CHAPTER (9)
Shikamaru let out a deep sigh and turned to see Naruto approaching. "Oh, he's still the same…"
Naruto suddenly hugged Shikamaru from behind. "Shikamaru! I was looking for you! Come on, you have to see this!"
Shikamaru looked at Naruto lazily. "What is it this time?"
Naruto smiled. "Don't be nervous, I just want to introduce you to some investors who might help with your project."
Shikamaru raised an eyebrow. "Oh? That's quite interesting." He glanced at Temari, and the woman gave a slight nod, as if silently giving him permission to go. "Alright, I'll come with you."
Sakura smiled at their interaction. But when she saw Sasuke standing not far from her, watching her, her smile faded instantly. He appeared like a shadow.
Sakura: "Why are you always following me?"
Sasuke was silent for a moment, then calmly replied, "This wedding is really boring."
Sakura frowned. "Then maybe you should just go home."
Sasuke looked at her and whispered, "Because you're here."
Sakura nearly choked on air. "Huh?!"
Before she could respond, Karin confidently walked over. "Sasuke~ I'll get you a drink, wait for me, okay?" She gave Sakura a provocative look, then turned and walked away.
Sakura was left speechless.
She knew Karin very well, and she remembered how annoying Karin was back in high school. Back then, Ino almost got into a fight with her, but now Ino just stared at Karin coldly.
Sai was now standing next to Ino, and he asked, "What's wrong with you?"
Ino snapped out of her thoughts. "I'm fine, I just need some fresh air. Let's take a walk, Sai~"
Ino and Sai walked off sweetly, and Sakura watched them with envy in her heart, because she didn't have a man as gentle as Sai.
...
"Sakura..."
The voice called out, and Sakura turned to see the man who was anything but gentle now approaching her. The two of them walked side by side, leaving the noise behind, seeking fresh air.
The red drink swirled in the glass, and Sakura stared at the crimson color, but her mind was already drifting.
Sasuke: "What's wrong with you?"
Sakura smiled. "I don't know…"
All her friends had their own romantic interests and relationships. Even Naruto was married, while she and Sasuke were about to be married — but their situation was different. They didn't love each other. This was different from Naruto and Hinata, who married for love, and Naruto had been forgiven for his past mistakes. In short, they loved each other and came to a mutual agreement.
Sakura felt sad about how things turned out. Instead of having a romantic love story like everyone else, she was stuck in a marriage where they didn't know each other and never loved each other. This wasn't a girl's first love, nor was it the sweet affection of a high school crush. Maybe Sasuke used to be every girl's idol, but now things were different. The once cool and handsome Sasuke no longer seemed so special in Sakura's eyes.
Sasuke: "Sakura…"
The voice pulled Sakura out of her thoughts. She turned to see Sasuke looking at her with questioning eyes.
Sakura smiled and said, "Will you help me convince our parents? I think we should end this. We're not compatible, and being friends suits us more than being a couple, don't you think?"
Sasuke fell silent. He clenched his fist in anger, but Sakura didn't notice, as his hand was hidden behind his back.
Sasuke replied with displeasure, "Respect our parents and don't be selfish, doing whatever you want."
Sakura: (...)