Unbreakable Bonds 《Book 2》

Chapter 24

-3rd Person-

It's been a few days since the incident, and the atmosphere in the hospital room has lightened somewhat. The cold, sterile environment is still there—there's no escaping the scent of antiseptic or the beeping of the machines—but things feel less tense now. Mizuki, resting in her hospital bed, has spent most of her time with Naruto by her side, offering his usual, if not quieter, companionship. Despite everything that happened, there's a sense of calm that has begun to settle over her.

But today is different.

Suddenly, the door bursts open, nearly slamming into the wall. A loud chorus of voices fills the room before anyone can even register the source.

"Mizuki!" Shikamaru's voice is the first one Mizuki hears, though it's quickly followed by Kiba's and Choji's.

"Are you okay?!"

"We heard what happened!"

"Mizuki, what the heck?! You've been here all this time and didn't tell us?"

Shikamaru, Kiba, and Choji burst into the room like a whirlwind of concern and energy, their faces painted with worry, their hands gesturing wildly as they crowd around Mizuki's bed. Shikamaru, always the more reserved one, crosses his arms over his chest, his sharp eyes scanning her, while Kiba, predictably more boisterous, rushes to the bedside, hands on his hips.

"Mizuki, why didn't you tell us?" Kiba blurts out, his voice a mix of frustration and worry. "We had to hear about it from Naruto!"

Mizuki blinks, overwhelmed by their sudden entrance, but there's something undeniably heartwarming about it. The way they all rushed in here, the sheer concern etched into their expressions—it makes her chest feel a little lighter. She's been feeling the weight of everything that's happened, and their presence helps in ways she didn't expect.

Choji, clutching a bag of chips, is the last to approach the bed. He gives her a warm smile, his usual relaxed demeanor masking the worry that had clearly been bothering him. "We brought snacks, but looks like you'll need something more than chips." He chuckles, trying to lift the mood.

Mizuki's lips twitch into a small smile. Her voice, still soft and hesitant, comes out barely above a whisper, "I-I'm... okay."

"Okay?!" Kiba almost shouts, throwing his hands in the air. "You've been stuck in this hospital, and we didn't even know? We could've been here sooner!"

Shikamaru rolls his eyes at Kiba's overreaction but can't hide the concern in his voice. "Kiba's right, though. You should've told us, Mizuki. We're your friends."

Before Mizuki can respond, the door opens again, more gently this time. In walk Sakura and Kakashi, both carrying bags filled with food. The moment they step in, the scent of delicious food wafts through the room, causing Kiba's nose to twitch immediately.

"Anyone hungry?" Sakura asks with a warm smile, holding up the bags as if presenting a feast. "We brought sushi, barbecue, and some other stuff."

Mizuki's eyes light up, a flicker of genuine happiness breaking through the quiet that has held her since the incident. It's a small thing, really—just food and company—but it feels like exactly what she needs right now.

Kakashi, who Mizuki always calls Papashi, steps forward with his usual calm demeanor, his visible eye crinkling into a smile. "Thought we'd bring something everyone could enjoy. You've been here for a while now, Mizuki. It's about time we had a little party, don't you think?"

Naruto, who had been sitting quietly until now, grins widely at the sight of the food. "Finally! I'm starving!" he exclaims, already reaching for the sushi bag.

Sakura gently swats his hand away. "Let's set it up first, Naruto. Geez, you're worse than Choji sometimes."

Choji laughs at that, rubbing the back of his head. "Hey, nothing wrong with a healthy appetite, right?"

The group quickly falls into a lively rhythm as Sakura and Kakashi begin setting the food on a small table near Mizuki's bed. Kiba is already hovering over the spread, eyeing the sushi with great interest, while Shikamaru leans back in his chair, observing everything with his usual laid-back attitude.

Mizuki watches them, her heart swelling with warmth. It's been such a long time since she's felt this—surrounded by her friends, sharing a meal, and feeling... happy. Truly happy. Despite everything that happened during the mission, despite all the pain and confusion, moments like this remind her of what she has. She might have lost sight of it for a little while, but seeing her friends like this, so full of life and care, brings her a sense of peace she's been missing.

Naruto grabs a piece of sushi and shoves it into his mouth before anyone can stop him, earning an exasperated look from Sakura.

"Naruto! I said wait!"

"Too late!" Naruto says, grinning mischievously as he chews. "It's really good!"

Kiba snickers and reaches for the barbecue. "Well, if Naruto's not waiting, neither am I."

"Me too," Choji adds, happily diving into the food.

Shikamaru sighs, but there's a smile playing on his lips as he watches the chaos unfold. "Troublesome... but I guess we can't let the food go to waste."

Kakashi quietly takes a seat beside Mizuki's bed, his posture relaxed as he watches over the group. He doesn't say much, but his presence is comforting, as it always is. Mizuki feels a sense of safety just knowing Papashi is there, quietly looking out for her, even as the others chatter and laugh.

Sakura finishes setting the food down and hands Mizuki a small plate. "Here, Mizuki. Eat up. You need your strength."

Mizuki hesitates for a moment, but then, encouraged by the warmth in Sakura's voice and the laughter of her friends around her, she takes the plate. She picks up a piece of sushi and takes a small bite, savoring the flavor. It's good—really good—and for the first time in what feels like forever, she feels herself relax.

The group settles into an easy, lighthearted rhythm, eating and talking over one another in a way that only close friends can. Naruto and Kiba engage in a spirited debate over which type of barbecue is the best, while Choji happily munches away, offering his own expert opinions on the food. Shikamaru watches them, occasionally throwing in a sarcastic comment or two, while Sakura tries, and fails, to keep the boys from eating too quickly.

Mizuki watches them all, her smile growing with each passing moment. It's not that the pain or confusion from the mission has disappeared—it's still there, lingering in the back of her mind. But right now, in this room, surrounded by her friends, it feels a little more bearable.

Naruto notices her smile and grins, nudging her gently. "Hey, Mizuki. You're smiling! It's good to see that."

Mizuki looks down, a slight blush coloring her cheeks. "I-I... I'm happy," she says softly, her voice still quiet but carrying more warmth than before.

Kakashi, from his spot beside her, gives her a gentle nod. "That's all we wanted, Mizuki," he says quietly, his voice full of affection. "For you to be happy."

Mizuki looks at him, her heart swelling at the sincerity in Papashi's voice. She doesn't say anything, but her smile is answered enough.

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Awww this was a wholesome chapter :3

Hope you guys enjoyed this chapter!

BTW Today is the start of my work again so all chapters onwards are scheduled.

Bye Potatoes!

Stay Fab!!