Chapter Text

PROLOGUE

Tokyo, 1978

Spring in Tokyo carried its usual promise of warmth, with cherry blossom petals drifting softly through the air. Children ran across the city park, their laughter blending with the gentle rustle of leaves. Nearby, a group of girls played near the swings, their shouts slicing through the air like tiny blades.

“You’re such a crybaby, Sakura!” one of the girls, Kasumi, sneered. “And look at those ugly bangs! They’re too long! You can barely even see! How can you even play properly?”

Another, Fuki, shoved Sakura lightly with a pointed finger. “Yeah, it won’t make your ugly forehead disappear anyway, so just cut it off! And stop being selfish! You didn’t follow the rules of hopscotch! You can’t just do whatever you want!”

Sakura’s lips trembled. “I’m… sorry…” she whispered, though she hadn’t meant to do anything wrong. She didn’t know how to stand up for herself; standing alone was scarier than the bullying.

Nearby, a soccer ball rolled out from the main field and landed near the bushes, just as two boys—Sasuke and his older brother Itachi—were playing. Sasuke, eight years old and always observant, jogged toward it. His brother’s kicks were wild and uncontrolled, sending the ball careening far beyond the field.

As Sasuke reached for the ball, something unusual caught his eye: a small girl with pink hair crouched on the ground, her long bangs hiding her forehead and half of her face. She sobbed quietly, trembling as the two older girls continued to tease her. Hidden behind the bushes, Sasuke peeked cautiously, unsure what to do.

Curiosity and sympathy stirred within him. He knew better than to meddle in other people’s affairs—his brother often reminded him of that—but the girl’s misery tugged at his heart, making it hard to look away.

“Sasuke! Did you get the ball yet?” Itachi’s voice called from the field, sharp and impatient.

Startled, Sasuke’s hand tightened around the ball. He already had it, yet something stopped him from walking away. Taking a deep breath, he straightened his back, clenched his free fist, and stepped closer to the girls.

Ignoring his brother, he summoned what courage he could. “Hey! You! Stop bullying her!” he called, his voice shaky but firm, his body stiff, one hand clutching the ball, the other forming a hesitant fist.

The girls who had been bullying Sakura turned around in unison, laughing.

“Oh? What’s this? Is he your boyfriend now, Sakura?” one of them sneered, her voice dripping with mockery.

Sasuke’s chest tightened. He understood humiliation better than most—he was lonely at school, socially awkward, often misunderstood despite being admired from afar.

“Leave her alone,” he said. “Or… I’ll call my brother.”

The two girls laughed cruelly. Kasumi folded her arms and sneered, “What? You’re really just going to cry for your big brother to help? Pathetic.”

But everything changed when Sasuke’s older brother appeared.

Itachi emerged from the bushes, his tall figure casting a commanding presence. “There you are,” he said, relief in his voice. “I’ve been looking everywhere for you!”

The two girls froze. Their laughter died instantly, replaced by wide-eyed fear and awe. They had never seen anyone like him before. Without another word, they bolted, running as fast as their legs could carry them.

Sakura remained huddled on the ground, covering her face with her arms. Sasuke noticed the faint bruises on her small arms and frowned.

“Hey… what’s going on here?” Itachi crouched beside Sasuke, his dark eyes sharp but concerned. “What did you do to her?”

Sasuke stammered, his small hands tightening around the ball. “I… I didn’t do anything. Those bitches… they were bullying her.”

Itachi’s brow furrowed. “Where did you learn such words?” he asked, lightly slapping Sasuke’s shoulder.

“School,” Sasuke said with a small smirk, though his cheeks warmed.

Itachi sighed, crouching closer. “Now… go ask her if she’s okay.”

Sasuke hesitated, then nodded. He stepped forward, but the movement only made Sakura flinch, trembling as her sobs continued.

“Are… you okay?” he asked softly, unsure if he was doing it right.

The girl’s crying grew louder, leaving Sasuke confused. He looked at Itachi, silently asking if his words were wrong.

Itachi stood, then knelt gently in front of her. His expression was kind, patient. “It’s okay,” he said softly. “We just want to help. What’s your name?”

“Sa…kura,” the girl whispered, barely audible.

Itachi gave her a warm smile. “Maybe we could take you home? Your parents must be worried.”

Sasuke stayed silent, watching his brother closely. He couldn’t help but wonder how Itachi could speak to a girl so kindly and effortlessly.

Sakura slowly lifted her head, her long bangs covering her forehead and half of her face. The pink of her hair glowed softly in the sunlight, like cherry blossom petals drifting around her. Sasuke’s heart suddenly raced. He instinctively touched his chest, puzzled by the strange warmth he felt.

Sakura glanced at Itachi, doubt in her eyes, then at Sasuke. He, in turn, scowled and looked away, realizing with sudden confusion that something about her gaze made his cheeks burn. He had never felt this way before—stared at by a girl his own age.

Unable to contain herself, Sakura cried again, then turned and ran, leaving the brothers behind, puzzled.

“Hey! Sakura-chan, wait!” Itachi called, standing and sighing as he watched her disappear. He turned to Sasuke. “Don’t scowl at her. You’re only scaring her more.”

“What’s wrong with my face?” Sasuke muttered, looking up at his brother. “I always look like this.”

Itachi chuckled, shaking his head. “No wonder people say Uchiha men are terrible with girls,” he said dryly, amused by the redness spreading across Sasuke’s face.

“Come on, let’s go. It’s almost evening,” he added, taking Sasuke’s hand as they walked out from behind the bushes.

“What does that even mean?” Sasuke asked, curiosity furrowing his brow.

“About what?” Itachi replied, glancing quickly at him.

“About Uchiha men being terrible with girls,” Sasuke repeated, naive and earnest.

“You’ll understand when you grow up,” Itachi said calmly, a small smirk tugging at his lips.

Sasuke furrowed his brows even more. “Do you have a girlfriend, Nii-san?”

Itachi froze, surprised that his eight-year-old little brother would even ask. “No.”

“Are girls annoying? Do they cry a lot?” Sasuke asked, tilting his head in genuine curiosity.

“I… don’t know,” Itachi admitted, looking down, slightly flustered by the unexpected questions.

.....

CHAPTER 1

Fast Forward: Haruno Residence, 1987 (Nine years later)

Sixteen-year-old Sakura stood in front of her full-length mirror, clad only in her bra and underwear. She turned slowly from left to right, inspecting herself as if searching for some flaw, though her body was already perfectly proportioned. Her short bob still clung damp and messy from the shower, strands sticking slightly to her neck.

From the bedside table, her pink radio played The Bangles’ “Walk Like an Egyptian”, the upbeat music contrasting with her critical mood.

“Chronologically, I’m sixteen,” Sakura muttered, eyes scanning her reflection. “But physically…” Her gaze flicked down to her chest for a brief, self-conscious moment. “…I’m still fifteen,” she said with a sneer, shaking her head and puffing her cheeks.

She shook her head, puffed her cheeks, and turned left again, examining herself. She winced, shaking her head once more. “Hopeless,” she muttered under her breath.

Sighing, Sakura picked up the receiver of her landline phone, which rested on the vanity table. The cord stretched across the room as she crossed her legs and settled onto her pink bed, leaning against the pile of oversized pillows behind her.

“Nope… the thing is, Ino-chan, I still look the same as I did in the summer. Completely forgettable,” she said dryly into the phone, dragging out the words as if trying to convince herself.

She leaned back, propping the phone against her shoulder. “No, I didn’t wake up magically transformed or anything,” she muttered. She chuckled lightly to herself. “I thought that maybe a few months after my sixteenth birthday, there would be a huge change… that I’d wake up with some mental upgrade that shows on my face. But all that’s visible is a few freckles under my eyes, thanks to swimming all summer,” she mused.

Sakura sighed again, swinging her legs lazily over the edge of the bed. “Better get downstairs… Mom’s probably annoyed I haven’t helped with breakfast.”

“Alright, Ino-chan, see you at school,” she said into the phone, still half-drowsy, before gently placing the receiver back on the vanity table. She nearly tripped over the phone cord as she stood up.

Before dressing, she turned once more to the mirror, sneering at her reflection. “I need four more inches and a better day,” she muttered. Then, softening, she leaned closer, inspecting her bare face in the mirror, searching for… something, though she wasn’t quite sure what.

....

Meanwhile, Uchiha Residence, The Same Morning

Sasuke, now seventeen, finished shaving his chin and quickly rinsed his face with cold water from the sink. He stared into the wide bathroom mirror, wiping away the fog with his palm until his reflection came into focus.

He didn’t see anything special looking back at him—just the youngest son, always compared to his older brother, the golden child their father had praised since they were little.

The only things that still pushed him to go to school were his determination to keep his spot as the top student in his class… and one person he hadn’t dared to speak to for two years.

Her.

She was younger than him—his junior—and he didn’t even know how to approach her. Would it be weird if he suddenly talked to her out of nowhere? Sasuke had no idea how to start a conversation with a girl he actually cared about. Normally, girls were the ones chasing him, swarming him without hesitation.

But how were you supposed to approach someone when you were the one who wanted her first?

The thought both challenged and terrified him. It meant risking his pride.

Sasuke touched his chin again, absently. Somehow, it made him want to look his best today. Maybe—just maybe—there was a chance she might notice him.

Sasuke Uchiha… reduced to this over a girl he had saved from bullies nine years ago. And now, even after meeting her again in high school, he still couldn’t bring himself to talk to her.

Coward. No wonder Father is prouder of Itachi, he scolded himself.

It was strange how someone could become a stranger after years apart. Even when he saw the pink-haired girl walking down the school hallway with her friends, Sasuke always passed right by her—only daring to look back once she was gone. The feeling was too confusing, and he had spent years pretending it wasn’t there.

Maybe it was better to bury it. It wasn’t like she was guaranteed to feel the same way. Back then, she had even been scared of him and had run away when she saw his face. What if she still felt that way now?

Sasuke stepped out of the bathroom with a white towel wrapped around his waist, his broad chest on display—shaped by years of boxing after school with Naruto, his childhood friend.

They had bonded because both of them were outsiders, though for different reasons. Sasuke had been avoided by other guys out of jealousy, since girls were always drawn to him. Naruto, on the other hand, had been shunned by everyone for constantly getting into trouble and doing stupid things that kept landing him in detention.

Even now, as high school seniors, nothing had really changed.

Naruto was the only one who accepted him without expectations. They were also the only two guys who loved things most people called nerdy—like DnD (Dungeons & Dragons). Sasuke often ended up hanging out with the nerd crowd, even though he clearly didn’t fit in. Without even realizing it, he was too good-looking for the group. His presence made them nervous, afraid the girls they liked would pay attention to him instead. Sasuke didn’t care. He was there for the game.

The ringing of the home phone startled him.

It sat on the nightstand beside his bed, ringing insistently as he opened his closet to grab his uniform. He tried to ignore it, but the sound kept drilling into his head.

With a sigh of irritation, Sasuke grabbed the cordless receiver.

“Hello?” he said flatly.

No answer.

After a few seconds, the line went dead.

He scowled and slammed the receiver back into its cradle. “Great. Some idiot again,” he muttered. “This isn’t the first time.”

I already changed this number… so who the hell leaked it? He shook his head. It couldn’t be Naruto.

Fully dressed now, Sasuke straightened his tie. He always looked immaculate—partly out of habit, partly because… maybe she’d see him today.

Even if he refused to admit it.

The phone rang again.

“Damn it,” he muttered, ignoring it this time. He sprayed on some cologne, then clipped his Sony Walkman mini cassette player to the front pocket of his blazer uniform and slid in a tape he had recorded himself—a mix of his favorite songs from the radio. He then placed the thin headphones over his ears.

“Hungry Like the Wolf” by Duran Duran filled his ears.

The phone kept ringing, but he drowned it out with the music.

Eventually, it stopped.

Good. He grabbed his backpack, slung it over one shoulder, and walked out of his room, heading down the stairs toward the dining room—toward his family and another school day he pretended didn’t revolve around a girl with pink hair.

---

Sakura was already dressed in her navy sailor-style school uniform as she headed downstairs. As she reached the bottom step, she nearly collided with her father, Kizashi, who burst out of the bedroom he shared with her mother, Mebuki, his tie was crooked and barely done.

“Jesus!” Kizashi yelped.

“Dad!” Sakura exclaimed at the same time.

“Why are you in such a rush?” Sakura asked, blinking.

“I’m going to be late for an early meeting!” Kizashi said in a panic. His hair was still a mess, like he’d just rolled out of bed and thrown on his work clothes.

“Geez, you’re always late,” Sakura huffed. “I don’t want to take the bus. There are so many weirdos out there trying to catcall me.”

“Sorry, sweetie. Dad can’t take you today,” Kizashi said, lightly patting her cheeks with a sheepish smile. “I’d rather not lose my job and have your mother divorce me!”

Sakura snorted. “That excuse isn’t going to save you. Mom’s going to divorce you anyway, especially when she sees your hair looks like a bird’s nest.”

“Kizashi, dear!” Mebuki called frantically from the kitchen. “Can you help me? Why isn’t this toaster working?”

“Our boss lady is already in full morning-rush mode,” Kizashi muttered dryly.

Sakura looked her father up and down—and suddenly burst out laughing.

“What’s so funny, Sakura-chan?” Kizashi asked, frowning in confusion.

“Dad… where are your pants?” Sakura said, trying—and failing—to hold in her laughter as she covered her mouth.

“Don’t be ridiculous, of course I’m wearing—” Kizashi snapped defensively, hands on his hips. Then he glanced down.

He froze.

With a strangled yelp, he crossed his arms in front of his bare legs.

Sakura laughed even harder as his face turned bright red. Kizashi quickly spun around and hurried back toward the bedroom.

“Don’t embarrass yourself at the meeting, Dad!” Sakura called after him, just in time to see him glare before slamming the door shut.

“Kizashi! Oh, for heaven’s sake, where did that idiot go?” Mebuki grumbled as she emerged from the kitchen. When she spotted Sakura, her face lit up. “Sakura, can you help me with this new toaster? It won’t work.”

“Mom, I’m not a toaster technician,” Sakura said with a sigh. “I can barely unclog the sink.”

“Well then, I guess you and your dad won’t be getting breakfast,” Mebuki said, planting her hands on her hips. She was still wearing her pink apron, a napkin clutched in one hand.

“That’s fine,” Sakura replied casually. “I’m not really into carbs these days anyway.”

“I love that you want to look good, sweetheart,” Mebuki said gently. “But as your mother, I don’t want you starving yourself. That’s not healthy in the long run.” She paused, studying Sakura. “Are you thinking of entering another pageant?”

“Maybe. I’m not sure yet,” Sakura replied with a shrug. “But this one is more important—the Homecoming Queen. I’m a sophomore now, so I can finally compete.” She smiled to herself, clearly excited.

Mebuki hesitated. Something flickered behind her eyes, like an old memory surfacing. “That’s… that’s wonderful.”

She patted Sakura’s cheeks lightly. “You should take every opportunity you can. Just don’t come crying to me if you lose.”

“Come on, Mom,” Sakura laughed. “I’m just trying. Even if I don’t win, it won’t ruin anything. Being runner-up would be nice, though.”

“Nobody remembers the runner-up, sweetie,” Mebuki said quietly, her gaze distant.

Sakura frowned. “Is something wrong?”

“Nothing,” Mebuki said quickly, shaking her head. “Where’s your father?”

“He’s—” Sakura started, pointing toward her parents’ bedroom.

Right on cue, the door flew open, and both Sakura and Mebuki gasped.

“Sorry, dear, did you call me?” Kizashi said brightly. His hair was slicked back with so much gel it looked like a shiny wig.

Mebuki stared. “Are you seriously wearing leopard-print pants to work?”

Sakura burst out laughing.

“Hey, look at me,” Kizashi said defensively. “I barely eat anything and now none of my pants fit! We seriously need to go shopping and get me some… bigger sizes.”

“Oh, please,” Mebuki scoffed. “You eat everything in this house—and who knows what you eat after work. You’re starting to look like a whale. What if you get a heart attack or diabetes? Then I’ll have to take care of you too.”

She didn’t really mean it, but she clearly enjoyed teasing him.

“Hey, don’t worry,” Kizashi said with a grin. “We’ll start playing tennis together next weekend. Deal?”

“You’re barely awake on weekends,” Mebuki shot back. “You go drinking with your buddies on Friday night and sleep until Saturday evening, while I’m stuck cleaning the house and doing everything myself—like I’ve been doing since Sakura was a baby. Try having some responsibility.”

“Okay, okay, break it up,” Sakura said, trying not to laugh. “And Mom, I’m not a baby anymore.”

“Yes, you are,” Mebuki snapped. “You’re only fifteen!”

“Actually, I’m sixteen,” Sakura corrected.

“That’s basically the same thing,” Mebuki said. “You’re still not even allowed to drink.”

“But I could have a baby,” Sakura said cheekily.

Both Mebuki and Kizashi gasped.

“What on earth are you talking about?” Mebuki snapped. “You are not getting pregnant before you graduate college!”

“But having a boyfriend would be okay, right?” Sakura leaned closer and wiggled her eyebrows playfully.

“Nope!” her parents said in unison.

“But you two started dating in high school,” Sakura pouted. “That’s so unfair.”

“That’s because your father and I were both idiots back then,” Mebuki replied dryly. “Enough. If you’re not eating breakfast, at least drink your milk and eat your fruit before you go to school.”

“Mom, I don’t want to take the bus,” Sakura protested. “There are way too many creepy guys who try to bother me.”

Mebuki turned and gave her husband a sharp look. “Kizashi.”

“Fine, fine,” Kizashi sighed in defeat. He glanced at his watch. “But next time you have to go by yourself, okay? Dad’s already running late.”

“Thanks, Daddy,” Sakura said sweetly, leaning in to kiss his cheek.

“Hey, no more of that charm,” Mebuki teased as she straightened Kizashi’s tie—pulling it so tight he nearly choked. “But before you go, fix my toaster.”

Sakura giggled, covering her mouth. Her mom really was the boss of this house.

“A-alright, alright,” Kizashi croaked, struggling a little. “Just… please don’t strangle me, dear.”

....

As Sasuke walked down the stairs, he passed a large framed photograph hanging along the wall.

It was his parents on their wedding day.

Beside it was a smaller, older photo of his mother—Mikoto Uchiha—smiling brightly as Homecoming Queen in 1961. Her hair was styled in a classic 1960s half-updo, her makeup flawless and doll-like, making her look almost like a life-sized Barbie. A crown sat atop her head, a bouquet of flowers in her arms, and a pastel mini dress hugged her frame, a sash draped proudly across her chest.

He continued down the stairs, softly humming along to the song playing through his headphones.

Someone suddenly appeared beside him as he reached the bottom of the stairs and lifted one side of his headphones.

“Morning, Sasuke.”

“Fuck!” Sasuke jumped sideways, nearly losing his balance.

Soft laughter followed.

“Go to hell, nii-san,” Sasuke muttered, scowling as he shoved his brother away. He put his headphones around his neck. “Why do you just show up at home without telling me?”

“Sorry,” Itachi said casually. “I got a week off after helping my professor with a research project. Got bored sitting alone in my apartment, so I came home.”

He ruffled Sasuke’s perfectly styled hair. Sasuke swatted his hand away with an annoyed pout.

“Besides,” Itachi added with a grin, “I missed teasing my baby brother.”

“That’s such bullshit,” Sasuke snapped, looking away. “Just admit you ran out of money and came home.”

“Wow, why are you so snarky this morning?” Itachi laughed, throwing an arm around Sasuke’s shoulders. “What, did you turn into a girl and get your period?”

“Ha. Ha. Hilarious,” Sasuke replied flatly, pushing him off. “Leave me alone. I’m hungry.”

Itachi reached down and pressed the stop button on Sasuke’s Walkman, trying to pull it from his blazer pocket.

“Hey—that’s my Walkman!” Sasuke protested.

“I know,” Itachi said, smirking as they walked into the dining room.

Their parents were already seated at the long table. A maid was setting down plates—fresh salad and a glass of juice for Mikoto, a croissant with jam and a mug of coffee for Fugaku. Their father sat behind his newspaper, reading through his glasses, while Mikoto held the cordless phone to her ear.

“All right, sir, the final blueprints for the new downtown skyscraper are finished and ready for review,” Mikoto said smoothly. She wore a lilac blazer with padded shoulders and a matching knee-length skirt. Pearl earrings and a delicate necklace completed the image of a successful architect—and the elegant lady of a wealthy household.

She hung up and handed the phone to the maid.

“Hey, boys,” Mikoto said warmly. “Sasuke, are you surprised your brother came home? You must be happy.”

“Yeah,” Sasuke muttered. “Same old headache.”

Itachi shrugged, amused, as he sat beside Sasuke at the dining table.

“Why didn’t anyone tell me he was crashing here?” Sasuke complained as he sat down.

“Crashing?” Fugaku lowered his newspaper. “He is your brother. This is his home too. Stop acting like a brat. That’s what happens when you hang out with useless kids like Naruto.”

“Dear, relax,” Mikoto said gently, rubbing Fugaku’s shoulder. “He’s just joking.”

“At least I don’t do drugs,” Sasuke muttered.

Itachi nearly choked on his milk.

“But honestly,” Itachi said, lightly punching Sasuke’s arm, “it’s impressive he’s even kept one friend since childhood, right?”

“Well, better than revolving my life around you,” Sasuke shot back.

“Sasuke,” Mikoto warned, “watch your language. Your brother works very hard—day and night—to finish his college projects. Show some respect.”

“I work hard too,” Sasuke protested.

“On your plastic castle in the basement,” Itachi teased, flicking Sasuke’s head.

Fugaku rolled his eyes. Mikoto just sighed and resumed eating her salad.

“Sasuke,” Fugaku said firmly, “focus on your studies. Your brother graduated at the top of his class and earned a scholarship for college. You need to match that—or surpass it.”

“And he also wastes time with his stupid band,” Sasuke muttered. “With the same five weirdos since middle school. So why is that okay?”

“Because he still excels academically,” Fugaku replied.

“I do well too,” Sasuke argued.

“Your game sounds stupid,” Itachi whispered.

“Your music is lame,” Sasuke whispered back. “And you hang out with guys with ugly hair.”

“Do not talk while eating,” Fugaku snapped.

Sasuke fell silent, eating with a scowl, while Itachi quietly chuckled.

For a big brother, there was nothing more entertaining than teasing his little brother—even if they weren’t kids anymore.

---

Sakura had no choice but to wait while her father tried to fix the new toaster her mother had bought from the supermarket the day before. To pass the time, she sipped her milk and flipped through her mother’s fashion magazine.

One page caught her eye—a glossy ad featuring a pink off-shoulder Louis Vuitton mini dress paired with a pink Dior handbag. Her brows knitted together when she saw the price tag. The dress alone cost more than a whole semester of her school tuition.

Kizashi wiped the sweat from his forehead, clearly satisfied with himself. “There. I think I fixed it. I’m already five minutes late,” he said, still holding a screwdriver.

“Thank you, dear. You’re the best,” Mebuki said with a grin. “Now I don’t have to pay a technician.”

Kizashi gave her a strained smile. “Let me test it first.”

He plugged the toaster into the outlet near the stove.

The moment he switched it on, it exploded with a loud pop.

Both Mebuki and Sakura jumped in shock—Sakura snapping her magazine shut as she leapt to her feet.

“Are you okay, dear?” Mebuki cried.

“Dad?!” Sakura gasped.

As the smoke slowly cleared, Kizashi stood there coughing and waving it away. His face was smudged with soot, and the hair he had just slicked so carefully now stuck straight up like metal spikes.

Sakura and Mebuki burst into laughter at the sight of him, as he coughed out little puffs of smoke and looked utterly miserable.

“Maybe next time,” Kizashi said dryly between coughs, “we should actually call a real technician.”

“Oops. Sorry,” Mebuki replied, still grinning.

....

Later that morning, Sakura and Kizashi were already seated in the old family car, parked inside the open garage. Sakura sat in the passenger seat with her school bag on her lap, while Kizashi turned the key in the ignition.

Nothing happened.

He tried again.

And again.

The engine only answered with a sad, choking sputter.

“Damn it… come on, you piece of junk,” Kizashi muttered, twisting the key harder. The car responded with another miserable cough.

Sakura sighed. “Dad, we’re going to be late!”

“Yeah, yeah, I know!” Kizashi snapped, trying again. The engine stalled. “Ugh—okay. Sakura, get out for a second and call the repair shop. Maybe if there’s less weight, this old thing will finally start.”

Sakura rolled her eyes but opened the door. “Unbelievable…”

She stepped out and walked back toward the front porch, the strap of her bag slipping slightly as she adjusted it on her shoulder.

But just as she reached the steps—

VROOM.

The engine suddenly roared to life.

“Huh?” Sakura turned around.

Before she could say anything, Kizashi’s eyes lit up. “Oh! It works!”

Without hesitation, he slammed his foot on the gas and drove straight out of the garage. The gate was already open, and the car sped out of the driveway like nothing had happened.

“D—Dad?!” Sakura shouted.

The car disappeared down the street.

Sakura stood frozen on the porch, staring at the empty driveway.

“…He left me.”

Her eye twitched.

“DAD!” she screamed, running a few steps after the car. “YOU FORGOT YOUR OWN DAUGHTER!”

When it was clear he wasn’t coming back, Sakura stomped both feet against the ground in fury.

“You are jackass!” she yelled. “Absolutely jackass!”

She crossed her arms and pouted.

“That’s it. From today on, you’re fired as my father!”

....

“Hey, dipshit,” Naruto called out to Sasuke, giving his shoulders a hard slap as he noticed him waiting at the bus stop nearby.

Sasuke quickly took off his headphones and hung them around his neck. “Dipshit calling someone a dipshit.”

“Well, it fits you better,” Naruto replied with a grin. “Hold on a sec.” He suddenly dug into his front backpack.

“Ta-da!” Naruto revealed a cassette tape to Sasuke.

“What’s that?” Sasuke asked, frowning as he tried to grab the cassette tape from Naruto, but Naruto just lifted his hand out of reach.

“A brand-new remix collection,” Naruto said with a proud smirk. “I got it after winning a bet against that idiot Kiba.”

“What were you two betting on?” Sasuke inquired.

“Grandma Tsunade’s underwear color,” Naruto grinned, his eyes sparkling mischievously, "I was sneaking a peek when she was changing in the locker room. Turns out I was right. She loves red panties. Plus, being pals with Uncle Jiraiya, the janitor, gives me some insider info,” Naruto wiggled his eyebrows playfully.

“No way! One of our gym teachers? Do you know how strong she is? She could totally strangle you if she found out you were spying on her while she was undressing,” Sasuke said, both exasperated and annoyed by Naruto’s revelation, “You and Jiraiya are both perverts. No wonder you two get along so well.”

“I’ll do whatever it takes to beat Kiba’s ass. I’m tired of his pranks. Last time, he tried to set me up with a girl. He showed me her photo, and she looked like a knockoff version of Demi Moore — like if Demi Moore had been born in Japan. But when I met her at the café, she looked like a whale,” Naruto sighed.

“What?” Sasuke scoffed.

“Don’t ever trust that idiot again. Or you’ll end up like me, just a heads up,” Naruto patted Sasuke’s shoulders.

The bus suddenly pulled up in front of them, and the automatic door opened.

“If you want to snag this masterpiece from me," Naruto said with a mischievous smirk, “You’ll need to win this bet against me.”

“What kind of bet are we talking about this time?” Sasuke asked with curiosity, following Naruto up the same stairs to get on the bus.

“I’m going to ask Haruno Sakura out on a date,” Naruto's grin widened even more.

“W-who?” Sasuke's cheeks turned slightly pink, even though he was trying to act like he didn’t know who she was.

“Jesus fucking- You don’t know Haruno Sakura?” Naruto exclaimed, looking frustrated as he handed his student ID and some cash to the driver. The driver took a quick glance before saying, “Alright, go ahead.”

Sasuke followed Naruto up the stairs and handed his student ID to the driver as well. The student card gave them a fifteen percent discount on the bus fare.

“No,” Sasuke shook his head and looked down, his flushed cheeks giving away his lies. Uchiha men are terrible at lying.

“Are you living in a cave near Mount Everest or something? That girl is the hottest topic in our school right now!" Naruto said, both in disbelief and frustration at Sasuke’s response, “She’s still a sophomore, but she’s already got a fully developed ‘body’,” Naruto smirked as he settled into one of the bus seats.

“I’ll sit by the window,” Sasuke said firmly, prompting Naruto to pout and shift over to make room for him.

“Or maybe you just don’t like girls,” Naruto laughed, “Are you into me?”

“What? Don’t be absurd. I’d rather hook up with a mannequin than be with guys like you,” Sasuke scoffed.

“I can’t believe you’re not interested in that hot piece like Haruno Sakura,” Naruto teased further, “You barely even want to know her name.”

“I see girls for their hearts, not just their looks,” Sasuke replied.

Naruto burst out laughing, startling some nearby passengers.

“What kind of nonsense is that?” Naruto said between laughs. “Don’t be such a hypocrite. If you saw Madonna naked, you’d definitely get turned on.”

Sasuke looked away, both embarrassed and exasperated. “It’s just a waste of time talking with you. Your brain is only full of girls’ asses.”

“At least I know what I want,” Naruto said with a grin. He made a dramatic gesture like he was shooting an arrow into the sky. “Always aiming for the stars, baby.”

Sasuke rolled his eyes and put his headphones back on, pressing play on the Walkman clipped to his blazer.

A few moments later, Sakura stepped onto the bus with her best friend, Ino.

“I still can’t believe it,” Sakura was saying as they walked down the aisle. “My dad literally ditched me. He drove off and left me standing on the porch like some total jerk.”

“That’s still better than my morning,” Ino replied. “My parents were fighting again.”

They slid into a pair of seats a few rows behind Sasuke and Naruto—Sakura by the window, Ino beside her.

“They barged into my room and asked, ‘Who do you choose, Mom or Dad?’” Ino scoffed. “So I told them, ‘Neither. I choose the bus. Thanks.’”

Sakura winced. “Yikes…”

Up front, Naruto suddenly smacked Sasuke on the shoulder. “Hey, dumbass!”

Sasuke didn’t react—he was leaning back with his eyes closed, lost in his music.

Without looking away from Sakura, Naruto reached out and grabbed Sasuke’s face, nearly covering his mouth and nose.

“Hey—get off!” Sasuke snapped, swatting Naruto’s hand away.

“She’s here,” Naruto whispered, eyes wide as he grabbed Sasuke’s shoulder and shook him.

Sasuke pulled his headphones off and let them hang around his neck. “What?”

“She’s here. An actual angel,” Naruto said with a grin. He turned to look over his shoulder.

Sasuke followed his gaze—and his heart skipped.

Sakura.

Sasuke quickly looked down, suddenly very interested in his cassette tape, pretending to roll and fix it even though nothing was wrong.

A few rows back, Sakura was completely unaware of the attention she was drawing—not just from Sasuke and Naruto, but from several boys nearby who kept sneaking glances at her with obvious interest.

She laughed softly at Ino’s story, though it wasn’t because it was funny—it was awkward. Her eyes softened with sympathy.

“That must be really hard,” Sakura said quietly. “Having your parents fight all the time.”

Ino sighed, folding her arms. “Yeah. It’ll probably end in divorce eventually. I just… I don’t know how to choose a side. Stupid, right? I still want them to stay together, even if it’s impossible.”

Sakura gently squeezed Ino’s shoulder. “Anything is possible, Ino-chan. And besides, I don’t want to see you looking so sad.”

“Well, at least if I end up living with my mom after they get divorced,” Ino said dryly, “I hope she marries some rich old tycoon. That way I’ll never run out of Louis Vuitton dresses for the rest of my life.”

Sakura laughed. “I can’t believe you think like a gold digger.”

“Hey, I’m just being realistic.”

“Well, I just want good things for you,” Sakura said with a smile. “Besides, I’ve been eyeing this pink Louis Vuitton mini dress I saw in Vogue this morning.”

“Oh, I think I know the one,” Ino said. “My cousin took me to a new Louis Vuitton boutique and she bought that exact dress. It was 20,000 yen! Thank God I don’t even like pink—but if they release it in purple, I’ll go crazy.”

“No way!” Sakura gasped. “That’s more than my dad’s monthly salary. Why are fancy dresses so expensive now?”

“You could always buy a cheap knockoff at Walmart,” Ino laughed. “It’s only about 2,000 yen.”

“People would know immediately,” Sakura groaned, leaning back against her seat.

“Or you could get one made,” Ino said. “My mom knows the best tailor in the city. He can copy it perfectly.”

“How much?” Sakura asked.

“Fifteen thousand yen,” Ino replied with a tired grin.

Sakura rolled her eyes even harder. “Then what’s the point? That’s only five thousand cheaper than the real thing.”

“Easy solution,” Ino said. “Marry someone rich when you grow up.”

“No thanks,” Sakura said, pointing at herself. “I’ll just become rich on my own.”

“Ooo, future boss lady,” Ino teased. “You already sound like my mom—always bossing people around.”

A few seats ahead, Sasuke couldn’t help sneaking glances at Sakura. He was subtler than Naruto, who was staring openly, but anyone paying attention could still notice.

“Psst,” Ino whispered, shaking Sakura’s arm. “Look. That cute senior keeps staring at you.”

“What?” Sakura whispered back, following her gaze.

Sasuke immediately looked down, his heart pounding.

Meanwhile, Naruto grinned widely when Sakura turned their way and even waved at her.

“Him?” Sakura whispered. “I don’t think he’s cute like that. If you like him, go ahead.”

“Not him, dummy,” Ino whispered, lightly hitting Sakura’s arm. “The one next to him.”

“Who?” Sakura leaned forward, trying to see past Naruto.

Naruto, thinking she was looking at him, brushed his hair back and waved even more enthusiastically, silently mouthing, “Hey, I’m right here.”

“Man, I can’t believe this,” Naruto bragged, smirking at Sasuke, who was still pretending to fix his cassette tape. “She’s totally looking back at me like she’s already falling for me.”

“Tch.”

“See? My mom was right,” Naruto continued proudly. “I inherited my dad’s charm. Back in his prime, he could get any girl he wanted—even my mom, who used to be annoyed by boys for no reason.” He slapped Sasuke on the shoulder excitedly, making Sasuke even more irritated.

“You say that every time a girl looks at you for five seconds,” Sasuke said flatly, irritation and a hint of jealousy in his voice. “More likely, she was just staring at the giant pimple on your nose.”

“Shut up, loser,” Naruto snapped. “Don’t ruin my perfect moment.”

“Yeah, whatever. Good luck,” Sasuke muttered, though his chest felt strangely tight.

....

“I don’t think there’s anyone sitting next to that blond guy,” Sakura whispered to Ino.

“You must be blind,” Ino scoffed. “You know that cute, popular guy—the captain of the basketball team? Sasuke Uchiha?”

“No way!” Sakura gasped softly. She immediately fixed her bangs and smoothed her uniform. “Do I look okay?”

“Oh, so you like him too,” Ino teased with a grin, nudging her. “Newsflash—he’s the one sitting next to that annoying blond.”

“But I don’t see him,” Sakura said, craning her neck. “All I can see is that blond guy staring at me like a creep.”

“He’s shy,” Ino laughed. “I swear he keeps looking at you. If I didn’t know better, I’d think he was looking at me—but he always looks away whenever you turn his way.”

“Stop making things up, Ino,” Sakura said, embarrassed. “A guy like Sasuke, who’s surrounded by popular girls, wouldn’t even notice someone like me.”

“Don’t be ridiculous,” Ino said, elbowing her again. “You’re pretty popular too, especially since you joined cheerleading. You should have more confidence.”

...

Back in his seat, Naruto was already working up his courage.

“I’ll show you how it’s done,” he said proudly to Sasuke. “At least I’m not a coward. I’m going to talk to Sakura-chan and win her over.”

Sasuke scoffed quietly, watching Naruto stand up. He thought Naruto was reckless—but at the same time, he envied him. Naruto had the nerve to go after what he wanted without holding himself back.

Uchiha men were different. They were taught to be reserved, to suppress their emotions, to avoid anything that might make them seem weak or strange.

Deep down, Sasuke was afraid of being rejected. What if Sakura thought he was weird? What if she didn’t like him at all?

Naruto didn’t think about things like that. He only focused on his goal—getting her attention—and never worried about how it might end. That fearless confidence was something Sasuke had never learned to have.

Naruto brushed his hair back, thinking it would charm Sakura as he approached the seat she shared with Ino. The two girls were having a lively chat, unaware of Naruto approaching them.

Naruto slipped into the empty seat behind them and leaned toward Sakura’s neck.
“Hey.”

Both Sakura and Ino startled.

Sakura glanced at him, wincing at his close proximity, and shifted her shoulders away.
“What?”

Naruto raised and lowered his eyebrows, obviously flirting.

From a few rows ahead, Sasuke turned his head, watching Naruto talk to the girl he had secretly liked for years—even back when he was just a kid who hadn’t understood what he’d felt the first time he saw her crying in the park.

Sasuke hadn’t been able to speak to her for two years—ever since Sakura began attending the same high school and he’d see her in the hallways. Yet here was his friend Naruto, talking to her so easily, without hesitation.

“You smell good today,” Naruto murmured, lowering his voice to sound deeper—but it only made Sakura cringe.

Meanwhile, Ino noticed Sasuke looking in their direction. Thinking he was looking at her, she grew shy, looked down, and tucked a few strands of hair behind her ears, even though Sasuke was actually jealous of Naruto flirting with Sakura.

Naruto licked his lips, glancing at Sakura’s face from behind her.

“So, how’s it going?” he grinned.

“How’s what going?” Sakura replied dismissively, clearly annoyed, without turning to look at him.

Ino chuckled quietly, covering her mouth.

“You know… things. Life,” Naruto said, still staring at her. “Whatnot.”

“Life isn’t ‘whatnot,’ and it’s none of your business,” Sakura rolled her eyes.

“So, you’ve heard about the dance next weekend, right?” Naruto leaned in, resting his head on the top of Sakura’s seat. “Got a partner yet?”

“That’s none of your business either,” Sakura replied coldly.

Naruto inhaled the scent on Sakura’s shoulder—the faint smell of strawberries only made him more obsessed.

Sakura winced and turned to glare at him. Naruto quickly pretended to look away and cleared his throat.

“Are you just nervous about dancing in public?” Naruto asked again, refusing to back off. “You don’t even have to dance—you can just stand there, like most of me and my dudes.”

“Sounds great,” Sakura replied dismissively.

Naruto subtly sniffed Sakura’s shoulder again, and she immediately shifted away. He quickly looked elsewhere.

Ino felt trapped in the awkward situation. She wanted to leave, but couldn’t.

“So, I mean, what’s the story? You got a guy—” Naruto began.

“Yes!” Sakura cut him off immediately, lying.

“Three big ones, and they all went flat, so quit begging,” Sakura said sharply, meeting his eyes. “I’ll stick them all over your weeny ass,” she added even more harshly.

Ino couldn’t help chuckling before biting her lip.

“You know, I’m getting the impression that the chick I’m facing is relatively hostile,” Naruto said with dry sarcasm.

“Go to hell,” Sakura shot back, even snappier, without looking at him.

Ino glanced down and snickered again.

“Very hostile,” Naruto muttered in disbelief, feeling the sting of rejection. He pulled back, but it didn’t stop him completely.

“Come on, what’s the problem here?” Naruto said sulkily. “I’m a boy, you’re a girl,” he insisted.

Sakura rolled her eyes.

“Is there something wrong with me?” Naruto asked, pointing at himself. He leaned closer again. “I’m just trying to start some kind of relationship between us.”

Sasuke’s jaw dropped as he secretly overheard what Naruto had just said.

Sakura had had enough. She stood up abruptly and tried to move past Ino, desperate to escape the painfully awkward situation.

“Hey—hey, don’t go! Come on, just answer me one thing,” Naruto called, reaching for Sakura’s wrist from behind. Sakura instantly slapped his hand away.

“Yes—and you’re a total jerk,” she snapped as she dropped back into her seat.

But it still didn’t discourage him.

Naruto shifted his tone, suddenly more serious, “I have another question.”

Sakura sighed and rolled her eyes. “What?”

“Am I turning you on?” Naruto asked, completely straight-faced.

Ino couldn’t hold back her laughter anymore.

At the same time, the bus pulled up to the stop near Kansai High School’s front gate.

That was it—Sakura couldn’t take it anymore. She pushed past Ino, clutched her tote bag, and headed straight for the bus doors. She was so wrapped up in her anger that she didn’t even notice herself brushing past Sasuke, who watched her go with quiet regret, knowing he had never been brave enough to talk to her.

“See? Once you make her mad, there’s no coming back,” Ino said mockingly to Naruto as she stood up and followed Sakura. “Sakura-chan, wait for me!” she called as Sakura started down the bus steps.

“I won’t give up,” Naruto muttered, fixing his hair in frustration, even though disappointment flickered across his face.

He walked back to Sasuke, who was already standing with his backpack.
“So, how’d it go?” Sasuke asked flatly.

“She’s hostile, but…” Naruto smirked. “That girl is so… vogue.”

“Yeah,” Sasuke replied quietly. “I noticed.”

“And she smells like strawberries,” Naruto added dreamily. “Even her hair.”

“Uh-huh,” Sasuke said dryly. “And?”

“I’m going to the dance with her next week,” Naruto declared, clapping Sasuke on the shoulder.

“I don’t remember her agreeing to that,” Sasuke said.

Naruto grabbed his bag from the seat and slung it over one shoulder. “I’ll make her say yes. Just watch.”

He headed for the bus doors, leaving Sasuke behind shaking his head.

“I can’t believe some people have absolutely no shame,” Sasuke muttered to himself.

....

“Lord, have mercy,” Sakura muttered as she hurried down the crowded school hallway. “I swear this day is cursed.”

Ino struggled to keep up beside her. “Yeah. Same.”

“First my dad ditched me, and then that weirdo wouldn’t leave me alone,” Sakura groaned.

“Honestly, Sakura, this isn’t the first time a weirdo’s tried to flirt with you. Remember that bushy-brow guy from China?” Ino laughed.

“You mean Lee?” Sakura sighed.

“He sang ‘Can’t Help Falling in Love’ in Chinese over the school speakers,” Ino laughed.

“Yeah, thanks for reminding me of the most embarrassing moment of my life,” Sakura muttered dryly.

“There she is,” Naruto said, walking a few steps behind Sakura and Ino. Sasuke was beside him and suddenly grabbed his arm, stopping him before he could go any closer.

“Please stop embarrassing me with your behavior,” Sasuke snapped.

“Hey, what’s going on?” Kiba suddenly appeared from behind, throwing an arm around Naruto’s shoulders. “You look miserable. Lose another bet with some guys?”

“Nope,” Naruto pouted. “I’m just bummed because Haruno Sakura called me a total jerk.”

Kiba burst out laughing. “That sophomore really doesn’t hold back.” He glanced toward Sakura, who was already a few steps ahead, chatting with Ino. “What did you do—ask her to sleep with you or something?”

“No, of course not,” Naruto scoffed. “I’m not that low. I just asked her to go to the dance next weekend.”

“Yeah, no surprise,” Kiba grinned. “No girl would be interested in a weenie like you.”

“Thanks for the encouragement,” Naruto replied sarcastically. “It just makes me want to win her over—and beat Sasuke in this bet even more.”

“So you’re betting with him now?” Kiba asked, narrowing his eyes at Sasuke, who was walking silently beside Naruto.

“He wants this masterpiece,” Naruto said, pulling a remix cassette tape from his blazer pocket.

“Jesus,” Kiba laughed. “Hey, pretty boy, you could at least tell me if you’re planning to bet.”

“I’m not—and never will be,” Sasuke muttered sharply.

Without Sasuke realizing it, someone was secretly watching him from the small staircase near the school entrance.

“There he is,” muttered the red-haired girl with glasses through her binoculars. She sat in front, while the rest of her clique—two jocks named Suigetsu and Jūgo—sat behind her. Suigetsu was busy checking out the legs of a girl walking into the building, while Jūgo quietly read a self-help book about becoming mentally stronger.

“What a joke. Why does he always hang out with those losers?” Karin scoffed.

“Because—bad news, Karin—he is one,” Suigetsu said with a snicker. “So drop your crazy obsession with that weirdo.”

“He is not a weirdo,” Karin snapped. “He’s just too stupid to realize his own worth.” She sighed. “If only I could knock some sense into him and make him see where he really belongs.”

“Where? The Kingdom of Losers?” Suigetsu sneered.

Jūgo laughed quietly, then quickly returned to his book, flipping a page.

Karin suddenly stiffened when she saw through her binoculars that Sasuke had stopped in front of a short guy with thick glasses and huge braces.

The contrast between Sasuke and the nerd was like heaven and earth. Sasuke stood tall and broad-shouldered, bending slightly toward the smaller boy.

“Did you get the new DnD game you promised me?” Sasuke asked.

“Yes,” the boy nodded, opening his backpack and pulling out a brand-new game cartridge.

But before Sasuke could take it, the boy hid it behind his back and held out his hand.
“Five thousand yen.”

Sasuke sighed, pulled the money from his wallet, and handed it over.

“Psst,” Kiba whispered to Naruto. “Look at your friend. What kind of shady deal is he making with that short kid? A drug deal?”

“I doubt it,” Naruto shrugged. “Maybe girls’ underwear.”

“If that’s true, it’ll be huge news,” Kiba snickered. “Acting all cool and smug when he’s just as much of a pervert as we are.”

“Shh, keep it down,” Naruto whispered. “He’s an Uchiha—his family practically donates five percent of this school’s funding.”

“Thanks,” Sasuke said with a faint smirk as he took the rare, brand-new DnD game—already sold out everywhere even though it had only been released three days ago.

“Pleasure doing business with you, Uchiha-kun,” the nerd said, adjusting his thick glasses before walking away.

Sasuke looked down at the game in his hand, smirking to himself with quiet pride.

“Whoa, hold on!” Naruto suddenly startled Sasuke as he threw an arm around him. “How on earth did you get this piece of gold?” Naruto snatched it from Sasuke’s hand.

“Hey—give it back, idiot,” Sasuke muttered through clenched teeth.

“Holy—!” Kiba grabbed it from Naruto. “That brand-new DnD game? It’s sold out everywhere! If this was part of your deal, why didn’t you tell us?!”

“It’s none of your business,” Sasuke snapped, yanking the game back from Kiba.

“You should let us play too,” Naruto pouted.

Sasuke hesitated, then a faint smirk curved his lips.
“Fine. But on one condition.”

Naruto and Kiba leaned in at the same time.
“What is it?”

....

Meanwhile, Karin lowered her binoculars as the nerdy boy with glasses headed up the entrance stairs.

“Suigetsu, go ask him what he was doing with Sasuke earlier,” Karin snapped, lightly smacking Suigetsu’s arm.

“Seriously?” Suigetsu scoffed. “Harassing that little nerd will just embarrass me. It’s not like there aren’t better targets out there.”

“Hurry up,” Karin hissed. “Or I’ll tell everyone you’ve been sneaking a camera into the girls’ locker room!”

“All right, all right,” Suigetsu sighed, then whistled mockingly at the nerd.

The poor guy froze, clearly terrified. With no choice, he slowly approached the gang, knowing their reputation.

The moment he got close, Suigetsu grabbed him by the collar.

“What did you and Sasuke do earlier?” Suigetsu demanded.

“W-what?” The boy blinked in confusion, his glasses sliding down his nose.

“Are you deaf?” Suigetsu snapped. “Do you want me to rearrange your ugly face?”

“Don’t make a scene,” Karin whispered sharply. “If Sasuke notices us, we’re dead.”

Suigetsu let go of the boy’s collar.

“W-well,” the boy stammered, pushing his glasses back up, “Sasuke wanted a rare DnD game that sold out just three days after it was released. I needed some cash, so I got it for him and he paid me. That’s all.”

Suigetsu burst out laughing.

Jūgo just shook his head with a faint smirk, still reading his book.

“See?” Suigetsu sneered at Karin. “The guy you’re obsessed with is a total nerd. Just move on already.”

“What’s wrong with that?” Karin snapped, flustered. “Games are a guy thing, right?”

“Yeah, but being obsessed with DnD? That’s next-level nerd stuff,” Suigetsu said, glancing at the short boy. “Right, little man?”

“Um… can I go to class now?” the boy asked quietly, staring at the floor. “I’m almost late.”

“Go. You’re annoying me,” Suigetsu waved him off.

The boy quickly slipped past Suigetsu and his crew and hurried away.

“I don’t care if Sasuke is a nerd,” Karin folded her arms. She took off her glasses and bit the end of the frame thoughtfully. “It just makes him… more interesting.”

....

Back with Naruto and Kiba, both of them were laughing after hearing Sasuke’s condition for letting them play the game.

“Are you serious right now?” Kiba wheezed, wiping tears from his eyes. “Have you ever even seen me talk to a girl?”

“Dude, you’re asking the wrong person,” Naruto laughed. “You just watched me get rejected by Sakura.”

“I mean…” Sasuke muttered, looking down, embarrassed. “It’s just—”

“So who’s the girl you want to ask to the dance?” Kiba asked.

Sasuke looked up, his eyes scanning the schoolyard until they landed on Sakura, who was just about to go up the stairs with Ino.

“That red-haired girl?” Kiba scoffed, misunderstanding his gaze. “No way—I can’t believe that loud, crazy chick is your type.”

“No,” Sasuke said quietly, shaking his head. “That one.” He nodded toward Sakura.

Naruto squinted. “The blonde one?”

“No,” Sasuke muttered, almost inaudibly. His gaze softened as he watched Sakura from behind, her hair catching the light like cherry-blossom petals in spring. “That one.”

Naruto followed his line of sight—and then it clicked. He rolled his eyes hard and threw his hands up. “I’m out, dude!”

“Hey, what’s wrong? Which one?” Kiba asked, still confused. By now, Sakura had already disappeared into the building with Ino.

“Actually—no, I’m not out!” Naruto suddenly changed his mind. “That just means the bet’s serious. Me or you—who gets her on the dance floor first!”

“Oh, I see.” Kiba folded his arms. “A rivalry between two losers. Cute.”

“But why you—?” Naruto groaned, throwing his head back. “First Lee, now you. Don’t tell me you like Sakura too, Kiba!”

“Oh, so it’s her,” Kiba laughed. “Nope—she’s way out of my league,” he said, raising his hands. “Besides, I already like someone—a freshman who owns that husky puppy we saw when we were jogging in the park, remember?”

“Fine. I’ll take the bet,” Sasuke said calmly.

He walked past them without another word.

“That idiot’s got some nerve all of a sudden,” Kiba muttered. “Since when did he start liking Haruno Sakura?”

“Right?” Naruto scratched his head. “This morning he barely even knew her name.”

Kiba snorted. “Bro saw pink hair and immediately got turned on.”

As Sasuke walked past Karin and her crew, who were still sitting on the steps near the school entrance, Karin suddenly jumped to her feet and looked at him with hopeful eyes.

“Sasuke-kun,” she called sweetly, clasping her hands to her chest.

But Sasuke didn’t hear her. He had already put his headphones back on and walked into the building.

Suigetsu burst out laughing at the irony.

Karin stomped her foot and scowled, “I’m going to make Sasuke my dance partner next weekend.”

“Hey, I know a guy who’s even better than him,” Suigetsu said, standing up and leaning closer to her. “Just stop chasing that weirdo. You’ve been doing it since middle school—it’s getting desperate.”

“Don’t lecture me, idiot,” Karin snapped, adjusting her glasses. “I don’t care. Sasuke is mine.”

“Why don’t you go to the dance with me instead?” Suigetsu said with a sly grin, slipping an arm around her shoulders.

“Get off, loser!” Karin snapped, shoving his arm away before marching into the school.

“Looks like you’re obsessed with her too,” Jūgo said quietly, closing his book as he stood.

“Shut up,” Suigetsu scoffed, rolling his eyes. “I’ve got better things to do than that.”

- To Be Continued -

(Cover Art & design by my cousin)

TRIVIA :

- Duran-Duran : Popular rock band from the 1980s.

- Demi Moore : Back then, a young popular actress in the 1980s

- Cassette Tape (Below): Back then, there was no Spotify, so teenagers commonly recorded songs directly from the radio onto a cassette and created collections of songs, like playlists, called "mixtapes."

- 1980s Sony Walkman Headphones: They were very popular among teenagers and young adults and were also quite expensive (which is why Sasuke became one of the few students who owned one, as he comes from a rich family in this story). It had a mini cassette player that could be clipped to a pocket.

- 1980s Corded Phone (Sakura's phone in the morning call scene): A more personal and convenient option, unlike a typical home phone.

- IBM Computer/PC 1987 (Upper Left)

- Cordless Phone (Bottom Left)

- Floppy Disks (Upper Right)

- Video Games for Computer/PC (Bottom Right)