- Because I love you, Sakura Haruno. I'm obsessed with your presence; I worship the ground you walk on.
The tears came before I could stop them. I didn't deserve him. I was an idiot. I took refuge in his arms and he kissed my hair.
- Ah, Naruto... Will you ever forgive me? - I whispered, my voice breaking.
- For that little fight? Why, Sakura... - He kissed my forehead, a tender smile on his lips. - I swear it was you I waited for. I swear that every beat of my heart is yours. And I can wait a little longer... until you're sure that yours are mine too.
***
The atmosphere in Konoha was peaceful. I tried to mirror it, but I hadn't had a second's peace since Naruto asked me to teach him horse riding.
Another failed jump. I sighed and jumped over the fence to replace the downed bars.
- I'm a goner! - exclaimed the prince.
- Hold the reins tighter. You need to be in control.
We were still on the first level, and when he dropped the bar again, I couldn't hide my grimace.
- Oh, look at your face! - Naruto grumbled. - It wouldn't matter if I rode a chicken.
- Hmm, we could try. Do we have any around here?
He pretended to be offended and got off Felicia. Since the Selection had been reduced to just six girls, he was more anxious than at the beginning, when the thirty-four had arrived at once. I imagine he thought he'd have more time to choose. Now, it all seemed too fast.
Prince Naruto, heir to the throne, liked me. No, he loved me. He worshipped the ground I walked on and every beat of his heart was mine. Last week, he told me that if I simply stated, without reservation or objection, that I felt the same way, all this competition would be over.
I even considered the idea. I found myself imagining what it would be like to belong to Naruto.
But then there was Sasuke.
Technically, he wasn't my boyfriend anymore. Maybe he never was. But his arrival at the palace rekindled all the feelings I thought were dormant. Sasuke was my first love. One look at him and I knew... I was still his.
But now I was with Naruto. And when he took off his riding helmet and stared at me with those cyan-colored eyes, I wondered: what would it be like if I just loved him?
- What else do you suck at? - I asked, taking off my helmet and stroking Felicia's fur, who seemed relieved that Naruto had come out of his cell.
- Why do you want to know?
- Because you seem perfect, and it's great to have proof to the contrary.
- You know I'm not perfect.
- But you're almost there," I retorted, amused.
Naruto shook his head, a smile playing on his lips.
I climbed into Felicia's crate, gave her time to get used to my weight and led her to the start of the track.
- See the reins? Together, firm. The knees? Tight to the back. If you let her dance under you, you'll hesitate in the jump, and she'll hesitate too. Understand?
Naruto watched me intently, as if recording every word.
I lightly tapped the spurs on the mare. She took off, fast as the wind, leaping over the obstacles with precision. Flying at my command.
At the end of the track, I met the admiring gaze of the prince.
- You're incredible! - he shouted, coming towards me.
- I learned to ride before I learned to walk.
It was true. I remembered racing with Deidara, competing in jumps. And when things got tense, we'd roll around in the mud, slapping each other and laughing.
- What about you? What did you learn to do before you learned to walk?
Naruto laughed thoughtfully. But before he could answer, the soldier Obito appeared, waving.
- Your Highness," he said, inclining his head. - Forgive me for intruding, sir, but it's unwise to remain outside the palace for so long. The rebels could...
- I understand," sighed Naruto. - Let's go back.
He mounted Dancer and we headed off. Obito followed us a few meters away, far enough not to hear our conversation, but close enough to draw his sword at the slightest sign of danger.
- Would you like me better if I were normal? - Naruto asked, bringing his mare closer to mine.
- What would "normal" be?
He shrugged, looking at the fruitless apple trees.
- I don't know. A normal guy. Maybe a Three, who works part-time in my parents' store and meets you in the village square. If things were easier, would you like me more?
- I know it's hard to believe, but I like you just the way you are. With a crown, bodyguards and a dog with a duke's title...
Naruto laughed. He seemed happier. And that's how I wanted to end our afternoon: light, with his smiles and sparkling eyes.
His eyes... I loved them. That look carried innocence and discovery, a glimmer of mischief and a touch of exasperation. And kindness. Always kindness.
We left the horses in the stable and he led me through the corridors.
- Good evening, Sakura Haruno.
He stopped at the foot of the dormitory stairs, waiting for my answer.
I wanted something more.
I bit my lip and leaned towards him, letting my gaze reveal what I couldn't say.
Naruto didn't hesitate. He leaned in and kissed me.
It was a tender, soft kiss. It enveloped me completely, made me feel adored. And it left me wanting more. I could have stayed there for hours, but he pulled back too soon.
- Good night," I whispered, smiling as I watched him walk away, with Obito winking at me before disappearing down the corridor.
Exhaustion overwhelmed me. I practically dragged myself up the stairs, but when I reached my room, I suddenly woke up.
- "Ah," Sasuke muttered, looking surprised. - The fact that I thought you were in the room all this time probably makes me the worst guard in the world.
I smiled.
All the Elite girls were under the responsibility of the palace's newest guard: Sasuke Uchiha. Even though he was an unknown rookie, he was entrusted with the safety of the selected girls. The name Uchiha and the letter of recommendation from his father, the colonel, opened doors for him.
Sasuke had an elite team under his command, but he preferred to stay outside my door. And I hardly ever saw the other guards.
Knowing that he would be there every night gave me a strange feeling. A mixture of joy and terror.
But the tranquility shattered when Sasuke realized why I wasn't safe and sound under the blankets.
He cleared his throat, his expression turning angry.