Paris in The Rain @diaryofunwrittenwords - Tumblr Blog

Apr 24

Title: The More You Know Author's Note: I randomly thought of this yesterday and planned to make a short, 1000 word drabble and ended up writing a 7000-word one-shot. Things just don't go as planned, don't they?

Ignore typos and grammar errors, too lazy to proofread. Enjoy and, thoughts?

Still backstage, Sakura was unnerved.

Which is quite strange since she's been doing her hosting job in a little afternoon show in Konoha for years now, being her main source of income daily aside from being an actor in the country. She's been doing this for so long that she's learned to tune out the eyes of the audience and instead focus on the rapport she builds, the façade she creates, and the interactions between other co-hosts.

However, today's segment is not like any other she—they—do every single day. It's one of those episodes that features an international guest to appear for a while during the show, maybe play a few games with the hosts or perform for the studio crowd. Either way, it's those episodes that Sakura is always giddy about.

Most of the time.

What makes this episode so much more special—and equally nerve-wracking—is the fact that they're featuring not just anybody as their guest, but actually somebody that she knows all too well.

Someone as close as her husband.

Of course, not that the people know about that anyway.

Sakura Haruno—Uchiha—has been married for three years now to her long-time famous and award-winning husband Sasuke Uchiha.

It all began when Sasuke and Sakura met in an audition when they were only teenagers, aspiring to enter as trainees for a company that is known to produce successful idols after idols.

The decision ended up separating them. While Sasuke was fortunate enough to become a trainee, Sakura was not. Instead, she was accepted to become a part of a little sit-com show that included putting together different young people and acting out funny skits in a mokumentary way.

Sakura has been particularly devastated when she failed to take the first steps towards her dream of becoming a pop star idol, but all her efforts to be part of that sit-com show were not in vain seeing as how she became one of the most known actresses and TV personality in her time only at the age of 26.

After her debut in that sit-com, Sakura was sought after due to her natural charm and inclination towards acting. In the middle of filming that show, Sakura was offered another project; a side role in a film alongside big Konoha personalities like Tsunade Senju and the legendary Jiraiya, who appeared to take a break from his usual risqué projects involving content not too appropriate for someone as young as Sakura at that time.

Nevertheless, Sakura was more than willing to overlook their creative differences for the chance to work with such a veteran. And proudly she admits that working with both Jiraiya and Tsunade was an experience she dares not to forget.

She's learned enough and had her talent speak for herself to earn more projects with her as the lead, drama after drama, films after films, even releasing albums where she could finally pursue her dreams in the music industry—albeit only almost a side hustle—she's earned it all, and now, she's in her prime.

Sakura, looking back, still holds in her heart that little audition the became the beginning of her success, that failed attempt at an idol career and of course, the redirection towards where she would truly flourish.

Not to mention, Sasuke.

How her husband fit into all of her triumphs and journey was a very well kept secret by them.

The audition became the very gateway towards their friendship. First impression wise, Sakura thought right off the bat that Sasuke would become a great idol someday. Taking into account his handsome face, tall frame and lean body, there was no doubt in Sakura's calculating eyes that Sasuke Uchiha was an idol material sculpted to perfection, ticking all boxes of Konoha’s popular music—or K-pop’s—beauty standards without fail, even to the point that he's creating a whole new standard by just being himself.

Not only did Sasuke have the perfect visual, but he also had potential. He had raw talent that was yet to be tapped and the natural penchant for charisma despite being more reserved, often keeping to himself. But Sakura thinks that that quality of Sasuke is exactly what makes him so captivating—his mysterious allure and quiet nature is every fan girl’s dream, aspiring to be the one to break his introverted shell and make his handsome face crack a smile.

Not to mention, he was equally as wealthy as he was handsome. Sasuke's family, the Uchihas, were one of the biggest names in the business industry, owning up the majority of hotel chains and airlines that were hits for foreigners. If it wasn't for Konoha’s political system, Sakura suspects that the amount of wealth the Uchihas contribute to the table makes them almost the people underground, keeping Konoha thriving and competitive amongst other countries.

Sasuke was almost roped into the family business too as he was the designated heir of their Suna branch which was a venture that further strengthened Uchiha Global’s roots within the hotel industry, broadening their scope to other nations as well.

But of course, a massive family—or clan, seems more apt—with billions of money as merely spare change barely worries if one of their people diverged from the road not, given that the Suna branch was only beginning and Itachi, Sasuke's older brother, was also expecting a child on the way with his wife Izumi, marking the birth of the new heir.

Sasuke did get a few slander from the family, but Mikoto, his mother, was a force to be reckoned with. Even if her husband Fugaku explicitly professed his disapproval towards Sasuke's decision for not taking up the helm in the family business, one conversation from the supportive Mikoto had him shutting up and begrudgingly giving Sasuke his blessing to pursue a career in music.

How did Sakura know all this? Well, one could say that Sasuke and Sakura were very, very close when they were young.

In retrospect, Sakura and Sasuke did know each other a bit when they were children. They went to the same primary school together and were forcibly branded as ‘friends’, courtesy of Mikoto and Sakura's mother, Mebuki, who became mates as well. Though Sakura would admit, Sasuke was not an easy person to get along with as he almost shuts everyone out and rejects every suit presented by his schoolmates, especially the girls.

And Sakura, being of the female specimen, was not an exception to Sasuke surly’s demeanor despite their parents' friendship. Sakura even at a young age understood that people should not be pushed if they really do not desire one’s companionship, so she never persisted. That didn't mean she never tried befriending properly and breaking Sasuke Uchiha’s apathetic disposition, it just so happened that he was just as stubborn of pushing her away as she was of drawing closer.

Primary was a push and pull between their friendship, but high school was a different story.

Sasuke in high school was, dare she say, much more open to her than any other. It was a complete turn from his taciturn attitude towards her in primary, and greatly surprised Sakura. That didn't mean she didn't like the development though. If anything, Sakura embraced that change and used it as an excuse to draw as close to Sasuke as possible because after all, at the end of the day, he was still her first crush and the only person she could feel a romantic attraction towards.

And so began their friendship. Their dynamic was pretty odd—stares and silent exchange of gazes were their way of communication, brought about by years of pushing and pulling each other. Sometimes, Sasuke can be seen waiting for Sakura after class which raised questions whether they were dating, but the way they would walk side-by-side with a respectful distance between them suggested otherwise. Oftentimes, Sakura can be heard chattering about to Sasuke who appears to be completely annoyed at her prattle, but would never seem to stop her anyway. Once, Sasuke was caught up with an after-class ramble between their upperclassmen and his class, bringing out an unhinged side of Sasuke that Sakura never witnessed before. The reason? Because the seniors seem to be making fun of Sakura and her hair, which she found completely childish and trivial but Sasuke found insulting and worthy of a fight.

Thankfully, the chaos was all resolved after a whistle and from their P.E teacher and a back hug from Sakura to calm down the raging Sasuke. The whole ordeal was the talk of the school for a whole week, sparking heated but hushed debates whether the school's Prince Sasuke Uchiha was dating Top Student Sakura Haruno after all. Neither Sasuke nor Sakura paid heed to all those questions whenever they are put into the center of prying eyes that's discerning whether they are together or not. All that matters is that Sasuke and Sakura know what they really are, and that was enough.

Her feelings were clear, she confessed and showed since the beginning that she liked him, and Sasuke did neither reject nor accept her suit, but only expressed his gratitude—which was more painful than being accepted nor rejected damn—and didn't seem to treat her indifferently after her confession. Sakura takes as much as he gives and mends her broken heart, accepting the thought that maybe he did like her too but wanted to take things slow and enjoy their youth. Call it delusion, but Sasuke's lack of indifference is enough to comfort her brittle heart.

Sasuke was actually the one to encourage Sakura to audition with him, expressing that she had talent to become a star someday. A compliment coming from Sasuke was as rare as the blue moon, so despite earlier reservations about entering the music industry and stardom, Sakura relented easily from his praise.

Fast forward to Sakura's rise as an actress and Sasuke's massively acclaimed debut in a five-member boy group called ‘SHINOBI’, both kept in touch. Amidst busy schedules and jam-packed careers, Sakura never failed to call or text Sasuke everyday and ask for his well-being. She'd be fortunate if she received more that two replies from her chat, but most of the time Sasuke just texts back a like or an ‘okay’ and then she wouldn't hear from him again for the next hours.

Sakura thinks it was alright. She thinks it's normal for Sasuke to give curt replies, because frankly, she doesn't expect the man to reply with full paragraphs because that isn't like Sasuke at all.

For the majority of their youth and career development, that was what Sasuke and Sakura did; text, sometimes call, and if the universe was kind enough, occasionally meet face-to-face in a secluded and unsuspecting café and catch up with each other. Sakura treats it as a date while Sasuke only rolls his eyes. In her mind, she questions what they are—years of one-sided love can bring about millions of inquiries, especially when Sasuke doesn't seem to reject any of her attempts to cross the boundaries of friendship into something more.

More than friends, less than lovers.

For years Sakura settled with that kind of dynamic, most of the time craving for more but never putting it into action. Sasuke was the same as ever—nonchalant, curt, sometimes teasing, but still oh-so handsome. For a long time she told herself she was satisfied with what they had even if her heart was shouting more. Whatever Sasuke was willing to give, she received without wasting any drop.

Then came the boiling point when she couldn't take it anymore. She called Sasuke at the dead hours of the night, heavily drunk and mind a whirlwind of questions. The media was getting into her head and the ‘girl-who-waited’ roles she's been playing are becoming a little bit more true every second. The acting becomes less of a performance and more like an autobiography, the dialogues less from the script and more from the heart, and the film less like a project and more like her life.

She hears Sasuke pick up and ask her what's wrong, then she tells him that he's what's wrong and then all her insecurities were laid bare and her questions and all her unconditional love for him came bubbling until she just burst into a crying mess. She cries and cries that night, shouting obscenities at Sasuke over the phone for his mixed signals when he makes her feel something more but never labeling their relationship, barely registering the engine of a car arriving at her house and the opening of a door before Sasuke embraces her sobbing frame. Then he tells her I'm sorry then tells her that he's never meant to hurt her then again apologizes before he brings her face to his and captures her lips in a tender kiss.

It's all the answer she needs when they break apart and she sees Sasuke looking at her tenderly and apologizes again and tells her that he was afraid of the world knowing that's why he never pursued. He confesses that he's always cared ever since high school and that he was a bloody coward for not confronting my feelings and then I'm sorry I hurt you, Sakura.

And so began their relationship.

Years later, they married while still keeping their relationship a secret from the public's eye. It was a mutual agreement between the two of them to keep their relationship under the wraps. Sasuke's group hit global stardom, while Sakura's career was at its peak and its most successful. Coming out with groundbreaking news of dating, not to mention marriage isn't the best, and could definitely shake the stable careers they've built for themselves.

Sasuke said that they would reveal it someday, and Sakura also felt that same way. Their career difference lead them to rarely cross each other's path in the industry, which made it easier to avoid suspicion within their interactions which, quite frankly, is not entirely nonexistent.

Until now, that is.

“Sakura? Are you ready?”

Her co-host Ino Yamanaka’s voice pulls her out of her reverie, bringing her back to reality. She sees her reflection in the mirror, make-up done and hair styled beautifully in a simple but elegant look. Sakura looks at Ino through the mirror and offers a smile, controlling the turmoil she feels inside.

“Mm-hm,” Sakura hums, quickly taking her stuff and standing up from her vanity chair.

“The team says we're about to talk with SHINOBI before the air. You good to go?” Ino reminds her, looking as beautiful as she usually is.

“Yup, I just needed to check my make-up,” Sakura replies. She quickly joins her friend and they make their way to one of the rooms backstage. On the way, she feels her heart hammering in her chest.

This is the first time after a long while that Sakura will be interacting with her husband on TV. While they certainly have no problem talking ang maneuvering their way at home, being in front of the camera while pretending not to not know each other at all, not to mention married, is a nerve-wracking task for Sakura.

Just be professional. Just be professional.

She repeats this like a mantra in her head until they finally arrive in front of the room, the door plastered with a sign stating ‘SHINOBI’ complete with a picture of the group. She swallows hard and tries to calm down, tries to think of the fact that what the heck Sasuke and I are married we literally sleep in the same bed why am I so nervous?

Ino knocks because Sakura doesn't appear to be doing it, too busy with her inner conflict. They hear the rest of their co-host shout ‘come in’ from the inside, alongside a few shuffling. Ino opens the door with a smile, paying her greetings to everyone while Sakura quietly follows behind.

Instantly, her eyes zeroes on Sasuke, which she sees is already looking at her with a tiny devastating smirk, seemingly unharmful for him but it does crazy wonders to Sakura's muddled brain.

“So,” their co-host Lee enthusiastically begins. “This is our good friend Ino Yamanaka, and Sakura Haruno!”

Ino bows and greets again. Sakura follows suit and timidly smiles, looking at everyone but someone.

SHINOBI stands in response, doing their usual greeting. Their leader Neji begins the count.

“Hello we are SHINOBI,” they all say simultaneously, bowing perfectly aligned and rising all at the same time. One by one, they introduced themselves. Not that Sakura still needs introduction to know everyone, but of course none of them knows that she knows all of them already.

“I'm the group’s leader, Neji Hyuga,” Neji says, perfectly calm and reserved like a true cool-headed leader.

“I'm Shikamaru Nara, and I'm the main rapper of the group,” Shikamaru says—drawls—in a casual manner, seemingly tired from the whole ordeal already.

“I'm Kiba Inuzuka, the main dancer!” Kiba proudly announces, grinning and baring his perfect fangs.

“I'm Naruto Uzumaki, the youngest and the center of the group. I'm also the most handsome, believe it!” Naruto’s beaming while he talks, energy infectious that Sakura can't help but mirror his grin. Her co-hosts chuckle at his last remark while his members only roll their eyes at his antics.

“I'm Sasuke Uchiha, main vocalist and visual of SHINOBI,” Sasuke says evenly. Sakura maintains her smile and swallows, marveling at the beauty that her husband exudes—effortless but not any less striking.

How is it that I still get the hots for him after so many years?

Everyone proceeds to sit down after introductions are made. Sakura's co-host and the boys exchange compliments on each other's respective fields, expressing how someone is a fan of someone and how someone enjoyed someone's work.

“Oh, Sakura-chan! I'm a super-duper big fan of you, believe it!” Naruto grabs her attention, making her flush from the blatant declaration of admiration from someone so acclaimed.

“Oh, thank you, Naruto-san! I'm just as in awe of you!” she graciously replies, smiling more easily now.

“Just Naruto, please. I don't think anybody has been calling me ‘Naruto-san’ for so long, it sounds weird actually. Can I call you Sakura-chan?”

“Of course.”

“You won't believe how much Naruto has been talking about how he's a ‘big fan’ of you, Sakura-san. Literally, from our house up to here he's been talking about you non stop!” Kiba provides, shaking his head in amusement.

Sakura chuckles and feels very happy, infected by Naruto’s unending enthusiasm. “Well, I'm very happy that someone of your caliber is enjoying my work very much!”

“Nonsense, Sakura-chan! If anything, you were my inspiration! I had like a really big crush on you! Believe it!” Naruto says, or shouts.

Sakura meets Sasuke's eyes observing her, seemingly waiting for her response. “Oh, I'm…flattered.”

“Sakura's really beautiful indeed!” chimed Ino, “sadly, her forehead’s too big,” she joked.

Sakura flushes in embarrassment. “Ino you pig!”

Ino dodges a slap to her arm. “Too bad she's already taken, Naruto,” she adds.

Before she could reprimand Ino for spilling such a well-guarded secret, the damage has already been dealt.

“What?!” Naruto shouts. “You have a boyfriend, Sakura-chan?!”

“Well, not really…” Sakura awkwardly replies, conscious of the eyes looking expectantly at her. She holds up her left finger to show her ruby engagement ring and her wedding band before saying, “I'm married.”

Naruto’s eyes seem to bulge right out of its socket with the way he's looking at her ring.

“Wow…” Naruto appears speechless for once. “I didn't know…”

Sakura smiles. “I try to keep it private.”

“Why? Is your husband famous?” Naruto pries, genuinely curious.

This surprises Sakura because he's hit the bullseye, and being a bad liar, she's short-circuiting to form an excuse to not reveal crucial information.

Before she can stutter, Neji’s already to her rescue. “Naruto, Sakura-san clearly stated that she wants to keep it private. Stop prying.”

“Right. Sorry, Sakura-chan,” Naruto scratches the back of his neck, looking chagrined.

“It's alright.”

“Anyways,” another co-host of hers, Ten Ten, interjects and steers the conversation. “Before we go to the segment later, is there anything you want us to avoid talking about?”

The boys appear to consider this, looking amongst themselves and whispering, especially with Neji. After a few seconds, they look back at Ten Ten, then Neji answers.

“Nothing in particular. Maybe just not too much on personal lives.”

“Alright! We'll be live in about thirty minutes so feel free to do anything for the meantime,” Ten Ten says.

Instead of separating like what Sakura expected when Ten Ten gave the dismissal cue, none actually dared to move away from each other. It seems that her co-hosts are all enamored by the presence of five beautiful young men that have acquired global stardom, surpassing the careers of each and everyone involved in the little afternoon show that they host. Everyone was talking to everyone—asking questions, requesting selfies, and talking about common things they find exhausting within the industry.

Sakura, not one to appear rude, behaves and sits alongside everyone when really, her feat wants nothing more than to walk away from everyone and take a breather. She finds it hard to talk to anyone, not when each SHINOBI member had their own pair of host to talk to—Ino with Shikamaru who seems to be acquaintances, Ten Ten with Neji, then Naruto with Lee and Kiba, all of which were hyperactive in their own way. The only one left was Sasuke on his phone, scrolling but also seems to be just in the corner listening to things, not so different from Sakura's current predicament. Or perhaps benefit, in Sasuke's regard.

Sakura was about to chime in with Naruto’s bunch when she felt her phone vibrate beside her. She opens the device and sees a text from none other than her husband. She steals a glance at Sasuke, but she sees that he's already looking at her. He subtly gestures to his phone, silently telling her to reply to his message.

Sakura complies.

You good?

Sakura smiles a little at his text. It warms her heart to see that Sasuke has noticed her little anxiety and timidity over the whole ordeal of talking to his members, noting just how her husband cares even for the little things. Perhaps born out of a natural inclination for social anxiety or the fact that they've known each other since childhood and have been together for seven years—four years as boyfriend and girlfriend then three years as husband and wife—Sakura appreciates it all the same.

Sakura replies. Yup. Just a little nervous.

Nervous? Why?

Because it's our first time being together on TV after being married, and no one knows that.

Hm.

I'm afraid that I might slip up suddenly and call you ‘darling’ on TV, or say that you're my husband or whatever.

I don't mind.

But I do! Remember what happened when you got caught up with dating rumors?

Hn. It was bad.

It was ugly. None of it was true but the hate that Karin got for it was uncalled for.

It won't happen to you.

You're not sure of that. I mean, now that you're even more famous, it's likely that your fans are crazier.

I won't let that happen.

How can you be so sure? What if they come after me then ruin my career? What if they ruin your career and send your company trucks with hate messages?

Sakura.

She stops in the middle of typing another paranoid rant. She bites her lip, sneaks a look at Sasuke to see him side-eyeing her with a firm look. He then returns to his phone and begins to type.

It's okay if our relationship is revealed. I don't mind.

But what if it destroys our careers?

Sakura, I don't think any marriage announcement would ruin your image right now.

Besides, I won't let that happen.

Sakura applauds Sasuke's courage on the matter, but she can't help but feel apprehensive.

She types a response. How can you be so sure?

The typing bubble comes up and wracks Sakura's brain. She waits for Sasuke's reply impatiently, somewhat nervous about his answer.

Because you're strong, and we're in this together.

Sakura was taken aback from the reply. She lifts her gaze to her husband, eyes wide and sparkling from the surge of affection that she suddenly feels for Sasuke. If they were alone right now, Sakura would've run to him and engulfed him in a bone-crushing hug.

Usually, it's Sakura with the higher emotional quotient between the two of them, knowing just the right words to say whenever Sasuke is feeling down. But right now, she doesn't mind that Sasuke has taken the lead on the work that she is usually in charge of. If anything, she's more than grateful. .

. The show aired more than ten minutes ago. The hosts are almost finishing up with their daily greetings and usual beginning segment whenever the show starts, before they head to the main feature of the day's episode.

Sakura and Ino were in charge of announcing their special guest for today, and their cue to begin was right after Ten Ten’s thanks to the fans at home tuning into their show. Aware of the teleprompter in front of them which carries their dialogues, Sakura offers a neutral smile to the camera and audience while occasionally sneaking a glance at it to know when she begins to talk.

The cue arrives a little faster than she anticipated.

“Now, today is not just any other episode that we do, right, Ino?” Sakura looks at the said woman, signaling the beginning of Ino’s part.

“Indeed, Sakura! We are pleased to tell you all that today, we have very special guests that I'm sure everyone knows!”

The crowd goes wild at Ino’s words. The fact that SHINOBI will be guesting in their little show is no secret to the audience within the studio that day. But of course, the thought of seeing one’s global idols face-to-face does not make it any less exhilarating.

“Now without further ado,” Sakura continues after the crowd has settled a bit enough that her voice will be audible again. “Let us all welcome to the stage, Konoha’s very own global boy group; SHINOBI!”

The people within the study practically goes mad when SHINOBI begins walking to the center of the stage, waving at the fans and smiling, killing everyone with their carefully practiced charm.

When the crowd slightly loses volume, Neji begins their introduction and counts.

“Hello, we are SHINOBI!” the boys say in sync, similar to how they did a while backstage complete with the perfect bow and rise. Neji begins with their individual introduction.

“Hello, I'm Neji.”

The crowd cheers. Shikamaru winces

“I'm Shikamaru.”

He covers his ears a bit after his introduction, expecting the shouts which was unsurprisingly loud.

“Kibs here!”

Unlike Shikamaru, Kiba basks in the crowd’s noise and waves his hands enthusiastically.

“I'm Naruto!”

Similar to Kiba, Naruto delights with the cheers and offers an infectious grin.

“Hello, I'm Sasuke.”

Sasuke, as usual, only nods nonchalantly, but still receives the loudest cheer among all the members.

The show continues on with the hosts interacting with the guests, ideas referenced from the teleprompter but words flowing naturally from their own. None of them seem to find it hard to find a footing in keeping the conversation worthwhile—Ino and Sakura have been bickering like they usually do, while Lee’s obsession over youth has kept the audience entertained. SHINOBI is good at matching the vibes of the hosts, making the conversations come easily. The crowd loves every second of it, and for the crew that's all the matters.

A couple of minutes has passed before the teleprompter indicates a new segment to take place.

“Of course, for us to get to know SHINOBI better,” Ten Ten begins, glancing at the teleprompter to read her lines. “why don't we play a little game where their acting talents are put to the test?”

The audience’s scream seem to indicate that they're excited what's next.

“That's right Ten Ten,” Lee continues on with his lines. “Everyone, let's witness the power of youth and play, ‘Improv Theater’!”

The game's signature intro music playing in the background mixes with the excited cheers of the crowd.

“In this game, we will be broken into four groups with each group having a host as a leader, then we will be given a prompt with our roles,” Lee begins to explain the mechanics of the game. “Our goal is to act out a dramatic scene while delivering our lines, which the audience will be seeing on the screen,” but the hosts will be seeing it from the teleprompter.

“Here's the twist,” Ino takes her turn. “Within the scene, there are parts where our dialogues will be blanked, forcing us improvise for a dialogue and fill in the empty lines to keep the scene going,” Ino wiggles her eyebrows for effect.

“The winner will be determined through the loudest scream from the audience, and will be winning a free dinner at YakiniQ’s barbecue!” Sakura exclaims while everyone at the stage brightens up at today's prize. Feeling giddy at the reward and particularly cocky, she goes off her lines and tells everyone, “remember guys, I've been the winner at this game for 5 consecutive rounds now. Better give it your all to beat me!”

“Don't worry, Sakura. I'll be sure to beat you today!” Ino retorts, not passing up the opportunity to bicker with her friend.

Continuing with the game, the hosts lineup to draw the names of SHINOBI members who will be on their team. Sakura, being the reigning champion, gets to draw first and take two members from the boy group given their odd number of members.

Not feeling any nervousness at all, she excitedly draws two names, not minding who she gets as her teammates since she knows she can carry the scene anyway.

“I got…” Sakura opens the folded paper and reads out the names. “Naruto and… Sasuke!”

The last name prompted her to feign happiness when really, in her heart, she feels suddenly nervous that she will be acting with her husband for the first time in her life, albeit in an improv setting like this. Sasuke is talented, and acting was also something he could easily do. Though not as skillfully as Sakura, but still that's just because the woman received formal training for it while Sasuke trained with vocal coaches and dance instructors.

Sakura keeps her nerves at bay as her co-hosts begin to draw their partners after her. The line up ended up as Ino with Shikamaru, Lee with Neji, and Ten Ten with Kiba. When it was the time to reveal the scene, Sakura’s team leads off the game.

“Your scene is,” Lee announces, reading off the teleprompter which is simultaneously flashed on the stage’s big screens. “Your and your husband are in a honeymoon when all of a sudden, the wife's ex shows up and makes the husband all jealous!”

Sakura had to stop herself from getting a little heart attack with the way her heart is violently thumping within her chest.

“Your roles are; Sakura as the wife, Sasuke as the husband, and Naruto as the ex,” Lee finishes off.

Really? She and Sasuke as a married couple?

What are the odds?

“Why do I get to be the ex?” Naruto complains. “I'm better suited to be Sakura-chan’s husband than Sasuke! Believe it!”

The crowd laughs at Naruto’s antics.

“Remember she's already married, Naruto!” Kiba interjects suddenly.

“Oh! That's right!” Naruto beams in dramatic epiphany. “Will your husband be okay with this?”

She has half a mind to tell Naruto, in exasperation, that she's been an actor most of her life and has been taking roles of a woman in a relationship ever since she's been with her husband. Sasuke didn't mind one bit because that's her job, and she's nothing but professional anyway.

Still, Sakura bites her lip and glances at Sasuke only to see him smirking at her with a raised eyebrow in what looks to be amusement or challenge, she's not sure.

If only you knew, Naruto.

“I'm sure he wouldn't mind,” Sakura shrugs off. Suddenly, her mind devises a cunning thought, taking a leaf out of Sasuke's book who seems to bask at his wife's chagrin about their marital status and has been enjoying her discomfort about the whole thing. Sakura’s the one to smirk now with a challenging look at Sasuke, putting on the most innocent façade she could muster. “Right, Sasuke?”

The man seems surprised, smirk gone and eyebrows knitted to a frown. Sakura has known him long enough to know what that expression means, and so, she repeats her question, more devious than ever feeling a small sense of victory.

“Don't you think my husband wouldn't mind, Sasuke?” she repeats, sweetly as if she's merely asking him about the weather. You said you don't mind having our relationship revealed. Let's see your next move, Sasuke.

It takes a moment before Sasuke answers, and along those seconds the studio goes quiet in anticipation, both confused and bewildered at Sakura and Sasuke's sudden exchange that seems completely unrelated. Although, knowing Sasuke and his tendency to occasionally become speech deficient, Sakura shouldn't really have expected a lot, reminding herself how he could easily get away with just a few grunts.

“Hn,” Sasuke replies. From this, the audience visibly breathes a sigh of relief, confusion momentarily gone and back to their usual, loud selves. Sakura feels disappointed at Sasuke's reply, losing the thrill she felt when she began her initial taunting now that Sasuke once again became unable to form sentences.

However, if there is anything else that Sasuke can do aside from being speech deficient, it's that he can also be unpredictable sometimes. And so, just when everyone was about to proceed with the segment and begin the cue, Sasuke speaks.

“He wouldn't mind at all, Sakura, I'm sure.”

Sakura's heart skips a beat and she feels herself flush. She glances back at Sasuke and sees his taunting smirk back, head adorably tilted to the side. The crowd goes quiet again, and Sakura becomes aware of the tension that's filling the air while their eyes are still locked with each other, but she can't find it in herself to break eye contact. She suddenly finds Sasuke, not for the first time, irresistibly handsome and wants nothing more than to walk to him, pull his collar and kiss him senseless. There's an unnecessary heat building up inside her body, and she feels like she might light up in flames when Sasuke's eyes seemingly respond to her current state of mind—darkening and narrowing hotly at her.

“A-Anyway, without further ado,” Ino breaks the silence—tension—with a stutter and proceeds with her lines to cue the beginning of Sakura, Sasuke, and Naruto’s skit. “Let's begin Team Sakura’s improv! All together!”

The crowd chants in perfect sync.

“LIGHTS!”

Sakura's co-host goes to either side of the stage, leaving the three of them in the center. She guides Sasuke and Naruto with their blockings while the lights go a little dim and the giant screen behind them turns black.

“CAMERA!”

Sakura breathes deeply, willing her mind to enter the ‘zone’ and give it her all. When she feels zen and more than ready, Naruto taps her shoulders.

“Neh, Sakura-chan, does Sasuke know your husband?” he asks, looking extremely confused from earlier’s event.

Sakura, feeling relaxed, only laughs at Naruto and pats his shoulder, silently telling him not to mind it.

If only you knew, Naruto, was the last thing she thought before her ‘actor mode’ switch flicks on.

“ACTION!” .

. The scene begins with Sasuke and Sakura walking side by side along a beach shore that the screen behind them projects. Sakura's hand is looped around Sasuke's arm, her head rested on his shoulder and a small smile on her face.

“Darling,” Sakura begins, seeing her lines on the teleprompter. The audience screams at this, but Sakura's too focused to be bothered. “Look at the sunset, it's so beautiful!”

What are these cheesy lines?

Sasuke glances at the teleprompter for his lines, then directly at Sakura. “It is.”

Sakura feels blood rushing to her face. This is acting, Sakura! Acting!

“Sakura-chan!” Naruto comes into the scene, glancing at his lines. “Long time no see!” he says naturally.

If she's impressed with Naruto and Sasuke's acting, she doesn't let it show. Sakura sees in her peripheral vision that it's Sasuke's turn, so she waits.

“Who’s he?” Sasuke asks.

Before she could answer, Naruto engulfs her in a bear hug. She vaguely registers that the gesture isn't part of the script, but she goes with it and returns the embrace. This is improv, after all.

“Naruto!” she exclaims, seeing her cue. “Long time no see indeed!”

“I've missed you, Sakura-chan!” Naruto continues the scene.

The three subtly looked back at the teleprompter and saw that the lines had gone blank, and it landed on Sasuke's turn.

Time to ad lib, darling. She thought amused, quite thankful that it didn't land on her because she's struggling to come up with anything at the moment.

Sasuke, as talented as he is, doesn't let the blank screen bother him and instead seamlessly slips back into character. He snakes his arms around Sakura's waist, successfully separating her from Naruto’s hug. Sasuke settles her right beside him, body locked in his hands possessively.

“Excuse me,” Sasuke begins, tone polite carrying the calm before the storm. “May I ask who you are?”

Glancing at the teleprompter and seeing that it's still blank, Naruto goes along.

“Naruto,” he brings his arm forward. “Sakura's past love.”

The crowd goes crazy over Naruto’s impromptu dialogue while Sakura bites her lip to control the mirth threatening to consume her. Somehow, she found it adorably funny that someone as unsuspecting as Naruto can be quite good at procuring cheesy lines.

Sasuke looks at Naruto’s hand and appears to contemplate. She nudges him subtly, willing him to shake it but Sasuke doesn't budge. Whether he felt her gesture or not, he doesn't let it show and only ignores.

Deciding to just let her husband be, Sakura notices that it's her turn to speak, lines still empty. Conjuring up a little scenario in her head, she prepares to speak. Though before she could open her mouth and deliver an ad lib, Sasuke beats her to it.

“Sasuke,” he shakes Naruto’s hand, finally. “Sakura’s husband and her last love.”

This time, the crowd is wild with screams, hiding the shock and thundering of Sakura’s heart in her chest. She can't find it in her mind to berate him for going off script—or the lack thereof—when she, herself, can't focus properly.

Acting, Sakura. Acting. She reminds herself.

She sneaks a glance at Sasuke to decipher whatever pushed him to say those lines and sees him utterly serious, as if the matter is no acting nor skit in his mind.

Focusing on the task at hand, Sakura looks at the teleprompter and sees that it's Sasuke's turn—supposedly if only he didn't steal her time—so she decides to take the opportunity to get back at him. This time around, there were finally lines, but Sakura ignores the duty and grabs the chance to ad lib since she's missed her previous opportunity.

Feeling mischievous, she slowly—seductively—wounds her hands up his arm and speaks, in a sultry voice, “Darling, play safe now. Naruto is an important person of mine.”

There's an audible suck of breath around and the air is filled with almost tangible anticipation. Everyone can see their lines at the big screen above, so everyone knows how they’re purposely deviating from it. Although, it doesn't make it any less of a treat for them to watch.

Sakura sees that the next lines are finally filled and it's Naruto’s turn to act.

“So, Sakura-chan, I didn't—”

But Sasuke cuts him off prematurely. "Important person?"

Sakura's eyes flash in panic. What are you doing, Sasuke? Even Naruto looks utterly confused, his face blatantly astonished at Sasuke's improv and hey, that's not in the script! And it’s my turn!

Sakura tries to smooth it out. “Sasuke, I—”

But Sasuke seems to be having none of it. “More important than your darling husband on his honeymoon?”

Sasuke grips her waist tighter and maneuvers her so that she's partially facing him. Sakura feels like she can't breathe anymore at the gesture.

This is still acting, right?!

Even the crew in charge behind the segment are completely lost at Sasuke's ad libs. Ino looks torn between wanting to interject and cut the scene, or enjoy the drama unfolding. The crowd is just locked-in with whatever’s happening. The teleprompter is still running but the dialogues are far from the scene playing on stage. Sakura's pretty sure they're close to the end of their skit, but Sasuke can't seem to give a damn.

So, she goes along.

“Of course not, darling," she rests her hand on his chest, appearing to real her husband and his temper. "I’m merely trying to catch up with an old friend,” she gives a smile. “I'm sure you can spare a few minutes without me, right?”

Game on, Sasuke.

“I’d rather we don't waste any second of our honeymoon on other trivial things,” Sasuke replies, pulling her closer not minding that they're live on National TV.

“Then what do you reckon we do?”

“Guys, I'm still here w—”

“Maybe, go back to our hotel room and relax,” Sasuke smirks and ignores Naruto.

Sakura feels lightheaded, hot, and breathless from Sasuke's words and so, so tempted to connect their lips and thoroughly make out with Sasuke if he continues—

“CUT!” Everyone around announces, breaking her out of her stupor. The crowd screams a deafening cheer which calms her heart. Quickly, she disentangled herself from Sasuke as to not rouse any suspicion, smiling sweetly and dropping her character—despite having lost it already minutes ago—as soon as possible.

“Wow, wow, wow! Is it me or has it gotten hot in here? ” Ino remarks, wiggling her eyebrows at Sakura and Sasuke. The audience screams.

“Now I don't know about you, Ino, but I feel like that will be hard to beat!” Ten Ten says. “Who knew Sasuke’s such a great actor?” the people seem to agree with their shouts.

“I felt like Sakura had a run for her money there,” Ino teased.

“My team was really talented. I'm grateful.” Sakura admitted.

“I barely did anything!” Naruto suddenly complained, earning collective laughs from everyone.

“You were totally a third-wheel there!” Kiba chimed in.

“Don't worry, Naruto-san, you weren't any less youthful!” Lee taps Naruto’s slumped shoulders.

Naruto doesn't look appeased. “I just can't believe Sasuke took all the spotlight! That should've been me, believe it!”

“Too bad,” Sasuke replies.

“But Sasuke, we didn't know how creative you can be with making up lines,” mused Ino.

Sasuke merely shrugs. “It's improv after all, and I had a great leader,” he glances at Sakura. Suddenly, the heat stirring inside her comes back and her heart thumps rapidly.

“A-Anyways!” Sakura changes the subject with a blush, seeing the teleprompter with her cue and ignoring the screams of the audience. I'm a professional—professional, Sakura. “Let's proceed to the next team! Team Ino, let's go!”

The segment continued on with Ino, Lee, and Ten Ten’s teams. Team Ino ended up acting out a scene where a mother nags her lazy son, which turned out completely comical as how Ino didn't lack the qualities of a nagging mother and Shikamaru a lazy son.

Team Lee’s scene was about a taxi driver chattering endlessly at his passenger who wants nothing more than to sleep. Neji appeared utterly exasperated while Lee talked non-stop, occasionally going off script in favor of blabbering about the spirit of youth.

Team Ten Ten were about next door neighbors complaining about each other's pet while debating which between cats and dogs are better at the same time. Kiba appeared very passionate when he landed the role of a dog lover, while Ten Ten showed a very sly character that kept riling up Kiba. It was quite hilarious.

In the end, Sakura’s team ended up receiving the loudest cheer from the audience and winning the free dinner at YakiniQ’s barbecue. The show continued on and SHINOBI also performed a song of theirs right before the episode ended. Afterwards, gratitude were exchanged among the guests and audience, signaling that they're nearing conclusion.

“I wish I could have dinner at YakiniQ. I'm jealous, Sakura!” Ino complains while the crowd laughs, remembering their first game.

Sakura was about to say a creative retort when someone beat her.

“You can have our tickets.”

Everyone is surprised at Sasuke's sudden suggestion.

“Pardon?” Ino frowns, completely lost.

“You can have Sakura's ticket and mine,” Sasuke shrugs.

“She can?” Sakura questions him, equally lost.

Is he doing what I think he's doing?

“I'm planning to cook dinner tonight. What say you?” Sasuke asks her, unbothered by the confused people in the studio.

Sakura smiles, finally catching his intention. “You know Sasuke, if you were planning to say it you should've just told me earlier.”

“Guys, I'm totally lost here!” Ten Ten says, eyes flickering back and forth between Sakura and Sasuke.

Naruto seems to agree. “Me too! What are you talking about, Sasuke?!”

SHINOBI, the hosts, and the audience are all bewildered, tuning into Sakura and Sasuke's conversation.

“I think Sasuke is saying he's going to cook me dinner,” Sakura supplies them. A few people from the crowd squeals.

“But Sakura, you're married, right?” Naruto reminds her as if she doesn't know that fact. "Shouldn't you be getting dinner with your husband rather than Sasuke?"

Sakura shrugs. “Should we ask him if he minds?”

“Totally!” It was Ino who said this like it's the most obvious thing in the world.

“Let's ask him then,” Sakura mused. Everyone expects her to pull out her phone, dial her husband's number, and talk to him there. So, everyone raises an eyebrow when she turns to Sasuke instead. People follow her gaze. “They're asking if you're okay with it.”

Confused Naruto became even more confused. “Why are you asking Sasuke? He's not your husba—”

There's a pregnant pause in the air, then suddenly everything clicked in everyone's minds.

The crowd erupts.

“You're married?!” Naruto asks Sasuke amid the deafening noise. “To Sakura-chan?!”

“Sakura?!” Ino also exclaims. “Is this true?!”

Sakura looks at Sasuke for permission, to which he only raises an eyebrow playfully.

“Yes,” she confirms, smiling at Ino. The screams increase in volume.

“Konoha! This is breaking news!” Lee says.

“How long?” Ten Ten asks, looking very intrigued.

“Three years,” it's Sasuke who answers.

“That long?!” accused Naruto. “You didn't care to tell me, your best friend, that fact?”

Sakura laughs while Sasuke rolls his eyes.