Night had fallen, and the sky above Konoha was blanketed in stars. The streets were growing quiet, but two figures still walked side by side at a relaxed pace along a dimly lit sidewalk.
Kakashi and Kushina.
They walked without much conversation, accompanied only by the chirping of crickets and the soft breeze drifting in from the west. And yet, in that silence, comfort bloomed effortlessly.
At a calm, quiet corner, Kushina came to a gentle stop. She turned—and before Kakashi could ask, her warm hand softly but firmly clasped his.
Kakashi looked at her, momentarily stunned. But this time, he didn't pull away or freeze like he usually did.
He slowly returned her grip—firm, calm, and full of meaning.
A satisfied smile spread across Kushina's face. She chuckled lightly, her voice like the soft chime of silver bells.
"Seems like we've been secretly followed today… by three very amateur shinobi," she said casually.
Kakashi raised an eyebrow. "You noticed?"
"Of course. There's no way I wouldn't recognize the chakra of my own students. They didn't even try to hide properly."
"Then why didn't you call them out?"
Kushina bumped her shoulder lightly against his. "Because I wanted to see just how ridiculous they'd get."
Kakashi sighed softly, then chuckled. "Well then, I suppose I owe them thanks for the evening entertainment."
No reply was needed. At some point, Kushina had slipped her arm through Kakashi's, resting her head gently on his shoulder while gazing up at the starry sky.
Kakashi didn't move. He let her warmth envelop him—and for the first time, he didn't feel awkward.
When they reached the front of Kakashi's house, their steps halted.
They stood in silence for a few seconds. Then, as if suddenly aware of their closeness, they both shyly stepped back—cheeks tinged with pink.
Kakashi turned his face slightly, while Kushina played with the ends of her hair, her smile awkward.
"Well… I'll head home now," Kushina said softly.
"…Be careful on your way back," Kakashi replied, voice nearly a whisper.
Kushina turned and began walking home. Her steps were light, her smile bright, and something warm was blooming inside her chest.
And Kakashi, still standing at his doorstep, could only watch her retreating figure and mutter under his breath…
"…Would it be too much to hope for another night like this?"
The night wind whispered gently.
That night, two hearts grew closer—slowly but surely.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
That same night, in two different homes—on two separate beds—two hearts slept in sweet silence.
But beneath the cool, quiet sky of Konoha, their dreams intertwined in the same place.
On Kakashi's side…
In his dream, Kakashi stood in a peaceful meadow bathed in soft sunlight. There was no sound but the wind and rustling grass.
And before him—stood a man he knew all too well.
A Hokage cloak swayed lightly. Blonde hair shimmered in the sunlight. That same warm smile as always.
"Minato-sensei…"
Minato turned and smiled gently. "It's been a while, Kakashi."
Kakashi couldn't help but smile faintly, though his eyes were slightly misty. He bowed his head respectfully, then stood tall.
"I've done my best these past four years," he said softly. "I've protected Konoha… and I've watched Naruto grow day by day. He's stubborn… but kind-hearted and strong, just like both of you."
Minato chuckled softly. "That boy really is the perfect blend of me and Kushina."
Kakashi paused, then exhaled deeply.
"And… I want to ask for your permission," he said finally.
Minato turned, slightly curious.
Kakashi continued, his voice calm and sincere, "Not as your student… but as a man. I have feelings for Kushina-san. I want to protect her—with everything I am."
Minato looked at him for a long moment, then smiled warmly.
"I understand, Kakashi. She deserves happiness. And I know… you'll give her your all."
Kakashi bowed again—for the last time in that dream.
On Kushina's side…
She stood in a vast, white expanse that felt like the sky—calm and serene.
And before her, she saw him. The man she always missed.
"Minato…" she called out softly, her voice filled with emotion.
She ran to him, burying her face in his chest and whining like she used to. "You idiot… leaving me alone like that…"
Minato only chuckled, holding her tightly. "You've become so strong, Kushina."
They stood together in silence before Kushina finally pulled back and smiled.
"By the way, Naruto's doing well. He's clumsy, runs everywhere, and way too loud… but he's kind. I think… he's like you."
Minato smiled proudly. "Thank you for taking care of him."
Kushina looked into his eyes. There was hesitation in her gaze, but she finally spoke.
"And… there's something else. About Kakashi."
Minato looked at her calmly.
"He used to be such a quiet boy… and now he's a quiet man," she muttered with a small smile. "But he's also kind. Sincere. And… I feel safe when I'm with him."
She took a breath. "I… I think I've started to love him, Minato. I want you to know that. I still love you… but I'm still alive. And I don't want to let the past keep holding me down."
Minato stared at her… then nodded gently.
"You deserve happiness, Kushina. That's all I've ever wanted for you."
And as the morning sun began to rise over Konoha…
Kakashi and Kushina awoke at the same moment, in their respective homes—separated by distance.
Each stared at the ceiling, hearts tangled in warmth and quiet peace.
But neither of them knew…
That during the night—they had both dreamed of the same man.