watching you fall into him the way I always wished you’d fall into me.”

His voice trembled.

“And it hurts. God, it hurts so fucking much. But I… I don’t blame you. I’m not angry at you.”

He finally turned his head.
Looked at me.

“If he makes you happy… that’s okay. I won’t stop you. I just want you to know I never forgot you. And that I did try. In my broken way. But I tried.”

I didn’t know whether to cry.
Or whether my heart would simply stop beating.

He said no more.
But he let go of my hand. Gently.

As if telling me: You can go now, if you want to.

And for the first time—I truly understood him.

I felt something break inside me. Not in pain. Not suddenly.
More like a quiet crack in old glass—barely visible, but unmistakable.

Silent tears rolled down my cheeks.
No sobs. No trembling. Just tears.
So many feelings, they had no other way out.

“You saw me,” I whispered. “This whole time. And I… I didn’t know.”

I shook my head. Half bitter. Half in disbelief.

“Why now, Sasuke? Why not before? Weeks ago… months ago. When I needed you. When I doubted myself. When I doubted everything.”

He stayed silent. Just looked at me.
So honest. So still. No defenses. No excuses.
He just let it be.

And maybe that’s why I admired him in that moment.

For his late, but honest truth.
For his courage.
For his presence.

I moved closer.
Raised my hand.
Hesitated.

Then pressed my lips to his forehead.

A gentle kiss.
More gratitude than romance.
More understanding than possession.

And that…
That was too much for him.

Chapter 23: Morning After

Before I could react, he lifted his hand, brushed his fingers across my cheek, tilted his head—
and kissed me.

Not demanding. Not wild. Just—finally.

And for a moment, I let myself fall.

My lips against his. Our hands still trembling. My chest a storm of guilt, longing, and… warmth.

But then—it hit.

Like a wave.
A cold strike against my heart.

Sasori.

The night.
His weight.
His grip.
His gaze.

I tore myself away. Breathless. Tears spilling again—now full of panic.

“I…” I gasped. “I’m sorry. I can’t. Not now. Not like this.”

Sasuke’s eyes widened. Not in shock—
in worry.

“Sakura…”

I raised my hand. Not to reject him. Only—to shield myself.

“It’s not your fault,” I said. “It’s mine. I’m not ready. I thought… I was. But I’m not.”

I pressed my forehead against his shoulder. Just for a moment.
“I don’t want to hurt you. But I can’t do this. Not tonight.”

And then—silence.

Not cold. Not hostile.

Just silence. Tender. Understanding.

He wrapped an arm around me.
And said only:

“Okay.”

I don’t remember when I fell asleep.

Maybe it was the moment I heard his voice for the last time.
Maybe when his hand slowly slipped from my back, and my breathing matched the rhythm of the night.

I was simply… empty.
Exhausted. My limbs heavy, my heart worn out.

I let myself fall into the darkness, without resistance.
And it took me.

The dream came without warning. Unreal. Disorienting.

I was standing in a garden.
A place between worlds.
The trees seemed to whisper, the ground soft like mist beneath my feet.

Itachi stood there. His back turned to me. Silent. Still. Infinitely far away, even though he was only a few steps ahead.

I called his name.
But no sound left my lips.

Then he turned slowly.
And beside him—Sasuke.

Their faces blurred. Overlapped.
Black and white.
Calm and fire.

Sasuke held my hand.
Itachi held my heart.

And then—he came.

Sasori.
Like a shadow rising from the earth.
His eyes cut straight through me.

Everything grew tight. Dark. Cold.

I tried to run. But my legs wouldn’t move.
I wanted to scream—
But no sound came.

Only the pounding of my heart.

Then—
a touch. Warm. Real.

Someone whispered my name.

And I woke.

~ The next morning ~

The sun bled softly through the half-closed curtains.
My room was quiet. Still.

I blinked. Looked around.

The space beside me—empty.
The blanket smoothed out. No trace of him.

Only my pillow was slightly damp.
Was it sweat? Or…

I pushed myself up slowly. Everything felt numb.
Not painful. Just foreign.

Like a day that doesn’t know where it belongs.

I was alone.

And yet—there was the echo of a moment, one that had changed more than I could grasp in this second.

The world was bright.

Too bright.

I squinted against the sunlight spilling through my curtains, rolled onto my side—and instinctively reached for my phone.

17 unread messages.

I groaned softly.

Part of me wanted to just ignore it. But another part knew: if I didn’t, they’d all be showing up at my door at the same time.

I unlocked the screen.

Ino 01:53 AM
Saku?? Where are you? Are you okay??

02:17 AM
Okay, Sasuke’s gone too. I can already tell: drama incoming.

02:35 AM
Oh my god, you left with him? YOU LEFT WITH HIM, DIDN’T YOU?!!! AHHHH!

04:01 AM
I’m starting to get worried. Answer me! I’m bringing coffee!

Hinata 03:12 AM
Sakura, please just let me know you’re safe. Not that you… well… you know.

Naruto 03:54 AM
Yo, you good? That party was insane, haha. But Itachi looked super pissed after the garden… what happened? Want me to punch someone?

I let the phone drop onto the sheets, rubbing my eyes.

Everyone had noticed that I’d just… disappeared. Not even on purpose. I’d only taken what I needed.

And none of them were angry. Not even Ino, despite her usual over-the-top commentary.

I sank back into the mattress, the blanket pulled up, golden light filling the room.

No one else in the apartment.
The silence was new. But not unpleasant.

Just… strange.

I turned on my side, looking at the empty space beside me. Sasuke was gone.

No message.
No note.

But I wasn’t disappointed. Not really.

Maybe because he’d already said everything that needed to be said last night.
Or because I knew he needed time. Just like me.

Morning.

Tomorrow marks the start of the last stretch before summer. The last weeks of school. Before everything changes. University. Everyday life. Life itself.

And suddenly it hit me:

Maybe last night I had made a decision. Not between Sasuke or Itachi.

But for myself.

The shower was cold. Not icy. Just cool enough to clear my head, wash away the night, and let the reality of a new day in.

I stood under it for a long time.

Arms wrapped around my torso, head slightly bowed, letting the water run down my shoulders.

My thoughts slowly began to calm. Not because I had sorted everything out—but because I realized I didn’t have to.

I didn’t have to choose anyone.

I didn’t have to play a role.

I could feel if I wanted to. Love if I could. Hesitate if I had to.

And if my heart was empty today, then it could be.

Because I had other things that were more important right now. My final exams. My path. Me.

Only one thing I knew for sure:

What Sasori had taken from me, I wouldn’t be able to get back easily.

Trust. Physical comfort. Boundaries he had torn down.

But I would try. Someday.

I was roughly drying my hair with a towel when the doorbell rang.

Once. Twice. Urgently.

I shuffled to the door, barefoot, in soft shorts and an oversized t-shirt.

When I opened it, a cloud of gum, hairspray, and way too much coffee swirled past me.

“There you are!” Ino shouted, pushing her sunglasses into her hair as if we were in the middle of a shopping spree.

Behind her, Hinata, quiet, slightly shy, but with that typical “I’ve got your back” smile.

“I had no choice,” Ino declared dramatically, moving past me into the kitchen, “we HAD to come right away. I barely slept—look at me! I look like a messy unicorn!”

“A cute messy unicorn,” Hinata murmured with a soft giggle.

I rubbed my forehead. “Okay… what’s so important that you show up here like investigative reporters?”

Ino turned slowly, crossing her arms.

“Because you ran off. Because Sasuke was gone too. And—and that’s the main point—I saw Itachi come back in.”

I blinked. “Okay…?”

Ino slid onto a stool, leaning forward as if she were about to share a state secret.

“Sakura… I swear, I was watching him, okay? And… I’ve NEVER seen him like that. Not angry. Not like that. But… human. Disappointed. Lost. Like you’d taken something from him he couldn’t even name.”

Hinata nodded hesitantly. “He was very quiet. But… different. Somehow empty. More than usual.”

I stayed silent, sitting down slowly. Feeling something tighten in my chest. Not guilt. But… something else.

Was it possible?

That Itachi—the closed-off, untouchable Itachi—actually… felt like that?

I looked out the window into the bright morning. And suddenly I knew:

Nothing was over.

Everything was only just beginning.

The tea steamed on the table, alongside the half-spilled coffee Ino had scattered in one of her over-enthusiastic gestures.

The three of us sat at the kitchen table. Still in our sleepwear, barefoot, hair messy, voices warm.

“So…,” Ino began, propping her leg on the chair across from her, “if all goes well, I’ll be at the design school in Suna starting in October. They have this course for fashion design with a focus on sustainable fabrics. Imagine it: Ino Yamanaka—star designer of eco-friendly evening gowns!”

I grinned. “I can see you already, with huge sunglasses and an ego-driven assistant.”

“Please, that would be you,” she winked at me. “I need someone to tell me when I’m losing it again.”

Hinata shook her head with a laugh. “I’m staying here. I want to become an elementary school teacher. Maybe later work a bit in a clinic… with kids who need therapy.”

I looked at her. “That suits you. You have that… gentle strength.”

Hinata flushed a little. “And you?” she asked.

I shrugged. “I’ll finish my exams, get my diploma properly—and then maybe medicine. Or medical research. I don’t know yet. I just want to do something where I don’t just function, but actually make an impact.”

Ino smiled. “You’ll be good. No matter what you do.”

I nodded. And for the first time in days, the uncertainty in my life didn’t feel like failure. But like an open field.

Yes. I was the only one of us three without a steady partner right now. But I didn’t feel empty.

Not jealous.

I had myself. And I had them.

And for the moment, that was all that mattered.

~ The Next Day – School ~

The first day back at school after the wedding came faster than I liked. I wore a simple outfit, not really wanting to draw any attention.

Ino, of course, was there immediately, huge sunglasses perched on her head and an energy drink in her hand. Hinata looked as gentle as ever, well-prepared, slightly nervous.

I tried to focus on class. But something lingered over the day like a shadow.

Sasuke.

He was there—but at the same time, he wasn’t.

He didn’t come to me.

Didn’t look at me.

Didn’t speak to me.

During breaks, he sat alone, staring out the window. When I passed by him, there was no glance. No reaction. Just distance.

I knew it wasn’t anger. But it still felt… empty. Not like a decision, more like a withdrawal.

Maybe he needed space. Maybe I did too.

But my heart still skipped a little every time I saw him.

The last class dragged on.

The teacher spoke about poem analysis, but my thoughts were already far from the room. My pen lay still on the notebook, my gaze drifting—almost on its own—toward one direction.

Sasuke.

He sat two rows ahead, slightly turned, his profile sharp against the light from the window.

He was taking notes, yes, but his posture was tense. Shoulders too stiff. Neck too still.

I watched him longer than I should have admitted, wondering what was going through his mind. Was he angry? Disappointed? Ashamed? Or did he just want me to make the next move?

I had no idea—and I didn’t know if I even wanted to find out.

And then—it came back.

The thought.

The kiss.

Brief.

Fleeting.

But it was what I had always wished for as a child.

Sasuke’s lips on mine.

A moment that had always felt like magic in my mind. Like the happy ending. But when it happened… it was different. Not bad. Not wrong.

But not what I had imagined all these years.

His lips were softer. More careful.

Desperate.

And maybe it was me who wasn’t ready for this kind of truth.

Had it been a mistake to push him away? Should I… have gone further?

I lowered my gaze, feeling a sting in my chest.

But before I could lose myself in thought, the next one came:

Itachi.

His gaze from the night. The warmth of his presence. The silence that hadn’t felt uncomfortable, but protective.

The kiss that never happened.

But had almost.

Had it been a mistake not to kiss him?

I swallowed.

What would I have felt? Warmth? Peace? Or the same uncertainty that had been chasing me for days? I didn’t know. I probably never would.

Not anymore.

And then—the school bell.

A shrill, banal sound that ripped me from my thoughts. The period was over. The day was done. And I—was left with questions no hour could answer.

The bell still echoed as I grabbed my bag in a hurry, barely slipping on my jacket, and rushed out of the classroom. Sasuke was fast. Always. But I was faster.

I spotted him just ahead in the hallway, head lowered, steps calm toward the exit. So inconspicuous it was noticeable.

“Sasuke!” I called.

My voice echoed down the halls. He stopped. Slowly. Turned around.

His gaze was controlled. Too controlled. I stepped closer, stopping a few paces away. My chest heaving from the run.

“Can you… stay for a moment? I… I don’t want to leave this like it is. Not with this barrier between us.”

He said nothing.

So I kept talking.

“I know this is all… complicated. That I haven’t said or done what you might have wanted. But I don’t want us to avoid each other now. Especially not now, when you… when you’ve shown me so much. Of yourself.”

A flicker in his eyes. Just for a moment.

I took a deep breath.

“Are we okay?” I finally asked. Quietly. Honestly.

His eyes met mine. Still. Open. But closed at the same time—like a window you can’t tell if it’s just been opened or is about to shut again.

“I’m not angry,” he said calmly. “You don’t owe me anything, Sakura.”

“I know,” I replied. “But I… I don’t want to lose you. Not as a friend. Not as someone in my life.”

Silence again.

Then he nodded.

Slowly.

“Okay,” he said, simply. But it didn’t sound like everything was okay. It sounded like he accepted it.

And that hurt.

More than I had expected. I stepped a little closer. Not too close. Just… a bit braver.

“I’d like to do something with you. Sometime. If you want. Just… get to know you better. I mean…”—I laughed softly, almost bitterly—“…I’ve admired you for years, but I actually don’t know what you do in your free time. What you like. What you hate. What makes you laugh.”

He raised an eyebrow. A flicker of mockery in his gaze.

“Didn’t that interest you before?”

I swallowed.

“It did. But maybe… I was too busy with the idea of you. Not you yourself.”

He looked at me for a long moment. Then lowered his gaze. A slight shake of his head. No anger—just that strange expression of… disappointment? Surprise?

“I never made an effort for anyone to really get to know me,” he said softly. “Maybe because I thought no one would try.”

I didn’t reply. What could I have said? Instead, I only said: “I’m trying now.”

He lifted his gaze. And for a moment… there was something again. Not warmth. Not cold. Somewhere in between.

A beginning.

Chapter 24: Beginning?

Sasuke nodded slowly, hands in his pockets. His gaze wasn’t quite as firm anymore. Not quite as guarded.

“If you really… want to get to know me,” he began, hesitant, “then start by figuring out how good I am at biology.”

I blinked. Then grinned.

“Was that an offer?”

“A silent cry for help,” he muttered.

And then—almost imperceptibly—a faint smile flickered across his lips.

It wasn’t much. But it was real.

“So?” he asked, without looking at me. “You coming?”

I didn’t have to think about it.

“Yes. Gladly.”

The ride to his place was quiet. Different from last night. No heaviness. Just that strange sense of a beginning that hung in the air.

I sat in the passenger seat, watching the streets pass by, unconsciously rubbing my hands against my jacket.

Sasuke drove with focus, but I noticed how he glanced over at me more often than usual.

His hand didn’t touch mine. Not like yesterday. But it was close enough that I knew he wasn’t keeping me at a distance.

It was a silent step toward each other.

Not romantic.

Not complicated.

Just… careful.

When we arrived and stepped into the house together, it smelled of green tea and freshly baked bread.

Warm. Welcoming. Home.

In the living room, Mikoto sat on the sofa, a book in her lap, a blanket over her legs. When she noticed us, she looked up in surprise. Then she smiled.

“Sakura,” she said gently, setting the book aside. “What a lovely surprise.”

I stepped in, a little uncertain, but was immediately caught by her warmth.

“Hello, Mikoto. Sasuke and I… wanted to study together.”

A flicker of surprise crossed her face. Not unfriendly. Just—surprised. And maybe a little… amused?

“Oh really?” she asked, narrowing her eyes slightly.

Then her gaze moved—subtly—back and forth between Sasuke and me.

Sasuke shoved his hands deeper into his pockets and muttered:

“Just studying. School. Nothing big.”

Mikoto laughed softly.

“Of course. I’m not saying a word. I’m just happy you two are getting along. I had… other suspicions.”

Her look was gentle. A little knowing. And it hit me what she meant.

Maybe she had thought… I’d be coming back with Itachi.

I didn’t know what to say to that. So I just smiled.

And Mikoto—so very much a mother—got up, brushed Sasuke’s arm briefly, and disappeared into the kitchen. Sasuke sighed.

“She observes more than she talks.”

“Mothers do that,” I replied, and together we went into his room.

Sasuke’s room was exactly the same as always. Same shelf. Same bed. Same posters on the wall—minimalistic, black-and-white, almost sterile.

And yet… it felt different.

I stepped in slowly, as if I were suddenly a guest in a museum full of memories.

I had sat here before, heart racing. Now I was… quiet. Unsure.

Not because I was afraid—but because I didn’t know who I was to him right now. Sasuke seemed different. More open. Not warm in the usual sense. But… accessible. His presence no longer a wall, but a window.

“Sit,” he said.

Not commanding. Not bored. Just calm.

I sat down on the chair beside his desk, pulling out my biology book.

“So… you wanted to study. Let’s see how bad it really is.”

He pressed his lips together.

“I regret it already.”

I grinned—cautiously, but it felt… light.

We worked through cellular respiration, DNA replication, and the digestion of fats. I explained. He frowned. I explained again—simpler.

And slowly… the air between us grew warmer. Not charged. But soft.

He made a dry comment about enzymes. I countered. He laughed quietly. I even quieter.

Then he stood, tapped on his phone. Suddenly, soft classical music filled the room—not heavy. Minimalistic. Piano. I looked at him.

“You listen to this in your free time?”

He shrugged.

“It keeps me from losing my mind when I think about amino acids.”

I laughed. Not because it was funny, but because I liked that he was showing me a piece of himself.

After a while, I felt like I had to step out. Just for a moment. A breath of movement.

“I’m just going to the bathroom, okay?” I said, and Sasuke only nodded while jotting down a note.

I opened the door, stepped into the hallway—and froze.

There he was.

Itachi.

Just about to leave his room, a glass of water in his hand. His gaze met mine—mid-step, as if something had frozen him in place. For a moment, the world stood still.

I felt my fingers clutch at the fabric of my sweater. Not out of fear. Not out of guilt. Just—because I had no idea what to say.

His eyes were unreadable, but not cold. Not rejecting. Just… there.

Like a chapter that had never been finished.

I opened my mouth. I wanted to say something. Anything. A greeting, a word, an explanation—I didn’t even know what.

But just then, footsteps sounded on the stairs.

Mikoto.

She appeared with a tray in her hands, carrying two steaming cups of tea. Her eyes were warm, as always, but I caught how they flickered between me and Itachi. Just a second—but enough.

“Ah, Sakura,” she said, with that warm tone only mothers have. “I thought I’d bring you some tea. I hope studying is going well?”

I nodded. Too quickly. “Yes… totally. He’s surprisingly motivated.”

Mikoto chuckled softly, passed by me, let her gaze rest on the two of us one last time, then entered Sasuke’s room.

Itachi stayed silent.

He no longer looked directly at me, but slightly past me. Then he spoke.

“Thank you for helping Sasuke,” he said calmly. “He doesn’t let many people in. It… means more to him than he can show.”

His voice was as controlled as always, but I heard the subtext.

It wasn’t an accusation. Not a hint. Just… truth.

I swallowed. Nervous. Confused.

Mikoto returned from Sasuke’s room, the tray empty, her gaze gently watchful but full of love.

“I’ll head back downstairs. Just call if you need anything.”

As she passed, she brushed her hand lightly over my shoulder, a silent signal. I saw it. I won’t say a word. And then she was gone.

Itachi gave me one last polite nod—then quietly disappeared into his room.

The door closed behind him. I remained in the hallway. Alone.

Two doors.

Left: Sasuke. The boy who had finally started to open up to me. Who trusted me. Who had asked me to stay.

Right: Itachi. The man who had once made me feel unbroken. Who gave me closeness without asking for it. Who now felt farther away than ever.

I stood there. Frozen.

The bathroom door lay ahead. I went in, sat on the closed lid, buried my face in my hands.

What am I supposed to do?

I stood up. Looked at Itachi’s door, then at Sasuke’s. And breathed deeply. Not today. Not Itachi. That wouldn’t be fair. Not honest. I came here because I wanted to see Sasuke. The Sasuke I had never really known. And he had opened a door to me—literally.

So I walked back in.

Sasuke was still bent over his notebook, the tea untouched. When I returned, he glanced up briefly. No change in his expression. But when I made a beeline for the still-steaming cup, his mouth twitched upward, just slightly.

“Finally back,” he muttered.

I blew on the tea, grinning.

“Barely survived. But I did.”

I took a sip, giggled softly, leaned a little over the table, and flipped through his notes.

“Okay, back to photosynthesis. But only under one condition: you answer a few of my questions between exercises. Deal?”

He looked at me, thoughtful. “Depends.”

“Coward,” I teased. And started right in.

“What was your first concert?” — “None. I hate crowds.”

“Favorite food?” — “Simple. Miso ramen or onigiri.”

“Dog person or cat person?” — A brief pause. “Cat. They don’t expect anything from you.”

I nodded. Realized that with every answer, I saw a little more of him. How much I had once been in love with an image—and how much more real he felt now.

Then came the next question. Casual. Too casual.

“And… have you ever really been with someone?”

He looked at me. Quiet. Not shocked. Not annoyed.

Just—considering.

“There were… things,” he said slowly. “But never what you probably mean. Never something that lasted. Never something I let in.”

I nodded, took another sip of tea, tried to keep my voice steady.

“And why not?”

A short silence. Then he said: “I never wanted anyone to see me when I wasn’t in control.”

I swallowed. That honesty—it wasn’t loud, but it struck deep.

“I think… I get that.”

He looked at me. Longer this time. No tension. Just… silence.

And then my eyes caught the display on his alarm clock.

8:01 p.m.

“Wow,” I whispered. “Where did the day go?”

He looked, too.

“With you, time seems to go faster.”

I looked at him, smiled—and for the first time that day, I felt like I was exactly where I was supposed to be.

I didn’t know if I should stay or leave. It was late. And yes, my mother probably wouldn’t worry—I was of age, responsible, trustworthy.

But something in me didn’t want to leave. Not because I wanted to “win” him, but because I just… wanted to be with him. Not alone. Not tonight.

Still, I didn’t want to push. Didn’t want to be too much. Sasuke seemed to sense my inner conflict. He didn’t look at me directly, but his voice was calm, almost casual:

“If you want… you can stay.”

My eyebrows lifted, surprised. He didn’t sound like he was doing me a favor. More like it was a suggestion he had already thought through.

“Are you sure?” I asked. “I don’t want to—”

“You’re not a bother,” he cut me off gently. “I like company. Well… yours.”

I smiled. Brief. Real.

Mikoto reacted the way only Mikoto could.

“Stay right here, sweetheart! I’m so happy! I’ll order you pizza right away – Sasuke likes the one with sweet soy sauce, I’m not sure if you…”

I didn’t even hear the rest. Her smile was contagious. Her energy somehow comforting.

And a little later, when we were sitting on his bed, two half-empty pizza boxes between us, controllers in hand, everything felt lighter than it had in a long time.

The game was a fighting game – nothing too exciting, but Sasuke was insanely good. I lost. Over and over. But he grinned every time I cursed or tried to pull off a “special move” that never worked.

We sat close together. Pillows at our backs, the TV flickering in the dim light.

At some point, I put the controller down. Not because I gave up – but because something inside me grew louder than the game. I turned to him. He looked at me. Surprised. Quiet.

“What is it, actually…” I began softly, “…that you like about me?”

He said nothing. He just looked at me.

Long.

Deep.

I held his gaze. Not demanding. Just… curious. I didn’t want to know if he “loved” me. I wanted to know what he saw in me. Why me. Why now.

His gaze drifted slowly. From my eyes to my lips. Then back again. The air between us vibrated. Not loudly. But unmistakably.

He opened his mouth.

“At first… I actually found you really annoying.”

I blinked. He shrugged lightly, a crooked, almost smug grin on his lips. “You were loud. Curious. Always around me. Like a pink cloud with free speech.”

My eyes went wide in outrage.

“Pink cloud?!”

“With free speech,” he repeated dryly.

I immediately grabbed one of the pillows behind me and smacked him on the arm. He didn’t even flinch, just grinned faintly.

“I’m serious,” he said again, calmer. “I was… used to being admired. Because I was good-looking or because I was an Uchiha. It was never real. Never true.”

He looked at me again, no grin this time.

“And then there was you. At first, you were just like the others. In love with the image. But you… you changed. You got better. Stronger. You studied like crazy. You never gave up. I saw you push yourself past your own limits. And… I started to admire that.”

I said nothing. He went on.

“You’re not a genius. You’re not some prodigy. You don’t have a family that opens doors for you. And yet – somehow, you surpassed me. Not in grades. But… in real life. You’re empathetic. You’re loyal. And you’re brave – sometimes in the dumbest ways, but… still brave.”

Warmth bloomed inside me. Quiet. Deep.

“I asked Naruto sometimes. Casually. About you. What you liked, what you did, what you dreamed of. I watched you when you talked to Ino and Hinata. I wanted to know how you laughed when I wasn’t around.”

His voice softened.

“And eventually… I wanted to belong. To your circle. To your world. I didn’t want to be on the outside anymore.”

He looked away briefly, his gaze darkening.

“When I found out Itachi was sick… you were there. The only one who didn’t instantly pity me. Who just… stayed. Without questions. Without drama.”

I swallowed. That was one of those moments where you felt something bigger than words could hold.

“But then there was Sasori,” Sasuke continued. “And I thought, that was it. So I… locked everything away. I built a box. In my head. Put everything I felt for you inside it. And shut it. Until… well. Now.”

I looked at him. And I really saw him – not the Uchiha heir, not the school idol.

I saw Sasuke. The real one. He was there. At last.

My heart was hammering so hard in my chest, I was sure he could hear it. It pounded against my ribs like it wanted out, wanted to reveal itself. I stared at him. And the longer I did, the more real he became.

Not the Sasuke from my childhood dreams. Not the cool, untouchable boy from afar. But the one right in front of me – honest, vulnerable, beautiful in a way that had nothing to do with appearances.

I had so many thoughts. Doubts. Resistances. But right now… I wanted to forget them all. I didn’t want to think about Itachi. Or Sasori. Or what was, or what could be. Just now. Just him.

“I’ve never liked a girl the way I like you,” he said softly.

His eyes didn’t leave mine.

“Never seriously. Sure, there was something… at parties. Now and then. But nothing that stayed. Nothing that scared me the way you do.”

I drew in a deep breath, feeling my fingers tremble. But I didn’t want to leave. I didn’t want to stand up. I wanted more.

The air was heavy, almost electric. The room felt smaller. The world outside ceased to exist.

Then he moved. Not fast. Not forceful. Slowly.

He lifted his hand, gently brushed aside a strand of hair that had fallen loose. Tucked it behind my ear.

“Sakura…” he said, and his voice was so soft it touched the deepest part of me.

“May I kiss you?”

I blinked. Once. Twice.

I nodded. Just slightly. But with every thread of my being.

And before I could take another breath, Sasuke leaned in. His hand grazed my cheek – warm, steady, almost trembling.

Then our lips met.

It wasn’t tentative. It wasn’t cautious. It was – everything.

Longing. Silent years finally becoming loud. Every unspoken question. Every answer that came too late.

The kiss was hotter, deeper, more demanding than I had ever imagined.

Not fleeting.

Not shy.

But like something that had been locked away too long and was finally free.

I felt my fingers clutch at his sweater. Felt my back meet the bed without knowing when I had fallen. Felt his body hovering over mine, nothing about it feeling wrong.

We breathed fast. Uneven. Our lips parted, found each other again. Again and again. And then – he pulled away.

Slowly. Reluctantly. His eyes found mine. And I saw him. Not lustful. Not triumphant. But open. Bare. In love.

“I love you,” he whispered.

The words struck me like lightning. Not because I didn’t want to hear them, but because I didn’t know what they did to me.

I stared at him. Wide eyes. Quick breaths. A heart pounding. A body still burning. But – a mind that stayed silent.

I said nothing.

Not because I didn’t want to. But because I couldn’t feel it. Not yet. Was it love? Was it infatuation? Or closeness that only felt like love?

I didn’t know – and that was the most honest thing I could feel in that moment. So I just lay there. His words echoed in my head. And I stayed silent.

Sasuke saw my silence, but he didn’t ask.

He only leaned forward again – and kissed me. Not like before. No burning storm. But a quiet, steady kiss.

One that said: You don’t have to say anything. I’m here anyway.

And when our lips touched again, it felt like time stopped. The room around us disappeared. Only him. Only me. Only this quiet, warm connection.

But then – something inside me began to burn.

Not just my heart. My whole body longed for more. For more closeness. More feeling. More of him.

I pulled him closer. My fingers gripped his back. I felt the slight flinch. The way his hands followed – and then stilled.

He pulled away. Slowly. Gently. But firmly. His eyes met mine. And there was no reproach in them. Only deep seriousness.

“Not like this,” he said quietly. “Not now. Not if you might regret it tomorrow.”

I wanted to argue – wanted to say I was ready, that I wanted this – but then I realized: he was right.

He didn’t want me if I wasn’t fully myself. And in that moment, I loved him for that more than for anything else.

The door opened. Without knocking. A shadow. A glance.

“Oh my…” Mikoto gasped.

She stood there for a moment, the tray of fresh laundry in her hands, her eyes wide, her cheeks red. I sat up abruptly. Sasuke’s upper body was still leaning over me, but he moved back instantly. Quickly. Wordlessly.

“I just wanted to… ask… if Sakura maybe needs sleepwear…” Mikoto said slowly, clearly struggling to keep her composure.

No one answered.

“I’ll just… leave it here.”

She set the small bundle on a chair next to the bed, bowed almost automatically – and disappeared as quickly as she had come. The door clicked shut behind her.

Sasuke and I looked at each other. Both breathless. Not from the kiss. But from the realization.

I felt my face grow hot. Panic rose in me. Not because of Mikoto, but because I had almost done something. Something I couldn’t quite grasp.

I remembered. Suddenly. Blindingly. Sasori. His grip. His bed. His words.

And my silence.

My insides clenched. I looked at Sasuke. He was sitting beside me now. Calm. Waiting.

“Thank you,” I whispered.

My voice was hoarse.

“Thank you for stopping me.”

He only nodded. Not knowing how much weight those words carried. Or maybe… knowing exactly.

The room had fallen silent. Only the muted hum of the TV somewhere in the background, the last remnants of the game we had long forgotten.

I lay down beside him again, but this time everything was different. No pressure. No rush. Only warmth.

Sasuke’s arm rested around my waist. My forehead against his chest, and his fingers… played lightly in my hair. Small, gentle movements. Like a rhythm that soothed me. I breathed deeply. Slowly. And spoke.

“I don’t really know… what this is,” I whispered.

His hand didn’t stop moving through my hair. He didn’t push me. He waited.

“It feels good. Safe. But also… so new. And I’m afraid to name it. Because I don’t know yet if I can really grasp it.”

I left out what I couldn’t say – that someone else still haunted my mind. That I didn’t know how many pieces of my heart were even free. I didn’t want to hurt him, but I didn’t want to lie either.

He said nothing. I thought he would stay silent – like he often did.

But then, very softly:

“It’s okay. If you don’t want to be my girlfriend.”

I felt something tighten in my chest. Not guilt. Tenderness.

“I just want… you to stay. Close to me. Nothing more.”

The words struck me deeper than I expected. No pressure. No You’re mine. Just – Stay.

I nodded, pressed myself a little closer to him. His chin brushed softly against the top of my head. We didn’t say anything more, not because there was nothing left to say – but because this was exactly what we needed.

Silence. Warmth. Closeness. His breathing slowed. Mine too. Our bodies fit together as if they had always known how.

And at some point, wrapped in each other’s arms, we fell asleep.