Sumire's POV

I consider the silver-haired boy as my first friend, and it's heartwarming to remember how the two of us met.

I love the fact that we became acquainted with each other not through other people introducing us, but rather by meeting unexpectedly and purely by chance.

Our families knowing each other is only an added bonus because we were able to nurture our friendship without causing too much trouble, especially on my side as my family can be overbearing and strict at times.

The next day after the party, Kakashi arrived early for our training, just like we had discussed beforehand. He was at our front door by four o'clock in the morning, ready to start the day with running and doing some light exercises. I was already prepared and dressed.

As I went out the door and greeted Kakashi, my father came and signaled for a few of the hidden ANBU stationed around the clan grounds to follow us. Father had explained before that the ANBU are a group of very skilled shinobi undertaking high-risk missions for the village, and they will guard me until I am able to fight any danger that might come my way. I informed my masked companion about it, but the boy said he didn't mind the watchful eyes that were guarding us.

We didn't waste any time and proceeded to the clearing where we first met. We decided it was a good spot to train, with enough space to run some laps and practice some routine exercises. We would have to ask my dad to put up some targets for us to practice our aim using kunais and shurikens.

We continued for more than an hour before finally deciding to rest. Like the previous day, we sat by the tree and waited for the sunrise while munching on the rice balls that Kakashi had brought with him. He still hid his face as we ate, but I did not mind at all.

I invited him to come after his classes ended, and spend the afternoon lounging around the library, do another training session, or just hang out around the compound which he gladly accepted.

We said our goodbyes and he went on about his day to go to the academy while I prepared to meet my sensei for my private classes.

During the afternoon, we each took a book from the library and decided to read outside in one of the gardens.

It was a nice spring day, so we settled for a spot under a pergola with wisteria wrapped around its beams. The vines were in full bloom and it was a beautiful sight to look at. Every time the wind gently blew, a fragrant scent lingered in the air while petals of lilac hues dropped on the ground.

I noticed Kakashi looking up from his book to glance at me, his eyes wrinkling on the outer corners, clearly looking very happy. I return the gesture by giving him a smile as well. He kept doing it multiple times, which was very distracting since he looks so cute, so I tried to ignore his antics and focus on my current book about the different taijutsu styles.

We were so busy reading that we didn't notice the sun had started to set. After a while, father approached us and invited us to drink some tea with him. Kakashi and I walked next to each other as we followed him around the clan grounds.

I noticed we were heading to the formal receiving area, which was located at the side of the main house, overlooking a beautifully landscaped garden with a koi pond. While not all traditional houses had one, clans like ours preferred to have them because it was a more comfortable setting to entertain guests.

As we enter the room, visible markings that look like they could be part of an artwork on the walls can be seen. However, my father told me these were privacy seals. It's very practical to have them here, as I've heard this room had hosted important figures and meetings were held here that helped shape Konoha and the Land of Fire to what it is today.

Now that I think about it, father will probably have something important to say to me or to Kakashi since he chose to have tea at this place. As we settled down, father started asking a question, "Kakashi-kun, I heard from Sakumo that he will be sent on a mission tomorrow. Who do you stay with when he is gone?" He asked curiously.

"I stay alone at our house, Hideo oji-san. I am used to it already" Kakashi stated plainly. My father looked uncomfortable with his answer. But I am very curious to know the reason why he would be fine alone without a guardian because I heard that missions can go for longer than just a few days.

I asked innocently at him, "Why do you stay alone? Where are your mother and your relatives?" I did not notice my father's face becoming worried by my question. He gently patted my arm and gave me a warning look, as if to remind me to stop from further asking questions that Kakashi might not feel comfortable answering.

The masked boy did not look offended by my questioning though, he calmly looked at me and stated "My mother died after I was born. I never really knew any relatives if we have some. It's just me and my dad now." I felt so bad about asking when I heard his answer. I mentally scolded myself for prying and being insensitive. I felt sad about it too because we have the same experience regarding our deceased mothers.

My dad tried to remedy the awkward silence that followed by informing Kakashi he knew about his mother and briefly explained about how I also lost mine.

Father looked at Kakashi and told him, "I don't know if your dad ever mentioned it to you, but he asked me to be your godfather. We were on the same genin team, so we are as close as brothers can be. He knows that I will care for his son the way I do for my daughter. It's in my best interest to look after you."

He smiled fondly at Kakashi before he kindly offered, "I actually thought of asking you to stay over at our place whenever your dad has missions. I know my daughter enjoys your company, and this house is too big for the two of us. Tsunade left the village hastily yesterday after our luncheon and we don't know when she will be back. We have plenty of rooms to spare. I am sure the staff will be happy to have another kid around. This place can be too quiet sometimes."

I looked over at Kakashi smiling at him, encouraging him to accept. My dad also beamed at him and added, "How about Sumire and I walk you home today. We'll bring over some food then we can tell your dad about this over dinner."

The masked boy looked pleased by this so he nodded and muttered, "Thank you, oji-san."

He held his tea cup with one hand and lifted the other to remove the mask covering his face. My eyes went as large as saucers as he brought it down to his neck. I didn't realize I was holding my breath and froze in place as he drank his tea.

He was right to cover up that face though, because once he gets older, the female population of Konoha would probably be crazy over him if they see that bare face around the village.

He certainly looked as good as I thought he would. He had a tiny beauty mark just below his pinkish lips, a sharp nose, and an angular jaw. I bet all of our family fortune that he will only look more handsome as he matures with age. I concluded my daydream about the handsome boy with my mouth still agape.

He looked at me, raising his eyebrows and grinning widely while I still stared at him with a hint of pink on my cheeks. He clearly enjoyed my reaction.

My father looked between Kakashi and I while he laughed heartily. I think he finds the scene in front of him very amusing judging by the big smile on his face as he sipped his tea. Then, he stood up and headed for the door. He will probably go to the kitchen and ask the staff to prepare food that we'll bring over at the Hatake's house.

I managed to compose myself after that and drank the remaining of my tea in one gulp. I heard Kakashi laugh then he poked my arm lightly. "Like what you see?" He teased me while leaning on the table and giving me a one-eyed wink.

"Well, you don't look bad", I admitted while looking directly at him. I decided to reach out to his mask and put it up myself to cover his smile that was annoyingly cute. "Cover it up pretty boy, it's very distracting." I teased back at him.

I heard his warm laugh and he seemed to be enjoying this banter that we had going on. "As you wish, hime." He said while I stood up then grabbed his hand and led him to the front porch of the house.

When we got there, I blushed when I realized I was still holding his hand. I loosened my grip and was about to let go when he held it tightly. We sat down side-by-side on the steps leading to the front door of our house while we waited for father to come out. I felt the butterflies in my stomach and tried to calm my emotions so I wouldn't ruin the moment. "Did you enjoy today?" He asked in a whisper.

My eyes softened as I look at him, he is very kind and annoyingly cute. I am not complaining though, I could get used to this. I squeezed is hands while I answered him honestly. "Yeah, I did enjoy today."

He looked happy with my response. Then he lifted his other hand and started poking one of my cheeks with it before he said, "Me too. I am glad you did."

Father came out after an hour carrying two large bento boxes wrapped in an elegantly designed cloth.

Kakashi offered to carry one as we walked, which Father gladly accepted. I saw my dad calling out to the ANBU, probably to tell them to follow us as we walked to the Hatake clan grounds.

We proceeded to walk for a few minutes before I asked Kakashi about his home. He explained that their compound is about fifteen minutes away from the Senju's, which isn't too far since we were walking at a leisurely pace. He added that it only takes him about half of that time when he comes over because he usually runs.

I was a bit surprised to learn that he lives so close by, as I had thought most of the clan grounds were located near the town center.

Father explained to me that most of the older clans had built their properties just like ours and Kakashi's did. It was ideal because properties on the outskirts tended to be larger, and they provided the clans with enough privacy away from the busy districts within the village, which most clansmen preferred.

The Inuzuka clan is large in numbers, and they also possess numerous dogs as partners. Therefore, having ample open space for them to roam freely is essential.

The Aburame clan preferred to isolate themselves because their insect partners needed to be bred and cared for in hives undisturbed by other people.

The Nara clan lived next to their private forest grounds, where their deer resided, and had built their medical research facilities within that area as well.

Exceptions are the clans that have their businesses or responsibilities situated in the town center. The Uchiha clan is there since they manage the town's police force, the Yamanaka clan also prefers to live there because of their flower shop, and the Akimichi clan who were known for their restaurants in town.

I asked about the whereabouts of the other clans like the Hyuuga, the Sarutobi, and the smaller ones. My dad simply stated that they probably enjoy the convenience of living in the village center. He also added that there are neighborhoods near the main street that are lined up with smaller clan compounds where the other minor clans with few members live.

I noticed that Kakashi was also listening intently to what father was saying. I was definitely enlightened by my father's explanation. I have read about clans in books but details like these are not explained so I was happy I learned something new today.

The Hatake compound has a large area, but fewer buildings can be seen on their clan grounds. I read that their numbers have been smaller than most clans ever since the founding of the village, and it continued to dwindle up to their current number today, which is only composed of Kakashi and his father. However, they do have quite a number of canines at their call. My own clan is not better in size either.

Kakashi led us to the main house where they were staying, and we came in to find his father in the living room, packing up for his upcoming mission. He was surprised to see us since he was not expecting visitors, but he warmly welcomed us and asked us to sit down.

Kakashi took the two bento boxes and started to put out dishes on the table. I excused myself from the adults and decided to help out Kakashi set the table for dinner.

After everyone was seated at the table, we said a quick prayer of thanks and proceeded to eat. The adults talked about the possibility of letting Kakashi stay over at our place.

Meanwhile, the silver-haired boy and I were seated across from each other, so we were able to goof around by kicking each other lightly under the table without the adults noticing. It was hard trying not to laugh and keep a straight face. I saw Kakashi having the same struggle as I do since he had removed his mask when we started eating, and he was biting his lip to keep a straight face.

We finished dinner with a glint of amusement in our eyes and sly smiles on our faces. The adults proceeded to talk in the living room, so I helped Kakashi clear the table. He washed the dishes while I dried them.

My handsome companion still had his mask down while we were doing the task at hand. I have the perfect view of his side profile and I cannot help but sigh with contentment as I stare at his attractive face.

Father and I bid the Hatake family goodbye after a very filling dinner. Sakumo-san allowed Kakashi to stay over at our place anytime he liked, so we got what we came for.

I heard the elder Hatake tell my dad that he was glad and relieved that Kakashi would have company when he was away. Father told him not to worry at all since the Senju compound is as guarded as the Hokage tower, so he could be at ease knowing Kakashi would be safe whenever he stayed with us.

I was glad about that too.

I was enjoying the walk home with father silently, but still tried to be observant with our surroundings.

The night was filled with shadows and only the moonlight guided our path back to the Senju grounds. It was dim but the road was visible so we were able to make our way towards our destination. The sky was blanketed by the numerous dots that shone like rare jewels, it was a great sight to behold as we walked home and I pondered about my situation.

I seemed at peace and my demeanor calm, but my mind was racing with thoughts from my conversation with father the previous day.

"You have to understand that life will not be easy for you, child. Your heritage will endanger you wherever you go."

I recalled what he said and decided to reflect on his words. It had been at the back of my mind. My young brain could finally comprehend the gravity of the statement.

I had understood at that moment that being part of the fire daimyo's family and belonging to the Senju clan of Konoha meant that danger would be like my own shadow. It would follow me wherever I went, constantly trying to catch up to me, no matter how fast I ran.