|✔|Konoha Academy's Betrayal |Sakura x Kiba|

65.) When I Doubt, Run it Out

In the last two months, I swear I have run the path through the park by my house a thousand times. Yes, I have run it that much. Every time Sakura pops into my head I go run. It's probably not healthy, running away from all the issues with her but I don't know what else to do.

Every day I have had to look at the bruise on Hinata's face, a constant reminder that Sakura was the one who put it there. Honestly, I'm done being angry at her, it's too exhausting. Now I fight with whether that means I forgive her or not. I'm still in the not zone.

After their fight, Hinata begged me to tolerate Namikaze. With her big pleading lavender eyes and that bruise on her face, I couldn't say no. Surprisingly Namikaze isn't too bad. His loudness still makes me cringe, but besides that, I can see us being friends.

My pace slows to a jog as my house comes into view. My lungs burn with the cool crisp spring air. I can't believe that my first year of high school is already at an end. All that is left is finals and then Hana's graduation. It doesn't seem like a huge deal right now, but I know it will hit me hard when I get back from my soccer program. I will be alone at the house for the most part next year. After all, Hana is going off to college.

"Kiba!" A bored voice calls from down the street.

I look to see Shikamaru strolling towards me, hands buried in his pockets. Shit. I had forgotten we were getting together to study this afternoon. I laugh nervously. "So, I forgot about the study session," I admit rubbing the back of my head.

Shikamaru sighs heavily. "Why do I even bother?" He mutters.

I shrug and open my front door for us. "Cuz we are friends?" I offer slipping my shoes off and heading to the kitchen.

Shikamaru follows and sets his bag on the kitchen table. "I suppose." He says as he seats himself and starts to unload all the study material he has. "Go get your books. The moment you stop studying is when I leave." He says dully, not even looking at me.

Damn, someone isn't in the mood to study today. I hurry to my bedroom to get my book bag. I sure hope that Shikamaru is in a better mood once we start to review, but I highly doubt that. He's been pretty irritable lately. I'm pretty sure it's because of Sakura, but then I have no idea why.