Thread by @lightcee_

another based on real life turned ss fic.

i've posted this story here before for my twitter circle so this would be familiar to some haha

#sssnippetaday #ssficthread #ssthreadfic

Sakura first saw him when they were in kindergarten. They were in different classes though, so she had never really played with him or even talked to him. She just found him cute, and she liked looking at him.

And then, on their

graduation day, the teachers lined up the whole batch according to height. One line for the girls, and one line for the boys. They would be marching by twos, it turned out. And it just so happened that Sakura would be marching with him, Sasuke.

They still didn't talk. Sakura

thought he probably didn't even know her. But they walked together as their names were called, about a foot apart, as what was instructed for them to do.

In the middle of their march, a photographer took two photos, one for each. And in Sakura's copy, her small shy smile could

be seen. It was coincidental, but it was still a photo with this cute boy she developed a crush on. He looked indifferent in it, seemingly only focused on walking correctly, but he still looked cute. And Sakura was glad for that happy coincidence.

---

They grew up, they were still in the same school. And even though it was a small school in terms of population compared to other schools—just two sections per level, about 60 students per batch, they still haven't been put in the same class. That was until they were in their

junior year of high school. By this time, Sakura had gotten over her silly first crush on Sasuke, and Sasuke never knew about it.

By this time, they both already knew each other even without properly talking before, simply because they've been in the same school for years.

So when they were put side by side in the seating arrangement, there were no sparks nor were there any awkwardness. They simply (finally) officially introduced themselves to each other and sat on their seats.

In the first few days, they were just quiet. Sakura finds herself

looking at Sasuke once in a while, feeling a bit nostalgic and thinking how her younger self would've loved it if this happened to her then.

But other than that, there were really no other lingering feelings. After all, she only came to like Sasuke before because he's cute.

He is still cute now—handsome even. But Sakura had a different definition of a crush now. And she already harbors such feelings for another guy.

She didn't remember when it started, but eventually, they did start talking. First it was just short, formal greetings in the morning,

then in the hallways whenever they see each other. Then, they started talking about schoolworks and other things related to school. And then they started talking about other things—anything.

The next thing Sakura knew, they were already close friends who were very comfortable

with each other to the point of being able to talk about anything under the sun.

They just clicked, and they found out they agree about a lot of things. And Sakura loved talking with Sasuke because he really listens and would usually give her a different perspective than what

her female friends would usually give. It was refreshing.

Sasuke, on the other hand, hasn't really been very close to anyone to have such conversations. He has male friends, to be sure, but he wasn't really one to share his thoughts with them, preferring to just keep to himself.

But Sakura was different. She was always curious, and just seemed interested in everything he says—in any thought he shares, no matter how random they are. She's also easy to laugh & a bit gullible. He has fun teasing her, and it was nice having someone to share his thoughts with

And then they were already sharing secrets with each other. It was easy to do so since they trusted each other.

And Sakura found herself telling Sasuke about her crush on one of her classmates, and one of his friends—Neji.

Over the years, unlike Sasuke and Sakura, Neji and

Sakura have been classmates a few times. Last year in particular, they were voted Muse and Escort of their class and had to join the school pageant during their school culture festival. Because of that, they had gotten close. Neji had been very thoughtful of Sakura throughout the

whole ordeal and that was how Sakura developed a crush on him.

Sasuke had been supportive of her when she shared this and even promised to help her if she needed it, since they are friends. He also approved of Neji for his newfound friend, since he knew his friend is truly kind.

And then Sakura also found out about Sasuke having someone he likes. Which was surprising to Sakura on its own. She never had the impression that Sasuke even thought about those kinds of things.

But she does exist and she knew her. She was one of the senior students, Kiku-senpai

She apparently is from the same neighborhood as Sasuke and had been his playmate along with her younger brother who was the same age as Sasuke. He told her they never really became friends, they never really even talked much outside of playing. But he found her pretty and kind,

and he had been harboring these feelings since he was little.

They've become really close by then that sometimes their classmates would even tease them about being a couple. At which both would deny and simply say they were best friends. And they were sincere when they said it.

In fact, a lot of times, Sasuke had made opportunities for Sakura to be able to hang out with, or talk more with Neji. And whenever he needed it, Sakura would also give Sasuke advice and encouragement on how he can confess to their senpai.

---

The end of their junior year nears, and so did their school's annual Junior-Senior Prom.

This time Sakura persuaded Sasuke to ask Kiku-senpai out, especially since he hasn't really done anything the whole year, and their senpai was about to graduate.

So just a few days before

Prom, with one last encouragement from Sakura, Sasuke went to their senpai's classroom and asked for her.

Then, out in the garden, with Sakura waiting just by the front of their building, Sasuke asked Kiku-senpai if she would go to the Prom with him.

A few minutes later when he finally met with Sakura again, he was given a big smile and a big hug as soon as he said she said yes.

There was no invitation from Neji for Sakura, but she didn't mind since she and her girl friends have already planned to go together.

On the night of their Prom, Sakura arrived with her friends at the venue. She immediately looked for Sasuke who had already informed her that he and his date were already there.

Sasuke looked around for them and eventually saw them. Her and Sasuke's eyes met, and Sakura gave

him a quick smile. And after that, they placed their attention at each of their company.

When the formal program ended and the dance started, people from different batches and classes began mingling and everyone was enjoying themselves. Sakura had danced with almost all of her

female classmates (all at once) and one by one by some of her male classmates, including Neji, but not Sasuke. Sakura didn't mind this, only thinking that her friend is probably having a good time with his date.

When the songs started slowing down, with some people already

leaving to go home, Sakura found herself at a table with some classmates she hadn't really talked much with. She was still with Ino, though Temari had already gone home, and with them was Lee, Tenten and Neji. They ended up just talking and laughing with each other.

Admittedly, they were already a bit uninhibited since they'd all drunk a bit of the wine they were served.

Sakura wasn't quite sure how it happened but she soon found herself sitting quite close with Neji and sharing corny jokes with him.

It was shortlived however because soon

after that, Sasuke suddenly appeared at their table, and one look at him completely sobered up Sakura.

He looked really sad.

She had excused herself from the new friends she'd made and quickly went to Sasuke asking him what happened.

Sasuke had given her a sad smile, and asked

her to walk with him outside. There, he shared what had happened.

He had assured Sakura that the night started well, and he had definitely enjoyed most of the night. But it was as the night was ending that Sasuke had heeded Sakura's advice and confessed to their senpai.

Unfortunately, he was rejected. She had been kind. She had thanked him sincerely for his appreciation of her, but she was firm in saying that she only really saw him as her little brother's friend. And that it wouldn't be practical anyway since she's graduating and would be

living in a different city.

Sakura tried her best to soothe her friend, but she knew she probably wasn't helping much.

But as they reached the garden, Sasuke just completely changed the subject.

"I haven't asked you for a dance, have I?" He asks her.

"No. But it's fine I feel

like I've danced with everyone."

"Except me, it seems."

"Is this your way of asking me for a dance?"

"Yes?"

"Without music??"

He gives her a smile, brighter now though still sad.

"Why not?"

And after pretending for a little bit more that she really didn't want to, Sakura

relented. She had only prolonged their bickering because it was making Sasuke smile. And she knew dancing with her would be another distraction.

So they do it, in the quiet, in the shadows. And after their rather awkward dance, Sasuke suddenly hugs her. Sakura lets him, knowing

he needed it and for a moment they stayed like that.

Then Sasuke whispers, "Sorry for ruining your night, you were having a good time with Neji."

Sakura only shook her head.

"I don't mind." She says. "You need a friend right now."

They were quiet for another moment, then

Sasuke quietly tells her, still hugging her,

"Thank you, Sakura."

---

(note: this is based on a real life story of filipino hs so there are things here that won't be in other countries' hs—js prom isn't in most other countries as far as i know. CAT—Citizen Army Training will also be mentioned)

In their senior year, Sakura and Sasuke were again in different classes. But they are friends now—best friends, even, according to Sasuke. So they still talk whenever they see each other. Sasuke would even sometimes go to Sakura's classroom just to hang out.

Kiku-senpai had already graduated, but Sasuke seems to have moved on from that. He didn't look sad anymore, and he never really talks about her anymore.

On Sakura's part, unfortunately, Neji (who is currently in Sasuke's class) has started going out with Tenten. Ironically, they

started hitting it off after Sakura left the table that night of their Prom.

Sasuke felt apologetic about that to Sakura, since he was the reason she had to leave. But Sakura found herself surprisingly fine with it. She doesn't regret her decision that night. Her friend needed

her.

And now that Neji was seeing someone else, she realized she didn't like him that much, since she wasn't really hurt by it. She's just happy that someone she respects and admires seems to have found happiness.

As seniors, however, they were quite busy. Sakura is a student

leader—an editor of their school newspaper, as well as a class officer. Sasuke, on the other hand, was a CAT Officer.

Outside of their extracurricular activities, their review for college entrance exams, and the random days that Sasuke could visit Sakura in her classroom, they

would only constantly see each other during the CAT sessions, which every senior student is required to attend. But since Sasuke is an officer, they wouldn't be able to talk during those hours, too, unless they were doing community service.

On those days they do community service—like weeding, cleaning or even painting buildings, Sasuke would always try to get Sakura to go to the medic tent, even when she didn't need it.

Sakura was surprised the first time he did it. They were weeding then, and officers would be

excluded in the activity, and would only be required to supervise. Sasuke, instead of patrolling and supervising, has simply stayed in where Sakura was weeding. And then, as soon as Sakura paused to wipe out some sweat that formed in her forehead, Sasuke was on her, producing a

fan from his military pant's pocket, and fanning her. Next thing she knew, he was reporting to their Corpse Commander, Temari, that Sakura is feeling dizzy and should be taken to the medic tent—even though she was feeling no such thing.

Temari has easily allowed it, however, so

Sakura found herself being dragged by Sasuke to the tent. Once they were there, after Sakura had weakly hit Sasuke for lying to his commander, they just started laughing and talking like how they would when they were still seatmates.

And Sasuke just started doing it whenever he

can that Sakura had started having the reputation of being frail and sickly.

Not everyone buys it, however. Sakura had noticed some of Sasuke's friends (who also weren't officers) either sniggering or shaking their heads whenever they saw him dragging her to the tent.

For their school cultural festival that year, Sakura was very busy with a lot of things. The Newspaper Club editors had already started working on the yearbook, and they also had to cover the cultural festival. Other than that, Sakura was enlisted by their teacher to join a

few school contests including a quiz bee and a logo making contest (along with their classmate, Sai).

Fortunately, as seniors, their batch wasn't required to prepare any booths for the festival. They decided to simply have a gathering—a big lunch with all the graduating students

by potluck.

They decided to use Sasuke's class' room, since it was farther away from the booths and they'd have more privacy.

On the day of their gathering, the third day of their school festival, Sakura and Sai were coming from their logo making contest. They were a little

late, but everyone was still eating when they arrived. As soon as Sakura came in, Sasuke had called for her, pointing at the seat he saved for her beside him.

Sakura had smiled and approached him. When she was near enough, she noticed he was almost done eating. He recommended

to her the food he liked and told her to hurry and get her food since some are already taking their second servings. Sakura simply obliged.

When she went back with her food, she noticed Sasuke holding a cup of strawberry ice cream and slowly eating it.

Sakura couldn't help but comment, "Is that a strawberry ice cream?" She said with a little giggle.

Sasuke's lip quirks up. "Yeah."

"You don't like sweets." She said, and Sasuke easily agreed.

"Yeah, but you like them so I just thought I'd try it. It's yummy. You should get

some, too." He tells her.

"I don't think there's any left." Sakura says. "I didn't see any when I got my food."

And without warning, Sasuke took a spoonful of his ice cream and fed it to Sakura.

Sakura was surprised, but instinctively received it.

"We can share." Sasuke just

said. And proceeded to urge her to eat her food so she can have some dessert.

He continued eating at his ice cream and once in a while gave some to Sakura, still spoonfeeding her.

And that was the first time Sakura was conscious of how close they had become.

For the first time since kindergarten, she felt a little flustered because of Sasuke.

They were sharing a spoon. He was unnecessarily feeding her. And for the love of her, she just went with it even though she was already feeling a bit conscious.

It felt natural because it was

Sasuke, but also felt new.

Not even the same as when they were kids.

Nor was it how they were last year.

Sakura realizes he had never been this close to any guy at all before. And she doubts Sasuke had been to any other girl, either.

And she wasn't sure what to make of it.

Soon, their senior year and high school days came to an end.

Nothing much really changed between them in their last few months, only Sakura has become very conscious of Sasuke and all that he does.

How he would make time to visit her in her classroom; how he would follow her

around whenever they do community service during CAT; how he naturally holds her hand as he pulls her to the medic tent after yet lying to their Corpse Commander (everyone knows Sasuke is lying, but everyone just seems to be letting it go); how whenever they see each other by

chance—in the hallway, in the canteen, in the grounds—Sasuke's lip will subtly quirk up, his eyes would light up, and he'd give her this little wave as a greeting.

She notices all of this now, but that was it.

And soon, they are starting college in different universities.

---

Sakura was accepted at a university that excelled in producing medical professionals. She would be taking her pre-medicine course, and hopefully also get into their College of Medicine. She'd always wanted to be a doctor.

Sasuke, on the other hand, was accepted in a university

known for their aeronautic courses. He wanted to be a pilot.

Funnily enough, their universities were only one bus stop apart.

So during their first year in college, they would often still go home together.

Sakura's schedule is usually from 7am to 5pm, sometimes 7pm. Sasuke's

on the other hand was from 7am to 3pm, sometimes 5pm. When their dismissal time matches, Sasuke would go to Sakura's university so they could go home together. Sometimes, even when his dismissal is a little earlier, as long as Sakura's were only 2 hours later, he'd wait for her.

Whenever they do go home together, they don't always go straight home. If neither of them are too tired, they'd go to the mall or eat dinner together before going home.

They do this so often that even Sakura's college friends already knew Sasuke.

Sasuke had waited for Sakura one day during her hell week. After a grueling day of successive exams and reports, Sakura was just ready to finally reach home and go to bed.

She was a little embarrassed to see Sasuke waiting for her because she would have to turn down any

invitations to go to the mall or eat dinner. She just didn't have the energy.

But Sasuke took only one look at her and simply took her bag and other things she was holding. Then the first thing he said was, "Once we get on the bus, go to sleep."

Sakura wanted to cry when she

heard that. It was just usual Sasuke being his thoughtful and observant self, but it really felt nice to have someone take care of her while she's emotionally and mentally drained.

The bus comes and they enter. Luckily, there were a lot of vacant seats so they were able to get

good seats and sit together (sometimes they have to separate or stand).

As per usual, Sakura sat by the window and Sasuke by the aisle. Unlike usual where they would start talking as soon as they sat, Sasuke kept quiet and let Sakura rest. Just a few minutes since they got on

Sakura fell asleep, her head leaning on the glass window.

It felt like she had only closed her eyes when she was unceremoniously woken up because the bus was passing through a very rough road and Sakura hit her head to the glass because of how much the bus was shaking.

Stubbornly, Sakura kept her eyes shut, still wanting—needing to sleep. The bus shakes again, and she thought she would hit her head to the hard glass again, but instead she hit something soft and warm.

She realized at once that it was Sasuke's hand. But she couldn't even think

about it because he didn't stop at that. Gently, his hand pushed her head off the glass and to the other side—to himself, delicately placing her head on his shoulder.

Then he just held her there and soon, his softness and warmth relaxes her and she easily drifts off to sleep.

When Sakura woke up, it was to Sasuke gently patting her head, waking her up.

Sakura didn't know how to react at first. In her sleep, it seems they had moved. And now, she wasn't only leaning her head on his shoulder, her whole body was leaning on Sasuke's front. She found

herself waking up in his arms.

But before Sakura could overthink, Sasuke started talking, distracting her.

"You already awake? We're close to our stop." He says casually, still letting her lean on him.

A little awkwardly, Sakura pulled back and tried to play it cool.

"Oh, that was fast." She tries to say.

Sasuke chuckles, and somehow the awkwardness fades.

"That was slow." He corrects her. "Traffic was so bad, I was able to finish a whole movie. You were just too deep in your sleep." He tells her.

Sakura felt a little embarrassed, now

knowing just how long she had been sleeping in his arms. But she wasn't required to respond, thankfully, since they arrived at their bus stop and had to get off.

Thankfully, Sasuke didn't mention it again, so Sakura could pretend everything was as it was.

She could pretend she

wasn't totally flustered and feeling overwhelmed.

She really needed to talk to a friend.

---

The following day, Sakura sought Ino, her close friend from high school who was studying in the same university, just in a different college.

It was one of those days that Sakura's

dismissal was 7pm, while Sasuke's was 3pm. So Sakura would insist that he goes home first.

Fortunately, her and Ino's dismissal coincides during this day of the week.

So from their university to their town, all they talked about was what Sakura was feeling, and all the details

she had failed to (aka intentionally didn't) mention to her friend.

Ino was a little sulky about that, but she was also very excited for her friend.

Sakura was still unsure however. She felt scared. She has never felt like that with anyone else, even her previous crushes. And

she also had never been this close to any other guy, or had ever been treated the way Sasuke treats her.

And this was Sasuke. He's a very close friend, a very important support for Sakura.

She was scared of anything changing.

Ino scolded her at that and told her to just focus

on the positive things, asking her if she wasn't happy that he was taking care of her. Or if she didn't feel happy thinking of them in that light.

Blushing a little, Sakura realized, and admitted to Ino that she did.

She realized, finally, that she was falling for Sasuke.

Third year in college came, and their schedules rarely match now, so they rarely go home together or even see each other anymore.

Still, they kept in touch, talking to each other almost everyday (if their workload permits) through chats. They talk online the same way they did

when they were still seatmates in high school. They could talk about anything under the sun, and they never run out of things to say. It was always fun.

But one time, Sasuke sends Sakura a very weird message. It was one of those corny chain mails with the dated autograph book

questions that instruct you to pass it on to a specific number of friends.

It was something that Sakura would never think Sasuke was interested in. She didn't even think he'd know about them. But he had sent him one, and she was very curious about what he wrote, so she excitedly

opened the message.

----
ᴇxᴘᴏsᴇ ʏᴏᴜʀsᴇʟғ
ғᴜʟʟ ɴᴀᴍᴇ: ᴜᴄʜɪʜᴀ sᴀsᴜᴋᴇ
ʜᴇɪɢʜᴛ: 𝟷𝟼𝟾ᴄm
ғᴀᴠᴏʀɪᴛᴇ ᴄᴏʟᴏʀ: ʙʟᴀᴄᴋ
ɢɪʀʟ ʙᴇsᴛɪᴇ: sᴀᴋᴜʀᴀ
ʙᴏʏ ʙᴇsᴛɪᴇ: ɴᴏɴᴇ
ᴡᴀɴᴛ ᴋɪᴅs: ʏᴇᴀ
ɪғ sᴏ ʜᴏᴡ ᴍᴀɴʏ: ...ᴅᴇᴘᴇɴᴅs
ᴢᴏᴅɪᴀᴄ sɪɢɴ: ɪᴅᴋ

ʟᴀsᴛ ᴅʀɪɴᴋ: ᴛᴇᴀ
ᴄᴀᴛ ᴏʀ ᴅᴏɢ: ᴄᴀᴛ
ғᴀᴠᴏʀɪᴛᴇ ᴀɴɪᴍᴀʟ: ᴄᴀᴛ
ʙᴀᴛᴛᴇʀʏ ᴘᴇʀᴄᴇɴᴛᴀɢᴇ: 𝟽𝟻%
ғᴀᴠᴏʀɪᴛᴇ sᴏɴɢ: ʀᴇᴀʟɪᴢᴇ ʙʏ ᴄᴏʟʙɪᴇ ᴄᴀɪʟʟᴀᴛ

sᴇɴᴅ ᴛʜɪs ᴛᴏ 𝟹 ᴘᴇʀsᴏɴs ʏᴏᴜ ᴡᴀɴɴᴀ ᴅᴇᴅɪᴄᴀᴛᴇ ʏᴏᴜʀ ғᴀᴠᴏʀɪᴛᴇ sᴏɴɢ ᴛᴏ!
---

Sakura had to read the last part a few times just to make sure she wasn't seeing things. First of all, she was quite sure Realize wasn't his favorite song. Sasuke prefers alternative rock. She didn't know he even listens to Colbie Caillat.

And then the potential implication

the message itself could be.

He was dedicating the song to her? Did he even know the lyrics of the song?? Did he just pick a song he knew she would like, nevermind the lyrics??

She was feeling confused again, but she was also feeling a little giddy and also a little nervous.

open.spotify.com/track/6Vi6gx8I…

Still, nothing happened the rest of the year. But mostly because they rarely saw each other anymore. There really wasn't a chance for anything to happen.

Their last year in college came, and they got even more busy. Sakura was preparing for Med school, and Sasuke was already

preparing to take pilot training.

They couldn't even talk much online anymore. And in truth, they also really drifted apart. They were both hustling for their dreams, and depending on the people around them—people they could see, the peers who knew what they were going through

because they were going through the same thing, for support.

The only time they really met that year was on Sakura's birthday. Sasuke had insisted they see each other since he wanted to give her his gift. And Sakura had missed him so much, she didn't really need that much

convincing.

They met again at Sakura's university, and for the first time in a long time, decided to go home together.

They went to the mall again, and ate dinner together again. And then, before they parted ways, Sasuke greeted Sakura a happy birthday and gave her his gift.

It was a medical bag. An expensive looking one, too. And Sakura knew it would have cost him a lot. Sasuke's family wasn't poor, but she knew he had recently been trying to save money since he wanted to help pay for his expenses for pilot training. He needed to rent a plane for

that. It wouldn't be a small amount. So even though his parents have offered to shoulder it, he still wanted to help as much as he could.

And he just told her that he knew she would be a great doctor, and he hoped she would be able to use the bag.

That was the last time they

met each other for the next few years.

---

Looking back on it, Sakura realized that had been Sasuke's good-bye to her all those years ago.

In simple words, he had told her to chase her dreams and he hopes she'll catch them.

And finally, she did. She's a doctor now, currently living in one of the rural provinces of the

country. And it just so happened that she saw her old bag as she was packing her things.

She smiled fondly at it, and on a whim, went to his laptop to look at old photos, feeling nostalgic.

She laughed when she saw her first ever picture with Sasuke—back when they were in

kindergarten. She doubted he even knew her then.

And then, she looked for their latest photo, which was sadly back when they were still in college all those years ago.

Without really thinking much about it, she made a collage out of the two, then posted it online, tagging

Sasuke for the first time in a while.

She hadn't heard from him for years. She didn't know where he was or what happened to him. She didn't know if he still uses the same account.

But miraculously, in just a few minutes Sakura received a notification that tells her Sasuke liked

her post. And in another few seconds, a comment from him came.

"I also have a copy of that grad pic." He says.

Sakura laughs, and then for the first time in years, they start talking again. It felt like how it was when they were seatmates. It didn't even feel like a lot of time

had separated them. They catch up with each other. Sasuke wasn't surprised that Sakura is a doctor now. He said he always knew she could do it. Likewise, Sakura also wasn't surprised to hear that he's a pilot now.

What she was surprised to hear, however, is that he's living

abroad now. In a place very far that they actually had opposite times of the day.

But a glimmer of hope comes to Sakura when he mentioned he would be coming back to their country sometime soon. But it was squashed just as quickly when she found out he was only going to be there

for a few days for his brother's wedding. And those specific days were days Sakura was needed in the rural province.

Maybe the time simply just wasn't on their side.

They talked for hours through chat. They talked right until the second they really had to go.

And when they

said good-bye, it somehow felt permanent now.

They're really living different lives now.

---

Years passed by again, and Sakura doesn't think about the past anymore. That was just it, the past. Just some precious memories she had of someone who had been important to her.

They were never able to talk again after that chat, and Sakura had been busy with her own life, working at the hospital, meeting new people, and making new friends.

Ironically, these new friends were what what somehow brought Sasuke's name out of her mouth again.

They had been getting lunch, when one of their juniors, Hanabi, the youngest resident in their group, started sharing about this guy she was having a crush on. She was asking for their advice, and most of her fellow OB-GYN doctors were passionately tossing theirs out. And then it

somehow got to Sakura, the only currently single person in the group aside from Hanabi.

Everyone was curious about her love life and about why she still was single. And somehow, Sakura ended up telling them about her and Sasuke's story.

It was funny how her colleagues started

being so invested that by the end of it, everyone of them wanted to know his details so they could find him online for her. But Sakura just laughed it off and refused to give them anymore information.

By the end of the day, Sakura finds herself in her condo, browsing through her

old social media account that she rarely uses now. She still was friends with Sasuke there, even with Sasuke's brother.

It seems like Sasuke, like her, hasn't been using his account either. But his profile picture is of him in the pilot box. That made Sakura smile.

She wonders how he is. He wonders if he already have a girlfriend, maybe a family. She'd really like to know. She still sees him as a precious friend, after all.

And, because there was really nothing more to lose, Sakura just sent him a quick hello. But minutes passed and

there's no notification. Sakura shrugged and just assumed he doesn't use the account anymore. And with that, she simply logged off and started doing her errands.

It was days after that, maybe weeks even, she wasn't sure. She had already forgotten about it.

But she had received

a notification. Sasuke had replied to her message.

She opened it, and it was as short as her message.

'Sakura.'

It simply says.

And it was weird, but somehow, that felt different.

That felt new.

She sees he was still online so she quickly opened the app and replied to him.

'Sasuke! How are you?'

As soon as she sends it, she sees him typing.

She smiles. It really feels different.

Somehow it feels like meeting again for the first time.

Soon enough they were talking again like how they used to.

And after a few messages of catching up with each

other, he sends the message that made Sakura feel that hope again.

'I'm actually going back there soon. Can we meet?'

'Please?'

Sakura was surprised to suddenly feel her heart pounding. She felt a little silly. It's been years and he didn't even cross her mind as much as the

thought of Christmas, or any random Holiday crossed her mind. Yet with just one sentence, she was feeling this way again.

Feeling hopeful again.

With a smile, she replies,

'Sure.'

Maybe this time, the timing would be on their side.

END