It was a usual busy morning routine for Sakura. However, her alarm buzzed off exactly at 8 in the morning; she was up five minutes after, made her bed, took a quick shower, and dashed off their house after picking a newly bread toast in the kitchen. This was unlike before when she would wake up at 7 and eat a full breakfast.

She released a heavy sigh after boarding the train. More often than not, Sakura would just walk towards her school, but today is different. She tried to stall as much as possible leaving her with no choice but to take the train. Anyhow, it was just one station away from their house.

Another reason she got up so late today was she was not able to get a proper sleep the night prior- mostly thinking about what happened in their classroom, trying to decipher Sasuke-kun's movements. There was even a point when she thought she was just hallucinating; it's impossible for the basketball heartthrob to attempt such thing, right? And maybe, whatever she was thinking is not even close to what Sasuke-kun's thoughts.

Probably, this is all just a misunderstanding.

She tried to convince herself once more as she walked towards Konoha High. She greeted her fellow schoolmates a good morning before going to her classroom. She tried to hide her anxiousness as she opened the door. There he was, Sasuke Uchiha, already seated in his usual place, trying to avoid everyone again.

She quietly approached her seat and tried her best not to get anyone's attention. She blinked once, twice before glancing at Naruto. He was unusually quiet; he did not bother Sasuke like he used to do and mostly kept to himself. Ah, what is this atmosphere, she thought to herself. Did they fight? She looked back and forth towards them, but was only greeted by silence until Kakashi-sensei entered the room.

Please, no group works today. That was the only thing going on her mind the whole time. It is one thing to talk to Sasuke-kun after that incident, it's another if the these two are fighting as well. But of course, we are talking about Kakashi-sensei, he never gives tasks that does not involve groups. Silently, Naruto angled his seat towards Sasuke before girls could gather around the latter. The blonde looked up to her questionably.

"Sakura-chan? What's wrong?" The hyperactive blonde asked her when she simply stared at them.

"Eh? Nothing, I just.. Well, I'm just thinking about the first question." That was a lousy excuse but Naruto either did not notice or did not care enough to bother.

Sasuke, on the other hand, would only try to intervene if needed. He barely recognized her presence. She sighed as she handed their work in front, thinking how long this day would be.

What Sakura did not know was this would continue longer than she expected.

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The next days became slower. They learned about a thorough investigation conducted by the Bureau of Education themselves. She never thought that this incident would be a bigger issue, but more parents complained about Iwa. In the end, they even canceled the games since safety of all students will always be the agency's utmost priority.

Another few days after that, she further learned that Han, the Iwa player who attacked her and Sasuke, had been suspended for a week.

Also, because of the latest announcements, students expressed their disappointment as they heavily anticipated the championship game. All of their practices were canceled as well. This led to more time for her closest guy companions in the class. Now, the volleyball team mostly uses the gym. Frustration evident to their faces, Sakura tried to reach out to them, feeling like she was to blame.

The tension between the two, however, was still there. It is even worsening day by day- their banters gone replaced by silence. Naruto barely smiled and Sasuke had even become more on edge.

Moreover, she tried to brush it off, but it's clear as day, Sasuke-kun was also avoiding her.

He would only talk to her if necessary; he did not bother to eat his lunch in the classroom anymore; he would even accept other girls as his partner for group projects. Ever so slowly, she could feel the gap between them getting wider.

But what could she really expect? That he had feelings for her? That she was his friend? That he would confide to her? In the first place, she was contented seeing from afar, so what was she hoping for? Was this because of Ino's teasings? Did she actually believe every word she says?

No. She knew deep down their relationship was more than that of a classmate. Or was she imagining things again? She smiled bitterly as she fixed her things intending to go straight home.

Not even a minute after, however, Ino was opening her classroom's door, sprinting towards her. The said girl was breathing heavily and sweating.

"Ino-pig? What's up?" The pink-haired girl looked at her best friend in confusion.

"Sasuke-kun and Naruto.. they…they are fighting in the gym! Come quickly!" Ino exclaimed half-panting, half-panicking.

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Sasuke had been irritated- not only because the games were canceled, not only because his parents scolded him, but mainly because of her- her face, her smile, her hair, her smell. Suddenly, everything was all about her. He had been trying to stay away from her, but it seemed like she was everywhere.

Her apologies had angered him further. How could a smart girl like her say sorry for a thousand times where in fact she was not at fault? It frustrated him to no end. He would like her to build more self-confidence. He wanted to open her eyes, to let her know how amazing she is because she really is.

And yet, he can't, he won't.

It is Naruto's duty after all- to cheer her up, to protect her, to make her laugh. It was not his place; he knew that very well, but what is that idiot doing? He gritted his teeth and pushed the door to the gym. Hopefully, playing basketball would ease his tension.

But to his surprise, Naruto was already there, shooting some free throws.

The two of them did not have the chance to talk after the cancellation of the finals. Sasuke did not bother to explain himself. Although he was grateful that the higher ups decided not to inform the public about Sakura's involvement, Naruto learned the truth, and he had not spoken to his best friend ever since.

Silently, Sasuke put down his bag on a nearby bench and picked some ball in the storage room. He casually dribbled the ball before shooting some three-point shots. His companion eyed him discreetly before stopping altogether.

"Sasuke, why are you avoiding Sakura-chan?"

The sound of the ball hitting against the backboard filled in the silence. Sasuke carefully directed his gaze towards his friend. All of his friend's goofiness gone, his tone deadly serious.

"What are you talking about, idiot?" The youngest Uchiha shrugged.

"I've been watching you, you know. And depending on what you're going to say next, I might have to punch you."

A heavy silence settled once again. A minute or two passed by before Sasuke chose to reply. "She is annoying, that's why. I've had enough of you forcing her into our group. Why don't you two hang out by yourselves?"

The basketball team captain turned around to pick up the ball intending to practice once more, but before he could even pick it up, Naruto charged at him in full speed. Sasuke stumbled back and fell to the floor. Naruto now was gripping the collar of his uniform.

"I'M NOT AN IDIOT, SASUKE! DON'T TREAT ME LIKE ONE!" The usual loud mouth shouted.

"Calm down, you dobe!" Sasuke tried to pull away, but Naruto did not let him.

"You think I don't know? You like Sakura-chan! I can see it!" He exclaimed loudly. By that time, Sasuke was sure everyone could hear them.

Sasuke's eyes widened a little before successfully pushing Naruto away. "Stop putting words in my mouth! You don't know anything! Stop assuming things!" If Sasuke was not mad earlier, he is now.

"Why are so damn afraid of? Why are you pushing her away? Because of me? Huh? She clearly likes you back! You're hurting her, Sasuke! And I won't just watch you make a fool of yourself! Nothing hurts me more if you two are in pain. Especially if you are holding back just because of me!" Naruto punched him this time before seizing his collar once again.

By that time, a few students gathered outside the gym looking at them through the window.

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Before Sakura could even process what she was doing, she was throwing away her bag and running as fast as possible towards the gym. Trailing behind her was Ino. Those guys, really! Approximately three minutes after, a few students bumped into her as she tried to make her way in the direction of voices shouting.

"YOU BASTARD! HOW CAN YOU BE SO SELFISH!" Naruto exclaimed as he held onto Sasuke's collar.

The raven-haired guy punched his friend, clearly agitated. He glared at him before Naruto tried to charge in once more. However, Sakura's voice stopped him. She almost stopped deadly in her tracks, scared- not sure though if she was scared of Naruto and Sasuke or the fact that two muscular guys were fighting and she is trying to intervene.

"You guys!" She came in between the two of them, stopping them altogether. Tears were now rolling down her face. "What's wrong? Can't we talk about it?" Her voice cracked as she pleaded them. She looked at the both of them simultaneously.

Sasuke mostly avoided her eyes, and Naruto looked at her apologetically. "Sorry, Sakura-chan, you had to see that." He said a few moments after, his voice had incredibly become softer. The few students who had seen the ordeal had quickly dissipated afterwards.

"What happened? Why are you fighting?" She questioned once again.

But, neither would answer. Instead, Naruto apologized to her once more.

He turned his head towards his friend. "Think about what I said, Sasuke." Naruto said lowly, before walking towards Sasuke, putting a hand on the latter's shoulder. With a click, the door to the gym closed, leaving Sasuke and Sakura alone for the first time in a while.

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Sakura stared at the retreating form of the usual loud mouth. Worriedly, she thought of going after him but decided against it as she saw Sasuke-kun's bruised cheek. It must have been hurt.

"Sasuke-kun?" She uttered, unsure. His bangs shielded his eyes so she could not clearly see his expressions.

"Go home, it's getting late." He walked towards his bag, picked it up before slinging it into his shoulders.

"What's bothering you? You may not say it, but I can tell. I've been watching you." She followed him as he reached for the door of the gym.

"Stop fussing. Nothing's wrong." He brushed her off, but Sakura was not having it.

Fresh tears had gathered around her eyes. "Is this because of what happened in the classroom? Then forget it, I know it was all just a mistake. A misunderstanding. I just want us to go back to normal. Well, if you don't even want me in your group, that is also fine, Sasuke-kun. Just please, you and Naruto fighting-"

"Shut up." He ordered before backing her up towards the door and slamming his hand over her head.

"Sas-"

"I told you to shut up." He quickly cut her off before ever so slowly leaned his head towards her, closed his eyes and brushed his lips against hers. Her eyes remained open wide, too shocked to do anything. The sensation had her stomach doing flips, her heart about to burst.

He pulled away a few seconds after, and he was greeted by the sight of her cheeks flushed. "Now, do you get it?"

She did not, since all she could hear was the sound of her heart beating wildly.

The moment she recovered they were already in front of her house. Sasuke-kun walked her home once again.

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Aside from the feeling of a bruise coming in because of a certain loudmouth's punch yesterday, his eyes felt so heavy. Not only did he fight his only friend in school, he even had the courage to kiss the annoying girl. Damn, why.. how.. He sighed in frustration.

His wild thoughts had taken over his mind. Thus, not getting a wink of sleep the night prior. He eyed Naruto sideways. He was back to his normal self, as if nothing happened yesterday. He was joking with their other classmates, laughing at the most random things.

Not a minute after, Sakura anxiously entered their classroom. He avoided her eyes quickly, unable to keep his heart beat in check. He cursed under his breath as Naruto greeted the pink-haired girl like the usual.

"Don't worry, Sakura-chan! Men do fight sometimes. It is really nothing. Right, Sasuke?" Naruto's smile vanished as he pointed out Sasuke's almost red face.

"Yo! Bastard! I did not hit you that hard yesterday right? Your face is all red. Are you sick?" Sasuke smashed his friend's hand as the latter tried to touch his forehead.

Sakura, on the other hand, had her eyes down, red as a tomato as well. Naruto suspiciously looked back and forth between the two. "Something happened?"

"Nothing." The couple announced at the same time.

"Eh?! Both of your faces are red." Naruto laughed harder. "Did not know Sasuke could blush!" He even added.

"Tch. I will punch you harder next time, you idiot!" Sasuke retorted.

Sakura peered over her hands covering her eyes. She stopped being embarrassed at the moment, relief washing over her. She was glad both of them were okay now. She was happy everything was starting to go back the way it was. She smiled the brightest as the best friends started their banters once again.

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During the break, Naruto slung his arms over Sasuke's shoulder. Before any protest could leave the latter's mouth, the blonde was already pulling his friend outside the room at the same time saying some apologies to Sakura. An incoherent excuse of having Sasuke to help him find a book in the library was the last thing Sakura heard before they were out of sight.

"What now, Naruto?" Sasuke rolled his eyes.

"So did you tell her?" The blonde wiggled his eyebrows.

"Tell her what?" Sasuke glared in return as they continued their way towards the canteen.

This time, Naruto looked subtly at their surroundings, afraid someone could hear them, and then, he whispered. "Your feelings for Sakura-chan, of course."

"What are you talking about?" Sasuke replied, glaring in return.

But Naruto was not having any of it. His tone had become serious once more, getting Sasuke caught off guard. "I already told you, I'm not mad. You like her. She likes you. Why still hesitate? I love Sakura-chan, I do, but you two are my best friends, and if she's happy with you, why not?" He smiled as he showed a thumbs up to his friend as sign of support.

"Idiot." Sasuke merely looked away.

"Heheee, or do you want me to help you? Let the operation tell Sakura-chan I like her start! Yosh! So first, help her in the classroom activities, stay with her after classes, and then confess. You should also buy flowers." Naruto got busy listing down things Sasuke most probably would never do in his lifetime.

"Shut up! I don't need help. Especially coming from you."

Let's just say it was the noisiest lunch Sasuke had for the last two years.

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Sakura sighed as she looked at the papers in front of her. Curse Kakashi! How can a teacher be so lazy, always passing his responsibilities to his students! Moreover, of all the people in her class, she was stuck with Sasuke-kun. Of course, Kakashi-sensei would always pair them up, making an excuse of only the top students can do it. They were now seated in the classroom, sharing a table facing each other just like before when they were doing a report.

Her companion was silent. And it was killing her.

Naruto also threw the both of them knowing looks before teasing Sasuke again as he left the room. Seriously, give her a break! She had enough of that with Ino earlier! She was afraid her heart could not take it any longer. She nearly pouted.

"What's wrong?" His voice startled her as she spaced out thinking how to murder her friends and their teacher.

"Nothing!" She waved her hands off before picking up her pace, avoiding his eyes for the umpteenth time on that day.

"We should do this faster. It's getting late." Sasuke announced.

On the other hand, Sasuke kept getting distracted as well as Naruto kept on messaging him. His phone was vibrating non stop. He looked outside the window, and there was the idiot, giving him some hand gestures Sasuke could never comprehend. Picking up some chalk nearby, he opened the window and threw the chalk on his friend's face, clearly irritated.

"Sasuke-kun?" Sakura eyed him in concern.

"It's nothing. Don't look outside the window, there is a gross kind of insect roaming around. It's not a good sight to see."

"Eh?!" Before Sakura could ask him further, Sasuke went back to his task. "Ah, okay. Anyway, Sasuke-kun, I-ah, can I ask you something?"

"What is it?" The basketball heartthrob put down his pen for a while before facing her.

"You know, about what happened yesterday." She bit her lower lip in anxiousness. "I know it's a mistake, you were clearly angry and-"

"What do you mean a mistake? How can it be a mistake?" Sasuke frowned at her. How can this girl be so dense and smart at the same time?

"Eh?! So, you mean..that you.." At this point in time, Sakura was trying to compose herself. She looked everywhere but him. Her heart started beating so fast.

"Aa."

She slowly tilted her head upwards. The sight of him looking so serious had Sakura wishing she never looked up. Sasuke held her arm in position before slowly leaning forward. He looked into her eyes and then into her lips once more. She closed her eyes in return.

What she did not see was the familiar smirk of the Uchiha as he kissed her again. After a few seconds, Sakura pulled away this time. "I like you, Sasuke-kun. For a long time now."

"I know. You're not exactly good at hiding it."

Before Sakura could even cover her face out of embarrassment, he leaned in once more and kissed her lips. "This is for the last time we were interrupted." Sasuke whispered.

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END

A/N: Okay, I will post an epilogue about Sasuke and Sakura's first date or probably how will it go if Sasuke introduce her to Itachi. Someone actually reviewed about how he/she felt like he/she was reading a shoujo manga. In a way, this fic was inspired of high school animes. If I could actually just draw, I will. Hope you enjoyed this. I know it took me quite a while, but the quarantine in my country had given me an ample of time to write again. Hope you guys are safe. Thank you for reading!