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Sakura took off her stage costume and slipped into something more comfortable. She had just finished her concert in the largest stadium in the capital. The music, the spotlights, the fans’ screams. All of it was part of her daily life. She did not complain. She loved what she did, and she had worked so hard to get where she was. But sometimes, when the exhaustion became too much, she dreamed of a day when no one would recognize her.
Someone knocked on the door. Sakura grabbed her bag and opened it. She knew it was time to leave her dressing room, join her team on the tour bus, and head to the next city. As expected, a security guard stood behind the door.
“Your car is waiting for you, Miss Haruno.”
“The car ? I’m supposed to join the bus.”
The guard frowned and checked his phone.
“I was informed of a change of plans. I’m to escort you to the car that’s waiting.”
Sakura did the same and checked her own phone. No one had warned her about any change. She frowned when she saw a message from Ino, her best friend and manager. They had known each other since middle school. While Sakura dreamed of performing on stage, Ino dreamed of becoming a businesswoman. So when Sakura launched her music career, she became Ino’s first artist. And Sakura knew that if she had come this far, it was largely thanks to her.
She opened the message :
“You’ve been invited for an interview on Good Morning Hits. A car is waiting for you. You’ll meet up with the rest of the team afterward for the next concert.”
Good Morning Hits was the most-watched morning music show in the country. If they had invited her, refusing was out of the question. Too bad for the hours of rest she could have had on the bus. Work came first.
She put her phone away and followed the security guard. They reached the back of the stadium and stepped outside. A black car with tinted windows was waiting in a discreet spot. She thanked the guard and got in. The road lulled her. She was so exhausted that she eventually fell asleep. After all, she would not arrive at the studio for several hours.
******
Sakura woke up when the car braked sharply. She looked out the window. It was night, and they were stopped on an empty road. She heard the driver grumble.
“Is something wrong ?” She asked.
“I’m sorry, Miss Haruno. There’s an issue with the car.”
He stepped out and opened the hood. A cloud of white smoke escaped. Sakura began to worry. The slightest delay could make her miss the interview. The driver returned, his phone pressed to his ear.
“All right. Thank you.”
He hung up and turned to her.
“The tow truck won’t arrive for another two hours. I saw we’re not far from a town. I’ve informed Miss Yamanaka. She’ll book you a hotel room if that’s all right with you. But we’ll have to walk a bit.”
“Don’t worry. It’s fine.”
Two hours, she thought. How was she going to manage ? She needed to contact Ino to figure out what to do next. They walked for about half an hour before reaching a small town called Konoha, which, according to the sign, had barely five thousand inhabitants.
It was not the kind of place Sakura was used to. She was born and raised in Tokyo. Concerts and shows always took place in big cities. On the road, they sometimes passed through small towns, but never stopped.
They reached the hotel, which looked more like a small inn. On the sign at the entrance was written : Dragonfly Inn. They stepped inside. Sakura looked around. The interior opened like a warm parenthesis, a refuge where every detail seemed chosen to soothe travelers. As soon as they crossed the threshold, a soft wave of warmth enveloped them. The light, dimmed by honey-colored lampshades, cast golden halos on the walls.
The slightly uneven wooden floor creaked under their steps. Rugs dotted the space, adding touches of red, blue, and green. To the right, a light‑wood counter, worn smooth by the years, held a vase overflowing with wildflowers and an old guestbook filled with varied handwriting.
Farther in, Sakura noticed a small lounge. Two plush armchairs covered in floral fabric surrounded a low table with a few magazines on it. A stone fireplace let a flame dance. Her eyes widened when she spotted a piano.
A couple greeted them. The man had black eyes and long, straight hair that fell in neat strands around his calm face. He radiated a quiet, almost soothing presence. The woman, warm and gentle, had large expressive brown eyes and slightly wavy dark hair.
“Welcome, Miss Haruno. I’m Izumi, and this is my husband, Itachi.”
A huge smile lit up Izumi’s face. Sakura knew that expression by heart. She could tell Izumi was holding herself back from asking for a selfie. But Sakura did not mind. That was the effect she had on people. It was never malicious. Itachi, meanwhile, smiled at her kindly.
“We’ve prepared your rooms,” Izumi continued. “If you’ll follow me.”
“I’ll head back to the car to wait for the tow truck,” the driver, Kenji as Sakura had learned, said. “Will everything be all right ?”
Sakura nodded and thanked him. He left, and she followed Izumi upstairs. The place was small but warm. It immediately felt like a family home.
“We were surprised when your manager called us. It’s the first time we’ve hosted a celebrity.”
Izumi cleared her throat, realizing she was getting carried away, and quickly regained her professional demeanor.
“You’ll be comfortable here. It’s the low season, so we don’t have many guests. Just a few retirees who come to relax for a few days.”
They stopped in front of a wooden door. Izumi opened it.
“Here is your room. If you need anything, just let us know.”
“Thank you.”
Izumi left, and Sakura stepped inside. It had absolutely nothing to do with the luxury hotels she was used to. The room radiated a gentle warmth. The walls, painted a creamy beige, were decorated with small watercolor landscapes. The bed, wide and soft, was covered with a pastel patchwork quilt.
A slightly old but well‑kept light‑wood dresser stood against the opposite wall. On top of it sat a lamp with a floral shade that cast a golden glow. In one corner, an upholstered armchair and a small wall‑mounted bookshelf completed the room.
Sakura sat on the bed and checked her phone. Ino had left dozens of messages, promising to do everything she could to get someone to pick her up, assuring her she would make it to the show.
Sakura sighed. Ino was the best manager she could have asked for, but some things were simply out of her control. She lay down and closed her eyes, feeling exhaustion wash over her.
******
Sakura opened her eyes and jolted upright when she found herself face‑to‑face with a little girl barely eight years old. She suddenly remembered the car breakdown and the inn.
“Good morning,” Sakura said.
The girl immediately began bouncing excitedly.
“Sakura Haruno is in our house !”
She let out a squeal of joy just as the door swung open and Izumi rushed in.
“Aiko ! I told you not to bother her.”
She scooped the child into her arms and gave Sakura an embarrassed smile.
“I’m really sorry. We won’t disturb you any longer.”
She disappeared as quickly as she had arrived, Aiko still in her arms. Sakura checked the time on her phone. Six in the morning. She groaned. The show was a morning program, and the interview was supposed to take place in two hours. That was far too late.
Her phone rang. Ino’s name appeared on the screen. Sakura answered immediately.
“Good news !” Ino exclaimed. “I found a solution.”
“You got me a helicopter ?” Sakura replied sarcastically.
She could easily imagine Ino rolling her eyes.
“I convinced the production team to do the interview by video call. So get ready. In less than two hours, you’re live.”
She hung up right away. Sakura got up and began preparing. It was better than nothing.
******
Sakura closed the laptop Itachi had kindly lent her. The interview was over, and everything had gone smoothly. An hour before going live, she had run into Kenji, who warned her that the breakdown was more serious than expected. The mechanic had to order a part, and it would not arrive for a few days.
She had immediately called Ino.
“In the end, it’s not that bad,” Ino had told her. “Your next concert is in a week. Take the opportunity to rest a little. The team will take a few days off too. And once the car is fixed, you’ll meet up with them.”
Sakura stood from the armchair and looked out the window. It had been so long since she had taken a real vacation that she no longer remembered what it felt like not to work.
She picked up the laptop, left the room, and went downstairs to the reception desk. Itachi was there.
“Did everything go well ?” He asked.
“Yes. And thank you again for the computer.”
She handed it back to him. Itachi nodded slightly.
“My stay here will last a few more days,” she said. “The car won’t be repaired for a while.”
Itachi did not seem surprised or bothered. He simply set the laptop behind the counter, then looked back at her.
“We’ll make sure you’re comfortable,” he said calmly. “You look like you need rest.”
Sakura let out a tired laugh.
“Is it that obvious ?”
“A little.”
His tone was neither mocking nor intrusive. Just honest. She glanced toward the window. The soft morning light filtered through the curtains. Nothing like the harsh neon lights backstage or the burning spotlights on stage.
“I don’t really know what to do with myself,” she admitted. “I haven’t had a real break in a long time.”
Itachi crossed his arms, thoughtful.
“Konoha is small, but pleasant. There’s a trail behind the inn if you like walking. And Izumi always prepares something good for breakfast.”
Sakura smiled despite herself. She felt a strange warmth rise in her chest. Maybe fatigue. Maybe the relief of finally being somewhere where no one expected anything from her.
“Thank you, Itachi. For everything.”
He inclined his head slightly.
“If you need anything, I’m here.”
Sakura nodded, then slowly climbed the stairs again, leaving behind the scent of warm wood and the comforting calm of the inn.
For the first time in a long while, she thought that a break might not be such a bad thing.
******
After a walk along the trail and the hearty breakfast Izumi had prepared, Sakura decided to explore the town, wearing sunglasses that covered half her face and a cap. She could have looked ridiculous, but luckily the warm, sunny spring day meant plenty of people were wearing sunglasses and caps too.
Konoha was truly a small town. The kind you could visit in an hour, where everyone seemed to know everyone else. Its peacefulness reminded her of the settings of certain TV shows. Those towns that felt frozen in time, where every character eventually found happiness.
She stopped to get a coffee at the town’s only coffee shop. She had hesitated to go in, afraid of being recognized. Only the waiter made a comment :
“You look like the singer Sakura Haruno.”
Then he laughed, convinced he was talking to a simple look‑alike passing through town. Sakura ordered a latte and stepped back outside. She wandered through the streets, looking at the shop windows. She smiled. It had been so long since she had taken the time to simply live.
She stopped in front of a jewelry store, admiring the pieces behind the glass. When she turned to continue walking, she bumped into someone. Her latte spilled onto his shirt. She looked up at the person.
The man was tall. Much taller than she was. And his shadow almost blocked out the sunlight behind him. He wore a perfectly tailored dark suit. The fabric, a midnight blue so deep it was nearly black, fit his broad shoulders and slim waist with impeccable precision.
Sakura felt her heart skip a beat.
The man had features so sharp they seemed unreal. A chiseled jawline, high cheekbones, a straight nose. His black hair, slightly longer than average, fell in neat strands over his forehead, as if styled effortlessly yet with calculated precision. A rebellious lock brushed his temple.
But it was his eyes that froze her. Deep black eyes, intense and unreadable.
He looked down at his stained shirt, then at the crushed cup in Sakura’s hand. She removed her sunglasses, embarrassed. The man, however, looked extremely annoyed.
“You couldn’t watch where you were going ?”
“I’m sorry ! I didn’t see you.”
He wiped at his shirt with a tissue, only making the stain worse.
“If you weren’t wearing those enormous sunglasses, maybe you would’ve seen where you were going.”
Sakura’s eyes widened. She knew she was at fault, but that did not justify being so unpleasant. She swallowed her pride. This was not the time to cause a scene. A few passersby were already watching.
“Let me at least help,” she offered.
“No need. You’ve done enough damage.”
He turned on his heel and walked away without another glance. Sakura quickly put her sunglasses back on to avoid being recognized. Then she froze.
The man had seen her without her sunglasses and yet he had not recognized her.
******
Sakura went straight back to the inn to change. Aside from that little incident, her outing had been rather calm. She pushed open the door of the inn and found herself face‑to‑face with :
“Are you following me ?”
Sakura frowned. The man from the café was standing in front of her. His shirt was clean this time.
“It’s more like you’re following me,” she replied, crossing her arms.
She immediately went on the defensive. Maybe he had recognized her after all. Maybe he was one of those obsessive fans who stalked celebrities and, in a moment of madness, tried to hurt them. She had already dealt with fans whose behavior bordered on dangerous, but she always had a whole team to protect her. But here…
She glanced toward the reception desk. Itachi was not there, and she had no idea where Kenji was.
The man gave her an awkward smile.
“I wanted to apologize for earlier. I’d had a really bad day, and I took it out on you.”
Sakura saw in his eyes that he was sincere.
“It’s fine. Let’s forget about it.”
“I’m Sasuke Uchiha.”
He held out his hand. Sakura’s eyes widened. He had said Uchiha ?
“Uchiha ? Like…”
“Itachi is my brother. And you are ?”
Sakura pulled herself together and shook his hand. A tiny jolt shot up her arm the moment their hands touched. She forgot to breathe for a second. Her palm closed around Sasuke’s with a slight delay, as if her body hesitated between fleeing and staying. The warmth of his hand surprised her. She could not have said why, but she had expected something cold and distant, like his attitude earlier. She felt her own hand grow clammy. Great, she thought. She prayed he wouldn’t notice.
Her heart, meanwhile, had decided to beat a little too fast, a little too hard. She hoped it did not show in her voice or in the slight tremble of her fingers. When she looked up, she met his gaze. And that made it worse. Sasuke’s black eyes, calm and deep, were fixed on her with an intensity that completely unsettled her.
Sakura blushed. She looked away for a fraction of a second, then back at him, unable to do otherwise. She withdrew her hand a bit too quickly, as if she had just realized she’d been holding his for too long.
“Sakura,” she said, her voice slightly lower than she intended.
She cleared her throat discreetly, trying to regain her composure. But deep down, one thought pushed its way through : why had such a simple touch affected her so much ? She hesitated a second before continuing.
“Haruno.”
No reaction. Not even a blink. As if she had just given him a perfectly ordinary name, with no meaning whatsoever.
“Nice to meet you,” he said simply. “If you’ll excuse me, I have to go.”
He inclined his head slightly, a polite but distant gesture, then headed for the exit. The door closed behind him with a soft click. Sakura remained still, eyes fixed on the wood. Nothing. No surprised look, no raised eyebrow, not even that tiny flicker of recognition she usually saw when she gave her name.
Either this man was an incredible actor, or he truly had no idea who she was.
And strangely, it was the second option that unsettled her the most.
******
Sasuke arrived just in time as the bell of the elementary school rang. Itachi and Izumi had not been able to pick up Aiko, so he had offered to go. Sasuke had never been very comfortable around children. Even his best friend Naruto’s kids. The only one he genuinely liked, and loved, was his niece.
He saw her running toward him in the middle of the crowd of students.
“Uncle Sasuke !”
She jumped into his arms, just like she did every time she saw him.
“I’m so happy you came to pick me up !”
He took her hand, and the two of them headed back toward the inn.
“Did you see Sakura ?”
Aiko’s eyes lit up instantly.
“Yes,” he said “I met her.”
Sasuke grimaced as he remembered their first encounter. He hoped he had not made a bad impression on a guest of the inn, or embarrassed his brother and sister‑in‑law.
He had been living in Konoha for nearly a year. He had needed to get away from the city, from the big law firm where he worked, and from his wealthy clients. Itachi had convinced him to come recharge at the inn, despite their father’s categorical disapproval.
The change had been drastic, but he had eventually opened a small law office in town. Sometimes, some of his former clients still contacted him. Which explained his bad mood.
Aiko, meanwhile, continued to gush about the inn’s new guest.
“She’s so pretty and she sings so well !”
Sasuke wondered if this girl had bribed his niece to like her that much. All the way home, Aiko talked about Sakura.
******
Sakura remained still in the lobby for a moment, still shaken by what had just happened. She took a deep breath, tried to calm her racing heart, then went up to her room to change. Once alone, she leaned against the door, closed her eyes, and let out a long sigh.
Why did this man affect her like that ? She had met hundreds of people. Artists, producers, fans. But never someone who looked at her as if she were normal.
She shook her head, pushed the thought away, and changed quickly before heading back downstairs. She needed some air. And maybe a bit of company. Izumi had returned to the reception desk.
“Oh, Sakura ! You’re already back ? Did you enjoy your walk ?”
Sakura smiled.
“Yes, it was nice. I just… spilled a coffee on someone.”
Izumi brought a hand to her mouth, stifling a laugh.
“Oh no. I hope it wasn’t too bad.”
Sakura hesitated.
“It was… your brother‑in‑law.”
Izumi froze, then burst out laughing.
“Sasuke ? Well, you certainly made an impression. He hates stains. And surprises. And pretty much anything that isn’t perfectly under control.”
Sakura felt her cheeks warm.
“He came to apologize.”
Izumi raised her eyebrows, genuinely surprised.
“Then you must have really made an impression. Sasuke never apologizes.”
Sakura opened her mouth, closed it again, then tried to compose herself.
“I don’t think… I mean…”
Izumi gave her a soft, almost conspiratorial smile.
“Don’t worry. Sasuke is a good person. A bit stiff, sometimes. But he has a big heart.”
Sakura nodded, unsure what to say. She was about to head back to her room when the inn’s door swung open. Aiko burst in, dragging Sasuke by the hand.
“Sakura !”
She ran toward her, leaving Sasuke behind, slightly out of breath from trying to keep up with the little whirlwind.
“You’re still here ! I wanted to show you my drawing !”
She held up a sheet of paper where Sakura recognized herself, drawn with a microphone far too big. She smiled, touched.
“It’s beautiful, Aiko.”
The little girl turned to her uncle.
“Uncle Sasuke, look ! It’s Sakura !”
Sasuke glanced at the drawing, then at Sakura. His expression remained neutral, but she noticed the faintest movement of his lips, almost a smile.
“It’s accurate.”
Sakura looked away, blushing. Izumi stepped in :
“Sasuke, are you staying for dinner ? Itachi is cooking tonight.”
“I… yes. I can stay.”
Aiko clapped her hands, delighted.
“Sakura, you’re coming too ?” she asked, eyes full of hope.
Sakura blinked, surprised. She had nnot been invited to a family dinner in years. She looked at Izumi, hesitant.
“If it doesn’t bother you…”
Izumi shook her head with a warm smile.
“You’re at home here. And besides, Aiko won’t let us start without you.”
Aiko nodded vigorously. Sakura felt something loosen inside her. A feeling she had almost forgotten. As if, for the first time in a long while, she had found a place where she could breathe. She met Sasuke’s gaze. He said nothing. But that single look was enough to make her heart speed up again.
******
The smell of dinner filled the entire inn, warm and comforting. Sakura followed Izumi into the small dining room, where a large light‑wood table had been set. Steaming plates were already waiting, neatly arranged. Itachi stood behind the counter, focused on a saucepan. Aiko hovered around him like an excited little satellite.
“Sakura ! Sit next to me !” The girl exclaimed, pulling out a chair.
Sakura smiled and sat down. She then felt a presence behind her. Sasuke had just entered, hands in his pockets, looking a bit more relaxed than earlier. He greeted his brother with a nod, then took a seat across from her. Their eyes met for a second before Sakura looked away first.
Itachi joined them and sat down.
“It’s one of our mother’s recipes,” he explained. “Izumi says I make it better than she does.”
Izumi rolled her eyes.
“I never said that. I said you make it differently.”
Aiko burst out laughing, and Sakura did too. The atmosphere was simple, warm, almost familial. She hadn’t felt that in… she couldn’t even remember when.
She tasted the dish and closed her eyes for a moment.
“It’s delicious,” she murmured.
Itachi inclined his head, touched.
“I’m glad you like it.”
Sasuke ate quietly. But Sakura could feel his gaze drifting toward her from time to time. Not insistently. Not heavily. Just curious. Aiko, meanwhile, talked without stopping.
“Sakura, did you know Uncle Sasuke works too much ? Even when he plays with me, he thinks about his files !”
Sasuke raised an eyebrow.
“I don’t always think about my files.”
“Yes ! Even when you do puzzles !”
Izumi laughed softly.
“She’s not wrong.”
Sakura watched Sasuke. He seemed embarrassed, but not annoyed.
“And you, Sakura ?” Izumi asked. “What do you do when you want to relax ?”
Sakura froze for half a second. The question was innocent, but she was not used to people asking without hidden motives. She set down her fork and thought.
“I like walking. And listening to music. Reading, sometimes. But I haven’t really had the time these past months.”
“You should take some,” Sasuke said.
His voice was calm, steady. But there was something in his eyes. A quiet understanding, as if he too knew what it meant to lose yourself in work. Sakura felt her heart tighten slightly. Aiko, of course, noticed nothing.
“Sakura, do you want to see my room after ? I have lots of drawings !”
Sakura smiled.
“I’d love to.”
Izumi placed a hand on her daughter’s shoulder.
“After dessert.”
“There’s dessert ?” Sakura asked, surprised.
Itachi nodded.
“A matcha cake. Izumi made it this morning.”
Sakura felt a gentle warmth spread through her. She was not a guest here. She was being welcomed. Almost like a friend.
She glanced at Sasuke. He was looking at her. Not like a stranger, or a star, or someone he was judging. Just like a normal person.
And maybe that was what unsettled her the most.
******
The evening was coming to an end. Aiko had eventually fallen asleep on Izumi’s lap, and Itachi had carried her upstairs. The inn had slowly emptied of its sounds, leaving only the soft crackling of the fireplace.
Sakura, unable to sleep, wandered through the dimly lit hall. Her gaze fell on the piano. The same one she had noticed when she first arrived.
She hesitated. Then sat down. Her fingers brushed the keys. She played a few notes, timid at first, then more confident. A soft, almost nostalgic melody filled the room. She did not notice right away the silhouette leaning against the doorway. Sasuke. He said nothing. He simply listened. When she stopped, he stepped forward.
“You play well.”
Sakura jumped slightly.
“I didn’t hear you come in.”
“I didn’t want to interrupt.”
He sat on the chair across from the piano, arms crossed, looking thoughtful.
“Do you play often ?” He asked.
Sakura shrugged.
“When I have time. And when I need it.”
Sasuke nodded, as if he understood perfectly. A silence settled between them. Then Sakura broke it, almost hesitantly.
“I… I sing too.”
She did not know why she had said that. Maybe because he did not look at her like everyone else. Or maybe because he did not know anything about her. Sasuke raised an eyebrow.
“You sing ? Professionally ?”
She hesitated a second.
“Yes.”
He nodded, without the slightest spark of recognition.
“I see.”
Then he added, in a neutral tone:
“I’m not really familiar with modern music.”
Sakura felt her heart tighten. She tried to smile.
“Oh… I see.”
But Sasuke continued, unaware of the impact of his words.
“It’s nothing against you. It’s just that… today’s popular music feels superficial to me.”
Sakura felt the blow, but she kept smiling. As she always did when someone criticized her work. She was used to it. Some people, professionals or not, liked to take shots at her. But this time, it was different. As if what he thought of her actually mattered.
“Superficial ?”
“Yes. They all sing about the same things. Love, breakups, glitter. It’s formulaic. Soulless.”
He spoke calmly, without contempt. Just with raw honesty.
“To me, real music is classical. Jazz. Something that truly tells a story.”
Sakura lowered her eyes to the piano keys. A burn spread through her chest.
“I understand,” she said softly.
Sasuke looked at her. For a long moment. As if he had realized the weight of his words.
“I hurt you.”
It was not a question. It was a statement. Sakura lifted her head, forcing a smile.
“No, not at all. You’re allowed to have your tastes.”
But her eyes betrayed her. A shadow, thin but real, passed through her gaze. Sasuke straightened slightly, surprised by what he saw.
“That’s not what I wanted.”
Sakura shook her head.
“It’s nothing. I’m just… tired.”
He did not answer. He kept looking at her, as if trying to understand something he could not quite grasp. Then, gently :
“What kind of music do you sing ?”
She hesitated. Then answered in a breath :
“The kind you find superficial, I suppose.”
Sasuke opened his mouth, then closed it again. For the first time since she had met him, he seemed genuinely unsettled.
“I… I’m sorry.”
Sakura smiled. A fragile smile. A smile that said I’m used to it.
“It’s fine, Sasuke. Really.”
She placed her fingers on the keys and played another melody. Sadder. Sasuke listened, without a word. And this time, he understood that what she played was anything but superficial.
******
Sunlight filtered through the curtains of the small room when Sakura opened her eyes. She had slept deeply, almost restfully. But the scene from the night before came back immediately. The piano, Sasuke, his words, and the wound she had tried to hide. She sighed, got up, and went downstairs.
Itachi was there, as always, already preparing coffee. Izumi was sorting through some papers. Aiko was drawing at a low table.
But Sasuke was not there. She greeted them and stepped outside. Sasuke was sitting on the small bench near the entrance. He stood when he saw her approach.
“Sakura.”
She stopped, surprised by the softness in his voice.
“Good morning, Sasuke.”
He took a deep breath, as if preparing himself.
“I wanted to apologize. For last night.”
She shook her head.
“It’s not a big deal.”
“It is.”
He took a step closer, without invading her space.
“I shouldn’t have spoken like that. I didn’t know it meant that much to you.”
Sakura lowered her eyes.
“I’m used to it. People often have strong opinions.”
“That’s not an excuse.”
He paused.
“I didn’t want to hurt you.”
She looked up. He seemed sincere. Truly sincere.
“Thank you, Sasuke.”
A gentle silence settled between them. Then he added, a bit awkwardly :
“Do you… have plans today ?”
Sakura blinked, not expecting the question.
“Uh… no. Not really.”
“I need to go into town. For some errands. And if you’d like you could come with me.”
He looked away slightly, as if he wasn’t used to making such offers. Sakura felt a smile tug at her lips.
“All right.”
******
They left on foot, the sun still low in the sky. Konoha was slowly waking up. A few shops opened, shutters clattered, birds sang. Sasuke walked beside Sakura, hands in his pockets, looking more relaxed than the day before.
Always prepared for anything, Sakura pulled her sunglasses and cap from her bag. She noticed Sasuke’s puzzled look. She blurted out the first thing that came to mind as she tucked her pink hair under the cap :
“My skin is extremely sensitive to the sun.”
Sasuke nodded, eyebrows slightly furrowed. Sakura wanted to slap herself. Idiot, she thought. As if she could not come up with a better excuse. But he was polite enough not to comment.
He showed her the Konoha he had learned to know and love during the past year. The bookstore where he spent too much time, the café where he always ordered the same thing, the downtown market where he already knew a few vendors. Sakura noticed he sometimes slowed down to match her pace, or turned slightly to check she was following. Tiny gestures, but they touched her more than she wanted to admit.
“It’s a really peaceful place,” she said. “It’s different from what I’m used to.”
He nodded, as if he understood exactly what she meant. Then he took her to the town’s only music shop. Sakura had not had this much fun in a long time. These small, simple moments, shared with someone she was getting to know and starting to appreciate, had an unexpected taste of freedom.
******
On the way back, Sakura felt something shift. A new closeness. An invisible thread between them. When they reached the inn, Sasuke stopped.
“Thank you for coming.”
“Thank you for inviting me.”
He hesitated. Then said, in a lower voice :
“I’d like you to show me what you sing. One day. If you want.”
Sakura felt her heart tighten. There was no judgment, no disdain. Just curiosity.
“All right.”
Sasuke nodded, satisfied.
“See you later, then.”
He walked into the inn. Sakura stayed outside for a moment, heart pounding. For the first time in a long while, she had spent an entire day without a mask, without a role, without having to be someone. Just herself.
And Sasuke Uchiha had not even realized it.
******
The days that followed took on the shape of a gentle routine for Sakura. She spent most of her time with the Uchiha family. Especially with Sasuke. She lived in a small bubble she wished would never burst.
But reality caught up with her when Kenji informed her that the car was ready.
“The car is repaired. We can leave tomorrow morning. You’ll be on time for your next concert.”
Sakura had simply smiled and thanked him. Tomorrow, she thought sadly. It will all be over.
******
Sasuke walked past the small lounge when he heard a piano melody. He stopped and watched the scene before him. Sakura was seated at the piano, while Aiko sang at the top of her lungs and danced with enthusiasm.
Aiko had always been cheerful and sociable, but it was the first time she had grown so attached to a stranger. Though it was true Sakura was charming and fun. He smiled, remembering the moments they had shared.
“They’re adorable, the two of them.”
Sasuke jumped slightly. Izumi had appeared beside him without him noticing.
“Aiko likes her a lot,” he said.
She’s not the only one, he thought.
“She’s mostly her number‑one fan,” Izumi added with a soft laugh.
“Her number‑one fan ?” Sasuke repeated, frowning.
Izumi stared at him, stunned.
“You still don’t know who she is ?”
Seeing his lost expression, she rolled her eyes.
“Have you ever looked at the walls of your niece’s room ?”
What did that have to do with Sakura ? All Aiko had on her walls were posters of baby animals and trendy pop singers who all sang the same meaningless songs.
“It’s Sakura Haruno !”
He froze. She had said the name as if it were obvious.
“The most famous singer of the last ten years. She’s known worldwide.”
He blinked, stunned.
“If she’s that famous, what is she doing here ?”
Izumi knew he did not mean to offend, but she bit the inside of her cheek to avoid answering too sharply.
“Her car broke down, and she decided to spend a few quiet days here before resuming her concerts.”
Sasuke widened his eyes and looked back at Sakura. He would never have imagined she was a world‑renowned singer. Sure, she had seemed a bit unusual, but now he understood why. She was nothing like the image he had of pop singers. Empty‑headed, superficial, singing meaningless love songs.
He thought back to their conversation at the piano. Even though he had apologized and she had accepted, he now understood even better why his words had hurt her.
******
Sasuke walked past Aiko’s room, the door slightly ajar. He stepped inside and looked for the first time at the posters on the walls. Most of them were of Sakura. There was even a shelf full of merchandise with her face on it. He had never cared about such things, and now he felt stupid for not paying attention. Stupid for not seeing what had been right in front of him from the start.
“Looks like I’ve been found out.”
He turned around. Sakura stood in the doorway, a timid smile on her lips. She twisted her hands, embarrassed. Sasuke ran a hand through his hair, just as uneasy.
“Once again, I’m sorry for what I said the other day. I was full of prejudice. I didn’t mean to hurt you.”
A question had been bothering him ever since he learned the truth.
“Why didn’t you say anything ?”
Sakura entered the room and sat on the bed. Sasuke sat beside her, leaving a respectful distance. She took a deep breath.
“Because it was the first time someone didn’t recognize me. It was unimaginable for me, and it felt so good. I could be myself, without worrying about everything I did or said ending up on social media.”
Sasuke listened in silence. Behind the glamour and glitter was a young woman who wanted to live simply, to be loved for who she was, not for the star she had become. She touched him more than he would have imagined. In just a few days, she had already shaken his life and his way of seeing things.
He gently placed his hand on hers. To his surprise, Sakura did not pull away. She intertwined her fingers with his.
“When are you leaving ?” He asked softly.
“Tomorrow morning. Very early. The concerts start again tomorrow night.”
Sasuke nodded. She would disappear from his life as quickly as she had entered it. Sakura leaned forward and pressed a soft kiss to his cheek.
“Thank you. To you and your family, for giving me this little escape.”
She stood and left the room. Sasuke remained still for a moment, then followed her into the hallway. She was about to enter her room when he called her gently :
“Sakura.”
She turned, and they looked at each other. For a long time. Without a word. He lifted a hand and brushed her cheek, a hesitant but sincere gesture. She closed her eyes for a second, as if to hold onto the moment. Then she whispered :
“Good night, Sasuke.”
She entered her room and closed the door.
When Sasuke passed by her door early the next morning, the room was empty. She was gone. He stood in the hallway for a long moment, hands in his pockets, gaze lost. She had said he had given her a break.
But she had given him one too.
A break he would not forget anytime soon.
******
A week had passed. Aiko listened to Sakura’s latest album on repeat and watched videos of her concerts, completely fascinated.
For the first time, Sasuke listened to her songs. He then understood why it was not surprising she had become the number‑one singer. Normally, he would have forgotten their encounter quickly and moved on. But Sakura stayed in his mind. He couldn’t forget her smile, her gentleness, the way she had disrupted his daily life. It was as if she had carved her mark into his heart.
What an idiot, he cursed himself. He had fallen in love with a woman he might never see again.
******
Sasuke pushed open the inn’s door with a sigh, loosening his tie. His workday had felt endless, and he was relieved it was finally over.
He walked past the lounge when Aiko called him. He frowned when he saw Itachi and Izumi sitting with her. They were clearly waiting for him. He hoped it was not yet another “family meeting” Itachi loved to organize. He held them for anything and everything, and Sasuke was not in the mood.
Aiko grabbed his hand and made him sit on the couch. She sat beside him, eyes sparkling with impatience.
“What’s going on ?” He asked cautiously.
“Family meeting,” Itachi announced.
Sasuke rolled his eyes. He knew it. Izumi laughed softly, guessing his thoughts.
“Don’t worry. I’m sure you’ll like this one.”
I wouldn’t bet on it, he thought. Itachi handed him an envelope he had been hiding behind his back. Sasuke opened it and froze. Inside was a ticket for Sakura’s concert.
“I don’t know what happened between you two,” Itachi said. “But I can see you care about her. And that you haven’t been yourself since she left.”
Sasuke stared at the ticket. He had a chance to see her again. But was he ready to take it ? He had always been rational, grounded. He had never let himself be carried away by love. He had always listened to his head rather than his heart.
Izumi sat beside him and placed a gentle hand on his.
“I know it can feel scary,” she said. “When you meet the right person. The one you can imagine spending the rest of your life with.”
She exchanged a tender look with Itachi.
“Sakura is that person. Go to her. Don’t let your chance at happiness slip away.”
Sasuke lowered his eyes to the ticket. He was in love with Sakura. He was sure of it. But was she truly the one ? The one he wanted to spend his life with ?
******
Sasuke did not sleep a single minute that night. The ticket on his bedside table haunted him. He thought for hours, then finally made his decision. Izumi was right. He had to take this chance. For once, he would listen to his heart.
He drove all day to arrive in time for the concert. He did not know how Izumi and Itachi had managed it, but they had gotten him a backstage pass.
It was his first time seeing the behind‑the‑scenes world. Technicians running everywhere, musicians rehearsing, dancers warming up. No one paid attention to him.
He kept walking and eventually found her. Sakura stood a few meters from the stage, off to the side, pacing while vocalizing. She was wearing her stage outfit. Sasuke was speechless for a moment. It was the first time he had seen her like this. The sight felt unreal.
He took a deep breath and approached.
“Sasuke !” She exclaimed.
Her eyes widened, unsure if she was dreaming.
“What are you doing here ?”
He stepped closer and took her hand. Sakura automatically intertwined her fingers with his.
“This is the first time I’ve done something like this,” he admitted. “I’ve always kept a cool head. I never listened to my feelings until I met you.”
Sakura blushed and had to stop herself from grinning.
“I haven’t stopped thinking about you since you left.”
He smirked slightly.
“I even listened to all your songs,” he teased.
Sakura laughed softly. Sasuke placed a hand on her cheek.
“I like you. A lot.”
It was more than that. He loved her. He had not known it was possible to fall for someone so quickly. But he did not want to scare her.
“I like you a lot too. But…”
Sakura bit her lip, leaving her sentence hanging. Sasuke felt his heart tighten. What he feared was happening. She did not feel the same way.
“If we’re together, your life will change. Paparazzi, fans… everyone will know you. You won’t have peace anymore. I don’t want you to suffer because of me.”
Sasuke knew all of that. He had already thought about it. And he didn’t care.
“What makes me unhappy is being far from you.”
Sakura’s face lit up. For her too, it was the first time she felt something this strong. She rose on her tiptoes and kissed him. Sasuke kissed her back immediately.
The good and bad sides of fame no longer mattered.
As long as they were together.
The end