..~**~.. 5 Steps to a Broken Heart ..~**~..

1. Memories

~When I was young, I always fangirled over you even though I had a lot of fun with Group 7. We're a team.~

"Naruto! Quit goofing off and help me and Sasuke-kun with the project!" A 12-year old Sakura commanded as she continued writing her essay on her notebook.

"Dobe." The young Uchiha just focused on his work.

"But Sakura-chaaan!" Naruto whined, resting on the couch. "Writing essays are BORING!"

Sasuke kicked off Naruto at the couch as the ramen lover rolled on the floor while Sasuke took a seat at the comfy couch.

"OI TEME! WHAT WAS THAT FOR?!"

"Shut up and do your work, loser."

"Finally! Thank you, Sasuke-kun!" Sakura gave him a hug as Sasuke just ignored and rolled his eyes. She pulled Naruto to the table and gave him his notebook and pen. "Now, go do your essay."

"But why does Sasuke-teme can watch the tv??" Naruto folded his arms with a pout after pointing at Sasuke.

"Because Sasuke-kun is already done with his work."

"Fine! But we have to go to Ichiraku after this!" Naruto proudly stated as he wrote down at the paper with determination.

"Tch, idiot."

"Oi oi don't think I didn't here that, you bastard!"

"Loser."

"Asshole!"

"Whiskers."

Sakura couldn't help but sigh at her place, also smile at her group's childishness.

Since elementary, Naruto, Sakura and Sasuke were put in Group 7. A three-man squad for doing group projects and other school works for the whole school years. They have been close ever since, despite the fact that Naruto and Sasuke were always  fighting.

2. Hidden

~I know that at some point, you'll be walking away from my life.~

By thirteen years of age, the rookie 9 all graduated from elementary and will be going to high school next school year.

All were happy as ever, until Sasuke got the news that he will be leaving Konoha in a while for his family's business.

Sakura ran as fast as her short legs could carry her and stopped once she caught sight of her beloved one.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

...leaving.

"So, you're leaving without even saying goodbye?" She tried not to cry by forming her hands into fists.

"Go back home."

"No!" Tears were now falling down from Sakura's eyes.

She was still wearing her school uniform. So did he, school just ended and Sasuke planned to leave without saying goodbye so that it wouldn't be hard for them. Also, since he wouldn't admit it.

"Sasuke-kun, do you remember this place?"

They were at the school's field, the place where they first met. The place where group 7 formed. The place where they would always hang out. The place where he will be leaving.

His back was still faced to her with his hands inside his pockets. "No."

Her eyes widen in hurt then she slowly closed them. She smiled nervously. Of course he wouldn't. He blocked his memories since he doesn't know when he'll come back. Heck, maybe never.

She lowered her head, her emerald orbs now staring down at the sea of grass. "I know you'll be leaving, but I just wanted you to know that I love you. I have been ever since we were young, until now. I just wanted you to know and that you will always be the only one that I will love."

He just kept silent as only the sound of the wind could be heard.

In a speed of light, Sasuke was at Sakura's back. He bit her lower lip, not sure of what to say. "Sakura...

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

...Thank you."

Dugdug.

3. Never

~But you can NEVER be replaced in my heart.~

"Sakura, Naruto, I have a news  about Group 7." A man in his late 20's with silver hair as he wore a mask, shielding his mouth and the bridge of his nose.

A 15-year old Sakura and Naruto glanced over to the man who spoke.

"What is it, Kaka-sensei?" Naruto asked, hoping that Sasuke would come back.

"A new student named Sai would be taking the slot of Sasuke in your group." He stated with a gloomy expression. "I know it's hard for you two, but he must be replaced."

Naruto was about to object until Sakura held his wrist. "S-Sakura-chan?"

"We don't know when he's coming back and it would be a big help since it won't just be us." Sakura looked up to meet Naruto's gaze.

He hesitated at first but agreed.

Kakashi fled the scene to give them an alone time, or so they thought.

"Besides, even if they replace him...He will never be replaced to us."

Kakashi heard Sakura's statement as he gave out a sad smile before oficially leaving.

4. Back

~After four years of you not being in my life physically, I didn't expect for you to come back.~

It was their junior year, second to the last year of high school. Sakura checked what section she belongs in and walked to her classroom. All the Rookie 9-well 8- were present as Team Gai joined.

"Sakura-chan, long time no see!" Naruto hugged Sakura as she grinned.

"Naruto, you already have Hinata. You should hug her, not me." Sakura said while Naruto let go.

"It doesn't mean I can't hug my sister, Sakura-chan, right?"  Naruto winked in a sibling behavior as he sat down next to Hinata. "You don't mind right Hinata-chan?"

"N-Not at all." The shy Hyuuga smiled at Sakura with roseate cheeks.

Even though they're already dating, Hinata still blushes and stutters a lot.

"Forehead!" Ino jumped at Sakura for an embrace. "It felt like years since I last saw you!"

Sakura cocked an eyebrow. "We haven't seen each other for only less than 4 months, Ino-pig."

She shrugged. "Still the same."

The bell rang as they all sat on their seats. Ino sat next to her close friend Sai.

Shikamaru was seated next to Temari. Naruto's with Hinata as Neji and Tenten were on the other side. Sakura just stayed at the back row of the class, staring at the window. This has been a routine to her ever since she became sixteen and her friends began coupling up.

Kakashi was still their sensei as he entered the classroom.

"WOAH KAKASHI ISN'T LATE?!"

"IS THE WORLD ABOUT TO END??"

"DID HE FINALLY GET A GIRLFRIEND?!"

"ARE WE IN THE ALTERNATIVE UNIVERSE??!?!?"

The students yelled as a sweat dropped Kakashi's forehead. "There's a new student."

They all sat back down and returned to their bored expressions.

A knock was heard on the door. "Come in."

The door shrieked open as it revealed a guy with raven hair and onyx eyes as his body looks well-built.

Dugdug.

Gasps and whispers echoed the room as most of the people turned to look at Sakura and Naruto.

Naruto was the first to react. "S-Sasuke?!" He stood up from his seat, not believing that this day would ever come.

The boy studied Naruto as he spoke. "Still a dobe as ever."

"Teme!"

Sakura was left at her seat, completely paralyzed. Her eyes widen in shock as her legs were trembling underneath her table.

She most certainly did not expect this would happen after how many years.

5. Reality Sucks

~Even though you're with someone else, my heart will always belong to you...~

Months went by quickly, it was like Sasuke never left at all. However, the only thing that changed were their appearances and Sakura, not being a fangirl anymore.

They have all matured. All got taller, smarter, wiser and more attractive though their attitudes hasn't change that much ever since they were young.

Sakura's forehead wasn't that big as before, you wouldn't even notice that it's large as her natural short pink hair stayed the same with her jade eyes.

A rumor broke out that Sasuke and Ino were dating a weeks back now, but it was the sad truth for Sakura.

Both confirmed it when they were seen holding hands at the school hallways then Sakura's heart began to shatter.

Ino has been always the one beside Sakura through ups and downs then this is what she does? Worst part? She was her best friend.

To think that life has given her a second chance.

After years of loving him, waiting for him, he comes back and dates her best friend. She knows that she doesn't own him but it still stings. Life is unfair.

Should she just give up? Find another man to love? She already tried that before and failed miserably.

Well, she can't do anything now. Her best friend likes her one and only love while he likes her best friend back. All she can do is watch the two lovebirds as she was being torn into pieces at the back of the room. Reality sucks.

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This is a two-shot so check out the next chapter :3

~TheSketcher