The tale of Mayumi

Chapter 23 - A Different Kind of Quiet

The night stretched on, quiet and still. For once, the silence wasn't filled with the weight of my nightmares or the loneliness of the past. Instead, it was... comfortable. Peaceful, even.

Kakashi was still sitting beside me on the steps, one knee propped up, his arm resting lazily over it. His presence was oddly grounding, like an anchor keeping me from drifting too far into my thoughts.

"So... what now?" I asked, breaking the silence.

He turned his head slightly, looking at me out of the corner of his eye. "What do you mean?"

I hesitated, choosing my words carefully. "Now that you know Hikaru and I were never a thing."

Kakashi exhaled, almost like he was amused. "I guess that means I worried for nothing."

"You worried?" I teased, nudging him with my elbow.

He shook his head, a small chuckle escaping his lips. "I should've known better. You and Hikaru are like siblings. It was obvious."

I snorted. "Apparently not to you."

He hummed in response, neither confirming nor denying it.

I studied him for a moment. There was something different about tonight, something unspoken lingering between us. It wasn't awkward—just... new.

Kakashi wasn't the type to let people in easily. He was distant, always keeping himself just out of reach, like a shadow that slipped through your fingers when you got too close. But right now, he was here. With me. Staying the night because—what? He thought I'd get scared? He didn't trust me to be alone?

Or maybe...

Maybe he just wanted to be here.

"Do you regret it?" I asked suddenly.

He glanced at me. "Regret what?"

"Telling me."

A pause. Then—"No."

His answer was simple. Certain.

I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding. "Good."

Silence settled between us again, but it was lighter this time, like the tension that had been hanging over us was starting to fade.

"You should get some rest," Kakashi finally said. "You've had a long day."

I rolled my eyes. "You sound like Hikaru."

"Well, someone has to make sure you don't pass out from exhaustion."

I scoffed. "I'm fine."

Kakashi gave me a look—one of those unreadable, slightly amused looks that told me he knew I was lying.

"Fine," I sighed, standing up and stretching my arms over my head. "But what about you? You planning on sleeping out here?"

He shrugged. "Wouldn't be the first time."

I frowned. "That's stupid. You can stay inside."

He raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Inviting me in, are we?"

I groaned. "Don't make it weird."

He chuckled. "Relax. I'll just stay near the door."

That was fair. He had no reason to trust my temporary house after everything the village had been through.

We stepped inside, and I grabbed an extra blanket from the corner, tossing it toward him. "Here."

Kakashi caught it easily, giving it a brief glance before draping it over his shoulder. "Thanks."

I sat on the edge of my bed, running a hand through my hair.

"Mayumi."

I looked up.

Kakashi was watching me carefully, his voice softer now. "If the nightmares come back... wake me up."

My chest tightened at his words, warmth spreading through me.

I didn't say anything, just nodded.

He nodded back. "Goodnight."

"Goodnight, Kakashi."

As I lay down, staring at the ceiling, I realized something.

Maybe tonight wouldn't be so bad.