I opened the door to my hotel room with a sigh. As soon as I walked in, Sakura wrapped her arms around me, questioning where I had been the last few hours.

"Naruko, please don't ever do something as reckless as this again..." she whispered softly as her embrace tightened.

"Don't worry, I won't..."

She released our hug only to be shocked by the expression I carried on my face. "Naruko, what happened? Why are your eyes puffy? Were you crying?! Did they hurt you in any way?!"

I shook my head softly before walking towards my bed and laying down. "No, I'm okay. Some guy saved me..."

She sat on the bed adjacent to mine, folding her arms in concern. "Then why were you crying...?"

"Because the view of the sunset was breathtaking."

"Naruko..." she replied slightly annoyed as she rolled her eyes.

I felt tears return to my eyes as I remembered the events of a few moments ago. My heart had officially been destroyed, but maybe that was a good thing. Maybe it was best to rebuild it with someone new, like Kakashi.

I sighed loudly before turning to my side to avoid her eyes. "Sakura-chan...I don't want to talk about it.."

"Okay...But Naruko...if it's anything I can help with, let me know."

I smiled to myself as I whispered my thanks to her.

While laying on the bed, I heard Sakura rummaging through her bags. "Hey Naruko, I'm going to head out to the hot springs with everyone. Do you wanna come?"

"Nah, go have fun."

"You sure?"

"Believe it!"

She breathed out heavily before making her way to the door. "Tomorrow," she said as she began to open the hotel room door, "Let's stick with the group. We can make fun of everyone as we eat everything around this place, okay?"

I smiled to myself again as my best friend fought to cheer me up. "Yeah...sounds like a plan."

The last two days of the trip were what I needed to get my mind off my problems. But I knew as soon as I arrived home, I would have to face my reality. In a week Sasuke would finally be gone and my life was supposed to return to a euphoric state.

Yet the moment I returned home, it was almost as if he were already gone. He wasn't cooking in the kitchen, reading the paper at the table, or even watching TV while sipping on coffee. Instead, he locked himself in his room and only came out when needed. Sasuke was slowly leaving me, and this was how it should be.

We were finally over, but our love remained. I could still feel his love when I would eat his food or see the notes he would write to help guide me through the day. I still loved him deep down, but the bandages Kakashi was using to heal my heart were slowly helping me steer down the right path: a life with him.

I want to be happy, but I also want him to be happy. I hope that he can find someone else to love him unconditionally.

***

A week had passed and it was finally Friday night, the day of Kakashi's basketball game. Sasuke and I still had not spoken to each other school trip, but I knew he would be living by the end of the week. I didn't know when exactly, but maybe it was better that way.

I stood outside the gym, holding my boyfriend's hands before the game against Saint Madara began. Our basketball team was chanting inside, hyping up the crowd as students from both schools filled our gym. Saint Madara's basketball team still had not arrived, so it gave me more time to spend with my boyfriend.

"Good luck out there," I said with a smile as I gave his hands a squeeze.

He pulled me into an embrace, kissing my cheek through his mask as he held me. "I don't need luck when I have you."

"You're so cheesy," I giggled into his chest.

"If you think that's cheesy, you're going to hate what I'm going to say next."

I looked up at him as he continued to hold me in his arms. "What're you planning?" I asked with a mischievous smile.

"Oh nothing~ Just...if we win today, you gotta let me kiss you."

My heart skipped a beat at his request. I hid my blushed face in his chest as butterflies filled my stomach. "Only if you win," I mumbled shyly.

He laughed happily as he hugged me. "You're so cute!" He kissed the top of my head, smothering me in affection.

I like this...I like being with Kakashi...

"Hey asshole!"

Kakashi released the embrace, allowing me to turn around to see the person who had shouted. As I looked at the stranger who wore the Saint Madara jersey, Kakashi returned to embracing me from behind. He then rested his chin on my shoulder, sighing as he eyed the angry boy.

"Obito, how's it been?" he asked with a nonchalant tone.

"Tch, who's that girl? I thought you had no interest in anyone," asked the boy known as Obito.

"This is Naruko, my girlfriend."

I smiled nervously as I felt Obito's hateful aura. "Nice to meet ya...!"

Obito rolled his eyes and walked passed us angrily. "Get ready to lose, Kakashi."

"Haha, if you were a better player then maybe I would have been more threatened by that."

Obito turned to stare back at him. Auras of hatred flowed from both of them and I was caught in the middle. Leave it to me to be stuck in an uncomfortable situation...

As Obito continued to insult Kakashi, my boyfriend responded with passive-aggressive comments that even made me shiver. I sighed as Kakashi held me between their petty bickering. While I was held hostage, my eyes began to wander around. I watched the other Saint Madara players make their way into the gym, eyeing each player to see if they were all as handsome as Sakura said they were.

Ehhh he's okay...Cute, cute, not so cute-

My eyes widened as I saw a familiar style of raven-colored hair in the group of players. Is that...Sasuke...?

I quickly shook my head, remembering that Sasuke had told me that his current self went to a school in the countryside. I'm just imagining things...There's no way that's Sasuke...

Obito had finally walked away, and Kakashi continued to cling onto me. He lowered his head to my cheek, kissing me again before whispering sweetly into my ear, "I'm gonna make sure to win, so you better be ready to give me my prize."

I covered my face with my hands in embarrassment as he teased me. "Kakashi~," I complained shyly.

He giggled happily, letting me go as he ran into the gym. I smiled to myself, content with my present. Everything happens for a reason...and Kakashi is now my everything.

I began to walk into the gym, making my way to sit beside Sakura who was there to cheer on her mysterious crush from Saint Madara.

"You guys really spent 20 minutes making out, huh?" She teased while elbowing my arms.

I slapped her shoulder playfully while rolling my eyes. "No, we were not making out."

"Boo, you guys are boring."

"Boring but happy," I replied with a chuckle.

She smiled as she watched me laugh. "I'm glad you're back to normal, Naruko."

I nodded, watching Kakashi from the bleachers. "Me too..."

***

Sasuke P.O.V

After Naruko left me on the school trip, I made my way to Naori to talk to her. She helped guide me on what to do as I cried to her. And like before, she gave me the strength to finish what I started.

I waited in front of the Saint Madara's school gates in the clothes I wore when I first arrived in this time three weeks ago. Now that everything had been settled, it was time for me to go back to the future where I belong.

"Sasuke-kun!"

I looked ahead of me to see Naori running towards me. "I'm sorry I'm late..." She said out of breath, "Losing those stupid bodyguards is even harder now..."

I pushed myself off the wall, walking away towards Naruko's apartment. "It's fine. We have to hurry to Naruko's apartment before she gets back. I want to leave soon so I won't have to say goodbye again..."

Naori walked beside me in a huff.

"What?" I asked, familiar with her annoyed tone.

"You should have at least told her you were leaving..."

I closed my eyes, sighing softly: "I told you Naori, Naruko and I have agreed to let each other go. It's better this way."

"I don't think it is..."

I wanted to tell her when I would leave so I could keep my promise to always let her know when I would be leaving, but again, I had to break it. It would be harder for both of us to let go if I said anything. She was happy now and I had no right to ruin that for her.

"You sure you're not making a mistake?" she asked.

I nodded my head. As long as she is happy, I'll be fine with whatever future I receive.

***

We finally made it to her apartment. I was opening the door when Naori began to question me and my choices again. "Sasuke-kun, are you really sure about this?"

"Yes..."

She bit her lip, trying to hold back her thoughts. Naori was always one to speak her mind like Naruko, but for her to hold back meant that it had to be something important.

I sighed while walking into the apartment. "What is it?"

"It's just...this time's Sasuke needs Naruko...I don't know how he--no-- you will turn out without her. So please, please make sure that you're certain about this. You won't only be sacrificing your future but yourself as well."

As I made my way into my room, I reached into my bag to take out the time machine gadget that I had stolen from Orochimaru. I placed it on the floor, activating it so it could begin to open the portal.

"Naori...I'm willing to sacrifice everything for her."

She shook her head in defeat. "I just hope you won't regret this."

I closed my eyes, before responding to her: "I won't."

I sat on the bed, taking in this final moment in her apartment. My eyes scanned the room, comparing this time's bland room with the nursery we had built in the future. After we eloped, this room was bare, and even after giving the room a purpose in the future, it continued to be unused.

Please let her senpai give her the future I couldn't...

Naori and I sat in silence as we waited for the gadget to start up. "How long is this suppose to take?" She asked slightly annoyed.

"It takes about two hours for it to start."

"Two hours?! At this rate, she'll be back before you leave!"

I raised an eyebrow at her statement. "What do you mean?"

Naruko and I had stopped telling each other about our whereabouts this last week. I had no idea where she could be, but the note she left this morning said she would be gone until late at night. It was currently 7:30 which meant I should have enough time until she arrived.

Naori rubbed her temples anxiously. "Naruko's at the basketball game between Saint Madara and Konoha high."

My eyes widened at the unexpected turn of events. "How is that even possible? That game was played three weeks ago, so why is there another one?"

"Obito-senpai challenged Konoha's team to a rematch, and for the first time, their captain agreed to the rematch for some reason...Sasuke-kun, Naruko's going to finally meet the current you."

I covered my face with my hands in defeat. "Why...? Why would this happen now..." Feelings don't go away in a week, it takes time...If she sees me, it's almost guaranteed she'll come back to the apartment to see me.

"How much time do we have?" I asked her.

"Not enough."

***

Naruko P.O.V

"Come on already; you stupid Saint Madara kids better let my hottie play!" yelled Sakura at the top of her lungs.

I chuckled as I continued to watch Kakashi rule the court. The way he gracefully avoided the enemy players was almost as entrancing as watching Sasuke cook. He jumped, tossing the ball into the hoop, scoring a point for the team. Then, the referee blew his whistle to end the third quarter.

"Ugh, I swear if I don't see my raven-haired hottie play, I'm gonna sue Saint Madara."

I rolled my eyes at Sakura's obsessive crush. I still hadn't seen Sakura's mysterious crush nor did I know his name. The whole game I had been eyeing Kakashi, never letting my eyes wander to any other man. He was the only one I wanted to see...or the only one I would allow myself to see.

The referee blew his whistle again, starting the fourth quarter. I waved at Kakashi as he winked at me from below. Suddenly, Sakura shrieked loudly: "It's him! Sasuke-kun! They're finally letting him play!"

My heart dropped at the mention of that name. No...there's no way it could be Sasuke...

She shook my shoulder excitedly as she continued to fangirl. "Naruko look! That's my crush, Sasuke Uchiha!"

No...There's no way...

I slowly looked over to the court to see this time's Sasuke scoring basket after basket. My heart sank as the person I loved was somehow in front of me. He was young, expressionless, and as good looking as the Sasuke from the future, maybe even more handsome. But why was he playing for Saint Madara?

I turned towards Sakura with a shaken expression. "Sakura-chan, why does he go to Saint Madara...?"

"Huh? That's a silly question. It's because he's an Uchiha. All Uchiha's go to Saint Madara. It's like a clan rule or something."

I slowly turned back over to watch the game. In that moment, everything suddenly began to fall into place. The reason why Sasuke made me avoid that school, how he knew Naori, and the reasons we couldn't be together. Sasuke and I were literally from two different worlds.

The rest of the game felt as if it were moving in slow motion. Sasuke was right in front of me and I couldn't do anything about it. The badges Kakashi had applied to my heart were slowly falling, making way for the sweet poison that was my love for Sasuke to seep through.

I was stuck in a trance and I couldn't take my eyes off the person who would have been my husband. Sasuke...

The referee blew their whistle again, ending the game and announcing Konoha High as the winner. Within the split second that Sasuke looked up to the crowd, our eyes met. It was as if time had completely stopped, making that second feel like forever.

"Damn it! Saint Madara would have won if they would have let Sasuke play sooner!" Complained Sakura.

My eyes continued to follow Sasuke until he exited the gym with the rest of the Saint Madara team. I stood up from my seat with an urge to run after him but I didn't allow my emotions to control me.

"Sakura-chan...go home without me...I have to talk to Kakashi..."

"Aye aye captain!" She elbowed me with a wink before making her way out of the gym.

All of the Konoha high had finally left the gym, yet I continued to stand at the top of the bleachers in a trance. My thoughts were full of Sasuke and the regret of what could have been. Tears began to fill my eyes and I no longer had control over my body.

"Naruko!"

I jumped at the sudden call of my name. I saw Kakashi smiling at me from the court, signaling me to come over. I quickly shook my head, wiping my eyes before going to meet him.

As I walked down the stairs, he sprinted towards me, meeting me halfway. His arms opened to embrace me, and like before, I began to feel guilt.

"Told you I would make sure to win," he whispered seductively in my ear.

This doesn't feel right...It's never felt right...

He slowly pulled away to use his hands to lower his mask. He then smiled at me, caressing my cheek as I looked into his eyes. "Naruko, you're special...You're my little breath of fresh air."

My lips began to tremble, so I quickly hid my face in his chest. "Congrats," I whispered.

He chuckled, slowly backing away so he could grab ahold of my face again. His thumbs brushed my lips as he stared at me with affectionate eyes. "Naruko..." His voice was as sweet as honey, and his touches sent shivers down my spine. "You really do make me a better person..." His lips began to slowly approach mine as he held my face in his warm hands.

This was the perfect moment for a kiss, but the sweet poison that was released into my heart again was making it hard for me to enjoy this moment. Why...why does this feel so wrong...?

His lips lightly pressed against mine, sending tears down my eyes. In that moment when our lips touched, I finally released that no matter how hard I tried to love Kakashi, I just couldn't. He wasn't the one, and the kiss was enough to confirm that.

I did love Kakashi, but it was different than the love I felt for Sasuke. Sasuke was my soulmate and as hard as he tried to keep me away, I couldn't help but run back. We were not like Romeo and Juliet. We were not star-crossed lovers that were cursed to fail, but soul mates that the universe kept trying to bring together.

I had to stop lying to myself. Without Sasuke, I could never be truly happy. No matter who else I possibly love in the future, he would always be there, lingering in my heart with the regret of what could have been. I want to be with Sasuke no matter what. I'm done doing what he wants me to do; it's time I do what I want.

I slowly pulled away from Kakashi and wiped my tears.

"Naruko...? Are you okay? Did...did I do something wrong?"

I shook my head as I wiped my nose with my sleeve. "No, you didn't do anything wrong...! It's just...there's this person...and I need to see them before they leave, or I'll regret it for the rest of my life..."

His expression saddened as if he knew who I was talking about. He raised his mask over his face and hugged me once more. "Go to them..."

"Thank you..."

Kakashi released me from his hold slowly as if he knew it would be the last time he would hold me. I gave him a grateful smile before making my way out of the gym.

Something inside of me was telling me to run home. I needed to see Sasuke one last time before he would leave me forever.