and everything nice.

one.

chapter one: the grass always seems greener on the other side, except it actually is [alternatively called: not another first day for sakura-chan]

✧.*

if you told sakura she'd be here right now in front of a new school only three weeks ago, she would've yelled at you. maybe throw in a punch if she was feeling like it.

because why would anyone suggest such a crazy thing? she'd never leave her current school; especially not when she was in such a great groove with her friends, classes, and possible love life blooming around the corner. there was no way she'd just willingly give all that up. absurdity.

but lo and behold, the great konoha academy for pretentious elitists and superficial snobs stood in front of her slim frame, all its shiny importance blindsiding her like a giant slap to the face.

"seriously, mom, this school isn't that big of a deal, i say we head back to-"

a strong grip on her shoulder suddenly appeared, emanating from her mother's well-manicured hand. "listen sakura, this school is an amazing opportunity for you. it's not everyday someone gets enrolled mid-year, and on such a big scholarship, too."

the pink-haired girl looked up to find her mother's eyes fastened on the building before them. they really didn't look anything alike, and sakura often found herself questioning whether or not she was adopted.

her mom's brassy blonde ringlets resembled nothing of her own long pink hair. both their eyes were green, but sakura's always leaned more towards the teal side.

said woman turned to her: "i know this doesn't seem like the best decision to you now, but i promise the doors this will open for you in the future will be more than enough to change your mind."

sakura sighed and looked at her hands. she knew there was some truth to her mom's words, but it really was unfair of her to expect a complete 180 from her daughter. it's childish to hold a grudge, sakura knew that, but she was going to milk this out for as long as she could.

crossing her arms, "this is so unfair, mom! i'll be the weird new kid that no one wants to hang out with and gets frozen out! if you're forcing me to go here, can i at least get a new phone to talk to my old friends more??"

sakura's current phone was a rose gold iPhone 8+ and it was really going through it. its screen was cracked and the edges were dented. it had been with sakura since middle school, and she had no desire to continue carrying that energy through the end of her sophomore year.

her mother pursed her lips while sakura gave her the most darling puppy eyes she could muster. eventually her mom sighed in defeat, "if you cooperate and adjust well to your new school, then maybe it's a conversation worth having with your father."

on the inside, sakura was doing somersaults, but she remained cool on the exterior. "it's the least you could do.." she said, now walking away from her mom and up the steps to the front building.

she looked back and waved to her mother one last time before grabbing the doorknob, huge under hand, to push and open the door.

✧.*

"sakura haruno, yes?"

the pink-haired girl nodded, a bit nervous standing before headmaster sarutobi.

it wasn't that he looked scary- all things considered he looked like your typical old man. but it was his aura, cold and lifeless, that really shook sakura's core. nevertheless, she put on the bravest face possible. how embarrassing would it be for him to think she was some sort of weakling?

even if she was quaking in her shoes.

"i understand you have a lot of catching up to do with your teachers and classmates so i won't keep you long." he was leaning on his desk but then moved to sit behind it. he extended a hand encouraging sakura to sit directly in front of him.