Quote of the chapter: "I'm so sorry but I love you." Lie by BIGBANG

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          cнαpтer 33

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"Sasuke, where are you going?" Kakashi had asked to which Sasuke turned back to him.

And it was the first time that Kakashi had saw a spark of emotion at Sasuke's eyes.

"I don't know." Then he continued to walk.

"Why did you leave?" Kakashi still followed.

"It was not something I want to stay and watch." Sasuke remarked and that was the only thing he had to say in order to make Kakashi stop following him. It was like something clicked when Sasuke answered and it made Kakashi understand everything.

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It has been a week ever since Sakura confirmed the engagement and it was the top news in all of the five nations. Some reckless citizens even made it as a bet if they would really continue the wedding or end it as a joke. Because the style of their engagement-arranged marriage-is very old-fashioned.

And ever since then, Sasuke has been avoiding Sakura.

Ever since then, Sakura had felt the similar pain when Sasuke left.

Strange as it is, but it seems that Sasuke had been invisible to her. What was more strange is that the fact that she knows it, hurts her.

Time seemed like months had went by when Sakura's wedding was held after a week.

And before the wedding, she makes a letter to Sasuke.

That's what she's been doing when she wanted to say something but she could not. When Sasuke left Konoha before-she wrote a letter. But she never gave it to him since she does not have the courage to.

Now, the night before the wedding, Sakura wanted to write a letter. It felt like she needed to, to let Sasuke at least know the truth.

Pool of tears clensed Sakura's clothes and carpet as she write the letter. Every memory she remembered, every word she wrote-she meant it.

The next day, Kakashi came to visit the bride before her wedding with a cup of coffee in his hand as an early gift.

"Rise and shine, Haruno-" Kakashi paused as his eyes widen in shock. "Dear Kami-sama, what happened to you?"

Her eyes were puffy red and trails of dried tears were evident form her face even though strands of her hair covered her forehead. Nose as dark as her pink hair with her eye-bags showing off while crumpled papers were scattered inside her room.

She was a mess.

"K-Kaka-sensei..." Sakura could feel another set of tears coming up and her hands were trembling. And as her father-like teacher, Kakashi did not say a word. He placed the hot beverage at the night stand as he just scooped her in a hug and comforted her like any father would do to a daughter in pain.

To say, Kakashi had felt surprised at first but mostly sorrow. He pictured a future for his students before. Strong, happy and united. Not like this. Definitely not like this.

Once Sakura had finally calmed down, she knew that she owed Kakashi an explanation.

"Kaka-sensei, I didn't sleep at all last night...I-I...I still love him..." Sakura pouted before clutching the envelope she was looking at.

"I know." Kakashi held his palm at the shoulder of his former student knowingly. "But do you still want to pursue this?"

Sakura nodded meekly, "Kaka-sensei, you are one of the people that I trust the most." She extended her hand with the letter inside. "Can you please give this to Sasuke-kun after the wedding?"

"Sakura I'm honored that you trust me, but I am in no position to-"

"Please." Sakura pleaded.

That one word and Kakashi had no other choice but to accept. It was the least he could do to the broken girl at his sight.

"Thank you so much, Kaka-sensei." Sakura gave him a hug and Kakashi patted her head lightly.

"Now, you should be ready for what's coming. So, I got you an early present." Kakashi said, giving her the cup of coffee.

Sakura's eyes sparkled at the sight. Just what she needed. "Kaka-sensei, thank you so much," She smiled. "For everything."

"My pleasure." Kakashi stated then Sakura drank the hot substance as it warmed her system.

A knock on the door was heard as the person screeched. "Open up, forehead! It's time!"

"It's Ino. She's in-charge of my make-up." Sakura mentioned as Kakashi stood up from his place.

"That's my cue to leave. I guess you still have a lot of explaining to do with your friend." He replied, referring to Ino. "I'll see you at the venue."

Sakura gave a slight nod as response.

"Oh, and Sakura?"

She looked to Kakashi after gulping.

"It's not too late."

That is when Kakashi opened the door which revealed the young Yamanaka.

"Kaka-sensei?"

"I just visited the bride before her wedding. Later." He said before going to who knows where.

"It's time to work my magic!" Ino announced to Sakura from the living room once she entered the apartment. She literally dropped her make up kit once she saw Sakura. "Holy crap, what the hell happened?" She shrieked as Sakura sighed.

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"What in the name of ramen are you doing teme!" Naruto yelled as if he was scolding him like his mother would.

However, Sasuke did not budge at his statement.

They were at the bridge wherein team seven would always meet when they have a mission, other than the gates of Konoha, borh wearing tuxedo for the formal event.

"Why are you not bothering Sakura? She's already walking away from you!"

"See, that's the point. She's already walking away. What's the point of chasing her?"

"Because this is making you crazy, damn it are you really that emotionless?" Naruto asked with his defeaning tone. And it seems like he was the crazier one.

Sasuke took his time before speaking the truth. "I just can't stand seeing her with another man."

Then Naruto realized that he was not the crazy one, because Sasuke was already crazy inside. "Then go get her, teme."

"I don't even love her, what's the point."

And for the first time in history, Naruto smacked his palm at his forehead-thinking that Sasuke is the stupid one. For the first time, Naruto was the smart one and Sasuke was the dumb one. Of course, it had to be the topic of love.

Although, he could not blame him. Naruto understood that he was still frustrated with his feelings. After all, he felt that way with Hinata because he never acknowledged his feelings towards her, he only appreciated. That is what Sasuke needs to find out for himself.

Naruto knew this, all he can do is give him a little push.

"Besides, Sakura made her choice." Sasuke added.

Naruto scowled. "Oh, you and I both clearly know that Sakura-chan is the worst person in making choices."

That sentence did not even make Sasuke flinch.

It was true, however. Like the time she wanted to join Sasuke in his path of revenge. Or in backing out in joining the chuunin exams. Even the choice of staying up all night, draining her chakra in helping out people at the hospital.

Then Naruto had thought of a deep reply to make him move. "You said it yourself, you can't stand seeing her with another man. What about if she marries another man?" He made his point and it perfectly caught Sasuke's attention.

"It's already too late anyways."

Naruto grinned at this, he was slowly changing his mind. "It will be if you don't get your ass up and discover the truth." With that, Naruto left him to contemplate and Naruto ran to the Sakura's apartment, quickly to not be late.

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After a few hours of fixing up, Sakura had finished with the help of Ino.

Naruto and Sai picked her up to go to the wedding while Ino stayed, and will go to the wedding after fixing herself up.

The venue was very near to Sakura's street so they can just walk from there by ten minutes or so.

"You look beautiful, Sakura-chan!" Naruto grinned brightly as he complimented.

"I agree." Sai included with a smile.

This made Sakura chuckle. "Thanks guys. By the way, where's Hinata? I thought you're going with her." Sakura asked Naruto who shook his head.

"We'll be together at the wedding, she insisted to go there by herself. She wants me to be with you before the wedding."

Sakura smiled warmly at the thought of Hinata. Even without saying, Hinata already knew how she was going.

But then Sai had decided ti break the ice and Sakura already expected it.

"According to this book," Saii continued as Sakura and Naruto peeked at the title which says 'All about Love and Marriage' and they both itched to face-pakm. "Marriage is a formal union between a man and a woman who truly love each other. Love takes time to develop." He closed the book and placed it inside his pack.

"In addition, you only met Shee Jin for less than a year and barely keep in touch." Sai concluded to which kept Sakura silent.

Naruto frowned staring into space. "Sai's right, but if that's your choice..." He looked to Sakura with pure sincerity. "...just always remember that we'll always be here."

At the exact same time when Naruto had said it, they all stopped. Because they had reach the entrance.

"Thank you." She both glanced at her teammates as she hugged them. She wished that Sasuke was here. How much she wanted to hug him.

Blocking her thought, she questioned. "Where's Kaka-sensei?"

Naruto shrugged and Sai pointed from a far, where Kakashi came running.

"You okay?" Kakashi asked, panting once he reached the entrance.

"Are you?" Sakura giggled to which Kakashi chuckled.

"See you at the aisle!" Naruto said, drifting to his seat inside as Sai saluted to his friend before going inside as well.

"You look more grown up, Sakura."

Sakura returned a smile at Kakashi's comment as they waited for a while before the doors open and the choir began singing.

"Ready?" Kakashi repeated.

Sakura but her lip. "Never will be."

Kakashi slighty smirked before walking.

She spotted everyone. And for every person she recalled a memory as if it haunted her.

She saw Rina who waved slightly, seeing her glance. "I guess the best thing is to follow your heart."

Then Sai at the end of the room with a smile. "Marriage is for a man and woman who truly love each other."

She caught a glimpse of Naruto at the first row. "We'll always be here."

She turned to Kakashi who was looking ahead. "It's not too late."

Closing her eyes, she felt a tear fell from her right eye as a picture of Sasuke flashed in her mind. "You don't love him, do you?"

She mentally sighed. "Am I really making the right choice?"

END OF CHAPTER 33

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//PUBLISHED.6.13.15//

huehue

that's honestly all I can say haha i forgot to update this yesterday bc Philippines' independence day hahaha

Thanks for reading!

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~TheSketcher