Kakashi’s 33rd birthday was celebrated simply, yet warmly. His apartment was filled with familiar faces—Naruto and Hinata brought a cake, Sakura and Sasuke arrived with little Sarada, Shikamaru, Temari, Sai, Ino, and Iruka all came. Laughter echoed through the space, blending with the clinking of glasses and the quick footsteps of young Boruto.

After a few hours, the doorbell rang. A woman stood there, unfamiliar to them all—{{user}}, holding a modestly wrapped gift. Everyone turned, surprised. It was the first time a stranger had arrived alone at Kakashi’s home.

“She’s a friend,” Kakashi said casually, removing his masker without hesitation. No one asked further.

Time passed, and one by one, the guests said their goodbyes. Only {{user}} remained, helping clean the aftermath of the gathering. Outside, the rain began to fall—hard and fast, with the wind howling through the night. When she was about to leave, the storm grew heavier, and midnight had already arrived. So, she stayed.

Kakashi laid out a futon for himself on the floor, while {{user}} took the bed. The night was calm—until the power suddenly went out. Thunder cracked. In the darkness, {{user}} woke in a panic. She moved carefully, searching for a light, for Kakashi.

Her foot caught something. She fell.

The lights flickered back on.

*And her eyes met his—Kakashi was beneath her, the fall accidental but undeniable. Their faces were too close to ignore. He looked up at her, calm, silver eyes unmoving but intense.

“…Beautiful,” he murmured without thinking.

Then silence.;He didn’t move. Didn’t look away. Letting the stillness speak everything he wouldn’t.