A Senju's Family

Chapter 26 🌟

Authors note: pls enjoy the visual of the flowers that got Runa blushing LMAO Next chap Runa goes back to school and actually interacts with others lol. Pls lemme know what u think!

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"Alright, you two, before somebody breaks a skull open, we gotta do something else," Haru snorts, lifting Daisuke up from Runa's bed as he hopped up and down in excitement. Haru props him on her hip instead, giving him a playful squeeze.

Runa takes that as her cue to finally calm down, settling herself on top of the bed with her legs crossed, a pout still lingering on her lips. "I'm exhausted."

"That's because training with me is so hard!" Daisuke announces proudly, puffing out his little chest. Both Haru and Runa exchange glances, identical sweat drops forming on their foreheads.

"Honey, jumping up and down on the bed is not a workout. It's generational misbehavior that every kid is possessed to do at least once in their lives," Haru mutters, rolling her eyes at Daisuke's infectious giggles.

Runa huffs out a weak smile, but the ache in her head lingers, a dull throb that pounces in the back of her eyes. She scans her bedroom, the familiar sight of her decorations and personal items oddly comforting after her long slumber. But then, something catches her eye—something bright and cheerful that feels out of place in the muted room.

Sunflowers?

"Mom, who left those?" Runa asks, her dark brows knitting together in confusion. Haru and Daisuke follow her gaze toward the vanity, where a beautifully arranged vase of sunflowers sits, the golden petals almost glowing in the soft afternoon light.

Haru grins mischievously, a look that makes Runa instantly suspicious. She sits back down on Runa's bed, Daisuke still perched on her lap, his curious eyes darting between the flowers and his sister. "Oh, your best friend left those," Haru hums, her tone light, but the twinkle in her eyes says otherwise.

Runa squints at her mother, feeling a hint of annoyance. "Haruki?"

"What? Well, she did leave you flowers actually, just not those. She took them all out to be watered today," Haru sweat drops, her voice trailing off.

Runa frowns, still puzzled. "Huh, okay. What about Cho-Cho?"

"Cho-? No, honey. Cho-Cho did stop by, but she left you some chips and a 'get well soon' card. She said they're limited edition from Kirigakure?"

Runa shudders, her face scrunching up in distaste. "I don't think I want any reminders of that place for now... but okay, are they from Shika?"

Haru raises an eyebrow. "Shikadai is one of your best friends?"

"Mom, duh! I love Shikadai!" Runa exclaims, her voice filled with affection.

Haru chuckles, a bit exasperated but amused. "That's lovely, honey. But no. Shikadai actually did stop by a few days ago as well. He dropped off some sodas for you—"

"See! He's the best!" Runa interrupts, a grin spreading across her face.

Haru nods along, her own smile widening. "I get it, my Shika is the best too. But no, keep guessing."

Runa leans back into her pillows, staring up at the ceiling as she racks her brain. She goes through her mental list of friends, ticking them off one by one. And then, as if a lightbulb flickers on, she sits up abruptly, her eyes wide with realization.

"Inojin?!"

Haru's smile drops, her shoulders sagging slightly as she stares at her daughter. "I'm wrong?!" Runa blurts out, her confidence wavering.