S.H

"Sasuke-kun, pick between us now!"

"No, let him decide when he wants to date."

"Now!" 

"Sakura."

"Sasuke, I get it if you don't want to date any of us now, Karin's just being anno-"

"Sakura."

"Yeah?"

"I pick... Karin. Sakura...You're annoying."

Glistening tears slid down Sakura's face as she recalled that memory, tracing the outline of her nose before falling onto the bedsheet. Her chest shuddered and heaved with every tear passing by, and she started to hiccup slightly. She shivered and snuggled under the warm blanket even more, trying to block the sadness away. It didn't work.

Every time she thought about the incident, it would have the same affect for her, even though it was nine years ago. This time, however, the pain and grief were so much more brutal, like a sword stabbing her in the gut repeatedly. This was the first time she had seen him since he walked away from the pinkette, hand in hand with a certain Uzumaki just to rub it in. 

It sucked. It sucked that one teen could affect Sakura's life so much. It sucked that she felt so much pain after so long. It sucked that he ruined her life, and she let him.

I should feel mad, shouldn't I? Thought Sakura to herself, as tears silently continued to pour out from her eyes. It felt like an old wound was opening again, ten times more painful and fresh. But...I don't. I just feel...hurt. Extremely hurt. 

The door to the bedroom creaked open, and the sound of high heels clicking onto the floor echoed throughout the quiet space. The bed's weight shifted slightly, and a hand stroked pink hair in a motherly way. 

"Shhh," soothed Ino, continue to stroke Sakura's hair. "It's okay, Sakura. It's okay. Me, Hinata, Tenten, Temari; we're all here for you. We've got your back."

"T-Thanks, Ino," hiccupped Sakura quietly. She was eternally grateful for everyone's friendship. "It means a lot to me."

"He won't hurt you anymore, alright?" whispered the blonde. "If he does, Tenten and I will kick his ass to tomorrow." 

In spite of herself, Sakura giggled at Ino's statement, because she knew it was true. I really do have the best friends in the world. "I need to stop crying, don't I? I'm such a crybaby."

"Sakura," scolded Ino, her sweetness and stroking instantly gone. In an instant, they returned. "Stop viewing yourself like that. You are not a crybaby. And you do not need to be happy all the time. You just need to express yourself, including your ups and downs. I don't know why people think you have to be beautiful and happy all the time. I find crying like a great release from by body. So go ahead and cry. Let it all out. Come on, I know you need it."

That was all Sakura needed. She lost all her previous calmness, and started hysterically bawling. She sat up, tears streaming even more down her face and instantly hugged Ino. The ex-girlfriend of Shikamaru was shocked for a second, before smiling and hugging her best friend back. "Let it all out, forehead."

Sakura felt so grateful for Ino at this point. Here the Haruno was, a sniveling mess, and Ino was still sticking by her side and comforting her, as she had always done since high school. Sakura must've saved the world in her past life to have Ino as her best friend. At this kind gesture, Sakura cried even more.

"I-I just feel so s-stupid," sobbed Sakura, her tears staining Ino's shirt. "It's been n-nine fucking years and I still c-can't get over it! It just...it just h-hurts so much..."

"Sasuke's an asshole," Ino stated clearly like it was a fact everyone should know. "Try to change my mind."

Sakura made a noise that sounded like she was half-crying, half-laughing. She wiped off her tears. "I can't believe I'm crying over an asshole."

"I can't believe it either," Ino giggled as Sakura's crying came to an end. "Sakura, you can do better than him."

When the pinkette didn't reply back, Ino frowned. "Sakura?"

A faint snoring sound could then be heard. Ino chuckled to herself before laying Sakura back down onto the bed, making sure the duvet kept her warm. "Sweet dreams."

y'all better not be shipping inosaku 

-----------------

S.U

"You're annoying."

The very words he uttered nine years ago echoed in his head. Guilt washed over him, like every time he thought about her. Eventually he taught himself to forget about her. But that didn't work out when he saw her just two hours ago. 

The Uchiha groaned, sinking further into the couch. He hoped that he didn't hurt her even more tonight...yet he knew he did. They only had eye contact for just a moment, just a second...and something passed between them. Perhaps connection through a mutual feeling of pain?

No. 

I can't even compare her pain to mine, thought Sasuke, running a hand through his hair in a troubling manner. Even though he was forced to act against his will...ultimately, Sakura Haruno was in more pain. She had just gone through a breakup, but the main reason was him. He was causing her pain. 

"Teme, teme, teme," tutted Sasuke's best friend, flopping down on the couch besides him. "You're still moping about her?"

"Yes, I am, dobe," Sasuke rolled his eyes, switching on the television. "Got a problem?"

"No, it's just...can't you just apologize to Sakura?" Naruto said while munching on some Cheetos. 

Sasuke stared at the packet of chips. "You literally just had a full course dinner half an hour ago."

"Stop trying to change the subject!" exclaimed Naruto, spraying Sasuke with flecks of Cheetos. The raven-haired teen grimaced. "Apologize to Sakura!"

"Does it look like I like living with this guilt!?" Sasuke suddenly shouted, standing up, anger boiling in his chest. Naruto stared at him, wide-eyed. "I want to apologize so bad, but I can't! Why? Because I'm ashamed! Ashamed that I followed my dad's orders! I'm a c-coward, Naruto!"

Naruto winced at his best friend insults to himself. Sasuke exhaled and collapsed onto the couch, holding the bridge of his nose and closing his eyes. "I want to. I really do. B-but, it's just-"

"I know, I know," interrupted Naruto, squeezing Sasuke's shoulders. "Your pride. Just take your time, okay? Now, let's continue watching-"

"I don't feel like watching anime or a drama tonight," the ravenette stood up. "I'm gonna go to sleep."

"Your loss."

"Whatever, dobe."

I'll just sleep the guilt off.

--------------------------------

S.H 

"Sakura! Wake up!"

Groaning, the pinkette slowly sat up, rubbing her eyes as the light penetrated her sleep. She yawned while rubbing her head. Falling asleep while wearing a tight bun is not a good idea. Sakura glared at the blonde who had waken her up. "Pig! It's so early!"

"One in the afternoon is not early!" screeched Ino, putting her hands on her hips like a pissed off mother. "Be grateful I'm cleaning your bed for you!"

Sakura's eyes widened. "Yo-you are?"

Ino rolled her eyes. "Only because you were bawling your eyes out at night. And it gets me out of grocery shopping. Sakura, the shopping bags are in the wardrobe and make sure to buy kebab for tonight!"

"Wha-" Sakura scowled when she realized what Ino meant. Ino grinned cheekily, pushing Ino into the bathroom with some clothes. "Ino-PIG!"

"Shush!" came Ino's shout. "Get dressed, I'm starving already!"

Rolling her eyes, the pinkette let out a tired huff. She glanced at the clothes Ino gave her along with the shopping bags, and figured it would be best to get it over and done with. Sighing, she threw the clothes on quickly and checked the outfit in the mirror. 

A white tee with a picture of pink boba tea on it tucked into a pair of light denim mom jeans, accompanied by some black boots. Sakura shrugged, pulling her hair into a loose, low ponytail. Good enough. 

The sun was shining brightly as Sakura walked out of the apartment. She winced at the light and hurried on to the supermarket, at the corner of the street. A small smile graced her lips as the cold air washed over her. 

First on my list, avocados.

She silently made her way down the list, weaving around the supermarket and grabbing each item she needed, until there was only one left. 

Honey soy chicken kebabs.

Sakura made her way down to the meat section before spotting the packet she had been looking for you. She grabbed it, but so did somebody else. Pale fingers quickly withdrew and she glanced up to see an all-too familiar Uchiha. 

"My apologies, Sakura," said Itachi, reaching to grab another packet. 

"Itachi," greeted Sakura. She used to study with the prodigy during school, but never really spoke to him again after the Sasuke incident. She figured that since he never hurt her personally like Sasuke did, it would be unreasonable and stupid to ignore Itachi. "It's been a long time."

"Yeah," he frowned. "It's weird never seeing you in this neighbor hood. Sasuke and I haven't seen you in ages. But you probably still talk to Sasuke, huh?"

She tried not to grimace when Itachi mentioned his younger brother. He doesn't know what happened. 

"I don't get out a lot," Sakura answered, dodging his last question. "Besides, it's your first time at the supermarket."

"How could tell?" Itachi raised an eyebrow. 

"For one, you've shopped for ice-cream already," Sakura pointed at the box. "Ice-cream goes last because it melts easily."

"Ah," Itachi frowned. "I get it. We usually have a maid or butler get the food, but Dad gave them a week of leave out of gratitude for serving our family for ten years. Other than that-"

"You're usually busy with modelling, huh?" smirked Sakura knowingly.

Itachi Uchiha was surprisingly a model. Many people that grew up with him thought that because of his intellect, her would pursue a career in business or medicine. Apparently not. 

Some people speculate that it's because of Fugaku. Every single member of the Uchiha family looked good, even without Sharingan. It's no wonder the whole family excelled in modelling. Fugaku Uchiha, head of the old Japanese clan, made sure that each Uchiha got a career in modelling.

Sakura personally found it a bit weird. Uchihas do look good, but they're also smart as well. Sakura's sure that they would be well off with starting a business company or something. Maybe Fugaku doesn't want to risk anything. If they started a company, there would be a lot of risks that could eventually lead to their downfall.

She's met Fugaku before as well. He's a practical, strategic person that always assess the situation before making a move. Sakura know what Sasuke thinks of him. An uncaring, stern, neglectful father. I wonder what Sasuke thinks about him now- 

"Yeah..." sighed Itachi, running his hand through his silky hair. "How's modelling for Senju treating you?"

It was then that Sakura got reminded that Itachi was my rival in the modelling industry. Itachi didn't model for Senju, but rather another big company known as the Akatsuki. The Akatsuki were famous for their dark theme in modelling. Their models are often portrayed as 'dark and mysterious'. Itachi certainly can be that sometimes.  

The company was fairly big, despite their small number of people compared to Senju. Senju has five different branches; Konoha, Suna, Kumo, Iwa & Kiri. Konoha, the branch Sakura's from is based in New York. Suna is based in Los Angeles, but Suna & Konoha sometimes model together because they're closest to each other, length-wise.

Kiri & Kumo are both based in Europe. Kiri in Paris, Kumo in England. Iwa's the only branch in Asia and is based in China but sometimes does Japan. That's another difference between as and the Akatsuki. Senju is mostly global, but Akatsuki is only in the U.S and Asia. 

"Senju has been great," Sakura smiled, meaning what she said. "I get hired often and money is good. How about Akatsuki?"

"Better than I expected," Itachi grinned back at her. "You know at first, Izumi didn't want me joining the company because the headquarters looked like a home for prostitutes."

She laughed loudly at that, along with Itachi. Izumi wasn't wrong. That place looked hella creepy and dark, even in broad daylight. Seeing as each member of the Akatsuki is filthy rich, you would think that would have a cleaner. "That's facts."

The talk of Izumi reminded her of something. Last time Sakura had heard, Itachi had started dating the model just after they graduated from college together. "So, I take it you and Izumi are still together...?"

 "Yeah," Itachi grinned, genuinely happy. Then he snapped his fingers and quickly dug through his jacket pockets. "Speaking of Izumi and I's relationship, we're getting married!"

"Really?" I exclaimed in happy shock. "Congratulations!"

"Thank you. I asked the question during a secret trip back to Japan," he smiled even wider, his eyes glowing as he recalled the memory. Itachi thrusted a card towards the pinkette. "You're invited. It's in a month, on a Sunday. You coming?"

Sakura stared at him in shock. She didn't expect to be invited to their wedding. She hasn't talked to Itachi in more than five years, and Izumi and her rarely talk, even though they were quite close back in high-school. She studied medicine with Sakura, and was really good at it. Izumi even took special classes with her. The difference was that Sakura failed in medicine and Izumi's a part-time dermatologist currently. 

When Itachi asked Sakura the question, she initially wanted to say yes. It's been ages since she's been to a wedding, and weddings are fun & always have good food. Then she realized sadly that Sasuke was Itachi's dear brother. No way would Sasuke be invited to the wedding and not be best man or at least a groomsmen. "I'm sorry, Itachi. But I don't think-"

"Please," he gave me a pleading look. "Izumi wants you to be a bridesmaid."

"Really?" she raised her eyebrows. "Well, I think about it then. But no promises."

"Alright," Itachi said, relieved. A beeping noise came from his expensive watch. He glanced down, a  frown crossing his face. "Sorry, Sakura, I need to finish to groceries. There's an Uchiha meeting in half an hour, and I'm probably going to be late. Well, it was nice seeing you."

"You too," Sakura smiled, bowing in usual Japanese style as a sign of respect. The Uchiha raced over to the vegetable section. Chuckling to herself, she headed towards the counter, the invitation in her hand.

Should I go?

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sorry this chapter's kinda sloppy

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Word count: 2452