Memories of the Blossom Heart

Chapter 9: Photographs

Hey, guys! I know I haven't been updating a lot of chapters this month. I'm very busy focusing on the other story since I've joined the BTS Eternal Awards 2020 contest as a participant and I really need to finish it before the new year comes. And yes, I promise you I will publish more chapters for this GaaSaku story. I just cannot go back and forth in two different stories, so please be patient with me. Again, I apologize for the delay. 

Anyways, please read & review! :)

Sasuke was a bit shocked and puzzled at the same time by Sakura's confession and watched her sit beside him while holding onto his hand. She was looking at him straight in the eyes, whereas the others were astonished.

"I'm glad that you already atoned for everything you did in the past. I couldn't be more happier that you are here with us..." she said, smiling at him intensely.

The dark-haired ninja, on the other hand, was looking at her shockingly, especially her beautiful green orbs that were radiating brightly. He gave her a slight nod and held her hand comfortingly.

Everyone else remained quiet when they noticed how awkward the red-haired Kazekage must be feeling as he watched his girlfriend making deepest eye contact with his former rival. He didn't know what to do until Naruto decided to break the silence.

"Okay!! It's been a while since you two have finally settled!" The seventh Hokage chirped lively, clasping his hands together firmly.

"Naruto, what are you doing?" Hinata asked him in a panicked whisper.

"Trust me..." he mumbled carefully after glancing at her.

Gaara noticed this and followed along, saying with a plastered smirk on his face. "You two are very fond of each other."

Kankuro and Temari widened their eyes in astonishment before they realized that they were just doing this according to the plan.

"Right, right. I mean, considering the time has passed. You guys would make a lovely couple," the blonde-haired kunoichi added in gently.

"More likely, incompatible," the purple-faced ninja snorted until he received another smack on the head by his sister with a hiss. "Ow!"

Temari glared secretly at Kankuro, warning him not to uncover the obvious. He shrugged at her in puzzlement, but she rolled her eyes in annoyance.

"I honestly don't know what's going on right now. But it seems like they've gone loonies," Kiba commented, raising his eyebrow weirdly at them.

"I think this is just a make-believe," Neji pointed out.

"What do you mean?" Lee asked in confusion.

"They're only doing this because of Sakura's current state and yes, it will take time for her to remember the rest of her memories. If she only remembers her feelings towards Sasuke, then we must let her go with the flow," Neji explained simply.

"What if she doesn't remember?" Choji questioned curiously.

"I don't know what will happen. For now, we should also put on an act for her," Neji instructed.

"Hmm," Ino agreed with a frown.

"Anyway... Let's all take some group photos," Tenten exclaimed excitingly, bringing the camera out and turning it forward to face the lens. "Come on, let's huddle up!"

Once they had gathered up closely, she extended her arm out and made a peace sign with her hand, whereas the others made silly and happy faces. The pink-haired kunoichi was clinging onto the Uchiha's arm, much to Naruto and Gaara's startlement.

Both of them looked at each other, then back towards where Sasuke and Sakura were. Even though a little despondency appeared on their faces.

Afterwards, they went back inside the tents, then Gaara walked up to the dark-haired ninja, who was straightening out his long sleeves.

"I expect that you are also doing this as planned?" He said, feeling ascertained.

"Of course," the Uchiha answered.

Gaara nodded slowly and began to walk away until he stopped in his tracks when he was being asked.

"What if it's not on purpose?" Sasuke stared at his back sideways nonchalantly.

The red-haired Kazekage opened his eyes narrowed without looking at him and stated solidly. "Then, you would know that I'm not the type of person who would steal someone's partner. I don't fight fire with fire. But if it's necessary, I won't hesitate to add fuel. Even a simple mass of destruction can be one's worst nightmare..."

Sasuke, on the other hand, stood on his spot while he continued to watch him observantly before he started to walk away.

For the duration inside the girls' tent, Sakura and her friends were organizing the Polaroids in each of the photo albums they've created. They laughed and giggled constantly at the goofy ones that the boys have made, especially them trying to beat them up into a pulp because of their stunts.

"Oh my goodness! You didn't actually give Kiba a nosebleed, did you?" Ino asked.

"No. Maybe a little bit," Hinata muttered, rubbing the back of her head.

"Awww. At long last, Hinata Hyuga has reached her full limits," Ino jokes.

"It wasn't like that. I just immediately elbowed him because... well, he was close behind me and he was being too arrogant against Naruto," Hinata said.

"Come on. Just admit that you want to kick his ass. There's nothing wrong with being so expressive about your emotions," Tenten advised determinedly.

"Hmm," Hinata agreed and continued on. "Although, I'm still learning how to be confident about myself and I haven't shared with anyone about what I feel, except you guys."

"Wow. We're very flattered to hear you say that. You know, it is good to open up sometimes, Hinata. It can be scary at first, but you will become more comfortable and you get to know so much about yourself," Temari said surprisingly.

"Thanks," Hinata smiled warmly.

"Alright, since we took five group photos recently, Sakura... Would you mind placing them in the clear pockets?" Tenten inquired as she stood up to go and get a drink outside. "I'll be right back. I'm kind of thirsty right now."

"I'll prepare our sleeping bags," Temari noted.

"I'll help you out," Hinata said as they both displayed them.

"Sure!" Sakura nodded and took the polaroids until one of them accidentally dropped onto the ground. She got startled as she picked it up and saw the young version of the Sand Siblings.

She noticed the red-haired boy in the middle out of curiosity, wondering if he was starting to look familiar. Deep down, she doesn't know it yet.