The room is enveloped in an oppressive darkness. It feels as though time has stretched into an infinite loop, and within it, Sakura is slowly losing her grip on sanity. At least, the bitter chill has finally faded, yet its absence offers little comfort.
Sakura lets out a shaky sigh as she turns on her side, vivid memories of her past life replaying in her mind like a broken record. She should have been more caring, more considerate. She should have worked harder.
If only she could start over, she would rewrite her friendship with Sasuke, be more patient with Naruto, show appreciation to those she took for granted. She wouldn't waste her second chance.
But there is no hope for second chances in that dreadful prison. As the chilling realization washes over her, Sakura curls into a tight ball, tears running freely down her cheeks.
"Sakura."
The sound reverberates through the stillness, accompanied by a gentle but firm touch on her shoulder. She opens her eyes only to close them at an unexpected burst of blinding light. Tentatively, she peeks through her long lashes.
Before her, the ground is carpeted with vibrant blades of grass. On one of them, a ladybug flutters its wings open and closed. So many colours, so much life. When it takes flight, a gasp escapes her lips, and she pushes herself upright, heart racing.
"Sakura? What happened?"
Her eyes lock onto the familiar face of a boy with dark hair and deep onyx eyes—Sasuke. He kneels before her, his trademark scowl failing to mask the concern etched across his features.
Suddenly, Sakura flings herself at him. Her wide-eyed gaze locks onto the Uchiha fan emblazoned on his back as she buries her nose in the curve of his neck, the warmth of his presence seeping in. Sasuke's reaction is immediate.
"Sakura, let go of me," he sighs, pushing her away.
"I can't," she replies, her eyes pleading, fingers digging into his arms. "What if I go back there?"
"Where? What are you talking about?"
Her only response is a mute shake of her head, a gesture that only deepens the frown etched on his brow.
"Listen," he says, his tone softening just a fraction, "you can't cling to me forever. You'll have to let go. The sooner, the better."
She bites the inside of her cheek as she studies him: jaw set, eyebrows furrowed, a hint of red colouring the tips of his ears.
With a deep sigh, Sakura reluctantly releases him, allowing her trembling hands to fall to her knees. "Sorry," she murmurs, her gaze down. "I know you don't like people touching you."
Her heart races as a blush quickly colours her cheeks; the familiar sensation strikes her.
YOU ARE READING
Sharing Lives | SasuSaku ✔️
Fanfiction[BOOK 1 OF THE SHARING SERIES] Two different worlds meet. Two existences collide. On the one hand, an orphan learns what love, friendship, and devotion mean. On the other, a young girl realizes the implication of being a civilian kunoichi in a worl...
