Ring, Ring, Ring.
I slowly turned my head towards the window. There was Sasuke, with a discreet smile, looking straight at me. I got out of bed on tiptoe and went to the door, locking it carefully. Then I went back to bed, unlocked the window and opened it slowly.
An unexpected heat, which had nothing to do with summer, surged through my body as soon as I saw Sasuke jump through the window and fall gently onto my bed.
- What are you doing here? - I asked, my voice still full of surprise.
- I needed to see you. - He said, his lips so close to mine that I could feel his warm breath, as he wrapped me in his arms and made me lie down on the bed.
- "I have so much to tell you, Sas." My voice faltered, overwhelmed by his closeness.
- "Shhh, don't say anything. - He whispered, interrupting my words.
I obeyed, and his lips traced a warm, urgent path down my neck. Every kiss he left there made my skin shiver in a way I'd never experienced before. When his lips met mine, the kiss was intense, full of lust and love, making it clear that I was his. His hands went down to the hem of my blouse, and before I knew it, I was no longer wearing it.
- God, it's a sin that you're so wonderful. - He whispered in my ear, kissing between my breasts.
I struggled to control the moans that were about to escape, my body begging for more, but we knew we couldn't make a sound.
I snuggled closer into Sasuke's body, and the heat of the night, combined with the rush of our touches, covered us in sweat. A stolen moment, before I could understand what was happening.
- We should stop. - I said, interrupting his kisses and pulling away a little.
- What... why? - Sasuke asked, coming to his senses, surprise and doubt in his voice.
- You know why. - I didn't need to say any more. He took a deep breath and fell beside me on the bed.
If it went any further, and we left behind any evidence, it could take us to places we couldn't escape. It was one reason why everyone married young: waiting was torture, and doing it before was a crime.
- I have to go. - He whispered; his voice heavy with urgency.
- Can't you stay a little longer? - I asked, my voice choked with silent sobs, as I put my blouse back on. - Sasuke...
- We need to go. We're pushing our luck. - He got ready quickly, and before jumping out of the window, he touched my face and kissed my forehead. - Sakura Haruno, one day you'll sleep in my arms every night. I love you, Sakura.
- I love you, Sasuke. - I replied, feeling my heart squeeze.
He smiled and left. It could have been just a hot dream, but it was real. Moments like that gave me the courage I needed to move on. Courage to face my mother's disappointment when I wasn't chosen, and courage to deal with the surprise when Sasuke's family finally found out who his secret girlfriend was.
***
- Look how pathetic they are," said Izumi, approaching the huge windows in the living room. Outside, in the garden of the imposing Uchiha mansion, a select group of young people were competing for a wedding. The Selection even eased the situation a little for Sasuke, but a few days later, the girls returned to their original suitors, leaving the prince on the sidelines once again.
- I just came to bring the week's vegetables, Izumi! - I replied, heading towards the kitchen. Izumi followed me, after all, nobody leaves an Uchiha lady talking to herself.
I arranged the vegetables on the worktop.
- Have some tea with me. You know that your presence intimidates these matchmaking girls.
Izumi looked impeccable in a light blue dress and a headband of the same color. She was the picture of elegance. I, on the other hand, was wearing an old black and gray checkered flannel shirt, a white tank top, worn jeans shorts and leather boots that Mr. Inoichi had given me for my birthday.
- I'm not the type to drink tea," I said, washing my hands in the sink.
- Then a Coca-Cola," my friend shrugged. - I just don't want to be alone with these chickens.
- I have to go, I have class, Izumi.
I turned to leave, but before I could get through the door, I bumped into Kim Hamezuka, one of Caste Two. She looked me up and down, a venomous smile on her lips.
- Izumi, dear, you're so responsible for taking Mrs. Mikoto's place with the servants...
- Kim, you're such a fool. Did Sasuke get tired of you drooling over his golf clubs?
That's when I noticed Kim's clothes. She was wearing a black and pink golf uniform, with a white glove in her hand. I could never afford something like that.
- I have to go. Bye, Izu... - I said, getting ready to leave. But Kim blocked my way, pulling a note out of his pocket.
- I'll have a cold water, Sakura. - Her dark eyes sparkled. A Four couldn't afford to deny a request; it was an unspoken but clear rule. - Don't make me recite the constitution of the Land of Fire, love. - Kim sang, with that insolent tone.
I rolled my eyes and walked over to the bar. I picked up a gleaming crystal glass and headed for the fridge. That's when Kim started.
- You shouldn't treat the staff like that, Izumi. Soon they start to get ideas. Sakura's mother walks around with her nose stuck out like she's a Two, but her father... Ah, at least he knows his place. Every time I go to her house, he's covered in dirt, crouching down, just like where he belongs.
Kim's words dissolved into thin air, but the anger blinded me. I didn't notice when I turned and poured the water all over her. Her make-up melted and her fine linen jacket was completely soaked. I knew I was screwed.
That's when Sasuke walked into the kitchen, with his arm around the shoulders of one of Kim's friends, and two of his friends behind them.
- What's going on here? - He asked, with a confused expression. I was speechless, but my friend wasn't. Izumi took the cup from my hands and stood in front of me, as if that would make me disappear.