The weekend arrived faster than expected. There was a sense of dread that bloomed in the pit of my stomach, consuming me with fear. Everyone I knew at this event was a friend, but maybe after, they wouldn't be.

I stood outside the Hyuga mansion, waiting for Shikamaru to arrive so we could start our investigation. For the first time, I felt an unhealthy amount of panic. I couldn't stand still, and the ends of my pigtails continued to dance around my fingers.

I feel like I'm gonna be sick...

"You look terrible."

I turned to my side, watching Shikamaru enter through the front gate. "Relax, Naruko."

I took a deep breath, holding it in until the panic became nothing but an uncomfortable feeling. I then let out a loud sigh, trying to regain my confidence. "Sorry, I've been on edge all week..."

"Don't be sorry," he said before knocking on the mansion door, "I'd be crapping my pants too if I were you."

I chuckled, thankful that he was with me. "Thanks for helping me."

"Don't mention it...I just don't want to see you and Sasuke like this. It's kinda pathetic."

He sighed loudly, rubbing the back of his head. "Once we're in, leave the talking to me. Knowing you, you'll get all emotional and mess everything up. We need to be discrete."

I clicked my tongue, annoyed by his accusation. "Fine...but what should I do?"

He lifted his hand to ruffle my hair. "Enjoy the party."

I sighed, bothered yet relieved that this was my only option. Shikamaru's a smart guy. I know he can handle this alone, but I want to help...This does have to do with me...

Suddenly, the locks to the doors began to move, and the door slowly opened.

"Naruko," Shikamaru whispered, "Have fun...You deserve it."

A sudden feeling of relief overcame me. He's right...It's been a while since I've enjoyed something...

I smiled shyly as the door finally fully opened. I owe you one, Shikamaru.

"Naruko! Shikamaru!" Hinata cheered from the doorway. We watched her eyes light up with happiness as she held her nearly three-month-old belly. "I'm glad you guys could make it! Please come in."

I giggled, glad to see how happy she was. "I hope you got ramen!"

***

Shikamaru P.O.V

Naruko and I split off. We had to stay away from each other, or someone might get suspicious of our unusual time together. Another rumor was something she didn't need.

I looked around the room, watching people talk and enjoy the food. I sighed, wishing I had never gone to such a social event, but it was probably the only lead we would have to uncover the culprit behind the rumors affecting Naruko.

I usually stayed out of drama, but this time, I was knee-deep in it. I had my suspicions of who the culprit may be, but a lie like this was insane, even for them. I knew jealousy was ugly, but never this cruel.

I stood by the drink table, refilling my cup while computing a plan to approach Hinata. I needed to talk to her, but Kiba hovered around her like a loyal dog, never leaving her side.

I'm going to have to distract him somehow...

I caught a glimpse of Akamaru from the corner of my eye. He was walking by, carrying a tray of snacks on his back for people to enjoy.

Looks like I found my distraction.

I walked up to him, taking a cookie from the plate on his back. "Hey, Akamaru," I said, catching his attention.

He quickly looked over, smiling happily at the sight of me. He gave a loud bark before pressing his face against my arm.

"It's good to see you too."

I kneeled before him, putting my drink on the floor beside me. "Akamaru, I need a favor," I whispered.

His smile turned into confusion as he listened to my words.

"I need you to get Kiba away from Hinata for at least ten minutes. I need to talk to her about something important. Can you do that for me?"

He gave a determined smile, ready to do what he was told.

"Thanks, I owe you a treat next time I see you."

His happy bark filled my ears before he started his mission.

I watched Akamaru bark at his owner, tugging on his jacket to get him to leave his wife. When he was finally gone, I took the chance to pull Hinata outside to talk.

We walked outside to the garden behind their home so no one could hear our conversation, but to avoid suspicion, we stood where everyone could still see us.

"What did you want to talk to me about?" she asked innocently as we stood outside.

I sighed, thinking about the mess I was about to make. "I'm gonna be blunt with you: Did you frame Naruko of being pregnant?"

She gasped loudly in shock. "Frame? What do you mean?" She gasped again, holding her face in shock, "Wait, Naruko's pregnant?!"

I knew it...It is Sakura...but before I jump to conclusions, I need proof.

"Relax, Hinata. She's not pregnant."

"She's not? Then what's this whole thing about framing her? I haven't heard anything."

I thought to myself for a moment. She was right; no one else had heard about this, only Sasuke, which was strange. This plan wasn't foolproof. He'd eventually know she wasn't pregnant after a few months, so why would Sakura do this?

"From what I know, someone used a pregnancy test to frame Naruko and split her and Sasuke up. The person who framed her had to be someone who hates her and is in love with Sasuke, so my guess is Sakura Haruno."

"Sakura?! But Sakura loves Naruko! She would never do that..." She suddenly went quiet and began to think. "But she was acting strange that day..."

"That day?"

"A week before Naruko and Sasuke broke up, I found out I was pregnant. Sakura was the one who helped me walk to the drugstore and supported me through my test. When I went to throw the box away, Sakura held onto it, saying she would throw it away for me...Oh no..."

Who knew the jealousy of a woman could run so deep...

"I have to tell Naruko-"

I was about to run off to tell Naruko when Hinata held me back. "No," she said as she activated her byakugan, "They're talking right now: Naruko and Sakura."

I growled, feeling my blood boil.

"If Sakura got away with tricking Sasuke, then she's a lot smarter than we think she is...we need to be careful now that we know the truth behind their break up," she said, glaring at the girl who was once her friend.

She's right...I need to think of something to have her tell the truth...I need another plan...

***

Naruko P.O.V

While Shikamaru went to investigate, I stayed behind, refilling my plate with food. Yet, no matter how much I ate, the seed of my dread in my stomach wouldn't go away.

Maybe these snacks just aren't as filling as ramen. Maybe I'll just hit up Ichiraku's after.

I was lost in thought, refilling my plate for the fifth time, when I felt a tap on my shoulder.

"Hey, Naruko!"

I slowly turned back to see Sakura.

"Sakura-chan!" I smiled happily as I hugged her, "I haven't seen you in a while."

I'm so glad she's here!

She returned a smile, then crossed her arms. "I've been busy with missions, and you know how Sasuke's always on missions now; it's hard to keep up with him!"

Sasuke? Why would she mention him?

"What do you mean...?"

"Oh, Naruko, did I not tell you? Sasuke and I have been going on missions together, and if I'm being honest, I can feel the sparks between us going off stronger than ever!"

Sasuke's falling in love with Sakura...?

Suddenly, I remembered what I saw from the Hokage's window after he had left me. It was as the old lady said: "Feelings change." I was facing my own Karma after taking Sasuke away from Sakura.

I looked at the ground sadly as I gave a weak smile. "Wow...that's great news...!"

She gasped as she patted me on the shoulder. "Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry, Naruko, I forgot you guys were 'in love' with each other at one point!"

At one point? So he doesn't love me anymore?

"Don't worry, Naruko. There are plenty of other guys-"

"I'm happy for you, Sakura."

I could feel the bitterness I held toward my friend begin to replace the feeling of dread. For the first time, I truly hated my best friend.

"Naruko, are you okay?"

I nodded my head, struggling to find anything to say.

The plan didn't matter anymore. It was clear that Sasuke no longer wanted me, and whoever framed me got what they wanted. There was no use in continuing to unmask them.

I was a fool to think I could take him back from Sakura. He loves her now. It's too late.

I held my stomach, ready to put on an act so I could escape our conversation. "Sorry, sorry! My stomach just hurts so bad from eating all this food! Don't wanna blow up their toilet, so imma run home. I'll catch ya later, okay?"

I waved goodbye, quickly trying to leave the home. While opening the door to the mansion, Shikamaru walked up to me and took my hand. 

"What the-?!"

"No time to explain; let's go," he said while pulling me out of the house.

"Where are you taking me?!" I yelled as we walked out of the gate that surrounded the Hyuga mansion.

"To make a plan!"

I quickly pulled my hand away from his as we stood in the middle of the road. He watched me in confusion while I tried to hold back my tears.

"What's wrong?" he asked. "Did Sakura say something to you?"

"What?" I was taken aback, surprised that he knew I was talking with her when I hadn't seen him the whole time we were there.

"Hinata saw you talking with Sakura...What did she say to you...?"

I wanted to speak, but the sudden tears that left my eyes caused me to lose my breath and cry. "Th-there's no p-point in d-doing all th-this!" I cried into my hands, embarrassed by my own emotions. "I'm s-sorry...but maybe it's be-best we stop..."

"This is such a drag..." I heard him sigh, "I don't know what she told you, but it's probably a lie."

I wiped my eyes, confused by his sudden accusations of my friend. "Why would she l-lie to m-me?"

"Because she's the one who framed you."

My blood went cold as my world turned upside down. The friend I held dearest to me was allegedly the one who was hurting me the most. "No..." I muttered in disbelief.

"She's been lying to you all this time. She never supported your relationship with Sasuke. That's why she framed you: to split you guys apart."

"It ca-can't be..."

He sighed, then walked up to me, standing directly before me. "What was she talking about with you inside?"

My heart sank at the thought of her words. "She told me that she and Sasuke are falling in love with each other..."I mumbled while drying my eyes.

Shikamaru looked at me blankly. "There's no way you believed that."

"Why wouldn't I?!" I spat, still thinking about how Sakura smiled at him the last time I saw him.

"Naruko, he's still in love with you."

My head began to pound. I didn't know what or who to believe anymore. "There's no way-"

"I came up to you earlier this week because of how angry I was that Sasuke could still love you despite you 'being pregnant' with Gaara's kid...Trust me when I say he still only loves you."

After finding out that my best friend was lying to me, I couldn't help but also feel skeptical of him. I felt like an idiot. "I...I don't know-"

"Naruko," he called, returning me to reality, "I promise I won't hurt you."

His eyes showed the same sincerity his words held. Shikamaru's not like Sakura...

I took a deep breath, allowing myself to believe in him: "I trust you."

He gave me a small smile, putting me on the shoulder. "Hinata and I came up with a plan to get you guys back together. I'll fill you in on everything, and by this time next week, you two will be kissing it out behind Ichiraku's ramen shop."

I blushed at his comment and quickly shook it off. "Okay..."

"You ready to go, Naruko?" He asked while walking away.

I nodded confidently and ran to his side.

Goodbye, Sakura...