Gerimis

Naruko took in the sight of the five storey hotel apartment where they would be staying for the next two nights. She had never set foot in the hotel before, only passing by when she accompanied Chiyo to the hospital by taxi every few months. It was built around five years ago in conjunction with Iwa’s gaining popularity as an agro tourism district.

As she walked into the hotel, she untied her hair from its braid and let her hair down.  Her blonde hair fell in soft curls from being in a loose plait all night and morning. She swept her hair to one side of her shoulder while her eyes searched for the registration counter.

Inside the spacious lobby, across the hall was the registration counter set in black marble stones. A few metres away were a few pool tables and sofas. Two teenagers, a little older than Naruko were playing pool, one of them waving hi at her. She recognized him from school but decided to just wave instead of chatting with the boy whose name she forgot. Approaching the counter, she greeted the young woman behind it.

“Hi, Good Morning. I’m Naruko Uzumaki, I have a reservation for two nights.”

The receptionist smiled back. “Good morning Miss Uzumaki, please let me check your bookings first.”

“Thank you.” Naruko handed the receptionist her ID and waited for confirmation. Her supplementary credit card in her grasp, the one Iruka had insisted she use for the trip.

“Miss Uzumaki, you have booked a three room apartment facing the Kage Hill. The price is as stated, before a twenty percent discount,” the receptionist pointed at the prices stated on the invoice.

“Yes.”

“So do you want to proceed with the reservation?”

Naruko nodded indicating her confirmation.

“Please fill in this form. You also need to pay another 11,000 yen as deposit.”

“Ok.” Naruko started filling in the form which the receptionist had handed her. Her mind was reciting the amount she had counted earlier.

“That’ll be a total of 37,400 yen. Including deposit and tax.”

Naruko’s eyes bulged. The amount was slightly lower than what she earned in a month but still a huge sum for her. She smiled solemnly at the receptionist and handed her credit card for payment. As the receptionist smiled pleasantly and swiped the card, she continued filling the form.

Naruko had a sleepless night the other day, debating whether she should use the credit card or not. She did not want someone labelling Iruka as her ‘sugar daddy’ or something. Iruka, instead of forcing Naruko to just accept the money had told her to treat the money as a loan.

“Like how a big brother splurges on her sister, you take it now and you pay me later,” he repeated ample times. Iruka was earning quite well being a lecturer and also a resident advisor at Kumo.

After Iruka left Naruko had a taste of independence and after discovering that she could endure it, had liked it tremendously. Still, she was codependent on Iruka, as the man fussed on her from afar. She finished filling the form, signed and returned it to the receptionist.

“My, my, you look different,” a suave voice spoke from behind, “Naruko.”

Naruko spun around at the mention of her name. Lo and behold, her senior from middle school and former neighbour, Sora was standing behind her. She smiled at the nineteen year old man. He looked dapper in an expensive looking suit, his dark ash blonde hair gelled and combed back.

“Says the one who… looks so different from before too,” Naruko retorted arching an eyebrow.

She remembered that Sora used to tease her about dressing too masculine, anything but skirts, hair always in spikes. She eyed him, from his grey tailored blazer to his hair, to his pressed pants and shiny shoes. Sora used to dress in just jeans, faded shirts and work boots, suitable for farming. But now a few years later he looked polished, and wealthier? Naruko thought.

Sora smiled as he admired Naruko’s flowing blonde locks, and smiled at those blue eyes. He handed out a hand to Naruko to greet her. “Cocky as always. I actually wanted to say that you looked beautiful, how was Konoha?”

“Umm…” Naruko’s demeanour softened at Sora’s compliment.

“Well, nice and hot unlike cold Iwa,” She shook his hand and was about to let it go, but he stepped closer and wrapped his other hand around her hand.

“You do look hot, was it Konoha’s doing?” the tall man smirked. Now, Naruko did feel her cheeks getting warmer at the comment. He looked her in the eyes. To defuse the awkwardness of the too long handshake, Naruko grinned nervously.

“Miss,” said the receptionist, gaining Naruko’s attention. Naruko took the intrusion as a chance to slip her hands away when Sora loosened his grasp for a second.

“Here are your receipts and room cards. If you need anything please call the number stated on your room’s telephone to inform us.”

“Ok, thank you so much.” Naruko took the items and flashed a thankful smile to the receptionist who returned her smile.

“Have a pleasant stay here at Iwa’s Apartment Hotel and Spa,”

“I will, thanks again,” Naruko moved towards the sofa in the waiting area. The receptionist smiled and turned to another newly arriving customer, and began explaining about the available rooms to them.

“I see that you are no longer a farmer, Sora?” Naruko voiced out her assumption as Sora synced his steps to hers.

“I still am, but I am also a manager now. My father, my adopted father sent me to study Farm Management at Iwa Polytechnics.”

“Well, congratulations.”

“How's Chiyo-baachan?” Sora’s quick question made Naruko sigh.

Naruko eyed Sora as she fished for her phone. “I heard that Chiyo-sama had been transferred to a private nursing home, do you know which one. Maybe you have heard of any news or gossip?”

She glanced at her phone and saw none of her friends outside texted her.

Why aren't they coming in yet? She groused internally.

“Don’t worry, Chiyo-sama is in good hands. And, if I do know, can I take you there? Maybe have lunch afterwards since it has been a long time.”

Naruko eyed Sora. How did he know?

She connected two and two together, since she did not know anyone wealthy enough to sponsor her foster mother. Sora with his material possessions looked like a possible candidate.

“So are you the mysterious benefactor?” Blue eyes looked inquisitively.

Sora’s brown eyes brightened back at the question. “Well, since it’s not a secret anymore… when are you coming to visit her?”

Naruko looked outside as her friends came nearer, but Sora moved to her front effectively blocking her view of them. Naruko tilted her head up at Sora as she slipped her phone, ID, credit card and hotel receipts securely into her backpack pocket.

“Tomorrow afternoon, while the others visit the Agro Park.”

“I’ll take you there then.”

“Thanks, but I already promised to go with my friend.”

“Iruka-san?”

“Nope. With another ‘friend’,” her eyes moved to Sasuke who magically appeared beside Sora.

“Hey…. Sasuke…. Meet my friend and former neighbour, Sora. Sasuke’s one of my friend from Konoha.”

Naruko stepped away to make way for Sasuke. Sasuke extended his hands to Sora and the older man shook it.

“Thank you for looking out for Chiyo-baachan.” Naruko said as she moved closer towards Sora and put a hand on his arm. “But we need to go now. Maybe next time, when you come to Konoha we can have lunch?”

Sora frowned slightly, sensing rejection from Naruko. He didn't like her treating him like an outsider, because he had known her far longer than those new friends of hers.

“Well, if you say so,” he said, smiling slightly. “Well, then I’ll meet you at Chiyo-sama’s room. Give me a call when you get there,” Sora said while pushing his name card into Naruko’s hand and then pulling her into a quick hug before planting a kiss on her cheek.

Naruko had no time to react to Sora’s hug when the man then spoke to Sasuke. “Welcome Iwa, I hope you have a good time.” Sora left using another exit.

Sasuke looked at Naruko, noticing her surprised state. How could Naruko not be surprised as Sora was never touchy feely with her.

“Are you ok?” Sasuke’s voice concerned.

“Nothing. I did not expect to see him here.”

Sasuke pushed his hands inside his jacket pocket. “By the way, since I am your friend, what is your first wish?“

Naruko swivelled her body to face Sasuke, but before she could reacted Rock Lee arrived with their belongings.

Lee grinned at the both of them. “Lead me to your apartment, I'll bring these up,”

Naruko scrambled forward and took a bag from Lee’s shoulder. “Sure. Come on Lee, let’s go, we can do some laps across the lawn later like old times.”

Lee grinned. “Sure, why not. I haven’t had a good opponent for a long time.” Lee and Naruko stepped up to the room followed by Sai and Ino. The couple totally in a leisurely mood took their own sweet time commenting on the sights along the way.

“So, you run laps by yourself or what now Lee?” Naruko asked as they waited for the elevator.

“Yes mostly. Sometimes I challenge the horse, but they usually ignore me,” Lee said rolling his eyes. Naruko frowned her brows.

“That’s a joke, I usually run around with my Alsatian.”

“Wow, you have a dog now?” Naruko beamed.

Lee gasped, “Not just one, I have three. They are still just puppies you know.”

The elevator door opened and they ascended to the top level where they would stay. As keen as Naruko was in chatting with Lee, Naruko’s mind wandered towards Sasuke who now looked annoyed.

What’s up with him? Too early in the vacation to look annoyed. She wondered. The elevator reached their level and everyone got out. Lee walked hurriedly to the room while Naruko fished the key cards out.

Meanwhile, Sasuke with hands inside his pocket continued looking annoyed. Something tickled his curiosity. The man seems too keen in his approach towards Naruko. What were their history, more than just friends? Gai had told him that Naruko never had a boyfriend. This knowledge was crucial because then he would have a clearer way in gaining her trust. If she had a former love interest, that could hinder his attempts at gaining her trust.

Ino walked linking hands with Sai, and noticing that Sasuke looked distracted, she dragged Sai towards the younger boy.

“Who was that?” she whispered teasingly at Sasuke.

“Who what?” Sasuke quickly acted like normal.

“Jealous much?” Sai joined in commenting in a whispered tone.

Naruko noticing the ambling trio became curios. She was now unsure whether it was better to be visiting Chiyo with Sasuke or Sora. Sora was an old friend and Chiyo’s benefactor, but the bastard had promised to be some kind of a ‘slave’ for her. What’s a girl got to do?

Lee nudged Sasuke by the shoulder, “If you could let me in, I really need to borrow your toilet for awhie.”

Naruko laughed and scanned the key card to let everyone in. She blocked the door with a door stopper and headed to the smallest room containing a queen bed. The view was gorgeous as she fished for her itinerary to check on their first destination. From the opposite room, Sasuke eyed the blissfully looking blonde, and smirked thinking the next step in his persuasion assignment.

The breakfast spread was made up of Iwa’s best and popular local dishes. Everything was prepared by culinary students from the nearby culinary college. With the boom in agro tourism, locally made food from agro sources were also making a boom. There was even ramen manufactured under a local brand. Naruko couldn't feel any prouder at how far her hometown had grown and achieved.

“So these are the food you have been telling me about,” Sai looked at the spread and asked again, “are they any good?”

“Of course. Iwa’s food is better than Konoha, ok!” said Naruko smugly. She had been increasingly proud of Iwa ever since she got back. Being in Iwa as a tourist feels different from being there as a resident, maybe time away did that. Meanwhile, Ino had began pciking on food as the two debated.

“But this is just twenty percent of it, wait until you see lunch and dinner. That’s not counting the really traditional ones only served at the homestays.”

“Baby, Naruko,” Ino emerged from behind and stood between them. ““Let's eat first. You can get to know each food intimately afterwards.”

“Yes dear,” Sai said as he stole a taste of Ino’s white coloured dip before proceeding to the table where the plates were kept.

Sasuke strolled behind Naruko and parked himself beside her. Naruko stopped checking on the food and waited for Sasuke to speak up or something.

“Will you go get food for us, while I go get drinks. Tea? Coffee? Or juices? They have juices don’t they?”

Naruko looked puzzled at Sasuke’s display of friendliness, like they have been cosy with each other for a long time. Instead of rebelling, she asked Sasuke back.

“Do you have any allergies? Or do you eat whatever food that I pick?”

He eyed her, a glint of something she couldn’t identify playing in those black eyes. “Whatever that you choose is fine by me. So coffee again?”

Naruko nodded remembering that she had chosen coffee this morning, and Sasuke had registered that. Then they both moved opposite ways to go take the things they had somehow agreed to fetch. Ino, noticing the awkward teenagers dancing around each other, rolled her eyes silently and continued eating.

As the four munched on their food Ino asked “So Sasuke, you drive us to Kage Hill today, and later I drive us to the lavender farm. Tomorrow Sai will drive. Agree?”

Everyone nodded happily with agreement. Naruko who did not have license just grinned too. Her heart was fluttering with ease at the thought of the interesting activities lined up.

“Babe, where’s the map to Kage Hill?” Ino asked her fiance.

“We don’t need a map Ino, I know the way like the back of my hand.” Naruko smiled confidently.

“Well, then you go sit beside Sasuke ok. Me and Sai are bosses for the day,” Ino laughed merrily.

Sasuke was already in the rented SUV, with the engines on as the girls descended upon the car. “The legal age for Iwa is 16, the same as Konoha.” Ino voiced out her discovery. “Why aren’t you applying for a license Naru?”

Naru got in the front passenger seat and buckled up. “Hmm, maybe because I don’t have a car?”

“It’s good to have a license ready though you don’t own a car. Sasuke here just inherited a car, maybe you can borrow his later?” Ino suggested. Naruko rolled her eyes at Ino while she adjusted the radio to find some tasteful music while they waited for Sai. The artist had found some beautiful scenery to capture with his camera and had asked for them to give him ten minutes. Apart from painting he also loved photography, one hobby he shared with Ino, but Ino loved posing more than being behind the camera.

“So, tomorrow at what time do we take off?” Sasuke asked suddenly. Ino who had buried her nose in some travel magazine decided to ignore the upcoming conversation.

“Ino and Sai will head to the park around 12.00 pm, maybe after that. We don’t need to drop them off as Lee said he could send them.”

“Ok. Does your obasan have any allergies flower?” Sasuke adjusted the side mirrors to his preference, preferring to talk without looking directly at Naruko.

“Not that I know off.”

“Then, we’ll buy a bouquet on the way there.”

“Hmmm,” she said and nodded. Eyes diverted outside, also avoiding Sasuke’s eyes.

“Hey, sorry. But the view was damn beautiful,” Sai and his wide smirk appeared beside the driver’s window.

“Jump in babe, we have to move now.” Ino pouted at her beloved. Sai jumped in and they all buckled while Sasuke started driving following the main sign towards Kage Hil.

“I want to look at the pictures can I?” asked Ino to Sai.

“Sure, look at the last ones, we’ll take pictures with that scene as background when we get back,” Sai suggested.

Sasuke glanced at Naruko as he navigated the car up towards the main road to Iwa’s Highlands.

“So what flowers do you like?”

“Excuse me?” Naruko promptly turned to Sasuke.

“I know you heard me, so tell me. Friends exchange details about themselves. You start.” Sasuke maintained his eyes on the road as there were some holes in the road.

“Gerbera.” and silence. “What food do you actually prefer?” Naruko asked in return.

“I like tomatoes, especially cherry tomatoes. I don’t like sweet food.”

Naruko arched an eyebrow, “But you ate those dangos I chose for you just now?”

“Well, since we have only become friends I made an exception. We aren’t that close for me to be to be too demanding on you. But after you learn all about my preferences, I’ll be choosy as usual.”

Naruko remembered her friendship bands and took them from her bag pocket. She had kept them in her bag after they got to the hotel that morning.

“Here’s for you, red and black because I think it suits you and here are yours,” Naruko turned and passed a pair of blue + lime green + yellow bands to Ino and Sai who were feigning indifference towards the two teenagers’ conversation.

“Thank you blondie,” Sai said. Ino pinched her fiancee, “we blondes don’t like to be called that ok unless we say so.”

Naruko made a face and showed them her own band, one in yellow and black which she had worn under her long sleeved jacket.

“Tie it for me?” Sasuke glanced at Naruko.

“Can’t you wear yours later?” Naruko asked.

“I want to wear it now since you already wore yours.” Sasuke demanded.

“Yeah yeah,” Naruko grumbled while taking the band which she had placed on the space between her seat and the driver’s seat and began tying them on Sasuke’s left wrist. Sasuke grinned happily.

“Thank you.” Sasuke said looking genuinely happy for the simple gift. Naruko suddenly felt good that he did further comment on the friendship band, as she had previously thought. Maybe I was underestimating him. I should give him a chance maybe. Best friends in the making ?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~S&N~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Kage Hill was not a tall hill but the hike took time as the scenery before reaching the top had plenty of beautiful scenes. Iwa local government also did a good job of building some interesting decoration which blended well with the surrounding nature.

Lee had offered to be their guide but Naruko had said that they could manage by themselves. The information booklet had stated that the trail took about an hour if they walked at a normal pace. But the four friends had split into two pairs since Sai and Ino had ventured into another trail heading towards the trees.

They had split for ten minutes when Naruko glanced at Sasuke because the boy had stopped to put on his beanie. It was a little colder nearing the top of the hill. When she glanced, Naruko did not stop walking and stumbled down onto some uneven spot of the trail. She fell down and laughed at her own clumsiness.

Sasuke looked at her and quickly offered a hand. She took his hand and pulled herself up. It would be useless to ignore him when she had vowed to herself to give him a chance. The instant she was up he began dusting dirt off her jacket. Naruko’s heart rate accelerated at his caring act.

“Thanks,” she mumbled.

“It’s what friends are for, right?” he smiled. Naruko swooned. It was a smile unlike any other he had given her these few times they met.

She decided the time was right, with Ino and Sai away to demand an explanation from him. “Why are you adamant to be my friend?”

Sasuke was surprised at her question and this time looked at her while continue walking. Surprisingly he stumbled this time, which earned Naruko’s hearty laugh. But he did not fall as he had grabbed onto her shoulders to steady himself. Sasuke steadied himself using Naruko as anchor.

“Why, you ask me?” Sasuke looked at Naruko’s eyes. Black met blue and silence reigned.

He looked to his left and right, “Actually I need for you to do for something for me.”

Naruko looked suspiciously at Sasuke and decided that if the boy had any ill intention he would have carried it out back in Konoha, so the intention are not of a sinister nature she concluded.

“But first I need to gain your trust and friendship. Just trust on me on this.”

Naruko looked at him and pushed his hands gently away from her shoulders. “You were right when you said that I am wary of strangers. Imagine having all your life shunted from home to home.” She walked away and Sasuke followed suit.

“It’s not a crime to be wary, I call it self preservation.” Naruko looked at Sasuke, sensing his demeanour changing towards her. He was this time, gentler than before. She walked slower.

“When you are being with people who you aren’t sure about their intentions, it’s better to be safe than sorry,” he explained. “Thank you for giving me a chance.”

Naruko blushed, it felt like Sasuke had confessed his love for her or something when it was merely affections for a friend. No one had thanked her that way before she realized. As she became flustered, she decided to let her old personality out. The loud cocky one which she had used when she did not know what to do.

“Yes, you should thank me for befriending your cocky ass. It was hard to move beyond the prickly facade.”

He merely smirked at her words. “Tell me about yourself.”

“What’s there to tell?” she asked. “Didn’t Ino tell you anything?”

“No, she did not. She is not one to tell.”

Naruko stopped walking when she spotted a small kiosk selling some drinks not far away. She put her hands on her waist and moved her body here and there to stretch her muscles.

“Well, my name is as you have known. I was born elsewhere but grew up in Iwa. As long as I remembered I was in many foster homes until Anko, a social worker matched me with Chiyo-baachan when I was around ten. Since Chiyo-baachan was sick, I moved with Iruka to Konoha, and a few months later I met Ino, you and Sai.”

“My turn, the name is Uchiha Sasuke and I am born and bred in Konoha.”

Sasuke stood beside Naruko and glanced at the kiosk. “Come, let me buy you some snacks.” And he pulled her away by her bent arm.

As her hand flailed in the sudden movement, he paused and then slipped his hand into her hand and pulled her towards the kiosk. When the two arrived at the front of the kiosk, they stood together checking on the available choices.

Naruko realised that Sasuke was a head taller than her, and became increasingly aware at the way his hand was holding her hand securely as if she would run away if he let go.

“Umm, Sasuke.”

“You want dango again or just snacks?” Sasuke asked.

“No, you are still holding my hand.”

“Oh,” Sasuke gently let go and instead pushed Naruko on the small of her back into the kiosk.

“So I take the snacks while you choose the drinks this time,” Sasuke demanded.

“Ok…” Naruko answered as she ignore her mystified feelings.