Quote of the chapter: "Confidence is difficult to obtain."

It's been officially a year since published this book here in wattpad! :) (Supposedly yesterday, June 28, but sadly I didn't finish this chap yet)

On with the chap~

UNEDITED, watch out!

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~cнαpтer 24: ѕмιle~

"Gotta go, talk to you next time!"

"See yah!"

"Ciao~"

"Later!"

"Bye!"

Me, along with Sakura, Ino and Tenten, just finished talking on the phone with Temari.

It has been  a week since the junior school year ended. So far, things haven't changed that much. The only difference is that the sand siblings went back to Sunagakure and summer break had started.

Naruto, Sasuke and Sakura became close again like the old times due to their group.

According to Temari's update, she is now dating Ki. They have been friends since childhood and deveoped feelings for each other along the way so it's understandable. Also, the results on who will be the next Kazekage will be released tomorrow. Even though two of them won't be the main ruler, they will still assist and facilitate with the Kazekage so either way they will accept whoever it is and still be together.

As for the love life, Neji-nii san is still with Tenten and they have been going out for months now and they are still a sweet and cute couple. They hang out like best friends, but love each other like a married people.

Sakura still has feelings for Sasuke that is unbreakable, Ino still likes Shikamaru. Same goes for me, Naruto still has my heart-not literally.

Both Sasuke and Shikamaru prefer silence and they are both mysterious somehow so their minds are not easy to read. Considering the fact that both of them are also intelligent in terms of either academics or common sense, Sasuke may be in the state of denial towards his relationship with Sakura and Shikamaru may develop-or he already did-something for Ino.

In my case, I'm positive that Naruto likes another girl but Ino, Tenten, Sakura and Temari believes that he likes me otherwise.

I stared at my phone as I recalled what the girls had said to me.

"What? When did Naruto say that he likes a girl?" (Sakura)

"And he didn't tell me?! HOW DARE HIM!" (Ino)

"Ino, you're the gossip queen. Naruto is smart enough to keep a personal secret from you." (Temari)

"Still!" (Ino)

"Anyways, did he tell you who it is?" (Tenten)

"No, he didn't." (Hinata)

"Of course he didn't~" (Ino)

"What do you mean?" (Hinata)

"Because he likes you Hinata!" (Ino)

"I agree with Ino in this matter." (Temari)

"Well Ino does have a point. I mean he wouldn't tell his crush that she was his crush right?" (Tenten)

"Yeah." (Sakura)

"B-But what if it isn't me?" (Hinata)

"Oh come ON HINATA! He asked to you to be his tutor, he walks you home when we left early or stayed late at school and he took you to prom! Look. At. The. Facts. It's obvious that it's you!" (Ino)

"Hinata did say 'what if' Ino-pig." (Sakura)

"That means she needs to confess!" (Ino)

"Ino, you know Hinata can't do that! Plus isn't it supposed to be the guys that will do the confessing?" (Tenten)

"Hinata can! And not all the time it has to be the boys." (Ino)

"That is too much for Hinata to handle." (Temari)

"Look, Hinata has been having a crush on Naruto for as long as we've known each other. If she confesses and she isn't the girl that he likes-which is highly impossible in my opinion-then at least he is aware of Hinata's feelings. If she is the girl that he likes then who knows? Maybe they'll end up togther *sends a virtual wink at Hinata* So either way, everyone wins!" (Ino)

"I-I-I-I'm n-not sure..." (Hinata)

"Besides, you only get a few opportunities so once it's there, grab it or else you may just regret not taking it in the end. So Ino-pig is right for once." (Sakura)

"Watch your words forehead!" (Ino)

"It's still Hinata's decision so what do you say Hinata?" (Tenten)

I honestly don't know, but it has to be done as soon as possible. Ino did have a point whether he rejects or confirms then that is the risk that I have to accept and it's been years or even pass a decade that I still like him...

I sighed heavily with the contemplation stuck in my brain as I placed my phone back to my desk then snuggled in the thick covers of my bed.

I took one last glance on my packed bags for tomorrow and sealed my eyes slowly.

It is going to be a long day tomorrow.

~

Sakura arrives at the front of Ino's house with Tenten beside her. They rang the doorbell as the door opened and showed Ino wearing her shades with her short shorts and a purple tanktop that ends before her belly button beneat a white loose shirt, also her hair tied up in a high pony tail as usual while using her flip-flops. Sakura wore her favorite sleeveless crimson top and black skort (shorts with a skirt) though it wasn't that short nor too long. Tenten wore a simple t-shirt and shorts with her running shoes. Both with their bags in hand. They will just stay outside of the school to wait anyways.

"Hey girls, Come in! Hinata will be here any minute." Ino said happily, taking a step on the side giving enough space for Sakura and Tenten to enter the mansion.

Once they went in the living room, Sakura and Tenten placed their things on the corner and slumped on the couch.

"By the way, have you heard of the movie 'Miracle in cell number 7'?" Ino asked while taking a seat with sparkling eyes.

Sakura and Tenten looked at each other with a 'what?' look as they turned their heads back to Ino. "No."

"What?!" Just as Ino shrieked and stood up like she had been shocked with a lightning, the doorbell rang then she let out a huff. "I'll be back."

Ino walked to the front door as Sakura and Tenten looked at each other again.

"Do you think it's a horror movie?" Sakura whispered.

"Nah, it's more like romance with the 'Miracle' on the title." Tenten replied with a small voice.

Sakura nodded as her eyes shifted above, thinking. "Yeah and Ino isn't a type of girl who would watch a horror movie."

"Hinata's here!" Ino yelled as the two went inside the living room and grabbed their bags, walking out of the mansion and to the Konoha High school. "To the graduation!"

"Hey Hinata!" Sakura greeted with Tenten in unison as they go to their destination.

"H-H-H-Hello..." Hinata said while thinking of something else.

The three girls automatically knew that something was off about Hinata. She was stuttering too much and Naruto wasn't even around yet. Although, they just shrugged it off and question if it is the same later.

Ino held the shy girl at her shoulders with seriousness in her tone. "Hinata! Do you know the movie 'Miracle in cell number 7'???"

Hinata was surprised. "U-Umm...n-n-no."

"What?!"

"You're the only one who knows that, Ino-pig." Sakura said, adjusting her bag.

"What is that movie about? I've never heard of it." Tenten asked and gave her honest thought.

"It's one of the saddest movies I've ever watched! You guys need to watch it. I'll bring my copy to the beach and we'll watch it later." Ino stated proudly, holding out a copy of the movie as she slopped it back to her sling bag.

"Alright then." Sakura beamed then noticed that Hinata was shaking and staring into space. "Hinata, you okay?"

Hinata gasped silently then smiled nervously. "Y-Y-Yeah why n-not?"

"Because you stutter a lot than usual." Ino pointed out rather fast.

"I-Is t-that so?"

"What's the problem? Is it about the movie?" Ino asked with a pout.

Hinata shook her head.

"The trip?" Tenten questioned.

"N-No i-it's not that e-either."

Sakura cocked an eyebrow, getting an idea. "Is it about Naruto?"

Hinata squeaked in shock.

Bull's eye.

"See what you did Ino-pig!" Sakura blamed the blonde who raised both her hands up innocently, referring to their phone call last night.

"I didn't know she would take it seriously, I was just giving my opinion!"

"Well no one asked for it!"

While Sakura and Ino continue their verbal fight, referring to the phone call yesterday. Tenten was the one who consulted Hinata with her decision. "You know, you don't have to confess. It was just Ino's suggestion."

"Y-Yeah, but I-Ino's right. He has the right t-to know."

Tenten sighed as she rubbed the nape of her neck. "If that's your choice then we'll just be here to support your decision." She patted Hinata's shoulder gently with Ino and Sakura talking loudly at the back.

~

It was around 11 am when the graduation ended and the seniors went out of the auditorium.

"Ugh. Why are they so late?!" Ino complained, scrolling up and down the news feed at her phone.

Sakura was wearing her earphones and listening to music with eyes shut. "An hour has passed."

"Yeah." Tenten agreed as she played games on her phone.

Hinata, who was leaning on Tenten's backpack, was sleeping.

They were waiting for the boys at the benches over the cherry blossom passageway since their guy friends needed to attend the graduation due to the football team to receive awards and such.

When they spotted familiar faces, a sigh of exhaustion and relief escaped.

Sakura woke Hinata up as they held their bags tightly.

"Finally!" Ino rose up once the boys were in front of them as she placed her hands on her hips. "You guys are late, it's been a couple of minutes!"

"Blame Naruto." Shikamaru muttered as the blonde's eyes widen.

"It wasn't my fault that I tripped!" Naruto defended himself and he crossed his arms.

"Hey, thanks for coming to the graduation." Sasori butted-in the conversation with Deidara by his side, both wearing the proper attire of graduating students.

"You guys made it more memorable, un." Deidara added.

"No problem." Neji replied for the group.

"Well, we are required to." Kiba whispered as Sakura nudged him on his arm.

"Congratulations." Sakura spoke up as the girls followed.

"Thanks." Sasori beamed as he heard Kira calling his name. "I guess we need to go."

"See you around, un!" Deidara waved as the two went to the opposite direction.

"Good luck in college!"

"Don't you dare forget to stop by and play football!" Kiba threatened in a jokingly way.

The group made their way to the van at the parking lot of the school.

"What took you guys so long?" Tenten asked after loading all luggage at the back of the spacious van.

Naruto grinned sheepishly. "Sorry...?"

"What happened?" Sakura continyed the conversation as they went inside the vehicle.

"Naruto hugged the floor." Neji stated as he started the engine.

Ino tried to held in her laughter. "You tripped? As in on the stage?" She pertained to Naruto who huffed in response.

"In front of the whole senior batch with their families." Kiba remembered the anamnesis of what had happened.

"It's not my fault they were there!" Naruto retorted.

"Yeah, but you didn't have to bring the curtain with you." Sasuke added the weight on Naruto's shoulders.

"You pulled the curtain?" Sakura asked with a surprised yet was about to laugh tone as the others were cracking up.

"Yeah yeah, I tripped and grabbed the curtain. Everyone saw it. Now let's go to the beach, dattebayo!" Naruto interrupted them as he wave his hands dismissively.

"Relaxation here we come!" Ino shouted as the van started to move forward.

~

The trip has been quite silent for the people seated at the front and at the middle but loud at the back. Neji was the driver and Tenten joined him at the front.

Front: Neji, Tenten
Middle: Sasuke, Sakura, Ino, Shikamaru
Back: Kiba, Naruto, Hinata

Neji was focused on the road with the radio on while Tenten was taking pictures of her friends sleeping or playing games on her phone.

Sakura, Ino, Shikamaru and Hinata were all asleep. Sakura's head was rested at Sasuke's right shoulder and he was just staring at the window with earphones plugged in.

Ino was leaning on Shikamaru's left shoulder and Shikamaru was sleeping by the window.

Hinata was first sleeping with her head at the window but she bumped a few times so Naruto just moved her towards his shoulder.

Kiba and Naruto were both talking and laughing loud at the first hour of the drive. When the second hour has taken place, the two imbeciles were asleep.

Due to the snoring of Naruto and Kiba which is like a singing bird that is out of pitch, it was the wake up call of the others.

Upon realizing that it's been an hour that Sakura was sleeping on Sasuke's shoulder-which is now probably dislocated because of her head's weight. She quickly sat up straight. "S-Sorry and thank you."

Sasuke just nodded in response.

Sakura just put her earphones on and played her playlist track.

About a couple of minutes passed when the car stopped. "We're here." Neji announced as they all rushed outside of the van, or more like Ino.

Sounds of waves crashing to the ground, sunlight shining from above and a warm temperature, they all embraced the exciting feeling of staying in a beach. The beach house that they were staying has two floors and is air-conditioned. All bedrooms are upstairs while the kitchen, living room and dining room are downstairs and the backyard was the beach.

After they chose their room partners and unpacked their stuff, they switched into their swim suits and set out for a day at the beach.

Sakura is roommates with Ino, Tenten with Hinata, Neji and Sasuke, Naruto along with Kiba (expect scattered things and a dirty room) and Shikamaru will be staying at one room which he wanted to be by himself because he said that it would be troublesome to have a roommate.

Once they all met up at the living room to swim at the beach, all of them were there...waiting for two certain blondes.

"Naruto come out!" Kiba howled to the door.

"NOOO! I can't find my- OH WAIT...I'm wearing it." Naruto came in realization. Due to his loud voice, everyone in the house heard him. They all placed a palm at their foreheads as the other banged their head on the dining table.

Naruto busted out of the door as Kiba followed his tracks to the living room. "Let's go!" Naruto pumped a fist in the air and was about to run to the sliding door when Kiba interrupted him.

"Who are we waiting for?" Kiba asked, scanning the people around him.

"INO-PIG HURRY UP!" Sakura shouted from their bedroom door, echoing to the living room as Kiba got his answer.

"I'm still busy!" Ino retorded from inside.

The other groaned upon hearing her response.

"Alright alright, give me a minute!"

Sakura slouched at the sofa once she came back.

After specifically two minutes, Ino rushed to the living room with herself prepared. "I'm done!"

They all observed her from head to toe and nothing seemed to be different except for her clothes.

"Overall, that took you in about an hour to prepare?" Tenten questioned with her eyebrows raised.

"Supposedly, a girl's time to prepare is approximately three to four hours but noooOOOOoo you just gave me less than an hour." Ino flipped her hair jokingly that was tied up in a ponytail as she smiled cheekily, opening the sliding door.

"Come on!" Ino said to her friends as they got up.

Ino was wearing a black two-piece swimsuit, showing off her skin with her sunglasses on her head.

Sakura and Tenten were wearing a swim suit that has a tanktop design and short shorts. The only difference was the color and style. Tenten was wearing scarlet while Sakura has dark blue swim suit.

Hinata's swimming clothes were long. Her top ends up to her elbows and her shorts ends up to her knees with the color indigo in a darker shade than her hair.

The boys were all shirtless. They have different clothing design or hue.

Sasuke, Shikamaru and Kiba were all wearing pitch-black though Sasuke has a blue streak on the sides with the small Uchiha symbol on the bottom while Shikamaru has it plain dark and Kiba has red marks representing his clan.

Neji was wearing in a dark tint of silver and the Hyuga sign at the right side.

Naruto, obviously, has his swimming clothes orange with the Uzumaki insignia on the left side.

When they ran to the beach, Ino called for Sakura and Tenten. They went to the side of the house and grabbed their water guns, making sure they have water as their ammo inside.

Their friends were facing the sea, either laying down, sitting at the sand or stretching their arms to prepare for a swim.

The three didn't ask for Hinata's help because they knew that she was too kind to hit her targets. She stayed as a distraction so that the boys won't be suspicious and when Tenten, Sakura, and Ino will aim, Hinata can get another water gun so that the boys would tend to follow her to get their defense.

Their objective is to hit their major targets.

Sakura's main victims were Kiba and Sasuke.

Tenten's particular targets were Neji and Naruto.

Ino's goal to shoot was only Shikamaru or anyone she wants to.

After the boys will get their own water guns, the girls can hit anyone to defend themselves.

Let the mission begin.

Sakura, Ino and Tenten sneaked up from behind them as they shot them all with water.

"What the hell?!" Kiba cursed as he was getting soaked from Sakura's water gun and Sakura laughed.

Neji was blocking Tenten's attacks by using his hands.

Ino was shooting Shikamaru with different angles and moved to hitting Naruto.

Hinata grabbed a water gun just in case.

When Sakura was satisfied in getting Kiba mad and wet, she quickly moved to Sasuke who was suddenly at her back. "Don't underestimate me." He mumbled with slight smirk as the two started triggerring their water guns. Turns out Sasuke already found out where their water guns are when she was busy with Kiba.

Once Tenten removed her slot from whipping Neji with water, she switched targets with Ino so that she can shoot at Naruto. Neji, Kiba and Naruto both equipped themselves with water guns as they were getting hit by Ino, Tenten and Hinata.

Sasuke and Sakura joined the big water fight as they got nearer to the sea.

With Kiba's shot on Naruto, Naruto lost his balance causing him to fall to the ocean in a sitting position.

They all laughed and jumped into the sea as they continue their water fight into a splash fight.

~

While the others were enjoying the clear ocean, Ino made her decision to relax with the rays of the sun above. She dried herself up using a towel before sitting. Low seat chair, shades, sound of the waves and umbrella in place, the Yamanaka teen lay down on the seat as her eyes were sealed.

A verbal whistle broke the trance of serenity from Ino. She opened her visual orbs only to see about four or five shirtless boys, wearing swimming trunks, move by her.

"Hey hottie." One boy said, flirting with ino as his friends were smirking,

Ino removed her shades to get a clearer vision and observe the boy's features. From Ino's opinion of them, they were all playboysbased on how they were giving the 'look' on Ino as if she was a prey and they were the predators.

"Woah it's getting hot in here." Another guy flirted while fanning himself.

"First the prom and now this? Are boys getting lamer than usual?" Ino kept that thought to herself as she sat up and cocked an eyebrow towards them. "Obviously, it's hot because you are in a beach, duh."

"Beauty and brains?" Their 'leader' seemed to be interested. He shifted his vision back to Ino. "Who wouldn't fall for a perfect girl like her?"

The so called playboys (according to Ino) went nearer and nearer towards Ino until someone called for her presence.

"Honey, the others waiting!" A male voice yelled from a far.

When Ino knew where that voice came from, she mentally thanked him. She faced the boys who stopped as she waved once with a crooked smile. "Your hits suck. Bye losers~"  

Ino walked away-like a boss-while putting her sunglasses back on as she made her way to the person who technically saved her from the losers-courtesy of Ino. "Honey?" She questioned once she was in front of him.

The guy sighed and shrugged. "It's the color of your hair." He strolled to the sea, not bothering to wait for Ino's reply. With his action, Ino can't help but grin.

Kiba shook his head while his palm placed on his forehead. "It's the color of your hair?" He mimicked. "Really Shikamaru?" Kiba mocked as Shikamaru swam by him.

Kiba followed Shikamaru as he swam further away. "You heard that?"

"Yeah, I bet all of us did." Kiba teased while emphasizing his words.

Shikamaru pushed the water with force, making it splash towards Kiba as he dove into the ocean. Kiba just laughed when he rose from the water.

Before the sun sets, the group got off the sea tp freshen up, Naruto and Hinata decided to build a sand tower. Ino went back to laying down as soon as the playboys were gone and when minutes passed she went inside the house to take a bath. Shikamaru was the first who took a bath so he was probably at his room now.

Sakura and Kiba were chatting while sitting on a blanket at the sand. Sasuke sat on a big rock not too far from them, thinking as usual. Neji and Tenten walked, hand-in-hand, on the sea shore to who knows where.

~

"I didn't know you're good at this Hinata!" Naruto complimented as Hinata took off the bucket and accomplished building their own sand tower.

"Th-Thank you. N-Naruto-kun." Hinata blushed while Naruto created the traps surrounding the architectural structure made up of sand.

The two helped each other in digging the holes with the use of their hands. Both of them simultaneously grabbed the shovel next to them. They looked up slowly into each other's eyes as Hinata flushed into deep shades of scarlet.

Hinata quickly unclasped her grip as if it was a fire which caught Naruto surprise in al honesty. Thr ppor Hyuga was too embarrassed or rather shy.

They have been silent ever since that happened until they finished all the components of their creation which Naruto broke the ice. "Yosh, we're done!" He stretched his arms and accidentally spill the bucket with water unto Hinata.

Naruto gasped and immediately apologized without any second thoughts. "I-I'm so sorry Hinata! It was an accident, I swear I didn't know!"

Hinata shook her head and gave her sweet grin. "I-It's pkay Naruto-kun. I-I'm still wearing my swimsuit anyways. Also..." She cupped her hands with the sand and threw it to Naruto as somewhat  payback.

Who knew Hinata's angelic smile could hide her trick?

Naruto's lips curved up as he grabbed the sand with a mixture of water and aimed for Hinata's arm. Hinata also grasped the sand from their sand tower and launched it to Naruto's shoulder.

They continued their childish fight until their sand tower collapsed and they ended up laughing on the sand.

While Naruto stayed down at the sand, Hinata was panicking inside. A part of her wants to say it before the situation gets bad or until their atmosphere are still full of happiness, but another part of ehr was preventing her from confessing due to lack of confidence and fear of losing a friend. Worse? Your crush-or the one you love- avoiding you.

Should I tell him? Or not?

Yes?

No?

Yes?

No?

Maybe?

"We'll just be here to support your decision."

"N-Naruto-kun, I have s-something to tell you." Hinata stated, building up confidence.

"What is it Hinata?" Naruto noticed that her face was really really really red. He placed the back of his palm at Hinata's forehead, checking her temperature. "What's wrong? Are you okay? Your face is all red."

"If she confesses and she isn't the girl he likes then at least he is aware of Hinata's feelings. If she is the girl then who knows? Maybe they'll end up together."

When Naruto touched Hinata's skin, she nearly fainted. "I just wanted to say thank you for the things you did to me so thank you, Naruto-kun." She spoke with her soft voice but she didn;t stutter in front of Naruto, which is the first time for her.

Hinata was dazed off in her mind for not confessing her feelings rather, she thanked him.

Naruto was shocked that she didn't stutter for the first time though took her statement more of a friendship type. "You're welcome." He smiled then added. "Hey you didn't stutter! Let's go tell the others!"

"You only get a few opportunties so once it's there, grab it or else you may just regret it in the end." 

Poor Hinata, Naruto was so dense that he can't even see through her feelings.

"Grab it."

When Naruto stood up, Hinata gained all her strength just to stop him by holding his wrist. "W-Wait. I have something t-to say."

Naruto sat down beside her and waited for her to answer. Hinata was now blushing madly and her stutter issue came back. "I-I-I-I-I....l-l-lo..."

For once in his lifetime (or at least twice) Naruto became a genius. He figured out what Hinata was trying to say and he agreed with that thought so he cupped her right cheek as he shut his eyes and pressed his lips against hers.

In that moment, Hinata knew that she was the girl that Naruto was talking about for months. After all, actions speak louder than words.

"Oi PDA!" Kiba yelled accompanied with laughs afterwards which made Naruto and Hinata broke contact. The two lvebirds just stared each other with a smile plastered on their faces.

Sakura, who was beside Kiba, whacked him on top of the head. "Baka, you ruined the moment!"

Hinata giggled at their friends' comments as Naruto smiled happily, holding Hinata's hand. Hinata was shocked by the sudden action but accepted while nodding, in which accepting to be his girl.

When Neji and Tenten came back, they spotted Naruto and Hinata holding hands which made them move in a faster pace.

"Is it official?" Sakura asked once Naruto and Hinata stoppped in front of them as Neji and Tenten were surprised, coming closer.

Naruto nodded while Hinata blushed and stared at the ground as if it was the most interesting thing in the world.

Tenten was the first to let it out when they arrived. "ARE YOU TWO DATING?!"

Once again, Naruto nodded approvingly as respnse and Hinata-if possible-blushed deeper. Kiba and Sakura just followed Naruto's movement.

Tenten squealed in victory as Neji became quiet in which the tension was added and the others became quasi-frightened.

"N-Neji-nii san..." Hinata let go of Naruto's hand in instinct and her joyful smile slumped into a frown.

What Hinata sadly forgot was about her cousin Neji and her father Hiashi.

Being a Hyuga heiress, Hinata needs her father's approval in everything she does. Neji served as he personal bodyguard inside the school premises or at least she is with someone who Hiashi trusts.

Neji is considered as a brother in Hinata's eyes than a cousin. He may be protective but that doesn't mean he has to follow her everywhere she goes like a stalker.

Naruto pulled Hinata to his back as he went in front, blocking Hinata for safety. "You may punish me Neji, but don't hurt her." He gave threatening glare.
 

Before Hinata could protest, the Hyuga prodigy exhaled to let out the frustration inside of him. "Congrats." He simply said that caught all of them off guard.

Hinata averted her gaze up with wide eyes. "Y-You aren't mad?"

Neji thought of it once more before answering his cousin's question. "I should be, but I won't. It would be against my will. Hiashi-san is already taking your freedom, I'm just giving you what you deserve and in my opinion, Hiashi-san will approve of you and Naruto since we both trust him." He smiled in showing his true happiness for his cousin or in his heart, his little sister.

Hinata hugged Neji from his waist. "Th-Thank you, Neji-nii san!"

Neji just patted her head and held Naruto's shoulders. "Don't give me a reason to beat someone up because my cousin got hurt physically or emotionally, got it?" A scary aura suddenly covered Neji making Naruto gulped but managed to nod. "Good. Take care of her." He let go of his grasp on Naruto.

Naruto   assuringly. "I'll protect her no matter what, dattebayo!"

~

"OH MY GOSH FINALLY AFTER SO LONG! I TOLD YOU THEY WOULD END UP TOGETHER!"

Yup, you guessed it.

Ino just found out that Naruto and Hinata are officially dating.

"Yeah yeah whatever." Sakura muttered not even giving a glance while tapping on her phone, playing 'Don't Step on the White block' game.

"You're welcome, I was the reason why you two ended up together." Ino placed her hands on her hips as she said her sentence proudly to Naruto who was sitting on the sofa with Hinata.

"Yeah, but you were the last one to find out." Kiba chuckled on the bar stool next to Sakura.

Before Ino could reply a violent reaction, Shikamaru came out at his room. "Find out what?"

"That Naruto and Hinata are dating." Ino answered.

"Really? Congrats." Shikamaru stated bluntly since he already expected it, obviously like a genius as he walked to the hallway.

Naruto and Hinata thanked as Ino stood up from her seat and pointed at Kiba. "HA! I wasn't the last one, in. your. face." She stuck a tongue out and Kiba replied the same.

Ino went to the bedroom to get her bag as Naruto and Hinata went out on the frontyard to wait for the others, leaving he two best pals on the bar stools

Sakura looked to Kiba after being dead on the game she was playing countless times. "What about you? Aren't you gonna ask Misa out?" She finished her sentence with a wink.

Kiba thought about it for a while then replied. "Relationships are too hard to handle with all the gifts and dates to pay but soom enough I'll ask her once I've saved enough money." He smiled sheepishly.

"Save money? You're practically rich!" Sakura backfired and Kiba shrugged.

"Being in a relationship means a lot to me."

Sakura grinned at her friend's statement. "Same here."

"How about you and Sasuke?" He winked, doing the same thing she did to him.

Sakura became quiet suddenly in deep thought with questions fluttering in her mind.

Kiba realized this when he was waving his hand in front of her face to get no reaction so he just skipped the subject. "Come on, let's call the others. It's taking them a lot of time." Kiba jumped down from his seat and gave Sakura a hand to help her go down from the bar stool.

Due to Kiba's action, Sakura snapped back to reality and managed to remember what Kiba had said. "Yeah."

~

They all settled down at the table, the waitress who took their orders winked seductively at Sasuke (of course) before leaving to get their food in which all of them took note of. When she came back serving all of the food, she walked closer towards Sasuke who was unfortunately sitting at the edge of the table with Sakura beside him and Neji across the table.

"Want to go out with me?" The waitress purred while twirling her long curly hair.

Sasuke didn't flinch an emotion. "No."

"Well-"

The flirtatious waitress was about to persuade Sasuke to be with her until someone interrupted.

"Excuse me, can't you see that we're about to eat?" Sakura fake grinned towards the waitress.

"And can't you see I'm about to get a boyfriend?" The waitress flipped her hair then faced to Sasuke.

Sasuke pulled Sakura towards him by holding her waist and looked to the waitress. "I am not interested in you, get out of my sight."

Their friends were shocked by Sasuke's response and their interest in the so called 'television show' added up.

Sakura was also surprised as the others but she chose to play along. "Sorry, but he's already taken."

They tried to stop the girl from flirting as the other customers and staff, including their friends, watched them like a romance show.

The waitress looked at Sakura with disgust in her expression. "Stay out of this you big forehead."

That is when the devil stood up with force and walked to the waitress with a fiery aura. "Listen here girly, he doesn't like you-pointing at Sasuke-so why can't you just mind your own business? And nobody. I mean NO BODY can EVER call her-pointing at Sakura-'big FOREHEAD' because that's MY job, peasant." She poked the waitress' forehead for every emphasized word and poked her harder at the last sentence.

"You b**ch." The waitress slapped Ino from her cheek which earned gasps from the audience and made Sakura stood up, itching the punch the daylights out of that girl.

"I've had enough from you." A woman that wears about the same uniform, which is probably another waitress, held the waitress' arm, who flirted with a customer, roughly.

"What's going on here?" The manager came out of the door and appeared.

This is where Ino's acting came to shine. "Sir! She-pointing at the flirtatious waitress-tried to steal my friend's boyfriend here. She also cursed and slapped me by defending my best friend!" Ino whined while cupping her left cheek where the waitress had hit her a while ago which was a bit red now.

The manager looked to the other customers. "Is that true?"

The other customers nodded approvingly as he snapped his finger signaling the woman who was holding the waitress as they went to the manager's office. The manager faced to Ino and her friends. "I am truly sorry for the inconvienience,-the manager bowed as apology-she has been flirting with our customers ever since she worked here last month. The least that I can do is to make the food you ordered free."

"No, it's okay we prefer to pay. Just please make sure that she won't do that to the other customers." Sakura answered, bowing in respect.

"Don't worry, I'll have a serious talk with her or else she'll get fired. Thank you for understanding and I am truly sorry." The manager nodded once as he left and Ino went back to her seat.

When the manager was out of sight, the other customers unexpectedly clapped their hands for Ino, Sakura and Sasuke which made them smile or at least for the two girls.

"So, have you guys heard of the carnival near our street?" Tenten asked to move on to eat their food.

"Yeah, I've been there and it was awesome!" Kiba commented as he took a bite of his food.

Naruto swallowed his food before digging in another round. "I heard they got new rides!" 

"Wanna go there tomorrow?" Neji invited since they planned to go on a date their but it would be mroe fun with more people. The more the merrier.

"It'll be fun!" Ino was the first to answer as she drank her water.

Hinata, Shikamaru and Sasuke just nodded in agreement.

"We'll be going home late then." Sakura replied after eating her meal.

Ino's phone vibrated as she unlocked her phone. She almost exploded when she saw a certain article on her phone. She kept on tapping the table with wide eyes until she grabbed everyone's attention.

"What is it pig?"

"Gaara's the new Kazekage!" Ino whispered with excitement.

They all dropped their spoons or forks or burgers and snatched their phone out.

 ~

When they went back to the house after buying some stuff for their supplies at home and it as confirmed that Gaara was indeed the new Kazekage though they can't contact them for now because of their many duties at the moment.

A cool breeze met their skin once they all entered the house.

"Aww man, we left the air conditioner open." Ino pouted as Kiba tried to make the temperature hotter by the remote but it seems to be stuck on the cold surface.

"It's broken, we just have to stay in with the cold air I guess." Kiba scratched the back of his head.

"WHAT?! But I only brought t-shirts!" Tenten reacted as she warmed herself up by her arms.

"Me too..." Sakura shivered and went inside her bedroom, wearing her sleeping clothes with long soft pants and a normal t-shirt. She grabbed a pillow from the sofa and used it as a blanket as she sat, indian style, on the couch. Tenten followed Sakura on the other side of the comfy couch.

Kiba wore his jacket too as Naruto grabbed his orange long sleeves shirt. Neji got out a blanket and wore his long sleeves sweater. Sasuke pulled out his black hoodie with the Uchiha insignia on the back and wore a dark blue jacket.

Ino and Hinata came out of their bedroom both wearing proper clothes. Hinata was wearing a sweater and her pajama pants. Ino wore a jacket with her shorts since she wasn't too cold.

Ino sat on the carpet and inserted her copy of the movie. "Let's watch Miracle in Cell number seven~!!!" She smiled in excitement as the others prepared for the movie.

Kiba sat on the single soft chair and realization came to him. "Wait isn't that a tragic movie? I thought we're supposed to watch a horror film like you girls promised last time!"

"Yeah, next time." Tenten evilly smiled at Kiba then Neji covered her with a blanket when she sat at the carpet. "Thanks." She fixed the blanket to fit with the two of them as the movie started.

Sakura, who was still using the pillows as blanket and comfort, stared at the first scene of the movie where they were in the court with the judge, defendant, witnesses and more. It took her a minute to realize that Sasuke was giving her his black hoodie as he took a seat beside her. Sakura blinked twice before wearing the hoodie and thanking him and they continued to watch the movie.

(SPOILERS FOR ONE OF THE BEST MOVIES I'VE EVER WATCHED: 'Miracle in cell no. 7' I do suggest you watch it even though it's korean drama there's english subs at some websites. Don't forget to bring tissues just in case ^^)

Tears started to fall from Hinata's and Sakura's eyes and the other had teary eyes or a sad expression at the part when the flashback started and mentally challenged father got arrested, who did no such crime in truth, while he was being put inside the police van as her crying daughter, in the age of 6-7, was in the crowd and screamed for her father's name, Yong-go, so that both of them can go back home.

As the movie goes on, the people inside cell no. 7 with Yong-go seemed to get along well when a certain incident happened. His daughter, Yesung, was secretly brought to the cell due to the father's wishes which the 'leader' of the cell granted with the help of other cell members.

By the time Yesung stayed with them, the cell number seven prisoners changed into good people and Yesung even taught the leader how to read and write.

After a couple of scenes, the police chief was mad with Yong-go since he was accused of murdering and raping a kid, even though in honesty he was just trying to save the little girl, but when he reviewed the case, he asked to re-investigate the case once more.

Yong-go was accused because the father of the girl who died was the police comissioner and he wanted someone to be dead for her daughter's death. Only Yong-go was present at the scene because he just wanted to buy a 'Sailor moon' bag for his daughter when a little girl slipped and he was trying to save the girl but it was too late and the witness thought the girl was being raped.

The police chief soon became friends with Yong-go and agreed to bring Yesung to the police station to meet his father in at least everyday as the other cell members all helped together to investigate the case.

Yong-go almost had the chance to go out of prison until the police comissioner threaten him. If he didn't accept the punishment then Yesung, his daughter, will die. Of course, in a hard contemplation Yong-go aplogized and confirmed that he was the one who murdered the little girl for Yesung's safety.

Though the punishment was...death.

All of the prisoners helped for Yong-go to escape, sadly the plan was unsuccessful and the punishment was the same. Sad thing is, he was sentenced to death on his daughter's birthday.

When it was finally the birthday of his daughter, Yong-go gave his daughter a 'Sailor moon' bag as his present for his daughter's birthday but Yesung didn't know that it was the day his father will die, she only knew that his father will move to a better cell/place. 

Before Yong-go left the cell, his friends (cell number 7 prisoners) wrote something at his back and the police chief noticed that the writing at his back says, 'We love you.'

By the time Yong-go and Yesung about to go their separate ways, when the father didn't go back to say his final goodbye. Yesung screamed for his father and Yong-go went back to hug his daughter tight and regret his decision...but it was too late.

And that was the scene when all of them cried or at least tears were present in their eyes.

The movie went back to the scene when they were in the court and the ending was, Yong-go was confirmed not guilty even though he was already dead.

The miracle wasn't her father's case being not guilty, but the miracle was laid on the other cell members because Yong-go and Yesung changed their lives. The prisoners in cell number 7 now had a brighgt future, the leader became a pastor, and the others got a job. That was the miracle.

"That was the saddest movie I've ever watched." Sakura commented as she sniffed.

"I know right." Ino said while finishing another roll of tissue.

"Well, my eyes will get swollen tomorrow." Tenten admitted as she prepared for sleep.

Kiba wiped the tears off his face. "That was at least in the level of a horror movie so I guess it's okay."

"WHY DID THE FATHER HAVE TO DIE?!?!?! YOU STUPID POLICE COMISSIONER!!!" Naruto yelled, wanting to kill the police comissioner because Yong-go, the mentally challenged father, died because of him.

Hinata and others picked up the tissues on the floor. They all used up about more than seven tissue rolls. 

"Time to sleep!"

"Goodnight!" Tenten yawned as she went inside the bedroom.

~

Sakura was staring the twinkling stars above, she was at the backyard seated at a chair. She thought about life, her future and curious on life situations.

Do you sometimes wonder about life and what if you lose an important person in your life? What if you die? What are your friends' or families' reactions when they found out that you die? Will they cry? Or will they ignore you and sigh in relief that you finally vanished from the world? Just once, maybe we all experienced to think that. Maybe even twice or more. That was Sakura's current point of thinking as of the moment.

What if Sasuke stays in another country? Will he find a girlfriend there? What if he gets a girlfriend or likes a girl that is not Sakura, will he still remember Sakura? Does she even care for her? If yes, will he still care for her when future comes? What will happen the next day and the day after that? Will she die? Or will she still live her life and continue to reach dream? Will she accomplish those goals? Make fantasies into a reality?

These times are when you unlock your imagination to the next level and actually think about life like why do I wake up every morning? What is the reason why I am still alive? Those 'what if's and worries that can make you depressed or curious in an instant.

Sakura sighed as she heard a knock, making her turn around from the back of her chair.

It was Sasuke. "Mind if I join you?"

The pinkette just shook her head, rather fast since she was too surprise that Sasuke was with her and decided to join her.

"What are you thinking about?" Sasuke asked, watching the clouds move as the waves collides unto the white sand.

Sakura shrugged. "Nothing in particular, just life and what ifs."

Sasuke nodded in understanding as he gave a piece of advice. "Let it go."

"What?" Sakura's eyes widen with surprise when she heard that. Of all the things in the world, the first thing that she thought was the movie 'Frozen.'  

"Let go all of your worries because the things you worry the most isn't even happening." Sasuke was now looking at Sakura with a stoic expression. He may be emotionless but what he said was true.

Most of the things you worry about never happen, so why bother? It may just pull you down more. Yeah, you and your beloved ones will eventually go separate ways BUT why worry about that now when you can enjoy their presence while they are still alive? If you worry about that now and waste your time on crying, what happens more if they died? You will just end up regretting that you didn't make the best of it.

A few minutes of silence until Sakura smiled with her eyes closed. "Thank you."

"A smile suits you more than a crybaby-Sakura." Sasuke somewhat mocked and complimented Sakura so she didn't know if she should be thankful or hurt.

"Same goes for you." Sakura chuckled. "By the way, what did you do when Ami confessed to you last time? I didn't get the real answer behind that." Sakura continued the conversation with a smug grin due to her topic.

Sasuke scowled upon hearing Sakura's question, causing Sakura to laugh. He was about to tell it, though stopped himself because he still wants to spend more time with her.

Just seeing a certain a smile and it can already brighten up your day in a blink of an eye.

The edges of Sasuke's lips curved up a little.

In the midst of sad thoughts, suddenly you're all the reason why I smile.

...

"I KNEW IT!" Naruto half-whispered and half-screamed as Sasuke walked through the hallway, passing by Naruto and Kiba's room.

After spending time with Sakura, Sakura went up straight to the bedroom to sleep as Sasuke drank water first then went up to his room where he met Naruto blocking his way.

Sasuke just cocked an eyebrow.

"You like Sakura-chan!" Naruto exclaimed. Sasuke can't even deny because Naruto already grabbed a piece of paper in his pocket, tossing him his evidences. "First I saw you getting mad when Rock Lee yelled Sakura-chan's name in class. Then you glared at Kiba when he kissed Sakura's cheek. And you carried Sakura to the living room when she slept duing the Fairy Tail movie-"

"You saw that?"

"SHUT UP, I'M NOT YET DONE! Then you saved Sakura from Ami, according to Gaara. AND you asked her out to prom AND you use the codes AND you didn't get mad or have an emotionless expression when she was the prom princess AND you accepted to dance with her AND you give microscopic-Sasuke rolled his eyes at this-smiles when you talk to her or whenever she's around or something like that but YOU GET MY POINT YOU DO LIKE HER!" Naruto pointed his finger towards Sasuke's chest, emphasizing his words,

"N-"

"YES! ADMIT IT UCHIHA!" Ino butted-in the conversation. "I also know that you hugged Sakura when she came back from your house due to your project and you walk her home after school hours and you hugged her back on the sleepover last time at my house." She victoriously crossed her arms.

"N-"

"We can help in setting you two up you know." Ino suggested as Sasuke showed an 'Are-you-serious?' face. "Alright, maybe I can help you."

Naruto's jaw dropped. "Hey!"

Sasuke guessed that there was no escape between these two blondes with their evidences and proofs in which he nodded with sigh.

 ~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~

PUBLISHED.//6/29/14.//

Miracle in cell number seven? I watched that thrice and I cried twice and had teary eyes at the third time ;--;

Even though you got spoiled by the movie, there are still funny or main  parts that I didn't reveal so I suggest you still watch it, it's really one of the best movies I've watched in my entire life :')

Last chapter will PROBABLY be published on Kiba's birthday :)

Don't worry, the last secret will be revealed at the very last part or extra part of the chapter and I'll make it memorable as possible :D

Thanks for reading!

:)

~TheSketcher