Summary: It’s new years, which means the start of a new year, but also the start of a blossoming relationship.
Rating: K.
Prompt: SSM 2020 Day 26: something sweet
A/N: I thought this chapter fits well to the prompt, so I’m dedicating this chapter for SSMonth day 26!
New Years Eve. A day full of festivities as families gather together and celebrate the arrival of a new year, new beginning.
The office is empty since most of the staff has gone back to their hometowns to be with their families.
8:00PM.
Sakura glances at the clock on the wall before letting out a heavy sigh. Of all places she could be, she decides to spend her whole New Years Eve at the office doing some pesky paper work. She did promise her parents she is going to go home on New Years Day. She just doesn’t want a pile of work to be waiting for her when she comes back from her short needed vacation.
“It’s okay it’ll all be worth it.” She says to herself. Stacks of paper adorn the table in the conference room. Having the whole office for herself means having a larger workspace compared to the usual 8x8 cubicle space-even though that’s already considered spacious compared to other offices.
Without a time to waste, she begins scribbling down notes, stacking paper on top of paper, putting them into folders before setting them aside on the corner of the table.
She’s too engrossed in her task that she doesn’t notice Sasuke walking pass the half opaque half transparent glass wall that covers the conference room. Sasuke stops in his tracks before knocking on the door and peaking inside.
“Sakura?”
“Oh! Sasuke-kun! I didn’t see- wait why are you here? Shouldn’t you be at home?”
“Got bored.”
“Ah...” There’s a moment of silence, only because Sakura’s contemplating on whether or not she should say this,
“Umm well... Do you wanna keep me company? I could use someone to keep me from being bored.” She gives him a smile. Sasuke doesn’t say a word but pushes the door open, allowing him to step inside and take a seat right next to her. She swears she can feel her cheeks getting redder, and prays Sasuke doesn’t see it.
“What are these?”
“Oh I’m just organizing some meeting notes from last week, and wrapping up some documents from last week’s photoshoot. I figured if I finish them earlier, then I won’t have to worry about them after I come back from my vacation.” Sakura answers as she flips pages of paper.
“Hn.” She lets a few moments pass with just noises of paper rustling around filling up the room.
“Well what about you? Aren’t you going to go see your family?” Am I being too nosy again? Sakura thinks to herself. But she dared herself to ask the question anyway.
“They’re busy.”
“Oh I see. I guess the dorm can be a bit lonely when you’re there by yourself.” Sasuke doesn’t answer. Sakura ponders whether it was something okay for her to say. She quickly steers the conversation away.
“Hey can you help me pass that folder over there?” Sakura asks while pointing to a folder just in front of Sasuke, not too far from her but nonetheless she would have to scooch over in order to get it.
Sasuke grabs the folder and hands it to her, accidentally brushing over her hand in the process.
“Thanks.” A few moments pass more, and Sakura’s mind becomes more and more focused at finishing the task in front of her. Meanwhile, Sasuke stands up and walks out of the room. She watches his back as he exits and makes a turn towards the elevator.
Her shoulders deflate, thinking, Did he feel uncomfortable being around me?
A part of her feels relieved now that Sasuke is gone, she can actually focus on her task, but a part of her wishes he would still be here. After spending so much time with him at work, she’s gotten used to his presence and even though he doesn’t say much, it’s not half as bad.
“Oh well..” She continues to put papers in separate folders and tucking them away in that corner she’s dedicated.
A few minutes later, Sasuke comes back to the room, this time with two bottles of coffee in his hand. He places one in front of her and holds the other one for himself.
“Thank you.” Sakura can’t help but form a smile. She grabs the bottle. It’s so warm. She takes a few sips and relishes in the warmth spreading through her. Part of it is probably from the beverage, but she would agree that most of it is from his thoughtful gesture.
Sasuke settles back into his previous spot and scrolls through his phone.
She continues to do her work, while Sasuke just sits there, minding her own space but still close enough so that she can feel his presence. To her, it feels.. calming. Hours pass by and she doesn’t even know when she laid her head on her arms, thinking that she would only take a five minute break when she would actually pass out from the drowsiness.
The next time she opens her eyes, the office is brightly lit by the morning sun.
“What time is it?” She glances at the clock. “WHAT?! IT’S 8AM?! How long was I out?” She straightens her back and feels a piece of cloth drop from her shoulders. Confused, she grabs onto it. I don’t remember ever having a blanket with me...
Unbeknownst to her, Sasuke had draped a blanket on top of her. And boy he had to go to other rooms to find a blanket warm enough.
She glances the room and finds that all the papers have been stacked together in front of her. One stack of paper filled with costume ideas, one stack of folders, and another stack of other documents to file.
Did I do this?
On the side, she sees a bottle of coffee, this time still full, with a sticky note on it that says,
Happy new year, Sakura.
She smiles as bright as the morning sun, what a good way to start the year.
songs that capture Sasuke and Sakura's relationship and all they've been through together and apart yet always under the same sky
🎧 ▻ listen
will be updated daily throughout ssm2020
The thread + snippets:
Hi! I’m making a thread of songs and snippets on twitter for SasuSaku Month 2020! heehee I’ll be updating the thread throughout ssmonth with links to songs, lyrics, and snippets that I feel capture this ship so well. These songs I’ve accumulated over 10 years of shipping SasuSaku and I’m so excited to share them!! I’ve always wanted to make a compilation of all the songs that remind me of Sasuke and Sakura and thought this was the perfect opportunity. :D Anyway, I hope yall like it!! Feel free to tell me what you think!! ♥️
Summary: The beach is a mysterious place. It has the power to bring people together, to provide understanding towards each other, and oneself. And it sure brought Sasuke and Sakura closer.
Rating: K.
Prompt: SSM 2020 Day 31′s free prompt
A/N: I’m particularly fond of this chapter, because I feel like Sasuke and Sakura have always had a special bond, and I want to highlight it in this chapter. They enjoy each other’s presence, without even trying. This is dedicated for the last day of 2020 Sasusaku month.
Spring.
A comeback is in the making, which also means everyone will be busy in the next couple of months. K-4 is scheduled for an overseas photoshoot and another music video shoot. More exactly, in the warm paradise, Jeju Island.
Despite the high amount of stress, everyone is more than excited to go on their first overseas trip together. Nonetheless, with the amount of preparation that needs to be done, Sakura is constantly on the phone with a couple of designers or being in meetings with the creative director. They are determined to make this next album even more successful than the previous one, and that means making sure everything is in perfection.
Landing in Jeju, the team is greeted by the warm but cool breeze. The sun is just almost set and the sky is painted in a beautiful pink and orange hue. The drive to the hotel seems long, perhaps due to the fatigue from the flight, despite it being a short one.
According to their schedule, the photoshoot should last two days, and the music video shoot for three. The first four days is so busy that all Sakura could think about is work work work. Helping the team set up, taking care of the outfits, and making minor adjustments along the way sure made Sakura weary.
On the last day, they are able to end all activities around 5PM, and everyone gets some free time on the island before they have to go back home to Tokyo.
“Hey Sakura! Karin, Tenten, Hinata and I are thinking of grabbing dinner together. Wanna join us?” Ino offers.
“Thanks, but you guys go ahead, I could use some me-time to destress.”
“If you say so! Let us know if you change your mind.”
Being around so many people can be draining for Sakura, and she is thinking of doing something more in line with taking a leisure walk around the beach.
It’s the middle of April, yet the air still feels cool and refreshing. The breeze carries the scent of the sea, almost therapeutically.
The beach just across from their hotel attracts Sakura’s attention. No people? Perfect! She walks pass some trees and bushes and finds an empty spot, or so she thought. She spots a silhouette up ahead. Looks like someone sitting on a beach towel. Sakura recognizes the form and approaches them slowly.
“Sasuke-kun?” Sasuke turns his head to greet her. By the looks of it, Sasuke is probably here for the same reason.
“Mind if I sit here?” Sasuke nudges his chin for her to take a seat on a towel right next to him. She stretches her legs and buries her toes in the cool sand. She lets a few moments pass before speaking.
“Isn’t it so peaceful here?”
“Aa.” Knowing the members, Kiba and Naruto must be off celebrating with some karaoke and food. Suigetsu, being the water lover he is, must be off swimming either in the luxurious hotel swimming pool or in the ocean. From the amount of stuff around her, it’s more likely that Suigetsu is having a night swim in the ocean, with Sasuke accompanying him.
“Are you cold?” Of course, she’s always taking care of him.
Sasuke shakes his head.
“Wow, it’s been a hectic couple of days. I can’t wait to soak in a tub of hot water with a glass of wine.” Sakura sighs.
“You guys did a great job! As always, us stylists don’t even have to do a lot of work, you guys already did half of it with your guys’ looks.” She lets out a playful giggle.
“Hn.” Even though it’s dark, with only the moon shining down on them, she’s sure she can see him smirk.
“It’s sad that we have to go back to Tokyo first thing in the morning. It’d be nice to enjoy our time in this island and just relax.”
Sasuke hums in agreement. They stay silent for a while before Sakura gets up and dusts the sand from her pants and legs.
“Well, I should get going. I don’t wanna take too much of your precious time alone. I know how tiring it could be around so many people for so long. Good ni-”
“You can stay...” he pauses “If you want.”
Sakura stares at him in surprise. That’s the last thing she expects that would come out of his mouth. After all, they’re just coworkers. Right?
She smiles and settles herself back on her previous spot and enjoys the sound of waves crashing. She tilts her head up to look at the stars that adorn the night sky and the cool night wind that caresses her cheeks. She feels so at peace.
She relishes in his presence. Even when there’s just silence between them, she can still feel them connecting with each other. She can also tell Sasuke is not bothered by her. In fact, she thinks to herself that maybe, just maybe, Sasuke also enjoys her around. Or maybe it’s because he’s used to having her around. She has been around them even before they debuted.
She lets her fatigue and tranquility take over her when she suddenly leans over on Sasuke’s shoulder. It catches him off guard. He turns to see that Sakura had dozed off.
“Sa-” he plans on saying something but decided not to. He can tell she must have been exhausted, so he just lets her rest her head on his shoulder, and shifts his weight so that his hand is supporting her back. Sasuke could feel as if time is slowing down between them. She watches her even breathing. She looks so peaceful, and if anything, he feels the moment between them is almost too romantic, way too romantic for two coworkers. He can’t help but feel a blush creep to the tips of his ears.
The moment is brief because not long after, Suigetsu comes out of the water and heads over to Sasuke.
“Oh? Sakura? What’s she doing here?” Sasuke doesn’t answer but motions his finger to his mouth to hush the silver-haired man.
Suigetsu crouches to get his towel and dry himself off before Sakura wakes up from her “nap”. She shoots herself away from Sasuke, shocked by how close they were.
“Sasuke-kun! I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to doze off like that! Oh Suigetsu! I see you’re back from your swim. I’m gonna…. go head back to the hotel. You guys have fun! See you all tomorrow!” She dashes and doesn’t even bother to look back to see Sasuke’s startled look.
“Stupid Sakura stupid! How could you fall asleep like that in front of him?! Again!!” Her cheeks are flushed red as she keeps on muttering to herself.
Although she can’t deny that warmth inside her chest when she relishes the feeling of being by his side. That was the closest she’s ever gotten to him, outside of work. She doesn’t know if she is dreaming but she could’ve sworn she felt a connection back then. It was a similar feeling like the one she had felt back on New Years Eve when they were alone together at the office.
She feels light on her feet, all giddy.
Unbeknownst to her, Shikamaru had been watching all along.
Walking around the coastline, he saw two people sitting on the sand, leaning against each other. He didn’t realize who they were until he saw someone run off, then he was sure that the one who ran was Sakura. He glanced at the other person and recognized their silhouette. Sasuke. He does notice that those two are close, but now his suspicion grows. He’ll be sure to keep a closer eye on them from now on.
Summary: Being in charge as Sasuke’s stylist sure is challenging, when you have to pretend you’re only focusing on your job and not caring whether he would spare a glance once or twice.
Rating: K
*A/N: In honor of 2020 Sasusaku Month, I’ve decided to dedicate this chapter to Sasusaku Month Day 8, prompt: “Let’s Play Pretend”.
As early as it may be, K4 has to go on with their next schedule. Being famous comes with many perks but time is what they lack of. Frequently being called for commercial shoots, press interviews, magazine photo shoots, they are constantly moving from one place to another, every seven days of the week. Of course Shikamaru can allow one, two or more free days.
But today is not one of those days. The car ride to the photo shoot seems to drag on forever as their minds are wandering, venturing the fields, through the morning mist as the horizon moves pass them.
The one-hour ride finally comes to an end and the four of them step out of the car, followed by the staff members and of course, Shikamaru the manager.
They’re going to do a drink’s commercial shoot, and Sakura has to admit, this is one of those shoots that she will enjoy.
The boys are all settled in a chair, in front of a mirror, already changed into the appointed attires. Make up kits, hairbrushes, and all other equipments sit on the large table in front of them.
“Good morning.” Sakura greets Sasuke as she approaches him. They don’t usually talk much, but he will always have the courtesy to greet her with a nod whenever they meet or part.
“Morning.” Sasuke chimes back. She gives a warm smile as she picks up the hair brush and begins to tidy up his hair while putting on some hairspray.
The summer heat can be quite a bother and since this is a drink’s commercial, shooting it in summer time seems to be the perfect time.
It only takes thirty minutes for Sakura to fix his hair, and put some make up on him. He even lets her fix his collar.
“Thank you.” He would always give thanks to her whenever she’s done her work. She can’t help but fluster a bit.
“You’re welcome.”
Camera flashes rain through the spacious garden as the group poses in front of the camera., each holding a bottle of the advertised beverage.
Sakura can’t help but think how gorgeous those boys look. But all the while they are being photographed, her eyes keep lingering on Sasuke. His attire a loose grey cotton shirt with sleeves that run to his elbows with the first three buttons unbuttoned, making it easy to see that toned chest of his, not to mention how the loose khaki pants seem to adorn his features even more. His dark raven hair has been styled–by her–in such a way so the ends stand up just a bit while the bangs covered the side of his face.
Sakura wonders how a person can be so attractive.
Twenty minutes into the photoshoot, the boys take a break to recover from the warm summer atmosphere. Sakura holds up a cloth to wipe Sasuke’s sweat away. She dabs the cloth on his nose, cheeks, forehead, and neck. She pays attention at how his sweat makes him glisten underneath the fluorescent light, how his eyes pick up everything that’s happening around them, so calculated, so perceptive.
“Thank you.” He says it again, every time.
“Don’t mention it.” She returns with a smile before he returns to the set.
The human heart is a strange organ. It seems to be running on its own power, a rebel of the brain’s commands because she doesn’t know how or why–or maybe she does know why–but her heart’s beating at 120 beats per minute–which in fact is fast for a normal person.
What is this feeling? She asks herself. She has no idea what her own heart is telling her.
Little does she know, she might’ve developed a crush for this famous singer.
Why? He’s handsome, caring, kind, gentle.
She lists off the reasons in her head, all the way her eyes never leaving his form as the camera flashes several times. But will this end well? After all they’re working under the same company, and you know what people say about office romance.
