After helping Mom in the kitchen, I finally walked back toward my room.
I stretched my arms.
“That took longer than I expected…” I gently pushed the door open.
“…” I froze.
Kakashi was sitting on my chair.
One leg crossed over the other.
Completely relaxed.
In his hands…
…was my school notebook.
“W-What are you doing?!” Before he could answer, I rushed across the room and quickly snatched the notebook from his hands.
“And why are you touching my things?!” His visible eye followed me calmly.
“I was reading.” “I can see that!” I quickly looked down at the notebook.
Thank goodness…
Nothing embarrassing was inside.
Then my eyes widened.
“…Wait.” I looked at my study table.
A mathematics test paper was missing.
I slowly turned toward him.
“Kakashi…” He quietly lifted a single paper.
My test.
I rushed toward him again.
“Give that back!” Just before I could grab it, he calmly raised his hand a little higher.
I wasn’t tall enough.
I jumped once.
Missed.
Twice.
Still missed.
He simply watched.
“…You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?” “A little.” I narrowed my eyes.
“You’re impossible.” “I’ve heard that before.” I tried one last time.
The moment I reached for the paper…
He lowered his hand on purpose.
I almost lost my balance.
He caught my wrist before I could fall.
For a brief second…
Neither of us moved.
Then he quietly let go.
I immediately took my test paper back.
“You shouldn’t read other people’s marks.” “I already did.” I looked down at the paper.
“…Don’t judge me.” “I’m not.” “I failed one question.” “You solved the difficult ones.” I blinked.
“…You noticed that?” “Hm.” “You make small mistakes because you rush.” I stared at him.
“How did you figure that out from one test?” He simply shrugged.
“I pay attention.” I folded my arms.
“That’s a little scary.” “I’ve also heard that.” A quiet laugh escaped me before I could stop it.
For the first time…
The room didn’t feel awkward.
It felt…
Comfortable.
I sat on the edge of my bed.
“So…” “What do you usually do when you’re not suddenly climbing into people’s bedrooms?” He thought for a moment.
“…Walk.” “That’s it?” “Hm.” “You don’t have hobbies?” “I do.” “What are they?” Silence.
“I asked a question.” “I know.” “And?” “I decided not to answer.” I sighed dramatically.
“You really enjoy making people curious.” “It wasn’t intentional.” “I don’t believe you.” “Most people don’t.” I looked at him carefully.
“You know…” “You smile with your eyes.” He paused.
Only for a second.
“…Do I?” “Yeah.” “It’s strange.” “I’ve never met anyone who does that.” He quietly looked away toward the window.
“I’ve been told that before.” The room became silent again.
But this silence felt different.
It wasn’t uncomfortable.
It felt peaceful.
The afternoon sunlight entered through the open window, painting soft golden lines across the floor.
For a moment…
It almost felt like we had known each other much longer than just a few days.
Then my phone suddenly vibrated.
A message from one of my classmates.
«”Don’t forget tomorrow’s school project.”» I sighed.
“I completely forgot…” Kakashi glanced at the screen.
“You forget things often.” “I do not.” “You do.” “You’ve only known me for a few days.” “…Long enough.” I looked at him suspiciously.
“Sometimes I feel like you know more about me than I know about myself.” For the first time…
He didn’t answer.
His gaze rested quietly on the floor.
A few seconds passed.
Then he stood up.
“I should go.” “So suddenly?” “I have somewhere to be.” “You always say that.” “It happens to be true.” He walked toward the window.
I couldn’t help asking one more question.
“…Will I see you again?” He stopped.
Without turning around, he answered softly, “…Probably.” Then, with one smooth movement, he stepped onto the window ledge and disappeared beyond it.
I hurried to the window.
The street below was completely empty.
“…He’s unbelievable.” I smiled without realizing it.
Then I looked down at the test paper still in my hands.
On the top corner…
Someone had written a single word in neat handwriting.
“Slow down.” I frowned.
“…When did he even write this?” Without realizing it…
A small smile appeared on my face.
End of Chapter 6