Just before Temari opened the door to the dorm, the loud conversation on the other side made her pause and open her eyes wide.

"Okay but have you done it yet?"

"N-No, of course not!"

Did I get the right dorm?

"Why not?! Sakura-chan, stop swearing at your screen and back me up here. You don't have to go hard for your first time, Hinata-chan!"

It's the right number and the names are right. But the conversation...

"D-Don't you think it's kind of intimidating?"

"You've got good partners, don't you?"

Unable to resist any more, Temari burst through the door. Tenten and Hinata both looked up at her, startled. "Partners?! Multiple?! What do you need multiple partners for your first time for?! Isn't one enough?"

"Not if you want to run an instanced mission without dying," Tenten replied, staring at Temari's red face. "Hey Temari-chan, what's up?"

"A-are you okay?" Hinata got up, concerned.

"Mission..." Temari said blankly, "You guys were talking about gaming?

Tenten narrowed her eyes at her."What did you think we meant?"

"... you know what. Nevermind. Just ignore me," Temari felt vaguely ashamed of her gutter brain, so she tried to wave it off by turning to their last roommate buried in a corner, "Hey Sakura-chan, what are you muttering at?"

"People are calling me names on the internet," Sakura pouted.

"Like that's anything new for you," Tenten teased her.

Sakura threw a pillow at her. "This time it's got nothing to do with me! I blame Meister!"

"What happened?" Temari went over, concerned.

"People are calling me cruel and sadistic for the ending to our video. Saying putting such a cute beginning with such a hopelessly painful ending like that is just abusing the viewers," Sakura complained, "But I didn't even write the ending! Meister changed it on me, but he still put me down as the writer!"

"Oh the video's out with the new ending? Whoo hoo! Let me see, let me see!" Tenten jumped to her laptop. Hinata drew up to her computer to look as well.

Tenten whistled, impressed."Oh wow, that's a looooot of votes for what's essentially a nonsensical melodrama, Sakura-chan. And you only posted this last night!"

"Th-the editing quality is really good," Hinata already had one earbud in, "Wh-what about the changed ending though?"

"Ask her," Sakura tilted her chin to Tenten.

"It was so hard to keep the secret! But judging from the comments, it paid off," Tenten grinned, not at all abashed, "Just watch it! I'm not going to spoil it for you."

"Is this the cheesy romance video you were filming to spite the girl who stole your in-game husband and then made fun of you in her video?" Temari sat back, not concerned anymore. Instead, she rolled her eyes at Sakura, "I thought your current in-game husband beat up your ex-husband for you because of that. Don't you think it's overkill?"

"We didn't film the video to spite her," Sakura protested, but then grinned, "but it won't hurt my feelings if we beat her."

(￣ω￣)

"Sai, are you listening to me?!" Sai winced as he held the phone away for his ear to protect his eardrums when his girlfriend's pitch reached a new high. Still, he jammed it back between his ear and his shoulder to dutifully respond.

"Yes, I'm still here. I'm still at work though." Sai said as he gathered his discarded work clothes for the laundry and tidied the living room of his apartment.

"Awww baby, you work too hard!" Ami's voice instantly turned sweet and soft. It gave him the willies. "It would have done you good to come out and have dinner with us tonight. Oh well, next time, okay? I want to show off my amazing, successful boyfriend to all my friends!"

"Mm, next time," Sai agreed.

"It would've made me more cheerful to have you here. I can't believe SakuraBlossom's catching up to us so quickly? How's that a love story, anyways?"

"I don't know either." I only started this whole relationship thing because you asked nicely.

"Boy meets girl, boy leaves girl, boy kills girl. Bleh! Ours was so much more romantic!"

"Mmm," I don't even remember what our video was about.

"And they forced us to take down the original video. We lost so many votes with that!"

"Mmm," At least you didn't lose two levels and get humiliated.

"It's so unfair."

"Mmm,"

"You understand me, Sai."

"Mmm."

"But what are we going to do now? I really want that rainbow colour suit..."

"Mmm."

"Why don't you... resolve it the way you always solve problems?"

Since Sai wasn't standing in front of her right now, he didn't resist the urge to roll his eyes. So this is why she called me. If that's all she wanted, she could've just sent me a text.

"Pretty please, Sai?"

None of his exasperation leaked into his voice. Still as gentle as ever, he responded. "Of course. I'll handle it."

(￣︿￣)

For the first time in a while, Sakura logged in to Way of the Ninja with no plans to play with anyone else, just so she could get started on gathering for her super-secret project. Before she could go too far, though, Chun_Lee caught up with her.

I haven't talked to CL in a while. I wonder what's up? I did tell the clan I'd be busy for the next couple of months to prepare for the tournament.

[Whisper] Chun_Lee: Sakura!
[Whisper to Chun_Lee] SakuraBlossom: Hey! What's up?
[Whisper] Chun_Lee: I'm enjoying being young and beautiful ;)

Sakura laughed at the old joke.

[Whisper to Chun_Lee] SakuraBlossom: Haha of course
[Whisper to Chun_Lee] SakuraBlossom: you're our clan's #1 beauty after all
[Whisper] Chun_Lee: Urgh, not anymore
[Whisper] Chun_Lee: at least not since UWUKasumi joined the clan
[Whisper] Chun_Lee: She went off on me being disrespectful to Ami, since she's ACTUALLY got the title of server beauty
[Whisper to Chun_Lee] SakuraBlossom: Rude!
[Whisper to Chun_Lee] SakuraBlossom: When did she join? She's not nearly a good enough player to meet the level requirements
[Whisper to Chun_Lee] SakuraBlossom: And is that title real?
[Whisper] Chun_Lee: Oh ages ago
[Whisper] Chun_Lee: She joined when UWUAmi married into the clan
[Whisper] Chun_Lee: The whole family did
[Whisper to Chun_Lee] SakuraBlossom: Oh jeez
[Whisper] Chun_Lee: And yes, that title's actually real
[Whisper] Chun_Lee: Although UWUAmi doesn't use it since it's too embarrassing
[Whisper] Chun_Lee: But she won it fair and square from the irl picture contest
[Whisper] Chun_Lee: So she popped it at her clan introduction
[Whisper to Chun_Lee] SakuraBlossom: Right that was a thing
[Whisper to Chun_Lee] SakuraBlossom: You should have entered, I'm sure you would have won
[Whisper] Chun_Lee: Hehe <3
[Whisper] Chun_Lee: Of course
[Whisper] Chun_Lee: Ami and Fuki aren't that bad
[Whisper] Chun_Lee: But that Kasumi....
[Whisper] Chun_Lee: Well, if I don't have anything nice to say, I won't say anything lol
[Whisper] Chun_Lee: At least they don't make a ruckus
[Whisper] Chun_Lee: And she and Fries seem to be pretty happy together
[Whisper] Chun_Lee: Hey, you know they're going out in person right?
[Whisper to Chun_Lee] SakuraBlossom: yeah, that's why we got divorced
[Whisper] Chun_Lee: I got couples pics of them irl, wanna see?
[Whisper to Chun_Lee] SakuraBlossom: Nah

Sakura didn't even think before she turned CL's offer down. She had no interest in Fries' real life, and seeing his picture crossed the boundary she always had between her game life and her real life.

[Whisper] Chun_Lee: lololololololol
[Whisper] Chun_Lee: Speaking of Fries...
[Whisper] Chun_Lee: He wanted me to ask you...
[Whisper] Chun_Lee: ...
[Whisper] Chun_Lee: Wait first promise me you won't get mad at me
[Whisper to Chun_Lee] SakuraBlossom: ?
[Whisper to Chun_Lee] SakuraBlossom: Tell me what it is first
[Whisper] Chun_Lee: ...
[Whisper] Chun_Lee: Oh fine
[Whisper] Chun_Lee: He asked me to ask you how much money it would cost for you guys to take down the video.
[Whisper] Chun_Lee: You know, the [Finding Love in the Way of the Ninja] Contest
[Whisper] Chun_Lee: ...
[Whisper] Chun_Lee: ...
[Whisper] Chun_Lee: ...
[Whisper] Chun_Lee: Don't be mad, Sakura, you know how he is

Shannaro! He has some damn nerve! Sakura was a bit outraged by his cheek. Even without considering the tiny grudge she'd held over Fries and Ami's video, Fries probably wasn't willing to pay what their work was worth. Then again, he's always been like that. It's like the guy thinks money covers a multitude of sins, and time, effort, and sincerity mean nothing.

[Whisper to Chun_Lee] SakuraBlossom: Pft if he can afford me
[Whisper to Chun_Lee] SakuraBlossom: It's not like I lack money
[Whisper] Chun_Lee: woah, really Sakura?
[Whisper] Chun_Lee: You don't seem like a rich kid
[Whisper to Chun_Lee] SakuraBlossom: I try to keep it lowkey
[Whisper to Chun_Lee] SakuraBlossom: If he can't afford at least 5k tell him to go away

In her heart, Sakura apologized to her working-class parents who owned a bakery, but she was determined to make Fries pay a high price for his nerve. Looks like Meister's beat down wasn't enough.

[Whisper] Chun_Lee: 5k!??!
[Whisper] Chun_Lee: I think he was thinking more like max 500
[Whisper] Chun_Lee: Forget it, lol
[Whisper] Chun_Lee: tbh I didn't want to ask anyways, but he seems to really like Ami
[Whisper] Chun_Lee: and Ami really wants the [All The Hues in the Rainbow Suit]
[Whisper to Chun_Lee] SakuraBlossom: You big softy
[Whisper] Chun_Lee: I really am
[Whisper] Chun_Lee: ... You're really not mad at me?
[Whisper to Chun_Lee] SakuraBlossom: Not you
[Whisper to Chun_Lee] SakuraBlossom: And not mad, not really
[Whisper] Chun_Lee: ... You don't still have a thing for Fries, right?

Why does everyone think I liked him?! We were just married, okay?! Sakura scowled.

[Whisper to Chun_Lee] SakuraBlossom: how'd your brain go there?
[Whisper to Chun_Lee] SakuraBlossom: There was no 'thing' in the first place
[Whisper to Chun_Lee] SakuraBlossom: We had a marriage of convenience, remember?
[Whisper to Chun_Lee] SakuraBlossom: Besides, I have Meister now
[Whisper] Chun_Lee: Pft show off~
[Whisper] Chun_Lee: How's it going with him?
[Whisper to Chun_Lee] SakuraBlossom: It's a little stressful
[Whisper to Chun_Lee] SakuraBlossom: Tournament's soon, but we're nowhere near intimacy cap, even with our multiplier
[Whisper to Chun_Lee] SakuraBlossom: And we're both going to get busy soon
[Whisper to Chun_Lee] SakuraBlossom: I think we might have to try the impossible couples mission to make it in time
[Whisper] Chun_Lee: You guys are going to try the [Love Across Time and Space] Chain Mission?!
[Whisper] Chun_Lee: But no one's beaten it, ever!
[Whisper] Chun_Lee: Like ever ever, in the history of Way, ever
[Whisper to Chun_Lee] SakuraBlossom: We haven't tried yet ;)
[Whisper to Chun_Lee] SakuraBlossom: I believe in us
[Whisper] Chun_Lee: Woaaaaaaaaaaaah
[Whisper] Chun_Lee: Pf have you never heard of show your love, die sooner?
[Whisper to Chun_Lee] SakuraBlossom: We're not in love!
[Whisper to Chun_Lee] SakuraBlossom: We're .. compatriots
[Whisper to Chun_Lee] SakuraBlossom: With a common goal
[Whisper to Chun_Lee] SakuraBlossom: at least in gaming
[Whisper] Chun_Lee: pf right
[Whisper] Chun_Lee: Because you totally beat the fluff of your compatriot's ex-husband
[Whisper] Chun_Lee: What are you going to do after the tournament?
[Whisper] Chun_Lee: Any plans to meet in person?
[Whisper to Chun_Lee] SakuraBlossom: ... I don't know
[Whisper] Chun_Lee: Woah, it's not an immediate rejection? From you, that's practically a declaration of love
[Whisper] Chun_Lee: Is he in Konohagakure too?
[Whisper to Chun_Lee] SakuraBlossom: I think so?
[Whisper to Chun_Lee] SakuraBlossom: Based on things he and his static have let drop
[Whisper to Chun_Lee] SakuraBlossom: But I haven't really asked
[Whisper] Chun_Lee: Man you guys are so lucky!
[Whisper] Chun_Lee: I wish I could meet you guys in person
[Whisper to Chun_Lee] SakuraBlossom: You'll just have to hitchhike down here some day
[Whisper] Chun_Lee: Maybe I will!
[Whisper] Chun_Lee: But not today - gotta run
[Whisper] Chun_Lee: Seeya Sakura-chan!
[Whisper to Chun_Lee] SakuraBlossom: bye

I hadn't really thought about what came after the tournament. They'd been spending so much time in-game trying to max out intimacy levels, and she still had school and her summer internship to worry about. The tournament was scheduled to overlap with her last month of classes after midterm exams ended, with the all-server final about a week before her first final.

If we get that far in the first place, Sakura smiled at her own confidence. Should I ask him if he wants to meet up? No, that's too weird. Still... Her heart ached a little at the thought of fading out of each other's lives just like that. I can't believe this person whose face I've never seen is someone has become so important.

I just have to make sure he remembers me, Sakura made up her mind. With renewed vigour, she set off to get started on her super-secret project.

(￣▽￣)

"Are you still playing?" Temari came back to the dorm one day during midterms to find Sakura shrouded in darkness, her face made ghastly pale by the glowing screen. "Turn on a light, you're going to hurt your eyes!"

Temari turned on the lights herself. The sudden brightness made her wince, but Sakura didn't even flinch. "Thanks Temari-chan. Could you grab me the cup noodles by the kettle? The water should be boiled by now."

"You shouldn't be eating that crap. Go eat actual food," Temari sighed, but she went over to the electric kettle in the bathroom, only to find that the water was already tepid. "Sakura-chan! How long has it been since you last ate?"

"Huh?" Sakura finally looked up from her game. Before she could say anything else though, her stomach rumbled loudly.

"Honestly," Temari shook her head as she turned the kettle back on. Considering the one open container of cup ramen on the counter, she hesitated for a moment, but pulled out another from her closet. It's just once! She promised herself. As she waited for the water to boil, she started talking to Sakura again.

"If you keep eating this stuff, you're going to get fat," Temari admonished her.

"I run every morning, I won't get fat," Sakura replied, "You guys should come with me sometime. The track's nearby, and it's not too crowded in the mornings."

"With the way you run? No way," Temari shuddered just thinking about it, "Besides, our midterms are starting soon, and I haven't finished our assignment for next week. Not all of us are like you and can put gaming before schoolwork."

"I'm done with my revision and all my assignments are done," Sakura protested, "I'm taking a well-deserved break!"

"Can I see your proof for Linear Algebra 2?" Temari asked, perking up a little, "Shika was too lazy to explain it to me properly."

"Sure, but write out your own answer and don't look at mine when you're working on it. It's in the second drawer of my desk," Sakura said.

"Don't worry, I just need to figure out what theorem to use," Temari reassured her as she went over to rummage around. While she was at Sakura's desk, she noticed a new green addition to her desk. Curious, Temari touched the soil, "Have you been watering your cactus every day? You're going to kill it by overwatering it!"

"Huh?" Sakura blinked. "I'm just watering it when the soil gets dry."

"You don't need to water these more than once a week during the growing season. You can even leave it alone for a few months with no problems. Trust the desert girl when it comes to cactuses, Sakura-chan. Cactuses are very low maintenance."

"Gotcha. Thanks Temari-chan!"

"When did you get a cactus, anyways?"

"Oh, when Tenten-chan and I went shopping to cheer Hinata up after we found out she and I failed the ROOT interview. We went to the flea market," Sakura said absently.

"Ah...," Temari snuck a peek at Sakura, but she didn't seem to be bothered by failing the interview at all. Hinata though... "How did Hina-chan take it?"

"She was a bit down. We told you about her asshole cousin and how she turned down the internship he just shoved at her, right?"

"Oh yeah... at the beginning of the term?"

"Yeah. So she really wants to prove herself to her family this summer."

"Well, she's got plenty of time. You only need 12 weeks to call it an internship, right? So you guys have technically until the end of May to find a job. That's a whole month after the end of term, and you know with five exams over three weeks, we'll have some free time on campus anyways."

"I know that. But Hinata's worried."

"Are you planning on finding an internship in Konohagakure? What about your parents?"

"Yeah, that's the goal. I booked an earlier train back on the first day after the exam period ends so I can spend a couple of weeks with them in April if I do get an internship. And if I don't...," Sakura trailed off and grimaced, "Well, it's not like I have a boyfriend or anyone keeping me here."

"Hey what about us!?" Temari protested, "We won't get to hang out at all if you go back that early! It'll be a whole four months before we see each other again!"

"All we've done in the past semester's post exam period is go out, get bubble tea and fried chicken, and go shopping. I'm totally broke, remember?" When Temari opened her mouth to offer to lend her money, Sakura