"Hey, what comforts you the most?"
"Sarada, she's my comfort person."
A comfort person is someone you go to for help. A person who'd do ANYTHING for you.
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Most of us turn to our loved ones when life gets tough. When we meet the lowest point in life, our mind unconsciously roars and looks for someone to lean on. We become irritated and anxious excessively about many tihngs and only that one person crosses our mind to go.
As Boruto feels right now. His heart needs peace from all the bitterness of the problems that have befallen him. And after all, only one person he thought of as a place of escape.
Some friends may always know the right words to comfort him. Some of the others might just appear and be there with his favorite food. Trying to cheer him up. But for him, that was still not enough even though it should be.
There are times when Boruto only need this one person. Person that without he realizing it have a special place in his life. The only person he could think of as a place to escape from all these troubles. Someone who can stop even his worst anxiety, agitation, and fear in a soothing way. Which just hearing her voice or even reading a text message from her is like being wrapped in the warmest, softest blanket.
"Who is your comfort person, Boruto?"
"Sarada."
An answer without hesitation that he loudly affirmed when Mitsuki asked him one time. The frontal answer came out of his lips, without a second thought.
Sarada.
Only that girl Boruto needed right now. No one else.
TAP
As if a race against time, Boruto ran hastily, jumping over every roof of the house in front of him. His vision was a little blurry, what was pictured in front of him was only the figure of Sarada who was offering him a shady smile. Boruto thinks he can handle everything by himself. But he realized that he had reached his limit. He could not bear it all alone. He needs someone to lean on. And Sarada is the answer.
As soon as his feet landed on a balcony that was so familiar to him, Boruto tried to catch his breath. Taking a deep breath, Boruto raised his hand, making a small tap on the glass. Usually it'll took some time for the glass door to open. But now, in just seconds, the door is open. Look like this time the owner had guessed and was waiting for his arrival.
"Boruto?" Boruto is used to hearing that call from his childhood friend. But the tone of voice that flowed from the girl's lips was now the softest thing he had ever heard. There is tenderness in it, but it is also full of anxiety and worry.
Boruto took a step forward, and—
TUK
—he just dropped her head on Sarada's small shoulder. Close his eyes tightly.
Boruto immediately felt relieved. Just being around Sarada is so peaceful. The confusion that had enveloped him slowly evaporated. As if the weight on his chest just lifted up. Just a simple touch like this, like a magic, had dispelled his uneasiness. The strangest part is there was no need for words to be spoken. Only her existence alone is able to make Boruto feel calm. But even so, Sarada is still Sarada, she will try her best to comfort Boruto. Hold him in a tight hug, say soothing words.
What's funny is even though what Sarada's doing now is not much different from what her friends are doing. But for some reason, it feels different. There is something that only Sarada has, which he cannot define in words. But he can feel it. Maybe it was Sarada's sincerity and purity of heart that made him feel that way. For some reason, her words really soothe his soul.
"You can cry." That subtle voice drifted softly in his ear. "Bring out everything you've been holding up all this time." said Sarada. Her dissertation words gently rub Boruto's head.
"Stop pretending to be okay." Sarada remembered the fake smile Boruto wore during the interview on the tv show earlier. Boruto smiles as if everything is fine. Even though Sarada knows, deep in his heart, he keeps all his pain.
Boruto froze. Those words are like a double edged sword to Boruto. On one hand it made him feel relieved, but on the other hand it made the defenses he had built collapse in an instant. Because what happened next, his tears spilled out. His tears broke. A heartbreaking cry for anyone who heard it.
Sarada even had to bite her lip to keep her tears from falling. Because Boruto needs her, she has to be strong. She must be strong for him. He rubbed Boruto's back gently. His back is straight but also looks fragile at the same time.
Boruto's hand which was wrapped around Sarada's waist tightened. He pulled Sarada into his arms, more tight than before. It was as if all his restlessness would come again if he let go of that tiny body.
"I'm here. I'm not going anywhere."
Sarada's soothing words made Boruto sob even more. Emotional tears that he had endured from the beginning that he could no longer hold back. It seemed as if he had found a berth to pour out his complaints. For a while, Boruto continued to sob on Sarada's shoulder. Only with Sarada he can show his weakest side. Only with Sarada, Boruto can be himself completely.
"I-it's all my fault. The whole village is in danger because of me. E-even because of me, Sasuke-san became—"
"Sshhhhh!" Sarada patted Boruto's back lightly. "Stop saying ridiculous things like that. It's not your fault. I never thought it was your fault. You have no right to be blamed. You don't have to feel responsible for everything."
"But-"
"All of this is against your will!"
Sarada's loud voice made Boruto flinch a little.
"Stop this nonsense." She said in a lesser tone. "Once again I hear you still blame yourself, I will not hesitate to beat you black and blue."
Between his tears, Boruto chuckled at Sarada's threat.
"Everything will be fine. I don't know what will happen in the future. But you won't go through it alone, Boruto." said Sarada firmly. "There is me, Mitsuki, Shikadai, Inojin, Chouchou, even Kawaki. We are all here. You are not alone. Together we will protect the village from any danger."
DEG
Boruto's shoulders tightened. His heart felt pinched. Doesn't Sarada know that Boruto himself is the biggest threat to the village? Nope. Sarada still doesn't know the facts. She didn't know that Momoshiki could wake up at any time in Boruto's body. And if that happened, it would mean destruction for the shinobi world. After his body was taken over by that alien, Boruto's world is collapsed. Under that alien's control, he would not be able to tell which was comrade and which was his enemy. His existence in such conditions could endanger the village and ... hurting Sarada. And Boruto doesn't want that.
"I have heard, until an uncertain time, team 7 is relieved of all missions. Not only team 7, but team 10 as well."
Boruto said nothing, still fixing his face on Sarada's tiny shoulder. Refuses to take off.
Sarada smiled faintly. "But it's okay. Because of that, we have plenty of time to practice, right?"
Hearing Sarada's light tone again made her heart pinch. Boruto bit his lip, didn't know what to say to Sarada. He knew that the next thing he would say to Sarada would disappoint the girl, but—
"Sarada ... sorry ..."
"Sorry...? For what?"
Boruto closed his eyes. His head moved from Sarada's shoulder until it sank between the recesses of the girl's neck. "I ... can't be with you anymore."
Sarada is stay still. "What do you mean?"
"I have to go." he whispered softly.
Sarada's hand, which was slung over Boruto's body, just fell to her side. Feeling weak and helpless after hearing the man's words. "What ...? W-where are you going?" Her voice choked.
"..."
Boruto, who only doesn't budge, makes Sarada impatient. He pushed Boruto's body until his embrace was released. "Answer me, Boruto."
Boruto lowered his head, unable to look directly into Sarada's eyes. A bitter smile painted on his lips. He laughed bitterly. "Somewhere far away."
"For what?"
Boruto closed his eyes tightly. In the next second his slice of sapphire stared at Sarada's dark dark eyes. "To become stronger, Sarada."
"I ... I don't understand. Why do you have to go so far just to ... become strong?" said Sarada stammered. Still having trouble digesting all of this. Everything was too sudden for her.
"We can be strong together. You, me, and Mitsuki. The three of us. As usual." Sarada had been holding back her tears since earlier, but in just a second, as soon as Boruto broke this news to her, now her defenses were broken. Tears welled up in her eyes, and spilled out in the blink of an eye.
Boruto can't help looking at Sarada who is like this. Witnessing the girl's tears was one of his weaknesses. He hated seeing Sarada cry, especially when he was the cause of her tears.
"Don't cry, Sarada. Tears doesn't suit a tough girl like you." Once again, Boruto embraced her in a hug. But Sarada didn't reply. Her hands were clenched at her sides.
***
"When are you leaving?"
If she obeyed her ego, she'd been kicking Boruto out of her room all along. Se was angry and disappointed at Boruto's sudden decision. But she's not a 5 year old kid anymore. Her maturity side forbade her to do that. And somehow there is something in her that feels like she will regret it if she letting Boruto go just now. It was like a feeling that she wouldn't be able to see him again after this.
Therefore, this is where the two of them are currently. Sitting side by side on the floor of Sarada's room and leaning on the side of her bed. Sarada sat hugging her knees. Buried her face there. Meanwhile, Boruto, sitting cross-legged with his hands clenched on his knees.
"Tomorrow morning..."
Sarada's heart felt . "That fast?"
"The sooner are better, thebasa." Boruto bit his lip.
"The longer I'm here, the more I don't want to go, Sarada."
Sarada bit her lips and exhaled heavily. Slowly she raised her head. Staring at the night sky from behind her bedroom window. "When will you ... coming back?"
Boruto's heart throbs. "I do not know." He doesn't have an answer to Sarada's question. If possible he didn't want to come back. He didn't know when Momoshiki would take over his body again. If he continues to stay in the village, he will only threaten the safety of everyone, including Sarada. That's why he wanted so badly to leave from the villafe and never come back. If that way he can keep the village safe, then that's fine. He is ready to sacrifice.
But on the other hand, all of this is the opposite of what he really wants. To be honest, Boruto doesn't want to go. He wanted to stay here, with his family, with the people he loved and loved him. But he can't be selfish. His life isn't just about him. But also about the people around him. And he didn't want to endanger the lives of those people.
"Okay... You know, I'll always support you whatever you do. Because I believe you..."
With that, Boruto's heart warmed. He turned his face to the side. Staring at Sarada who was looking straight ahead.
Could he have survived without seeing this girl for a long time? Her smile, her dark shades, her cute face framed by those red glasses. Boruto will miss all of that.
Sarada's hands trembled. Her eyes flickered rapidly, preventing her tears from falling back. "Then take my one request. Consider it as a farewell gift." Sarada turned to him with teary eyes. But a smile is on her beautiful face.
Boruto felt hypnotized as soon as his eyes met with those dazzling black eyes. "Say it."
Sarada took off her glasses and wiped the tears streaming down her cheeks. Again she failed to hold back her tears. She then looked back at Boruto. "Stay with me here until I fall asleep." Her cheeks flushed as she said that.
Boruto's startled. Sarada was even more surprised. What did I just say?!
Boruto was silent for a long time, making Sarada who was cursing herself turn around.
"If you don't want to, then you don't have to. Just go." said Sarada trying to hide her nervousness. He turned his back on Boruto. "I just thought maybe ... I'll miss you while you're gone. Your stupid face, your yellow hair, even your silly joke."
Boruto is stunned.
Sarada bit her lip. Cursed her lips that speaking without thinking. Where is the Sarada that every step of her way was always full of calculations and strategies? Why is she so frank and often blurted out in front of Boruto?
"Okay." Boruto spread his hands on the edge of the bed. "I'll stay with you until you sleep. So tell me what you want to do now?"
Sarada turned around. Found Boruto who was staring at her with his stupid smile. A smile that he might miss later. "Not me. But you. I don't want to do anything. Instead, you can tell me anything. I'll listen."
Boruto's heart warms up. "Anything?"
Sarada nodded with a faint smile. "Whatever you want to say, just say it. Everything. Whatever it is." she said.
Boruto looked at Sarada meaningfully. "Will you listen?"
"Of course." said Sarada softly.
***
Boruto lightly stroked Sarada's hair. The sound of regular breathing indicated that the girl was sleeping. Boruto quickly caught the girl's head which was almost tottering to the side and leaned it on his shoulder. Sarada stretched a little in her sleep before finally drifting back to sleep after finding the most comfortable spot on Boruto's shoulder.
A few hours had passed since he first set his foot here. Dawn is almost here, and that's a sign that Boruto's time is running low. He really wanted to stop the time for a moment to enjoy a calm atmosphere like this.
"Sarada ..." Boruto unconsciously said.
"..." no answer.
"A few years from now, when we meet again, I promise I'll get stronger." Boruto said even though he knew Sarada couldn't hear him.
"..."
"That way, I'll have the face to see you again ..."
"Enghhh ..." Sarada was a little disturbed in her sleep. With his free left hand, Boruto gently stroked the girl's hair back. Get rid of the hair that covering her cute face. And suddenly Sarada calmed down again.
"Although it might take a long time, but ... wait for me." Boruto continues to trace each strand of Sarada's hair. Every now and then his hand accidentally touched Sarada's cheek.
"That's why ..." Boruto carefully lifted Sarada's head which was resting on his shoulder. Straightening it, before embracing Sarada's body by placing his hands behind the girl's neck and knees. Boruto lifted Sarada's body and laid her down carefully on the bed. Do not want to wake the girl from sleep.
Boruto grabs something that always coiled around his neck since back then. Necklace. The necklace his father gave him. "I want you to keep this until I come back, Sarada." Boruto sat on the side of the bed, lowering his body so that his face was right in front of Sarada. Slowly he pinned the necklace around Sarada's neck.
"You know this thing is precious to me. I always wear it wherever I go. I never take it off." Boruto touched the pendulum on the necklace. A crystal stone that Naruto said could buy two mountains. Yes, but of course he knew it was a lie.
"I hope you do the same."
Boruto took one last look at Sarada's face. Trying to instill in his memory the shape of the girl's eyes, nose hair and lips. Boruto recalls Sarada's words that the girl might miss him. Boruto is the same as well. Later, when he was tens of kilometers away from Sarada, he would definitely miss her very much. Sarada is the first person Boruto looks for whenever he needs calm. Boruto doesn't know what he will be like without Sarada.
"Engghh..."
Boruto gasped as Sarada moved her head. Maybe the girl was bothered by Boruto's touch on her face. Eh? Since when did Boruto touch Sarada's face? Boruto blinked in surprise. Not aware of what he was doing.
Sighing in a huff, Boruto immediately got up from his position. He must go now. The longer he is here, the longer he is with Sarada, the more he don't want to go.
Moving towards the balcony door, Boruto then slides the glass door open. Immediately a cold wind blew from there. Boruto sighed then turned back towards Sarada. He pulled the blanket over the girl's body. At least enough to make her feel warmer.
After that, without looking back again, Boruto walked away through the glass door. And how shocked he was when he saw Sasuke standing there. The man leaned against the wall and stared at him with his usual flat face.
"S-Sasuke-san ..."
"Are you done?" asked Sasuke briefly.
Boruto suddenly stuttered. "Wh-what?"
"Your important business, finished?"
"O-oh yeah..."
"Good. Let's go." Sasuke straightened himself, ready to leave. But before that, he was silent for a moment, making Boruto look at him in confusion.
"You said you had something important to do. But ..." Sasuke turned around. This time he looked closely at Boruto. "Why are you coming out of my daughter's room so late? The important business you mean—"
"L-let's go, Sasuke-san!" Without waiting anymore Boruto sped away from there. Avoiding Sasuke's gaze asking for an explanation.
Sasuke just snorted at her. For a moment he stared at his daughter's room with a gentle gaze. Then turned to stare at the direction Boruto had been through. A faint smile suddenly appeared on his lips. A smile that only he showed to the people closest to him.
"Yo're annoying." he whisper.
***
Boruto stepped through the rooftops with a heart lighter than before. As if the heavy burden had disappeared somewhere. Even though his worries were still there, at least he was much calmer now.
And all this thanks to Sarada.
Because for him, Sarada is his comfort person.
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Whenever you feel down, you can just always imagine them (your comfort person) hugging you or saying everything gonna be okay. They can put a smile on your face and make you laugh effortlessly.
And just in general, they comfort you and that's whether you are with them physically or not.