Lovestruck || borusara

XI.

An exhausted Sarada trudged into the Kaminarimon Publishing Company headquarters, her feet heavy and her eyes struggling to stay open. She had stayed up much later than she intended, trying to finish her piece for this week's issue. The more time and energy she put into her cover story on Boruto, the more distracted she became from all her other work.

It seemed even when he wasn't trying, he consumed all her thoughts.

Sarada pressed the call button and exhaled a big yawn as she waited for the elevator. The only thing pushing her forward was the thought that as soon as she set her stuff down, she would go down the street to get a mocha latte. Or maybe two.

"Good morning," a polite voice greeted as she walked over to wait for the elevator. Sarada straightened up at the sound of that familiar voice. She swallowed nervously trying to decide how to reply to someone like her.

"Good morning," she settled on, her voice sounding much more perky than she felt. Should she say something else?! Mention her name?! Her article?!

The elevator opened and the two women stepped inside, pushing the buttons for their respective floors. The doors closed a moment later and Sarada did her best not to hyperventilate.

She was alone... on an elevator... with long-time Editor-in-Chief of The Konoha Times, Tsunade Senju.

What does one say in front of their literal role model?! Should she tell her how much she admires her? How much she wanted to work at The Times?!

No, no! That might seem like she's groveling or begging for a job.

Then what?! What should she talk about?! The weather?!

Sarada was torn from her thoughts by the chime of the elevator and the doors opening to the familiar Athletics Illustrated reception desk.

Fuck! She missed her chance to have a one-on-one conversation with Tsunade Senju!

"Are you going to get off?" Tsunade asked, her hand holding the door open, her brows pinched in confusion.

Dark eyes widened as a flustered blush colored her cheeks. "Oh! Yes! Thank you! Have a nice day!" Sarada nodded as she scurried off the elevator.

"You too," she heard her call.

The moment the doors closed, her shoulders slumped as she sighed a harsh breath. Damn it!

"Good morning, Sarada," Mitsuki greeted as she dragged herself through the hall to her office. His usual smile faltered when he observed her downtrodden expression and tired features. "Is everything okay?"

Another sigh fell from her lips. "Yeah, I'm fine. I just completely butchered the perfect opportunity to introduce myself to Tsunade Senju on the elevator just now."

"Oh," Mitsuki hummed. He was well aware of Sarada's admiration for the woman and her goal to transfer to The Times. "I'm sure other opportunities will present themselves, and maybe it'll be at a time when you can have a more substantial conversation, instead of just a one minute elevator ride."

A small smile curved up the corner of her mouth. Mitsuki always had a good perspective to offer.

"You're right, other opportunities will come," Sarada said firmly, manifesting it through her words. "Thanks, Mitsuki."

He offered her his signature smile in reply before she ventured the last few steps to her office.

"Shit!" Sarada squeaked with fright, not expecting to find someone sitting at her desk. "You scared me! How the hell did you get in here?!"

A cheeky grin spread across Boruto's lips. "My new friend, Mitsuki, let me in."

Sarada whipped her head back toward her friend, who was standing there still smiling. "Mitsuki! Why didn't you tell me someone was waiting in my office!?"