[The next day...]
Third Person's P.O.V
"Eeehh?! What do you mean Naruto Uzumaki is not in his bed?! He's not in a good condition to move around yet!"
"Shizune-san, it seems Ayuda Makino has disappeared as well!"
"Haaah?! This is bad! Everyone, let's split up and search all over the village! They better not do something stupid!"
Three figures were standing just outside the hospital, witnessing a fair amount of medical ninjas rushing out of the building and betaking themselves to different directions. Shizune, the Fifth Hokage's assistant, was seen following behind a group of them with great immediacy. Panic was written all over her face and they could understand why.
Kankuro snickered, "Don't tell me those two are planning to retrieve Sasuke Uchiha again."
Temari spoke up, "If they do, I'm not surprised. Those two are the closest to that guy after all. It's no wonder why they are so persistent about it."
The youngest among the three, Gaara, remained tight-lipped, which was undeniably a normal thing. His arms crossed over his chest and his features were cold and hard as steel, emanating the vibe of an unapproachable person. He heard his older brother ask, "So? When do we get back to the Sand Village?"
"Baki-sensei mentioned that we ought to return when everything is alright," replied Temari, "I guess we will depart tomorrow then."
"Ah! You three!" a recognizable female voice came in, pulling their eyes in the direction of the voice. It was Shizune who appeared out of nowhere. Beads of sweat rolled down her face slowly but surely. She sent them a tired smile and said, "Could you lend us a help? As you can see, Naruto and Ayuda have vanished from the hospital and I have just received a report from the guards at the gate that they haven't seen them yet, so they must be somewhere in the village. It would be very much appreciated if you three help us once again."
Temari and Kankuro exchanged glances while Gaara kept gazing at Shizune with a blank stare. Since the three of them had nothing else to do, they accepted the unexpected mission.
Gaara strolled around the village at a leisure pace until he reached a secluded, hidden place. His aimless journey had sent him there by coincidence. However, it seemed the luck was on his side for he detected an identifiable chakra not far from him. He thought nonchalantly, 'It's that girl's chakra...'
The redhead scoured the hushed area. Everyone, including children, could tell that this place was long abandoned. Although the place was blessed with a calm serenity, Gaara could faintly feel an eerie vibe radiating around it. It's as if that place had a very disturbing past that the harrowing aura still remained there to this day. Since he had murdered a great number of people before, he had learned that this ambiance was only found in places that were once filled with screams of terror a long time ago.
A bright color caught his eyes. It was the color of red and white in the shape of a paper fan. He recognized it right away as the crest behind Sasuke Uchiha's shirt. In other words, it was the Uchiha Clan's symbol which means this area was unmistakably the Uchiha compound, the place where the Uchiha Clan lived.
But what was Ayuda doing there?
***
Ayuda's P.O.V
There is no mistaking it. This is the place where he took me on a date - the place where we had our picnic together, surrounded by dark purple tulips called Queen of the Night.
A calming breeze swept past me, inviting and dancing along with my dark hair, as I took in the beauteous scenery before me. Green, fresh trees, a wide clear field filled with dark tulips that shook from left to right along with the wind as though they also desired to dance as well, the blue and white sky. It's a shame that not many people could discover such magnificent view, though it was better this way so no one could pollute this land.
My gaze landed in the middle of the flowery field - the spot where we had a picnic, the spot where we exchanged information about each other, the spot where we shared laughter, the spot where we literally talked like best friends.
Recalling these flashbacks cause my mind to visualize two figures on that spot with their backsides facing me. They were me and Sasuke, eating, talking, and laughing like we absolutely had no worries to think about. Those two were entirely clueless to what would happen next. One of them would defect to the enemy, and the other would choose to stay here. As I continued imagining the two of them, I couldn't help but wish I had the power to communicate with the me from the past - to tell her that Sasuke would succumb to his revenge and betray his village and to tell her to get her heart prepared.
I closed my eyes, the two imaginary figures of me and Sasuke vanished as well. I began to turn around, knowing that I ought to return back to the hospital. However, I halted abruptly when something caught my eye.
It was the tree where Sasuke and I had carved our chibi forms and teasing words on. Even with the great distance, I could still see the drawing of our two adorable avatars. I frowned when my mind automatically recollected those flashbacks once again. No, stop thinking about him already! He's gone now and is happy about being Orochimaru's new dog! He has left behind our memories, his friends, his comrades, his village, and me.
I whipped around and stormed off. I had the impulse to go there and check our chibi forms, but my heart wasn't ready at that time. I knew I would cry the moment I reach there. I refused to cry over one boy who chose power over me. I refused to cry over the boy who left me. I may be a woman, but I'm not that weak. I refuse to be that weak!
It took me more than fifteen seconds to exit floral yard and enter another area - the Uchiha compound. It all made sense. That day when Sasuke and I went on a 'date', he took me to that flowery field by using a long path and mentioned about the other short path. The reason why Sasuke declined to use the short path was that if we did, we had to go past the Uchiha compound, the place where the Uchiha massacre occurred. Of course, stepping into that place would trigger the appalling memory in his mind.
It turned out the Uchiha compound was just right beside the majestic floral land. Not wanting to provoke the bad memory of the massacre and ruining the 'date', he'd rather use the long route which avoided his compound.
The reason why I came here in the first place was that I wanted to check it out myself. I had looked at the entire map of the Leaf Village back in the hospital when I detected one gigantic space called the Uchiha compound. Scrutinizing the routes to the said compound, I realized I had used those paths before - that time when Sasuke and I were heading for the floral yard. I knew that something was fishy here and so I departed. And then I discovered that the flowery land was right behind the Uchiha compound.
I sighed as I ambled around the noiseless compound. So this is the place where everything happened, huh? Of course, entering this area make me think about ghost. But it is broad daylight right now so I'm not scared at all. However, when I imagined dead bodies here and there, I couldn't help but feel frightened immediately. I also felt like someone was watching me in the shadow.
A small, thumping noise suddenly echoed throughout the silent place and that alone caused me to shriek in terror. I spun my head to the right side with sharp and rough movement. Seeing nothing suspicious in my line of vision, I sent my gaze upward. I nearly jumped out of my skin upon seeing a figure with red hair standing on the rooftop, though it took me a split second to identify who it was.
"Gaara..." I murmured with wide eyes. The said boy gave me a vacant stare, seemingly awaiting my response. Fear seeped out of my body, making me loosen up in ease. But then I crinkled my forehead in anger, a furious vein popped out of my temple and I raised my voice, "Don't scare me like that! You should have just said "hi" or whatever, but don't appear out of nowhere like a ghost!"
As soon as I finished, one thought dawned on me that this boy - Gaara - was the one who had a monster sealed within him and was deemed a trump card by his people during the invasion of Konoha. He could kill me without mercy at any second then. That moment was perfect. No one was around except us two and he could do whatever he wanted here, including crushing me with his sand.
The consternation from before returned. The complete silence between us drove my apprehension to another level that beads of sweat started to appear on my face. I was as still as a statue, fearfully thinking that moving one inch could send me into the bottomless pit of death.
However, the one word I did not expect to hear from the redhead's mouth broke the silence, "Sorry."
I shot my gaze to his emotionless face. An astonished mien adorned my features. Gaara added, "I came here looking for you. The hospital staffs have discovered your absence and they are now searching high and low for you. We should head back."
The boy with red hair leaped down to the spot in front of me and walked away. I drilled my gaze deep into his head. He's... changed. He was nicer than that time when I met him in the Chuunin Exam. His eyes weren't as cold as before. The tone in his voice held no malevolence whatsoever. He has completely changed in a good way. But why? And how? Could it be Naruto?
I sped up to catch up with the reticent red-haired boy. Walking by his side, we exited from the Uchiha compound, leaving it as it was.
"I see that Naruto is not with you."
I blinked my eyes and darted my eyes to the boy who just spoke, "Huh?"
Gaara elucidated without sending me a glance, "He has escaped from the hospital too and we all thought you two are together in this."
I directed my gaze onward, "Naruto too, huh? I haven't seen him since yesterday when we all returned from the mission of retrieving Sasuke."
Mentioning Sasuke's name made me feel a little bit down. I let out a quiet sigh of despair and resumed strolling with Gaara. It's weird now that I think about it. Sasuke has drowned himself in complete darkness while Gaara has swum away from the atrocious dark side. Even Neji has changed too. He is no longer ignorant. It is now quite rare to hear him talk about destiny and all. I could see that when we worked together in the last mission. There is a glint of respect in his eyes when he spoke to Naruto.
"What were you doing in there?"
I heard Gaara inquire me. His blank gaze finally landed on me, waiting for my response. He must've been curious why I was in the Uchiha compound.
"Oh, nothing. Just want to check on something."
Thankfully, he didn't ask more details about it as he threw his eyes back to the front. I stared at him with my mouth slightly parted, my eyes sparkling in wonder. He really has changed.
That Naruto... what did he do to change Gaara and Neji? It's like he extends his hand out and pulls those two out of the wicked immorality. Neji doesn't talk badly about other people now and Gaara's bloodlust is nowhere to be found in his eyes and manner.
That's when I remembered a certain memory. Shifting my gaze to the redhead beside me, I asked reluctantly, "Gaara, can I ask you something?"
His teal eyes moved and landed on me. His impassive countenance did not change even the slightest and he nodded his head soundlessly, giving me his approval. I queried, "That night... you sneaked into my room, right?"
Once again, my words did not evoke any response from him. He simply looked at me with an expressionless face. Although he did not speak or nod or shake his head at all, I could tell that he admitted to it. His silence gave me the impression that he said yes. I continued, "What were you planning to do?"
Gaara cast his eyes to the front and answered, "I saw your battle at the preliminary exam. I knew from that moment that you possess a great amount of chakra which I thought was delicious to kill. My bloodlust was accumulating at an unbearable pace and I decided to kill you to appease my desire. I didn't expect that Sasuke Uchiha would come in and foil my attempt."
I silently sent him a wide-eyed stare. I see. It's just as Sasuke and I expected. He came to kill me that night. Despite the negative feelings I harbored for that Uchiha, I couldn't help but feel grateful to him. He saved my life after all. He even slept in my room that same night to confirm that Gaara wouldn't creep in again. My eyes softened as I recalled those memories. Thank you, Sasuke.
"Do you hate me?"
I snapped out of my trance and found Gaara looking fixedly at me. A hint of curiosity enriched his features. Not wanting to offend him, I quickly replied, "N-no. I mean, yeah, you sneaked into my room with bad intention and also attacked my village, but..."
I paused as I looked back on that moment when Gaara suddenly made his appearance in front of Kimimaro and rescued me and Rock Lee. My lips turned into a smooth curve, forming a cordial smile as I added, "If it wasn't for you, Rock Lee and I would have died in the hands of that bone guy. You have redeemed yourself with that so I am no longer mad at you. Thank you for saving us."
It's as if emotions failed to manipulate his features for he remained unresponsive as always. Nevertheless, I discerned his eyes widening ever so slightly before they returned back to their normal state as quick as a thunder. He wordlessly nodded his head to me and the two of us proceeded to make our ways to the hospital.
***
I was currently lying on my hospital bed, gazing at the gray ceiling. I was lost deep in thought when I heard the door open. I craned my neck to see who it was. The one boy I honestly did not expect to visit me stood there. His presence made me shoot up and sit upright on the bed as polite as I could. I murmured, "You are..."
He closed the door behind him and ambled across the room stealthily, making a beeline for the chair that was located next to my bed. The closer he got, the better I could see him. Instead of wearing his usual attire, he was now donning the costume of a hospital patient, just like me. He seated himself on the chair, looking towards me with his lavender eyes. I questioned him with a soft voice, "Neji... what are you doing here?"
The Hyuuga boy sent me a vacant stare, "I came here to ask you something. But first of all... how are you? I heard from Shikamaru that your shoulder was pierced by one of Orochimaru's henchmen."
His eyes flitted to my shoulder and I followed his gaze, "The nurse said it will take a few more days for it to recover completely. The other wounds have already healed and I am good enough to head home now, but my sister insisted it would be best if I stay here until my shoulder recovers thoroughly, so here I am. How about you?"
"I still need to stay here for several days," replied Neji, "The last enemy inflicted serious injuries on me so it might take a week or more for me to bounce back."
"I see..."
An awkward silence swept into the room without notice, causing the two of us to avert our gazes and glanced elsewhere. I pursed my lips and stared down at my sheet. The tension between us is so unbearable. If we are already this awkward, then how about that time when we are officially engaged? I bet we can't even look at each other for one second and also avoid one another as much as we can!
The edgy silence carried on for ten seconds until Neji thankfully broke it, "Have you heard about it?"
My gaze flew to his face and I blinked, "Heard about what?"
"It seems like you haven't," Neji informed me, "Our engagement ceremony is postponed for some unknown reasons."
I stretched my eyes wide in shock. My jaw dropped right then and there and I felt the whole world stand still and grant me a short moment of quietude for me to recover my composure. The boy in front of me looked amused at my expression as he waited for my response. I immediately queried, "Are you sure about this?"
Neji nodded his head as a yes. I inquired him again, "How do you know?"
"My uncle just visited me several seconds ago and told me about this. I was surprised too and he said your parents are the ones who did this. That's why I came here to ask you. What did you do to make them change their minds?"
"What I did...?" my eyes shifted upward, indicating that I had put on a thinking cap, "That's weird. All they did was visiting me and watching the interrogation between me and the Fifth Hokage and then... ah!"
One probable answer hit me when I recalled the scene of the said moment. Yes, they watched the conversation, right? Which means they know about my refusal to Sasuke's invitation. The looks they gave me after that - it is indubitable that they are proud and moved by what I did. Could it be that this is their way to repay me?
"What's the matter?" asked the unaware Hyuuga genius.
I flitted my purple orbs to him, "I think I know why. Since I was the last one who confronted Sasuke, Tsunade-sama came to ask me several questions about him and my parents were there, watching everything. They know that I rejected Sasuke's offer to go with him and this is probably the reason why they have delayed the engagement."
Neji's eyes widened in disbelief, "Sasuke Uchiha asked you to desert the village with him?"
No one has obviously informed him about this. I nodded, "Yes, and I declined."
The surprised look enriching his features gradually disappeared and he said, "Of course. Your parents must be touched at your action. You could have just run away from all of this and live in freedom with Sasuke, but surprisingly you refused. The fact that you could disappear from their eyes at any moment must have changed their minds. But we must not be at ease for now. Our engagement is simply postponed. We need to get it called off one hundred percent."
My mouth twitched into a smile, "That's right. We must put more effort into this. Maybe we should reason with our parents together. Seeing our refusal to this arranged marriage will probably do the magic."
"I've been thinking about that too," Neji flashed me a small smile, "Just call me when it is time to do that."
He's not that bad after all. However, my smile dropped in an instant upon seeing two familiar figures in the doorway.
***
Third Person's P.O.V
"Naruto!!!"
"Hey, Kaito!"
"How are you?! I just heard that you escaped from the hospital just now. Even though you are not well enough, you still want to cause some troubles, huh?!"
"No! I had this irresistible craving for ramen just now so I sneaked off and raced to Ichiraku Ramen! I was on my tenth bowl when Tsunade-obaachan's assistant found me! I'm still not satisfied yet! Kaito, bring me some ramen!"
"What?! Me?! No way! You are an insatiable ramen lover and I-"
"But yesterday you said you are willing to do everything I want since I am still recovering-!"
"But that doesn't mean-"
"Shut up!" two voices - one boy and one girl - exclaimed in perfect unison, rendering the two noisy boys speechless.
"You two are too loud!" exploded Sakura Haruno, "Don't you realize we are in a hospital right now?!"
Kazuki butted in, "The other patients around here must be upset too so stop shouting already!"
Both Naruto and Kaito wore a deadpan look as they mumbled, "Now they are the ones who are being loud..."
"Anyway," Kaito continued, "I just finished visiting Ayuda just now so now I'm here for you, Naruto. You should be thankful that I am being such a loyal friend to you."
Sakura shifted her gaze to the red-eyed boy, "How is she doing?"
Kazuki answered, "She is doing fine. Her mood has gotten better too after talking with Neji Hyuuga."
"Neji?" repeated Naruto in confusion.
Kaito spoke, "Yeah, him. We entered her room and found Neji sitting next to the bed. He took his leave as soon as he saw us. Whatever they talked about must have brightened her up."
"I see..." Naruto cast his blue eyes to the white blanket. An image of both Sasuke and Ayuda materialized in his mind. He then questioned, "Ayuda... she was the last one who talked to him, right?"
Naruto's sudden change of state exuded an air of melancholy around him, seeping into the others' hearts little by little, making them feel unhappy just like he was. Kaito replied with a low voice, "Yeah..."
"Oh..." muttered Naruto. The others stared at him in the same wretched mood. The carefree ambiance from before had already diminished and was replaced by a strong, dispirited vibe. However, they were dumbstruck to see a large grin curving Naruto's lips. The blond boy suddenly declared, "But that does not change a thing! I'm not giving up yet! I am going to take Sasuke back! And this time, Ayuda will be by my side and help me in dragging his butt back here! Of course, Sakura-chan, you can help us too! Kaito, Kazuki, I am counting on you two as well! We will take him here by force!"
Sakura flashed him a warm smile, certainly proud and touched at his simple words. His determination was pretty admirable in her eyes. However, unlike her, the other two boys exchanged frowns and knowing glances. Kaito cleared his throat, breaking the cheery atmosphere, and said, "Forgive me, Naruto. But you have to count Ayuda out."
Naruto and Sakura threw shocked gazes to the brown-haired boy. Naruto vociferated, "Huh?! Why?!"
Kaito looked fixedly at the loud blond boy and answered, "His absence has affected her deeply and emotionally. Since I care about her more than you can imagine, I told her to forget about Sasuke. It is time for her to move on."
Naruto became livid in an instant, "Why did you do that, Kaito?! She is Sasuke's closest friend and someone who understands him!"
Kazuki joined in, apparently choosing Kaito's side, "Yes, and? That doesn't change the fact that Sasuke is now a missing-nin."
This time, Sakura interjected, revealing whose side she chose, "You two don't understand. Sasuke cares about her and he might have listened to her if there is another chance for them to talk."
Kaito turned his attention to her, "Sakura, you remember, right? The interrogation we eavesdropped yesterday. Ayuda tried to reason with him and he simply ignored her. And yes, I do know that he cares about her... to the point that he asked her to go with him."
The clueless Naruto was undoubtedly aghast, "What?! Sasuke asked her that?!"
Kaito said in response, "Yeah, and thankfully, Ayuda rejected him, but I can see that she is being reluctant about it. One part of her wanted to go with him while the other one wanted to stay in the village. I know she was being hesitant about this because she, too, cares about him. What if Sasuke somehow appears and asks her again? There is a possibility that she will accept this time. So that's why I want her to forget about him and move on. He is a poison to her."
Naruto clenched his teeth, scowling at the brown-haired boy who he considered his best friend. He was indeed mad at him, but he also understood the reason why Kaito did that. He loved Ayuda so much just like how a father loves his daughter. The changes in Ayuda were so blatantly obvious after Sasuke's betrayal. She had become more distant and less cheerful like before. Sasuke had sucked away most of her soul and Kaito was utterly pissed off and this drove him to do what he just did. Just like an overprotective father, he thought this was for her own good.
Naruto looked away and sent his gaze back to his sheet. He queried, "So... what did Ayuda say?"
"She agreed."
***
Ayuda's P.O.V
"Ayuda!!!"
My eyes flew to the door which was unexpectedly slammed open by a certain boy who happened to be Naruto Uzumaki in a patient's clothing. I shot him a baffled look. Why does he look so irritated? He exclaimed, his booming voice echoed throughout the room, "You agreed?!"
My confused frown deepened, "Agreed what?"
"You agreed to forget about Sasuke?!"
I widened my eyes in shock. Kaito must have told him.
I looked away, ignoring his burning gaze which he drilled into my head, "Yes."
"Why?!"
I frowned, but this time, in anger and annoyance, "I have my reasons, Naruto."
The blond boy stepped in and marched across the room. It took him three seconds to reach the bedside. He had totally forgotten to close the door for his attention was fully fixed on me. Without plunking himself down on the chair, he stood there and gazed at me with a pair of gentle, sympathetic blue eyes. It's like he was trying to persuade me with his eyes.
"Ayuda..." he began, "...I know you are very angry about his defection. I am too. But... don't forget about him. You can move on with your life, but do not erase him from your mind. Don't act like he never exists."
"Then what if Sasuke is the one who chooses to cut our bonds with him?" I asked with a challenging tone.
Naruto's eyebrows twitched as though those words pained him so much. He closed his eyes and remained silent, attempting to recover his equanimity. He exhaled one deep breath before his eyes parted and turned to me. He answered with unshakable resolve, "That will not change my bond for him. He can cut it, severe it, and destroy the bond, but I will still hold on to it. And I want you to do the same thing too, Ayuda. I mean... you two have this great connection. He may have cut my bond, but I bet he will not cut yours. He cares about you after all."
I was speechless. This blond, hyperactive boy was too determined for his own good. His perseverance is very impressive, but... doesn't he realize that all of that will just turn into ashes one day?
"You cannot predict things like that, Naruto," I spoke up, the tone of my voice dropped a little, expressing my slight irritation, "Everything can change in a blink of an eye. Plus, you don't have evidence to back up your words. If he really cares about me, then... he should just forget about his revenge and return to the village for my sake."
"Then what about that time when Sasuke asked you to go with him?" Naruto questioned me with a bold voice.
I pursed my lips, uncertain how to answer this one, "That... he is just being selfish."
One of Naruto's eyebrows shot up, "Selfish for you and revenge? Yeah, that kind of makes sense. He looks at you like how I look at ramen."
I scoffed, "How silly."
The blue-eyed boy chuckled for a brief moment, "I know right. It's kind of silly to think that the great Sasuke Uchiha is capable of thinking about someone like that. However... he sees me and Sakura as annoying people, but I know you are the only person he can really tolerate with."
His words brought forth a flashback of that moment.
***
It's as if he read my thought that he stared back into my purple eyes, the corner of his lips tugging upwards pulling the smallest smirk I had ever seen on his face. He then answered:
"You're the only annoying person whose company I can really tolerate."
I rolled my eyes again but this time with a genuine smile. My right hand rose to my chest and I asked innocently, "I am annoying?"
"You are annoying," Sasuke's smirk lingered on his 'oh-so-glorious' face as he looked away from my eyes which were filled with fake innocence.
***
My eyes softened upon looking back on that fond memory. I shut my eyes when I felt clear liquid welling in them. A heavy weight was placed in my heart, slowly spreading all over my body. This feeling... this is that feeling when someone is about to cry. I immediately tried to impede this emotion. No, do not cry in front of Naruto. Do not cry over the boy who has abandoned you.
I swallowed a lump in my throat before I spoke with a croaky voice, "Naruto, please leave me alone."
Naruto was clearly hesitant to do so. He looked like he had so many things to tell me, to convince me, to make me change my mind, but he ended up acquiescing in my wish. He took a few steps backward, staring at me with his wide blue eyes before he spun around and made his way to the door. The sound of his footsteps gradually became smaller and smaller until they abruptly vanished. I looked to see him standing in the doorway with his back facing me. I knew from that moment on that he wanted to give his final words to me.
"I'm sorry for pestering you, but you have to know that you have a big chance to change his mind," stated Naruto, "He cares about you more than he cares about me, Sakura, Kakashi, and the others and I know you feel the same way too. So please do not give up and forget about him. We will take him back together."
He turned around and sent me his famed smile that showed all of his teeth. His eyes were closed tight in a purposeful eye-smile. His right arm flew into the air, directing it towards me, and closed his hand into a fist and brought his thumb up. He chirped, "Just let it all out, Ayuda. And when you do, let's get stronger and drag him here."
After a short moment of being a statue in that prominent pose, he finally exited the room and was aware enough to close the door this time. I stared at my hands with a pair of downcast eyes. It took only five seconds to get my brain overloaded with thoughts.
Is it really okay for me to continue retrieving him? He has made it very clear to me that he prefers Orochimaru over this village. So what's the point in rescuing him now?
But this... this feeling... I still have some feelings for him. It is hard to forget about someone who gave you so much to remember. And it would be a complete waste to forget about those memories and let them stop there.
But whatever I do will not change his mind. Sasuke is very stubborn and will do whatever it takes to get what he wants, such as this situation right now where he has abandoned the village for the power he craves. He's defected from the village and left me. I know he asked me to go with him but... shouldn't he just listen to my wish if he likes me so much? His defection just gives me doubts about his feelings for me. What if his feelings last for a short moment? That's not true love at all and this makes a lot of sense because he ignored me when I tried to persuade him.
Then what about that time when he kissed you?
That thought hit me like a brick in the face. A confused frown was thrown to my face. I was nonplussed. That's right. That time... when his lips... I brought my pointy finger onto my bottom lip. Red leaked into my cheeks as I reminisced about that scene. Why did he do that?
I shook my head vigorously, shaking that thought out of my head. Maybe he did that because he knows of my feelings for him and so he took it to his advantage and then asked me to desert the village with him. He thought that kiss will increase the chance for me to join him. Yeah, maybe that...
Ignoring the throbbing pain within my heart, I darted a glance to the nightstand on my right side. A jug of clean water, an empty glass cup, and my hip pouch were placed there. Suddenly gaining the itch to quench the thirst in my throat, I extended my arms out and helped myself. After consuming a cup of water, I planted the glass back onto the nightstand. Not knowing what to do, I threw my gaze to my hip pouch.
I grasped it, put it on my lap and began rummaging through it, searching for things that would make me less bored in this dull room.
And that's when I saw it - the necklace he gave me.
I took it out and stared at it with a fixed gaze. Seeing the necklace summon all of the memories back into my head, crashing down on my like a ton of brick. His face, his eyes, his hair, his voice, his smile, his hands, his everything. It made me realize that...
I'm starting to miss him.
I can never forget about him.
I love him so much.
My forehead scrunched into a deep, sad frown. My arms began to tremble as tears once again brimmed in my eyes. An irrepressible emotion rapidly overpowered me and, without giving me a chance to regain my self-control, tears started to roll down my face. Soon, it was not only my arms that shook like a leaf but my entire body as well. The saline tears were endless as they kept coursing down over and over again. The pent-up frustrations, anger, sadness and nearly every emotion within me became one and transformed into distressing tears. I had held these emotions a lot and now they were flowing like an unbridled waterfall.
I clutched the necklace close to my chest as I sobbed uncontrollably. Yes, I was enraged at him, but that fury alone would never succeed in erasing my feelings for him. And if I could never shove this feeling out of my body, then... I will help Naruto. We will train ourselves to the hardest level. We will drag that boy here. We will take him out of the darkness. And then... Sasuke... you and I will sort out our feelings right then and there.
***
[The next day...]
"Oi, you, little runt. What is your purpose in asking Shiori to drag me here?"
A resolute smirk flew to my lips, "Hn, what else could I possibly want from you, Kenzo-san?"
The man who taught me useful archery techniques stood a meter away from my bed. He stared down at me with an impassive mien, "I see. So you want more of my teaching, huh? But beware; I will not go easy on you. I will pummel you without restraint, kick you into the ground without mercy, and unleash my wrath on you. I will be a lot more aggressive than before. Do you still want that?"
The smirk on my mouth did not drop, nor was it any less diminished, "Hmph. Who says that I want you to be a softy towards me? Just give me everything you got. I want to stop being a spoiled brat from now on."
THE END