The tale of Mayumi

Chapter 8: A Drunken Escort and an Unexpected Offer

As I read through the scroll, trying to absorb the weight of Tsunade's offer, a dull thud broke my concentration.

I looked up.

Hikaru had passed out on the table, face smushed against the wood, completely out cold.

Kakashi, still seated across from me, tilted his head slightly and gestured toward him. "Uh... is he going to be okay?"

I waved a dismissive hand. "Yeah, don't worry about it. He does this all the time." I set the scroll aside, stretching my arms. Kakashi, noticing the shift in my focus, closed his book as well.

A brief silence settled between us before I broke it.

"So, what do you think I should do?"

He blinked. "Are you asking me?"

I raised an eyebrow. "Well, I can't exactly ask Hikaru. He's currently drooling on the table, so... yeah. I'm asking you."

"About what?"

"The offer!" I threw my hands up, motioning toward the scroll like it was obvious.

Kakashi leaned back in his chair, unbothered. "Can't really help you there—I have no idea what it says."

I exhaled sharply, about to respond, when Hikaru suddenly crashed to the floor with a loud thump.

"Damn it." I groaned, moving to lift him.

Kakashi chuckled, clearly amused by my struggle. "Need some help with that?"

"No, I got it," I grumbled, trying and failing to prop Hikaru up. He was heavier than he looked.

Kakashi stood anyway, stepping closer. "Come on, let me help you. I can't just let you drag a passed-out guy through the streets—especially when you're obviously drunk, too."

I squinted at him. "I'm not drunk."

"You swayed when you said that."

"...I'm tired."

"Right," he said, clearly unconvinced. Without waiting for permission, he hoisted Hikaru onto his back with practiced ease.

I rolled my eyes but didn't argue. "Fine. But not because I need help—because I choose to accept it."

"As you wish," Kakashi said, amused. He started toward the exit, and I followed.

"Come on, it's this way," I said, pointing toward the village gates.

Kakashi hesitated. "Outside the village?"

"Yep." I grinned. "Too bad you insisted on carrying him."

He let out a short laugh. "Guess I walked into that one."

As we made our way through the quiet streets, I hesitated before speaking. "Hey, listen... about earlier—I don't know if you heard, but—"

"Oh, I heard."

I winced. "Yeah... sorry, old man."

He stopped walking. "Old man?" He turned slightly, his visible eye narrowing in mock offense. "Just how old do you think I am?"

I shrugged. "Dunno. Can't see your face. Just judged by the hair color." I smirked. "So? How old are you?"

"Twenty-five." He eyed me. "And you look pretty young—what, twenty-one?"

"Ha. Try nineteen." I shot him a smug look. "Well, almost twenty."

"...You're underage?"

"And?" I raised a brow. "I can handle my alcohol."

Kakashi let out a quiet chuckle, shaking his head. "Now I really understand why Lady Hokage wanted to come for you herself."

That caught my attention. My steps faltered. "Wait—she wanted to come?"

"Yeah, but she's been busy, so she sent me instead."

I didn't try to hide my smile. As much as I hated to admit it, I had missed her.

By the time we reached our house, the sky had darkened completely. I pushed open the door, stepping aside so Kakashi could carry Hikaru inside. He walked over to the small bed in the corner, setting Hikaru down with surprising gentleness.

I hesitated, then spoke.

"Tsunade wants us to move to the Hidden Leaf Village."

Kakashi straightened, glancing at me. "...That's what you wanted my opinion on?"

I nodded.

He exhaled, crossing his arms. "Well, I can't make that decision for you. And I think you need to talk it over with him first." He nodded toward the still-unconscious Hikaru.

"Yeah, you're right." I sighed.

Kakashi started for the door, and I followed.

"Thanks for helping me bring him home," I said. Then, feeling a little guilty, I added, "And... sorry again. For our, uh, inappropriate behavior earlier."

He waved a hand dismissively. "No need to thank me. Or apologize."

I hesitated. "...You can stay here if you want."

He paused in the doorway, considering. "Thanks, but I already checked into an inn. My stuff's there." He turned back slightly, his voice lighter. "I'm heading back to the Hidden Leaf in two days. If you decide to come, I'll escort you both there."

He wasn't smiling, but I could feel the smirk behind that mask.

I returned it. "Then I guess I'll see you in two days."

He gave a small nod. "Good night, Mayumi."

"Good night, Kakashi."