After 15 minutes we finally break the group hug, my chakra running low.
Anko speaks up first.
"This is good. Usually, teachers do a test or two to instill in teams the importance of teamwork and pretend it's this really hard exam they have to work together to be able to have a shot at passing.But…
Seeing how we burned most of Yami's chakra already and the 4 of us are such good... friends already I don't see any problems in our future cooperation.I'm letting you guys off the hook for today.Rest up, I want you all in training ground 4 tomorrow at 7."
Anko-sensei turns her back to us and takes a few steps before turning around and facing us once more."Ohh... and if anyone asks, you guys had a small test where you had to duel me 1v3. Ok? Bye-bye."
She winks and disappears in a cloud of smoke which disperses in just a few seconds.
We stare at each other.The three of us stand not even 2 feet apart and Hinata cracks in embarrassment as she processes everything that just happened.
"I… Ihavetogobacktotheclan.Goodbye Sakura-chan.See you tomorrow Yami-kun"
Hinata bows and heads out in an almost run.
"Yami, I'm glad we ended up on the same team"
"I'm happy too Sakura, we're going to make a great team"
Sakura hesitantly steps forward. She gathers her courage and grabs my arm again.
"I'm sorry Yami, I never actually thanked you for all you've done for me and Ino.When I realized this morning that we might end up in different teams there was this pit in my stomachI didn't want to be away from you."
"Sakura… I was also afraid...But even if we had ended up in different teams we would only be away for our missions and team training."
"I know that Yami but still...I wanted to be closer to you, I wanted us to grow together as a team, and maybe more..."
Sakura lets go of my arm so she can stand and face me directly.
"Yami, I'm probably rushing this...
There is nothing amazing about me. My figure can't beat Ino's and I feel like my only special feature is the big brain inside my big forehead and… and like Sasuke says, I'm loud, annoying and clingy"
"Sasuke is an idiot Sakura, he doesn’t know the first thing about you and never cared to find out.You are unique and irreplaceable Sakura. Funny, smart and determined. I know you grew your hair out because of Sasuke but I think it's without a doubt the prettiest, not just in class but in the entire world.You are incredible Sakura and I wanted us all to stay together. I want to be with you Sakura"
Tears start falling from Sakura's eyes as she smiles and moves her face closer.
"Yami…."
She closes her eyes.
We kiss slowly and tenderly, I hug Sakura and relish in her warmth.Everything is already perfect, there is no need for hormones. Her case is already terminal, diagnostic: love.
Our lips separate. With the tension gone, she gets embarrassed looking at my face from so close.Sakura lowers her head, locking her forehead in my neck.
"We'll be together from now on Yami"
"Yes Sakura. The ninja world is full of danger but I swear to defend and protect you."
"I'll grow stronger Yami, I don't want to need defending, I want to be the one to be of use to you, I'll do everything I can to keep us together"
I grab her head and raise it for another kiss.
"I love you Sakura"
"I love you Yami"
"I'll do everything I can to make us stronger"
______________________________________________________________________________________
Behind several treelines, a girl with white eyes sits on her knees crying.
"why? Why am I like this… I can't do anything and then I lose everything"
She punches the tree trunk in front of her in self-harm, bruising her knuckles
A woman with a purple ponytail shows up behind her.
"The world doesn't wait for anyone Hinata"
"…."
"If it wasn't Sakura, it would have been someone else or maybe an enemy, illness or just time"
"But but, even if I had tried I'd just been rejected, how could it have been me"
"You'll never know those answers without trying Hinata, failure and success are reserved for those bold enough to try, those who don't even try only get to have regrets and what-ifs"
Hinata faces down.
"I don't like it"
"Then don't accept it."
"Huh, but Sakura."
"Sakura won the first fight, but nothing is simple in love and war Hinata
Love blooms, it grows, it also fades, withers and breaks.
Love is also not a dango. You can't store it for later or keep it protected just for yourself to partake in.
It is like the clouds, free to grow and move wherever it wants.
If you still love him, don't give up! You didn't lose, and it's also not a fight where there has to be a loser"
"Sensei, what do I have to do"
"Hinata it's very simple... be dumb, be selfish and be an idiot!Stop listening to your head and listen to your heart instead,Stop thinking about what can happen and instead think of just what to happen and only that.
Do you want to be together with him? Then just do it, stay together."
"What if he doesn't want me? What if he only looks at Sakura now?"
"Na hahaha, what did I just tell you?no more whats, no more ifs Hinata.Just go for him and don't make him wait forever."
Anko smiles.
"Trust me Hinata, I don't think he is a man that can say no to his own desires"