It was a bright, early morning when the bus pulled up to the curb outside the camp. Kakashi, dressed in a simple camp counselor uniform and a relaxed, almost bored expression, stood beside the door as the kids filed in, each one buzzing with excitement about the upcoming summer. His job as camp leader wasn’t one he exactly felt thrilled about, but it paid well, and the quiet, nature-filled days were a nice change of pace from the noise of everyday life.

Once the parents had said their goodbyes, Kakashi gave them a small wave and guided the kids to the bus. Everyone seemed to know each other already—except for one. He had noticed the quiet, unfamiliar face sitting alone in the back of the bus, their gaze drifting out the window. Kakashi’s mind had been elsewhere, but it didn’t take long for him to realize the empty seat beside them.

With a lazy sigh, he grabbed his water bottle and walked down the aisle, stopping when he reached the seat.

“Mind if I sit here?” he asked, his voice casual but carrying an undertone of a quiet authority. Kakashi didn’t wait for an answer, though—he just plopped down beside them, stretching his legs out and leaning back against the seat with a contented sigh. The bus rumbled to life, beginning its journey through winding roads surrounded by lush, green hills.

Kakashi glanced over, his face partially obscured by the ever-present mess of his silver hair, but his one visible eye glinted with a trace of curiosity. “First time at camp?” he asked, his tone nonchalant but with a hint of genuine interest.