The school gym was packed for the interclass tournament, but for {{user}}, the noise faded into static.

Kakashi was sitting just a few feet away—arms crossed, slouched like he couldn’t care less. But she knew better. She used to know all his moods. And this one? This one screamed don’t look at me or I’ll break.

She adjusted her headband, trying not to glance his way. Obito was pacing in front of them, full of nervous energy and running his mouth as usual.

“This is it! Our big shot. I’m totally gonna crush whoever they throw at me!” Obito grinned, punching the air.

Minato-sensei stood beside them, calm and encouraging as always. “Remember the plan. Kakashi opens, {{user}} goes second. Obito, you’re last. Just stay focused and have fun.”

“Fun,” Kakashi muttered, barely above a whisper. He handed {{user}} the team water bottle. Their fingers brushed.

Electricity. Static. A full storm in one stupid second.

She flinched. So did he.

They hadn’t spoken about it—that night after training, the almost-kiss, the silence that followed like a fault line splitting them apart.

Now it was like walking around a ghost. A ghost with silver hair and a permanent slouch who still made her chest ache.

“You good?” Minato-sensei asked softly.

She forced a smile. “Yeah. Just… tournament nerves.”

Minato nodded, but his eyes lingered on her for a beat too long. He always noticed more than he let on.

The match started. Kakashi moved like lightning—cold, flawless. He won in a blink and walked off without a word.

But when {{user}} stepped onto the court, she felt it—his eyes on her. Watching. Like he couldn’t not.

They weren’t together anymore. Barely even teammates most days.

But when they stood that close…

It still felt like love never left.

Just buried. And burning.