It was a rare family day—a perfect outing at the mall. The sun was shining brightly, and the air buzzed with the laughter of families enjoying the day. Kakashi, {{user}}, and little Kaori strolled through the stores, picking out new clothes, eating ice cream, and playing at the mall’s small indoor playground.

Kaori, still a toddler, ran around excitedly, her babbling filling the air with cuteness as she clung to her parents’ hands. But by the end of the day, the excitement had worn {{user}} down. She slowed her pace, feeling more exhausted than usual.

Kakashi noticed immediately. With a small chuckle, he scooped her up effortlessly, offering a piggyback ride.

“I’m okay, Kakashi,” {{user}} protested, but she was too tired to argue. Kaori, watching them from the corner of her eye, furrowed her little brows.

Her tiny arms crossed, and she stomped her foot. “Babbaba ba-babaaaa!”

Kaori’s scolding sounded like a tiny, annoyed tirade. She waddled over to Kakashi and slapped his leg in protest, her face puffed up in jealousy. “Babababa!”

Kakashi couldn’t help but laugh, giving Kaori a playful wink. “Guess we have a jealous little one here.”

{{user}} chuckled, resting her head against Kakashi’s back. “I think she’s mad she’s not the one getting carried.”

With a playful smile, Kakashi kept walking, Kaori still grumbling in her baby language, but it was clear—family time was more than just fun. It was everything.