Beyond The Camera: The Sequel

Chapter 16-TIME SKIP

~Time Skip-2 Years~

-Hinata's POV-

Sasuke and I covertly glanced at one another as the waiter left after refilling everyone's wine glasses. Prestige was at a celebratory dinner in honor of Sakura. She'd won one of the most coveted awards an idol could hope for: the Ace Award. Historically, it's only ever been given to performers who excel in everything they do, whether singing, dancing, rapping, acting, or whatever else they're tasked with.

At twenty-one years old, Sakura's the youngest to ever win it, Tenten being the previous record holder at twenty-three. Usually, the recipients are in their thirties or older and have built themselves a long-lasting career.

Our pink-haired friend didn't know that her cute, shy boyfriend would propose at some point before we left this five-star restaurant. He'd reserved the entire building and had the staff sign NDAs, so no one would leak to the public that they were in a relationship lest they face serious legal repercussions.

Ino and I helped the redhead pick out the ring, a gorgeous piece designed so the band reassembled vines that led to delicate little flowers dawning pink sapphires. Finally, a big circular-cut diamond lay in the center. It'll suit the young woman perfectly. We'd be hard-pressed to find a better fit.

Sakura sipped her wine, smiling happily when she met my eye by chance. She'd grown her hair out again, though it came to her shoulder blades rather than the small of her back. I grinned back, tilting my head with a warm face. I've never been good at keeping exciting secrets like this for long.

"You're gonna give it away, Hyuuga," Sasuke muttered, barely moving his lips so our friends couldn't read them.

I responded similarly, "I can't help it, Uchiha."

Tenten, Neji, Ino, Sai, Sakura's mother and new step-father, Konan, and the Akatsuki guys are also here, waiting with baited breaths for the big moment to happen. My cousin surprised us all, especially me and Tenten, by proposing on their second anniversary. A classy, princess-cut ring shined beautifully on her finger.

The couple had already set their wedding date for December thirty-first of this year, less than two months away. As a result, if us women had spare time, it was spent helping the pop star plan the event. They plan on announcing their relationship to the public after the wedding.

Ino and Sai, on the other hand, weren't dating as of now. The blonde wouldn't even tell Sakura why they broke up, but it must've been something profound for her to break things off because she was utterly smitten just days before breaking the news to everyone. That said, the pair were mature enough to be around one another and at least act like friends for the sake of everyone else.

Konan and Yahiko eloped before their first anniversary, taking the public and all their friends by surprise. When I thought about it, though, they've been close for over a decade, and neither seems the type to buy into extravagant events like a celebrity wedding, so I'm just happy they finally get to be together.

You're probably wondering how that happened when Evolution has a rule against relationships between those signed to the label. After the big ordeal with my arranged marriage, Kakashi and the other higher-ups had a huge meeting where they ultimately decided to rid of the stipulation. The CEO now lets his stars choose if they want to go public if and when they date.

Prestige, naturally, let out a collective sigh of relief, but soon after, Sakura and Gaara were photographed hugging after a performance. The public did not react well at all. Both were flamed. Gaara's fans were angry at Sakura for "trying to steal him away for herself", and Sakura's were angry at Gaara for the same reason.