sorry if the chapters are taking longer than usual, i'm planning a theme for my acc, so don't be surprised if i change the cover soon ;)

S.U 

Sasuke stared at her, great euphoria he was feeling crushing down. His whole world crushing down at those words that she just said. To him, it feltso weird that his whole world depended on her. No, she was his whole world. And he hoped that he was hers.

"We're not dating."

But then, why did she want to destroy both of them?

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

S.H (earlier that day)

Sakura ran her hand through the racks of blouses, humming to herself as she picked out one. She held it to her chest, spun around and said with a grin, "Ne, Sasuke, this is cute, isn't it?"

"I guess," he turned away so Sakura couldn't see his face. He waved a hand in the air. "These perfume stink. They make my hunger grow."

Sakura frowned. "Alright, we'll leave. You could just say so, you know."

"Hmph."

She laughed and they weaved their way through several racks and stands of make-up and perfume products before leaving Macy's. Standing in the bustling street, Sakura frowned again. "Where should we have lunch?"

Sasuke tapped her shoulder and pointed to a small café to their left, nearly hidden in between big buildings of brick and concrete. "How about there?"

"Wow, you sure have an eye for things," Sakura giggled. "It looks so cute, too!"

Sasuke only smiled as the two entered the small café. As Sakura expected it was completely empty, save for them and the staff. A waitress with flaming orange hair smiled brightly at them, taking their orders for a simple drink before gesturing for them to sit at a neat table near the window.

She looked out the window to see the familiar sight of a busy New York, the view tinted beige because of the windows. She remembered something Ino told her, about aesthetic mood-boards or whatever and decided to send a photo to Ino.

While Sakura was mid-way sending a message to the blonde, she saw a finger pull her phone down. The view of her phone screen had disappeared as Sasuke leaned towards her, his face so close Sakura could count his eyelashes.

The familiar feel of heat took over her cheeks as she could only focus on the male in front of her. He tilted his head as an arrogant smirk spread across his face. Sakura could tell that Sasuke knew very well how hot and flustered he was making her. 

Sakura could only wonder why her cheeks were the only ones burning up, contrasting to his pale ones. He leaned even more forwards, so close that if his lips moved one centimeter forward, they would touch hers. 

"I want your eyes only on me," he whispered huskily. He leaned closer, and Sakura really thought they were going to kiss, when-

"Here's your hot coffees," the waitress smiled brightly, placing the drinks down. Sasuke hastily returned to his usual sitting position, his cheeks red, and Sakura looked away, embarrassed at the position they had been in. The waitress realized her mistake. "Oh, I'm so sorry for interrupting, feel free to continue!"

She walked away, and Sakura was comforted by the sight that Sasuke was actually capable of being embarrassed. Laughing silently to herself, she sipped the coffee and the warmth of the liquid seemed to seep into every corner of her body. "Ah, this is nice."

Sasuke gazed at the café. "Yeah, a perfect place for our first date."

Sakura blinked. "D-Date?"

"We're dating, aren't we?" Sasuke shot her a quizzical look. "You're my girlfriend, and I'm your boyfriend."

"Sasuke, I-" Sakura paused, regretting whatever actions she acted out earlier on that probably led him on. "We're not dating."

Sasuke only stared at her. She watched as the life he had in his eyes drain, like his whole world was being destroyed. Guilt panged in her chest like never before. "Sasuke, I'm so sorry-"

"Why?"

His voice sounded so hoarse and small, Sakura hated it. "Because we barely know each other. Years ago we were lovers, but this is now. What if you've changed? I know I have. Don't you want to know the new me before dating her?"

"I know, but," Sasuke sounded like he was forcing his words out. "Then why did we fight so much for something that we might not even have?"

"We weren't fighting for us, we were fighting for a chance."

"Then why were you so happy before? Why did you want to buy matching hats and everything? Why did you hold my hand? Why did you blush around me?"

"Because..." Sakura hesitated, looking down. "Because I want to date you so bad, I really do. Maybe that's why I nearly gave in. But, I just can't..."

I just can't do that to myself.

I'm in love with the old you.

But have you changed?

I can't throw myself into a relationship where I know nothing.

I'll be hurt.

I'll get hurt.

Again.

Last time I was in the dark that your family was even controlling our relationship.

This time, I want to know everything.

Then we can date.

But right now...

I can't do that to myself.

I can't hurt myself again.

A hand squeezed hers, and Sakura looked up in surprised. Sasuke's hand was on hers, his gaze softened and filled with concern. "I know what you're thinking. And I respect your choice."

"Sasuke, I'm really sorry if my actions led you on. I am," she squeezed back. "Wait for me?"

Please.

"Of course."

"Thank you."

So much.

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

A chorus of claps, applauds and wolf whistles greeted Sakura as she entered her apartment. When she left the Uchiha compounds with Sasuke, the rest had decided to go home and wait in excitement for the news. It had been a few hours, so the girls were screaming in anticipation.

"Sakura, looks like you got a new boo," Ino winked at her. Sakura couldn't help but laugh at Ino's childish comments. 

Ino wasn't the only one making those comments. Even Hinata, who was usually the sane one around here, joined into the incoherent babble of fangirl shipping that Ino was encouraging. Inhumane screeches were occasionally let out, and if Sakura would've been worried if she didn't know them. But she did, and she honestly expected this. 

Sakura watched as the other four models questioned her excitedly about every single detail about her hangout with Sasuke, as if they were all school girls and Sakura had managed to confess to the most popular guy in school. Joy was evident on their faces, and she felt guilt when she told them, "Guys, calm down. Sasuke and I aren't dating."

For the first time in several minutes, the room was dead quiet. Shock was on everyone's faces. Hinata spoke up first, "Why not?"

"Because, I-" Sakura felt her words get stuck in her throat, and she looked down, not knowing what to say. 

"It's okay. We get it."

Sakura looked up in shock to see her four friends circling around her, squeezing everyone tightly in the group hug. Just like Sasuke, they were willing to accept her decision without even hearing the reason behind it. They had unwavering, full trust in her. Sakura nearly cried right then and there. She was so lucky to be surrounded with people who loved her. "Thank you, all of you."

"You act as if we would push you away," Tenten nudged Sakura playfully.

Ino piped up, "And we would if she won't date Sasuke soon! Party-pooper!"

Once again, Ino made her best friend laugh. When the laughter died down, Temari suddenly slapped her head. "You guys! What are we doing, chatting like this? We're going to Paris tomorrow!"

"And?" Ino looked so oblivious, that for a second Temari looked like she was about to scold Ino as if the blonde was her kid. And then Ino gasped. "Oh, shoot! We haven't packed anything!"

The five girls stared at each other as the realization sunk in. And then-

"Are we dumb?"

"Pig, did you really just ask that?"

"You two, shut up!"

"Everyone, SHUT UP!"

"SAYS THE ONE YELLING!"

"Temari, you can hardly talk too-"

utter chaos.

The five girls raced around the apartment, stuffing as many clothes and toiletries and others into their suitcases. In their excitement about a potential new couple, they had completely forgotten that their two week trip to Paris was the next day. It seemed almost impossible to forgot about a trip overseas, to the City of Love of all places, yet they all had succeeded.

Which wasn't a good thing.

Sakura would've been laughing at Ino right now, Ino who couldn't decide on which makeup palette to bring. But she could hardly laugh, seeing as she was digging through her wardrobe right now, shifting through outfit after outfit. A small grin did emerge about the chaotic atmosphere.

But then Sakura saw something that wiped that grin off.

A selfie of her and Sasuke, back when they were in high school. Sakura was smiling brightly as she took the photo, her cheeks flushed with happiness. Sasuke was looking away, but his cheeks were tinted bright scarlet. 

And then the memories came back.

They were vivid. Too vivid.

"Sakura, don't make me tell you twice."

The hissing face of Karin Uzumaki completely towered of Sakura. The pinkette trembled against the wall she was leaning on, frozen in fear. When Karin spoke, her words dripped with venom. "Stay away from Sasuke."

"K-Karin," Sakura urged herself to speak. "Why do you even want Sasuke so badly? You guys don't even talk-"

slap

Sakura gingerly touched her cheek, pain flaring when her fingers made contact. Karin started speaking again, "Shut up. I have our whole future planned. We're going to get married on Valentine's day, and the ring will be a gorgeous diamond. My wedding dress will be a mermaid dress one, so that it shows of my curves. The flowers will be roses. And then afterwards, for our honeymoon we'll go to Paris. Then there, he'll kiss me underneath the Eiffel tower as doves fly above us, and-"

"Do you really think that will happen?"

Sakura stared as the Uchiha came to her rescue, again. Sasuke said almost boredly, "Sakura and I will be the ones getting married on Valentine's day. I will propose with a gorgeous diamond. She can wear whatever dress she wants because she looks beautiful in anything. The flowers will be Sakuras. And then for our honeymoon we'll go to Paris and I'll kiss Sakura underneath the Eiffel tower as doves fly above us. Do you like that version? Because I do. A lot."

Before she could even register what was happening, he grabbed her hand and they ran away, leaving a sulking Karin behind.  When they stopped to catch their breath, Sakura murmured, "I don't need you to rescue me."

"I know, but I like it when you need me."

Their conversation halted, both awkward avoiding the other's eyes. Then Sakura spoke up curiously, "Did you really mean what you said? About our whole future?"

"O-Of course," muttered Sasuke, looking away as he blushed extravagantly. Sakura couldn't help but giggle.

"Hold on, let me get my phone out! You look so cute when you're blushing!"

"S-Shut up!"

"Never!"

Sakura climbed into her bed, exhausted from the last minute packing. As Ino turned the lights off she stared at the photo in her hand, reliving that memory over and over.

"Good night, forehead."

"Good night, pig."

She placed the picture underneath her pillow before closing her eyes, dreaming about marriage on Valentine's day, gorgeous diamonds, dresses, Sakura flowers, trips to Paris. And then, finally, Sasuke kissing her underneath the Eiffel tower as doves flew above them.

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this chapter sucked i'm so sorry it was so cringe too sdsjajdska

happy valentine's day!!

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Word count: 1984