Gambler of Feelings

Chapter Twenty Two

"Yes, I just invited you to date. Are you in or not?"

Boruto didn't recover from the initial shock at those words. Sarada invited him on a date?! Sure, they got closer, but he never imagined she'd see him in that light.

"S-sure, why not? A date with you sounds fun, ya know! You're not joking, right?" He blabbered, flustered.

"Hah?! I'm deadly serious! Why would I be joking?"

"Serious, yeah... I see."

"Hmph. I already said I am! It took half of my courage to ask you out. Don't brush it off as a joke." Sarada glared at him.

This entire conversation didn't happen in his imagination, but why him? Sarada could pick anyone to go on a date with in their club. Why ask him out of everyone? He should calm down. She didn't say she liked him, just invited him for a date.

What if she led him on? He'd not be able to deal with another person cheating on him. Was it fair to Sarada to make such an assumption? He didn't think so.

Until now, he denied he was her friend. Not to mention, the idea of dating her sounded abstract to him. No matter how abstract, it was his current reality, though.

"I get it's no joke! It's just why you picked me?" he asked. 

"Simple. I'm only interested in you in this way. Process it." Sarada's determination could make anyone blush. He wasn't immune to her charm, either.

"I know I agreed, but where would we go?" he asked.

Boruto wondered where his date with Sarada would take place. What type of place she'd pick? Theatre seemed like an activity she'd enjoy, but there's a lot he didn't know about her.

It felt unfair. Sarada learned about his painful past. Everything he knew about her was on a surface level in comparison. That's why he agreed to go on this date. Part of him desired to know her better, too.

"Before I answer you. There's something I want to be sure of. Do you want to date me? I don't want you to feel pressured."

"Listen, Sarada. This is fine with me. I at least want to give it a shot, ya know? I'd not give you this answer if I didn't move on from Asami."

Sarada's reaction to Asami's name was weird. She bit her lip and opened her mouth as if she wanted to say something, then stopped herself. Boruto sighed. He knew that girl was a touchy subject.

"Does that mean you like me? No, perhaps it's an opportunity for you to see me in a romantic light. Which one is it?" She sounded very hopeful.

Boruto didn't want to half-ass his answer. Was he ready to love someone else again? He can't lie to her.

"The latter. You know how my last relationship ended, right? I'm sure I'll be able to return your feelings. I just need time. Can we take it slow? I hope you're alright with this." 

"I guess that's not a surprise. It's decided then, Boruto Uzumaki. I need to show you how much I like you from now on." Her sudden boldness towards his response took him off guard. Well, this whole situation did.

Boruto knew he was definitely blushing. At least, he was happy she was alright with taking things at a slow pace. He did like Sarada a lot. But his paranoia of being cheated on again held him back.

Having a bit more trust in Sarada should be his priority right now. That was why he needed to know her better.

"I see. Coming back to the initial question, where are we going?"

"To the park! Let's go skating."

Skating? What type? Ice skating, roller skating, skateboarding, longboarding, or another type? He didn't take her for the one to enjoy this type of activity.