Thread by @lightcee_

so this is the story of my friends who i've been friends with since kindergarten and are now happily married with a kid. i love sharing their story, but i'll share them as an ss hs fic (and me as tenten haha) 😊

#sssnippetaday

Kindergarten. Maybe it was a new school, maybe they were only a few of them, but everyone in Tenten's class really gets along well. All the girls are close, and share their secret to the whole group. And the boys are all friendly to each other, too.

Tenten could tell because she

was what the parents would call, 'one of the boys.' She loves playing the games the boys play so she always joins them, and they welcome her.

But even with her being a bit boyish, the girls always welcomed her, too. So it was in this unique vantage point that she had found that

Sakura, their ever shy, timid and pretty friend has a crush on Sasuke, their most reserved, and she had to admit, the cutest boy in their class.

This wasn't surprising. In fact, a lot of the other girls also admitted to having a crush on him. In kindergarten, that wasn't really

an issue. They just all giggle to themselves and tease each other whenever they see the apple of their young eyes.

But, with Tenten also being close to the boys, she had inadvertently also discovered the situation from the other side.

One day, as they were playing tag, with

Naruto as 'it', something rather unusual occurred. Naruto had started chasing Sasuke—something that was quite foolish since Sasuke is a really fast runner, but Naruto has this sort of rivalry with him, so it wasn't unexpected. And for the first time, Naruto was actually able to

tag him. And Tenten saw how, but didn't understand why. As they were nearing the playground area, Sasuke had abruptly stopped running and Naruto was able to catch up with him. When Tenten had moved to see what happened, she saw at once what was in front of the boy. A sapling of

Sakura, with small flower buds already growing.

He had stopped so he wouldn't crash into it.

"Oh, it's sakura!" Tenten had said without much thought.

She was surprised when the boy, red in the face, suddenly looked at her, panic all over his face, shouting out of nowhere,

"You can't tell anyone, okay!"

She was confused at first, but she eventually realized.

'Oh, Sasuke-kun also likes Sakura-chan!'

And as time went on, she noticed these small interactions between the two. With Sakura always sharing some food to Sasuke—be it a simple candy or

a bento cooked by her mom, and Sasuke receiving them with thanks. With Sasuke subtly helping Sakura in random errands—in cleaning, or fetching something for their teacher, or even that time when they were all playing and Sakura was it and Sasuke let her tag him since she was

quick to tire.

She knew some of the boys, and even some of the girls might have already realized that the two liked each other. But it was only Tenten who knew for sure. And since Sasuke asked him, she didn't tell anyone and just simply watched.

will write about our elementary days later. i should take a nap lol

6th Grade. Classmates have come and gone. But there were still a number of them from kindergarten that stayed in their school.

They are older now, and have their own group of friends. But it would be wrong to say they weren't friends anymore.

Tenten was part of a big group of

friends who like anime and games. Most of them were very active in extracurricular activities.

Sakura, on the other hand, was part of a small, all girl group of friends who had now built this reputation of being the brains and beauty of their batch. Most of them were leaders,

and part of the top students. Sakura was both in the student committee, and one of their class officers.

Sasuke, though it seemed against his will, is always being dragged by the boys with them. The boys of their class have formed one solid group, so Sasuke didn't really have

much choice.

The class doesn't hang out together anymore, but even so, Tenten could still notice it once in a while, whenever Sasuke's eyes linger on Sakura. Or whenever she would go home and she'd see the two stay late inside the class, with Sakura doing some errands as an

officer, and Sasuke waiting and helping even though he wasn't a class officer.

She was quite sure they still felt the same towards each other. Maybe like them, their feelings have also grown.

But though they may have grown a little, they were still kids then, so maybe that was

why nothing happened.

At least, that was what Tenten assumed, until she overheard Naruto and Sai talking about it just before they graduated from elementary.

Apparently, Sasuke had asked Sakura to be his girlfriend. But, unfortunately, Sakura had turned him down, telling him

they were too young and she wanted to prioritize her studies.

Tenten knew Sasuke must have been really affected for him to open up to Naruto.

Frankly, she was also feeling down at the discovery. Though, she also agreed with Sakura's sentiments. They were still kids.

High School. Freshman year came as a surprise to Tenten.

For other schools, this probably would have been a big step, a big change. But that wasn't the case for them who have been together since they were kids. They knew they would mostly see familiar faces, just older.

But what surprised her was finding out that Sasuke apparently has a girlfriend now.

From what the boys told her, he had met this girl online through social media over the summer and had evidently developed a relationship with her.

Tenten nor the boys weren't even sure if Sasuke

had actually met her in person.

Again, Tenten was a little sad to hear it, now having realized that she's lowkey shipping her friends. She was also tempted to ask Sakura about what she thinks, but she was shy to do so. They were friends, but they've grown apart as they've grown

old. She wasn't sure if it was still okay to just casually ask things like that the way they did in kindergarten.

But from what she can see at least, it didn't seem like it affected Sakura. At least, she still seems focused on school and on her extracurricular activities.

But she doesn't see them staying after classes to work on errands anymore, and she doesn't see either of them even looking in each other's direction.

But maybe that was fine. Maybe growing up is just growing apart.

A few months after their school year started, she next heardt

that Sasuke was single again. This didn't seem to come as a surprise to anyone in the class. But even with this, nothing changed.

Sasuke doesn't linger inside the classroom anymore than he needed. Nowadays he would often be the first to go home. And when Sakura has work after

classes, it was her friends, Ino and Temari, who would stay and help her.

And Tenten simply just went on her days, hanging out with her own group of friends.

Life moves forward.

Sasuke stayed single through the next few years and Tenten realized belatedly that what happened in the first few months of their freshman year probably did affect Sakura—their relationship.

Because they were barely friends after that.

But Tenten guessed they had mended it

somehow (and she wouldn't be surprised if Sasuke staying single helped—probably a lot), and by the end of their junior year, the two were closer than ever.

They went back to their routine of staying after class so Sasuke could help Sakura with her work, only this time, Sakura

would now also stay, waiting for Sasuke to finish his training for basketball varsity. Sometimes Tenten would see them hanging out after class even when neither had anything to do.

Sasuke's lingering looks were back, with a vengeance. Because now, not only was he openly

staring at her, she had caught him a lot of smile having this tender smile plastered on his face as he looked at her.

It was honestly adorable, but sometimes borderline awkward to witness. It just felt a little too intimate for anyone else to witness.

As they entered their senior year, they were even more inseparable with Tenten only rarely even seeing Sasuke with the boys. These days, he is always seen with Sakura and her friends.

And it wasn't surprising to anyone who had eyes, and especially to everyone from that

kindergarten class who was still there, when they finally admitted that they are a couple.

Sasuke had apparently asked Sakura again, and this time, she said yes.

They are older now, after all. And both of them are already accepted in the universities they have applied to.

Tenten was happy for her friends, and giddy knowing that this was a love story that has been going on for a decade now. And she probably was the only one who knew.

But though she knew, and though she had been observant. She was always only looking from afar.

It was only during a school jamboree that Tenten finally had a closer look at her childhood friends' relationship now.

Only a few in their batch were selected as representatives for this interschool gathering, and it just so happened that Sakura, Sasuke and Tenten were included,

among their other classmates, Karui and Neji.

The venue was a university in the more provincial side of Konoha. They were to stay there for three days, among representatives in other levels as well as representatives of five other schools.

It was their first day in the campus where they will be staying and unfortunately, it was also Sakura's first day of period. She was having such a bad case of dysmenorrhea that the teacher who came with them allowed Sasuke, Tenten and Sakura to just stay in the bus while the rest

where inside for the welcome program. Sakura was in so much pain that she was crying, clinging on Tenten. Tenten wasn't sure whether it was because she was simply there or if maybe Sakura was trying to find comfort with a childhood friend who happened to be a girl, and so would

understand what she was going through but whatever was the reason, she stayed by her side and tried to soothe her in any way she can. She started talking about their childhood, moments they shared and even asking some curiousities she had about her old friends over the years

that they weren't very close, just so she could distract him. At that moment, Sasuke had left the bus, saying something about getting something to help Sakura. Tenten wasn't sure what—they had already given her pain medications, but it doesn't seem like it was helping much.

As Tenten runs out of stories to tell, she starts simply caressing Sakura'a back, hoping it would give her some comfort at least. Sakura was still holding on to her, her head cradled on Tenten's lap with her lower half curled in a fetal position. She wasn't crying anymore, but it

was obvious she was still in pain.

And that was when Sasuke arrived, holding with him a bottle filled with hot water.

"I didn't know where to get hot water." He said, eyes only on Sakura. "Sorry I took so long."

He then kneels in front of the two girls and places the bottle

on Sakura's lower abdomen.

"Does that help?" He asks, worriedly.

Sakura didn't speak at once, but both Tenten and Sasuke saw her body gradually relaxing, and Tenten knew Sakura was finally finding some relief.

As her body relaxed, so did her hold on Tenten's hand. And as

she finally lets go of her, Tenten took Sasuke's and made him hold her hand.

"I think that would be more effective." She tells him.

This was when both noticed that Sakura's hand lay limp, and as the two of them looked at the girl who was still in a fetal position, they

confirmed that she indeed had fallen asleep. Tenten carefully moved then, getting out from under Sakura and pulling Sasuke so he could replace her.

As she stood up, she helped Sasuke place Sakura in a better position, with now her head cradled on his lap. And he saw it again,

that look Sasuke had always been reserved for Sakura—just up close now.

As Tenten stood up, she saw Sasuke tuck a strand of pink hair behind her friend's ear, while his other hand kept the bottle on her abdomen. And she didn't even bother telling Sasuke goodbye as she moved out

of the bus. She wouldn't have been surprised if he had forgotten all about her.

And she was fine with that.

(i will never forget this moment. it was like im watching a shoujo anime 🥺❤️)

College. Now college was something very new to all of them. Unlike when they transition from kindergarten to grade school, then from grade school to high school, college wasn't in their old school anymore. College wasn't with the familiar faces. College wasn't even in the same

area for most of them.

Tenten felt lucky enough that at least there were seven of them accepted in the university she applied for. Her, Ino, Karui, Shikamaru, Sai, Shino, and Sasuke. Unfortunately, among them all, Tenten is the only one in the College of Education.

Sasuke and Shikamaru are in the Faculty of Arts and Letters, while Ino, and Sai are in the College of Fine Arts. Karui and Shino, though with different majors, are in the College of Science.

There were other colleges nearby their universities, though. Neji was enrolled in a

College majoring in Business just a few blocks away from their campus, and Sakura was enrolled in a Medical school a few kilometers away.

But that didn't really help much. Even with having lots of high school friends studying nearby, and even in the same university, rarely would

their schedules match. Tenten's classes would usually only be in the morning. Science kids usually have classes from morning to evening, while the Arts & Letters students would start their classes in the afternoon. The Fine Arts students had the most unpredictable schedule.

The only schedule they had in common was having a PE class at 5PM, but they all had different days of the week.

But that seemed to be convenient for Sasuke. It took a while for Tenten to notice it, which was funny considering it was uncharacteristic of Sasuke, but everyday it

seems like Sasuke, after his classes at 5PM, would go to whoever has PE for that day and simply just watch them. Tenten had him during Wednesdays, Sai and Ino during Tuesdays, Shino during Mondays, and Shikamaru on Thursdays. He had the same PE class as Karui on Fridays.

And when she asked Karui about it offhandedly, her friend had laughed and told her all about Sasuke only grudgingly accompanying them in their PE classes simply because he's waiting for Sakura's classes to be over at 7PM. Apparently, he was determined to still continue

going home together, walking her to her frontstep every day. And since his newly acquired fangirls only approach him whenever he's alone, he'd opt to simply use them as shield. Karui even mentioned having to scare off his fangirls herself. Both girls had a good laugh at that,

it was amusing, but it was also something really sweet. Tenten never thought for one moment that day in kindergarten that they would come to this.

It was one day in second year college that Tenten saw Sasuke alone and looking miserable.

By this time, they rarely even see each other anymore, so Tenten had excitedly greeted him even with his conspicuous frown.

Sasuke had only given her a grudging nod in acknowledgement.

"What's wrong with you?" Tenten asked, now curious. "Problem in Paradise?" She asked in jest. She didn't even think there would even be any problems in that aspect, so she was surprised when Sasuke looked even more miserable.

"What?? For real??" She asked, now looking horrified.

"We're still together and we're not fighting." Sasuke said in a deadpan, already knowing what Tenten was assuming.

"Then what happened?"

She didn't expect him to open up, the question was more of a reaction—so Tenten knew Sasuke probably had been looking for someone to talk to

when he started sharing.

"Sakura's Aunt from Wind is thinking of having Sakura move there once we graduate, since her family has a hospital there." He said, clearly upset.

Tenten, taken aback, had to think for a moment.

"I know why you're upset, but... I mean, would it be

permanent?"

"Possibly."

"And Sakura wants this?"

"She's considering it."

As they talked, Sasuke's frown has gotten deeper and deeper, but on the contrary, Tenten felt more and more lighter.

For a moment, the thought of them breaking up really scared her. She had been rooting

for them, but she only realized now how invested she has become.

After all, she had watched them from the start.

But now that she knew that there's not a real problem anyway, she felt relaxed once more. As long as they're good with each other, things like this will just be

obstacles. And honestly, if anyone would survive a long-distance relationship, she knew it would be them.

"Did she tell you she wants it? Like not just considering, but actually wants it?" Tenten asked this time.

Sasuke frowned even more, and Tenten took that as a no.

"Well, say she does go to Wind, what are you planning to do?" She asked this time, disregarding her last question.

"One of my cousins lives in Wind. I can just move there, too." He said readily, stubbornly. And Tenten realized he had already thought this through.

He certainly didn't want her to move. But if that's what Sakura wants, he won't stop her. Instead, he'd just follow her.

Somehow that was really a very Sasuke thing to do, so she couldn't help but chuckle and shake her head at him.

Here was a guy, not even in his twenties,

already this dedicated to the girl he chose. She can see how serious he was. He'd really change his whole life, leave his family here, just so he can follow her wherever she goes, if he needs to.

And with that thought, Tenten said in jest, "Why don't you just marry her, Uchiha?"

But the Sasuke who answered didn't have any trace of humor in his face. He didn't even seem to realize that Tenten was only joking.

He answered, in all seriousness, "I will. But I can't right now. We haven't even graduated. I still don't have a job. Her dad will kill me."

And for a moment, Tenten just stared at this openly in love man, who she vividly remembers that young boy abruptly stopping running, even risking tripping on the ground just so he wouldn't crash into his first crush's namesake.

Clearly, it wasn't just a crush anymore.

With a smile, Tenten also turned serious and gave Sasuke the best advice she could think of.

"Sasuke, have you told her how you feel about this?" She asks.

Sasuke simply shook his head.

"Then tell her." She says.

"I don't want to stop her if this is what she wants." He admits

to her.

"I didn't say you should stop her. Just tell her how you feel. Allow her to include your feelings in whatever she will decide. Because if you pretend you're okay for her to leave, she might believe you, you know. Just be honest with her. In the end, it will still be her

decision."

They were quiet for a moment, each just looking at each other.

And then slowly, hesitantly, Sasuke nodded.

For the first time, Tenten saw him looking nervous and she had to smile. She hoped her advice would help them. Both—but Sasuke specially, seem to always think

only of the other, and never even factor in what they want. But relationships shouldn't be like that. They should start thinking of both themselves, not just about one of them.

That's how they can survive these kinds of obstacles.

Tenten found out Sakura decided to stay here in Fire when she saw both her and Sasuke's names in the list of those who will be able to make it to their High School reunion. It has already been five years since they've graduated.

It was a very casual reunion. It hasn't really

been that long and most of them are still in touch with each other.

Their class had rented a private pool resort for the event and decided to do potluck for the food.

Everyone still looked the same, after all it was only five years since they all last saw each other.

As soon as they arrived, chatters, teasing, playing, swimming and eating started with everyone trying to catch up with each other. It does like it had been a while—Tenten had really missed her friends, but at the same time, it felt like no time had gone between the last day

they were in the classroom and today. It was like they just went back to how they used to be. As if, they just had a weekend break, and now they're back in class.

Everyone was having fun and was back to their usual shenanigans during high school. The old groups

of friends were together again, and once in a while would merge with other groups. It felt like they were back to being just kids.

It was really amusing to Tenten how just like a switch, they were back to their high school student mode. They stuck with their groups, they talk

about what they usually talk about, they play games they used to play. Even the couples that had formed over the years were sticking to their group of friends.

Sakura was inseparable with Temari and Ino, and Sasuke was hanging out with their boys.

Tenten only noticed it when

she reviewed the photos she had taken so far during the night. It was funny that not one couple in their batch is seen together in all their pictures. Not Sakura and Sasuke, not Naruto and Hinata, Sai and Ino (which is a very recent development) nor her and Neji (which isn't

exactly official yet, so they both thought it need not be announced or whatever).

As the night wanes and the boys start finishing up their bottles of beer—which they can legally drink now, a lot have started settling down their own areas. Some of the girls were on the couch by

the fire. Some on the terrace on the second floor. The boys were by the grill—with Naruto and Kiba still not ceasing to eat. Tenten's own group of friends with Karui, Karin and Tayuya stayed on the big hammock chair in the lobby.

Around midnight, some of the boys

had walked through the lobby, dragging along the tipsier of them up to their room. As Neji walked by he shared a glance at Tenten and Tenten subtly nodded with a smile.

They'll see each other in the morning. Tonight, it would be about the friends they've missed.

"So, who wants to swim? No one's using the pool now, right?" Tayuya, who clearly still has energy invites and the other girls easily agrees.

They weren't thinking of swimming, just taking a dip and relaxing in the water.

But before they could reach the pool, they heard water

splashing and Tenten abruptly stopped the other girls as she saw pink. Before they were noticed, and before the girls saw the couple, Tenten led them back to the lobby.

It wasn't like it was a secret. And Tenten knew the two (well, Sakura at least) wouldn't mind them being there

But even in just the few seconds she saw them, she knew they were having a moment, with Sasuke's arms wrapped around Sakura's body and the two slowly just floating along the water. She didn't want to disturb it, and when she explained it to her friends, they also agreed with her.

It was good to have time for friends, but sometimes, irrationally, even if your soulmate is just there, you still miss them when they're not holding you. The two probably needed a recharge.

And who were they to intrude on that?

But now Tenten was feeling a little jealous, and

feeling a little too tempted to go up and also demand a hug.

(they were so sweet when i saw them in the pool. like im really happy ive witnessed small moments of theirs like that 🥺)

Tenten was in Earth for her job when she first saw the pictures of the proposal. It was a very simple gathering, and Sakura looked very surprised. Everyone was in casual clothes, and their boys were all there holding the balloon letters that make up Sasuke's question.

In a way, it looked just like a scene from their high school class.

She was still away when their class' favorite couple started posting the prenuptial photos. Like how they have always been, the photos were simple, too. Simple and subtle, but sweet. There were photos of them

wearing their high school uniform again and with their old school as the background. After all, that was where it all started.

Tenten couldn't help the widening of her smile when she saw they even have a picture in front of what used to be the sakura sapling, but now is a great

sakura tree. It made Tenten appreciate just how much time has passed. And secretly, she felt proud because she probably was the only one who knew the meaning behind the tree.

They have photos taking picnics, photos in the sunset by the bay, photos of just them laughing together,

and as someone who had watched them for years, Tenten was amazed that the photographer had captured what essentially is Sasuke and Sakura together.

Genuine, simple, raw, and constant.

She still couldn't believe they were getting married. Not like anyone from their class even

doubted they were endgame. Most of them had already expected this. But, it was unbelievable in a way that it feels to Tenten like she had watched a miracle—something that's unfortunately rare now in the real world, and only ever constant in fiction.

True Love.

She felt blessed

that she was able to witness it from the start.

So when it was the day of their wedding and, though Tenten felt disappointed that she couldn't come back to Fire to attend personally because of her work, she still felt lucky that she could watch it via social media.

She smiles as she watches Sakura enter the church, her hair in a bun, wearing a very beautiful white gown. She was glowing. She looks so beautiful, and so happy.

And Tenten couldn't help but smile when she noticed tears filling up her eyes.

But just as she reached the altar

where Sasuke was, just when Tenten expected that the tears would start falling, Sakura started laughing.

And Tenten didn't even get the time to wonder why because the camera had zoomed in on the groom who had apparently started crying first.

Tenten couldn't help but laugh as

well. And she couldn't help but feel tears prickling her eyes, either.

Sasuke took Sakura's hand. And now they were both laughing and crying. And Tenten could see from the background that their other friends were in the same state.

And just like that—still with tears and l

laughter on their faces, the two walked side by side, hand in hand forward, ready to face the new chapter of their life.

And Tenten knew she'd still happily watch them from afar, even if they've grown even more apart now—this miracle she was chosen to witness.

END

ps. i couldn't attend the wedding coz i was already a doctor and was in the province that time 🥹

i will only put this up shortly. will delete in maybe an hour or less.

this is them in kindergarten, in high school, at their wedding, and now with their baby ❤️🥹