The Konoha evening sky was turning golden. A gentle breeze swept across the rooftops lined neatly along the village. Atop one of those roofs sat a teenage boy, cross-legged, watching the slowly setting sun. His face was hidden behind a mask, but the unrest in his eyes was clear.
Kakashi placed both palms over his face and let out a long sigh.
"...Why does it have to be like this..."
He curled up, resting his chin on his knees, trying to piece together his scattered thoughts.
'It was just a hug. Just a hug! She was happy because Naruto called her "Mama," and I just happened to be there! That's all! Nothing wrong with that!'
But his heart couldn't lie.
He could still feel the warmth of Kushina's embrace. The faint sweet scent of her hair. Her cheerful voice. Her laughter when Naruto called her "Mama." It all spun around in his head like a genjutsu he couldn't break.
"Arghhh!" Kakashi grabbed his own hair with both hands. "What the hell is wrong with me?! This is Kushina-san! Minato-sensei's wife! My TEACHER!"
Which made him feel all the more guilty.
Minato's image appeared in his mind—a calm smile, patient guidance, teaching him about responsibility, honor, and conviction.
And now? That very student… having improper thoughts about his teacher's wife?
"I'm sorry, Minato-sensei... I... I didn't mean to," Kakashi whispered, barely audible.
He took a deep breath, then removed his mask for a moment. The evening breeze brushed against his flushed face.
'I might be hitting puberty, but this is crazy. I need to be stronger than this. I need to get a grip...'
'Naruto... he's a lucky child. A mother like Kushina-san will love him with all her heart...'
But beneath that thought, something dawned on him.
'I'm just in awe... yes, that's it. Admiration. I admire her strength and kindness. That's all. It's not that I... like her. It's not that kind of thing.'
He sighed. Long. Deep.
"Oh god... I hope this is just a phase," Kakashi muttered, eyes fixed on the sky now painted with the hues of twilight.
That evening, the Konoha sky glowed gold, the sun slowly dimming to signal the approach of night. Kakashi, usually calm and calculated, now looked like someone who had lost his way. His face was hidden behind his mask, but his eyes betrayed his unease.
'I have to... forget this. Stay calm. I can't keep going on like this.'
Without another thought, Kakashi jumped from rooftop to rooftop. His movements were light, quick, but not as sharp as usual. A weight in his mind slowed every step. Until he finally stopped in front of a modest house.
Might Gai's house.
Kakashi raised his hand and knocked on the door. Within three seconds, the door burst open with a loud BAM!
"KAKASHI!!" Gai appeared with his iconic thick eyebrows trembling from sheer enthusiasm. "My rival! Have you come to challenge me in a test of youthful vigor?!"
Kakashi let out a soft sigh. "Just passing by."
"Ahaha! No need to be humble! I know your true reason! Your youthful soul craves a challenge!"
"...If that makes you happy."
With sparkling eyes, Gai cheered, "Ecstatic! I'll start with five hundred warm-up push-ups first!"
Kakashi merely stared at Gai with tired eyes. 'Maybe this wasn't such a good idea…'
But strangely, watching Gai's unshakable enthusiasm lifted something in Kakashi's heart. At the very least, he wouldn't have time to dwell on chaotic thoughts while around this man.
A few minutes later, on Konoha's main road...
Gai and Kakashi were now jogging around the village. Gai with steady breathing, glowing with passion, shouting loudly on repeat:
"ONE LAP FOR JUSTICE! TWO LAPS FOR YOUTH! THREE LAPS FOR FRIENDSHIP!"
Kakashi ran beside him with a slightly lowered head and a flat expression.
In his heart, he muttered, 'Please... no one see us right now.'
But as time passed, the monotony and exertion of the run began to clear his mind. He no longer thought about that hug, the scent of her hair, or the guilt haunting him. He focused only on his breath, his feet, and Gai's voice ringing beside him.
By the time they reached the training grounds, night had fallen completely. Moonlight bathed the empty field, adding an air of serenity—until Gai shouted:
"Time for taijutsu! My rival! Hold nothing back!"
"...Alright."
One, two… three quick strikes exchanged. Hands and feet clashed. The sound of swishing air and striking limbs filled the field. Kakashi became serious, his techniques clean and efficient—a sign that his mind had cleared.
Gai laughed loudly. "That's it, Kakashi! That's your youth burning bright!"
The night grew deeper. Their breaths grew heavier. Sweat soaked their bodies. But eventually, they both stopped, sitting together on the ground, gazing at the calm night sky.
Gai turned to Kakashi. "I don't know what's troubling you, Kakashi, but whatever it is... you can overcome it with sheer will! Just like we fight time with our youthful spirit!"
Kakashi turned slightly and gave a small nod.
"...Thanks, Gai."
Gai grinned, his teeth sparkling. "That's because we're lifetime rivals!"
After a brief goodbye, Kakashi returned home. His body was tired, but for the first time that day... his heart felt just a little lighter. He changed clothes, wrapped himself in a blanket, and lay down on his bed. His gaze was blank, but no longer anxious.
'Tomorrow… I need to stay calm. Focus. No time for strange thoughts.'
His eyes slowly closed.
And Kakashi finally slept soundly.