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shuxiii · 2 years ago

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K.M.S

Haerin x Gn! reader

A/N: Patience isnt my greatest assets, so this fic wasnt made well. smh. Pensive emoji.

Words: 4.8k

Haerin regarded this annoying sensation on her chest every time she saw you as hatred, or when you smiled at others making her want to take it right off your face. The soft expression you’d have whenever you looked at her, made her wish you never did look at her.

Ever since you debuted along with your members in HYBE you’ve always felt this intense glare Haerin would give to you, whenever both of you were near each other’s presence.

You knew the cat-eyed girl hated you, but you never reciprocated the flaming abhor she had for you. Instead, you did the exact opposite, you were more extra sweeter when it came to her.

That made her more infuriated, despite her blunt attitude towards you. That stupid smile never left your pretty face, she never understood why you were so annoying. Because Newjeans and Le sserafim’s schedules were aligned, you frequently saw Haerin more than other people do. You planned on getting Haerin to open up with you more, change her despised demeanor to you.

When you bumped into each other in the halls, she'd always have this cold stare. Your welcomes to her were usually disregarded, which hurt you, but you were determined to make her like you, even if just a little bit.

She ignored everything, even your words, actions, and sheer presence. You’ve done about anything well, mostly the things you planned, but it's all been thwarted by her. You've lost hope of ever getting her to like you; you never expected her to act this way, and you have no clue what you did to deserve her hatred. Your optimism and confidence soon turned into frustration and rage.

You couldn't figure out why she wouldn't budge. And, without even realizing it, the once patient and kindness you previously showed her became a mirror of her own disdain for you.

This where the mutual hostility began, anywhere, everywhere, both of you always had an uptight tension, in a gathering? shared glares were seen. in halls? scoffs were heard.

Of course, this didn’t go unnoticed by the media, as multiple articles started popping everywhere on the internet about the former Le sserafim and new jeans member’s ‘’deep’’ hatred for each other.

‘‘Seriously, Yn, can you just talk it out with Haerin?’‘ Chaewon asked, her expression filled with disbelief.

‘‘No, she started it.’‘ You replied, your arms crossed with cheeks puffed out, stubbornly disagreeing with the suggestion.

Your fellow members sighing at your refusal.

‘‘Why, do you even hate her?’‘ Sakura questioned.

‘‘I never hated her, she started this all, always glaring at me giving me cold stares, without a reason!’‘ You squealed; your hands raised up out of frustration.

‘‘Have you never tried asking her why?’‘ Eunchae looked back at you with curiosity.

‘‘How would i do that when she barely looks at me without having disdain on her eyes.’’ You explained, as you sighed, having enough of this conversation.

‘‘Look, let’s talk about this later manager-nim is asking for me right now I need to go.’‘ You spoke, standing up from where you seated, waving goodbye to you, leaving the room.

You walk the endless hallways of the building, for some reason you felt your stomach turn, your palms sweating. You felt nervous but you didn’t know why, feeling as if something horrible will happen this day. You shake off the anxious feeling, continuously walking across the corridors.

You took one last breath before nervously opening the door, as you entered, your heart dropped seeing the eyes of the person you held resentment for, casually sitting a few meters away from where you stand.

‘‘Oh, yn, you’re finally here, take a sit.’‘ Your manager smiled, gesturing to you on a vacant seat beside her. You hesitantly sat with your body stiffen at the close distance you were with the cat eyed girl.

‘‘So, I brought you here for two reasons.’‘ Your manager paused, staring back at both of you. Making you feel more anxious, as you anticipated her words.

‘‘I’ll make it short; I know both of you are aware of the spreading articles about you two, and it’s bringing negative sides for your group. The company doesn’t like where it’s going, so the company suggested you both to go somewhere together act all friendly, to clear out all the allegations.’‘

Displeased at the idea, you stood up.

‘‘but-’‘ your manager cuts you off.

‘‘And, before you protest this idea, whatever personal problem you both have for each other, if you don’t do anything to fix it. The company will have to suspend you both from any promotion going on of your groups.’‘

You slowly went back to your chair, nervously smiling back at your manager. Obediently clasping your hands together.

‘‘Of course, manager, we’ll fix this.’‘ You agitatedly spoke, glancing at the person beside you. Oddly enough she hasn’t said anything at all, or reacted at the idea the company has suggested. suspicious.

‘‘Well then, that was all, you both can start by going somewhere together, while our camera guy follows you. Remember, behave." Your manager warned you both, pointing at the door exit.

As both of you leave the office, you look back at her, her gaze filled with nothing but a void of unspoken emotions.

"As much as i don't wanna be near you right now, can we stop this feud we have and be civil, my..OUR career is at stake here." You reasoned out, your eyes closed as your arms crossed against your chest. Waiting for her response.

Silence was all you could hear, you lifted your one eye open to see her gone.

You stood there stunned, peering left and right to see if she was hiding anywhere, but she just left you there.

“Is she serious, oh my god, I can't believe this.” The veins in your neck threaten to pop, your feet are pounding loudly as you exit the hallways.

"God, she's really getting on my nerves; my career is on the line, and she still ignores me!" " You went back and forth in front of Kazuha and Eunchae, conveying your indignation at the girl.

It's been two days since your meeting with your manager, and you still haven't gone to any places with her. Not when she's been avoiding you almost entirely, everything from messaging her number to being in front of her dorm to attending her shootings for their comeback, all of it faltered. It seemed like you were talking to an unreachable person.

“How about physically confronting her?” You looked back at Kazuha, your eyes twitching from angriness.

"You think I didn't do that!" " You scoffed, the scorching hatred leaving your body. When you look back at Kazuha and see her frown, your overpowering anger subsides as you realize what you've done.

“I'm sorry, unnie, I didn't mean to yell at you, I'm just frustrated.” You hug her, feeling immense guilt at the sudden outburst you gave her.

You felt Kazuha embrace you back, as you sighed.

‘‘Unnie, how about you assert your dominance!!’’ Eunchae shrieked loudly, her hands shaped in a fist bump.

‘‘What?’‘ You giggled at her proposal, as eunchae hurriedly stood up.

‘‘You know, like if she doesn't listen to you, be like those guys in kdramas and force her!’‘ Your eyebrows furrowed at the idea.

‘‘I think that’s too much..’‘ You replied, hesitant on the precipitous idea.

‘‘No, like if she doesn’t go give her a reason to go!’‘ You pondered for a bit, before jumping with your hands excitedly raising up.

‘‘wait wait, you got a point.’’ You began hugging Eunchae out of happiness, thanking her profusely. You finally had an idea up your sleeve.

You were shivering inside your jacket, as condensation went out of your mouth.

‘‘Why is it so cold, early in the morning.’‘ you mumbled as you went in the HYBE building, you bowed at the staff as you entered.

‘‘Morning, guys.’‘ You greeted your members, seeing them already in the practice room. You take off your jacket, as you start stretching for your dance rehearsal.

‘‘So, are you gonna take haerin out on a date now?’‘ Yunjin spoke, sitting on the floor with her gaze on you.

You choke at the question. ‘’W-What, I mean no it's not a date, I’m just gonna go out with her somewhere and act like we’re close.’’ you mumbled, gawkily stretching your arms.

‘‘You both would look good together.’‘ Sakura cut in; her voice full of mischief.

‘‘No, we aren't.’‘ You scoff at her remark, avoiding your member's constant gaze and teasing looks, not noticing the blush crepting against your cheeks.

‘‘Can we just practice already.’‘

You were finally through with your dancing rehearsal after a couple of hours. You straightened your disheveled hair and adjusted your crumpled clothes before hurriedly putting on your jacket.

‘‘I’m going to go first, bye.’‘ You quickly opened the door hearing Yunjin scream.

‘‘HAVE FUN, KISS IN PRIVATE!’‘

You sighed, God, why was I dragged into this fiasco, you wondered, caressing your sleepy eyes. You walked a few steps away from Newjeans' practice room, rubbing your hands together nervously.

Before you could get to the door, it burst open, revealing Minji, who was taken aback by your unexpected presence. You promptly bowed back at her as she returned yours.

‘‘Oh, hi yn, what brings you here?’‘ She questioned.

‘‘Um, is haerin there?’‘ You replied back, gazing behind her trying to look inside the room.

‘‘uh..’‘ she paused, hesitant to continue.

‘‘Yeah, she's um here let me go call her.’‘ She closes the door, making you stand outside. You could hear whispers and mumbles on the order side, but you shrugged it off. A few minutes went by and no one went outside, making you concerned.

unexpectedly the door opens, making you jump, there Hanni stood clutching on the feline-eyed girl who seemingly avoided your gaze.

‘‘Well, here’s the girl you’ve been looking for, I’ll leave you guys to talk.’‘ Hanni spoke, pushing Haerin close to you, slamming the door right after, leaving you both outside.

Awkward silence swallowed you both, the words you practiced last night somehow didn't come out.

‘‘Um, erhem I was wondering if you want to go to this new cafe nearby with me?’‘ you spoke laced with a tiny hopefulness.

‘‘I’m busy.’‘ She coldly replied, she turned around to go back to the room leaving you no room to argue.

In truth, she wasn't busy; you knew this since you had spoken with their manager about their schedule, and today was basically a free day aside for some minor practice.

You grasped her wrist as she opened the door, then slowly intertwined her hand with yours, startling her with the physical touch.

You peeked on the door, waving at her members.

"I'm gonna borrow Haerin for a while, we're gonna go somewhere, bye!" You yelled slightly.

‘’But-’’ Haerin tried to protest, suddenly Danielle spoked up.

"Okay, enjoy!" waving back at you.

While holding Haerin's hands, you gently dragged her to the elevator, and to your surprise, she didn't try to stop you. Instead, she was quiet, a little too quiet for your liking the whole ride in the elevator.

As you said your greetings to the staff members and messaging your manager that you and haerin were going somewhere, you both were soon walking to the cafe 20 mins ahead.

No words were shared, the cold distracting you both. You were still holding haerin’s hand making sure she wouldn't disappear all of the sudden but the slight coldness of her hand made you worried.

You gripped on it slightly as you put both of your clasped hands together inside your pocket to keep it warmer. Still, she hasn't spoken up, you heard a faint click of a camera behind you. You needed to make this more believable.

"So, how was your day so far?" You fumblingly spoke, feeling stupid for asking.

A few seconds of dreadful silence she finally spoke.

"It was fine." She spoke in a hushed tone; you almost didn't hear it.

You gaze back at her, noticing her looking down, you close the distance between you and her as you hear another click behind you.

‘‘Are you cold?’‘ You spoke, feeling her body shiver slightly, both of your bodies a few inches away from each other.

‘‘N-No, I’m fine.’‘ She muttered, a faint blush came rising on her cheeks, if it wasn't so cold you would have thought she was blushing at something else.

Throughout the walk was an awkward silence, as multiple clicks of cameras were heard from time to time. But despite the silence and thickening tension, both of your hands intertwined never separated.

You soon arrived in the newly built cafe, you let go of her hands for you to open the door for her, but in the corner of your eyes you could have sworn her lips formed a frown, shrugging it off as the bad weather affected her.

"take a seat, I'll order us something." You spoke, walking towards the counter. Few mins in, you carefully held two lattes in your hand, as you tried not to drop liquid on the tainted floor.

You gently placed the tiny cup on Haerin's side of the table, taking a seat in front of her.

She glanced down on the cup, her eyes shimmered at the cream that shaped like a frog, with its two black dot eyes and a cute smiley face to top it all. She softly held it staring at the artwork.

"I heard you like frogs, so I asked them to put it on your cup." You spoke, gazing at the windowed view, noticing the camera, drinking your latte.

"Oh" she replied, her eyes focused on the cup, brushing the sides with her thumb.

You lied; you knew she liked frogs. Everything about her, from her likes, dislikes, hobbies. You knew it all. It was odd to know so much about the person you slowly had disdain for.

“Thank you” she whispered softly; her voice unheard by you.

“So, why do you like frogs?” You inquired, moving your empty cup aside. At the corner of your eyes, you saw how her gaze sparkled at the question, you bit inside your cheeks, holding back a smile.

“I think they’re cute and interesting, when we had our last dance performance for our comeback, there was this cute frog prop on our back it was a tomato frog, and I had the exact thing on our last shoot, it was really cute.” She rambled, you glanced back at her staring back at her cat eyes, the sweet tone of her voice when she spoke about things she liked, was pleasing to hear.

You didn’t notice the smile that was unconsciously forming on your lips, listening to her talk. If anyone saw you right now, they would’ve thought you were daydreaming.

“Uh, I'm sorry I rambled too much.” She apologized, her eyes looking down on the table, as she sheepishly traced the lines on the cup.

“It’s okay, I love listening to you anyway.”

“How’d it go?” Chaewon asked, lazily sitting on the couch beside Yunjin watching some Disney movie on the tv.

“It was okay.” You shrugged, heading to the kitchen to grab water.

“It must’ve been good then, seeing how you don't have a frown on your face.” Sakura popped out of her room overhearing the conversation earlier.

‘’Like I said, it was okay.’’

You lied, it was far the best so-called friendly hang out (date) you’ve ever been, she never ignored you at all. No glares were shared, no awkward tension. Despite it was just her talking about frogs, you loved it all, everything felt like you both can maybe work this out, and maybe be friends. You slept that night hopeful and excited for the next day.

The articles of both of you spread throughout social media. Showing you both in the cafe you were in just yesterday. Making the allegations of hatred for one another dying down, but did your hatred for each other changed too?

It was the award show that day, your group seated a table away from new jeans. You were sitting straight on your chair listening to the awards other artists won.

‘’Stop glancing at Haerin.’’ Sakura nudged your side, making you stare back at her.

‘’I am not.’’ You contradict her statement.

‘’Sure, I’ll pretend you didn't keep staring at her.’’ Sakura sneered, jokingly rolling her eyes at you, you nudged her side back.

Hours passed, with awards almost finished. You held back a yawn, bored out of your mind, wishing this award show ends soon so you can lay down on your bed.

But the host said something, that made you glance up so fast, your eyes widening. New jeans won an award. You gazed back at their table seeing them standing up surprised as well at the announcement, and without knowing, you hastily stood up clapping your hands gleefully, until your other members joined along with you.

You were proud of them, they really did deserve that win. It felt as if you won instead, that's how you felt at the moment.

Your eyes focused on the feline-eyed girl, while Minji was having her speech of acknowledgement, she looked pretty you thought, coincidentally her gaze fell upon your eyes. Both of you had a stare down, before awkwardly giving her a sheepish smile and crooked thumbs up. You saw her giggle slightly at your gesture, as crimson red appeared on your cheeks. Well, that was embarrassing.

Not long after they finished their speech, they went back to their table. Now you were fully awake, waiting for the show to finish so you can directly congratulate the girls and especially her.

You quickly left your tablet, telling your members that you were going to congratulate the girls. You walked the crowded place, bumping into other idols, your eyes scanning each spot, but to your disappointment you didn't find them at all.

You pouted, sitting down at the bottom of the stairs near to the backstage. Man, I guess I’ll just greet them later. You sighed with a downcast look on your face.

Sitting down, still disheartened with your eyes staring at the carpeted floor. You felt a soft tap on your shoulders.

‘’I couldn’t find them.’’ You sadly spoke, thinking the person behind you was just one of your members looking for you.

‘’Find who?’’ That voice.. You look behind, your eyes dilated slightly, the gentle voice you secretly yearned for was now standing in front of you, gazing back at your brown orbs.

‘’You.’’ You unconsciously spoke out loud enough for her to hear it, making you fumble, waving your hands frantically.

‘’I-I mean, you and the girls, I was um looking for you guys, yeah, I just wanted to congratulate you all for the win, you guys really deserved it.’’ You stuttered, your fingers playing against the hem of your clothes.

‘’Oh, thank you, yn’’ for once her voice felt genuine, it didn't feel cold or monotone. Thump. And her smile looked pretty, her eyes felt like a galaxy the more you stared back at it. Thump.

‘’No, problem.’’ You replied, awkwardly stood in front of her. You sheepishly scratched your nape.

‘’I guess, see you later?’’ your eyes now avoiding hers, feeling nervous at her presence.

‘’Mhm, see you later.’’ she spoke, bowing back at you before shortly walking away.

Suddenly the breath you held, let go, your heartbeat slowly calming down.

Your eyes fixed on the ceiling, your room dimly lit, you couldn't sleep at all. You rolled back and forth, attempting to sleep, but nothing came out of you, not a single yawn or sleepiness. And you knew why, you just didn't want to speak the thought out loud, you didn't want to admit it. You didn't want to admit that you were thinking of her, you knew why, you just didn't want to agree with your mind. You didn't want to admit that you were falling in a bottomless pit. You hid your ears under your pillows. God, out of all the people why did it have to be her?

You groaned sitting up from your soft bed, your hair unkempt. Your head full of unwanted thoughts, you laid back once again, closing your eyes. As you counted sheeps in your head, hopeful that this would make you sleep. The tiredness and lethargy finally showing up, feeling yourself slowly drifting into sleep.

‘’Haerin’’ the last word you mumbled before passing out.

Ever since that night, your thoughts scattered all over the place, the only thing that was running through your head was her. It didn't help at all that both of you saw each other more than ever, it was a painful thing you hated (loved). Everything reminded you of her.

You waited for Haerin outside the recording studio, you rubbed your hands against your pants.

‘’It's okay you got this, yn, you got this’’ you chanted those words like a mantra, closing your eyes to calm yourself.

After a few minutes you heard the door open making you quickly stand up from the bench you were seated on.

‘’Yn?’’ she looked at you slightly surprised and confused.

‘’Um hi.’’ you waved awkwardly at her, mentally slapping yourself for looking stupid in front of her.

‘’What are you doing here?’’ she tilted her head, confused as to why you were suddenly at the recording studio, wasn't it your break day today?

‘’Well, I was wondering if you wanted to, well, go with me in an amusement park-’’

‘’Sorry, I can’t, I’m gonna be quite busy today.’’ She cut you off, as she started walking back inside the recording studio, leaving you no time to answer back.

You stood there a little surprised at her short reply, you shrugged it off as you awkwardly scratched your head feeling a little bit embarrassed ‘’maybe, next time I guess..’’ you spoke to yourself.

But that didn't seem to be the case.

‘’Yn, this is the 15th time you failed this part of the dance, is something bothering you?’’ Chaewon spoke, her eyes bored with concern.

‘’Nothings wrong, I’m just having a hard time at this part.’’ You replied, breathing heavily with your hair sticking on your hair, sweat dripping against your face.

Chaewon slowly retreated in position, her gaze staring against your back, unconvinced with your answer.

It has been three weeks, you couldn’t take it anymore. Her confusing mixed signals, slowly made you insane. She’d act like she didn't hate you at all, then suddenly she’d ignore you. You couldn't understand anything when it came to her, you’ve tried about anything to stop this growing feeling to burst out even more, but then again, a heart gets what it wants, not even your physical restraint stopped yourself from unconsciously going to their practice room.

It’s been a week since you’ve ignored her. Ironically enough now she was the one looking for you, but being co-workers did not help you at all, everywhere you went she’d always be there. It was getting hard to ignore her and the feelings you have. But this time your ignoring methods, finally faced its biggest consequence, as now you were in an empty room with her, her gaze solely focused on your eyes.

‘’Uh, so what did you wanna talk with me alone?’’ Your gaze staring at your polished nail.

‘’Did I do something wrong?’’ both of her hands behind her back, getting straight to the point.

‘’What do you mean, you did nothing.’’ You brushed off her concerns.

‘’Are you sure?’’ Her voice was laced with uncertainty, unconvinced by your reply.

‘’Yes, if you have nothing else to say, I’m gonna go I have important matters to do.’’ You bluntly replied, turning your back on her ready to bolt out of that room. But luck wasn't on your side, you felt her hand gripping on your wrist making you look back at her.

‘’If so, why are you ignoring me these past few weeks, like I did something wrong!’’ she raised her voice at you, this was the first time you ever heard her yell or even show any signs of frustration.

‘’I’m not, it's just I’m having a hard time right now.’’ you muttered, staring at her arms wrapped around your wrist. Please not now you desperately thought.

"Or is it that you despise me? " She questioned accusingly, her gaze fixated on you.

‘’No, it's not like that..’’ you softly mumbled, intrusive thoughts biting behind your back, you didn't want to say it, not now.

‘’Then what is it?’’ Her lips forming a small frown, her grip on your wrist getting tighter, almost like she didn't want to let go of you at all.

‘’I..’’ you paused, your heart pacing up at an abnormal rate, it was now and never.

You closed your eyes tight ready to burst it all out.

‘’I like you.’’

‘’I like you a lot, I cant even lie to myself anymore, I hate it, I hate that I can't stop this feeling from growing, I want to be the only person you talk about frogs with. The person you share your days and nights with, I want to be more than just a friend in your eyes, because to me you're someone I want to see a dozen times in a day, just seeing you, made me so happy that I thought I was going crazy. I thought of nothing but you, just you.’’

You couldn’t look at her back, because you knew that she probably didn't feel the same.

‘’I like you too.’’

You didn't want to believe the words that came out of her mouth, not when all she ever gave you was confusing signals.

‘’Really? because all that you’ve given me these past few weeks are mixed signals that even the smartest people can't decode. How else would I know whether your words are true or not? You gaze upon her cat-like eyes standing still, waiting for her to reply.

But much to your disappointment she stayed silent no words came out or the reassurance you needed. you sighed, turning around as you took a few strides leaving the feline eyed girl.

Until...you heard it you stopped on your tracks slowly turning around gazing back at her.

"What?" You questioned not believing what you just heard.

"If destiny keeps rewinding time, changing everything from the first time I met you, I'd never forget you." She spoke so soft that you almost barely heard it, her eyes staring at the colored floor, her hand playing with the hem of her shirt.

"And why is that?" You asked still in the same position, strongly gazing at her figure.

"Because..." Her voice is getting softer.

"Because there's only one "you" in this world" her eyes finally had the courage to look at your brown orbs, you could see it, her eyes were filled with one thing you knew was genuine, love.

"I’m sorry, yn, I was hesitant, I thought you wouldn't feel the same.’’

But for you just those words were enough for your heart, nothing else mattered but her.

With your heart beating faster with each step you took and the smile that hurt your cheeks, you hugged her quicker than you ever thought, your heart swelled so much that you felt as if then and there you'd die you looked at her as if she put the stars on the sky.

And without even realizing the four words came out on its own.

"I love you too, Haerin." Her body became stiff at the words that came out of your lips and slowly her tiny hands reached your back, hugging you.

"So...does this mean we're like lovers?" Haerin whispered.

You let go of her, making a pondering expression.

"Nope, not yet" you reply.

"Why's that.." her eyebrows furrowed with her lips forming a pout clearly upset with what you said.

You chuckled at her expression.

"It's because..." You moved a little closer to her till personal space was nowhere to be seen.

Haerins eyes widened at the small gap you were closing, as she impulsively closed her eyes, waiting for what she expected.

As you smiled at her as your lips gently pressed against her cheeks with your ears turning crimson red, never have you expected to fall for someone ostensibly hate you.

"I thought..." Haerin looks back at you then hastily looks somewhere else.

"You thought what hm?" You stared at her jokingly wiggling your eyebrows, as an idea flashes ur head

"were you thinking of something rated r??" You said with a smug look onto your face.

"W-What no! You know what, i take it back" she replied, before walking away to avoid you seeing her blushing mess.

Before she could get any further away from you, you grabbed her wrist and pulled her back into your arms.

"I'm just kidding! Unless..you want to?" You giggled, holding her tight.

"I hate you." Her lips formed a frown, her action contradicting her word. Holding you back, her head resting on top of your shoulders.

"But I love you’’

#Haerin x reader #newjeans #new jeans fic #newjeans imagine #new jeans imagine

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mystifyingorbit · 5 years ago

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Dreamlike

So... It’s been a while huh, sorry for the long wait. This is my first Iz*one fic. It’s quite a long one, hence why it took so long for me to post. I hope you all enjoy it regardless.

When Hitomi first laid eyes on her, she was immediately won over. How could she not? Even when surrounded by so many other trainees, beautiful in their own right, that girl stood out as one of the prettiest of them all. When Starship Entertainment was called up and when they mentioned that she was the youngest out of them all, Hitomi was shocked.

How was someone that was still 15 years old that tall… and unbelievably beautiful?

Something in her heart flutters when Wonyoung winks, so Hitomi buries her face in her arms, trying to hide how flustered she was. (Hitomi hopes it’s just jealousy. She’s not sure if she can handle it being anything else)

---

Wonyoung’s eyes were drawn to the girl in the corner.

From what Wonyoung could recall, her name was Honda Hitomi, a member of AKB 48. She wasn't the most open nor outgoing, nor was she the centre of attention. Yet, when the AKB 48 trainees were first introduced, she was the first of them Wonyoung saw, her eyes instinctively drawn to her.

Hitomi turned to her, and their eyes locked. Wonyoung looked down, cheeks flushed at getting caught staring. She hears Hitomi giggle softly, somehow the focus of her attention even over the chaotic noise of all the trainees around her.

When Wonyoung looked up, she was no longer in the corner. Instead, she stood next to her, a soft smile still adorning her plump face. (Hitomi was usually shy, yet for once she decided to be the first to approach.)

“Hello Wonyoung ssi.” She hears Hitomi says. Wonyoung smiles nervously in response, her heart beating fast.

“Oh, hello Hitomi unnie.” the younger says in Japanese, wanting to get to know her

“Oh, You're able to speak Japanese, Wonyoung?” Hitomi says, switching to Japanese in her surprise.

"Yes, I can." Wonyoung says, noticing how Hitomi instantly relaxes, causing her to smile.

Hitomi grasps her hand, "If you don’t mind, can you help me with my Korean?"

Wonyoung nods dumbly, in disbelief that Hitomi approached her out of anyone for help. "Why me over anyone else? I'm the youngest here.".

Hitomi giggles a bit, "Because you looked like you wanted to get to know me."

Wonyoung immediately moves to deny it, but Hitomi just continues giggling and waves before walking away to join some of her other friends, leaving her to just shake her head and smile at this opportunity presented to her.

---

Hitomi knew she wanted to debut from the start, but she didn't really prefer anyone to be with her. Now? Hitomi has one person, more than anyone else, she would want to debut with.

When the time came to do the group battle, Hitomi was ecstatic to be picked into the same group as Wonyoung (thank you Ahn Yujin). Yet, they were paired against what many consider the strongest group. Hitomi was anxious, she knew she wasn’t the best performer among the AKB48 trainees, nor was she the most popular, so she was afraid she wouldn’t be able to pull her own weight in the group.

Suddenly, a hand enveloped her own and squeezed, pulling her out of her thoughts. She looked up to Wonyoung smiling encouragingly at her as if sensing Hitomi’s worries. How someone that young holds so much confidence, so much maturity is something she questions. However, one thing’s for sure. If Wonyoung can stand tall in the face of this hurdle, volunteering to be their centre even, Hitomi will be able to overcome her own issues. For her, she would do nothing less.

---

They won. Oh my god, they won. Wonyoung sat in disbelief, shocked at the result displayed on the screen. Wonyoung turned to look at her groupmates, her friends, the reason they were able to win. Wonyoung feels sorry for the other team, yet, she was really happy that they won.

Yes, for herself. But also Yujin, her best friend who brought them all together. Yena, Miru and Goeun too, who all played their parts and trusted her as their centre. Most of all, Wonyoung was happy for Hitomi, who was nervous and doubtful of herself in this foreign country. Who struggled with the language, and had to be aided by the Korean trainees in the group. The person who approached her, and wanted to befriend her. Yet, she was also the person who taught them the dance, and who, even under all this, was willing and able to help the rest of the group.

As Wonyoung placed her hand in Hitomi’s, she realized something. She knew she wanted to debut with Yujin, with Kahyeon. Now, Hitomi’s on that list too, and with how talented Hitomi is, she knew it shouldn’t be an issue. They’d make it together to the end, and then they’d have more time together.

---

The weeks go by, and the pool of trainees go down and down. Hitomi’s sad that many of her fellow Japanese trainees have been eliminated, yet she’s also happy that they’re still here.

They, as in herself and Wonyoung.

Hitomi would want nothing more but to debut with her, and while things are looking positive, she never knows how much things could change, so she worries still.

It might be a bit selfish, to want to debut with Wonyoung even over the other Japanese trainees, but how could she not want one of the kindest and prettiest trainees, one that has helped her time and time again, to be her groupmate.

Like it has been stated multiple times, Wonyoung was born to be the centre, and Hitomi does not disagree at all

(Even if she wanted to centre in rollin' rollin', if there was anyone she would be fine losing the centre battle to, it would be Wonyoung.)

---

When they started announcing the names of those debuting, Wonyoung was nervous. She felt like she won't debut, that she might've missed her chance. She would be upset, but looking at those around her, her friends, she wouldn't want to take any of their spots either. No matter what, she'd be happy for them, that's what she promised herself.

Kim Minju, Kim Chaewon. The first two names announced. Wonyoung was happy for them, they were both amazing people and would definitely be amazing idols. Wonyoung can only hope to join them.

Honda Hitomi. Ah, Hitomi san. Wonyoung felt a burst of joy when she was called up. Hitomi deserves to debut, and Wonyoung pulls the older girl in for a hug, smiling encouragingly. Hitomi pulls away, smiling at Wonyoung, tears of joy flowing from her face.

Hyewon, Eunbi, Yujin. If anything, Wonyoung is satisfied that her Best friends, and her Unnies who've worked so hard are making it in. After how much help Eunbi has been in guiding her, how Yujin has always cheered her up and stuck by her side, they deserved to debut.

Nako, Yena, Yuri. At this point, Wonyoung is distraught. While she still puts up a smile, she knew the chance of her debuting is slim to none at this point. She wasn't ranked that high in the previous rankings, so she prepares to leave disappointed, to not get to debut in a group with some of her best friends and favorite people in the world.

---

Hitomi looks on nervously, paying special attention to Wonyoung. She hates how defeated the younger girl is, even when she's trying to put up a strong facade. (It's good, but Hitomi knows her too well for Wonyoung to hide it from her).

The first part of Hitomi's wish came true, in that she herself is debuting, with many of the trainees she calls friends. Now, she just has to hope for the second part of her wish to come true.

So when they announced the top two names, Hitomi was ecstatic. She gets to debut with Wonyoung, with Sakura, Nako and Yujin.

No matter what the result is, she's content, especially with the way Wonyoung smiles at the news, even if she's still teary eyed.

It was at this moment Hitomi realized her feelings for Wonyoung are different from an ordinary friend. What this means is a problem for future Hitomi. For now, she'll just enjoy the moment. She's debuting in Korea, and that’s one wish that’s come true.

---

Wonyoung is proud of herself. She’s made it, debuted with the rest, as the centre even. Yet, what she isn’t proud of just herself debuting, but more so of how she’s able to fit in and help the others. She’s young, younger than any of the others, so she fears she’s going to be a burden.

So she smiles and jokes around, trying to at least be someone who can cheer others up. She thought she wouldn’t be able to help much, yet when she brought it up to their leader Eunbi just pulled her into a hug, telling her she’s helping just by being there.

Yet, she wanted to do more. She remembered how she helped Hitomi during Produce 48, and she wondered if Hitomi still needed help. So, she approached her unnie one day, asking if she could still help her.

The bright smile on Hitomi’s face at the offer was answer enough, and it warmed her heart that she was the reason for that smile .

---

Hitomi really likes hanging out with Wonyoung. Sure, on camera they might be closer with Chaewon and Yujin respectively, but off camera the two of them always drift towards each other, something that surprises the other members.

Sure, they were pretty good friends during Produce 48, but they didn’t seem the closest to most people. Of course, they were in the same groups multiple times, but that doesn’t always mean much.

So when Hitomi was the first person Wonyoung went to for advice, or when Hitomi seeks out Wonyoung’s hugs, it comes as a bit of a surprise for the others. Not a bad one however.

Seeing how the two take care of each other brings relief to Eunbi, who worries about the two the most. With how Hitomi is arguably the quietest and least outgoing of the Japanese members, and how Wonyoung is by far the youngest member, Eunbi was afraid both of them would struggle to adapt, but looking at them sitting next to each other, Wonyoung teasing the older girl, Eunbi knows that they’re going to be just fine.

---

Hitomi couldn’t believe it. They’ve won their first award, and so soon at that.

Hitomi sat in the dorm, watching the rest of her members celebrate joyously at their first win. Hitomi would normally join them, but she’s pretty tired, so she decided to just sit on the sofa and relax.

So drowned out in her thoughts she didn’t notice someone sitting next to her until they nudged her shoulder.

Looking up, Hitomi’s eyes fell on Wonyoung, an ethereal smile on her face.

“Hitomi unnie, why aren’t you joining the rest of us?” The younger girl tilts her head, curiosity and a tinge of worry in her tone.

“I’m just a little tired, don’t worry about me.” Hitomi says, in an attempt to placate the girl she was talking to.

Hitomi watches as Wonyoung looks at the others for a bit, like she’s contemplating something. Before Hitomi knows what’s happening, Wonyoung pulls her up and starts dragging her in the direction of the rooms. “Come on unnie, let’s get some rest.”

Hitomi giggles as Wonyoung pulls them onto her bed, before feeling the latter’s arm wrap around her. “You’re feeling brave tonight.” She comments, as she buries herself deeper into the younger’s embrace.

She doesn’t have to see Wonyoung to know her face is flushed now, as the younger girl stammers and tries to come up with something to say.

She decides to end the younger’s suffering before the girl in question implodes. “It’s fine Wonyoung. Thank you for caring so much.”

“Anything for my favorite unnie, though don’t tell the others I said that.” Wonyoung half whispers into her ear.

As Hitomi drifts off to sleep, she realizes that she’s never felt this content before, without Wonyoung’s arms around her.

---

When Wonyoung woke up, the first thing she noticed was the weight of someone in her arms.

Shaking of her sleepiness, she looked down at the brown haired girl in her arms, still seemingly fast asleep. Wonyoung smiles, having her unnie in her arms somehow brought her more comfort, even if she was the one holding her.

As Wonyoung prepares to fall back asleep, content in her position, Hitomi shifts in her arms, starting to awaken.

When Hitomi turned to her, eyes still half closed with a sleepy smile on her face, Wonyoung's heart just melted at how cute her unnie looked.

Wonyoung looks on as Hitomi blinks repeatedly in an attempt to awaken, before the latter whispers into her ear, "Thank you for keeping me safe wonnie," before she buries herself in her embrace again.

Wonyoung sighs as it is so unlike Hitomi to not awake early, but she's not complaining. As she falls asleep herself, she wonders if her presence around Hitomi was the reason.

The two ended up waking up much later than usual, too comfortable to move.

---

That was the first of many times they ended up sleeping in the same bed.

Honestly, if it was up to HItomi, they’d be doing that much more often, as she never fails to be refreshed after one of those nights. They were assigned separate rooms however, so they don’t do it every day

Today wasn’t supposed to be one of those days, as Hitomi had to come home late from extra dance practice.

As she finishes her preparations quietly and prepares to settle down for the night, she hears the door to her room creak open, before she feels someone snuggle behind her. “Wonnie?”

As she tried to turn around, the girl behind her tightened her hold, pulling her close “Nightmare…” was all the girl said, distraught clear in her voice.

Hitomi whispers and tries to comfort the younger girl. Before long, she feels her breath calming and evening. "Just sleep Wonnie, we can talk tomorrow. I'm here ok, you're safe."

Hitomi wasn't too comfortable with tight embraces, but Wonyoung continues to be an exception. If it helps her sleep, then Hitomi is more than fine with it. (Especially since it helps her sleep better too.)

---

Wonyoung took a few months to notice how close she’s gotten to Hitomi.

Sure she’s still good friends with Yujin, best buddies even, but someone else has taken that spot of her closest friend. Without her realizing, Hitomi entered her heart as her favorite unnie, closest confidant and best friend. Last night, how the first person she looked for after the nightmare was HItomi, just cemented her feelings on the matter.

Later that day, when it was just the two of them, Wonyoung started to open up about her insecurities.

How she felt that she was holding the group back, how she didn’t deserve to be the center (how many people online thought that), how she wasn’t able to contribute more in the group.

Hitomi wasn’t saying anything, causing Wonyoung who was looking down, unable to face her, to get nervous. What if she agrees with the comments, with their opinions on how Sakura’s a better center, or that she doesn’t deserve to be a part of this group.

Wonyoung stood up and started to leave, “I shouldn’t be bothering you with…”. Before she could even finish the sentence, the older girl pulled her into a hug, “No, it’s fine.”. As Hitomi guided them back to their seat, Wonyoung can sense that Hitomi isn’t exactly happy. Was it because of her? “Unnie... Are you mad at me?”

Hitomi pulls Wonyoung’s head down, kissing the top of her head. “Mad, but not at you…” before going quiet again. The two sat there, just enjoying the calmness and each other’s presence, before Hitomi spoke up again.

“You’re perfect for our center ok? Don’t listen to what they have to say. We’re happy with you, even Sakura agrees. You’re an amazing center, an amazing maknae and you always bring a smile to everyone's faces. I’m sure the others would agree with me. But also, you’re the reason why I have the energy to continue. On days I’m down, I see you smile, see how you continue pushing, and it gives me the motivation and energy to continue trying, for myself, but also for you.

You’re special, you’re important to us and you deserve to be here. Please don’t think otherwise ok?”

Wonyoung nods, comforted by her unnie’s words. If she believes in her, if the others believe in her, then she would believe in herself.

And if the entire group compliments and takes care of Wonyoung the next day? Well, she knows Hitomi is responsible, so she just pulls Hitomi in for a hug as thanks, too moved by her to speak.

---

Hitomi’s starting to get irritated, and it’s all Wonyoung’s fault.

Honestly, for what it was worth, Wonyoung didn’t do anything really, so it’s not really her fault. But Hitomi really can’t help it when Wonyoung is just like that. It’s just, well, she’s so pretty, and she’s caught herself staring way too often.

She really should stop staring at Wonyoung. This was the fifth time this week, and it’s starting to bother her a tad. Don’t get her wrong, it’s understandable why, it’s just that it’s starting to affect her practice and concentration and she can’t afford that. Honestly, she’s surprised no one else has noticed or commented yet.

So busy brooding was Hitomi that she didn’t notice the girl entering the room behind her.

“Hitomi unniei?”. Hitomi immediately jumped up in shock, before she immediately froze at the sight of the girl she was thinking about.

Wonyoung’s hair’s looking quite disheveled, but she’s still as pretty as ever. Hitomi would be quite hard pressed to find someone who disagrees with that, especially as you could get lost in those eyes…

“Unnie?” Hitomi snaps back to reality, Wonyoung’s hand waving in front of her face. “Are you alright?”

“I’m fine Wonyoung, what brings you here?” Hitomi says, her cheeks flaming in embarrassment at being caught staring.

“I just wanted to see my favorite unnie.” Wonyoung says, causing Hitomi to squeal internally, still happy that she was her favorite unnie.

Wonyoung starts giggling and walking out, turning to look back at the door “Also, can we go buy some snacks? I’ll buy you your favorite ice cream.”

“Of course Wonyoung, just gimme a second to get ready.” Hitomi says, grabbing her hoodie and mask. This girl’s going to be the death of me.

---

Unbeknownst to Hitomi, Wonyoung hasn’t been ignorant to the stares. On the contrary, she’s been quite… enthralled by it.

While she’s younger than the others, Wonyoung isn’t exactly ignorant to what those stares could possibly mean. Honestly, Wonyoung is actually quite flattered that Hitomi really thinks that highly of her, that she finds her beautiful, if those stares are for the reason she hopes. Why is she not bothered by those stares, why does she enjoy it even?

Oh god, she has a crush on Hitomi unnie.

That would explain why her heart flutters around her, why she’s always drawn to Hitomi unnie. She’s worried about what this means. How these feelings would be received, by Hitomi or by her family. How it could affect the group, how people would react. So she stays quiet and focuses on practice, on school. She enjoys her time with her unnies, and continues to focus on her career and her group. She considers going to someone for advice, but for now, she’ll let it be, and wait, and see how things go.

---

It wasn’t long before Hitomi noticed Wonyoung staring back occasionally. When this happens, one or the other usually looks away, blushing at being caught or catching the other staring at them. This can’t go on forever, so Hitomi is determined to talk to Wonyoung about it as soon as possible.

So, when Wonyoung was sick on a free day, Hitomi volunteered to look after her and let the rest enjoy their day. To Wonyoung, who was laying down on the couch, it looked like Hitomi basically kicked everyone else out of the dorm, even their unnies, which was hilarious.

“Wonyoung, can we talk?” HItomi asks as she sits down next to Wonyoung, suddenly nervous, a contrast to how she was just minutes before in front of everyone else.

“Of course unnie.” was the response from the younger girl, looking up at her.

“About the staring… I’m sorry.” Hitomi says, not daring to look at the younger girl. “I’m sorry that i can’t help but do it.”

The younger girl grabs her hand, squeezing softly. “There’s no need to apologize unnie. I feel the same way. It’s just…”

“Not the right time for it.” Hitomi finishes, looking down with a sad smile.

“Wait for me ok unnie? Nothing needs to happen now.”

Hitomi squeezes the girl’s hand one more time and nods, before standing up to prepare a hot meal for the maknae.

Later when the rest come home, the two share a look. Nothing officially changed, but there’s no need for it. They both know how they feel, and for now, they’re satisfied with it. After all, they’re already the most affectionate with each other, so there’s really nothing that needs to be different.

---

When rumours started to spread about Mnet rigging Produce, Wonyoung could see how everyone was affected one way or another. How a lot of them became more quiet, others tried harder to cheer the others up, sometimes too hard. How some of her members looked distraught, or focused themselves too much on the comments.

She herself wasn’t immune, especially when rumors say Sakura should’ve been the center. The doubts about her being the center were coming back. How It would’ve been so much better for the group if Sakura was center… right? With herself in the center, Izone was locked into mostly cute concepts, and Sakura was more talented and more deserving of the title.

Wonyoung didn’t share this with anyone, didn’t want to disturb anyone else, as they had their own issues going on. She noticed how the group started to fracture a bit, but she couldn’t blame them. So she drowned herself in practice, too try and at least make herself deserving of the title, deserving of what she was given.

---

It was quite late one night, and Hitomi noticed a distinct lack of their maknae. Seeing how no one else noticed, all clearly tired, Hitomi decides to go look for her herself. First, Hitomi tried calling Wonyoung, but after a few tries, Wonyoung still wasn’t answering. Remembering the last time she saw Wonyoung, she quickly became worried. After looking around and making sure she isn’t disturbing anyone, she quickly rushed to the company building, hoping she wasn’t wrong.

Noticing their usual training room’s light was on, Hitomi entered the room as one of their songs were playing. Not seeing anyone at first, Hitomi turned to exit the room, until she spotted someone lying prone on the ground.

Hitomi rushes to her. “Wonyoung? Wonnie? Wake up please.” She says, shaking the girl in panic. Hitomi grew more and more panicked, unable to think straight at the worry for the younger girl. “Oh god wake up wonnie please.”

After a few minutes of trying to wake her up, Hitomi forced herself to calm down, realizing that her panicking won’t help. She picks up her phone and starts to dial one of the managers, hoping they'll be able to help.

---

When Wonyoung woke up, she noticed she wasn’t in the training room anymore. As she turned on the bed, she froze when she felt someone next to her. Opening her eyes, the first thing greeting her was Hitomi’s blonde hair. Confused at first to why she wasn’t in the training room, she started to realize what must’ve happened. Guilt started to flood her whole body. HItomi must have been so worried about her. Of course she couldn’t do anything without messing it up for someone else. Why can’t she just do anything right?!

A hand suddenly brushed her cheek, startling her. “Wonyoung, are you ok? You’re crying.”

Oh, she’s crying, and just worrying Hitomi more.

“It’s fine unnie, I’m fine.” Wonyoung says, turning around, trying futilely to not worry her unnie more. Of course, Wonyoung knows Hitomi wasn’t fooled, but what else could she do.

Wonyoung felt Hitomi come closer, hugging her from behind. “Why did you practice until so late? I was worried when you weren’t coming back.” Hitomi whines, half playful, half upset. Her tone only served to hurt Wonyoung even more.

“I needed to practice more. I’m not good enough yet.” not good enough to be center, not good enough to for iz*one. These were left unsaid, yet as usual, Hitomi knew.

“You know, you don’t have to be perfect. You’re already good enough. You’re a good center and a good member.” she whispered into Wonyoung’s ear, “Please don’t work yourself to death ok?”

“I’m sorry.” “It’s ok Wonnie. It’s ok.”

---

Everyone was shocked when they announced Iz*one was going into hiatus. It was understandable, and many of them were upset when hearing that the rumours were true, doubts continuing to flow through their heads. Hugging Wonyoung, Hitomi saw the distress in her member’s faces, how the normally fearless Eunbi was barely keeping it together, how the normally excitable and bright Yujin was solemn, how Wonyung, their lovable maknae and center, Hitomi’s love, is struggling not to cry in her arms.

The first morning after, Hitomi watches as her dorm mates wake up unenthusiastically, all down and upset as they sit around the dining table. Hitomi’s heart throbs. She’s noticed how the group hasn’t been as close together, ever since the rumours started to spread. If no one was doing anything, she needs to take action herself. As she grabs Wonyoung’s hand and looks around, she makes her decision.

“Let’s go to the other dorm.” As the others start to look up at her, Hitomi’s nerves start to kick in. Likely sensing her feelings, Wonyoung squeezes her hand, urging her to continue.

“We can’t sit and stay quiet like this. We need to stay together, work through this as a family, like we’ve always done.”

It wasn’t long before they were headed to the other dorm. Wonyoung stayed with Hitomi at the back of the line, hands still holding each other.

“Thank you Hitomi unnie. You did the right thing.”

Hitomi leaned her head on the younger's shoulders, “Things won’t be perfect. But at least we’ll be facing it together.”

“... I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Not a day afterwards was spent alone, all the members supporting each other, as they were supposed to.

---

Their comeback is coming soon, and Wonyoung is nervous. It’s their first show after the scandal, and Wonyoung hopes people will still continue to support them, to support their group. Yet, she’s also beyond excited. To be able to show how they’ve grown, how they stuck together and preserved as a group.

While all comebacks are amazing, this one has a special piece in her heart. Why? Well, it’s because of one of the songs. Dreamlike. The song she helped wrote. Wonyoung mentioned to everyone that it just came up into her head, that there was no deep meaning to the song, but that was clearly a lie.

Only a few people suspected that Wonyoung wrote it for someone and even less knew who she was talking about, something that Wonyoung doesn’t plan to change. So, she asks everyone to listen to Dreamlike. She shares her feelings through the lyrics of the songs, of her dreams and wishes. If Hitomi knew it was about her, she never mentions it. Yet, Wonyoung is glad to get it out of her heart and share it with the world, even if no one else will see it as such. Wonyoung feels blessed that she could share this dream with Hitomi, and she hopes to be able to share it for much longer, till the end of time.

---

Sitting around the dorm, Hitomi was deep in thought. Hitomi, like everyone else, knew their time as Iz*one wouldn’t last forever.

It’s almost a taboo subject in the group, that they would likely disband in a year at most. No one wanted to be reminded that their time together will end, that they would have to go their separate ways.

Sure, she's excited to go back home to Japan, to Team 8, but at the same time, she's grown fond of Korea, grown fond of her home overseas, with 11 members who've become her second family. She doesn’t want it to end, doesn’t want to leave them. Sure, going back to Japan means returning to her home country, means seeing her family who she dearly miss. However, it would also mean saying goodbye to rooming with Chaewon, to having breakfast with the girls, to her Unnies daily guidance, and goodbye to comforting and being comforted by Wonyoung.

2 years ago, Hitomi would barely hesitate to leave and return home, and wouldn't be too disappointed in leaving Korea. Now? She’d give anything to stay with the girls, for things to last longer. She longs for the opportunity to stay with the rest of girls, those she learnt with, learnt from. She would choose to stay with them, to stay in the home she’s formed with Iz*one, to continue on as a family.

Hitomi felt someone behind her, distracting her from her thoughts. She laughed as Wonyoung pulled her in for a hug and leaned her head on Hitomi’s shoulder. Hitomi smiles at the thought that Wonyoung probably knew something was wrong, she always did with Hitomi. Leaning back into the comfort of her arms, Hitomi renewed her decision to make the most of her time here with them, and to leave with no regrets. She’s satisfied with all she’s done, though there’s one more loose end to tie up, then she’d be content with it all ending, even if it hurts.

---

Wonyoung has had a pretty bad day, no, terrible day.

It’s late at night, she’s really tired after a long day of practice and schedules, and one of the shows she was on didn’t go well at all. Coupled with a meeting discussing her plans after Iz*one with the agency, plans of joining a new group that she did not want to think of yet, she’s not at all in a good mood.

So when she enters the dorm, she ignores the others calling out for her to hang out and quickly goes to lay down in the room.

As soon as she enters the comforts of her own room, she breaks down. She wishes that she could be with Iz*one forever, but today was just a painful reminder that that wish was impossible. She will have to learn to adjust to a new group, replace Iz*one, and that the others will have to replace her as their group members. The thought of that turns her stomach, how she will no longer be an important part in these people’s lives.

The door creaked open, and Wonyoung rushed to wipe her tears, the darkness of the room helping to hide her distress. “Wonnie? Are you ok.” a familiar voice called out, one Wonyoung knew she couldn’t fool, not that she wouldn’t try anyway.

“I’m fine Hitomi unnie,” Wonyoung internally winced at how unconvincing the lie sounded, “just a bit tired.” Wonyoung winced and closed her eyes as the light immediately turned on, no point in hiding her distress now. She felt the older girl sit next to her and pull Wonyoung into her embrace, “Hmmm. Talk to me.” Hitomi said, as Wonyoung felt the older girl rub her back, clearly trying to comfort her.

“I’m scared unnie.” Wonyoung finally admits, looking away, not wanting to see Hitomi’s reaction.

“Scared? What are you scared of?” she hears Hitomi say, still holding her close.

“I’m scared that when Iz*one disbands, you’ll all forget me, and that you’ll replace me in your lives.” Wonyoung whispers, her eyes shut and in pain, as if speaking the words will make it a reality.

Wonyoung felt Hitomi grabbing her, squealing as she felt HItomi push her to lay onto the bed, before she felt her arms wrap around her. Wonyoung opens her eyes to see Hitomi’s eyes staring into her own, a ghost of a smile on her face.

“I’m scared of leaving too, but do you really think we’ll forget each other? Sure, we won’t live in the same dorm together anymore, nor will we share a group or schedule. Yet, we’re a family. I’m sure we’ll manage somehow, even if it’s less frequently.” Hitomi says, her voice soothing to Wonyoung.

The two stare at each other for a while, before Hitomi whispers, “But that’s not all you’re worrying about is it?”

Wonyoung smiles bitterly, pulling the older girl in a hug. “You’ll be in Japan, and, well, I guess I won’t be able to see you at all.”

Hitomi sighs and nods, “That’s something we can deal with later. Let’s make the most of our time here ok.”

The two lay there in silence for a while, Hitomi stroking the younger girl’s back. “Do you want to join the others for a movie night?”

“I’d like to stay here with you just this once, if that’s alright with you unnie.”

“Of course I’m fine with that. Well, let’s get some rest ok.”

After making a note in the back of her head to apologize to the others and make it up to them tomorrow, she lays down into Hitomi’s embrace, giving in to her drowsiness, enjoying her wistful dreams of pleasant futures with the group and with Hitomi.

When Eunbi went to check in on them after Hitomi didn’t return, she turned on the light to them cuddling in bed, both fast asleep with smiles on their faces. Turning off the light, she closed the door and left to join the others, giddy at how cute they looked together.

---

Hitomi fidgets in her seat as she waits, heart thumping. As Hitomi looks around, she can see how her nervousness is reflected across everyone’s faces. This is it, their final concert, the culmination of their 2 and a half years journey as a group.

For now, however, she knows it’s not the time to focus on the future. One last performance in Korea, so she better make it her very best. Eyes sparking, she wanted to make this special. For herself, for her group, for their fans, she’s determined to make it memorable, to show that while this is the end, it would be something worth remembering, worth cherishing.

So as they stood up, Hitomi drifted next to Wonyoung, grabbing her hand in hers. The two shared a look, and Hitomi was alarmed to see Wonyoung’s eyes already tearing up.

Grabbing Wonyoung’s face and turning her around so they were face to face, Hitomi smiled and nodded encouragingly at her. “Don’t cry just yet ok Wonyoung? We still have one last performance to give, for our fans, and for us.”

Wonyoung nods, wiping her tears and setting a determined expression on her face. They could do it. Of course they could. What’s one more concert after so many performances on stage?

Hitomi looked at their fans as she entered the stage, before turning to share a look with the rest of her members. One message shared between them. Let’s put on a show.

---

They sang and danced their hearts out. They performed as many songs as they could, knowing that this might be their last time performing any of them on stage. They rocked the crowd as usual, the cheers louder than ever before.

Yet, as the final song came to a close, they knew it was time, that it was the end.

As Wonyoung stood in the centre, the others all approached her, before they all piled in for a group hug.

Tears have already started flowing through their faces, Wonyoung didn’t know when hers even got this wet.

It was their last performance, and it was oh so bittersweet.

They’ve achieved so much, everything to be proud of, and they’ve achieved it together. Yet, it was time for them to go their separate ways, to say goodbye to their fans, and to each other.

As Eunbi says one last speech, the girls crowded around her, Wonyoung smiles and cries. They were Iz*one, and while they could no longer perform together, they would always be Iz*one, they would always be together in their hearts.

“Iz*one Forever!”

---

Hitomi stands waiting as she waits for Nako and Sakura to finish packing their things.

While Hitomi’s still sad, her tears no longer flow, having long been spent the day before. She would leave this place without regrets, yet there was still one thing yearning in her heart.

She’s said her goodbye to the rest of the girls, all but one. Her giant maknae has been avoiding her, and while HItomi doesn’t blame the girl for wanting to cut her off early, to try to ease the pain, it doesn’t mean that it does not hurt.

Hitomi wishes she could say goodbye, wishes she could see her one last time, to ease the pain in her heart, and likely in Wonyoung too.

As she sighs, sad that it would end this way, she felt a pair of arms snake around her body, pulling her into a familiar embrace.

“I’m sorry. I thought it would be easier for the both of us if I avoided you.” the voice behind her said,

“So, did it work?” Hitomi says as she turns around to face the girl she’s missed the most.

Hitomi can see Wonyoung tearing up again, even with the smile on her face. “Not at all. Eunbi unnie made me realize that. I’m sorry it took me so long.”

“It’s ok. You’re here, that’s all that matters.” There are many more words Hitomi wishes to say, but for now, they remain unspoken. Maybe the next time they meet she will be able to say it.

“I… I’m glad that I was able to experience this past two and a half years with you, unnie.” Wonyoung says, gratitude and happiness shining through her voice.

Hitomi grabs Wonyoung by the shoulder, looking her in the eyes “So am I…” It turns out Hitomi hasn’t run out of tears from the night before after all, with her eyes starting to water again.

“Please, stay in contact with me unnie.” Wonyoung begs, “I want to make you proud, show you what I can do in the future.” she promises, full of conviction.

“I’ll keep in touch of course, being in separate countries won’t stop me. Besides, you’ve already made me proud Wonnie, you’ve always done so. The future will be no different.” Hitomi says, wiping a stray tear from Wonyoung’s face.

As the two stared at each other, Hitomi could feel the atmosphere changing, feeling more intimate.

Wonyoung leans down, her face almost touching Hitomi’s. “You’ll wait for me?”

Hitomi blushed at the proximity, her cheeks heeting up. “As long as it takes, as I promised.”

Wonyoung then pulls her into a hug, resting her head on Hitomi's shoulder. Hitomi wanted to stay there forever, but she knows that their time together is ending soon.

As she pulls back, Wonyoung whispers into her ear, “Don’t tell the others unnie, but it’s you who I’ll the most.”

Hitomi whispers back, “And I will miss you the most too Wonnie, always.” before she pulls away smiling, bowing to Wonnie before joining the others.

As they were about to leave, Eunbi pulls them into one last group hug, one final moment together as a group.

"Take care, each and every one of you. And I'll see you all very soon ok."

Hitomi steps back, joins Nako and Sakura in the car. Eyes shining brightly, because while one part of her journey is ending, another is just beginning, and she knows that the others will always have her back.

---

Wonyoung returned to Starship with Yujin. It was tough adjusting to living without the others again, to not hear their voices every day, to not share the spotlight with them. Yet, they were still there, all always active in the group chat, always supporting each other and keeping in touch. So, Wonyoung pressed on, she had no other choice anyway, and she had a promise to keep.

Reuniting with her fellow trainees, she continued to practice hard, not wanting to dull her skills. Her experience with Iz*one has clearly done her good, and she's a much more experienced, confident performer.

Yet, she felt she wasn't ready to enter another girl group, to move on. Not just yet.

So, for the next few months, she started to mc on a variety show, along with joining a few more. She's still shining, still developing a fan base, ready for whenever she joins a new group. She's still having fun and living her dreams without betraying Iz*one.

She knows she'll have to eventually, knows that none of the others will begrudge her. Yet, there's something keeping her from doing so, and she mentions it to her boss. One wish, one dream, she wants to fulfill.

There's one person she wants as a group member, yet that person is still currently in a different country. So she asks if she could be given a chance to talk, to invite her.

Now, all it takes is time and if that person wants it as badly as she does.

Wonyoung hopes she does.

---

A year on, and Hitomi is happy.

She's achieved brilliant heights with Iz*one, and back here in Japan, she's happy, still performing with Team 8.

Walking down the streets with nothing to do, she loses herself in her thoughts of her members. Most of the others have started to take a new step in their careers.

They've grown as people, and Hitomi's happy for them, for her sisters.

Yet, there were two people still not moving, the Starship duo, their maknaes.

Rumors that a group was forming, and the two of them were a part of it, but something is holding it back, or, more likely, someone.

Hitomi saw how Wonyoung was content to stay groupless for a while, focusing on variety shows and advertisements. Yet now, she can see how the youngest looks ready to move on. Except, when the group was mentioned in an interview, Wonyoung was wistful. As if she was waiting for something.

"There's one last thing I have to try before I join the group, one last dream to take."

Fans speculated for what it meant, was it one last appearance, advertisment, a solo song.

Yet, in Hitomi's heart, she knew what it meant. What Wonyoung wished for. And, Hitomi knew, she wished the same.

She immediately turned around, heading back to the company building.

She had a meeting to discuss and goodbyes to plan.

---

Wonyoung sits down in anticipation, her hoodie and mask stopping her from being instantly recognized. It’s not that she wants to hide from everyone, in fact she wants to show her support for the person here, yet she had her reasons for doing so.

Wonyoung is really glad she learned Japanese. Exploring Japan alone would’ve been a pain otherwise. She would’ve asked Hitomi, Nako or Sakura unnie for help, but she wanted it to be a surprise. Hence, the mask, because here she is, in the AKB48 theatre, waiting for the performance to start.

As the performance starts, her eyes are drawn to the girl in the centre, her former team member and unnie. Hitomi has only grown more beautiful this past year, and Wonyoung is excited to finally see her in person again.

As the performances continued, Wonyoung was mesmerized. While the others were doing amazing jobs, performing well, they pale in her eyes to Hitomi. Sure, it might be biased, but Wonyoung couldn’t help but feel that Hitomi is the best performer in the group.

During one of the performances, where Wonyoung continued to stare at Hitomi, she sees the older girl glance at her, locking eyes before Hitomi continues performing. While she didn't waver and continued her performance like usual, Wonyoung could see how Hitomi instantly recognized her, how her eyes lightened up a bit, and it brings her joy to see that the elder still remembered her, and still thought fondly of her.

As the concert comes to a close, Wonyoung smiles in joy at being able to see Hitomi perform in person, before getting ready to arrange a meet up with the older girl.

However, when Hitomi steps forward again after the performance has ended, Wonyoung has a feeling something’s going to happen. Hitomi announces that she wishes to graduate, that she wishes to continue her career elsewhere, that she hopes they will continue to support her wherever she goes. As she says this, Hitomi proceeds to look at Wonyoung, a knowing smile on her face.

As the theatre erupts in applause, Wonyoung smiles, her one fear reassured. Hitomi wants to debut with her, and now, the only thing that would’ve prevented that from happening is gone, and Wonyoung is elated.

Wonyoung suddenly feels her phone vibrating, a message from the girl that is the source of all this joy. “Come to the back of the theatre Wonyoung, we have a lot to talk about and to catch up on.”

---

After a joyous reunion, where Hitomi introduced her former maknae to her team 8 members, Hitomi dragged Wonyoung out for a walk in the park.

As the two walked quietly, a comfortable silence between the two, Wonyoung suddenly spoke up.

“Unnie, do you know why I wrote Dreamlike?”

“You mentioned that it was something you just came up with right?” Hitomi offhandedly mentioned, not sure on where this was going.

“Well, I wasn’t exactly being truthful.” Wonyoung said, causing Hitomi to turn to look at a blushing Wonyoung, one who was not looking at Hitomi.

"So, why did you Wonnie?" Hitomi asks, curious, both because she wanted to know, and because Wonyoung thought it was important enough to bring it up years later.

"Well, I wrote it for you Hitomi Unnie, because I wanted to share my feelings, to share my dreams with you." Wonyoung spoke sincerely as she turned to her, her eyes sparkling as she looks at Hitomi, as if Hitomi meant the world to her.

Hitomi felt her cheeks heat up, flattered by her words and actions.

After that confident speech, Wonyoung suddenly looked bashful again, "So, remember how I asked you to wait for me."

Sensing where this was going, Hitomi smiled encouragingly at the younger girl. "Of course, as long as I need to."

Wonyoung smiled, before responding in a hopeful tone. "I think I'm ready, unnie, if you would have me."

Hitomi grabbed Wonyoung's hands, before she nods and smiles, conveying her love through her gaze, and Wonyoung smiled back, and that smile is one that only sparks joy in Hitomi's heart, more so than any other.

Later that night, as the two laid in Wonyoung’s hotel room, Hitomi felt the younger girl lean closer to her, before Wonyoung’s lips met her own, and Hitomi has never felt more at peace. After so many years, it’s finally happening, and it was worth the wait.

Before today, before this, Hitomi still had doubts on whether leaving Team 8 right now was the correct choice. Tonight confirmed she made the right decision to join Wonyoung, and she wouldn't have it any other way.

---

It was just the two of them, sitting in Hitomi’s bedroom a few days later. These past few days Wonyoung has just relaxed and enjoyed the peace, before she’ll have to go back to Korea and separate with Hitomi, even if it’s temporary.

Wonyoung couldn’t be happier, she gets to spend a lot of time with her favorite person, she reunited with her other unnies for a day out and she doesn’t have to worry about Hitomi not accepting her offer, as Hitomi has mentioned that that was the reason for her to choose to graduate.

When Wonyoung asked Hitomi what she would do if her speculation was false, if Starship didn’t want her, Hitomi just laughed and said that she just knew Wonyoung was waiting for her. Besides, even if that didn’t happen, if she couldn’t debut with Wonyoung, she knew she wanted to move on to something else, and Wonyoung just gave her a reason to do it now. Wonyoung felt touched at how HItomi still trusted her, still loved her, even after a year of separation.

Tomorrow, Wonyoung will go home and say goodbye temporarily to Hitomi. Tomorrow, she will watch the announcement in social media of a new trainee, and eventually the announcement of a new girl group by Starship. Afterwards, she will reunite with the girl she loves again, in a new girl group, in Korea. Whatever the future holds? She’ll spend it with her. She knows Hitomi wishes the same.

Tonight? She just wants to spend time with this girl, one she would move the world for. Leaning into Hitomi’s shoulder, Wonyoung realized how lucky she was, to be able to live her dreams, and with this girl right next to her. She’s said it before, and she will continue to say it until the end of time, there is no one else she would want to live her dreams with then Hitomi.

#izone #wonyoung #hitomi #izone imagines

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yangssunglasses · 5 years ago

Note

All right, not into femslash as you know, but for the sake of seeing you fulfill such a random prompt (because you numbered Naruto girls, didn’t you?): 8, 12 and ‘Give up’

Thanks for the prompt! I also used FemslashFeb2020 prompt: denim.

Pairing: Sakura/Anko (or as I’m calling it, Ankura :)

Rating: T

Length: 2k+

Available on FFN / AO3

Full Circle

The sexy and beautiful Mitarashi Anko was great at many things, usually having something to do with maiming and torture. She knew how to get under the skin of her targets, slip under their guard and into their minds, then strip them bare of all their secrets. Alternatively, she threatened them with her snakes, that usually did the trick. Whatever worked best, she would do it, she was flexible like this when the situation called for it. No wonder she bragged that she could touch her heels when she did a back bend.

What Anko didn’t know was what to do with an itty-bitty pink-haired genin standing in her way with a determined look on her little face.

“What do you want, kid?” Anko asked bluntly, fingering her new senbon pack as she fought off the trained reflex to turn anyone that even slightly inconvenienced her into a pincushion.

“Anko-san, right? You probably don’t remember me, but I was in the chunin exams when you were a proctor. I’m Haruno Sakura. Tsunade-sama’s apprentice,” the girl introduced herself.

Actually, Anko remembered her, it was hard not to. She was one of Kakashi’s cute ducklings and a teammate of that moody Uchiha kid that had gotten a little love bite with a cursed seal as a bonus and then had run off to that bastard for more power. Ugh.

Anko crossed her arms. “Whatever, I have shit to do, so cut to the chase, kid. I don’t have all day.”

A fire lit up in the girl’s clear green eyes. Anko had a bad feeling. She knew that look and it only meant something fucking annoying was coming her way. (Boss Nara would simply call it troublesome, but she wasn’t a boring old man playing shogi for fun.)

“Teach me,” the kid implored. “Teach me how to beat Orochimaru.”

Anko lost it. She doubled over, howling with laughter.

“You? You want to fight Orochimaru? And beat him?” She wiped tears from the corners of her eyes. “Man, do they make genin stupider these days or what?”

The girl looked like she ate a lemon. “I’m serious! Please teach me. I heard you were his apprentice. You must know something about his strengths and weaknesses.”

Anko straightened up again, her momentary amusement gone with the mention of her past relationship with that bastard. That was where she drew a line at tomfoolery. The girl wanted serious, she’d get serious.

“Kid, Orochimaru is a freak of nature. And a real genius of ninjutsu. Whatever I know of him is a decade out of date. Go home.”

“Anko-san, please, he has Sasuke-kun! I need you to teach me so I can rescue him!” the girl still insisted, like she didn’t understand a word of what Anko had said to her.

The jounin scowled, getting mad. This was becoming ridiculous.

“Kid, what rescue are you talking about?! From what I hear that Uchiha brat defected. He joined the bastard out of his own free will. Traitors don’t get rescued, they get eliminated like they fucking deserve.”

“E-Eliminated? No… but we promised to save him… that can’t be true…” Blood drained from the girl’s face and she turned ghostly pale as she stared up in disbelief at her. Anko would have felt bad for the poor, delusional genin if she had any feelings to spare, but her deficiency of caring was permanent and incurable, so she just shrugged it off. That’s just what happened when you were smacked in the face with a brutal reality check.

“Let me give you a little advice,” Anko leaned in towards the shocked girl. “Give up, kid,” she told her straight to the face. “There’s nothing I can teach you about Orochimaru, besides don’t you have Tsunade for that? She was his teammate, wasn’t she? Just let her teach you how to crush mountains with your pinky or flatten the forest like a pancake. Then we can go together traitor-hunting if you’re still interested,” Anko suggested with a feral grin.

Sakura shuddered, but didn’t back down. The fierce light returned to her eyes. “No! I won’t give up on Sasuke-kun so easily!”

“Bad choice, really,” Anko replied, shaking her head, then sidestepped around the genin. “Well, you just study hard with Tsunade, kid, and I’ll ring you up when I figure out how to beat Orochimaru. See ya!”

She shunshined away from the aggravating little pink blob, then changed direction and made a beeline to her favourite dango shop. She was in a desperate need of a pick me up. Anko couldn’t believe she discussed going after Orochimaru with an unfledged genin, Tsunade’s apprentice or not! Hell no! Better forget this had ever happened.

Thankfully, the girl took some of Anko’s advice and left her alone, concentrating solely on the apprenticeship with Tsunade. Anko didn’t cross paths with the pink menace again for many years, but Konoha wasn’t that big. Bumping into each other was bound to happen someday.

The Fourth War was but a memory by then and the lasting peace among the nations basically put her out of the job. Orochimaru was contained by the village and no amount of begging and cajoling could get Anko close enough to finally shank the bastard (she swore it was all Kakashi’s fault. Damn that smug one-eyed masked party pooper.)

Her best friend, Kurenai, popped out a baby and was so busy with diaper-changing and all that motherly shizz that she had no time to hang out with Anko anymore. Maybe that was for the best, she’d be a bad influence on the tyke.

Everything was boring and peaceful, there were no new prisoners to interrogate and Anko was too keyed up to devise another brilliant plan to achieve her revenge on the snake. Instead, she restlessly prowled the streets of Konoha, looking for something, anything she could do. She was munching on dango, the sweet flavor filling her mouth and calming her mood like a horse tranquilizer, when she saw someone interesting.

Some babe in a red tunic was browsing through skirts at the clothing stall. She was putting some of them against her hips in order to decide which to buy without actually trying them on.

“Get the denim one, it will look good on your butt,” Anko’s foul tongue activated, giving unsolicited advice before she thought it through.

The woman jolted and whirled around. Surprised clear green eyes landed on Anko, mesmerizing her. She cursed herself internally for not recognizing that pink hair sooner. But how could she be blamed, the last time she checked, it belonged to some headache-inducing, scrawny genin. Not this… sex on legs.

“You’re not a kid,” Anko stated dumbly.

Sakura cocked her hip and put a hand on it. “You thought you were saying that to a kid?” she asked in disbelief.

Anko winced. Right, that butt comment made her sound all kinds of bad. “No, hell no. I just thought it was some hot chick, not you,” she backtracked, belatedly realizing she again put a foot in her mouth. She couldn’t help it though, Sakura really wasn’t that kid anymore, she was a grown up bombshell of a woman and Anko still couldn’t get over that.

Sakura’s brow scrunched up as she regarded her with narrowed eyes, fists clenching and releasing with indecision. “I can’t figure out whether you just called me ugly or hot,” she said slowly. “If it was the former, I would deck you.”

Anko’s eyes gleamed eagerly. “Then if it was hot, would you come with me for some drinks? Uh, I mean, coffee?” she proposed, since it was still too early for sake. “We could catch up.”

Sakura pinned her with a hard look, then shrugged. “Only if you’re paying,” she stipulated and Anko nodded.

“You know, I meant it about that denim skirt, take it. It will really look good on you,” she added.

Sakura hummed thoughtfully and examined the piece of clothing in question again. Then she folded it and took it to the seller.

Two minutes later, Sakura joined Anko and they walked side by side to a nearby café. They placed their orders and settled on the opposite sides in a booth. Sakura put her shopping bag on the seat next to her, then looked at Anko inquisitively.

“You wanted to catch up?” she reminded.

Anko startled, realizing that she was caught staring. “Right! Sooo… how’s it going?” she asked with a chuckle to mask her awkwardness.

Sakura shrugged. “Not bad. We have peace.”

“Yeah… that’s the worst. I’m so bored most of the time. There’s no work for me!”

Anko’s outburst of frustration made the other kunoichi blink. “I didn’t think about it before, but it makes sense… So you’re free most of the time?” she asked.

“Pretty much…” Anko confirmed with a morose sigh.

“Then what do you do? Any hobbies?”

“Not really…” Anko replied, frowning. Their coffees arrived and Sakura poured sugar in hers, then took a dainty sip. Anko didn’t touch hers, she wasn’t really that thirsty. Instead, she discreetly took in Sakura, when a brilliant thought occurred to her. “Say, you were Kakashi’s student and he’s been a real bother to me recently…” she said.

Sakura looked at her in surprise. “Kakashi-sensei? What did he do?”

Anko scowled darkly into her coffee before raising her eyes to the other woman. “He’s protecting that lowlife Orochimaru from justice. Killing the bastard would be a community service at this point and he won’t let me,” she gritted out.

“Oh,” Sakura muttered in understanding. “I’m sorry.”

And that was it. Anko knew that she wouldn’t get any help. It was a long shot anyway. In the silence, they both contemplated the absolute unfairness of it all.

“For the record, I was against letting him go, but all the villages decided to take his offer and let him live,” Sakura informed her with an anxious look.

“I know. The slippery bastard got away again,” Anko said and sighed in defeat, closing her eyes.

A warm touch on her hand made her open them in surprise. Sakura gave her a light, reassuring squeeze.

“That doesn’t mean the battle is over. Old habits die hard, you know. The moment he puts one toe out of line…”

“… I will be waiting,” Anko finished with a bloodthirsty grin. “And take his head off.”

Sakura smiled back. “Exactly. Don’t give up.”

She took back her hand and Anko found herself already wishing the touch lasted a little longer. She leaned back in her seat, more relaxed, and tried the coffee. Too strong, she thought with a grimace and set it down.

“Well, at least everything worked out for you. You got back your teammate. I didn’t think it would be possible,” she remarked lightly.

Sakura tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “Yes, that was like a miracle. I’m glad Sasuke-kun is okay now,” she said modestly.

Anko pierced her with a hawk-like stare. “So, anything going on between you two?” she asked candidly.

Sakura jolted, a few drops of her coffee spilling on the table. “What, me and Sasuke-kun? No. It’s not like that… He’s a very dear friend of mine now, but that’s all,” she explained as she wiped the stains with a bunch of paper napkins.

Anko internally cheered, but that didn’t mean there wasn’t anyone else in the way. Better double check if she actually needed to get her assassination kit from storage. “Oh, so you’re ‘too busy for romance’ kind of gal?” she teased.

Sakura frowned. “Kind of… I’ve really got a lot of work,” she admitted despondently. “What about you, Anko-san? Any success in love?”

“Nope! I am completely single!” Anko announced with a broad smile. “But I’m always up for a bit of fun with a right person,” she added, giving her a suggestive wink. She noted with pleasure a subtle pinkening on Sakura’s cheeks.

“I-I see,” Sakura mumbled and reached for her coffee. Anko let her have a moment of peace to compose herself before changing the topic to something less personal. Fashion. Clothes were good.

They chatted for a while, then Sakura checked her watch and put down her empty cup on the table. “Sorry, I need to get going,” she said regretfully.

Anko nodded in understanding. “Duty calls, right?”

“Right. It was great to talk to you, Anko-san.” Sakura bit her lip, thinking something over, then she fished a pen out of her purse and wrote an address on a napkin. “Here.”

Anko picked it up in a daze. She couldn’t quite believe her luck. Did she just get invited to Sakura’s place? After all that lame flirting and constantly putting her foot in it? “Aww, are you going to miss me so much that you already want me to visit?” she joked.

Sakura gave her a slow, careful once over, then smirked. “Maybe.”

This time it was Anko’s turn to flush at the unexpected flirtation. She was blindsided!

“Actually, I’m starting a children’s mental health clinic. I could use your help there,” Sakura offered in all seriousness.

Anko gaped at her. “You would allow me around kids?”

“Don’t worry, they don’t bite. Most of the time,” Sakura answered blithely. “You said you were bored at work. These kids are war orphans. I think with your own experiences your advice would be really useful in the clinic.” She checked her watch again and hissed. “Shizune will kill me!” Sakura grabbed her shopping bag and stood up. “Please, just think about it, Anko-san. That’s all I ask. See you!” she threw the last words over her shoulder as she left the café in a hurry.

Anko watched her go, then looked at the address pensively. After a moment, she crumbled the napkin into a ball and threw it across the room straight into the trash bin. Score! Ha!

At leisure, Anko stretched, paid the bill, and ambled out of the café, hands in pockets of her trench coat. She walked the streets of Konoha until she stopped in front of a new building. She looked at the freshly painted, cheerful yellow walls and read the gleaming sign.

Children’s Mental Health Clinic in Konoha.

Kids. Anko mentally sighed. She wasn’t so sure she’d be any good at dealing with them, but she supposed Sakura wouldn’t let her traumatize the munchkins even more. Just having the opportunity to see her every day was worth giving this a try.

Well, at least Ibiki wouldn’t lose any more hair because of her. Anko trembled with quiet snickers at her own joke and turned back. She had some paperwork to fill and a superior to shock into a cardiac arrest.

#femslashfeb2020 #sakura haruno #anko mitarashi #ankura #my fanfiction

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grimmjowkurosakidrake · 6 years ago

Text

Something new

Summary: Follows Sharp edges, Rice Wine and Turbulence! Sakura and Sasuke face their new lives.

Rating: T

Characters: Sasuke Uchiha, Sakura Haruno, Naruto Uzumaki, Mebuki Haruno, Kizashi Haruno.

Relationships: Sasuke Uchiha/Sakura Haruno, Mebuki Haruno/Kizashi Haruno.

For the Sasusaku month day : Something new

Notes: I’ve been feeling down so now I’m way behind in the Sasusaku month :c But l’ll try to catch up! Oh! And I added some good old Narusasu rivalry in this chap!

Also, the next chapter will be the last from this au! so maybe give me some suggestions, I have something planed but I can’t tell, it’s a secret!

Sasuke didn’t know the blond teenager who entered Sakura’s hospital room as if it was his own, but he assumed he was their new teammate.

“Uzumaki Naruto,” Sasuke tried the name “You must be the other member of our team,” mused the young Uchiha, observing the boy from head to toe. “I can’t say I’m impressed.”

“Our team?” Asked Sakura, completely ignoring the intruder in favour of the much more interesting news.

“Yes,” answered Sasuke, staring suspiciously at Naruto only for one second and then giving Sakura his full attention. “The Hokage wants us to become part of a Genin team with this guy.” He explained pointing at Naruto who was boiling with rage for being ignored at their door. “Of course you can deny her, but she did make the offer to train you if you join us or even if you don’t.” Sasuke made sure to give her all the information available to him, not wanting to lie to her in any way or circumstance.

“But wouldn’t I be a hindrance to the team?” Asked Sakura confused and sad. “I’m weak like this, I didn’t even go through basic training at the academy…”

“You won’t bother us, Sakura-chan!” Screamed Naruto taking advantage of the moment to incorporate himself in the conversation once more “Can I call you Sakura-chan? Kakashi-sensei told me your name!”

“No,” denied Sasuke, “You can’t.” He made a mental note of finding out who this Kakashi-sensei was.

“I wasn’t talking to you, bastard!” Exploded Naruto walking purposely towards Sasuke and holding him by the collar of his shirt. “She can speak for herself.”

“I know she can, moron!” Screamed Sasuke on Naruto’s face, “but she doesn’t have to lower herself into talking to you!”

“Huh! You want to fight, duck butt?” Challenged the blond.

“Whenever you want, you little…” Sasuke was already rising his chakra up when the voice of the only girl in the room interrupted them.

“Sasuke-kun!” She interjected, raising her voice for the first time in a long time.

“Yes, Sakura?” Inquired Sasuke dutifully, extracting himself from Naruto’s hold with a forceful shrug, “Do you need something?”

“Could you leave me alone for a moment, please?” Requested the pink haired girl, not looking at him, “I have to think about the Hokage’s offer.”

“Of course, Sakura.” Conceded Sasuke standing up and kissing Sakura’s forehead, “Just remember I’m here with you no matter the decision you make.” Saying that, Sasuke left the room, forcefully taking Naruto with him.

The day after, Sakura discovered that both of her parents were well and alive, her mother went to see her on her third day of staying on the hospital and both women cried in each other’s arms until exhaustion, Mebuki, only left when the nurses asked her to go home a second time and then she came back the next day with Sakura’s dad.

It’s only then that they became trouble.

Not trouble, really. They were still her parents and she loved them, but Sakura no lo longer could imagine a life living by their side, and they no longer wanted to be separated from her.

“Tsunade-sama informed me that you’re going to be released tomorrow,” exclaimed Kizashi after having hugged her daughter and cried on her slim shoulder for a while. “We have your old room cleaned and remodelled “you’ve grown so much, honey.”

“I’m…” Sakura sighed “I’m not coming back home, dad... Mom.”

Both of her parents tensed at her words, Kizashi laughed in disbelief “Good one, Sakura-chan!” he kissed her cheek “I almost believed you!”

“I’m serious,” sighed Sakura, “I’m staying with Sasuke-kun and his brother, we don’t want to be separated.” She blushed.

“I didn’t know the Uchihas where living in Konoha,” commented Mebuki with a tense rictus on her aged mouth, “I thought the Uchiha district was dismantled after the massacre and Itachi’s resignation.”

“Sasuke-kun and Itachi-san will be living in a new Uchiha house,” Related the youngest Haruno, “I will be going to live with them.” She confessed.

“But why?” demanded Kizashi, holding onto her shoulders, “Sakura-chan, we just got you back.”

Sakura hesitated, looking sadly at her parents and then at every corner of her hospital room until her eyes finally landed at the open door, against which Sasuke was leaning peacefully, silently observing her, giving her the space to enjoy the reencounter with her family.

“Because Sasuke-kun is important to me,” She confessed. “we haven’t been separated in years and now we don’t want to. We can take care of each others.”

“How can be so sure that he’s going to take care of you?” Insisted her father desperately, “he’s an Uchiha, Sakura!”

“I promise you, Haruno-san,” Interrupted them the youngest Uchiha, “that I will take care of Sakura.” His back was tense, he looked anxious, but he was staring at Kizashi deadest on the eyes. “I’ll take care of her until she gets the tools to take care of herself and even after that if she allows me.”

“She will be coming home every now and then,” ordered Mebuki, steeling her voice and talking over Sasuke, “you will not separate her from us but we won’t force our daughter to come back if she doesn’t want to.”

“I swear I will not.” Bowed Sasuke, “my only wish is for us to live the happy life we were denied when Orochimaru and Kabuto took us from home.”

“And of course you are also invited to come with Sakura anytime you want,” smiled the woman with a motherly tone, “any friend of our Sakura is a friend of ours.”

“Thank you, Haruno-san.” Sasuke regaled her with a rare grateful smile.

After a few hours of conversation and barely concealed interrogation coming from Kizashi, the Haruno left the hospital with the promise of coming back tomorrow to try and help Sakura move into the Uchiha’s new home.

Sakura waited until they were gone to speak about the resolution that had been eaten her inside since Sasuke talked to her about it “I decided that I want to be part of our Genin team, I want to train with the Hokage. I wanted to be a ninja since a was a child, I promise that I won’t be a bother, Sasuke-kun!”

To be fair, Sasuke wasn’t completely on board of exposing Sakura to the ninja world, she wasn’t trained, she wasn’t even comfortable with most forms of socialization since she had been forced into confinement for the better part of her life.

But ultimately this was Sakura’s choice.

Sasuke didn’t have many objectives in life, he himself also being incarcerated by Orochimaru in his own way before meting Itachi, when his only purpose was growing stronger so Orochimaru-sama could make good use of him.

But now, with his big brother by his side and a bright new future ahead of him, Sasuke only wanted to live a happy life with his precious people.

If being a ninja could make Sakura happy, then Sasuke wasn’t no one to separate her from her dreams.

“You won’t be a bother, Sakura.” Sasuke comforted her, “and I swear to be there for you in every step you take in your ninja path.”

This was his new purpose.

#Sasuke Uchiha #Sakura Haruno #sasusaku fic #sasusaku #Sasusaku month #Sasusaku month 2019 #Ssm19

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jenoszne-blog · 7 years ago

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my princess | chenle

genre: fluff word count: 1.1k+ a/n; okay this has been sitting in my drafts for way too long omg fjldsh chenle's so close to my age and it's lowkey nervewracking since he's so much more talented than me ooPs uh anyways this has been written over the span of months wAy back when chenle was actually my bias in nct dream instead of nana but like, i still have that soft spot for him ;-; anyways, my requests are open! please go request!!

my best friend, was called a prince by all the girls at school. he was incredibly good-looking for someone our age, and him being a foreigner, (like me, as in we moved from china to korea at around the same time) meant that he got a lot of attention from everyone. especially the girls.

chenle and i had met the first day of school. i was, and had been fluent in korean ever since i was seven years old but it seemed as if all of my knowledge of the language just rushed out of my head when i had to speak it. i had stood at my locker surrounded by kids speaking incredibly familiar words yet i hadn’t paid any attention to them.

i was anxious. when i was nine, i had a presentation in front of my class in history. my whole body had been shaking, and my mind was racing through all the possibilities, (mostly bad) that could happen while standing up in front of my classmates.

i glanced around the room. my vision got fuzzy, and the last thing i remember was passing out in front of my entire class and my close friends, and even the people who hated me shouting my name as i faded from consciousness.

as i stood by my locker surrounded by kids, this one specific memory came back to me. i couldn’t seem to shake it off. i closed my eyes and let out a deep exhale.

as i opened my eyes a new face i haven’t ever seen stands before me with a bright smile on their face. his hair is dyed a light violet purple, and his smile gets wider as he giggles a little. “hi!!” he speaks, in korean. i get nervous. he notices my nervous look and switches to my native language, “do you speak chinese?” he asks me. i nod a little, “i speak korean and chinese... but i’m really anxious.” i say, surprisingly without stuttering too much.

“well! i’m zhong chenle, and i’ll be your new best friend.”

and ever since then, i have told him everything. he knew everything about me, including things like my crush at the time and even my favorite color, (which no one could seem to remember)

he was my best friend, and even my crush at some point.

we had been friends for around three months before i realized that i was falling for him. i felt like i should have regretted it, though he was so charasmatic and he had made me laugh. he was incredibly nice to me throughout our friendship. i appreciated his being there for me, through thick and thin.

at one point however, chenle got a crush on a very pretty japanese transfer student named sakura. i felt a new emotion wrack through my body. jealousy. i felt terrible because i was jealous of seeing her get all of chenle's attention. he basically ignored me through his time with her. somehow, seeing chenle hug her how he did, gently, as if she was a mirror he could break just by touching her. he was so nice to her, though one day i had caught her doing something that would break his heart.

chenle's and sakura's relationship didn't last as long as he had hoped. i had caught her pecking another boy's cheek. he was definetly around chenle's age, jisung i think his name was. of course i wanted to tell chenle right away, but i didn't want to break his heart. i waited for a couple of days until my heart simply couldn't see her fool around with him anymore.

i decided to go visit his house, since if we were in school it would be embarrassing for the both of us. i decided to save his repuatation, and the little reputation that i seemed to have.

"chenle, hi." i spoke in chinese as he opened the door. i texted him a half an hour before, telling him that i would be coming. of course, i made an excuse, telling him i needed help with homework. "hi, [name]... wait where's your school bag?" he asked me, seeing i didn't bring my bag with my schoolwork in it. "i have something to... tell you i guess. you might want to sit down for this one."

"okay...? [name] you're being weird. weirder than usual." he said, glancing around the room in obvious discomfort. "it's important, okay?" my voice cut through his rambling sentence, and the room went silent. "chenle. i saw sakura kissing jisung's cheek."

his eyes widened, "no." the disbelief in his voice was strong, he could tell by my facial expression that i was lying. "i don't... i can't believe you. i'm sorry... i just... don't think that she would do that... if you have proof [name]... please show it to me." his eyes started filling with tears, seeing me pull my phone out and show a picture of the japanese girl kissing the blue haired boy's cheek. "you weren't lying..." i shook my head.

"hold me."

i obliged, as i took my best friend into my arms and merely held him in the silence of his house's living room.

it had been two months since sakura's and chenles's breakup. as for sakura, she was now dating jisung. once chenle found out, he congratulated jisung and told her "watch out." which i laughed at inside my head, though i knew it was kindof rude. it's not like anyone was going to know i laughed anyways.

chenle and i had been holding hands more. i hadn't ever held hands with a boy before chenle became my friend. even in the halls, he would grab my hand and intertwine our fingers together, as he giggled seeing the flustered expression on my face. i think he was figuring out that i had a crush on him, but i didn't intend on telling him until i needed to.

we had decided to have a sleepover at his house on the weekend. i had recently turned fifteen, and chenle was bragging about being older than me almost the whole time. at one point, he accidentally got so close to my face i could practically hear him breathing. of course i blushed a bright red, and he noticed.

"[name] i notice you blush a lot when you're around me." chenle said to me, i could hear the smile in his voice. i shut my eyes, scrunched up my nose, which was a habit that i had at the time. i was embarrassed, and it was terrible.

"i blush a lot around you because... it's because..." i swallowed, and took a deep breath. it's now or never, wasn't it. "it's because i like you, chenle. i like you a lot and it's been this way ever since i met you. okay.i'm sorry i know you don't feel the same, i just hope we could still be friends..." i was prepared for rejection, but the next sentence i heard made my eyes widen in shock.

"[name]... i like you too. no, i love you! my princess."

"chenle... stop you're making me blush."

#nct #nct scenarios #nct imagines #nct dream scenarios #nct dream reactions #nct dream #nct 127 #nct 127 imagines #nct 127 scenarios #nct chenle #chenle imagines #chenle scenarios #kpop #fluff

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yucchannosekai · 7 years ago

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All they needed (Non-binary Makoto x Ann fic)

Merry Christmas (Eve) Riley @nbmakoto! I was your Secret Santa for the @personasecretsanta2k17~ I wrote you a sweet fic about a night date between Makoto (non-binary as you asked, I hope I didn’t miss any wrong pronoun when proof-reading ;;) and Ann! Hope you like it!

Title: All they needed

Word count: 3k+ words

Pairing: Makoto Niijima/Ann Takamaki (hint to Akira Kurusu/Futaba Sakura)

Summary: Makoto and Ann decide to go to their first date after two months of being together. However, Makoto gets a bit greedy…

Makoto had never been so anxious in their life. Their job as the student council president trained them well enough not to be nervous in any situation… or at least, so they thought up to now. They were there, standing in front of a mirror, trying their best to select an outfit befitting of their first girlfriend. Truth be told, they thought she was the most beautiful being in the universe. The way her bright sapphire eyes sparkled every time they were together, the swaying of her golden pigtails, so childish yet so sexy, the way her slim body moved, especially when they were in the Metaverse and she had that skinny red outfit that did nothing to hide her beautiful forms. They thought they never did anything to deserve her. Yet one day, an ordinary school day in which they were absorbed in their school duties, she blessed them. She called Makoto to the rooftop, them alone, to tell them how she had felt all that time. Not only could they not believe she loved them, but for so long. From their first talk alone in the council room, if what she said was to be trusted.

But what struck them the most, was that when that HORRIBLE day they decided to be sincere and tell them that they were nonbinary, fearing greatly for their newfound love, fearing that everything they hope they found was on the brink of shattering… she simply accepted it, laughing with that adorable laugh of hers and telling them it was fine, because sex didn’t matter. After all, they were still Makoto. Probably that became, thanks to a love spell, because they couldn’t find a logical explanation no matter what they searched for it, the most beautiful day of their life.

Back to the present day, though, they were literally freaking out over what to wear. Would a cute dress be better then an elegant suit? Or maybe one of the normal outfit they wore when hanging out with everyone else? No, no, this was an important date! No way this is fine, Makoto told themself. It was a long struggle, but after what felt like infinity they managed to choose a good outfit. Not too elegant, but not too childish. Just like they were, they thought. Now they only had to get to Shibuya’s Station Square and wait for her girlfriend to arrive. Luckily she wasn’t like Ryuji, or who wonders how much they would have to wait for her arrival…

Funnily enough, though, waiting for her is exactly what happened. From the top of their perfectionism, and from what Akira tought them during their ‘training’ as a top rule for a date, they arrived precisely at the arranged hour. Not one second late, and not one second early. The problem was exactly their date. She was unnaturally late. Could it be that she forgot? No, that can’t be, Makoto reassured themself. She has always been so careful when it came to their relationship… It must be anxiety playing some tricks on her mind like it did on them. Minutes passed, and she still was nowhere to be seen. Worries started to pile up, and Makoto was gatting ready to take their cellphone out from their pocket… Only for the girl they were waiting for to suddenly appear, goofily running on her heels.

-Hey, Makoto! I’m soooo sorry I’m late! I was trying every dress in the wardrobe searching for the best one, and when I finally thought I chose the perfect one I realized I should already had taken the train!-

The girl tried to catch her breath, bowing in apology. Needless to say, Makoto was taken aback by their girlfriend’s formality.

-Oh, come on, there’s no need to apologize so vehemently. I’m just happy you’re here, Ann. I was actually getting worried, since you’re never late.-

The two shared an intense look, full of love and relief that none of them was angry with the other, followed closely by a sweet exchange of smiles. It was only then that Makoto finally noticed the girl’s outfit. She, too, didn’t opt for something too elegant. However, on her body everything managed to look better. They couldn’t tell if it was for her physique, for her curves, or simply because in their eyes their girlfriend was the most beautiful human being. The moment of adoration was broken, even if not so harshly, by the blonde’s sweet voice.

-Sooo… Shall we go now? I heard there’s a crèpe sale this night! I want to share one with you, since this is our first date! Oh, and I want to go to karaoke together! And to close, what about a visit to the Sky Tower?-

-You thought about all of this? I suddenly feel bad for not coming up with anything…-

Makoto frowned, not sure about what to think. Sure, they were relieved Ann came up with a nice plan for their night date… But at the same time, they felt like they should have thought of something. They should have asked Akira, since it was rumored he got a girlfriend too… He could have given them a nice insight into date spots. He was always so reliable, when it came to such things… On the other side, though, they concluded this was a task they had to do alone. Maybe some internet search, next time, could give them an idea or two. They would have definitely done that to satisfy Ann. It was the least to reciprocate.

-No need to! It’s just basic things for a first date! … I think. After all, I’ve never been to a ‘first’ date.-

Ann giggled, making Makoto blush more than necessary. She was really adorable when she giggled so carelessly… Moreover, even if she never had a date, she definitely was more knowledgeable than they were. One more reason to give their all to learn something on the topic.

Her idea, however, was gladly accepted, preceded by a quick stop to the diner in Central Street. It was dinner time, after all, and they were both hungry. Ann admitted, to Makoto’s surprise, that she didn’t have lunch because of the anxiety. It’s incredible what tricks a first date can pull… They both ordered a steak, and started talking about something trivial like the nice flavor it had, spending quite a lot of time on the topic. Ann wasn’t completely of Japanese blood, and she spent some time with her grandmother in Europe, when she was younger. It seems the steak really has a ‘grandmotherish’ feeling as they say, judging by what the girl happily told Makoto. The steak was followed by a cafè, strongly reminding them of their study sessions. The diner was a common meeting point for their group, and so it became a 'friendship point’ for all of them… However, being there just with Ann, instead than with the Thieves, even when doing something completely normal like drinking coffee, managed to transform such a common thing into a completely different happening. Such magic love has, both couldn’t help but think.

Once their dinner was over, gentlemanly payed by Makoto who wanted to treat her girlfriend, the two headed back in the street. It was finally time for Ann’s beloved crèpes, obviously full of cream and strawberries. She once told Makoto that’s the one kind she always brought to Shiho when she was hospitalized, so they reminded her of her friend. Truth be told, at first Makoto was kind of jealous of their friendship. They feared it could have become… Well, a relationship. But now, reassured of Ann’s true feelings, they had nothing to fear. Instead, they always felt undeniably happy, seeing the way her eyes lighted up in excitement, in expectance of seeing her friend again. It was truly a sight to behold.

However, sharing the crèpe didn’t last as long as Makoto would have wanted. Ann was nearly voracious, when it came to sweets. They were getting really greedy. The more time it passed, the more they wanted… something new, so to say. They couldn’t hide it to themself: they wanted a new step in their relationship. It was a couple of months, now, since their relationship started… However, they still didn’t kiss. That was kind of bothering Makoto. They were always, constantly wondering if they were being too slow… Well, they would have had time, now. After all, they were headed to karaoke, and they would have been totally alone in a room for about an hour…

… Except, kissing was not what was coming. Instead, well, there was singing. And, to Makoto’s disbelief, Ann was a TERRIBLE singer. She opted for some cute magical girl anime song, just to completely ruin it. Her girlfriend thought for a second there couldn’t have been a worse catastrophe then when Futaba’s pyramid nearly left them dead. She was dead wrong, Ann’s singing was much worse. One more reason to do something other than singing… But Ann was really insistent on hearing Makoto sing.

-C'mon, Makoto, now it’s your turn! I’m sure you have a nice voice!-

-Really, Ann, I’m not in the mood… M-Moreover, I’m not as good at singing…-

-I’m sure you have a pretty voice even when singing! It’s always like this! You have a pretty talking voice, and you have a pretty singing voice!-

-Well, I have my doubts on that, judging by your singing…-

Makoto was ready to backpedal after that sentence, just to notice the way their girlfriend was pouting. It was simply adorable, and suddenly they felt less guilty for their admission. After all, this netted them the possibility to see such a cute sight.

-Hey, that was harsh! I mean, it’s kinda true, Shiho told me too… But! At least I tried! Not like someone else in this room.-

When she wanted to, she really knew to hit where it hurts. And Makoto felt all of the hit, so much that a faint blush reached their cheeks. They tried their best to stay calm and steady, not wanting to let go, but sooner than later their expression cracked, unable to withstand their girlfriend’s pout, and after a sigh they decided to finally let go. Not without a condition, though.

-… Fine, if that makes you happy I’ll sing. But, I want a prize.-

-What…? Not fair! I didn’t ask for a prize when I sang! Fine, though…-

-If you wanted it, you could ask… However, better if I choose the song now. The sooner this torture ends, the better for me…-

After a while, Makoto finally managed to choose a nice jpop song. Nothing too pretentious, one of the classic songs you would sing under the shower… Not that Makoto was the kind of person to do that. But at least, they could tell they sang this song a couple of times… And, luckily for them, the singing was not a total disaster. Not a difficult task, after Ann’s glorious performance, but still a little victory for them.

-Well, I demand my reward now. After all, you promised, and I think it’s the least after such an embarassing thing…-

-You know, I’m kind of curious of what you would ask. Spill it out!-

Makoto opened their mouth to talk, really embarassed, but at the same time interested in the possible reaction their girlfriend would have… Just to be interrupted by a loud noise from their adjacent room, probably a microphone fallen to the ground, followed by the beginning of NeoFeatherman’s theme song. Even if Makoto wasn’t a fan, she could tell apart the song by how many times she heard it passing on the TV.

-Whoa, someone there is a big fan of NeoFeatherman. It kinda reminds me of Futaba-chan…-

-But, you know, no way Futaba would come to karaoke. At least, not alone, and you know she doesn’t have friends beside us… H-However, why are we talking about her? We are at a date! And I think I had to tell you my prize!-

-Ohhh, you’re right! I’m all ears!-

-Well, as I wanted to say… I demand… a ki– -

Makoto tried their hardest to end the sentence, in the silence of their room, just to be violently covered by the people in the other room. A couple, to judge by their voices, a little too familiar to two of their friends.

-Sorry, Makoto, could you repeat? Geez, they’re really giving their all, in that room…-

-Maybe it’s proof I shouldn’t tell you, at least not here… What about I tell you in a quieter place? Like, at the Sky Tower.-

-Good idea! Now, let us duet too! We will show them who’s the loudest singing couple!-

The two sang until the end of the hour they booked the room for, happy to share such normal couple things together. To Makoto, it was like torture, giving how embarassing they thought such things were, but sharing them with their girlfriend made it all worth it. Once outside of the room, they were finally able to see their disturbers, and they were ready to scold them too, if only the couple wasn’t too intent in kissing.

-… We should let them be. We can scold them at the next Phantom Thieves meeting and teach them some karaoke bonton.-

Makoto laughed, giving a last look at the happy couple, heading out with their lovebird. They really thought it was nice, having such a good relationship with someone. That’s what they wanted to achieve too. Well, they would have had their chance once at their last date spot. It was finally time to go there and fulfill her little dream!

… Not before hearing a loud 'Akira, I hunger!’ from a certain redhead behind them, anyway.

The ride on the train was certainly not the most comfortable. It was getting late, but for some reason even if it was one of the coldest day in a while, it seemed to many couples like the best day for a date. Well, it was like this for them too, after all. Probably when you’re with your loved one, you fell hotter all over your body, and the cold might be only a way to be closer to your date, Makoto thought. After all, them too was trying this trick with Ann, holding her hand in the excuse that they forgot their gloves.

The sky was getting gradually cleaner, however, a real luck since they had to climb the tower to gaze at the city. They were getting ready to enter the building, when they noticed the last group of the Phantom Thieves, namely Yusuke, Ryuji, Haru and the poor leftalone Morgana, heading out of the tower, seemingly back from a sort of trip up there. Knowing them, it was probably Yusuke’s merit.

-Such a magnificent view. My next composition will be simply splendid.-

-I’m really glad my idea to come here has proven fruitful, Yusuke!-

-But maaaan, couldn’t we come, like, another day? It’s effin’ late! And you know how packed we’ll be on the train back home?-

-How dumb you are, Ryuji. Today the sky is crystal clean, it’s the best day to gaze at the city lights from up above. Moreover, did you want to leave the magnificent me alone, with Akira gone who knows where? Should I remember you how you’re all lost without me?-

-Shut your mouth, you damn cat! Always playing big, dammit…-

Everything seemed so normal… They were having fun, even with the insults and the bickering. Just like them. Well, at least without the insults and bickering part. It was incredible, to Makoto’s eyes, how the same fun and excitement could come from such different things. A group of friends, or even your loved one… The two shared a smile, heading inside the building and then up with the elevator. It was a long ride, especially because Makoto’s heart was constantly pounding at the thought that they would soon receive their prize, but once they got on the top, they couldn’t hide that the view really paid it off. It was wonderful, one of the most beautiful things they ever saw. Well, except their girlfriend, that is.

-Hey, Makoto! Look, look!-

Ann nearly ran away, glueing herself to one of the infinite window glasses. Makoto followed a little after, looking mesmerized at the sight in front of them. You could see all of Tokyo, by walking around, and the countless lights made the view all the more beautiful. There was Kanda’s church, Akihabara’s glowing anime posters, Central Street, they could even swore they saw Shujin Academy. Or at least, pretend they did, giving how small every building was. It was practically impossible seeing people, not even as small as ants… The city suddenly felt so small, like a miniature. And they were looking at it from up above, like if they had it in their hands. Like if it could be crushed in a second. But most importantly, for a moment they felt like they were the only ones in the world.

-It’s really wonderful as Yusuke was saying. I’m surprised…-

-I’ve already been here a couple of times, but at night it’s so different! You can see all those flickering lights!-

Ann’s eyes were wide in surprise and excitement, her lips slightly apart, her skin enlightened by the strong neon lights. The moment Makoto’s eyes fell on her, no matter how much they tried to look away, they simply couldn’t.

-H-Hey, Ann. Can I now… get my prize? I’m quite eager, to… to tell the truth.-

They tried to sound as confident as they could, but couldn’t help but stutter a little. It was so difficult, talking when they had so much going on in their mind, between anxiety and expectations…

-Huh? Yeah, of course. What is that?-

Makoto didn’t answer. Not because they weren’t able to, but because they didn’t want to. Well, maybe only partially because they didn’t want to, they were still really nervous. But, after all, Ann accepted the 'pact’, she just had to do what they wanted. They shortened the distance, looking straight into her eyes, even if woth her heels tonight they fell a little beneayh her. She looked puzzled, locking her eyes on theirs, like if she couldn’t understand what was was happening. Or maybe, she only feared that building up expectations wpuld have led to disappontance. Well, time to answer, Makoto told themself.

-I want a kiss.-

Without leaving a gap to answer, Makoto finally reached Ann’s lips. It was fulfilling. Like if… a weight had been lifted from their shoulders. Especially when their girlfriend started kissing them back. They hugged, each one entangling their hands into the other’s hair, locked into a kiss neither of them wanted to break. Their kiss was a mix of love, passion, affection, desire… It was a swirl of emotion, all the emotion they always kept for themselves, like in fear it would have been too early for the other. However, right now there was nothing stopping them again. They were just happy with what they were doing, with their little step, with their gentle touches, with their sweet lips.

If possible, they would have gone on forever.

'Cause that was all they needed.

#personasecretsanta2k17 #makoto niijima #ann takamaki #futaba sakura #akira kurusu #ryuji sakamoto #yusuke kitagawa #haru okumura #morgana #persona 5 #non-binary #f/f pairing

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kuriquinn · 7 years ago

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Ode to Eileithyia [2/4]

Blanket Fic Disclaimer: (and link to the main fic, of which this is a coda)

Summary: Sasuke helps her sit up, and after a signal from Tsunade, he gets up on the bed behind her, crawling in to bracket her back with his chest and legs. Sakura sighs, the familiar contours of his body giving her a strength she hasn’t felt since her labour started. [SasuSakuMonth2017 - Day 5 - Prompt: “Blood, Swear and Tears”]

Rating: M

Pairing: Off-screen SasuSaku

Beta Reader: Not beta-read; check back at a later date for edits

Author’s Note: As promised, Sarada’s birth scene from Penthesilea. It was gonna be a one-shot, but I decided to space it out. I liked the idea of multiple points of view for this, and it sort of gives it more weight if the labour lasts a long time via chaptered updates :P

Warning(s) Blood as per childbirth?

Previous Chapter

Sakura moans, weakly curling onto her side to avoid the ministrations of her master and friends. Her lower lip is raw and bleeding where she fruitlessly clamped down on it, trying to muffle her screams.

Her clothes are stained with sweat and blood and other bodily fluids, the birth pangs coming faster and faster. They sweep over her as she fights to keep sense of everything around her. She thinks Naruto was here a moment ago, but might have dreamed him. Reality isn’t solid right now, and she keeps slipping in and out of it from one second to the next.

One moment she knows she is surrounded by loved ones, and in the next they seem like strangers to her pain-addled brain.

She finds herself murmuring nonsense, begging for her mother who she knows—thinks, no, remembers—is dead. She wishes she was still here to be with her, someone she could call out to.

Because she won’t call out the name she truly wants to; the name of the one who should be here by her side right now.

“Come on, now, Sakura,” Shizune says gently, once again trying to make her sit up.

“No,” Sakura insists, pushing her away.

“Sakura, please, you need to lie on you back and sit up, you need to push—”

“Leave me alone!”

“Sakura, if you don’t cooperate, I really will knock you out,” Karin growls at her.

“Try is,” Sakura snarls back, pretty sure that even like this she can take the other woman in a fight. “If you dare—”

“Sakura.”

Instantly everyone in the room freezes.

She can’t help the way her head whips around to stare at the owner of the voice, utter disbelief temporarily blocking out the pain.

Uchiha Sasuke stands in the doorway, looking tense and uncomfortable, but gazing upon her in something like reproach.

A sob escapes her, as she struggles to pull herself into a sitting position.

“Sasuke-kun!” she gasps, anxious. “You’re here, you—” She remembers here they are, and who is in the room with them. “No, you—you have to leave, you have to—you could be in danger!”

“He is permitted to be here for this,” Tsunade says grimly, her expression unreadable.

Sakura doesn’t have a chance to puzzle over this, as Sasuke crosses the room and leans in close to her.

“Sakura,” he goes on, “you surprise me. You are so strong in battle. What are you doing now?”

“It’s…it’s a little different,” she whimpers.

“This is nothing to you,” he tells her pointedly. “You are Haruno Sakura, the heir of the Senju. You have never quaked in the face of pain or bloodshed or death. You have never given up on anything before, even me. And you’re giving up on your life out of what…fear?”

“No!” she protests. “I just…I had to…see you! Had to apologise!” She reaches out and clings to his arm, shuddering because touching him again after so long makes the world shift. “I tried to tell you—I swear, I did, but then Itachi died, and you said—”

She trails off into an anguished sob, remembering that horrible day when he looked at her like she was nothing.

“I know what I said,” he tells her quietly. “I know what I did. None of that matters right now, in this moment. What matters is the child.”

“Our child,” she murmurs dimly.

“Yes,” he says, something like pain flashing across his eyes. “If you don’t start to push, you could die. So could the child. Do you think I will ever be able to forgive myself if that happened?”

Sakura swallows, her mouth and throat too dry for the movement to offer comfort. Sasuke is already so burdened, so guilty over so many things, she can’t put him through this too!

“Alright,” she says. “Alright, we’ll…let’s do this.”

He nods, slow and grave, and then looks up to the others in the room.

Sasuke helps her sit up, and after a signal from Tsunade, he gets up on the bed behind her, crawling in to bracket her back with his chest and legs. Sakura sighs, the familiar contours of his body giving her a strength she hasn’t felt since her labour started. She feels Tsunde’s warm hand around her blood-starved ones.

“Squeeze when it hurts too much,” Tsunade tells her; she’s the only one there who can withstand Sakura’s strength.

“Alright, Sakura, take a deep breath and on the next contraction, push,” Shizune tells her, while Karin crouches in front of her exposed lower half.

Sakura does as she’s told, trying to push. She bellows in pain, the sense of being torn in half growing stronger as the seconds pass. Although she bears down, doing her best to expel the infant from her womb, nothing changes.

The contraction passes, leaving her panting and gasping for air. She feels something cool and wet passing over her forehead and neck, and when the spots disappear from her eyes, she sees Sasuke’s hand holding a cloth to her.

“You can do this,” he insists. “You’ve performed feats even Uzumaki Mito couldn’t dream of. You won’t lose this. I know that Sa…that I wasn’t there while you were going through this. And there are man things going on right now in the war that we have no control over. But this?” He reaches further and rests his hands delicately on her bloated belly, “This you can do. I have no doubt.”

She’s crying again, because for so many months she dreams of him returning, of saying these things to her.

“Alright,” she sniffs. “Alright…”

“Ready to try again?” Shizune asks, and Sakura nods.

She cranes her neck to stare up at Sasuke, and tries to smile at him.

“I love you,” she says. “From the day…you carried me off that battlefield. Maybe before…I think.”

A myriad of expressions cross his face then—astonishment, pain, guilt—and then he smirks in that way of his.

“I know you do,” he tells her, and she’s struck with surprise with the sincerity in it. There’s something about this that makes no sense, and she wants to ask—

But another contraction hits.

“Push!” Karin demands, and Sakura tries to comply, summoning as much of her strength as she dares. She just needs to get the baby out, where they can care for it—

“Stop!”

“Sakura, stop pushing, now!”

She does as she’s bid, staring up at the two women who are staring at her in panic.

“What is it?” Tsunade demands, while Karin probes Sakura’s thighs. Shizune watches her face for signs of pain, but it almost feels like she’s beyond that now. Everything is pain, there is no relief.

Karin draws back, her hands coated with blood—much more than before, much more than is normal.

“Breach birth,” the Uzumaki woman says, grim.

“The baby has to be turned,” Shizune agrees. “We need you to sit up.”

Sasuke makes a noise of confirmation and helps Sakura sit up even more. She whimpers, quiet at first and then ratcheting into a shriek as one of the women—Karin or Shizune, she doesn’t know which—reaches a fingers inside of her and begins to rotate.

She doesn’t know how long that goes on for—honestly, she might have passed out for a few seconds. But when she comes to, Tsunade is nodding in a business-like fashion.

“Alright,” Tsunade says. “It’s time, Sakura. The next contraction is it. As hard as you can, you push and don’t stop. Do you understand?”

Sakura stares blankly at her teacher, too far gone to comprehend.

“Sakura?” Sasuke prompts, and she forces herself to concentrate.

“Ye…yes,” she rasps.

“Get ready…” Karin orders. “And—” The contraction hits. “NOW!”

Sakura’s body shudders and she screams in pain and terror and fear, the sound unearthly and inhuman even to her ears.

“Push!” Sasuke encourages, while Tsunade continues to hold her.

“A little more,” Karin says. “The top of the head is out.”

“I need to stop…” Sakura murmurs, trying to fall back against Sasuke but he keeps her in position. “I need…”

“You’re doing well,” he tells her tensely. “Shrug it off. It should be nothing for you to do that.”

“You…you’re right” she pants, gritting her teeth in the face of the next wave of pain.

“Ready?” Tsunade asks.

Sakura nods, unable to speak anymore.

Karin says, “Okay.”

“Push,” Sasuke orders.

Sakura pushes, and once again screams as the ripping, tearing white pain radiates throughout her entire being. She feels Tsunade’s fingers snap within her own, but the older woman doesn’t move or show any indication that she has even noticed.

She has the sense of wet and solid sliding from her, and then suddenly a foreign sensation of emptiness.

There’s a startled cry from somewhere near her lower half, so unfamiliar and quiet, but instantly Sakura’s head swivels toward it because she knows this sound! Something primal within her reacts to it, instantly wants to quiet it and stop whatever is causing the noise of distress.

“Give…give me…” Sakura tries, but words are still giving her trouble.

“The baby?” Sasuke says, both finishing her sentence and asking Karin, whose back is turned to her as she busies herself with cleaning off the wailing infant.

“Perfectly healthy,” Karin tells him, thought she frowns at the bundle. “Her eyes are strange, though.”

“Her?” Sakura breathes, falling back on Sasuke, her face slack and the sound of her pulse in her ears oddly slow.

Down below, Shizune murmurs to her that everything is alright as she massages Sakura’s belly and uterus back into shape, while Tsunade bends before her to heal the damage.

But none of this means anything in the face of Karin finally coming over and laying a tiny, wriggling bundle in Sakura’s arms.

Everything else seems to vanish, every other sense suddenly muted.

She stares at the tiny, wrinkled pink face, the thin but strong that kicked beneath her heart, and those eyes. She might think there was something wrong, expect she knows those eyes intimately—they’re the reason she’s in this situation to begin with.

They are utterly black, reflecting Sakura’s exhausted expression back at her.

Sakura gazes at the baby, suffused with joy and love that somehow overtake the pain that won’t disappear. She never realised she could instantly love something so much. She thought Sasuke was it, but this creature in her arms…

“You did it,” Sasuke says, sounding breathless; she thinks he might even be crying, and that makes her heart flutter.

“Not alone,” she says. “We…knew you would come…”

Sasuke swallows at this, and gapes at the baby like he has no idea how to react properly. She never thought the great Uchiha Sasuke could look as stunned as Naruto, but then she’s iterations of that look on his face before.

“This is what…he wanted,” she tells him. “Your brother. Her. She’s…she’s our future…”

Sasuke nods wordlessly. In the background, Tsunade is watching them with a hard, speculative look on her face.

“Sarada,” Sakura whispers a beat later, to herself and Sasuke. “We’ll…call her…Sarada…”

She wants to tell him why, wants to explain the name she has been thinking about for the past few months, whether the baby was a boy or a girl.

But her tongue won’t move anymore, and her eyelids begins to droop. The baby seems to get exponentially heavier then, and the world inexplicably darker.

“Grab the baby!”

“We’re losing her!”

The last thing she is aware of is the sudden empty feeling in her arms, and the keening wail of her daughter.

つづく

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#ssm17 #ssm17d5 #naruto fanfiction #sasusaku #rating: m #warring states period #sakura haruno #sarada uchiha #sasuke uchiha sort of #drama #angst #penthesilea #coda #childbirth #gore

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sufferthesea · 7 years ago

Text

Pink Peonies (Kakashi/Reader) Part 5/5 💐

Is it actually possible that I finished a fic? Pushing myself to write and allowing myself to finish a story are my biggest obstacles as a writer. But I like this feeling of accomplishment and closure. I think I’ll try harder to write more and finish my other stories!

A/N: I owe a huge thanks to everyone who liked, commented, reblogged, left Kudos, bookmarked and read this story! Especially @thetoxicstrawberry and @thefoxthief because without you guys I wouldn’t have finished this story at all! It would’ve just been another one of my hundreds of unfinished ideas gathering dust ... and tears. I hope you guys like the ending and that it was worth the wait! ✨ Of course, Kakashi is always worth the wait. 💙

Also some friggin’ cool pieces of fanart for this story?! Heck yeah! Piece 1 // Piece 2 💖💖💖💖💖

Words: 3.057

Rating: General

Part 1: Tumblr // ao3 Part 2: Tumblr // ao3 Part 3: Tumblr // ao3 Part 4: Tumblr // ao3 Part 5: ao3

Botan restaurant was not as fancy as you had imagined, but you were thankful since you weren’t exactly ready to go to a high-end restaurant. Kakashi was still in his uniform, and you had worked up a sweat walking around the village to get rid of the flowers. You could still feel sweat running down your back and pooling at the base of your spine, and you were pretty sure there was a layer of grimy dirt all across your face - but Kakashi didn’t say anything about it if you did. Neither of you appeared to be upper class diners, and Botan ended up being a good place to go after all. Of course, you had already eaten at Ichiraku and weren’t as hungry as before.

But, you were eager for the food to arrive because you were dining with the Copy Ninja; the one whose face was so well hidden, only a handful of people had ever seen it. Now that you were sitting down with him, you realized just how soon you’d get to see his face while he ate. You’d get to see Hatake Kakashi’s face, finally! Sure, you hadn’t been waiting as long as some people to see it, but you’d done a year and a half of waiting which was plenty long enough for you. You tried to keep cool, smiling nicely and folding your hands together.

“What?” Kakashi asked, turning his one dark eye to you. “Your mood changed suddenly. What is it?”

“Oh nothing!” you laughed, waving your hand through the air. “I’m just happy that we got to come here after all that work! I’m glad your plan got those kids out of our hair for a while.” Kakashi eyed you before looking around the room. “You aren’t disappointed?” “Hm? About what?” Yikes! Is it that obvious? I mean, I was disappointed before when he sent me off with the flowers, but now I’m not … not really, at least. “The flowers.” Your breath caught in your throat and you blushed warmly, looking away. “Wh-What about them? We used them as a distraction so we could have dinner. How could I be disappointed about that?” “You got rid of all of yours?” “Yeah, of course. You told me to.” Kakashi hummed in approval. “Good. I thought maybe for a moment you’d try to keep them and that would’ve spoiled the evening.” “Well, no … you asked me to get rid of them - I’m capable of following orders, you know!” “That’s not what I meant. I meant that if you’d kept any of them, it would’ve made this gesture a little less … hm, anyway.” He laughed lightly and scratched at his cheek, looking away. “What? What do you m —” You didn’t get the chance to finish your question before Kakashi pulled out - seemingly out of thin air — a single pink peony. It looked just as fresh as it had earlier in the evening, as if it hadn’t just been carted around in the summer heat for several hours. He reached across the table and handed you the flower, nudging the rigid end of the stem into your open hand. “This is for you,” he said casually, sitting back. “Wh-What?” you gasped, holding the flower up to your nose to breathe in the earthy scent. “It - I - what? I thought you got rid of them all. Wasn’t that the point?” “Well, what kind of man would I be if I didn’t even get you flowers on our first date? I had to bring you at least one.” Your face burned hot and your eyes darted away from him when he turned to look at you. “Uh - well, thanks,” you mumbled. “But I … I didn’t save one for you! I hid all three of them.” “I know. You did really well. And actually,” he pulled out a second peony and held it up for you to see. He gave a bit of an embarrassed laugh and said, “I kept this one too. I figured I might as well … Maybe by hiding only a few of the flowers instead of all of them, they’d be preoccupied with trying to find the last ones —” “That were never hidden. I see. So you bought us even more time.” You nodded slowly in realization, turning the flower around to inspect the outside petals. They glowed nearly orange in the restaurant’s lighting. Wait … if he kept TWO flowers and only gave me one … Is he keeping one for himself?! You looked back at him but only briefly as you saw he was still staring at you. “Uh! Well … thank you! I appreciate it.” “Here you go!” came a rather chipper voice. You both turned to see your waiter carrying two plates of food. He set down a hot plate in front of you and the other in front of your date. Only now did you regret ordering hot food - it was air conditioned in the building, but you were still sweating. There was no way a piping hot meal would help that any. “Thank you!” you exclaimed anyway. “That was really fast!” “We’d love to make a good first impression,” the young man explained, his face shining even brighter than your sweat-coated one in the dim light, “since it is our grand opening after all. Please - enjoy!” “Ahh - Kakashi-san! This is so -” You moved to pick up a fork but you never got the opportunity. Faster than you’d ever seen the man move before, Kakashi was up, had you by the arm, and was walking you towards the exit. “What - What are you doing?” you protested, gripping the flower tight in one hand and trying to free yourself with the other. “Are you seriously not eating? I told you I didn’t mind that I’d already gone to Ichiraku - I’d make room! Our food just got here!” I didn’t even get to see his face! “Sorry,” he said, his voice far more jovial than his tense body would suggest. Once you two were near the hostess stand, he released your arm. “I hate to part ways like this, but unfortunately we’ll have to reschedule our dinner.” “Was it something I said? I actually don’t mind that you kept a flower for yourself! You didn’t have to get me anything!” “That’s not it.” He looked out towards the front street and your eyes followed his. Two girls were idling under the awning, holding a peony of their own. Although it was dark, the lights inside the restaurant illuminated part of the street and threw orange-tinted light across the girls’ faces; you recognized them from Kakashi’s descriptions. Sakura and Ino. “They found us?!” you choked in disbelief, doing your best not to screech out your frustration. “I did all that running around the village for nothing?” “I don’t think they’ve noticed us, but I don’t want to give them the chance. We’ll have to leave separately.” He looked at you and for the first time, you noticed that his attitude had changed. He didn’t have his usual laid-back demeanor or could-care-less stance. Even wearing his mask and hitai-ate, you could see that disappointment was crossing his face. For a brief moment, his eye met yours and he feigned a smile, shrugging rigidly. “Oh well! I suppose this is what happens when you don’t tell your students what you’re doing. I’ll let you leave first.” You hesitated, clutching at the stem of the peony. Your eyes searched his face but he turned away, shifting so his back was to the entrance just in case the girls looked inside. Your feet seemed cemented to the spot, your heart was turning inside your chest, your mind was racing. All of that - that running around and duping those kids, for nothing? They found you anyway? And Kakashi was giving up, just like that? That didn’t seem like something a legendary ninja would do. Kakashi threw a sideways glance to you, “You can go now. I’ll leave in a bit. I don’t want them to see us together - I mean, I don’t want them harassing you because you were with me.” Stubbornly, you shook your head, trying to think of something to say. “Really, Y/N,” Kakashi said in a low voice, “you should go. I know the genin in this village. They won’t leave you alone if they think we’re —” “Well we are, aren’t we?” you blurted, finally managing to speak. “We are on a date, aren’t we? And I can handle a few curious genin. I - I didn’t run all around Konoha, give away all my flowers, get covered in sweat, and nearly starve half to death just to be bested by a few kids! I mean, I’m actually really impressed with their tracking skills but … but this was our time and - and well, I … I’m not going to miss out on a date with you, even if it means I’ll be harassed the rest of my life by your students!” Kakashi seemed taken aback by how forward you were, but he dispelled any of your fears of the date being cut short by relaxing his shoulders and giving a shy but genuine smile that spread to his visible eye. “Oh, well - if you really feel that way … I guess we can continue, then. Do you want to go back to our table?” You glanced back towards the front of the restaurant and saw the girls still waiting outside. A bit of boldness rose up in your chest and you started to say no - you wanted to confront these genin who were so keen on stalking Kakashi - but before you could open your mouth, both of them stepped inside and headed for the hostess stand. A surprised squeak escaped your lips and you nodded vigorously. “Yes! Let’s go back to our table!” You grabbed Kakashi by the wrist and dragged him back to where you were sitting. When you got there, you were greeted by the waiter who looked dumbfounded at your absence. He had obviously returned to ask how the meal was. “S-Sorry,” you wheezed as you sat down, hoping no one noticed how anxious you looked. “We just stepped outside for a bit! Ah ha - we’ll eat now!”

You sat transfixed on the man in front of you. He sat, staring right back at you. Your hands were trembling in your lap as you waited for him to pick up a fork or spoon or something and start eating. You watched intently, aware of any small movement his shoulders or arms made. You were ready. You were going to see his face.

Okay, maybe that shouldn’t have been your only concern about the date (especially since Sakura and Ino were only a hundred or so feet away at the front of the restaurant) - buuuut it certainly was a nice bonus. A date and a dramatic reveal? You couldn’t resist. “You can start,” Kakashi began, motioning towards your own plate of food. “Don’t wait for me.” “Oh, no, Kakashi,” you said sweetly, “you go right ahead yourself! My stomach is still kinda full from Ichiraku. Just give me a few minutes and I’ll be good to go.” “Alright. If you insist.” Kakashi reached for a fork with one hand and raised his other hand towards his face. All but his index finger folded against his palm as he hooked his short nail under the edge of his mask. “I’m glad we decided to come here,” he said, gently tugging at the dark fabric. You could feel your palms sweating even more than before and you watched eagerly as the mask was slowly pulled down the bridge of his nose. Just a few more inches and I’ll get to see his face! I wonder how many others have gotten to do that? Maybe that’s why those girls were following him … Not to see who I was, but to see HIM! Oh, right - I can’t look too eager or else he’ll know. You could see the curve of his nose and a little more of his cheek than before. So close. Just another inch and you’d get to see his mouth … There was a sudden crash and you looked over, your heart somewhere in your throat. Your waiter was lying prostrate on the ground across the room, surrounded by shattered dishes and food. “I’m - I’m so sorry,” he cried, wiping soup off of his face with the back of his sleeve. “I tripped! Please, sir, let me get something to clean up and I’ll have your order out in no time!” He hoisted himself up and began clearing away the bigger pieces of the dishes. “Did you see that —?” You began, turning back to Kakashi. “WHAT?!” Kakashi was sitting back, his mask on, his plate empty. “That’s - That’s impossible!” you shouted, slamming your fists onto the table. “Are you kidding me?!” “What? What’s wrong?” Growling in annoyance, you threw your hand into the air. “Waiter! Can I get a to-go box?”

“I had a nice time,” Kakashi said, strolling out onto the street with his hands in his pockets and the peony tucked behind the collar of his flak jacket. The soft petals pushed up under his chin, gently brushing against the fabric of his mask. “Thank you for joining me.”

“Mhm,” you sighed, holding your paper box against your chest. “It was a lot more … eventful … than I thought it’d be.” “Yeah, sorry about that.” “Oh no! I didn’t mean it that way! I meant … well, everything is an adventure with you, huh?” Kakashi rubbed the back of his neck and glanced up at the star-speckled sky. “That bad, huh? It won’t hurt my feelings if you decide not to see me again. I mean - not too much, at least.” Despite the teasing tone, you could tell he was serious. You reached out and gently placed your hand on his forearm, your thumb and index finger resting along the section of bare skin between his sleeve hem and the cuff of his glove. He looked over, his eyebrow raised in a question. “Actually, it’s been a really nice night. And I think it was better this way … I have a better understanding of you and what you do. And now I know what to expect! Thank you, Kakashi-san, honestly. I think this has been my favorite date - ever!” “Oh, good!” Kakashi laughed in relief and stuck his hand back into his pocket. "I was a bit worried maybe you thought … I’m glad I didn’t ruin it. Maybe it’s sudden but … would you like to join me next weekend? I promise I’ll try not to raise anyone’s suspicions before we go out. Maybe I should use a disguise …” Laughing, you squeezed his arm and shook your head, “I really don’t care what technique you use, as long as I get to see you again. Outside of the Hokage’s office. Next weekend sounds wonderful. I’ll see you then. Should we meet at the same place? The dango shop?” “Sure. We could probably eat there. Maybe it’d be less trouble.” You stepped back and bowed, pressing the pink flower against your rapidly beating heart and making sure your food didn’t spill out of the box. I didn’t get to see his face, but … I don’t think that matters. I had a great time after all. And I’ve already got a second date planned! Plus I didn’t even have to pay the bill! And I’d heard he was such a cheapskate. Standing up, you gave him a broad smile and said, “Goodnight, Kakashi-san. I’ll see you next weekend!” “Goodnight, Y/N,” Kakashi replied calmly, giving you a slight bow. “See you then.” Quickly, he disappeared into the night. You strolled along the street, burying your nose into the soft petals of the peony. The smells of the summer night drifted lazily around you, mixing with the flower and sending a burning blush over your face. One successful date down - another one to go! Even though it was far different than what you’d imagined, your time with Kakashi had turned out a lot nicer than you probably could have expected. You hummed to yourself as you sauntered down the path, your mind preoccupied with remembering the night’s events. “Hey! Hey you!” You turned around to see Sakura and Ino headed your way. Both of them held to-go boxes much like yours and looked as if they had worn themselves out. You smiled inwardly as they stopped in front of you, trying to catch their breath. “You - Where -” Ino panted, bending over in pain. “Ugh! Why did I run so much today? I’ve got an awful side ache!” “Where did …” Sakura picked up, her eyes frantic and hair wild, “Where did you … get that … flower?” She jabbed at the air in the direction of the peony you held. For a fraction of a second, Kakashi’s masked face passed through your thoughts and you felt yourself blush all over again. You were thankful it was too dark for them to see it. “Oh, this thing?” you feigned confusion, proudly holding up the peony in the dark. “It was a gift. From a really nice person. Someone ..." You paused and sighed lightly, almost too giddy to keep your poker face up. "Not very remarkable … I couldn’t even tell you what he looked like.” “Aw man, really?” Ino cried in defeat. “Well, that’s it! I’m done! I don’t care if there’s one more out there. I’m through with searching - he obviously got rid of them all just to mess with us! Come on Sakura. I’ve gotta get home and I’m sure your parents are wondering where you are, too.” “Well, thanks anyway,” Sakura sighed, her eyes dropping to the ground. “I hope you enjoy that flower … Whoever gave it to you must’ve really wanted you to have it.” “Yeah,” Ino cut in. “They’re really nice flowers. Whoever bought them must’ve been thinking about someone truly special.” She turned and grumbled, “Or had been onto us the whole time!” You watched the two girls drag themselves home, their silhouettes fading into the shadows. Giving one more twirl of the peony in your hand, you couldn’t help but grin foolishly and practically skip all the way home, your heart feeling as light as the flower you held.

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