"No notes today?" Ino asked.

Sakura shook her head. "No. Nothing today. It's been a while, actually." she admitted. "Its good, maybe he already got what he needed to woo the woman his interested in." Sakura looked at Ino, the smile that she plastered on her face is fake. "I told you, we were just friends."

Ino studied Sakura for a moment, her expression a mix of concern and understanding. "Sakura, are you okay? You seem... disappointed."

"No, not disappointed. I'm tired." She admitted, "It had been a month since I got a good night sleep. But I can't leave, we are still short-staffed."

"Sakura, this is not just about the hospital." Ino observed. "Yes, you were tired the past weeks. But there's always a smile on your face. It's gone now."

Sakura sighed, her shoulders slumping. "Ino, it's just... I don't know. Kakashi's gestures became a routine, a source of comfort. But now that they've stopped, it feels like something is missing. I got used to the surprises, the notes, and now, it's like a void."

Ino nodded, her expression empathetic. "Sakura, it's okay to feel that way. Maybe it's time to have a conversation with Kakashi. Find out what's going on and what does he really want."

Sakura shook her head. "No. There's nothing. That, I am sure. I'm just... adjusting. It became a routine that I just miss it. Well, I still have a surgery to oversee."

Ino sighed, recognizing the complexity of Sakura's emotions. "Sakura, if it's just about missing the routine, that's one thing. But if there's something more, maybe it's worth talking to Kakashi. Communication is key in any relationship, even friendships."

"No. I'm not the needy little girl anymore." She said before standing up. "Thank you for..." before she can finish her sentence Sakura's knees buckled and she fell to the floor.

Ino quickly rushed to Sakura's side, concern etched on her face. "Sakura! Are you okay? What happened?"

Sakura winced, holding her head. "I... I don't know. Just a sudden wave of dizziness. Maybe a side effect of not getting enough sleep. I'll be fine."

Ino helped Sakura to stand up but even before she can, she wobbled and slumped unconsciously on her friend's arms.

Ino, alarmed, called for assistance, and Sakura was quickly taken to the hospital's medical bay. After a thorough examination, it became clear that Sakura's exhaustion had caught up with her, leading to a fainting spell. Tsunade demanded that she will be admitted so that they can monitor her. And despite her protestations, she had no match when Tsunade decided to pull rank.

She was confined for three days before he came.

Kakashi entered Sakura's hospital room with a concerned expression. "Sakura, are you okay?" he asked, his grey eyes reflecting genuine worry.

Sakura, lying in the hospital bed, managed a weak smile. "I'm fine, Kakashi. Just a bit tired, I guess."

Kakashi pulled up a chair and sat by her bedside. "You don't look fine to me. Ino told me what happened. Fainting spells are not something to take lightly."

Sakura sighed. "She is really a blabbermouth, isn't she?"

Kakashi chuckled. "Well, when it comes to your well-being, I think a bit of blabbering is forgivable. Seriously, though, are you taking care of yourself?"

Sakura nodded, her smile fading. "I am, Kakashi. It's just been a hectic few weeks at the hospital, and I guess I let my own well-being slide."

Kakashi reached out, gently brushing a strand of hair from her face. "You've been working too hard, Sakura. I understand the demands of your job, but you also need to prioritize your health. What's the point of being the village's top medic if you don't take care of yourself?"

"I'm fine, Kakashi. I don't even know why they insist on keeping me here. I can just use the seal and I'll be back on my own two feet in no time."

"That seal, I heard it shortens your lifespan when you use it. Is it true?" Kakashi asked.

Sakura hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Yes, it's true. The Strength of a Hundred Seal is powerful, but it takes a toll on the user's lifespan. I've been using it more frequently to handle the increased workload at the hospital. But it's a sacrifice I'm willing to make to save lives."

Kakashi's gaze softened, concern evident in his eyes. "Sakura, sacrificing your own well-being for others is admirable, but there has to be a balance. You can't keep neglecting yourself. You need rest, proper nutrition, and time for yourself. And if you're feeling overwhelmed, don't hesitate to ask for help."

"And this is the reason why I sworn off relationships." She murmured, but with Kakashi's keen hearing, he caught every word. "Don't interfere in my work, Kakashi." she said loudly, "I'm a medic, I gave an oath when I started to work here."

Kakashi's expression turned serious. "Sakura, your dedication is commendable, but your health is not something to be taken lightly. You can't keep pushing yourself like this. What if one day, you use that seal, and it takes more from you than you're willing to give?"

"There's nothing I am not willing to give up for my village." Sakura said, her eyes hard as she said that. "I will do everything for my patients. I'm not going to have another Neji on my hands."

Kakashi sighed, realizing the depth of Sakura's commitment to her duty. "I understand your dedication, Sakura, but there has to be a balance. You can't save everyone if you don't take care of yourself. You're not invincible, and your well-being matters too."

Sakura looked away her expression conflicted. "I know that Kakashi. But I can't just sit back and watch when people need help. It's my responsibility, and I won't shy away from it."

Kakashi reached out, placing a gentle hand on Sakura's shoulder. "I'm not asking you to shy away from your responsibilities, Sakura. I'm asking you to prioritize your own health. If you're not at your best, how can you be there for others? It's not a sign of weakness to ask for help or take a step back when you need it."

Sakura eyed the hand touching her, his own narrowed at the contact. "Why do you even care? Why are you even here?" she asked, her voice laced with anger and confusion.

Kakashi withdrew his hand, his expression unreadable behind the mask. "Sakura, I care because you're my friend. I've been witnessing the toll your dedication is taking on you, and I can't stand by and watch you burn yourself out. Friends look out for each other."

Sakura averted her gaze, a mixture of emotions playing on her face. "Friends, huh? Thank you for clarifying that."

Confusion reflected on Kakashi's eyes, "What is that supposed to mean?"

"Nothing." Sakura answered. "Kakashi, please leave."

"I'm not leaving until you tell me what you mean."

"I said leave!" Sakura insisted.

"Sakura..."

"I don't need you complicating me, Kakashi." Sakura warily said. "I don't need you messing up with my head."

Kakashi sighed, a hint of frustration in his tone. "Sakura, I'm not here to complicate things. I'm here because I care about you, as a friend."

Sakura remained silent; her eyes fixed on a point beyond Kakashi. The room felt heavy with unspoken words and unresolved emotions.

Kakashi stood up, giving her one last look before quietly leaving the room. As he turned the door knob, Sakura called out to him. "I'm transferring your bi-annual and after mission check-ups to Ino. I will no longer be your primary care physician."

"So, you're willing to die for your patients, but not me." Kakashi said. "What did I do to you to deserve this kind of treatment, Sakura?"

Sakura's expression remained impassive as she replied, "This has nothing to do with you, Kakashi. It's about maintaining a professional distance. I can't afford distractions in my life, especially not now."

Kakashi's eyes narrowed, a mix of hurt and frustration evident in his gaze. "Sakura, you don't have to shut me out. I thought we were friends."

"We were, and we can still be acquaintances. I just can't be your doctor anymore. You're messing with my head."

Kakashi left Sakura's room, feeling a mixture of confusion and hurt. He couldn't understand why Sakura was pushing him away, especially when all he wanted was to support her. The tension in their friendship lingered, and Kakashi found himself grappling with the unspoken emotions that hung between them.

Days passed, and Kakashi continued his duties as a shinobi, but there was an emptiness. He wants to send her notes, like he used to. But he doesn't know if it will be welcomed. He would pick up morning glories, but he would just put it back in the vase and leave the flower shop.

Ino, aware of the strained dynamics, tried to bridge the gap between Sakura and Kakashi. She approached Kakashi one day, finding him sitting alone at the training grounds.

"Hey, Kakashi. Can we talk?" Ino asked, her expression reflecting concern.

Kakashi looked up, his visible eye reflecting a weariness that wasn't just physical. "Sure, Ino. What's on your mind?"

Ino sat down beside him, studying his face. "It's about Sakura. Lady Tsunade still doesn't want to release her. I don't have everything, but there's something else there. If it's just fatigue, two days in confinement will do. But it's been almost a week."

Kakashi sighed, running a hand through his silver hair. "There's nothing I can do about that, Ino. She doesn't want me around. She even said that she's not my doctor anymore."

"Why did you stop sending those notes and your little gifts?" Ino asked suddenly. "Everytime she saw those on her desk, she smiles, even when she's too tired to move a muscle. But suddenly it stopped. Are you just playing with her?"

"I stopped because I'm no longer welcome." Kakashi said, "Not because I was playing with her. I would never do that to her."

"Everyday since the notes stopped arriving, I saw her waiting for it. Then, when a week passed and there's no note, she didn't have the strength to leave the hospital anymore. She keeps on working, she works almost 24 hours for seven days non-stop, because of that she collapsed due to exhaustion." Ino informed him, hoping to get a reaction. Anything that will tell her about the real intentions behind the notes.

Kakashi's eyes widened in realization and guilt. He hadn't anticipated the impact his absence would have on Sakura. The weight of his actions settled heavily on his shoulders.

"I didn't know," Kakashi admitted, his voice carrying a hint of regret. "I never meant to push her to this point. I thought giving her space was what she wanted." he explained. "After I sent the bracelet and asked her for dinner, she had been distant. When she no longer showed up in our meet ups, I thought she wanted me to go away, that's why I stopped sending those."

Ino sighed, her gaze focused on Kakashi. "Sometimes, people need more than space, Kakashi. Sakura values your friendship, and those notes meant more to her than you might think. When you stop sending those, something inside of her broke." She suppressed a sigh. "I don't know if you know the meanings of the flowers you sent her. But if you do, you're cruel. Because even though she would insist that those flowers meant nothing, in the back of her mind, I'm sure she's hoping. You led her on, and then suddenly whisked the carpet under her feet."

Kakashi's eyes widened at Ino's words, realization and remorse sinking in. "I didn't mean to hurt her," he admitted, his tone heavy with regret. "I thought I was respecting her wishes, but I never considered the impact it would have on her."

"Now you know." Ino said, before standing up. "What are you going to do?" she asked before leaving.