Surfs Up / SasuSaku

Accidents Happen

The rest of the weeks flew by, and the surfing competition was just days away. Sakura felt an overwhelming surge of emotions as the stress started to pile up. Not only was she sleep-deprived from the internship, but her last year of undergraduate studies was also right around the corner.

Surfing was supposed to be fun, that's what she had initially thought when signing up for the competition. Never did she imagine that it would bring so much stress. And it was all because of Hidan.

His presence had started affecting Sakura's mood and outlook on the competition. She knew it wasn't worth it, but she couldn't help feeling the need to prove herself and not let someone like Hidan make her feel inferior. The way she felt about Fugaku was the last thing on her mind.

She hadn't heard anything about Fugaku since that dinner at Sasuke's parents' house. Sasuke didn't want to talk about it either, and Sakura didn't want to stress him out further, especially since he had a big work project he had promised his father to attend to.

"Something is clearly bothering you," Ino said, bringing Sakura back to reality as she looked down at her ruined notes. She hadn't even realized her thoughts had distracted her.

They were at the library, going through their last year's notes before the school year started. It was a tradition for Ino and Sakura, always staying on top of their classes.

Sakura rubbed her eyes and set down her pen. "I've been stressed lately," she confessed. "This surfing competition is getting to me. I feel like I'm not ready enough for it."

Ino made a gagging sound before looking at her friend. "Ew, that Hidan guy is competing, right? Are you sure he'll be there?"

Sakura sighed. "Yeah, there's no doubt he'll be there. He's been participating in these competitions for years. And I heard that this year they have a huge cash prize for the winner. You have no idea how much that would help me."

Ino raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the mention of a hefty cash prize. "How much are we talking about?" she asked, leaning closer to Sakura.

Sakura smiled, her eyes gleaming with excitement. "They're offering a $100,000 cash prize to the winner," she revealed. "Can you imagine what I could do with that money? It would be a huge help with my medical school tuition and my parents' debt."

Ino's eyes widened at the mention of such a significant amount. "Wow, that's no joke," she exclaimed. "No wonder you're feeling the pressure. But hey, I've seen you improve so much in surfing. I know you can give Hidan a run for his money."

Sakura's smile widened at her friend's words of encouragement. "Thanks, Ino. I really needed to hear that," she said gratefully. "I have been practicing non-stop. I just need to stay focused and not let Hidan's attitude get to me."

Ino nodded in agreement. "Exactly! Screw that guy. Don't let him bring you down," she said firmly. "Remember why you signed up for this competition in the first place. It's about enjoying the sport and proving to yourself that you can do it. Don't let anyone steal your joy."

Taking a deep breath, Sakura affirmed, "You're right, Ino. I'll give it my all."

Ino grinned and gave Sakura a fist bump. "Well, duh! I'm always right. I'll be there cheering you on, and I know everyone else will be too," she said confidently. "Now, let's get back to studying. We can't let the competition distract us from acing our last year of college."

...

Sasuke glanced at his phone before setting it down on his office desk. He hadn't realized how much time had passed and how long he had been sitting in his office. It was almost 8 p.m., and he still had a ton of work to finish before he could go home.