Ghostly Figure

Chapter 9: Shopping Spree

-3rd Person-

The sun is just beginning its slow climb into the sky when Kakashi arrives at Kurenai's house. The air is crisp, and the streets are still quiet, a peaceful lull before the day truly begins. 

Kakashi stands outside the door, his hands in his pockets, mentally preparing himself for the task ahead. He knows convincing Yui to go back-to-school shopping is going to be a challenge, but he's come prepared.

When Kurenai opens the door, her expression is a mixture of amusement and sympathy. "Good luck," she says with a small smile, stepping aside to let him in. 

Yui is sitting on the floor, her back against the wall, and her knees pulled up to her chest. She's staring intently at the person who just walked inside the house, her snowy hair cascading over her shoulders like a curtain.

Kakashi crouches down to her level, his usual carefree demeanor softening as he addresses her. 

"Morning, Yui. How about we go out today? There's a lot we need to get for school."

Yui glances up at him, her crimson eyes peeking out from behind her protective eyewear. She's been getting better at holding eye contact with him, but today she looks away quickly, retreating behind her usual shyness. 

"I-I don't want to go," she murmurs, her voice barely above a whisper.

Kakashi expected this. He lets out a small sigh and then, with a conspiratorial tone, says, "What if I told you... you could eat as much takoyaki as you want today?"

Yui's head lifts slightly, a spark of interest in her eyes. Takoyaki, the savory octopus-filled snack that Kakashi had introduced to her, had quickly become her favorite food. But she's still hesitant, chewing on her bottom lip as she weighs the tempting offer against her discomfort.

Seeing her internal struggle, Kakashi leans in a little closer and adds, "You won't have to carry anything, and we can come back as soon as we're done. Plus, I'm pretty sure the first stall we'll visit is already setting up."

Yui's resistance crumbles at the mention of the takoyaki stall, and she finally nods, albeit reluctantly. 

"O-Okay... but only if we don't take too long," she concedes, her voice still soft but with a hint of determination.

Kakashi grins beneath his mask. 

"Deal."

~~~

As they step out into the bustling village, Yui clings a little closer to Kakashi, her unease evident in the way her small hand grips the edge of his sleeve. Kakashi doesn't mind; he simply adjusts his pace to match hers, making sure to keep her within his protective bubble. 

Despite the lively atmosphere, Yui clings tightly to Kakashi's hand, her small fingers wrapped around his in a firm grip. She keeps her head low, the protective eyewear hiding her crimson eyes, making her appear even more withdrawn. Kakashi senses her tension, and he gives her hand a reassuring squeeze.

"Don't worry, Yui," he says, his voice soft. "We'll get through this quickly, and then we can find that takoyaki stand I promised."

Yui nods slightly, still not lifting her gaze from the ground. The thought of takoyaki does bring her some comfort, but the idea of being out in the open, surrounded by strangers, makes her heart race.

As they approach the first shop, a small bookstore, Kakashi pauses, kneeling down so he's eye-level with Yui. "How about we start here?" he suggests, his tone gentle. "We can pick out some books for school. What do you think?"