Sakura woke up when the light started to blind her closed eyes. When she opened her eyes, her brows knitted in confusion. The room that she's in is unfamiliar to her.
But the questions her mind were silenced when she saw a note in the bedside table.
'Sakura,
I don't have to heart to wake you up. I was assigned to a long-term mission. I may be gone for four to six months. I will try to return as early as I can.
Take care of yourself while I'm away. If you ever need anything, don't hesitate to reach out to Tsunade or someone you trust. You're strong, Sakura, and I believe in you.
I love you.
Kakashi'
Sakura's heart sank as she read Kakashi's note. The realization that he was on a mission and would be away for an extended period hit her, leaving a sense of emptiness in its wake.
When she left for her mission, over a month ago, she felt that the hamstrings of her heart felt... strained. The farther she went, the tauter it felt. When Kakashi greeted her at the gates, she felt home, somehow.
His words from the previous night echoed in her head.
"Will you ever consider this place as your home?"
Without realizing, she already considered him as her home. Sakura sat there, holding the note close to her heart. The room felt quieter, emptier, as the reality of Kakashi's absence settled in. She traced the words on the paper with her fingertips, feeling a mix of emotions.
"I love you."
Those words echoed in her mind, and she couldn't deny the warmth they brought to her heart. Yet, the ache of missing him was undeniable. She had found solace in his presence, and now, with him gone on a mission, the silence of the room became a poignant reminder.
As the days passed, Sakura went about her routine, fulfilling her duties as a ninja and trying to focus on her own healing. She visited the hospital, tended to her patients, and even ventured out on solo missions. But the absence of Kakashi's steady presence was palpable.
She would sometimes find herself standing at the training grounds, the memories of their shared moments replaying in her mind. The cherry blossom tree, the bridge where they had faced challenges together—each place held a piece of the bond they had formed.
Tsunade, noticing Sakura's quiet struggles, approached her one day. "Sakura, you need to focus on your own well-being. Kakashi will be back, and he'll be proud of the strong ninja you're becoming."
Sakura nodded, appreciating Tsunade's concern. "I know, Hokage-sama. It's just... It's different when he's not around. I've gotten used to having him by my side."
Tsunade sighed, understanding the complexities of their relationship. "Take this time to discover your own strength, Sakura. You don't need someone else to define you. You're a formidable ninja in your own right."
And so, Sakura immersed herself in training, honing her skills and pushing her limits. The village began to witness her resilience, and the whispers that once surrounded her relationship with Kakashi gradually faded into the background.
Months passed, and one day, as the sun dipped below the horizon, Kakashi returned from his mission. He felt a mix of anticipation and anxiety as he approached the village. His thoughts were consumed by Sakura, wondering how she had fared during his absence.
When he finally set foot in the village, he headed straight for his apartment. The familiar silence greeted him, but there was a subtle shift in the air. As he entered his bedroom, he saw Sakura, sitting on the windowsill, her gaze fixed on the moonlit sky.
"Sakura," he called out, his voice a mixture of relief and longing.
Sakura turned, her eyes widening in surprise. When she saw Kakashi standing there, a rush of emotions flooded her. Without a word, she crossed the room and wrapped her arms around him in a tight embrace.
Kakashi held her close, savoring the warmth of her presence. "I missed you," he whispered.
Sakura nodded; her voice muffled against his chest. "I missed you too, Kakashi."
He pressed his clothed lips to her hair, trying to commit to his memory the feel and scent of it. His arms tightened its hold on her.
The embrace that they share signifies different things for them. For Sakura, Kakashi's return marked the end of a chapter of solitude and the beginning of a new one with someone she had come to consider her anchor. The absence of his steady presence had made her realize the depth of her feelings, and now, with him back, she felt a profound sense of belonging.
Kakashi, too, felt a surge of relief at being reunited with Sakura. The months of separation had tested his patience and underscored the significance of their connection. As he held her, he recognized the subtle shift in their dynamic, and he couldn't help but feel a sense of fulfillment.
"I guess this is what home feels like," Sakura whispered, her voice carrying a mix of gratitude and contentment.
Kakashi pulled back slightly, his visible eye softened as he looked at Sakura. "Welcome home, Sakura. I missed you more than I can say."
Sakura smiled, a genuine warmth in her eyes. "I missed you too, Kakashi. I didn't realize how much until you were gone." she replied, with genuine emotion in her eyes. "I didn't know I'd miss you so much."
Kakashi pulled her close once more. His arms that surround her, never wants to let her go. As the pink-haired woman buried her face in his chest, Kakashi closed his eyes. The feeling of contentment washed over him.
In that moment, they feel content in the arms of each other. It felt like the world outside the small room vanished, and the villagers did not have an inkling of what transpired inside the run-down old apartment.