Surfs Up / SasuSaku

The Weight of Expectations

Sasuke tumbled off his board, drenched by the crashing wave.

Sakura, who was nearby in the water, couldn't help but giggle. "You really need to work on your paddling technique. Surfing can be quite challenging if you don't improve on that."

They were only in their second week of surfing lessons, and Sasuke was starting to doubt his progress. It was a bit embarrassing that he hadn't mastered the basics yet, but he knew it took time.

He just didn't want to look like a fool in front of Sakura.

Sasuke paddled his way towards Sakura on his board. "I think I need to practice more. Once a week isn't cutting it."

If Sasuke had the choice, he would practice more than once a week. But his father was already giving him a hard fucking time for not being prepared with the statements, and he knew it would only get worse from there.

And of course, his father had to visit on the one weekend he had to himself before returning to the office.

Sakura smirked. "Practice makes perfect. There's no need to rush."

Sasuke sighed. "How did you get so good at this?"

Sakura sat up on her board. "I used to do this in my free time during high school. The more I practiced, the more comfortable I became. Having good balance definitely helps too."

Sasuke wasn't ready to give up just yet. Despite his lack of skill, he was actually enjoying himself. It was the most fun he had in a long time. He remembered their volleyball game a few days ago and had been looking forward to this day. Sure, he was struggling against the waves, but there was something oddly satisfying about it.

Being with Sakura made everything a hundred times better, no doubt about it.

He was still trying to figure out what exactly their relationship was. Sakura had made it clear that she wasn't interested in anything romantic, and he respected that.

So were they acquaintances? Friends? Maybe she was just his surfing teacher?

Sasuke liked the idea of them being friends, even though they had only known each other for a few weeks. After that day at the beach, they started texting more frequently leading up to today. He learned more about her through their conversations, but he truly got to know her when they were together in person.

Having a female friend was a new experience for him, and he found it quite interesting. He wasn't oblivious to the fact that he was attracted to her. Her pink hair, emerald eyes, and feminine figure were undeniably beautiful. That was all he could say, and it was absolutely true.

Sakura interrupted his thoughts, signaling for them to paddle back to shore. "Want to practice tomorrow then?"

As they reached the shore, Sasuke shook his head with disappointment. "I wish. But my father is visiting me tomorrow." He couldn't hide the disgust and disappointment in his tone. Sasuke hoped Sakura didn't catch on, but it was hard to conceal the frown that formed on his lips.

Sakura adjusted her bikini strap and tied her wet hair into a bun. "You make it sound like that's a bad thing. Don't really like your father, huh?"

He was just too easy to read.

Sasuke found himself opening up to her once more, "I'm not sure how I feel about him. All I know is that he's going to criticize everything I do. Whenever my father wants to visit or talk to me... it's never a good thing."

Sakura's eyes softened, "What if you refuse? You don't have to see him if you don't want to."

"It's not that simple."