Chapter 15: Chapter 15: Sakura and Sasuke
Chapter 15: Sakura and Sasuke
At Sakura's house, Kizashi Haruno and Mebuki Haruno had plenty they wanted to say.
They had seen enough to know what was happening, and the mere thought of what they hadn't witnessed made them uneasy.
As Sakura's parents, it was difficult for them to accept everything.
But Sakura, clearly exhausted after being thoroughly "handled" by Sasuke throughout the day, interrupted their thoughts.
"Dad, Mom, I'm going to sleep. If there's anything, let's talk tomorrow," she said, not wanting to stick around for any lectures.
With a sigh, she retreated to her room before her parents could start.
"Ah…"
Kizashi and Mebuki could only sigh in resignation.
Their daughter was beyond their control now.
All they could hope was that Sasuke would genuinely treat Sakura well.
…
Meanwhile, Sasuke had gone to Ichiraku Ramen, hoping for a bit of luck.
To his surprise, the ramen shop was unusually quiet.
"Sasuke—!"
Ayame, seeing Sasuke suddenly appear, thought she was dreaming. She even rubbed her eyes exaggeratedly, a gesture far removed from her normally lively demeanor.
In the past, Ayame had been cheerful and confident, but after falling for Sasuke, she unconsciously began to reveal a shy, girlish side around him.
Sasuke chuckled. "What, is it just you here tonight?"
"What do you want, Sasuke?"
Without answering, Sasuke casually vaulted over the counter into the ramen shop.
"My little sweetheart, what do you think I want?"
"Hasn't it been a whole day already? Don't you miss me?"
Ayame flushed.
"Sasuke…"
She glanced nervously at the door, worried someone might see them.
"You're such a bad boy!" she said in a half-scolding tone, her shyness evident.
Sasuke smirked, pulling her into his arms. "And yet, you love this bad boy, don't you?"
Before Ayame could respond, Sasuke moved to close the shop early.
"Sasuke, you're terrible!"
"Good thing my dad went home. Otherwise, if he saw this, he'd probably break my legs."
Sasuke's eyes glinted with confidence. "He wouldn't dare."
"From last night onward, Ayame, you're my woman. Even your father has no right to question that."
Ayame was simultaneously touched and exasperated.
"Sasuke, you're so domineering!"
"And don't you forget it," Sasuke replied with a grin.
…
In the back of Ichiraku Ramen, there was a small resting area.
It quickly became a haven of happiness for Sasuke and Ayame.
…
Afterward, as Ayame lay exhausted, Sasuke said, "Leaving you here alone doesn't sit right with me. Come sleep at my place tonight."
Ayame, deeply moved by his thoughtfulness, hesitated before replying, "I can't."
"I'm worried Sakura might find out. I don't want her to know about us…"
With maturity and understanding, Ayame added, "I've watched the shop alone plenty of times before. I'll be fine."
Sasuke frowned. "That was before. Things are different now—you have me."
"But if you're worried about Sakura, I'll take you home instead."
Without waiting for her response, Sasuke carried Ayame to her room. Only after ensuring she was comfortably settled did he finally leave.
"Get some rest. If your father has any concerns, I'll handle it," Sasuke reassured her.
Ayame, gazing at him, felt overwhelmed with happiness.
"No need. My dad's very understanding. Even if I neglect the shop, he won't blame me," she said softly.
Unlike Sakura, Ayame was already at an age where marriage was a possibility. Her father wouldn't fault her for having a boyfriend.
Sasuke nodded. "Fine. But if you ever feel wronged or face any difficulties, come to me. I'll take care of it."
"You're not alone anymore, understand?"
Tears welled up in Ayame's eyes as she nodded obediently.
"Goodnight," Sasuke said, leaving her with a sense of fulfillment she had never felt before.
For Ayame, there was no sadness in watching Sasuke leave. Her heart was completely filled by him now, and she had fully accepted their relationship.
…
Sasuke returned home and quickly fell asleep.
The next day, Sakura hesitated, despite saying the night before that she would see Sasuke at the ninja academy.
In the end, she decided to stop by his house first.
On the way, just as she neared Sasuke's place, she ran into Naruto.
"Sakura…"
Naruto looked disheveled, clearly still struggling to accept that Sakura and Sasuke were together.
"Naruto!"
Sakura, initially embarrassed, quickly regained her composure. She felt she had nothing to apologize for.
"Is there something you need?" she asked calmly.
"No… I just wanted to say I wish you and Sasuke happiness," Naruto said, his tone laced with resignation.
Thanks to Sasuke's comfort the other night, Naruto hadn't fallen into despair.
"Thank you…"
Naruto's maturity left Sakura feeling slightly uneasy.
"I'm going to check if Sasuke's up," she said, continuing to Sasuke's house.
Naruto, initially planning to leave, decided there was no need to avoid the situation now that he had resolved to support them.
…
When Sakura arrived at Sasuke's house, she found him still asleep.
It didn't take long for Sasuke to get ready, though.
"…!"
Naruto, catching a glimpse of something he shouldn't have, turned red and immediately averted his gaze.
"I didn't see anything…" he stammered.