ꜱʜᴀᴅᴏᴡꜱ ᴏꜰ ᴛʜᴇ ᴍɪꜱᴛ | ᴛᴇɴᴛᴇɴ ꜰꜰ|

Chapter 90

The sun was setting, casting a soft orange glow over Konoha as Ugetsu made his way through the winding streets, clutching a small, chubby white kitten in his arms. Mochi, as he had affectionately named her, had grown slightly rounder since Kakashi had taken to sneaking her treats whenever Ugetsu wasn't looking. She squirmed contentedly in his grasp, her brown eyes wide and curious as she peeked out at the world.

Ugetsu's heart raced with a mix of nerves and determination. He had decided it was time to apologize to Kakashi. After the confrontation, he had felt distant from his sensei, even more so after their earlier arguments. He knew he had acted out of anger, and it was weighing heavily on him. He didn't want to be alone tonight, not after everything that had happened.

As he approached Kakashi's apartment, he took a deep breath, trying to steady his nerves. The thought of laying down his guard and asking for help made him blush, but he knew he needed the support. Kakashi had always been there for him, and he didn't want to push him away any longer.

He knocked hesitantly on the door, clutching Mochi closer to his chest. A moment later, the door creaked open to reveal Kakashi, his silver hair slightly tousled and a book in hand.

"Hey, Ugetsu," Kakashi said, his tone casual but his one visible eye narrowing with curiosity. "What brings you here?"

"I—uh, I wanted to apologize," Ugetsu stammered, feeling the heat rise to his cheeks. "And I thought... maybe I could stay over for the night?"

Kakashi raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Stay over? Is that so?" He grinned, teasingly. "Aren't you angry at me?"

"No!" Ugetsu exclaimed, his face growing even warmer. "I just... I don't want to be alone right now. Not after everything."

Kakashi's expression softened at Ugetsu's vulnerability. He stepped aside, opening the door wider. "Come in, then. Mochi is always welcome here."

Ugetsu stepped inside, feeling a wave of relief wash over him. "I brought her as an apology, too. I know you've been spoiling her." He gently placed Mochi on the floor, and the kitten immediately scurried around, missing the environment that she used to stay over.

Kakashi chuckled, watching as Mochi darted from one corner of the room to another. "I can't help it. She's just so cute," he admitted, a hint of warmth in his tone. "But don't worry; I won't let her get too chubby."

"Too late for that," Ugetsu muttered under his breath, earning a laugh from Kakashi.

After a bit of small talk and some light-hearted banter about Mochi's newfound weight, Ugetsu felt his tension easing. He sat down on the couch, the cushions sinking comfortably beneath him, while Kakashi settled in nearby with his own book.

"You know, Ugetsu," Kakashi said after a moment, glancing up from his reading, "it's okay to feel overwhelmed sometimes. We all have our moments. Even me."

Ugetsu glanced at Kakashi, surprised by the rare openness. "Really? I thought you always had everything figured out."

Kakashi chuckled softly, his visible eye crinkling at the corners. "Not even close. I just try to take it one step at a time. Sometimes that means leaning on others." He paused, considering Ugetsu's expression. "Just remember, you don't have to face everything alone."

The sincerity in Kakashi's words resonated deeply with Ugetsu. "Thanks.. I really appreciate that. I've been trying to be strong, but..."

Kakashi nodded, understanding the struggle all too well. "You're allowed to lean on your friends. You've got a team that cares about you."

Feeling encouraged, Ugetsu decided to open up more. "I guess I'm just scared of losing anyone else. It feels like every time I get close to someone, they disappear."