Ichiraku Ramen.
Team Seven's go-to pitstop after long missions for good food, good friends, and catching up. Sometimes he wondered how there was even enough room for all the people they had in there at times, but the sentimental spot that he held in his heart for the place had not dwindled in the slightest.
Sakura laughs as 'Takeshi' delivers the punchline to whatever joke he's telling, and Kakashi unconsciously bristles at the sight of it from his spot at the other side of the shop. God, it was cringey. He was clearly trying too hard. It was obvious. So why did Sakura giggle so genuinely at his poor excuse of flirting? He takes a swig of his sake, focusing his gaze on the wood countertop.
There are plenty of people here, he bitterly thinks. So why the hell can I still hear them?
It's true. The ramen shop is packed full. Absolutely bustling with friends and strangers alike, most unable to sit due to the already limited seating. And yet Sakura's feminine voice somehow manages to ring above the busy buzz of the rest. Takeshi being counted among the rest.
Against his will, Kakashi's neck inevitably twists toward the sound, his gaze suddenly inflamed with irritation at the sight of an unaware Sakura and Takeshi.
It's only by pure accident that he locks gazes with Yamato, who's just witnessed the entire exchange, and the ANBU member gives a meaningful glance at Sakura and her male admirer before looking back at Kakashi, quirking an inquisitive brow.
His friend has it all wrong - Kakashi doesn't see Sakura in...that way - but for some reason his heart still ceases in his chest the moment their eyes meet; the moment he's been caught.
Kakashi honestly doesn't know what else to do, so he just sighs and rolls his one visible eye, shakes his head and turns away to focus on his drink.
He tries and tries, but no matter how many shots of sake he takes, he can't explain the burning in his ears or cheeks as Yamato continues to stare him down for the rest of the night.
