Sumire's POV

Spring ended, summer arrived and autumn is approaching soon. It was already September, which meant it was Kakashi's birthday month. I was still undecided about what gift to give him. Surely, I wouldn't get him a store-bought present. I wanted it to be something I personally made for him instead. It would be the first gift I'd give him, so I wanted it to be special.

I thought about creating a painting for him, but I'm not sure if I can complete one before his birthday comes because I like to take my time with the art and not rush it. I remembered that he likes literature best, so my gift could be something I wrote specially for him.

I made up my mind to write a poem. I could put it in a nice paper and maybe even paint some designs on it to make it look beautiful and add some of my touches to it. I thought long and hard about what to include in it because poetry can be tricky since you have to express your thoughts as an art form. I've always had good artistic skills, but it is my first attempt in creating literary art. It wouldn't be easy at all, but I am sure I could figure it out for my silver-haired friend.

It took me several days to complete my gift for Kakashi. I wrote it during my free time when I am alone, which was mostly before I go to sleep or early in the morning after waking up.

I managed to pour out my heartfelt thoughts and narrate the memories we have together into very carefully chosen words. I think the gesture of turning a person's thoughts and feelings into poetry is very touching.

The day finally arrived, it was the fifteenth of September and it meant that it's Kakashi's birthday already.

I had the poem written on a very nice sheet of textured paper, a little thicker than the normal ones. My decision to add some small floral designs on the piece was a good idea since it added some flair to the plain paper. I used watercolor to draw some sumire petals that bordered the top and bottom part of the page, and used purple, silver, and pale yellow shades to paint the design. Of course, I chose those three colors to remind him of me when he looked at the dainty flowers drawn on the page.

It was very satisfying to see my completed work. The words were elegantly written, and the overall look was minimalistic with a little touch of color. Carefully, I placed the fragile paper in an envelope and included a small note on a separate card that read, "Kashi, Wishing I could celebrate all of your birthdays with you. -Sumire S."

Father got Kakashi a new set of kunai and shurikens as well as a copy of a jutsu from the Senju archives for him to learn. I am sure the birthday boy would appreciate the practical gift since it would serve him well as a genin.

Sakumo oji-san had organized a very small party for his son at their home. Only my father and I were invited because the celebrant prefers an intimate gathering instead of a large-scale birthday bash.

Namikaze-san also dropped by the Hatake house to personally hand Kakashi his gift, but didn't stay for dinner since he is about to go on a mission. He was surprised to see both father and I there. He is familiar with my dad but he doesn't know about me. I am glad he didn't ask or say anything about it though.

Dinner had been nice, and it was finally time for the cake. Father was ready to capture the moment and had his camera placed on a stand and set on a timer. Kakashi sat on the chair by the table, his birthday cake had six candles on top and placed in front of him, while we stood at the back. I had my arms around his neck as I stood directly behind his sitting figure with my head peeking at the side of his face. All of us had big smiles on our faces. It was another good memory captured on photo and a new addition to our family's album. I am certain my father would make sure to send a copy to the Hatakes.

We started eating the cake for dessert and then gave the birthday boy his presents. I would probably give mine later though, I do not want the adults to know about the very personal poem I wrote for him.

Kakashi got a very priceless gift from his father, it was a canine summoning contract passed down among the Hatake family members. He looked so happy upon receiving it and signing his name on it with blood. The adults taught him how it worked, and he was able to summon a very cute puppy, a tiny pug named Pakkun. I never met a spirit animal before so I stared at the newcomer in awe.

The silver-haired genin got a book from his sensei, it's titled as The Tale of the Utterly Gutsy Shinobi written by Jiraiya of the Sannin. It was a first edition print and signed by the toad sage. We didn't know that Jiraiya-san was an author though, so we were kind of surprised when we saw his name on the cover.

Father also handed to him the gifts he brought for the birthday boy. I could see happiness in his eyes as he examined his new weapons and read the new jutsu scroll.

As soon as I noticed our fathers were already deep in conversation while drinking sake in the living room, I saw it as an opportunity to finally give the celebrant his present. I asked him to go outside and settled for a spot at the engawa overlooking the garden. We sat on the edge of the wooden floor and got ourselves comfortable at the spot.

The night sky was clear, with the cool air brushing against our skins. The soft glow of moonlight illuminated the garden, while a small lamp flickered a pale yellow light just behind us. He removed the mask from his face and took a deep breath a few times. I watched his handsome profile in silence for a while as I contemplated the correct words to say to him. His unmasked face radiates happiness and contentment as he gazes serenely at the garden.

I finally decided to hand the white envelope to the boy beside me. I whispered softly, "I made this for you," I was staring intently at his face as he turned to look at me with curiosity in his eyes. "I hope you like it," I added with a gentle smile on my lips.

He opened the thin envelope carefully, read the small greeting card that I had written, and then smiled affectionately at me. The boy beside me continued to slowly pull out the piece of paper, pausing for a moment and glancing my way before bringing it close to his face. He began reading the poem, and I could hear my heartbeat as he silently scanned his eyes across the words written on the page.

My Dream Come True

I have always liked looking at the horizon,

where the dazzling sun rises as we look on.

The sky painted with a rosy pigment,

as you and I cherish the happy moment.

I have always liked looking at the figure,

of you standing next to me in the picture.

Taken on the day of our first encounter,

I smiled as your arm rested on my shoulder.

I have always liked looking at the stars,

on nights when I thought about you for hours.

They brighten the sky like the familiar shade of your silver,

and it makes my silly little heart flutter.

I have always liked looking at the storm clouds in the skies,

it looks as bewitching as your dark gray eyes.

I often longed for your captivating gaze,

that often put me in a state of daze.

I have always liked looking at the rose flower,

you've put it on my hair that day, remember?

A fleeting moment but one of my favorite memory,

something to treasure, as precious as ivory.

I have always liked looking at you,

You're on my mind, no matter what I do.

Kakashi, I don't know if you knew,

You are like a dream come true.

-S.S.

I carefully observed him as he read the literary piece I had written for him. His hands trembled slightly, but he kept his eyes fixed on the flimsy paper, as if he were trying to commit every word to memory.

I tried not to show how nervous I was. My fingers twitched a bit as I waited for the reaction of the handsome boy next to me. It had been a while since he started reading, so I decided to break the silence by asking, "Do you like it?"

He finally looked at me, but he did not answer my question. Instead, he reached out for the envelope and put the paper carefully inside. Naturally, I thought he would return it back since he did not react at all. My shoulders slumped and I casted my eyes downwards, already feeling rejected.

He set down the white envelope with care at his side, trying not to crinkle the literary piece, before suddenly pulling me in for a hug. "I love it," he said, then looked at my eyes directly while he was still holding me close to him. "You are my dream come true too, you know." He softly said as he touched the tip of my nose, then kissed my forehead tenderly.

It was the first time I felt his lips touch my skin, it felt so delicate, soft and warm.

I felt shocked at his sudden reaction at first, but I eventually returned the hug. I wrapped my arm around his waist while asking, "I painted some flowers on it too, did you notice it?" I tilted my head upwards to gaze at his handsome face while I waited for his reply.

"Yes, the purple sumire flowers looked beautiful," he said affectionately. Then he put his lips next to my ear and whispered softly, "Just like my Sumire who painted it." I felt my body quiver and my skin tingle a bit as I felt his breath on my ear, he only responded to my reaction by hugging me even tighter. I felt him plant another soft kiss on the top of my head before burying his face on my hair.

I don't know if he knew how much his reaction meant to me and was glad he loved the gift I made for him. I felt all the warm feelings on my insides again, my heart fluttering, the butterflies on my stomach, and the prickling on my skin as we embraced each other.

Even with my young age at that time, I realized my feelings for him would probably evolve into something more as we grow older. He had an effect on me that I cannot explain, it's some sort of attachment that had been slowly forming between us. I was certain he had felt it too judging by the way he reacts around me.

I knew in that moment, as we held onto each other, that I never wanted to let go.

It had been a couple of months after Kakashi's sixth birthday had passed. I noticed how he constantly hovered around me more than before. Whenever he leaves for a mission outside the village that would often last for a few days, he would see me first to say goodbye. After he comes home from the mission, he would go to our house and ask for what he calls, a "power hug". According to him he feels very recharged whenever I give him that hug. It was so childish but sweet at the same time.

It felt like we were somewhat closer than before. I already knew I like him, and I think he returns the sentiment. The warm feelings were there, but we're still kids no matter how mature we are for our age. It was an innocent admiration for each other, the adults' term for it would be puppy love.

So nothing really changed much, we are still friends, but it felt so much more than that. It's like the beginning of something we do not understand yet, maybe as we grow older we could figure it out together. But as of now, we are just enjoying each other's company as much as we could.

With Kakashi being a genin already, I spent most of my days at the academy with Kurenai. I told her in confidence everything I can share, including what happened during the silver-haired boy's sixth birthday. She was overjoyed and squealed with delight as we talked about it in her room. She cannot help but give me a smirk and a wink whenever she would spot Kakashi and I around the village together after that. The girl would also tell me her frustrations, consult me with her problems, share whatever makes her happy, and even inform me of some of her secrets that she wouldn't share with anyone.

We are becoming each other's best friend, and I couldn't be happier since Kurenai is an amazing person and anyone would be glad to have her as a friend. I knew I could trust her just as she trusts me. I planned to invite her to our place since I had gone to their house a couple of times and even got introduced to her parents. In return, I would also like for her to meet my dad and hang around our place. I need to ask for permission from my father before I do though.

When I talked to my dad about it, he suggested that I invite Kurenai out to eat so he could get to know her better first. He probably wanted to gauge the crimson-eyed girl's trustworthiness before allowing her to know the sensitive information. We planned to go to the newly opened restaurant in the village, it was away from the town center and the place was very peaceful. We would also invite Kakashi, as my female friend might feel more comfortable with having more known faces during our meeting with Father.

We chose to have our planned meet-up during the weekend, it was a Saturday noon and Kakashi just came back earlier that morning. Father looked very different since he forgo his usual clothes and settled for very plain looking ones with his hair tied up and a bandana covering his head to hide his silver-blonde locks. He did this so he wouldn't easily be recognized in public while he was with me and my friends. He was being very careful and I understand his reasons.

My dad already went ahead inside, waiting to be seated at one of the private booths. Meanwhile, I waited for Kakashi and Kurenai outside the premises. It was already late January and it was cold, I was rubbing my shoulders to have more warmth as I stood by the entrance.

The masked boy finally arrived after a couple of minutes. He jogged towards where I was standing and stopped a few inches in front of me, spreading his arms widely and inviting me to give him a big hug. "Come on, I just arrived today. I need to recharge now with your power hug." Kakashi playfully said with a pleading look on his eye.

I closed the distance between us, and he enveloped his open arms around me while I hugged him back in return. It felt nice and I am certainly enjoying his warmth in the cold January weather. We stood like that for quite some time, his chin resting on the top of my head and my face pressed against his chest.

Our silent moment was shattered when a female voice spoke up. "Sumire, you didn't tell me Kakashi would be here too." She was looking at us with a big grin on her face and her eyebrows raising up and down in a teasing manner.

Kakashi didn't bother moving at all despite knowing the other girl's presence, he must have also liked the warm feeling the hug gives off. So I tapped him a few times on the back and said, "Kakashi, we should head inside, it's cold." He finally loosened his arms and sighed disapprovingly.

I looked at the crimson-eyed girl, ignoring her teasing expression, and replied to her previous statement. "My dad invited him too," I explained briefly while gesturing for them to follow me inside.

"Father, this is Kurenai Yuhi. She is my friend from the academy I told you about," I casually introduced her to my father.

"It's nice to meet you Kurenai. My name is Hideo, I am glad Sumire decided to introduce her friend to me," he smiled kindly as he introduced himself without revealing our clan name.

Kurenai politely bowed and replied, "Thank you for inviting me, Hideo-san." Father nodded and beamed at us.

My dad noticed that my silver-haired friend was standing behind me "Kakashi, how was your last mission my boy?" Father asked his godson fondly while ruffling the masked-boy's hair.

"It's alright oji-san, my sensei just got us an easy scroll delivery mission to the Land of Tea," the masked-boy replied casually. Then, they began their animated conversation about how Kakashi's training had been going so far.

Kurenai glanced at me with a questioning look, I knew what she was trying to ask already. Her face is clearly asking how come my father and Kakashi had such closeness and familiarity with each other, and noticed that the silver-haired boy even called father oji-san. I gave her a wide eye that meant I would explain later, and it looked like she understood what I meant since she gave me a nod.

The hostess finally led us to a private booth so we could comfortably talk and eat in peace. My father ordered a meal set for four, which already included all the main courses, side dishes, desserts, and some tea.

Father asked Kurenai and I about our progress at the academy and how we are doing at school as we waited for the food to arrive. Kakashi seemed interested as well, he was sitting across from me so he leaned closer to the table and asked me, "And who sits beside you now that I'm gone?" He looked really curious then added, "Do you eat lunch alone?" He asked with his eyebrows raised.

Kurenai chuckled loudly and answered for me, "Don't worry Kakashi, I took your old seat and guards her from the boys at class." She added in a playful tone, "You can rest easy."

I also answered him by seriously replying "No, I don't eat alone anymore. After Kurenai and I became friends, we always spent time together at the academy." He looked pleased with my answer, so I added further, "We are practically inseparable now, aren't we?" I asked while looking and nudging my elbow at the red-eyed girl to which she nodded in response while smiling mischievously.

Kakashi leaned back against his chair, unbothered by Kurenai's smirk and casually said, "Good." He looked so cool with how he carried himself and his voice sounded very calm and serious.

My father also stated in a teasing tone, "Good, indeed." Then looked between me and the masked boy with a big grin on his face before adding, "We are saving you for Kakashi after all, aren't we Sumire?"

My face turned red from my father's banter, but he still did not stop there. He looked at the silver haired boy and said, "You can ask me for her hand when she becomes jonin." He joked in a very playful tone. Then he said with a smirk on his face, "You're probably already jonin as well by then, aren't you my boy?"

Kurenai seemed to enjoy the scene since I heard her shriek a loud laugh from her seat, she tried to cover her mouth to stop the high-pitched noises she's making beside me but she could not stop her laughter.

We couldn't really think of anything to say after that. Kakashi also looked so embarrassed by the remarks, I never knew our faces could turn a deeper shade of red before. It was so embarrassing even though there were only four of us at the table, I wanted to melt on my spot and hide my face. It's a good thing I saw the server coming towards us with the food.

I tried to change the topic by casually saying, "Oh great, the food is here." I was relieved when the attention was turned away from me and the silver-haired boy sitting across from me. We hungrily ate the food in front of us, my father was asking Kurenai some questions to get to know her better while Kakashi and I ate our food quietly.

I noticed he did not remove his mask this time even as he lifted his hand holding the chopsticks close to his mouth. My eyes widened when I saw the food directly went through his mask, it's probably a Genjutsu he created that isn't easily breakable by academy students like Kurenai and I. That was a very smart trick, I mentally applauded his creativity since he surely came prepared after knowing that the crimson-eyed girl would be here as well.

As we were eating the assortment of flavored mochi for dessert, father's face became serious and glanced sternly at my female friend for a while. It looked like he was deciding if he would trust the girl with my identity or not. Then he started to calmly explain, "Kurenai, I appreciate the friendship you have with my daughter. If she trusts you, then so will I." He looked between me and the crimson-eyed girl before he continued speaking, "What we would tell you is very sensitive information, and if others would know of it, Sumire will be in danger." He patiently waited for the girl to respond before continuing further.

"Hideo-san, I treasure my friendship with Sumire. I wouldn't do anything to endanger her, I consider her my best friend." Kurenai truthfully answered, then looked at me and tapped my shoulder lightly to show that she cares.

Father continued explaining, "I am Hideo Senju. My daughter is the only other clan member beside Tsunade and myself, making her the clan heir. The Senju clan's legacy will continue with her." Dad explained slowly with a firm voice and avoided mentioning the other equally sensitive side of my heritage involving my relations to the fire daimyo. Father probably thought it was best not to tell her that for now, that information doubles the danger I would be in if it got out.

The crimson-eyed girl looked at me and my dad with a shocked expression, with eyes wide and her mouth agape. My father added sternly, "This makes her a very high profile citizen in the village. If other villages or groups knew about her existence, she would be in grave danger since the Senju are highly targeted by other villages and organizations." Father glanced at me before continuing, "They would think of her as a possible threat and might plan something bad against her, and she is not strong enough to protect herself yet. That's why I hid her existence, very few people knew that I had a child."

Kurenai seemed to understand the gravity of the words my father was explaining to her so she looked very determined while she replied, "Do not worry Hideo-san, I will not tell this information to others, even to my parents. Thank you for showing your family's trust in me." I gave her a thankful smile, but couldn't help myself from worrying and thinking about my father's words.

Father looked satisfied, and smiled at the red-eyed girl. "I am glad you are my daughter's friend."

Meanwhile, Kakashi looked very worried when father was explaining about my situation to Kurenai, his eyes were focused on me the whole time with a very concerned look. He already knew about this, but hearing it coming from a person's mouth really made the situation more real and sounded more dangerous.

I cannot help but think deeply with fear thinking about the enemies coming after me. "The enemy villages would probably put a price on my head in the bingo book if they knew, I wonder how much I am worth?" I didn't realize that I'd spoken my thoughts out loud, the three people with me suddenly gasped, reacting to my grim thoughts and they became silent.

Kakashi looked horrified with that statement, he only now fully realized how much my life could be in danger. Most shinobi only get targeted once they are powerful enough to be considered a threat. Then here I am, I had just started the academy and there may be a possibility that my face and name will be already posted in the bingo book just because of my family name.

My silver-haired friend leaned on the table so he could reach me then touched the tip of my nose softly to grab my full attention, "Silly girl, you are priceless and we would protect you no matter what." Then he looked at my father briefly and said, "Don't we, oji-san?"

My dad glanced briefly at Kakashi and nodded, "Yes, Kakashi-kun we will." Then father looked at me with tearful eyes as he said, "I would die before I let them have you, Sumire." I felt touched and loved with their words.

Kakashi tried to lighten up the mood by continuing the previous banter my dad had going on before we had our lunch. He reached for my hand across the table and held it, "Don't worry, I kept in mind what your father said earlier. I will get promoted to jonin quickly, so I can protect you well." He said playfully with an eye smile.

Kurenai and my father laughed warmly with the remark, remembering the conversation earlier. Since he was still holding one of my hands, I lifted the other to flick his forehead with my fingers before responding in the same teasing manner, "I would hold your word for it, pretty boy."

Kakashi snorted because of my action, then gave me another smile, "Yeah, but make sure you graduate soon, so you'll get promoted to jonin along with me. Then we could do what your dad said." He said before chuckling lightly, clearly very pleased with himself.

The masked boy looked happy with how the situation turned out. He still held my hand and didn't mind father and Kurenai being there. Father just looked at us adoringly and mumbled at our interaction, "Young love, how pure and precious." He said almost in a whisper, but we all heard him loud and clear.

Meanwhile, Kurenai complained with a big grin on her face, "Oh come on, you two! There are other people here too, you know!"