Chapter 2
Sasuke sat on Sakura’s couch, arms crossed, his jaw tight, staring at nothing in particular. The rhythmic ticking of the clock on the wall grated against his nerves, filling the silence between them. He hadn’t spoken much since stepping inside, and Sakura had already asked him multiple times if he was okay.
“I’m fine,” he muttered, the irritation heavy in his voice.
That was a lie.
Fine wasn’t the right word. He was simmering, agitated in a way he couldn’t shake. Anger churned inside him, though he wasn’t even sure anger was the right word for it either. It was a deeper frustration, one that sat in his chest like a dull, persistent ache. And the more he thought about it, the more his irritation sharpened into something close to resentment.
Hinata.
The way she had spoken to him. The way she had questioned him. The way she walked away before letting him speak. It festered inside him like an open wound. He had been annoyed before, but now it was something worse.
Who did she think she was?
She knew the nature of their marriage. She understood why they were in this situation. And yet, she had the nerve to demand answers about Sakura .
The contract had stolen everything from him. His choice, his future, his freedom. He hadn’t wanted this. He never wanted this. He barely knew Hinata, and truthfully, he didn’t care to. His life had been set before him like a script he had no part in writing.
A faint sliver of guilt tried to creep into the cracks of his frustration, but he smothered it before it could take root.
Sakura sat beside him, her legs tucked neatly beneath her, watching him with careful eyes. “Sasuke-kun,” she said gently, “is this about Hinata?”
His shoulders tensed. He exhaled sharply. “Yes.”
Sakura tilted her head, concern laced with curiosity. “What happened?”
Sasuke ran a hand through his hair, his fingers gripping the strands for a moment before letting go. “She snapped at me,” he said, his voice clipped. “She questioned me about you , and then she just—” He clenched his jaw. “She walked away. Before I could even say anything.”
Sakura blinked, surprise flickering across her face. “Hinata? Snapped at you?” She hesitated. “That doesn’t sound like her.”
“Well, she did,” Sasuke muttered darkly, shifting against the couch. “And it pissed me off.”
Sakura watched him for a moment, biting her lip. She knew him well enough to see how tense he was, how much it had truly gotten under his skin. She reached out, her fingers grazing his hand before settling on top of it, the touch light but grounding. “Sasuke-kun,” she murmured, “maybe…maybe you should try to get to know her.”
His head snapped toward her, his dark eyes narrowing. “Why would you even suggest that?” His voice was sharp, edged dangerously close to betrayal. “You know how I feel about this marriage.”
“I do,” she said softly, her fingers tightening around his. “But all the time we spend together…it makes me feel bad for her.”
His lips parted slightly, taken off guard. Sakura rarely spoke about Hinata, let alone with sympathy. “Sakura—”
“I can’t even look her in the eyes when we see each other,” she admitted, her voice tinged with guilt. “She’s your wife, and she’s alone. But we—” She stopped herself, casting her gaze downward. “Naruto’s been so respectful. And I…I haven’t been able to do the same.”
Sasuke frowned, something uneasy settling inside him. “Sakura, don’t—”
“I’ve loved you for so long,” she whispered, her voice barely above a breath. “And I still do.”
Sasuke inhaled slowly, the weight of her words pressing against him. He knew this. He had always known this. He could see it in the way she looked at him, in the way she spoke his name, in the way her fingers lingered against his skin as if memorizing his presence.
And the worst part?
He felt the same.
His feelings for Sakura hadn’t faded, not even after the contract bound him to another. If anything, the forced distance only made them more difficult to ignore.
He had tried to bury them, to leave them behind in the places he disappeared to, hoping distance would dull the ache. Leaving Konoha after the marriage had been as much about escaping Hinata as it had been about silencing his feelings for Sakura. But no matter how far he went, how long he stayed away, those feelings never faded.
And every time he returned, the first person he sought out was her .
Not his wife.
Sakura.
Each time he told himself it would be different. That he would see her, exchange a few words, and that would be enough. But it never was. He was drawn to her, caught in an unbreakable tether, a pull that had nothing to do with reason or obligation.
Even now, sitting beside her. The way she looked at him, the way she spoke his name…it wasn’t something he could ignore.
The only reason he had bothered seeking out Hinata today after seeing Sakura was because Kakashi had given him shit about it. And for some reason, it irked him. More than it should have.
Sakura exhaled shakily, giving him a sad smile. “But it feels wrong sometimes.”
Sasuke watched her, his eyes searching her face. She doesn’t mean that, he realized. She was saying it because she should say it, because it was the right thing to say. But deep down, he could see the contradiction, the quiet relief that he was still here . That he still came to her. That his heart still belonged to her , even if the world had told them otherwise.
He reached up, his fingers brushing against her cheek. The warmth of her skin beneath his fingertips sent something tight through his chest. “You shouldn’t feel bad,” he murmured. “None of this is fair.”
Her eyes fluttered closed for a brief moment at his touch, and when they opened again, they were filled with something soft. Something certain .
“Maybe not,” she whispered, “but it’s the reality we’re in.”
Sasuke exhaled, his forehead dipping close to hers. There was so much left unsaid between them, so much lingering in the spaces between their touches, in the way their fingers brushed but never quite fully intertwined. He wanted to hold her. He wanted to forget everything else.
But he couldn’t.
After a long pause, he sighed, his body still tense from the lingering frustration over his argument with Hinata. “I should go.”
Sakura blinked, almost startled by the sudden change in topic. She straightened slightly. “Go where?” she asked hesitantly.
Sasuke leaned back, rubbing his forehead. “I need to go home. Get some things.”
Sakura hesitated, and for a brief second, he saw something in her expression,something fragile. “A-Are you leaving Konoha?”
He shook his head. “No.”
She let out a breath. “Will you come back?”
There was no hesitation. “Yes.”
The way her face softened, the way her lips curved into the smallest of smiles. He knew then that she was happy . Despite her earlier words, despite her guilt, she was relieved that he would return to her.
And so was he.
Sasuke stood, feeling the warmth of her hand linger on his. As he stepped toward the door, he heard her shift behind him, her voice hesitant but wanting. “Sasuke-kun.”
He turned, his eyes meeting hers.
Sakura hesitated, then reached out, her fingers grazing his one last time, as if reluctant to let him go. “You will come back, right?” she murmured.
Sasuke held her gaze, then gave a small, rare smile. “I’ll be back,” he promised, before stepping out the door.
He didn’t regret coming here. He never did.
x-x-x-x
As Sasuke approached the house, he stopped, his gaze sweeping over the structure with a familiar sense of detachment. Hiashi had gifted them a grand home, a traditional Japanese-style estate that exuded elegance and refinement, its craftsmanship meticulous and undeniably expensive. Dark wooden beams framed the exterior, polished to perfection, and the curved, tiled roof stretched wide, a testament to the Hyuga clan’s wealth. A gravel path led to the entrance, flanked by carefully pruned bonsai trees and a stone lantern that cast long shadows in the moonlight. The shoji doors glowed faintly from the warm light inside, but from where he stood, it felt distant. Foreign.
It was a house meant for a family. A house built with the expectation of something more— a life .
Inside, he knew, were the spaces meant to be shared. A large master bedroom that he had barely set foot in. Two additional rooms, unused and silent, likely meant for children they were expected to have. A kitchen that smelled of Hinata’s quiet attempts at making meals for them to share, but he would never stay to eat, and a dining area with a table they had never sat at together. The living room, where she probably spent most of her time alone. A training room, pristine, untouched by him.
It was a beautiful house, but it had never felt like a home.
Because no matter how many times he returned, this was never where he wanted to be.
As he stepped closer, a figure leaving the house caught his attention. Kakashi. The older man had a book in one hand, his other stuffed casually into his pocket.
“Kakashi,” Sasuke said, raising an eyebrow. “What are you doing here?”
Kakashi paused, tilting his head slightly. “Visiting,” he said simply, offering no further explanation. “What about you? Are you staying with your wife tonight or leaving again?”
He narrowed his gaze at his former teacher. “Staying,” he said, lying, though he was still thrown by Kakashi’s presence. “Why were you here?”
Kakashi waved him off, walking past him without a care. “Just visiting,” he repeated. “Enjoy your evening.”
Sasuke watched him go, confusion settling in his chest. With a shake of his head, he turned back to the house and stepped inside. Sasuke didn’t announce himself as he stepped inside, moving soundlessly through the hallways. The house was quiet— too quiet. It always was. The faint scent of jasmine lingered in the air, a subtle reminder of Hinata’s presence, but otherwise, the space felt empty. Hollow. Like walking through a place meant for someone else’s life, not his own.
His footsteps were nearly silent against the polished wooden floors as he passed through the living area, his sharp eyes taking in the small details without meaning to. A neatly folded blanket draped over the couch. A book resting on the armrest, its pages slightly bent from frequent use. The faintest wisp of steam curling from a teapot on the low table, still warm. She had been here just moments ago. Most likely with Kakashi.
He continued forward, his pace unhurried, his presence a ghost within his own home. The soft clink of porcelain and the quiet rush of running water guided him toward the kitchen.
There, standing at the sink, Hinata was washing cups, her back turned to him. The bright overhead light illuminated the kitchen, casting a soft radiance over her figure. It highlighted the sheen of her dark hair as it slipped over her shoulder, the strands catching the light like silk. Her movements were methodical, her posture relaxed yet weary.
For a moment, he simply watched.
She hadn’t noticed him yet. Or maybe she had, and she was simply choosing not to acknowledge his presence.
His gaze lingered on her for a moment longer before he broke the silence. “Why was Kakashi here?”
Hinata barely glanced at him. “Just visiting,” she said, her tone detached as she rinsed a cup.
The vagueness annoyed him. “Why?” he pressed, his voice sharper now.
“Why does it matter?” Hinata asked without looking at him.
Sasuke frowned, taking a step closer. He didn’t like how dismissive she was being, especially with her back turned to him. “I’m asking a question,” he said firmly. He reached out and turned off the faucet, forcing her to stop mid-rinse. “Answer me.”
Hinata turned to face him, her eyes meeting his. He noticed, for the first time, the redness around the rim of her eyes. She had been crying. His irritation faltered slightly, but he pressed his lips into a thin line. “Why was Kakashi here?”
“He was just visiting,” Hinata said. She stepped back, drying her hands with a towel. “Why are you here? To grab clothes before you leave again?”
Sasuke stiffened. He didn’t want to give her the satisfaction of being right. “No,” he said shortly. “I’m staying. For the night.”
Hinata blinked, her expression betraying her disbelief. “You’re staying?” she repeated, almost as if she hadn’t heard him correctly the first time.
Sasuke barely spared her a glance as he crossed his arms. “Don’t get too excited. I’m leaving in the morning.”
She didn’t react right away. No sharp intake of breath, no visible shift in expression. But something about the stillness in her body, the way her fingers subtly curled against the counter, told him she had heard him loud and clear.
“Would you like me to cook dinner?” she asked after a long moment, turning the water back on to finish washing the cup.
“I already ate,” he replied, indifferent. The conversation should have ended there, but he felt the need to add, “I’m going to shower.”
He turned on his heel, ready to leave the room, but for some reason, he hesitated in the doorway. His gaze flickered back toward her, watching as she rinsed off the last of the teacup. “You upset me earlier.” His voice was even, controlled. “Don’t cut me off like that again. And don’t walk away from me during a conversation.”
She didn’t respond. Not at first. She just stood there, unmoving, as if his words were still settling in. Then, slowly, she placed the cup down and turned the water off.
Sasuke had already turned away, walking down the hall when he heard the quickened pace of her footsteps behind him.
He didn’t expect it.
He stopped in his tracks, brows furrowing slightly, as he turned to face her. She wasn’t hesitating now. Her hands were clenched at her sides, her shoulders squared.
“Y-You frustrate me so much,” she said, her voice shaking, not in fear, but in barely restrained anger.
His gaze sharpened, irritation creeping into his expression. “What are you talking about?”
“You’re upset with me ?” she said, her voice rising slightly. “You don’t try, Sasuke-kun. You don’t care . Why are you even here?”
His lips parted slightly, caught off guard. It wasn’t her words that stunned him, it was the way she was looking at him. There was no hesitation, no quiet resignation like before. She was furious, and for the first time in their marriage, she wasn’t afraid to show it .
Sasuke exhaled through his nose, shaking off the brief flicker of surprise. His expression hardened. “I already told you, I have to keep up appearances.”
Hinata took a step closer, eyes burning. “And that’s enough for you?”
His jaw clenched. “I don’t owe you anything.”
Hinata let out a sharp, bitter laugh, one that sounded so unlike her, it made something inside him twist. “Of course you don’t.” She shook her head, her voice laced with something he wasn’t used to hearing from her. Resentment . “You come and go whenever you please. You stay just long enough to remind me that I mean nothing to you, then leave again like this house is just another place to pass through.”
Sasuke’s fingers curled at his sides. “I never wanted this marriage,” he said, his voice dropping lower.
“I know ,” Hinata snapped, her white eyes flashing. “But if you’re so miserable, leave ! Move in with Sakura-san! Or live alone! Do whatever you want! Just stop pretending you’re doing me a favor by coming back here! ”
Sasuke felt his temper snap.
He closed the space between them in an instant, his presence towering over hers, but she didn’t back away. “You want to know why I’m here?” His voice was sharp, cutting through the air between them. “Because the contract forces me to be.”
Hinata sucked in a breath, but he wasn’t done.
“That’s it. That’s the only reason I come back here. You think I care about what you want?” His tone was cold, cruel. “I didn’t choose you, Hinata. I never would have. You’re just a placeholder, something to keep your clan satisfied. That’s all you’ll ever be.”
The moment the words left his mouth, he felt it.
A sickening weight. A twisting pull in his chest.
But it was too late.
Hinata’s breath caught, her expression shattering right in front of him. The anger in her eyes flickered, fading, morphing into something deeper. Something raw.
Pain.
Sasuke felt his stomach drop. His mind screamed at him to say something else, anything else . But the damage was already done.
Hinata’s hand snapped up.
The slap echoed through the hallway, loud and sharp. The impact turned his head, his cheek flaring with pain, a sharp sting splitting his skin. A metallic taste filled his mouth—blood.
For the first time, Sasuke felt shocked .
He turned his head slowly, his fingers twitching slightly as he brought them up to his cheek, feeling the warm trickle of blood at the corner of his mouth.
Hinata’s chest rose and fell with each uneven breath. Her hand was still trembling from the force of the slap, but she wasn’t crying. Not yet.
She looked up at him, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears, but the expression she wore was far from fragile.
"I hope it was worth it," she said, her tone sharp enough to cut. "Every word you just spat at me. I hope you choke on them."
Then, without another glance, she brushed past him, her shoulder knocking into his as she disappeared into their bedroom, slamming the door hard enough to rattle the walls.
Sasuke remained frozen in place, his mind replaying the last few minutes in slow motion.
The anger that had burned in his chest had suddenly drained away, leaving only a hollow, pulsing ache in its place.
For the first time in a long time, he felt something gnawing at him. Something he didn’t want to name.
He reached up again, running his fingers over the fresh wound on his cheek, staring at the blood from his mouth smeared across his fingers.
Regret.
x-x-x-x
Hinata woke to the soft hush of morning light filtering through the curtains, casting a golden glow over the wooden floorboards. The house was silent, as it always was, but for once, she wasn’t sure if she was truly alone.
As she sat up, her eyes drifted to the hallway leading to the spare rooms. The bedding in one of them was slightly rumpled, the door left open just a fraction. Sasuke had stayed.
She wasn’t sure why that realization brought a lump to her throat. It wasn’t as if it meant anything. He had said he would stay, and for once, he had. But after last night’s fight, she hadn’t expected him to follow through.
Their marriage had never been about choice, only duty. The contract had been unearthed in the aftermath of the war, an old agreement between two of Konoha’s most powerful bloodlines, once meant to solidify an alliance that never came to pass. With the Uchiha clan reduced to one and the Hyuga elders eager to bind their legacy to something just as formidable, it had been revived without hesitation. A political arrangement, designed not for love, but for preservation, of power, of history, of stability.
But all it had done was leave them both trapped.
Hinata exhaled, shaking off the thought as she slid out of bed. She wasn’t going to let this morning be swallowed by last night’s bitterness.
She dressed quickly, deciding she needed to get out of the house, away from its heavy silence, away from the memories of the fight still clinging to the walls. The outskirts of the village had been bustling lately with new shops, and she had been meaning to visit. A café, a boutique, something light, something to make her feel like herself again.
As she stepped outside, the crisp air filled her lungs, bringing a sense of clarity she hadn’t felt in weeks. The village was already alive, vendors setting up their stalls, children weaving through the streets.
“Hinata-chan.”
Her head turned at the sound of his voice.
Kakashi approached at an easy pace, one hand tucked in his pocket, the other raising in a lazy wave. His silver hair was tousled as always, but there was a quiet attentiveness in his gaze, something that always made her feel seen.
She felt warmth creep up the back of her neck.
“Good morning, Kakashi-sensei,” she greeted, inclining her head slightly.
Over the past three months, their interactions had become something of an unspoken routine. They never planned to meet, but somehow, their paths always seemed to cross. And when they did, their conversations were easy, flowing between books and small village happenings, offering a quiet reprieve from everything else. They would talk for hours.
“How are you?” His voice was mild, casual, but his gaze was sharp, always reading, always knowing more than he let on.
“I’m well,” she answered automatically, too quickly. The look he gave her told her he didn’t quite believe her, but he didn’t press.
She adjusted the strap of her purse, glancing toward the road leading out of the main district. “I was thinking of visiting the outskirts today. There’s a café I heard about, and I wanted to buy a new sundress.”
Kakashi hummed, tilting his head slightly. “Ah, then you might like the coffee shop I go to. Good outdoor private seating. Quiet. I stop by at least once a week.”
Something about that made her smile. She had never imagined Kakashi as the type to frequent cafés.
“Really?” she mused, intrigued. "What do you like about it?"
Kakashi pulled out the small book he always carried, flipping a page idly. “The service, the coffee. The privacy.” He shot her a glance, his voice lowering just a fraction, almost teasing. “And they don’t judge you for sitting alone reading smutty novels.”
Heat flooded her face. “K-Kakashi-sensei—!”
He chuckled, unbothered, tucking his book away again. “Just kidding. Seriously, I think you’d like it.”
Hinata bit her lip, hesitating for a brief moment before she spoke. “Would y-you like to come with me?”
Kakashi paused mid-step, his eyes widening slightly in surprise.
Realizing how forward she had sounded, she waved her hands quickly, her voice tumbling out. “I mean, only if you’re not busy! You don’t have to. I just thought since you go there often, you could show me—”
Kakashi chuckled, shaking his head. “Hinata-chan.”
She stopped.
“I’d love to join you.”
The easy certainty in his voice made her stomach flip.
As they walked, their conversation shifted to books again. Kakashi teased her about her sweet tooth, about how every book she recommended had some tragic romance at its core. She retaliated by pointing out that he never seemed to read anything but Icha Icha, to which he dramatically feigned offense.
“I have range ,” he insisted, holding a hand to his chest. “I’ll have you know, I read historical dramas too.”
“Oh? Do those also have questionable romance plots?”
“Only the best ones.”
Hinata laughed, and she felt it, a lightness, a warmth she hadn’t felt in a long time whenever she was with him.
By the time they reached the café, she could see why he liked it. The wooden structure had a rustic charm, nestled between two smaller shops. A low bamboo fence bordered the seating area, vines trailing artfully across the wooden lattice screens that provided a sense of seclusion.
Inside, the air was thick with the scent of roasted coffee and vanilla. Soft lantern light glowed warmly against polished wooden floors, the entire space intimate but open.
The moment they stepped in, the staff behind the counter brightened.
“Kakashi-san! Back again already?”
Hinata blinked, glancing at him.
Kakashi offered a lazy wave, clearly familiar with them. “Told you, I come here often,” he murmured to Hinata.
The barista leaned on the counter, eyeing him knowingly. “Let me guess, your usual?”
Kakashi nodded, then turned to Hinata, tapping a finger against the menu board. “You should try this one,” he suggested, pointing out a coffee with mocha notes and subtle sweetness. “It’s smooth, just sweet enough. I think you’d like it.”
Hinata glanced at the description before nodding. “I’ll trust your recommendation.”
The barista grinned, already working on their drinks. “You can sit outside. I’ll bring them to you.”
Kakashi led her to one of the outdoor tables nestled between decorative screens that blocked people walking on the street from watching the cafe customers. It was quiet, removed just enough from the street that they could watch the village without being fully seen.
“This place is nice,” Hinata admitted, adjusting her purse as she sat.
“Told you.”
Their drinks arrived swiftly, and Hinata smiled. “That was fast.”
“They’re efficient.” Kakashi leaned back in his chair, fingers lightly drumming against his cup. “One of the reasons I like this place.”
Hinata took a sip and was pleasantly surprised. “Oh…you were right. This is perfect.”
Kakashi watched her reaction with an amused glint in his eyes. “I don’t usually go for sweet things, but I figured you’d enjoy it.”
As Hinata took another sip, movement from across the table caught her attention. She glanced up just in time to see Kakashi lift his cup, but this time, instead of angling it beneath his mask like he usually did, his fingers hooked beneath the dark blue fabric and tugged it down.
She stilled.
The fabric slipped past his chin, revealing the face that had been hidden for years. Her breath hitched, her fingers tightening involuntarily around her cup.
Kakashi’s face was striking—sharp yet refined, with high cheekbones and a defined jawline that softened just slightly at his relaxed posture. His skin was smooth, his features naturally composed. His faint scar running vertically down his left eye only added to his allure. A single beauty mark rested just beneath his lower lip, a detail she never could have imagined, yet now she couldn't unsee. His lips, shaped with an effortless, almost careless allure, curved slightly as he took a sip, completely unfazed.
He was beautiful .
Hinata’s pulse thrummed wildly in her ears. She had never truly thought about what lay beneath his mask before, never questioned it the way others did. But now that she was seeing it, she felt like she had stumbled upon something she wasn’t supposed to, something intimate .
She realized, belatedly, that she was staring. Openly .
Kakashi lowered his cup slightly, tilting his head as he met her gaze. His eyes crinkled at the edges with amusement, though there was something else there, something knowing.
“Don’t tell anyone,” he joked, voice dipping into that teasing lilt that always managed to unnerve her.
Hinata nearly choked on air.
Her entire face burned as she quickly looked down, fingers trembling slightly as she fumbled with her coffee. “I-I won’t!” she blurted, her voice barely above a whisper. She tried to focus on the table, on the steam rising from her drink, on anything but him .
Kakashi took another slow sip, exhaling like nothing about this moment was unusual. “You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”
She swallowed thickly. “I just…I didn’t expect you to…” She trailed off, unable to find the words, unsure if there were words to describe how completely caught off guard she felt. “I don’t think even Naruto-kun, Sakura-san, or Sasuke-kun have ever seen your face.”
“They haven’t,” he confirmed, resting his chin against his palm.
Hinata hesitated, watching him carefully before she finally found her voice. “Then why show me?”
Kakashi glanced at her, his expression unreadable for a moment before his lips curved slightly.
“You’ve never judged me,” he said simply. “In these past few months, you’ve been honest and kind, even when life hasn’t been kind to you. I trust you.”
Her breath hitched.
She swallowed, her fingers gripping the ceramic of her cup as if it could anchor her in the moment. She shouldn’t feel so flustered, but hearing those words from him— I trust you —sent an unfamiliar warmth through her chest.
Then, after a beat, he added, “I mean, I do eat and drink in public. Maybe I just move fast enough that no one notices.”
She blinked. “…Really?”
The corner of his mouth quirked slightly, as if thoroughly enjoying her flustered state. “Maybe.”
She narrowed her eyes at him, unsure if he was teasing her or if she had simply never paid close enough attention before. Before she could ask, his voice softened.
“I started wearing the mask when I was young,” he admitted. “At first, it was because of my father. Everyone knew who he was, and by extension, everyone knew me. After I lost him, keeping my face hidden made it easier to exist without people seeing him when they looked at me.” He exhaled, gaze drifting toward the street. “Then it became useful as a shinobi. A habit. And eventually, just another part of me.”
Hinata studied him, her own thoughts quieting. Hiding his face meant hiding everything else.
It made sense. Kakashi had always been difficult to read, his emotions guarded, his intentions often masked beneath indifference or humor. She had never questioned it before, but now, seeing him like this, so exposed yet so composed, she realized how much trust he had placed in her.
Her heart squeezed at the thought.
Kakashi must have noticed her expression, because he chuckled lightly. “If it makes you uncomfortable, I can put it back up,” he offered, fingers already moving toward his mask. “I don’t want to bother you.”
Hinata shook her head too quickly. “No, it’s fine!” she blurted out.
Kakashi’s smirk deepened, but he said nothing, simply lowering his hand again and taking another sip of his coffee, looking out at the street as though this entire moment wasn’t turning her world inside out.
The silence stretched between them, charged in a way it hadn’t been before.
He let the silence stretch before he spoke again. “Hinata-chan.”
She startled slightly, forcing herself to meet his gaze again, though her eyes flickered between his lips and his forehead to avoid getting lost in the intensity of his face.
“I ran into Sasuke coming home when I left yesterday,” Kakashi said, his voice calm, but too observant. “I’m sorry if this is a sensitive subject, but are things okay?”
The warmth she had felt moments ago drained away.
She exhaled slowly, setting her cup down. “We argued,” she admitted. “It was…bad.”
Kakashi studied her for a moment before taking another sip. “I assume you told him exactly what he deserved to hear?”
Hinata let out a humorless laugh. “You could say that.” She hesitated. “I slapped him.”
Kakashi nearly choked. “You slapped him?”
She nodded, a strange mix of satisfaction and regret settling in her chest.
“I didn’t expect to hear that today,” Kakashi mused, tapping a finger against his chin. “Though, considering how many women in the village idolize him, I imagine that’s a first.”
Hinata sighed. “I don’t regret what I said just how I said it. I think I hurt him.”
Kakashi arched a brow. “Did he not deserve to be hurt?”
She blinked, startled by his bluntness.
“I mean,” he continued, “he is married to you, but spends all his time with another woman. Seems like he had it coming.”
Hinata bit her lip, looking down at her coffee. “I don’t know. I don’t think this marriage ever stood a chance.”
Kakashi’s gaze softened, watching her closely. “That doesn’t make it right.”
She hesitated. “Maybe not. But it’s what I have.”
Silence settled between them, heavier this time. Then, after a moment, Kakashi reached out, and before she could react, he tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, his touch lingering for a fraction of a second longer than necessary.
Hinata froze.
Her breath caught in her throat, her pulse thundering in her ears. His fingers barely brushed her cheek as he pulled away, but the sensation lingered, burning.
Kakashi simply picked up his cup again, entirely unbothered. “You should buy a new book today,” he said idly. “Something lighthearted. You could use the distraction.”
Hinata swallowed, nodding slowly. “I-I think I will.”
His quiet presence and warm gaze offered some comfort. He changed the subject skillfully, making a light joke, complimenting her coffee choice, and drawing her back into a safer mood. Gradually, her shoulders relaxed, and the tension eased. They finished their drinks at an easy pace.
Kakashi set down his cup and slipped his mask back up, covering that captivating face once more. Hinata couldn’t help feeling a small twinge of disappointment, but she understood. He’d given her a glimpse, more than most people ever got.
“I’m heading to a dress shop next,” she told him, rising from her seat. “I’m sorry to keep you, I know you must be busy.”
Kakashi stood, shaking his head. “You’re not keeping me. Unless you’d prefer to go alone?”
She fiddled with her fingers. “I’m just trying on dresses…I don’t know if that would interest you. You can wait outside if you’d like.”
Kakashi tilted his head slightly, his eyes narrowing as if amused. “You make it sound like watching someone pick out a dress is some kind of grueling mission.”
Hinata bit her lip, flustered. “That’s not what I meant—”
“I know,” he said, cutting her off with an easy chuckle. “But you shouldn’t assume so much. Who knows? Maybe I have an eye for fashion.”
Hinata blinked, taken aback by the suggestion. “I…I just didn’t think you’d be interested in something like this.”
Kakashi exhaled, a playful hum beneath his breath. “Interested?” He turned his head toward her slightly, his voice dropping just enough to make her heart stutter. “That depends. Are you asking if I enjoy watching women try on dresses, or if I’d enjoy watching you try on dresses?”
Hinata’s breath caught in her throat, her face instantly heating. “W-What?”
Kakashi didn’t react immediately, only letting the silence stretch for a moment before shrugging in amusement. “Relax. I’m just teasing.”
Was he, though?
Hinata swallowed hard, unsure if she was imagining the slight amusement in his tone, the way his gaze lingered on her just a little longer than necessary.
They fell into step beside each other as they walked, the warm sun spilling over the rooftops of Konoha. The casual chatter of the village filled the spaces between their conversation. Hinata fiddled with the strap of her bag, still trying to sort through the subtle shifts in Kakashi’s tone.
“You don’t go shopping for dresses often, do you?” Kakashi mused.
Hinata shook her head. “Not really. I haven’t bought a dress in a long time.”
Kakashi made a thoughtful noise. “Hmm, that’s a shame.”
She glanced at him. “Why?”
“Well,” he said smoothly, “I think it’d be nice to see you in something different. I bet you’d surprise yourself.”
Hinata’s steps faltered, her stomach flipping unexpectedly. “I—” She looked straight ahead, willing the redness in her cheeks to fade. “It’s not that big of a deal.”
“Maybe not to you,” he replied lazily, “but it is to me. I have to give my opinion, after all.”
Hinata frowned slightly. “Your opinion?”
Kakashi’s gaze flicked to her, the corner of his mask lifting slightly as if he were smiling beneath it. “If I’m to endure this outing, I should at least be allowed to give feedback, don’t you think?”
Hinata turned away quickly, trying to hide the way her lips threatened to curl into a smile.
As they continued walking, the dress shop came into view, and Kakashi glanced at the display window before speaking again, his tone casual but undeniably deliberate. “I wonder what style you’ll pick,” he mused. “Something soft and graceful, I imagine. Like the person choosing it.”
Hinata faltered mid-step, blinking up at him as the words settled deep into her chest. Soft and graceful? Me? She had no idea how to respond. She should have been used to Kakashi’s teasing by now, but this felt…different. Sincere.
Her fingers fidgeted slightly as she dropped her gaze, voice unsure. “I—I think you’re just being kind, Kakashi-sensei.”
He met her eyes, his expression unreadable, but his voice was quieter now, gentler. “I’m just being honest.”
A strange warmth curled in her chest, and her face heated instantly. She broke eye contact, turning toward the entrance of the boutique in a desperate attempt to regain her composure. “L-Let’s go inside.”
Kakashi made a small amused sound behind her but followed without comment, stepping through the doorway at a relaxed pace. “After you.”
The inside of the boutique was bright and airy, decorated with soft pastel tones and racks of delicately arranged fabrics. The scent of fresh linen and faint floral perfumes lingered in the air. The moment they stepped in, a cheerful shop attendant spotted them and made a beeline toward them.
“Welcome! Oh, what a lovely couple!” she exclaimed, beaming at them.
Hinata practically choked on air. “Oh! W-We’re not—”
Kakashi coughed lightly beside her, clearly caught off guard as well. “Ah, actually—”
The woman cut him off, smiling as she turned her attention to Hinata. “Are you looking for anything in particular today, dear?” she asked, her bright eyes scanning over Hinata’s form as if already mentally dressing her in half the store’s inventory.
Hinata opened her mouth to respond, but before a single word could leave her lips, the woman let out a dramatic gasp. “Oh, I know exactly what you need!” she declared, already moving toward a nearby clothing rack.
But the woman had already turned her attention to Hinata, waving off their protests with an eager flourish of her hands. “No need to be shy! I have the perfect dresses for you. Let’s find something that will absolutely wow your handsome partner!”
Hinata’s face burned, and she glanced helplessly at Kakashi, who only sighed, slipping his book out of his pocket. “I’ll just stay out of the way,” he murmured, flipping it open. But she caught the faintest curve of amusement beneath his mask.
The shop attendant wasted no time, ushering Hinata toward a rack of summer dresses, lifting a few options against her frame. “This one’s lovely—oh, and this one too! But this…” She gasped suddenly, plucking a dress off the rack and holding it up with a knowing smile. “This is the one.”
Hinata’s stomach dropped. The dress was far more revealing than she was comfortable with—a deep neckline, a fitted bodice that would accentuate her shape, and a high slit that showed far more leg than she’d ever exposed before.
She opened her mouth to protest, but then—
“Oh-ho,” the shop attendant hummed, her gaze flickering toward Kakashi, who had glanced up from his book. “Looks like your boyfriend has an eye for this one.”
Hinata stiffened. What?! She whipped her head toward Kakashi in horror, but he was already back to reading, seemingly unfazed.
“He’s not—!” she started, but the woman barely let her get a word in.
“Go on, try it!” she encouraged. “It’s always good to step outside your comfort zone!”
Hinata barely had time to process before she was practically pushed toward the dressing room. The curtain swished shut behind her, and she found herself staring at the dress in her hands with a growing sense of dread.
Why was this happening?
Still, with no real way to escape, she slowly changed into the dress, feeling more self-conscious with every passing second. It fit too well. Hugged her figure too closely. The fabric was soft, and she could appreciate how well-made it was, but it wasn’t her .
She bit her lip, debating if she should step out when—
“Are you ready? Let’s see it!” the shop attendant called.
Hinata stiffened. “Ah…I-I don’t think I’ll come out—”
“Oh, don’t be silly! You’ll look amazing!”
Hinata sighed. She could already hear the rustling of the curtain as if the woman was about to yank it open herself. Defeated, she took a deep breath, grasped the fabric at her sides, and pulled the curtain back.
Her gaze was firmly on the floor as she stepped out, her arms instinctively crossing over herself as if that would somehow make her feel less exposed.
The shop attendant clapped her hands in delight. “See? You look stunning! What do you think?” She turned toward Kakashi. “Doesn’t she look amazing?”
Silence.
Hinata felt her heart hammering in her chest at the prolonged pause. Hesitantly, she peeked up, and immediately regretted it.
Kakashi’s book was lowered, forgotten in his hands. His eyes were wide, locked onto her with an expression that she couldn’t quite decipher. But the way he was staring, completely still, made her stomach twist into knots.
She panicked.
“I—I’ll pick something else,” she blurted, spinning around and rushing back into the dressing room.
The shop attendant made a disappointed noise, but she was already moving to find other options.
Inside, Hinata pressed her hands to her face, her whole body burning with embarrassment. What was that look? He hadn’t even said anything. She could still see his reaction in her mind, and it made her feel even more self-conscious.
By the time she changed back into her usual clothes and stepped out again, she found Kakashi standing near another rack of dresses, his gaze scanning through them with an unreadable expression.
She hesitated before approaching, still feeling too flustered from earlier. He must have noticed because he spoke without looking at her. “That one didn’t suit you,” he said casually. “Too much fabric in the wrong places.”
Hinata blinked. “T-Too much fabric?”
Kakashi hummed thoughtfully, finally plucking a dress off the rack. “This one’s better,” he said, holding it out to her.
It was a soft blue sundress, sleeveless, with delicate white embroidery at the edges. The fabric flowed effortlessly, the design elegant and understated, far more her style.
She reached for it slowly, her fingers brushing his as she took it. “You picked this for me?”
Kakashi met her gaze, his eye crinkling slightly as if he were smiling. “The other one wasn’t really you .” He tilted his head. “You like this one better, don’t you?”
Hinata swallowed. “I do.”
Kakashi nodded as if that settled it. “Then get it.”
The shop attendant returned with five more dresses in her arms, but Hinata shook her head. “I’ll take this one.”
After paying, they stepped back outside, the warmth of the afternoon sun greeting them. Hinata clutched the bag to her chest, her mind still reeling from everything that had happened inside.
She noticed Kakashi’s relaxed stance beside her, his gaze following the passing villagers in an idle manner. But then, after a moment, he turned his head slightly toward her.
“So,” he mused, “did I earn the title of ‘fashion consultant’ today?”
Hinata let out a soft, breathy laugh, shaking her head. “You might have good taste,” she admitted.
Kakashi smirked behind his mask. “I’ll take that as a victory.”
As they made their way back toward the heart of the village, Kakashi let out a soft chuckle, his hands tucked into his pockets. “Well, that was an interesting shopping experience,” he mused.
Hinata turned her head slightly to glance at him, already wary of what he was about to say. The teasing lilt in his voice gave her no reassurance.
“She really went all in, didn’t she?” he continued, shifting his gaze lazily to the path ahead. “I don’t think I’ve ever been called someone’s handsome partner so many times in one sitting.”
Hinata nearly tripped over her own feet, her face instantly heating up. “P-Please don’t bring that up,” she mumbled, tightening her grip on the shopping bag as if it could somehow shield her from the embarrassment.
“Oh, I wouldn’t dream of it,” Kakashi said, sounding far too amused.
Hinata let out a quiet groan, covering half her face with her hand. “She was so…persistent,” she muttered.
“She had a vision,” Kakashi corrected lightly. “One that apparently involved dressing you in something bold and scandalous to impress your not-actually-your-boyfriend companion.”
Hinata shot him an exasperated look. “You’re enjoying this too much.”
Kakashi’s eye curved in a way that told her he was absolutely smiling beneath his mask. “Maybe just a little.”
She let out a sigh, shaking her head as they continued walking. The laughter in his voice was warm, and despite her embarrassment, she found herself smiling just a bit.
For a while, they walked in silence, the village sounds around them filling the gaps, shopkeepers calling out their wares, children running past in playful shrieks, the rustling of the wind through the trees. Hinata welcomed the quiet, allowing herself to get lost in thought.
Her time spent with Kakashi today had been…different. Comfortable, easy, and yet, at moments, undeniably flustering. The way he spoke to her, the way he looked at her—it wasn’t quite like how others did. Was he just being friendly? Or was he actually flirting with her? The very idea made her head spin.
She wasn’t inexperienced when it came to attraction. She had loved Naruto for years, and had once been so painfully obvious about it that half the village had probably known before he did. But this? This was different. This was Kakashi. Someone older, wiser, someone she had always seen as a mentor figure…until now.
But even as warmth bloomed in her chest from their exchanges, something else lingered beneath it—a sharp, unwelcome reminder of the reality of her life.
She was married .
Hinata’s grip on her bag tightened slightly, the fluttering feeling in her stomach snuffed out as frustration crept in. Sasuke.
Her thoughts pulled her back to the previous night, to the sharp words exchanged, the exhaustion of trying to communicate with someone who wouldn’t listen. He had the audacity to tell her not to cut him off, not to walk away when he was speaking, yet that was all he ever did to her. He dismissed her, ignored her, made her feel invisible—unless, of course, she dared to question his relationship with Sakura. Then, suddenly, she was worth responding to.
Her chest ached at the memory, a tight, suffocating feeling settling over her. She hadn’t realized how much her frustration was showing until Kakashi spoke.
“Careful,” he said smoothly. “If you keep frowning like that, people might start thinking I said something truly unforgivable.”
Hinata blinked, startled out of her thoughts. She turned to look at him, finding his eye watching her carefully, though there was an easy smile in his tone.
“I—” she hesitated, then let out a breath. “I was thinking about something unpleasant.”
“I figured.”
Hinata glanced away, feeling strangely guilty that she had allowed herself to get lost in those thoughts while she was here, with him. But before she could say anything else, Kakashi stretched his arms over his head, tilting his face up toward the sky.
“You know,” he mused, “whenever I find myself thinking about unpleasant things, I try to distract myself with something nice instead. Like good company, or a particularly good book. Maybe even a well-brewed cup of coffee.”
Hinata’s lips parted slightly. He wasn’t outright saying anything, wasn’t pressing her to talk, but his words were deliberate. She could feel it. He knew she was thinking about Sasuke, and he was offering her a way out of that spiral.
A small, grateful smile tugged at her lips. “Thank you,” she said softly.
She dared to look up at him again, and this time, she found his eyes crinkled slightly, as if he were smiling behind that familiar mask.
“It’s nothing,” Kakashi replied, his tone light.
Before she could respond, a familiar voice called out. “Hinata?”
Hinata looked up just in time to see Sakura approaching, her pink hair catching in the afternoon light, her expression composed yet carefully neutral. Too neutral. The tension in her shoulders, the way her gaze flickered, first to Kakashi, then to Hinata, told a different story. She was uneasy. And Hinata, for the first time in a long time, felt nothing but cold clarity when she looked at her.
There had been a time when Hinata had considered Sakura a friend, someone she trusted. They had trained together, fought alongside each other, shared stories of their lives, and had once even laughed over silly things. That trust, however, had long since eroded.
Now, when she looked at Sakura, all she saw was someone who would never stop chasing Sasuke—no matter the consequences. No matter how wrong it was. And Sasuke had already made his choice.
Hinata pressed her lips together as her gaze slid past Sakura and then she saw him.
Sasuke stepped into view, his usual impassive mask firmly in place. Yet, when his dark eyes met hers, something flickered behind them. Regret? It was so brief, so fleeting, that she couldn’t be sure if she had imagined it or if it was real.
Her stomach twisted. She wasn’t ready to see him again. Not after last night. Not after the words they had thrown at each other.
The moment stretched into a silence so thick it felt suffocating.
Sasuke’s gaze shifted, flicking to Kakashi, then back to her. His expression darkened slightly, the space between his brows creasing. “Why are you two together?” he asked, blunt as ever.
Hinata stiffened, caught off guard by his directness. She hadn't prepared an explanation. Not that she needed it. Yet, she hesitated, but Kakashi answered before she could.
“I might ask the same,” he said, his tone pleasant but carrying an unmistakable edge. His gaze drifted lazily between Sasuke and Sakura. “What are you doing with Sakura?” He asked as he pulled out his book to glance at it, almost as if he were bored.
“What I do with Sakura isn’t your concern,” Sasuke said, his voice low and sharp, barely restrained irritation simmering beneath it.
Kakashi didn’t look up from his book, his fingers idly turning a page. “That’s funny,” he mused. “Because you seemed awfully concerned about Hinata-chan and me just a moment ago.” His tone was light, almost conversational, but there was an undeniable undercurrent of something sharper, something daring.
Sasuke’s jaw clenched. “That’s different.”
Kakashi finally lifted his eye from his book, his gaze settling lazily on Sasuke, but there was no humor there now. “Is it?” he asked. “Tell me, Sasuke, do the rules only apply when it’s convenient for you?”
Sakura inhaled sharply, her fingers twitching at her sides, but she said nothing.
Hinata watched as the words struck something in Sasuke, saw the flicker of something unreadable in his face before his expression turned cold once more.
“You should stay out of this,” Sasuke warned.
Kakashi tilted his head as if considering it, then let out a low chuckle. “Or what? You’ll get defensive? Tell me to mind my own business again?” He exhaled slowly and returned his attention back to his book as if Sasuke were nothing more than a passing inconvenience. “You know, for someone who spends so much time with another woman, you sure seem rattled over who your wife is with.”
Hinata saw the way the muscles in his jaw flexed, his annoyance barely contained. She could feel the storm brewing beneath his calm exterior, the way his irritation simmered just beneath the surface.
And for once, she didn’t care.
She wasn’t going to smooth things over. She wasn’t going to soften the moment.
Because she could see the truth, clear as day.
Sasuke would keep seeing Sakura. Sakura would keep accepting it. And Hinata? She was done pretending it didn’t matter.
Kakashi put his book away. His eyes darkened as he shifted his gaze from Sasuke to Sakura. The lightness in his voice was gone, replaced with something heavier, something edged with quiet disapproval.
“And you,” he said. “I expected better from you, Sakura.”
Sakura flinched at the weight behind his words, her lips parting slightly, as if she wanted to deny or justify, but nothing came out. Her fingers curled into the fabric of her sleeves.
“Sasuke-kun and I—” she started, but even she seemed unsure of what she wanted to say.
Sasuke stepped forward instantly, his expression sharp. “She doesn’t owe you an explanation.”
Kakashi’s eye flicked to Sasuke, unimpressed. “Maybe not to me,” he admitted easily, “but certainly to herself.”
Sakura looked away. Hinata saw something close to shame cross her face. But it was fleeting, and it wasn’t enough.
Before anything more could be said, Sasuke turned his attention to Hinata, his voice losing some of its edge but still carrying its usual authority.
“Hinata,” he started, “I need to speak with you. Alone .”
Hinata’s stomach twisted, her body instinctively tensing. She wasn’t sure if she was ready to deal with him after everything, after last night, after seeing him here, with her . But what choice did she have?
Before she could even consider responding, Kakashi stepped forward, placing himself slightly in front of her, his stance calm but unmistakably protective. “Hinata-chan is—”
Sasuke’s glare snapped to him, sharp and unyielding. “I’m talking to my wife,” he said, his voice tight with irritation. “She can answer for herself.”
Sakura, looking distressed, reached out, placing a hand on Sasuke’s arm. “Sasuke-kun, calm down—”
And just like that, the tension in his posture lessened. It wasn’t much, but it was enough. It was enough for Hinata to feel the sting of it. Sasuke reacted to Sakura so quickly, so effortlessly, while Hinata had spent months speaking into an empty void.
Hinata took a steady breath, pushing down the familiar ache and lifting her chin slightly. “I’m busy right now,” she said. “If there’s something you need to say to me, you can say it at home.” She let her gaze shift to Sakura, her stare unwavering. “That is if you decide to come home.”
Sakura tensed. Her lips parted, a flicker of unease crossing her face, but no words came. Instead, she cast a quick glance at Sasuke, as if searching for something, reassurance, perhaps, or an answer she couldn’t voice.
Sasuke noticed. His entire frame shifted as he stepped in front of Sakura, blocking Hinata’s view of her as if shielding her from something dangerous. His towering presence loomed over Hinata, his dark eyes narrowing as he stared her down.
“If you’re going to look at someone like that,” he said, his voice low, a quiet challenge, “look at me. Not her.”
Hinata felt a sharp spike of anger at the way he positioned himself, as if she was the problem here. She clenched her fists at her sides and glared up at him. “Like I said,” she repeated, “if you want to talk to me , you can talk to me at our home . ”
The air between them grew heavy, thick with unspoken tension, as if the space they occupied had been sealed off from the rest of the world. The sounds of the village, the presence of Kakashi and Sakura, all of it faded into nothing, leaving only the two of them locked in this silent battle. Hinata wasn’t even aware that she was revealing a side of herself that neither Kakashi nor Sakura had ever seen before. But she didn’t care. At this moment, her focus was solely on Sasuke and his on her.
His glare sharpened, his dark eyes burning into hers, frustration evident in the rigid set of his jaw, the way his fists tightened at his sides. The weight of their fractured marriage, the resentment, the unspoken words, they all simmered in the charged space between them, contained within their own volatile bubble, one neither of them seemed willing to break first.
Then, suddenly, she was being pulled back.
Hinata gasped softly as she stumbled slightly, finding herself pressed against a solid chest. Kakashi’s hand rested firmly on her shoulder, steadying her, grounding her. Her eyes widened as she tilted her head up to look at him, and she realized he wasn’t looking at her at all.
He was staring Sasuke down.
The atmosphere between them shifted, silent, but heavy. Kakashi’s grip on her was firm, protective, yet not possessive. There was no challenge in his stance, no hostility in his posture. And yet, somehow, he still stood between her and Sasuke.
Sasuke’s gaze flickered to where Kakashi’s hand rested on her shoulder, his eyes narrowing slightly, lingering just a moment too long. His brows knit together, subtle but noticeable, a faint crease forming between them. His fingers twitched at his side, and though his expression remained unreadable, there was a strange pause, like a thought left unfinished. His lips parted, as if he might say something, but instead, he pressed them into a firm line. The irritation rolling off him was obvious, but something about the way his eyes darted back to her, searching, questioning, made her wonder if even he understood what had unsettled him.
For a long, tense moment, no one spoke.
Then Sasuke clicked his tongue, the sound sharp in the heavy silence. “I’ll be home later,” he muttered, but the words weren’t for Hinata. They were for Kakashi. His gaze lingered back to Kakashi's hand before he turned, walking away.
Sakura hesitated, casting one last glance at Hinata and Kakashi before running to catch up to Sasuke’s retreating figure.
Hinata remained still, her pulse pounding in her ears. She exhaled slowly.
Kakashi didn’t remove his hand right away. It was only when she slowly turned to look at him that he finally let go, his usual calmness settling back into place. But his eyes, his eyes were still watching, still narrowed, still carefully tracking Sasuke’s retreating form.