Homeroom is quiet without him. Only now do I realize that we have practically spent every waking hour of the last month with each other. I feel lonely without Kiba in the seat in front of me. I find that I am constantly leaning and even reaching forward for someone who isn't there. The first half of the day is done and we now sit in homeroom waiting for the lunch bell to release us to eat.

"Missing lover boy?" Ino asks slyly with a half giggle. I know she approves of me being with Kiba, but that doesn't stop her from teasing me about it.

"What gave me away?" I ask glumly, slouching forward in my desk and resting my chin in my palm.

Ino shrugs and faces me completely. "I dunno maybe it was that hopeless stare or the way you keep reaching out for him even though he stayed home today."

I raise my eyebrows in confirmation with a slight nod of my head. "It's official, I'm pathetic," I confess in a mumble. "I didn't realize we spent so much time together until his sister came to visit and then we couldn't." I muse out loud.

"Well, at least you guys get to spend time together." Ino retorts sarcastically.

I raise an eyebrow at Ino. "Sounds like you may be projecting your own feelings into this." I've known Ino a long time and one thing she is very good at is making someone else's problems her problems, literally.

Ino waves a hand at me. "God no. Come on Sakura, I told you all this summer that I don't need a guy to make me happy. Especially a guy in this school. I need a man and I'm not going to find that here."

I sigh at Ino's miniature rant. "Some of us have already found a man. You just look in the wrong places." I mutter.

Ino just sighs at me and turns around in her seat. It's obvious that I am going to be in a foul mood all day because Kiba isn't here. Part of me is upset with myself that he has such a hold on me while the other part is screaming to get over it, it is what it is.

"You look lost in thought." A deep bored voice says from next to me, in a slightly humorous tone.

Instantly my brow crinkles at the sound. I wish it didn't, I know it's rude but honestly, whenever I hear that voice I can't help that my body instantly recoils. "Sasuke..." I acknowledge in a quiet voice, not sure what to make of his sudden interest in me this whole last summer. Not like he cared while I was spiraling into the depths of hell.

Sasuke smiles his heart-throb smile but it has no effect on me. I am dreading what I know will happen next. He hasn't talked to me this whole week, actually not since Kiba got back so I know he's taking advantage of Kiba not being in school today. "I was wondering if you had plans for lunch today." He asks with a cocked eyebrow.

His casual manner keeps throwing me off. My gut says he has an agenda but then I start thinking. Why would he have a secret motive? Why can't he just be trying to mend a bridge? Why can't we all be friends finally? I have been thinking these thoughts over and over all summer and have still not come to a conclusion. I thought that maybe Kiba would bring clarity to the situation but since he has been back he hasn't said a word.

Finally, I decided that lunch today can't hurt, and if Kiba gets mad well at least then the subject will be broached and we can finally discuss it. "Actually I normally go to lunch with Kiba but seeing as he's not here today the company would be appreciated," I respond with a smile.

As soon as I agree Sasuke seems to light up and instantly my heart drops. This was a terrible idea and unfortunately, I can't back out of it now.

"Let's all go grab some ramen!" Naruto chimes with what seems like a forced smile.

Always trying to save the day it seems, but this time Naruto really has. I am extremely grateful for his eavesdropping skills and ability to butt into other people's plans. I can tell by the crease in Sasuke's head that he is not happy with the intrusion.

Before he can say something I offer Naruto a smile. "Like I said the company is appreciated. The more the merrier in my opinion."

Naruto grins and I see Hinata sigh. "Could we maybe eat pizza instead?" She asks quietly.

I try not to raise an eyebrow at Hinata but her boldness right now is not like her. Since she and Naruto have been together she has never once said no to ramen. I can instantly sense the tension between the two after her remark and now I'm worried there is trouble in paradise.