• IT'S A WIN WIN FOR THE BOTH OF US •

Sasuke's heart thrummed loudly in his chest as he got closer and closer to the pond but that was because he was running. Okay he was a bit excited to know who his mystery girl was but he was also panting from exertion. The side trip he made took longer than expected.

Very soon...in just a few seconds he would meet her...

He ducked his head to avoid eye contact with people that might know him as he made his way through the nature park until finally, he reached the pond. It was a semi secluded area much to his elation, and it was very beautiful.

The pond reflected the clear sky like a mirror planted in the grass. It was a sight he didn't want to take his eyes off of. The quacks of ducks made him divert his attention to the left though and there he saw, seated on a bench and surrounded by ducks, the girl he had been searching for. She was feeding the ducks with bread crumbs.

The mask on her face was one he recognized as the one she wore that night but what surprised him the most was her pink hair. He only knew one person whose pink hair actually suited them (even though he'd never admit that loud) and it was...

"Sakura?"

Upon hearing her name the girl perked up to look at him. Then she smiled and removed her mask, waving him over. "You came! I was afraid you didn't get my message this morning."

Whoa. Sakura really was his mystery girl. Somehow, that didn't add up. Sasuke went to sit by her anyway.

"Surprised?" The girl asked after he had sat down.

"Very. I expected you to jump at every opportunity to tell me you're the one I was looking for, not wait patiently until some time passed. It's not like you I guess." Sasuke said truthfully and Sakura flushed in embarrassment.

While it was true that she lacked patience even she had some reserve. "T-that's true but I figured doing that would be no good if I couldn't prove myself." She pouted.

Sasuke smirked. "When did you learn to cook?" He questioned curiously.

"Years ago, from my mother. Although I got lazy and stopped learning so only a few things come to me, like the buns!" Sakura lied through her teeth. It was conceivable enough for Sasuke to believe every word of it.

"Oh. I actually wanted to learn how to make something but I didn't want to learn it from just anybody." Sasuke deflated slightly and unknown to him, Sakura deflated too. What? Didn't Sasuke look for his Cinderella because he fell in love with her at first sight? Or first taste in this contest? 

Catching herself, Sakura erased her saddening thoughts. It didn't matter. She would make Sasuke fall in love with her instead. "W-well I have my mum's recipe book so you're in luck! What do you want to make? I'd write down the recipe so we can start practicing together."

It was the first time she ever saw Sasuke smile and Sakura was angry at the fact that it was originally directed at Hinata, not her. "That's a relief." Sasuke sighed and proceeded to tell Sakura what he wanted to learn to make.

'Need I remind you that we can't cook?!' Her subconscious nudged her but Sakura kicked it out.

'I have a recipe book so it's fine.' She thought.

Oh yes, everything is going to be so fine.

-

The news about Sakura being Sasuke's Cinderella spread like wildfire. Girls cried louder at the reminder that their prince Sasuke was taken while Ino was beyond shocked about the news.

"What?! But that's impossible, I was right beside you!" Sakura slapped her hands over Ino's big mouth before she went around announcing that she was a fake.

"I know!" She hissed. "But Sasuke doesn't and I'd like to keep it that way! Promise you'd never tell anyone!"

Ino wordlessly drew a cross on her chest and Sakura released her. "Wah." She exhaled. "How did you manage to trick him?"

"Finders keepers, Ino. I'm not telling you." Sakura tutted.

"Aww." The blond deflated. "I pity the original girl though. She must be crying so hard in her room right now. Hee hee hee." Ino giggled loudly at the thought of a heartbreak that wasn't hers while guilt began to creep into Sakura's chest.

This original girl was her step sister and knowing Hinata, the girl was so prone to crying. Man, she was horrible but Hinata was the one that brought this upon herself by mocking her so she forced herself not to feel any remorse.

"Congratulations Sakura, you finally got Sasuke to notice you." Was the first thing Hinata said to her when she got home.

Sakura was miffed. "A-are you challenging me?" She had to ask. There was no way Hinata was congratulating her for what was supposed to be hers. But the ravenette just shook her head.

"No. I'm actually afraid since you haven't lashed out on me for keeping my identity from you. But I'm genuinely happy for you, Sakura. You've always admired Sasuke and now he's noticed you."

Hinata's kindness was shocking. No. Sakura wondered if it was more of stupidity than kindness. Or maybe even shrewdness. "D-don't try to guilt trip me Hinata! I know you don't like the fact that I stole your glory so stop pretending to be calm and fight me!" She yelled.

Hinata giggled. "Sakura relax. I'm really okay with it as long as the cinnamon buns get promoted by Sasuke, that's the main reason I went to the party. It's a win win situation for us both right? I get to have my food on the school cafeteria menu and you get to be with Sasuke."

"Really? You're okay with this?" Sakura asked.

"Hmm!" Hinata nodded.

"You're really okay with this? Don't fall in love with it later and regret it okay?"

"I can't say about that but for now I'm okay."

"I'm serious! Don't regret it later!"

"Sakura it's fine, really."

"You're not secretly angry with me and plotting my demise, are you?"

"I'm afraid of you doing the same thing too."

"So we're cool?" Sakura asked tentatively.

"Yep."

"I'm still angry at you though."

Hinata shrunk into herself. "Sorry."

***

There you have it, no blackmail! Mataku, you guys are too used to seeing Sakura as a villainess in stories.

Votes and comments are highly appreciated. Thanks for reading.

-Star.