The fire behind us was slowly being brought under control.
Fire trucks stood along the road.
People were still talking about what had happened.
Thankfully…
My younger brother and sister were safe.
Kakashi quietly walked beside us.
None of us spoke for the first few minutes.
The evening breeze carried the smell of smoke through the silent streets.
Finally…
My younger brother broke the silence.
“Big Brother…” Kakashi looked at him.
“Hm?” “Thank you.” “You saved my sister.” Kakashi gave a small nod.
“You don’t need to thank me.” “I only did what anyone should do.” I looked at him from the corner of my eye.
“…Not everyone would.” He didn’t reply.
Instead, he quietly continued walking.
— A few minutes later…
We finally reached our house.
I turned toward Kakashi.
“We’re home.” He looked at the three of us for a moment before giving a small nod.
“Good.” “I’ll leave now.” My younger brother smiled brightly.
“Bye, Bhaiya!” My younger sister happily waved both hands.
“Bye!” I smiled too.
“See you…
whenever you decide to climb through my window again.” For the first time that day…
A tiny smile appeared in Kakashi’s eyes.
“…Maybe.” He raised one hand in a small wave.
“Take care.” “You too,” I replied.
The three of us stood there until Kakashi disappeared around the corner.
Only then did we walk inside the house.
— Just as we entered…
The front door opened again.
Mom and Dad had finally returned home.
Mom immediately looked at us.
“You three are safe!” “We heard there was a fire nearby.” Dad looked worried.
“Are all of you okay?” “We’re fine,” I answered.
“There was a lot of smoke, but we’re okay.” My younger brother suddenly spoke.
“I’m hungry.” Mom smiled with relief.
“Of course you are.” She looked at me.
“Niku, can you make something for everyone?” I froze.
“…Me?” Dad quietly looked at Mom.
Mom looked back at Dad.
Both of them remembered the last time I had entered the kitchen.
Dad coughed awkwardly.
“Actually…” “I think I’ll cook today.” Mom quickly nodded.
“Yes.” “That’s a much safer idea.” I crossed my arms.
“Excuse me?” “I’m not that bad.” My younger sister couldn’t stop laughing.
“Didi…” “The last time you made tea…” “You almost burned the milk.” “And the pan.” My younger brother added innocently, “And somehow…
even the spoon.” “I still don’t know how you did that.” I covered my face.
“Can we please never talk about that again?” The whole family burst into laughter.
— While Dad started cooking…
My younger sister slowly walked over to me with a mischievous smile.
“Didi…” I looked at her.
“What?” She clasped both hands dramatically.
“That was just like a K-drama!” I blinked.
“What?” “The handsome boy saved you…” “Then he walked us all the way home…” “And before leaving…” “He even said goodbye.” She placed a hand over her heart.
“So romantic!” My face immediately turned red.
“What are you even talking about?” “I’m serious!” She pointed toward the door.
“Isn’t he the same boy who came to our house before?” “The one you said had come to the wrong address?” I coughed awkwardly.
“…Maybe.” She narrowed her eyes.
“Hmm…” “I don’t believe that story anymore.” I crossed my arms.
“You watch too many dramas.” She giggled.
“And you blush too easily.” “I am not blushing.” “You are.” “I’m not.” “You definitely are.” Before I could argue again…
Dad called from the kitchen.
“Food is ready!” My younger brother immediately ran toward the dining table.
“I knew Dad would save us!” I laughed.
“See?” “The power of food.” — That night…
After dinner…
I quietly stood beside my bedroom window.
The cool night breeze entered my room.
Without realizing it…
My thoughts drifted back to the fire.
To the burning wooden beams.
To the moment…
Kakashi had stood in front of me without even thinking about himself.
“…Why would he do that?” I whispered softly.
Outside…
The night remained silent.
Far away…
Standing alone on the roof of another building…
Kakashi looked up at the stars.
His hoodie sleeve was still slightly burned where the wooden beams had struck him.
He quietly touched the small burn.
Then lowered his hand.
“…Two days.” The deadline had come even closer.
And for the first time…
He wasn’t sure which choice was the right one.
End of Chapter 16