Kakashi wasn't able to catch the two women. He run towards her apartment, hoping to find her there.

"Sakura." He knocked on her door. "Sakura, please, I want to talk."

There was a moment of tense silence, and then the door slowly creaked open. Sakura stood on the other side, her eyes red and puffy, a clear sign of the emotional turmoil she had been going through.

Kakashi took in her appearance. His heart constricted at her pained visage. "Sakura, what happened to you?"

Sakura avoided direct eye contact, her voice barely above a whisper. "Nothing. I'm just tired, Kakashi. It's been a long day."

Kakashi's concern deepened as he noticed her disheveled state. "Sakura, please let me in. We need to talk."

She hesitated for a moment before stepping aside, allowing him entry. The apartment was dimly lit, creating a somber atmosphere. Kakashi closed the door behind him and turned to face Sakura.

"Sakura, I heard what Anko said about us, and I need you to know that it wasn't like that." Kakashi explained. "Sakura, I don't want to lose you."

"What do you mean that it wasn't like that?" Sakura asked, her voice small. "I know what I heard, Ino said that Anko told her about your relationship. Ino won't lie to me."

Kakashi sighed, realizing the gravity of the situation. "Sakura, Anko and I are not in a romantic relationship. We've been spending time together because of missions, and she's been helping me with some personal issues. But it's not what you think."

Sakura looked up at him, her eyes searching for the truth. "Then why did you let her think that? Why didn't you correct her?"

Kakashi ran a hand through his silver hair, frustration evident in his eyes. "I didn't expect her to assume that, and I didn't want to complicate things further. My priority is you, Sakura. I care about you, and I don't want to lose you."

"It's been six months." Sakura told him. "Why now? Why did you decide to talk to me now?"

Kakashi took a deep breath, choosing his words carefully. "I've been trying to find the right way to express what I feel, Sakura. I didn't want to mess things up even more, but I can't stand the thought of you being hurt, thinking that I've moved on."

Sakura crossed her arms, a mix of emotions playing across her face. "But it's okay that I'm living months of unanswered question?" she asked. "I..." she waved her hand. "I don't know anymore."

Kakashi stepped closer to Sakura, a sincerity in his eyes that she hadn't seen before. "Sakura, I messed up. I should have communicated better, and I'm sorry. I care about you deeply, and I don't want to lose you because of my shortcomings."

Sakura remained silent, her arms still crossed, a guarded expression on her face.

"I struggle with words, Sakura. It's true. But I want to try. I want to find a way to express what you need to hear. I don't want you to feel neglected or unimportant," Kakashi continued, his voice earnest. "I messed up big time, Sakura. But I..." the words got caught in his throat, but he shook his apprehensions away. "I love you, Sakura." he whispered.

Sakura was stunned at his words. It had been the words that she had been craving for months. Her eyes welled up with her overwhelming emotions. "Kakashi..."

"I love you." Kakashi repeated. "I love you so much. Please, give me another chance. I can't lose you, I love you."

Sakura's heart wavered as Kakashi poured out his feelings. The weight of the unspoken words seemed to lift, replaced by a flood of emotions. She looked into Kakashi's eyes, searching for sincerity, vulnerability, and found them both.

"Kakashi, why did it take so long for you to say that?" Sakura asked, her voice a mix of relief and pain.

Kakashi sighed, his gaze never leaving hers. "I was foolish, Sakura. I let my own insecurities and fear of vulnerability get in the way. I thought my actions would be enough, but I see now that words matter to you. I was afraid of saying those three words, and I let that fear damage us."

Sakura felt a mix of emotions coursing through her. The pain of the past six months, the fear of vulnerability, and the overwhelming relief of finally hearing those words from Kakashi. She took a step closer to him, her voice softening.

"I needed to hear them, Kakashi. It wasn't about being needy; it was about feeling secure, knowing that you feel the same way," Sakura confessed. "But it hurt, thinking you had moved on with someone else."

Kakashi reached out, gently cupping Sakura's face in his hands. "I'm sorry, Sakura. I should have been more mindful of your feelings. I never intended to hurt you, and the last thing I want is to hurt you. You mean so much to me."

Sakura closed her eyes, leaning into Kakashi's touch. The vulnerability in his voice and the sincerity in his eyes began to dissolve the walls around her heart. "Kakashi, I love you too. We really have to communicate better. I have to tell you what I feel and you need to be vocal about your emotions."

Kakashi nodded, his thumb gently wiping away a stray tear from Sakura's cheek. "You're right, Sakura. I've learned my lesson. I promise to be more open, to communicate better, and to never let you doubt my feelings again."

Sakura opened her eyes to look at him. "And Anko?"

"She knows too well what we are." Kakashi reassured her. "I love you."

"I love you too." She declared. "I love you so much." She buried her face on his chest and savor the warmth that he exudes.