A/N : So I kinda, like, made a new story, it's actually a SasuSaku/NaruHina story, Before Marriage. You guys mind checking it out? I KNOW, I'M SORRY I didn't finish Sweet Revenge & Trapped in the arms of a Killer first before I published another one, gomenasai! Ｔ ▽Ｔ) I'm going to complete it all, cross my kokoro! ❤
But still try it out please, domoouuuu arigato ne! 〒▽〒)♡♡

Oh and thank you! 100k views at SR!
I never expected it'll come to this point lol.
Thanks guys. ⊙ ▽⊙)!! Sorry for the late update *bows bows bows* and belated Happy New Year too! ♡♡

Nic xx

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Dad's words echoed tirelessly on my mind, I couldn't sleep, thinking of things like, how would I tell this to Sasuke? What would he feel? What about Hinata and Tenten? What would they say?

One thing's for sure though.

Everything now would change the day I step out of Sasuke's place.

Don't get me wrong, the idea of one day being trusted enough by dad to run a company was good, it just saddens me a whole lot more in a way. I'm not ready for this, for the change awaiting me. How could I miss this? Dad was the CEO, and being his only daughter would mean I'd be the successor. But honestly, I haven't fully considered that, I didn't know dad trusts me enough to be on his list. I was expecting he had a good right hand man that was up to his challenges and whom he trusts that will run his company at ease and more smoothly one day.

Checking the ticking clock on the bedside table, it was indeed midnight already, and I have to sleep, otherwise this would be a headache anytime soon and that didn't sound well, considering I'm on shift later. Though the headache was a piece of cake compared, I was more bothered on how I'll bring this up to him. If he asks me what my decision is, I'm pretty sure I'd disappoint him for being silent and unable to answer a simple question.

Tossing and turning on the bed with its rumbled soft sheets, I lay awake at the midst of the night. Taking a good look at the ceiling while my mind was off somewhere else.

"You look terrible!" Tenten splurted out and I couldn't agree with her more or less. I only had three to four hours of sleep after all, I couldn't sleep well last night, so I had to force my eyes shut and restrained myself with opening it. To a conclusion, I was right with my immediate expectation of my headache which came in early in the morning when I woke up.
"Tenten!" Hinata scolded, a little too soft to call a scold though. "What's bothering you?" She asked gently as she carefully combed my hair with her fingers. They were worried about me, and they deserve to know it.

After telling them the whole story, they were speechless for a moment, but Hinata muttered for a while saying, "That's- well- I think that's both great and sad," Tenten agreed, "Yeah, I mean, being a successor is... something. It's hard seeing you leave though.."

I wanted to oppose, saying I haven't decided yet, but even to their case it meant it was my only option. It was an opportunity. Not just one, but it was also something I couldn't simply refuse. After lunch I headed back to the office, gathering some strength to tell him about it along the way.
"Shut up, Hozuki" He grumbled over his phone. Peeking over his dim lit office, his phone was directed towards his left ear. Not a moment longer he had putted it back to his desk and ended the call.

This is my chance.

I didn't let my second thoughts bother me any longer, I entered his office and shutted the door behind my back. Sasuke quickly noticed my presence and sat more lazily on his chair, as if getting ready and relaxed for a long conversation. Was he expecting this? I sighed inaudibly, trying to not make him notice or worry at some point. Sasuke was looking at me, waiting, his eyes not leaving mine. The tension was definitely there, but if you'd ask me personally, I'd prefer we have an awkward moment instead.

For several minutes we didn't say a single word, my tongue betraying me for remaining silent, not letting any words from escaping.

"Sakura, tell me." He said finally, breaking the building of ice between us.
I shrugged, "I assumed you already.. know."
Sasuke smirked yet it barely reached his eyes, "I want to hear it from you."

I wanted to crumble before him. He was requesting me to tell him something I was uncomfortable with. Yet I have no other choice, haven't I?
"Dad is asking me to work for his company," I managed to mumble under my breath.
"When?" He asked right away, showing no hints of being surprised or shocked with the news I just gave away.
"I- I don't know just yet." I answered, remembering dad saying he'll be welcoming me anytime soon for it.
"I see. Then, while you're still here, open an availability for your position. Right away. Fix my schedule for a 2 hour 1 on 1 interview for applicants each day until Friday. As for you, fill in your resignation letter." He said coldly and formally and returned back to his working position, indicating this conversation is done for him.

I stood astonished to what he had said.
Was it that easy for him to let her go?
I tried to be understanding but I couldn't deny that I was beginning to be mad at him and I tried controlling it, but my mouth gave me all away, damn mouth who wants to do the opposite of everything.

"That's it?" I asked firmly.
"Is there anything else we should talk about?"

"You tell me."
"Sakura-"
"Why does it look like this is so easy for you?"
"It isn't." Sasuke answered, still calm and composed like he had always been.

Damn hell, show it then.

"You're already looking for a replacement."
"That's because you'll be gone."

Why does it feel like I have no say in this?
Do I really have no other choice?

"But I haven't.. decided yet." I mumbled softly, more to me than him. Because it's true, this wasn't my decision. I didn't want to leave this company. It was a special place for me. This is where I want to be. Yet.. wouldn't it be selfish? Wouldn't it be selfish to turn down such trust dad was giving me?

"You're being offered to be the successor of your dad's company and you want to think about it?" He questioned with great disbelief on his tone.
"I don't think it's for me."
"So you want to remain my secretary in exchange for that?"
"It's not just- it's not that simple."

"Heh, I've been proving myself since then, just to be the sole successor of this company. And yours? It's just being handed over to you in a silver platter." Sasuke grinned a little, as if finding the irony hilarious.
I remain speechless to what he had said though, until his brother Itachi's words had knocked senses into me when I asked before, why wasn't he the successor, saying Sasuke needed this more than he did. Perhaps there was more than that. Maybe this meant a lot to him.

Thinking how long we had been together, it was saddening that there were things about him that I didn't know. Perhaps he was too uncomfortable talking about it. Somehow I understood how big of a deal this is to him.
"I'm sorry Sasuke. I'm sorry that I- got mad.. I just.. I just want to be with you. I'm just scared.. and not ready for the changes.."
Sasuke audibly sighed, judging from his looks, he regretted telling me such heavy words. He turned to look at my misty jade eyes that was close to tearing up, he stood and gently wrapped himself unto me. "Sorry," he said under his breath. I launched my arms over his shoulders, savoring the moment, we stood there for as long as I could even remember.

Ever since that time, I had mentally prepared myself for the change. I know this won't last forever. I would be making my resignation letter sooner, and like what Sasuke had asked me to do, I had to post availability for the position I'm leaving. I had contacted Rikka too for help, and she was helping me looking for a fitting person for the job.

I couldn't help but feel sad about it, my heart clenches at the thought of Sasuke replacing me, and me, on the other hand, is helping him with it.

Snap out of it, Sakura!
It's just the position he's replacing!

I tried looking at the bright side of this situation, but no matter what I think of and no matter how I smiled it off, I always end up getting down, and so in the end, I just let myself, giving up to the almost-depressing situation.

"Cheer up, Sakura." Hinata said with a worried look on her face. I wanted to smile and tell her I'm okay, but I wasn't so I only responded her with a deep sigh while we walk off out of the building.

"Ne~" Tenten grunted. "Look, Sakura. It's papa Haruno." She whispered and pointed out the window shield out to the building. It was indeed dad, talking to a person who seems to be an acquaintance and also oddly familiar.

"Ah, sweetie, finally. I've been waiting for you." Dad greeted when I appeared before him, intention was to ask him what he was doing here but ended up being cutted off anyway. "We'll get you a new car and I cannot risk you taking bus stops for home little lady." I blushed for being like a 5 year old kid, yet I didn't react much to it as my attention was caught with the person dad was speaking with.

"I believe you already met Mr. Jiraiya?" Dad asked, I smiled a little in response and nodded, "Yes, I have met Mr. Jiraiya several times, dad." but after that incident with mom and Mr. Jiraiya, I have been admittingly suspicious of him, although mom already explained the reason to me why she was crying by the time Mr. Jiraiya left the house. I don't know what or why, but there still was something very intimidating about him.

"Yes, indeed a beautiful cherry blossom of yours, Kizashi." Jiraiya smiled broadly. "Well, I gotta go, urgent meeting, it's nice seeing you again."

Tenten and Hinata had left off the bus stop too right after the 'incident' or so what they call the tension-filled situations and I was left alone with dad in the car alone.
"I really don't know how to drive, dad." I tried to argue, I mean, it's not like I'm not willing to learn, but just thinking of how much a car would've cost and how my life had changed turn by turn was something I don't want to accommodate in my mind.

It's not like I have a choice though.

"Silly, we have driving lessons."
"I know, but...."
"Come on honey, I'm worried about you, and this is just one way for me to make it up for those years I wasn't with you and your mother.." He frowned, and it was saddening me a lot more, I remembered at times when he gets sad and he'd frown, it wasn't always like that but whenever it happens, something inside me is sad too and I'll almost do anything to make him happy.

"Okay, fine, you win." I smiled,