Hana and Anko's conversation was being drowned out by the thoughts of a certain man with raven-colored hair. I tried to pretend that I was following their conversation when Anko's sudden laughter made me break out of my thoughts.

"So Kasumi, when are you going to find a boyfriend?" Anko asks, taking a sip of her tea.

I nearly choked on my drink at that question. She raised an eyebrow at the way I reacted.

"It went down the wrong pipe," I said. "And I'm trying,"

"Talking to that guy at the store about hair oil brands doesn't count," She smirked.

I rolled my eyes and took another sip of the detox water I ordered at this cafe. I wasn't actually trying to move on; I didn't want to I couldn't let go of him.

I don't even understand why I can't move on. He made it pretty clear that there was no hope for another try. 

"Hey, doesn't Izumo have that one friend who's been single for a while now? I could ask him to set her up," Hana suggests.

I sighed at their attempts at finding me a boyfriend. I had to make "Mystery Guy" sound like some kind of sleaze so they could drop the subject as to why we can't reconcile. In turn, they told me that there were tons of guys out there who would jump at a chance to be with me.

I doubt that's true, first of all, and I don't really care if they would. None of them were him, so it just wouldn't work.

Why did I have to go and fall this hard for someone who I can't have?

"Then great, it's settled!" Anko exclaimed.

"What?" I ask, trying to tune back into their conversation.

"You're going to talk to one of Izumo's friends Saturday night," Hana smirked.

"I can't," I shook my head. "I, uh, have a mission on Saturday,"

Hana was giving me a look as if she was telling me she knew I was full of it. Anko rolled her eyes and persisted some more. 

"No you don't, Lady Tsunade gave you some time off since you completed that mission last week. You're going to talk to him, and that's final," Anko smirked. 

"But, you haven't talked to him yet. How do you even know he'll agree to this?"

"We'll let you know," Anko replied. 

I shook my head. "I can't get out of this, can't I?"

Hana and Anko both shook their heads, grinning at me. "Nope,"

"Fine. What time?" 

I gave up on trying to get out of this one.

"Six o'clock at Yakiniku Q," Hana answered. "Dress cute but casual,"

I nodded in response and then immediately started regretting agreeing to this.

That's Asuma's favorite restaurant. I hope he wouldn't be there, otherwise, that would be extremely awkward considering that I haven't spoken to him for about two and a half years. 

Our conversation was interrupted by Kiba. He waved at me and then looked at Hana. "I've been looking for you. Mom was training one of our dogs earlier, and she needs your help,"

Hana stood up and smiled at Anko and me.

"I'll see you guys later, and you better not stand him up," she smirked at me.

I shook my head, and she left the cafe with Kiba. Anko checked her watch and stood up quickly. "I gotta go too! I forgot about a meeting I was supposed to be at, and it's almost starting. See you!"

She hastily left the cafe. 

I let out a long sigh once I was alone. I really needed to distract myself from a certain Uchiha who wouldn't stop invading my thoughts. Not to mention, I was dreading that blind date they were making me go to. 

I spotted Kakashi walking inside the cafe. He saw me and waved, then went to order at the front counter. The girl who was working here was practically drooling over him the entire time he was ordering. She handed him his drink with a huge blush, then he walked over to my table after that.

"Haven't seen you in a while," He remarks. "How have you been?"

"Good, I guess," I shrugged. "I've just been keeping busy with missions,"

I felt bad, but I avoided Kakashi and Guy since they're Asuma's friends. I just didn't want any more questions as to why we're not on speaking terms.

"That's good to hear," He replies. "I was wondering how you were doing since..."

He trailed off awkwardly, and I knew what he was getting at. I sighed at that. 

"I'm fine. I'm not bothered."

He gave me an apologetic look and shifted awkwardly. "Right. I'll see you around. Naruto and Jiraiya are coming back in a couple of weeks, so I gotta plan a training exercise."

He left after that, and I internally groaned. I did not want to speak about my brother at all whatsoever. It's not like I care about him anyway. 

I stood up from the table and pushed my chair in, finishing up my detox water. Since I was forced to go on the blind date this weekend, I needed to go get some better clothes at least. I had to get him out of my head, at least for today. I didn't want to start off my day all sad again.

I took a deep breath and then started thinking about who they were gonna try and set me up with. It better not be some creep or one of our other friends. It was awkward when they tried to set me up with Izumo. He's a nice guy and all, but it just wouldn't work.

I left the cafe and started shopping for some new clothes. I guess it doesn't hurt, considering I haven't bought new clothes in a while. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I'm sorry this took so long to get out and for the shorter chapter. I have a few endings in mind, so just let me know if you guys would prefer an angsty ending with the canon events or a happier one with non-canon. I'm glad to finally start this.