Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ Save Your Last Dance For Me ❯ Chapter 10

Chapter 10: Broken Hearts are Mended by the power of a dance!

 

Everyone in the top fifteen were able to pass their pair projects a day earlier than the final deadline - which is the day of the Christmas Dance. Their projects were all good and they huddled around Miss Kurenai as she checked their projects in their classroom.

 

“Wow, Hinata! We did it! It's an A minus!” Naruto cheered. Hinata blushed and at the same time smiled. Naruto was so happy since in his entire life, the highest grade he achieved was a B. That was a good thing for Naruto and all thanks be to Hinata ( she raised Naruto's grade!).

 

Tenten and Neji, Sasuke and Ino all got an A plus. There's no doubt about it with Neji and Sasuke being the top two geniuses in their batch. Well - with Sasuke being rank one and next is Neji. It was no surprise at all. On the other hand, Temari and Shino somehow managed a B plus. They were happy about it and at least, they were able to finish the project and pass something.

 

“Uh, Temari? I'd just like to say sorry for everything. I'm sorry if we argued and then it took us a long time to finish our project. I apologize for everything.” Shino said, after they have passed their project. Temari glared at Shino with a bit surprise. “It's alright, Shino. I can forgive you. Besides, it's also my fault that I agreed with you. I'm so sorry too. Can we be friends now?” Temari asked. A smile ran across Shino's face. “Of course.” He said. They shook hands and went together down the corridor.

 

Sakura and Gaara got an A. These two were considered geniuses two - with Gaara being rank four and Sakura being rank five. Not completely geniuses but Gaara had high grades because he had really good techniques in fighting with all his sand and everything. Meanwhile, even if Sakura doesn't have a special talent she's a great medical ninja and she has the best control in her chakra among the other genins.

 

“Thank you, Gaara for sharing your ideas with me.” Sakura said cheerfully as she and Gaara were leaving the room after they have seen their grade. Gaara turned red. He just received a complement from Sakura… Haruno Sakura - a very pretty girl. “Uh, that's nothing. You're welcome, anyway. Your ideas are nice too.” Gaara replied. Sakura smiled at him. They continued walking.

 

“Uh, Sakura… I have something to tell you.” Gaara muttered. This was the moment of truth. This was something he had never done all his life - something fierce ninjas at battle failed doing. This was his complete weakness, something nobody ever knew. He knew he had to tell Sakura or he'd never have the chance again. “What is it?” Sakura asked, still in her happy tone. Gaara looked back at Sakura. He was turning redder and redder.

 

“It's just that… well; I hope you won't mind what I'd say… I just realized how nice you were to me when we were partners. You're the first girl who appreciated my ideas - who brought out the creativity within me. You treated me like a friend and not as the cold guy who had the miserable past. You made me feel important… And Sakura? I think… I really like you… more than just a friend…” Gaara had finally said it. He tried the best he could and well, it was an accomplishment! Sakura was just the first girl he fell in loved with. It took Sakura a while to absorb everything. A lot of guys confessed to her already, including Rock Lee and some others from the lower sections but it was the first time that she encountered someone like Gaara who had a miserable past and who used to kill many people. But even if Gaara confessed his feelings without emotions being a cold, serious and stone-hearted guy, Sakura understood him well. Gaara had been nice too when they were partners and she appreciated that. She was sorry that Gaara wasn't the one she liked and it had to be someone else who didn't like her back. And this she had to say in front of Gaara.

 

Sakura held Gaara's hands firmly. “You know, Gaara? I am flattered that you like me. You made me feel important when we were partners and you accepted my ideas. You are so nice and I never thought that we could relate with each other since of course, before we were far and we had separate lives. But Gaara? Thanks for everything… but it's just that I'm really sorry that I couldn't like you back… It's because…” Sakura's voice trailed off sadly. “Because of Uchiha Sasuke, right? I have known that for so long. It's fine with me, Sakura. I understand… even if it hurts.” Gaara finished. Sakura smiled at him sadly and hugged him to show that she cared about his feelings. “But Sakura could I ask you a favor?” Gaara asked after Sakura hugged him. “Of course, but if I can do that.” Sakura answered. “Could you dance with me even just one time at the Christmas Dance tomorrow?” Sakura smiled at the favor. “Of course I could! Well, I'll see you tomorrow…” Sakura replied. Gaara nodded and walked away.

 

Sasuke and Ino saw that Sakura and Gaara were talking and they went to Sakura when Gaara left. “Hey Sakura, it looks like Gaara confessed his feelings to you. He did, didn't he?” Ino asked suspiciously. Sakura sighed. “Yeah he did, you're right. But I… I have to turn him down… you know…” Sakura mumbled sadly. Ino patted her. Sasuke suddenly had a tint of hope in his heart. Ino eyed him carefully. “It's okay, Sakura. It's not your fault… But are you still going? What about Lee?” Ino asked with curiosity.

 

“I promised Gaara that I'd dance with him. But I'm not sure I'm going. I have to be true to myself. I guess… I have to turn Lee down too… It's just that I promised myself that on my first dance, I'd go with the boy I truly love - that is if he'd ask me.” Sakura said sadly. Ino gave her an understanding look. “Well, I hope… He asks you out.” Ino said. “That's impossible, Ino.”

 

Ino changed the topic. “Anyway, you'd like to go with me and Sasuke and we'll decorate the gym for tomorrow's dance? I need some volunteers.” Ino said, trying to cheer Sakura up. Sakura thought for awhile. “I guess I can't go. I still have to talk to Lee for awhile. I'm sorry.” She said. Ino nodded and smiled, going away with Sasuke.

 

-after talking with Ino and Sasuke-

 

Sakura went to find Lee to tell him what she needed to. She finally found him in the cafeteria by himself walking along and just finished his food. “Uh, hi Lee.” Sakura greeted shyly. Lee blushed and smiled his sparkly smile. He can't believe it's his love he's facing. “Hello, Sakura my love!” Lee greeted cheerfully.

 

Sakura suddenly wasn't so sure of telling Lee the truth because she could see that he was really happy when he saw her. But again, she couldn't simply go with him to the dance just because she doesn't have a partner. If she would have a partner, she would choose someone she really liked. But she can't go with Lee and go along making him hope that she's in loved with him.

 

Sakura took a deep breath. “Lee… I have to tell you something. I wouldn't mean to hurt you but…” Sakura began unsurely. “Go on, Sakura. I'd understand whatever you'll tell me. That's Rock Lee.” Lee assured and at the same time comforted. Sakura smiled sheepishly. “You know, Lee… About the dance tomorrow… I-I can't go with you…” Sakura mumbled sadly.

 

Lee couldn't say anything. He was a bit shock yet he had already expected it. He knew that Sakura had always liked Uchiha Sasuke even if she hadn't told him yet since it showed in her actions since way back in Ninja Academy. “Oh… is that it? It's… fine.” Lee said softly and sadly.

 

“I'm really sorry, Lee… I just… want to be true to myself… I can't go with you just because I don't have a partner… If I would go with you, then I want it that I chose you and that… you're the boy I love so much… I'm really sorry, Lee… Don't worry I'll make up for it. I'll try to. I'll do whatever I can.” Sakura managed to say. Lee held up his hand. “It's okay, Sakura. It's alright with me. I understand. Didn't I tell you that? Just dance with me tomorrow and you can make up for it.” Lee said. Another dance with another guy. Sakura sighed, but smiled. “Really? Yes I'd love to, Lee! You're not angry with me, are you?” Sakura asked. Lee gave her a questioning look. “Of course not! Why would I be? I love you, Sakura and I'd accept whatever I know about you. That's my way of being a ninja… Haha, now you won't mind if I treat you some food around here, would you?” Lee asked. “Haha, of course I won't mind! That's my way of making up for you!” Sakura laughed.