I pant as I jog along the freshly plowed paths of the park across the street from my house. Hana said that I was crazy as I left in my sweats and hoodie but I just think I am practical. I'm athletic and no amount of snow is going to keep me in doors.

I chuckle through my pants at the thought of Namikaze out running in the snow. Ha! Like that moron would ever be out in the snow running. If I keep up these runs and training I will make varsity no problem next season.

Air comes in slow heaves as I make my way through the park in my neighborhood. My lungs burn but I relish in it, welcoming the sharp pain. Call me a masochist if you want, but I really don't think this counts towards that.

My house comes into sight and I see Sakura walking by. I come to a halt and watch her as she walks past my house. Well she isn't here to see me, so who? She walks a bit further before coming to a stop in front of the blonde brat's house. What the hell?

She knocks and I hear the door open. I faintly hear the voices floating towards me.

"Well well. If it isn't Sakura." Ino sneers unnecessarily at Sakura.

Sakura bows her head for a moment and must have muttered something, because Ino nods and lets her into the house. Hmmm

I walk out of the park furring my brow. That wasn't something you normally see. I sit down on the bench on the outskirts of the park and close my eyes. My breathing is heavy from my jog, so I take deep even breaths. The cool air helps cool me down as the wind gently blows through my neighborhood.

Now that I have seen Sakura I can't get her out of my head. It's only been two weeks since our study groups and exams, even less time since our time together over winter break, but I find myself thinking about Sakura a lot more. After spending a whole afternoon watching movies, drinking hot chocolate, and sharing a blanket in her family room, something between us as change and things only escalated during our stay at Hinata's summer home. Who am I kidding though, I kind of like it. Fuck my life.