Until You

Trials And Errors

"Forehead!!" Ino barged in the office, making Sakura jump a little due to her sudden interruption.

Before Sakura could react, Ino grinned mischievously, her hand still clasping the door knob, "You have a guest."

A second later, a black figure showed up awkwardly, hiding something behind his back. As he lingered at the entrance, Ino impatiently pushed his back to go further and throwing a playful wink at Sakura, she left the room closing the door behind.

"Umm...Sasuke-kun, take a seat?" Sakura greeted, wondering why he suddenly appeared at her work.

"No, I won't be long," Sasuke said, avoiding her eyes. A faint blush crossing his handsome face looked appealing enough to catch attention of every girl passing by. Of course, they were alone at the moment.

"Okay. So, what brings you here Sasuke-kun?" She smiled.

The Uchiha sucked in breath deeply before releasing it through his nostrils. "I..." he started, bringing his left hand to the front which was initially hidden behind the back. Between half-gloved fingers was a red rose. "I brought you a gift," he swallowed and came closer, putting the rose down on her desk.

"Oh," Sakura blinked, picking up the rose and inhaled the scent deeply, "That's a lovely rose. But what is it for? Probably not for my birthday, right?" She teased.

"I'm afraid not. This...em..just a friendly gift," his blush deepened.

Sakura lifted an eyebrow at him, without saying anything. He swallowed again and sighed. "I was wondering if you could have a lunch with me," he said looking at his feet. Then, raised his eyes somewhat nervously to meet hers, "maybe today?"

"Ughh... you should've come earlier. I've already got an appointment with a patient today. So my lunch break lasts only 15 minutes," she said, looking at the watch on her wrist. "I don't want to rush the lunch date with a friend," she smiled apologetically.

"It's okay," he said hoarsely, "Choose the day you're free. I'm not in hurry."

"Well then," she opened a file to check her schedule, "this coming Tuesday, I have only one appointment in the morning. I can make it that day. How about you Sasuke-kun?"

"I'm fine with that. I'll pick you up on that day," his eyes ran around the room for a moment, "Are you busy right now? I didn't mean to interrupt you."

"There's always work in hospital. But don't worry, you're not disturbing anything. Unlike Naruto, an annoying ass who always brings a mess with him every time he comes here," she laughed.

"Mmm. No doubt," he nodded, "I should leave now. See you on Tuesday."

"Alright. Hope you have a nice restaurant in mind," she joked.

He smiled faintly at her before turning away and leaving the room. Sakura stared at her office door for a moment, then at the rose in her hand. It's a gorgeous one. So she decided to put it in the Tulip vase on her desk. She tried her best to act normal in front of Sasuke but in her mind, everything seemed to be chaotic. Did he just ask me out? she thought. Well, her past self could be screaming with joy. Even this Sakura would want to give it a chance with him and see where this relationship is going, if there wasn't already someone in her heart.

Some time later, after checking patients and having a brainstorming with her co-workers about her rough plan of children mental clinic, Sakura finally had a few spare minutes to relax. She had been working on this for days and there're a lot to fix but it's gonna be ready soon, hopefully. Yahiko had left the village after her child's death, in order to start her life again in a new place. Sakura was glad that the poor woman chose to live and keep fighting instead of succumbing the hardship of life. She did hope everything will work out for Yahiko this time and she could find happiness again. Sakura didn't feel guilt when thinking about Shouta but she felt pain, heartbroken. No child deserves to live with a hideous trauma. She will try everything in her power to heal their nasty scars.