In the quiet aftermath of the emotional exchange, Kakashi left Sakura to rest and approached the window, staring out into the night. He knew the complexities of their situation, the unspoken feelings that lingered between them, and the responsibility he carried as a mentor and team leader.

Ino, who had discreetly returned, joined Kakashi near the window. She studied his expression, noting the mix of emotions that played across his face.

"She cares about you a lot, doesn't she?" Ino remarked, her tone a careful balance of curiosity and understanding.

Kakashi nodded, his gaze fixed on the moonlit landscape. "More than I deserve, probably."

Ino crossed her arms, her eyes narrowing slightly. "You're not just talking about the mission, are you?"

Kakashi sighed, realizing that Ino had a knack for reading between the lines. "No, I'm not. But it's complicated, Ino."

Ino tilted her head, her blonde hair catching the soft light filtering through the window. "Complicated doesn't mean impossible, Kakashi-sensei. And sometimes, things are simpler than we make them out to be."

Kakashi regarded Ino with a hint of surprise. Despite the age difference and the professional boundaries, Ino's words struck a chord. However, before he could respond, the door to the room creaked open.

Sakura, looking more composed now, entered with a determined expression. "Alright, you two, spill it. What's complicated?"

Ino exchanged a glance with Kakashi then grasped his hand in hers before deciding to speak up. "We were just talking about him meeting my parents, Sakura-chan." she informed her. "He really wanted to meet them, right, Kakashi-kun?"

Kakashi's brows furrowed in confusion, then he heard Ino's voice in his head. "You want her to not look at you like that anymore, right? Then play along." Ino's voice in his head said.

He then faced the pink-haired Kunoichi, and almost let go of the facade when he saw the pain in her eyes. "I see." Sakura murmured. "I'll leave you two then."

Sakura's exit left a lingering tension in the room. Kakashi and Ino exchanged glances, both aware of the fragile dynamics at play.

Ino released a sigh, leaning against the window. "You really are terrible at lying, Kakashi-sensei."

Kakashi chuckled wryly, a hint of amusement in his eye. "I wasn't aware I was lying until you told me."

Ino shook her head, a smirk playing on her lips. "Well, you're going to have to work on that if you want to navigate this situation without causing a disaster."

Kakashi's expression turned serious. "What do you suggest, Ino?"

"In reality, Kakashi-sensei, I just bought you time. Unless you really wanted to meet my parents, Kakashi-kun." She teased. "But, I don't like you, and you don't like me. So be honest with yourself and with her. She's not a child nor she's dumb. Eventually, she'll see through the facade."

Kakashi sighed, acknowledging Ino's point. "I appreciate the time, Ino. But you're right. It's time to be honest with myself and with Sakura."

Ino nodded, a knowing look in her eyes. "Good. Just remember, sometimes the simplest path is the right one. And Sakura deserves the truth."

Kakashi nodded in agreement, and they both turned their attention to the window, contemplating the challenges that lay ahead. The moonlight cast a soft glow on the room, highlighting the complexities of their relationships and the unspoken emotions that lingered beneath the surface.

The following day, Kakashi found a moment alone with Sakura in the hospital room. He took a deep breath, gathering the courage to address the unspoken tension between them.

"Sakura," he began, his tone serious yet gentle. "We need to talk."

She looked at him wearily, her pain reflected in her eyes. "Where's Ino, Kakashi-sensei?"

Kakashi flinched at the sight of her eyes and the sound of the honorific after his name. Was he slowly losing her?

"Sakura, I – "

"Sensei, I just checked your vitals." Sakura interrupted him. Not wanting to spend another minute in the room more than necessary. She almost heard her heart shattered last night when she saw her bestfriend holding his hand. She always loses to Ino. But she can't blame her. She really is beautiful. "And you're fine. I already signed your discharge paper, you can go home whenever you're ready." After that, she left.

Kakashi watched Sakura leave, a mix of emotions swirling within him. He knew he had to face the consequences of his actions and be honest with Sakura, but the timing seemed all wrong.

Ino, who had been standing in the hallway, stepped into the room. She had witnessed the exchange and could sense the tension.

"Well, that went well," Ino remarked, her voice tinged with sarcasm.

Kakashi sighed, running a hand through his silver hair. "I didn't get a chance to explain."

"You had plenty of chances," Ino retorted. "But you kept hesitating. Sakura might be a strong ninja, but even she has her limits."

Kakashi knew Ino was right. He had been avoiding the inevitable, and now it seemed that Sakura was putting up her own defenses.

"What do I do now?" Kakashi asked, frustration evident in his voice.

Ino crossed her arms, studying Kakashi intently. "You go after her and talk. No more lies, no more holding back. Lay it all out on the table. If you care about her, be honest. If not, then you both need to move on."

Kakashi nodded, determination settling in. He left the hospital room and hurried after Sakura. But she's nowhere to be found. It's a mere five minutes since she left his room, then she just vanished.