Kakashi's POV

I left my apartment early today.

The crisp air is chilly this autumn morning, so I was glad I decided to put on a jacket before heading out to start my morning run. I never miss my routine exercises even during my rest days because doing workouts is something that relaxes my mind and enhances my mood.

I maintained my current rhythmic pace as I ran through Konoha, absorbing the scenic views around me while focusing my mind on the recent events in my life and reflected on it.

Turning seventeen two weeks ago had been uneventful.

Although the rest of my ANBU team wanted to celebrate my birthday, we were assigned a mission that week so I managed to avoid any social gathering, which I am thankful for, since I do not celebrate my birthdays anymore.

As September approached its end, the air gradually grew colder with each passing day as the hues of browns and reds dominated the surroundings, signifying that we're in the middle of the autumn season already.

The vibrant life in nature slowly surrendered to decay, and the muted colors and cooler temperature made everything less lively in my eyes. After I lost Sumire more than a decade ago, each September had always been like this. I just couldn't bring myself to be genuinely happy about anything since then, and my birth month is something I haven't been able to enjoy in a long time.

But after my recent encounter with her a few months ago, for the first time in over a decade, I was finally able to notice and appreciate the oranges and yellows amidst the dark colors of fall. Somehow, this September was more tolerable than the previous ones I've endured in the past years.

Meeting her again at the shores of the Land of Sea made me look on the brighter side of things.

I finally understood that the withering of nature and the falling of leaves is inevitable, it is something that needs to happen to make way for new growth in the future. Just like my decade-long separation from her, it couldn't be helped and there was nothing I could do but endure that "fall" to make way for better things.

However, having a new-found understanding about certain aspects in life doesn't necessarily mean that I am already happy and content with my situation, I still felt incomplete and Sumire's absence weighs heavily in my heart.

Not knowing where she's at and how she's holding up after being targeted still worried me to death and often made me sleepless at nights, but as I've continuously reminded myself over and over again, I had to endure and just look forward to the day I could finally be with her again.

I spent an hour running laps around the village and an additional two hours doing the rest of my physical training regimen. The workout definitely energized me and cleared my mind off things

While I was cooling down my strained muscles by stretching, a loud voice echoed in the area and disturbed my peaceful morning. "Kakashi, I challenge you to a battle! The first one who completes one thousand push-ups wins!"

Maito Guy had been one of the acquaintances I had at the academy, and he had always considered me as his "rival" ever since I could remember. His competitiveness automatically switches on whenever he sees me, and he would always suggest some absurd challenge to know who's the stronger and better shinobi between the two of us. I always turned him down before because it seemed ridiculous to me and I didn't really see any point in engaging with his antics, but I finally agreed to participate in his challenges a month ago since he had always been persistent in asking me whenever he sees me.

However, I'll decline the challenge for now. "Sorry Guy, not today."

My interaction with people has actually improved over the years. Now I'm able to say something not entirely offending whenever I open my mouth to speak, and avoid scowling or frowning about every little thing I find annoying, so I guess I did have a positive character development after quite some time now.

Guy gave me a big smile and a thumbs up while replying loudly, "I will challenge you again the next time I see you, my eternal rival!"

I just stared at him passively while he left the area.

He was so energetic and lively that I felt tired just by seeing his green outfit and interacting with him even though it had only been for a short amount of time.

I proceeded to walk towards the market district at a slow pace, it's a good time to do my grocery shopping since I have no plans for the day.

Unfortunately, more people crossed my path as I stood in front of the local grocer. I would've completely avoided the new set of people in front of me, but one of them is a part of my current ANBU squad so I had to be civil and not blatantly ignore them.

"Senpai, wasn't expecting to see you here", said Yugao Uzuki. She's the only woman in my team and she wore the Cat mask as her ANBU identity. The purple-haired shinobi was with Gekko Hayate and a few others I am not familiar with, they're probably her circle of friends.

I casually replied, "I need a trip to the grocery store from time to time like a normal person."

Yugao chuckled and replied, "Anyway, you should drop by the bar later tonight." She pointed to the man beside her as she said, "It's been reserved for shinobi only since Hayate and a few others decided to celebrate their promotion to Tokubetsu Jonin together. Even Genma and Raidou would be there so make sure you'd come too so we can all hang out."

"Congratulations on your promotion." I looked at Hayate as I congratulated him.

Gekko Hayate gave me a nod in return and said, "Thanks, stop by tonight if you're free. Drinks would be on us."

I just gave them a single wave before I proceeded inside the small grocer's shop. I try to be less intimidating whenever I interact with people outside missions, but I am aware I come off as cold and unapproachable even though I try to avoid having that impression on people.

My hearing was a bit sharp so I could still hear the conversation between Yugao and her companions as I filled my basket with the items I needed for this week.

One voice I didn't recognize said, "Didn't know you two were acquainted with Kakashi Hatake."

"I thought he looked even scarier up close", another unfamiliar voice commented. "He's very cold and intimidating, right?

Hayate replied, "Kakashi has always been like that. Believe it or not, I used to attend the academy with him and maybe his reserved personality is what often intimidated people."

The unknown voice said, "Yeah. I wonder what could melt his ice-cold personality."

"Yugao, I bet if you could find your senpai a girlfriend maybe he would ease up a bit", the other male voice commented.

Yugao just chuckled lightly before replying, "If only all of you knew." She didn't explain what her words meant to her companions even though they continued to question her about it.

I was glad she didn't further talk about it because she probably meant things about Sumire; I call her out name mindlessly in front of my teammates on numerous occasions already whenever I get lost in my thoughts or daydream about her while touching the pendant as it hangs loosely on my neck. So I was sure Yugao and the rest of team Ro knew that warm side of me that's entirely unexplainable to other people aside from them, and I am thankful that they never talk about it to anyone outside our team.

I'd show my appreciation to my team by attending the event later on, they'd all be there and hanging out with them definitely shows my willingness to connect with them outside training and missions.

I just arrived at the local bar where I was invited to attend a social gathering tonight.

For civilians, it's prohibited for people under eighteen to consume alcohol. But in establishments that cater to the shinobi population, being over sixteen or having a jonin rank are granted the privilege to enjoy indulgences like this.

The place was packed with people, half of the individuals in attendance were shinobi my age so I was able to recognize a few faces in the crowd.

Somebody called out to me loudly, "Kakashi, over here!"

I turned my head towards the voice and saw Genma waving his hands and gestured for me to come to them.

As Yugao mentioned earlier, all of team Ro were there, but there were also a lot of people at the long table they were seated at. Numerous people stared at me as I approached the big group, they looked surprised since I rarely attend social gatherings and I mostly kept to myself.

"Nice of you to drop by!", said Genma while slapping my back in a casual manner.

Being friendly and casual became a normal behavior among Team Ro since we're all closer already so I didn't mind it as long as it was outside training or missions, but this surprised the other people in the table who didn't belong to my team.

I understand their reaction though. To most of them I was still the "friend killer", "cold-blooded Kakashi", or the "copy ninja" and they were unaware that I could be an approachable person that's capable of forming friendships and establishing close connections if I wanted to.

Raidou handed me a glass so I gave him an eye-smile and said, "Thanks, man!"

There were multiple eyes watching me, as if they were waiting for me to remove the fabric covering my face to drink the alcohol I have at hand, but I am prepared in circumstances like this. As usual, I used a Genjutsu unbreakable to anyone without the sharingan and I was glad nobody in front of me had it so I could freely drink without worrying of revealing my face.

I even picked up a dumpling that a waiter just served at our table and enjoyed eating it without care.

Others aside from team Ro looked at me like I've grown a second head, their eyes were as wide as saucers as they observed the food passing through the fabric and straight to my mouth.

A collective laugh from Genma, Raidou and Yugao was heard at our table. Raidou commented while punching my arm lightly, "Don't amaze them too much with your skills, Kakashi!"

"What? It's nothing unusual, just a simple trick to the eye." My reply only made my team laugh louder.

"You're so clueless! Not everyone is as good as you in doing what you call 'simple tricks' though", Yugao replied and Genma agreed as he shook his head multiple times.

"Yeah, not all of us here are geniuses and graduated at six!", added Raidou as he joined the discussion.

I just hit the back of Raidou's head lightly in response, which made Genma and Yugao laugh even more. I drank the remaining alcohol in one gulp before I called the server to give us another round of drinks.

"Bottoms up, idiots!" I said as I passed the glasses to my team. They accepted and drank it in one gulp like how I did previously, and the people seated with us just looked at our interaction with bewildered expressions.

After a couple more glasses of alcohol and an interesting conversation with my team, I felt a hand tapping my shoulder and the newcomer's presence caught the attention of all the people at our table.

"Kakashi my man!" The loud voice greeted me happily and I instantly recognized it belonged to Jiraiya of the Sannin.

I stood up and greeted the sage in return, then he guided me to the bar counter and initiated a conversation with me about random topics.

I could hear the faint voices of the people from the table I was sitting on previously since it's only a few feet away, so I knew they were talking about me.

"I didn't expect Kakashi Hatake to be like that with you guys", an unknown voice commented.

Yugao replied, "He's actually pretty cool to people close to him once he loosens up."

"And he's actually close to Jiraiya-sama?", asked by an unfamiliar voice.

"Yeah, I even saw a younger picture of him with Jiraiya-sama and other people like the hokage in multiple group photos when I was in his apartment. He's very low-key, but I know he's well-connected to important individuals here in Konoha", explained Genma nonchalantly to the group.

A female openly asked with too much curiosity and interest, "Is he dating someone? I'm sure that's the main thing everyone is curious about and dying to ask."

There were other female voices that agreed to the previous statement, the whole lot of them seemed really interested about it.

I turned my head slightly and saw from my peripheral vision that my team were glancing with each other and contemplating what to answer since it is a private matter that they know I am sensitive about.

Raidou smirked and suddenly challenged the woman, "Why don't you ask him instead?"

Multiple groans and complaints from women except for Yugao were heard from their table and one of them even said that my teammates were gate-keeping information about me.

Jiraiya-sama suddenly saw somebody he knew and said goodbye to me. I returned to the table where my team was seated and said to them with an innocent voice, "So what did I miss?"

Genma replied, "They wanted to know if you're dating anyone."

The faces of some women in the table became red as I quickly scanned my eyes in the group.

"I'm still waiting." My reply confused all the people except for Genma because he knew exactly what I meant and who I was waiting for.

"Tchh! I knew you were." He smirked and handed me a glass before raising it and gestured for me to do the same, "Cheers to waiting! Or is it more like searching?"

I replied, "Yeah, that's more like it."

We both chuckled at that, clinked our glasses and swiftly downed the burning alcohol in our throats. I'm happy to have someone with whom I can talk about her in a lighthearted conversation, free from the weight of sadness or the risk of any emotional breakdown.

I admitted honestly to my teammate and friend, "I'll tell you what, it actually felt really good to talk about it once in a while!" Afterwards, I touched my necklace and sent multiple pulses to Sumire to let her know I was thinking about her.

He just gave me a friendly slap on my back as he responded, "Yeah, it's probably the alcohol that's making you open up a bit."

"What are you even talking about?" asked Hayate. He looked very intrigued by our conversation, and it wasn't just him; the others sitting with us at the table couldn't hide their obvious interest in our discussion despite their attempts to hide their curiosity.

I was certain I wasn't drunk yet since my mind was still clear and functioning properly, but the alcohol had taken some control over my usually quiet self since I wasn't able to stop myself from blurting out to everybody, "We're talking about the love of my life!"

Everyone became quiet as soon as they heard my declaration, even the ones from the tables next to us turned their heads my way, and all of them stared at me in disbelief but I was unbothered by the attention and just ignored them all.

Suddenly I felt multiple beats from my necklace, and I mindlessly held it in front of everyone to see, I happily pointed to the chakra illuminating brightly in the amethyst stone and explained to the crowd, "That's her chakra and she just sent me pulses right now."

The pendant was still glowing brightly as I was still receiving multiple pulses from Sumire and I knew everyone was able to see how captivating it looked, the whole place was silent and I knew all eyes in the room were on me at the moment.

However, my gaze was solely focused on the amethyst stone I have at hand and observed it as her light-blue chakra moved around the pendant in hypnotic motions.

I couldn't help myself but sigh deeply and exclaim loudly for everyone to hear, "Arghh! I fucking miss her."

I took another shot glass full of alcohol and drank it in a big gulp as if I didn't drop revelations that left the crowd speechless.

My teammates just smirked at my actions, they're used to my sudden outbursts when it comes to Sumire so it's nothing new to them. Genma gestured for Yugao, Radou, and me to grab another glass and raise it again while saying, "Cheers to the love of your life, Kakashi!"

At Genma's words, my team clinked our drinks together and our collective voices yelling cheers were heard before we downed the alcohol in another gulp.

The rest of the crowd just observed me and my three teammates as we drank the night away, we weren't really bothered by their gazes at all and just enjoyed the rest of the evening normally.

After having a good time with my team, I returned home to my apartment and slept peacefully that night.

The next day, I unexpectedly became the center of attention as I jogged around the village for my morning laps. People were discussing what I said about "the love of my life" at the bar during yesterday's gathering, making me the talk of the town overnight.

I mentally scolded myself multiple times about the foolishness of my actions.

I wasn't drunk when I told everyone about it because I have a high tolerance for alcohol, but the intoxicating drink loosened my tongue a bit too much than what I would've preferred.

To be honest, I don't give a damn about the unexpected attention that people gave me.

My only concern was people finding out the identity of the girl I love since I worry about her safety above all else.

If they discovered her connection to the "copy ninja", it could put her in greater danger. Not only would she attract attention from those who were already after her, but also from people with a grudge against me who might use her for revenge or other petty reasons.

It wouldn't be a problem if everyone knew her as long as she's beside me because I could protect her, I would die first before letting anything or anyone harm her. I'd even shout her name and proclaim my love for her from the rooftop of the hokage tower to let the public know how crazy I was about her, it wouldn't be an issue at all because I know I am capable enough to cut down the threats that might come her way if I am with her. But the problem is, I don't know where she is now and she isn't by my side so it makes things complicated.

I sighed as I thought about the problem I created unintentionally.

It's rare that I go to parties or gatherings since I'm not really a social butterfly, but why did I have to mess up one of the few times that I attended an event that I actually enjoyed.

Little did I know that my love life would continue to become the talk of the village for the months to come.

The whispers and speculations on guessing the identity of my girl became widespread in the village, both shinobi and civilians alike would discuss it openly with one another, trying to figure out who was able to catch the attention of the elusive "Kakashi of the Sharingan".