In front of the door where Neji was in, Shikamaru and Temari were sitting in front. I could see Shikamaru was nervous and afraid. I stood in front of him and gave a reassuring squeeze on his shoulder.

"Don't worry, Shikamaru. I'll do my best." I smiled. He nodded and I entered the room.

I immediately join Shizune and the others to perform a healing Jutsu. It took us 3 hours to heal Neji and stabilise his condition. After we are done, the nurse sent Neji into a room while Shizune and I were drained of chakra and panted heavily. Just then, Tsunade-sama barged in.

"T-Tsunade-sama.." Shizune and I muttered.

"Both of you should rest. Tomorrow will be your day off as well." She said.

"T-Thank you..Tsunade..sama..." We muttered.

She sighed and walked away with worry in her eyes.

I got up clumsily and reached out my hand to Shizune.

"Come on, Shizune." I smiled.

She grabbed my hand and pulled herself up. We supported each other as we went out of the room. The first person I saw was Gaara and I smiled at him. He walked over to me and carried me bridal style. Temari which arrived Gaara's side supported Shizune. Temari and Shizune walked away, which left Gaara and I alone.

"I'll bring you to your home." He said.

"T-Thank you..Gaara-kun." I smiled brightly.

He laid me down on my bed and tuck me in. I was already asleep by then.

Gaara's POV

I didn't know why I didn't hesitate to help her. She is the only one whom I'm this close to. Perhaps because of the bond we have. She was my first friend.

After I left her room, I saw her dad walking in. He was shocked to see me.

"What are you doing here? Leaving Sakura's room?" He was glaring at me.

"Sakura drained her chakra when she healed Neji. I brought her home and she happened to pass out before we reach here." I answered.

He thought for awhile and sighed. "Alright, thank you."

"I'm sorry." I said.

"Huh?" He looked at me questionably.

"I'm sorry for hurting Sakura." I looked to the ground.

"It's okay. You couldn't control yourself then, so it's understandable. At least you didn't cause permanent injuries or kill her." He said.

"Thank you." I said and walked out. I stopped and looked at him again. "May I ask about your relationship with her? As far as I remember, her father has black hair."

"Oh, I adopted her. About that.. You have to ask her yourself. It isn't my place to tell you. Sorry about that."

"It's alright. I shall excuse myself. Good day, sir" I said and walked out.

I wonder what happened to her father.. Come to think of it, her necklace looks like her father's sword.

Wait..

When am I interested in other people's business?

Is this called care..?

..I guess it is..

It wouldn't hurt to care, right..?

I mean.. I just care for her as a friend..

It's normal...

..Right??

Published: December 2014
Edited: 13 January 2017