Notice Me, Naru-chan

ꨄ︎ - 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑩𝒆𝒈𝒊𝒏𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒐𝒇 𝒂𝒏 𝑬𝒏𝒅

Eight years old Naruto stare down at his reflection on the small pond, in other circumstances he would be beaming in delight as now as he managed to run away from home. But not right now.

He was brought here by a butterfly – more specifically, he followed a butterfly and now he’s in a place he’s not familiar with. And as he sat, he recalled the reason why he didn't ask permission when going out.

He couldn’t understand why she don’t want him to go out. She forbid him to leave the house alone – when kid his age could do anything they want! It’s unfair for him. But he knows why she don’t want him to leave the house – as too much dust, smoke, might trigger him to have asthma attack anytime. But he brought a handkerchief with him!.

The sun is too bright today sweetie, maybe tomorrow. “Mom, there’s no sun today! It’s windy!.” he reason to his reflection.

The sky is dark, hunny it might rain later. Maybe tomorrow. “Mom, the weather is perfect! Why don’t you just tell me straight to my face that you don’t want me to go!.” he exclaimed and stomped on water in frustration.

He clenched his fist as he refused to admit that he was lost, and his eyes was already starting to sting. He find something to sit on – he spotted a swing.

Naruto then furiously wiped the tears that manage to escape from his eyes – he was doing his best not to let out a single tear.

He felt his breathe quicken as he inhale deeply – he knew this familiar feeling. “I forgot my inhaler.” he whispered and forced himself to take deep breaths.

Contemporaneously, Umino Iruka. Who was in his lunch break was currently on a call when he noticed a crying kid sitting on the swing all alone.

“Yes, Kushina-san. I could tutor Kurama this week … Eh? No you didn’t disturb my class, I’m actually having my lunch break – Yes, yes, goodbye.” he politely hung up as he marched towards the crying child.

“Are you alright?.” Iruka cautiously asked, not sure how to approach the kid.

“Sweetie … do not talk to strangers, okay?.” his mother's reminder rang through his mind.

The brunette panicked as the kid suddenly hyperventilate – taking sharp deep breaths. He unbutton the kids shirt and inspect if there was any more clothing that cling to him tightly, “Breathe with me now,” he instructed, “Follow me, inhale, exhale, inhale, exhale.” his gentle guidance seem to work – “That’s it … you’re doing well.” he praise.

After a little while, Naruto eventually recovered. Iruka then opened his bag as he dug inside, furiously searching for something. “Here,” Iruka hand him a mask to wear.

“Thank you, Mister.” Naruto’s muffled voice said through the mask, looking up to Iruka with big blue eyes.

“You’re welcome,” Iruka then crouched to as he maintain their locked gaze, “What are you doing here, all alone?.” He asked.

I should answer him … I think he's nice, “I got lost …” he admitted before looking down, embarrassed for his actions.

“But our house is just here somewhere, I didn't went too far!.” he added, as he raised his voice as if he was proving a point.

“Of course you didn’t,” Iruka awkwardly said, sweatdropping, as he stood up and dusted his knees. He proceeds to think of ways how to help the child when –

“Naruto!.”

“Mama?,” Naruto abruptly turn to the advancing figure, “Mama!.” he exclaimed as his light up in recognition. Iruka watch as the woman scoop Naruto in her arms and hug him tightly, her fingers were shaking while she caress her son’s cheeks, “Don’t scare me like that ever again.” she scolded and continue to tighten her embrace.