Ugh, I can't believe Sasuke showed up at the same time Sakura transferred! What kind of unfair fate is this??
It truly felt like I was destined to suffer mentally in this life...
After entering my room, I threw my school bag on the bed and headed straight to take a shower.
"Naruto-sama, lunch is ready."
While showering, I heard Mina's voice calling out to me. I replied, saying I'd be out shortly.
I took my time, then stepped out, closed the door behind me, and was about to leave my room when—
I was met with the sight of a stunning young woman. Her crimson-red hair shimmered like the sky at dawn. Her figure was mature and alluring, dangerously curvaceous. She wore short pants that accentuated her enticing waistline.
She was indeed the Queen of the Uzumaki girls, as people called her. Frankly, she looked like she belonged on a stage, though she'd always refused that path.
"Ella-chan."
I spoke with a touch of happiness as I looked at her.
"Oh, Naruto-kun. I haven't seen you in a while—how are you? Looks like everything's growing on you… except for your height, heh."
Ella smirked as she threw a teasing glance my way.
"I'm still growing! I'll get taller soon!!"
Though truthfully, it was laughable. I was just as short as I'd been in my past life. Even Sakura had surpassed me in height...
I responded to Ella, slightly annoyed.
"Yeah, yeah, someday."
She walked off calmly, saying,
"Hurry up. Grandma Mito won't wait for you forever."
I rushed after her, replying,
"Got it, got it!"
---
After breakfast, one of the servants informed me that a friend of mine was waiting outside.
I might not have mentioned this before, but Kiba and I have been friends since elementary school—we've studied together all the way till now.
Yes, Kiba is the only one who knows I'm from the Uzumaki clan. I never told him about the Namikaze part. Just knowing I was an Uzumaki was shocking enough for him.
We started walking quietly down the street together.
"Man, I can't believe you know that girl—Haruno Sakura. She's one of the prettiest girls in Konoha. I'm so jealous!!"
Kiba rested his arm heavily on my shoulder, grumbling in frustration.
"Heeey, back off a little!! And I told you before—we're childhood friends! You didn't believe me and kept losing bets!"
I shoved his arm off with my free hand, yelling at him angrily.
"Of course I didn't believe you, you bastard!! Imagine if I came to you and said I was dating Hinata Hyuga!! Would you believe me??"
"Heeey! So you do like her!!"
I looked at him with a sly grin and a devious glint in my eyes.
"H-Huh?! N-No, of course not! Who'd love someone like her?!"
His face turned completely red. Damn, he's totally in love with her!!
Haha, even in different timelines, feelings don't fade.
Suddenly, a thought flashed through my mind—Sasuke and Sakura, together, smiling happily...
My mischievous grin faded slowly. My blue eyes dimmed beneath the shadow of my golden bangs.
...Damn it.
"Alright, alright, let's go or we'll be late for class!!"
I pushed Kiba forward in a rush.
"Keep it a seeecreeeet!!"
Kiba yelled with a red face.
"Yeah, yeah, don't worry. Besides, she's not even in our school, so relax!"
I replied while pushing him along. Our bickering continued until we took our first step into the school building.
---
The moment we entered, Kiba didn't notice, but I certainly did—that chilling sensation of hostile stares locked onto me.
Was it because I knew Sakura? Because we were childhood friends? How childish...
I didn't care much in the following days and simply went along with the wave of hatred that came my way.
Sometimes people would whisper behind my back, but I didn't give them any attention.
And just like that, the first semester passed without anything major happening.
But in the second half… a lot changed.
---
As usual, I entered the classroom lazily, only to see something strange—Sakura was sitting at her desk, lost in thought.
She sat in the second-to-last seat by the window, looking absolutely enchanting as the wind played with her hair, like she was performing fan service just for me.
Wow… she's really beautiful…
My cheeks flushed as I kept staring blankly at her face...
After enjoying that view for a moment, I snapped back to reality and walked toward her.
"Yooo, Sakura-chan! What's on your mind?"
I placed my hand on her desk, grinning cheerfully.
"Ah, Naruto… Well, I don't know how to say this..."
She looked a bit flustered, her cheeks slightly red.
Oh my god… Is my school romance about to begin?!
I studied what girls do when they have feelings for someone—everything she's doing screams "crush"!
My destined moment has finally arrived!!
"Umm, how should I put this..."
Sakura placed her hand on her forehead and looked down, then motioned with her finger for me to come closer.
I gulped. My emotions were about to explode. Is she going to kiss me?! No, no, what am I thinking?! We haven't even confessed yet! Maybe she's going to confess? Or ask to meet somewhere private like the rooftop or the garden, just like in romance films!!
I leaned in, overwhelmed with excitement, practically steaming.
"You know… someone confessed their love to me today..."
…Huh?
Someone… confessed?
What's going on? What about my romantic school life?!
My expression froze for a few seconds before I could only mutter:
"Huh??"
With such a dumbfounded face I never want to remember it again...
"Eeeeh?!!!"
I let out a startled scream and staggered backward.
"Y-Y-You… s-someone…!!"
I couldn't even finish my sentence—Sakura didn't let me.
She quickly covered my mouth with her hand and pulled me out of the classroom by the wrist. Everyone started staring at us with puzzled expressions.
"Good morni—"
Sasuke, who was just about to enter the classroom, stopped mid-sentence when he saw a blur dash past him in an instant.
He could only watch in surprise but didn't give it too much thought and stepped into the classroom, looking around for me and Sakura.
After a moment of thinking…
He realized the blur was, in fact, Sakura and me.
"I wonder what happened with those two?"
As Sakura dragged me away in a hurry, I noticed someone—an upperclassman from the third year.
He had long black hair that reached just below his ears, with bangs that slightly obscured his deep blue eyes. But he was undeniably handsome.
That guy stared at me like I was his sworn enemy.
I closed my eyes, trying to recall if I'd ever wronged him in any way.
…Or maybe he was bitter because of my relationship with Sakura?
I didn't give it much thought at the time.
But looking back now… I wish I had.
. . .
#To_Be_Continued.