Surfs Up / SasuSaku

Heart's Contradiction

"I'm still convinced that you're into him, no doubt about it," Ino remarked while restocking the snack aisle.

Sakura stared at her with confusion from behind the cash register. Life had been going well for her lately, thanks to her internship and a few extra shifts at the convenience store. It seemed like meeting a certain raven-haired man had brought some positivity into her life. He not only helped her secure the internship with a renowned doctor in Konoha but also alleviated her financial worries. Her final year of university was off to a great start.

However, Sakura believed that her relationship with Sasuke was strictly platonic, and she had made that clear. She didn't have time for short-term romances, especially when she hadn't even finished university or started medical school.

"Why do you still think that?" Sakura questioned, averting her gaze. It was only 6 pm on a Thursday, and they were just an hour into their shift. The store was relatively empty, with only Ino and Sakura manning the floor.

Ino walked towards the cash register and shrugged. "Well, for starters, you spend most of your weekends with him and constantly check your phone as if you're waiting for a text from him," Ino smirked, clearly enjoying teasing Sakura.

Sakura dismissed her remarks, insisting, "It's nothing serious, I promise. Guys and girls can be just friends, you know?"

In response, Ino rolled her eyes. "Sure, they can be friends as long as there aren't any hidden feelings involved. But trust me, it's obvious that you've got a thing for him. I can practically see it written all over your face."

Why did Ino always think she knew more about Sakura's emotions than Sakura herself did?

Well, Sasuke and Sakura became closer over the next few weeks. Despite his busy schedule, they made time to FaceTime and text each other regularly. They also started meeting up on Saturdays and Sundays to go surfing. Sakura agreed to this because she loved seeing the excitement on Sasuke's face whenever he learned something new. At first, she found it hilarious how much of a beginner he was, but he quickly improved and even almost caught his first wave.

Also, Sakura appreciated how open Sasuke was about his personal life. It seemed like he trusted her and saw her as someone he could confide in. However, besides their surfing sessions and casual conversations, she didn't know much about his life. She had never met any of his friends, and he hadn't met hers either.

But did that really matter? They weren't dating, after all.

Sakura convinced herself that she didn't have feelings for Sasuke. She had too many other priorities in her life, and she assumed he knew that. She wasn't even sure if he liked her in that way. Sakura had too much respect for him to use him as a casual hookup or friends with benefits. She didn't want to risk ruining the friendship they had built or let her feelings complicate things.

Lost in her thoughts, Sakura didn't realize that Ino was watching her with an amused expression. "Your face says it all," Ino said, breaking the silence as she carried the remaining boxes to the aisle.

Sakura pouted, Sasuke's world was completely different from hers. He had it all - wealth, comfort, and a successful life. Sakura, on the other hand, didn't have any of those luxuries.

She was a nobody.

Even though she had an internship, it didn't guarantee that she wouldn't be burdened with debt after medical school. No matter how well she performed in her undergraduate studies... medical school was a serious financial commitment. Graduating with thousands of dollars in debt was inevitable.