Days turned into weeks, and Kakashi continued to leave small messages or gifts on Sakura's desk. Very soon, it accumulated enough that even Shikamaru took notice of it.

Shikamaru, observing the subtle changes in Sakura's workspace, couldn't help but be intrigued by the small tokens and notes left by Kakashi. He decided to address the matter during one of their routine meetings.

"Sakura," Shikamaru began, leaning against the doorway of her office, "what going on with you and the Hokage?"

Sakura looked up from her paperwork, a curious expression on her face. "What do you mean, Shikamaru?"

Shikamaru gestured subtly towards the various notes and gifts on her desk. "I've been noticing these... gestures and gifts from the Hokage. Are you sleeping with him?"

Sakura blinked in surprise at Shikamaru's straightforward question. "What? No, Shikamaru, it's nothing like that. We're just... going through a bit of a complicated situation."

Shikamaru raised an eyebrow, his interest piqued. "Complicated? You mean, you're pregnant?"

Sakura turned bright red at Shikamaru's assumption. "No, Shikamaru, it's not that kind of complicated! I'm not pregnant!"

"Huh? Okay. Because if you are my next question would be 'who's the father? Kakashi or Genma?'"

Sakura's eyes widened at Shikamaru's blunt question. "Shikamaru! It's not like that. I'm not sleeping with anyone!"

"Are you sure? I can see the roses that he left on your desk, then yesterday there's chocolate thrown in the mix. Then, the notes. And he is basically cockblocking Genma by asking you to lunches and dinners even before Genma could ask."

Sakura sighed, realizing that Shikamaru had been paying closer attention than she thought. She decided to share some insight into the situation without revealing all the details.

"Shikamaru, it's not as complicated as it seems. Kakashi and I are... navigating our feelings. He admitted that he has feelings for me, and it's been a bit challenging. But I'm still getting to know Genma, and I don't want to rush into anything. We're all trying to maintain a professional balance, but it's not as easy as it sounds."

Shikamaru raised an eyebrow, his analytical mind processing the information. "So, the Hokage is pursuing you while you're getting to know Genma. That's... tricky."

Sakura nodded, a thoughtful expression on her face. "Exactly. I appreciate Kakashi's honesty, and I don't want to complicate things further. But I need to be fair to Genma as well. It's a delicate situation, and I'm trying to navigate it as best as I can."

Shikamaru sighed, understanding the complexities of human relationships. "Troublesome. It would be easier if you're sleeping with them. At least you can just discard the one who sucks and keep the other."

"Shikamaru!" Sakura screeched, mortified.

Shikamaru chuckled at Sakura's reaction. "I'm just saying. If I were you, I'd chose Kakashi."

"Why?" Sakura asked. Completely curious as to why Shikamaru said that.

Shikamaru leaned against the doorway, his eyes reflecting a rare seriousness. "Because Kakashi has been consistently leaving gifts, notes, and making an effort. He's putting in the work to win you over. Genma, on the other hand, seems laid-back. If he's serious, he needs to step up his game, especially there is a competition." He looked at her seriously. "And Kakashi doesn't have a reputation for being a womanizer. Pervert, yes. But that is because of his reading material, not his inappropriate actions. Genma, on the other hand, is a known cad and womanizer."

Sakura pondered Shikamaru's words, appreciating the insight he offered. The contrast he pointed out between Kakashi's consistent efforts and Genma's laid-back demeanor resonated with her. As she continued to navigate the complexities of her evolving relationships, Shikamaru's observations added a layer of consideration.

"Thanks, Shikamaru. I'll keep that in mind," Sakura replied, a thoughtful expression on her face.

Shikamaru nodded, his usual nonchalant demeanor returning. "Just be careful, Sakura. I hate to see you give your all to a man and then after that you'll be dumped. You're my friend, and even though you don't need it. I still want to protect you."

Sakura smiled, touched by Shikamaru's genuine concern. "I appreciate that, Shikamaru. Your friendship means a lot to me, and I'll make sure to handle this situation with care. I don't want to risk getting hurt, and I'll consider your advice."

As Shikamaru left her office with a casual wave, Sakura returned to her work, her mind processing the complexities of her evolving relationships with Kakashi and Genma. The days that followed were filled with a delicate balancing act, as she continued to maintain professionalism in the workplace while navigating the emotions that lingered beneath the surface.

Meanwhile, Kakashi who accidentally eavesdropped, found himself reflecting on Shikamaru's words as well. The realization that his actions were being observed and analyzed added a layer of self-awareness.

He couldn't deny the truth in Shikamaru's assessment. Kakashi acknowledged that his feelings for Sakura were genuine, and he was willing to put in the effort to win her over. The subtle gestures, the notes, and the small gifts were his way of expressing those feelings.

However, as he continued to reflect, Kakashi couldn't shake the lingering uncertainty. The realization that Sakura was actively getting to know Genma, someone who was also a part of their professional circle, added a layer of complexity to the situation. The thought of potentially losing her to someone else stirred a mix of emotions within him.

In an attempt to gain clarity, Kakashi decided to have a more direct conversation with Sakura. He called her into his office one afternoon, the air heavy with unspoken tension.

"Sakura," Kakashi began, his tone serious yet sincere, "we need to talk about us."

"Hokage-sama, I would prefer to talk about personal issues outside of my paid working hours." Sakura reasoned out.

Kakashi nodded, respecting Sakura's boundaries. "I understand, Sakura. How about over dinner?"

Sakura hesitated for a moment, contemplating Kakashi's suggestion. Despite the complexities of their situation, she recognized the need for open communication. "Alright, Hokage-sama. We can talk over dinner."

Kakashi nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "Great. I'll take you out on dinner later. There is a quiet place in the village that I know."

"Uhm, I apologize but I already said yes to Genma for tonight's dinner."

Kakashi's grey eyes narrowed slightly, a flicker of disappointment crossing his face. "I see. Well, another time then. We can find a suitable moment to discuss things."

Sakura nodded, her expression a mix of understanding and concern. "I appreciate that, Hokage-sama. I don't want to neglect my professional responsibilities, and I'll make sure to find a suitable time for our conversation."

As Sakura left Kakashi's office, the air hung heavy with unspoken words. Kakashi, in the solitude of his thoughts, grappled with the realization that Sakura's schedule was becoming increasingly entwined with Genma. The unease he felt intensified, and he found himself questioning the uncertainties of their evolving dynamic.