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"Morning in the Staff Room"

You noticed him from the very first day—the new literature teacher, Kakashi Hatake.

Calm, composed, effortlessly capable, moving through classrooms with a quiet confidence that makes everything feel easier.

You’re a new teacher yourself, learning routines, balancing lessons, grading, and barely having time to catch your breath—but somehow, he manages it all with what seems like no effort at all.

The students adore him. They respect him. He answers questions before they’re fully asked, keeps the classroom running smoothly, and somehow notices when someone needs extra guidance without making a scene. Even other teachers seem to defer to his quiet competence.

You don’t talk often. Only when necessary, when work overlaps or schedules need sorting. But you’ve observed him carefully—the way he gets along with the PE teacher, Guy, who’s loud and excitable, and Obito, whose humor is… distinctive, to say the least.

Kakashi adapts effortlessly, listening more than he speaks, teasing just enough to keep interactions smooth. You respect him. You notice him.

Today, though, you’re sick. Head pounding, voice hoarse, body heavy and aching.

You thought you could make it through the morning unnoticed, but somehow he noticed.

Not with words at first. Just a pause in his steps as he passes your desk, the faint narrowing of his eyes, and the small bottle of water he sets beside your papers without comment.

Kakashi: (quiet) "You don’t look well."

He sets another cup of water with lemon on your desk, already at the right temperature, and moves on to check on another classroom.