I remained silent, staring blankly into space for a while. Sakura had left several minutes ago, and I was still frozen in place.
I placed my hand over my face, my fingers brushing my lips as I blushed and whispered shyly,
"Sakura-chan and I just kissed!!"
My heart hadn't stopped pounding wildly. I never imagined a kiss could feel this amazing!!
I could still feel Sakura's soft lips against mine. God, this pleasure might drive me insane if I don't pull myself together right now.
Recalling the kiss...
I suddenly remembered Scarlet—and how I had just left her hanging! I smacked my palm against my forehead and cried out in frustration,
"Damn it! I forgot!!"
I spun around and rushed toward the talent agency Scarlet had led me to before.
I hope she's not mad I'm late… Not that I'm going there just to kiss her!!
Wait… why am I even thinking like that now??
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Meanwhile, a blonde girl was walking calmly through the bustling streets of Konoha. Her eyes looked empty, lifeless. The light that once glimmered with hope had faded into a dull gray, as if it no longer held any meaning.
As she wandered, she suddenly saw a certain pink-haired girl rushing forward, not even looking where she was going. Ino blinked in confusion.
"Why does Sakura look so tense...?"
It wasn't as if she knew her well. They only went to the same school and were in the same class. Sakura was popular, so Ino knew a little about her—her name and family.
Looking more closely, Ino noticed Sakura's face was beet red, as if she were desperately trying to bury a memory.
That alone was enough to irritate Ino, who had been in a bad mood lately.
And then—wait a second—is she running straight toward me?!
Before she could react—
BANG!!
The two girls collided hard and fell to the ground.
A sound like tearing silk echoed out.
"Agh!!"
Ino cried out in pain. Sakura had fallen right on top of her.
"S-Sorry!! I didn't see you there—please forgive me!!"
Sakura stood, wincing, eyes shut, bowing humbly as she apologized to the still-dazed Ino.
"What the actual hell—who runs down a street with their eyes shut?! Are you stupid or something?!"
Ino groaned as she stood up, clutching her head. Dizzy and annoyed, she vented about everything like a kettle about to boil.
Sakura opened her eyes and looked at the girl yelling at her—about the same age, clearly. If it had just been the one comment about being stupid, she could've ignored it, but Ino's complaints just kept coming.
Sigh. I know I bumped into you, but isn't this a bit much?
Sakura gritted her teeth, doing her best to stay calm. Naruto's talk about humility still rang in her mind.
But the truth was, she was already frustrated by Sasuke's cold rejection. Naruto's kiss had overwhelmed her with warmth, but now all that remained was anger—and this bratty girl just happened to walk right into that storm.
"Hey, are you listening to me?!"
Ino snapped, pointing directly at her.
"Huh??"
Sakura blinked dumbly, caught off guard—she'd been fantasizing about shoving a sock in Ino's mouth to shut her up. Ino reminded her of a nagging wife yelling at her drunk husband who forgot to bring dinner.
"Don't 'huh' me! I said—you're paying for my skirt, you idiot!! You tore it with your rampage!!"
Ino pointed to her thigh where her expensive skirt was now ripped—exposing parts of her leg all the way to her waistline.
It was a violet skirt with sky-blue embroidery—obviously designer and not cheap.
"Rampage"?! Sakura thought bitterly, smiling through gritted teeth.
"I spent thousands of yen on this! Can you even imagine how expensive it was?!"
Sakura stayed quiet, letting Ino rant, her hands now planted angrily on her hips.
"FYI, this is a rare brand from 'Future Generation'—the hottest new fashion line! So you better acknowledge your mistake!"
"...Sii..."
Sakura mumbled something under her breath.
"What did you say, idiot?!"
Ino leaned closer, annoyed.
"I said, shut up—you're annoying!!"
Sakura glared daggers at her. Naruto's lecture was officially forgotten—Ino was pushing all her buttons.
"Did you just tell me to shut up?! You think just because you're some spoiled rich girl, you can act all high and mighty?!"
Ino's face was inches from Sakura's, both girls fuming.
"Who said anything about me being rich?! And how do you know I'm a Haruno?!"
"We've been in the same class for half a year, do you have memory loss or are you just plain dumb?!"
"A rude brat like you got accepted to prestigious Konoha High?! Unbelievable!!"
"Are you saying I'm not good enough to be there?!"
"Exactly! Trashy, foul-mouthed girls like you don't belong in our school!!"
Ino, eyes blazing, jabbed her finger at Sakura's chest.
"You don't get to decide who belongs and who doesn't!!"
They butted foreheads, both shouting in unison:
"You wanna fight?!"
"Hey!! You two!! Are you fighting?!"
A voice called from afar. A man in a uniform approached—the symbol of the Uchiha clan proudly displayed on his shoulder.
"Crap, it's the police!!"
Ino turned and bolted.
"Hey! Wait right there!!"
Sakura chased after her. The officer, middle-aged and outmatched, could only stare in disbelief.
"Stop chasing me, you idiot!!" Ino yelled over her shoulder.
"I'll catch you soon, just wait!!" Sakura snapped back.
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On my way to the agency where Scarlet worked, I happened to see Ino and Sakura sprinting past me.
"What the heck are they doing...? Do they know each other or something? But I've never seen Sakura-chan talk to Ino..."
I didn't think too much about it—my face turned crimson again as the memory of our kiss resurfaced. I quickly turned away and kept walking.
No way I can face Sakura right now.
I arrived at the talent agency. No matter how many times I see it, it's still massive and intimidating.
I entered quietly, retracing the same steps Scarlet had taken me through before.
No one stopped or questioned me—Scarlet had clearly informed them. Apparently, she wasn't their top artist, so nobody cared who she brought along.
That was perfect for me. After all, showing myself in public could ignite war between the Uzumaki and Namikaze clans!
I reached the director's office and knocked. A voice from inside invited me in.
I sighed, opened the door, and said respectfully:
"Excuse me."
Inside, filming had already started.
Scarlet wore her usual mask—but this time it only covered her eyes and upper face. I couldn't shake the feeling that I knew her, but I still couldn't place it for sure.
"Good, you're not too late," the director said, handing me a script.
"You don't have many scenes—just a few lines and the final kissing scene. But still, give it your best."
I swallowed nervously, nodded, and took the script.
"Alright, everyone, let's resume filming."
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Scene Nine
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Two Girls' Conversation
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Ino arrived at a park, still running, with Sakura close behind. Both girls were out of breath and finally stopped to catch it.
(I can't believe she kept up with me… Even though I've been training in self-defense and martial arts, I'm confident in my speed and endurance.)
Ino leaned forward, hands on her knees, chest rising and falling gracefully. Despite her exhaustion, Sakura seemed only slightly winded—perhaps even in better shape.
"You… Haruno princess… you train, don't you?"
"Why should I answer that? And don't call me a princess!"
"Tch… spoiled brat…" Ino looked away, sighed, then turned back to Sakura.
"You're not planning to skip out on paying your debt, are you?"
Sakura sighed too and waved her arm dismissively.
"Fine, fine, I'll pay. I'm too tired to argue now."
"Glad you know your limits."
A twitch appeared on Sakura's forehead. Eyes shut, she muttered slowly,
"I feel like I'm going to regret this…"
Ino stood tall, proud, grinning smugly.
"Doing me a favor like this is a blessing for you. Someday, you'll regret messing with me—because I'll be the one ruling Konoha!"
She spoke with her eyes shut and a grand smile, while Sakura stared at her in shock.
Sakura's cheeks turned pink and her face scrunched up.
"Pfft—HAHAHAHA!"
She tried to suppress it, but the laughter exploded out.
Ino blushed slightly and shouted,
"Are you laughing at me?! Huh?!"
"Y-You?! The ruler of Konoha?!" Sakura managed between giggles.
"Yes, I will be! You'll see!!" Ino clenched her fists, eyes shining with determination.
That made Sakura stop. If she wasn't joking… then it wasn't something to laugh at.
"Huh… you actually sound serious."
"Of course I am! It's my ultimate dream—to rule Konoha!"
Sakura looked to the side, thinking.
"That's… an unbelievable dream."
"Even if it is, even if it's impossible—I have the courage to dream it anyway. I'd regret it if I knew I could've done it but never tried."
Ino smiled gently, reflecting on many things.
Sakura smiled back.
"I think I can understand how you feel."
"Gross. Don't relate to me." Ino said, looking away in mock disgust.
"Oii!!"
Sakura shouted in frustration, making Ino chuckle.
"Kidding, kidding." Ino giggled happily, eyes closed. Who knew the last time she laughed like this?
Sakura noticed the flickering emotions behind her smile and felt a warm sympathy.
"Since I'm a generous soul, I'll treat you to dinner too—after we shop!"
"Trying to win my heart? No way! My heart belongs to Sasuke–kun only! Since you're his friend, why not invite him too? We can turn it into a romantic date, teehee~"
Ino spoke with a playful grin, though tinged with a hint of awkwardness.
"Sasuke...?" (She deliberately dropped the '–kun'). Sakura's eyes disappeared beneath the shadow of her bangs.
Ino noticed the change.
"What's wrong? Are you two fighting? I heard rumors about some love triangle between you, him, and Naruto. Is that true?"
"Not true!!" Sakura shouted, startling Ino.
"Nothing happened between me and Sasuke—or me and N–Naruto–kun!!" Saying his name immediately brought the kiss to mind.
She grabbed her mouth, blushing furiously as steam practically poured from her head.
"Hehhh..." Ino raised an eyebrow with a smirk as she caught the reaction.
"T-There's nothing between us, really!!" Sakura waved her hands frantically, stammering.
"Yeah, sure. There's nothing going on between you and Naruto–kun, right? Hehe~" Ino said his name teasingly, which made Sakura blush harder and scream inside.
"Fine!! I'll tell you everything! Just stop misunderstanding!!"
The two girls sat on a bench by the pond, watching doves flutter and ducks swim gracefully. Everything around them was peaceful and beautiful.
"So that's what happened before I ran into you. I was so upset… Sasuke rejected me coldly and cruelly. If he didn't like me, he could've just said it gently. Why call me a whore and say I manipulate others? As if I don't have feelings?! Ugh, I wish I could slap him!"
Sakura pouted, clutching her chest.
"Easy there, girl. Maybe he was just in a bad mood, too. You know how people say hurtful things when they're upset. Didn't you say some nasty stuff to Naruto–san, too?"
"You're… right, when you put it that way." Sakura's frustration faded as they talked. She felt a weight lift off her chest.
Sakura smiled sadly.
"It'd be rude to ask you to keep this secret after spilling it to you, but… can you? Sasuke is still my childhood friend. I don't want everything between us to fall apart. For now, I'll just keep my distance… until I get over these feelings."
"Don't worry, Cherry Blossom. Your secret is safe with me!" Ino tapped her chest proudly.
"Alright, I'll trust your word." Sakura smiled softly.
"But that doesn't mean I forgot about the price of my skirt!" Ino wiggled her fingers greedily.
"Got it, got it..." Sakura hung her head at Ino's gluttonous grin.
This girl won't forget until I buy her an even better one!!
Sakura asked carefully,
"What about you? What had you in such a foul mood earlier?"
Ino's entire demeanor shifted. She looked down, her eyes hidden behind her bangs.
"Can we save that for later?"
"Of course."
Sakura realized she'd opened a wound not meant for today. Ino's mood darkened drastically.
"Before the sun sets... want to go shopping?" Sakura smiled, quickly changing the subject.
"My treat!"
At that, Ino's eyes sparkled with yen symbols and she jumped up.
"What are we waiting for?! Let's go!!"
Sakura laughed heartily and followed the now-excited Ino.
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#Scene Nine
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Two Girls' Conversation – End
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Once again, I stood in a closed room. The yellow lights made it hard to see—they were aimed directly at me. The space was draped in green screen cloth for filming.
In front of me, a girl wearing a mask that hid her eyes and forehead slowly walked toward me. Our nervous breathing echoed, tension rising.
She wrapped her arms around my neck and leaned in to kiss me—but I shut my eyes tightly, face burning. I just couldn't do it.
"CUT!!"
The director yelled just before our bodies touched. I panted and stepped back, breathless.
No matter how many times we tried, it only got worse.
I couldn't kiss Scarlet.
I glanced sideways and saw her breathing heavily too—she was struggling as much as I was.
She noticed me looking and suddenly grabbed my hand, dragging me away.
"W-Wait, what are you—?"
"Just shut up and follow me."
We reached the changing room. She shut the door behind us. I gulped and stepped back instinctively.
"W-What is it, Scarlet?"
She gripped my shoulders and forced me down onto the chair. Then she leaned in coldly.
"At this rate, you'll never get it done, little boy."
"Wh–"
Before I could finish, she pressed her lips to mine—complete control in her kiss.
I was stunned, unable to keep up. She kept going, relentless, kissing me again and again. My brain stopped working.
Finally, I pushed her away, face beet red.
"Are you insane?!"
"Good. You're back to your senses. Let's continue." She leaned in again, kissing me while one hand rested on my chest and the other around my neck.
But I gathered myself and quickly pushed her back, panting.
"Hold on!! Isn't this your first kiss? You're okay with it being like this?!"
She sighed coldly.
"Yeah, it doesn't matter. I just want to get this over with. But at this rate, it'll take forever."
She locked eyes with me.
"Do whatever you want with my body. Just get over your embarrassment once we leave this room."
She leaned in again, but I stopped her, grabbing her mask and pulling it off.
"Enough of the act. You're my cousin. Of course I'd be flustered when you get this close. Don't you realize I already know who you are?"
Her eyes widened in shock—beautiful, shimmering brown eyes like polished emeralds.
"Surprised I figured it out, Uzumaki Ella–chan?"
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#To_Be_Continued