CHAPTER (1)
The unpleasant news made Sakura disagree with her marriage to Sasuke. Since school, she already knew what Sasuke was like—indifferent and aloof. Back then, Sakura did have a crush on Sasuke, but that feeling didn't last long. She was certain she wouldn't be able to handle a romantic relationship with someone like him.
Her best friend, Naruto, who usually listened to all her complaints, now wore a troubled expression. This was about Sakura's marriage to Sasuke—Naruto knew exactly what kind of person Sasuke was.
Naruto: "If this involves your parents, it'll be hard to say no, Sakura-chan…"
Sakura: "So I just have to accept it? I want to become a doctor! If I get married, I'll probably have to give it up. I don't want that!"
During the Haruno and Uchiha families' gathering, things became awkward when Sasuke and Sakura were reunited. Fortunately, the tension eased a little thanks to Uchiha Itachi, Sasuke's older brother, who was known to be kind and warm—completely different from Sasuke's cold and arrogant demeanor. For Sakura, being near Sasuke in that situation was very uncomfortable. She tried to be patient and accept the situation with an open heart.
Itachi smiled: "That's a noble dream. Becoming a doctor means helping many people. That's amazing."
Sakura blushed and smiled shyly: "Thank you for the compliment…"
Sasuke: (...)
Sasuke said nothing, simply observing the conversation between his brother and Sakura in silence.
Sakura felt more comfortable talking to Itachi. In her heart, she wished and imagined, (If only Itachi were the one to become my husband, everything would be different.) Even though he was older, Itachi's maturity allowed Sakura to talk about many things freely. He listened calmly, occasionally nodding in agreement. Sometimes, he glanced over at Sasuke, who remained indifferent, and simply shook his head at his younger brother's attitude.
...
Back at home, Sakura spoke with her parents, who still held firm to their decision.
Haruno Kizashi: "We're doing this for your future. Don't reject it, Sakura. Fugaku accepts you fully as his daughter-in-law. What else are you worried about?"
Haruno Mebuki: "Listen to your father, Sakura. We're only thinking of your future, sweetheart."
Sakura didn't want to argue with the parents who had raised her since childhood. She still wanted to be a filial daughter, not a disobedient one. She wasn't like some modern teenagers who rebel against their parents for the sake of personal desires and ego.
When she talked to Naruto on the phone, he agreed with her decision to continue respecting and obeying her parents.
Sakura remained true to herself and worked hard to achieve her dream. She kept smiling as she cared for others, young and old, without ever complaining.
Their meetings only happened at the request of both families. There were no romantic conversations. Sasuke was more silent than anyone else, speaking only when necessary, and even then, it sounded dull. Sakura's smartphone suddenly vibrated. After excusing herself, she picked it up and replied to a message from Naruto.
Naruto: (How's your date? Going well?)
Sakura: (Yeah.)
Sakura looked up and saw Sasuke staring at her. She placed her phone on the table and slowly sipped her cappuccino.
Sasuke: "You seem busy."
Sakura: "Ah, sorry. My friend just… he…"
Sasuke: "Friend?"
Sakura: "Yeah, you know him too… Uzumaki Naruto."
Sasuke responded indifferently: "Him…"
His expression shifted—clearly, Sasuke wasn't pleased.