Sumire's POV

I snapped my eyes open as soon as my consciousness came back to me.

Sleeping overnight outside hasn't been my intention so I wasn't really prepared to make camp, leaving me completely exposed to the outside elements. I'm glad nobody found my resting spot though, so I was able to recuperate until the sudden rainfall woke me up from my sleep.

The weather has been unpleasant for a few days now, the looming threat of another storm wasn't surprising so I'd better get moving before the rain shower gets heavier.

Even after getting enough rest, I still felt uncomfortable due to the pain from my untreated wounds. The most troublesome one is my right arm, the woman who treated me yesterday told me I got a muscle tear, so it's probably why it hurts this much.

I tried to use the Body Flicker Technique to quicken my travel back to the inn, but I noticed something's wrong with my chakra, preventing me from successfully doing any technique that requires its use. The snake bite has to be the reason for this anomaly. I didn't really encounter any strange attack yesterday other than that, so that creepy pale-faced man was probably to blame for this.

I tore a hole in my pants and ripped the fabric to closely examine the bite on my thigh. Just as I had feared, there was a strange mark on my skin that looked purple and slightly faded.

I guess whatever this was supposed to be didn't fully get through my system since the woman named Shizune was able to remove most of the toxins yesterday before it was able to corrupt my chakra system any further.

That snakeman probably mixed something else with his snake's venom. Naturally, it was unusual for one's chakra to be affected when poisoned or bitten by something venomous. I could still infuse chakra and feel it within me, but I fail every time I try to do a jutsu. It bothered me a lot since I was still able to do a body flicker yesterday when I escaped the clearing. I guess not letting Shizune fully heal me yesterday had been a bad call on my part.

I have no choice but to drag myself back to the village proper. I could barely even take a step without flinching or lift my arm without seething in pain, and I hate feeling the stinging sensation on every cut I have on my body right now.

As I made my way further into the village, I wanted to run away when I saw how crowded the streets were and the flow of people walking in the area were all heading towards one direction. Despite the uncooperative weather, it's like half the town has collectively decided to go out this morning.

I discovered the reason for it as I walked through the town square- today is Hanaoka's market day.

People were giving me strange looks as I passed by them. I probably look crazy right now because everyone else was equipped with an umbrella, jacket, or raincoat to shield themselves from the downpour. But I had none of those as I walked in the rain with my disheveled state, tattered clothes, and wounded appearance.

"You can have this," a kind woman offered her shawl to me. It didn't really protect me from getting soaked but at least it hid the very noticeable gashes I have right now.

"Thank you, " I briefly replied.

I appreciated her kind gesture because the stares from people were bothering me a lot. I draped the shawl over my shoulders and arms to hide my wounds since it helped me avoid the unwanted attention my worn-out appearance was getting.

Kakashi's POV

I found myself at a local breakfast spot at Hanaoka around nine in the morning. I wanted to stay over at Sumire's place to wait for her since I haven't lost my hope that I could find her, but I have to inform Genma and others about my decision to stay at this village longer.

The initial plan was for everyone to go back to Konoha today after having breakfast, but I already made up my mind so I informed them about it while we were waiting for our food to be served.

"I'm staying for a couple more days here, " I blurted out as my gaze drifted to the window, the rain clouds in the sky unleashed a sudden downpour upon the village. The soothing sound of water splashing on the pavement, roofs, and every available surface enveloped the surroundings in a tranquil ambiance.

"Do you want company while you're here?" Asked by the raven-haired girl sitting across from me, a slight tint of red evident on her cheeks and looking a bit bashful as she said that. This is unusual behavior for Anko, I wasn't really closely familiar with her since we hang out only through our mutual friends, but I see her around Konoha enough to know that something changed with how she's acting in front of me and I was only noticing it now.

I raised my eyebrows in a questioning way and looked at the people sitting at the table with us to see if they also noticed the sudden change. All I saw were knowing smiles on their faces, suggesting that something might have happened while I was away yesterday and they all knew about it except for me.

However, I brushed it off because I didn't want to ask about something I hadn't been intentionally informed about and replied to Anko's question straight-forwardly.

"No." My answer was plain and simple. I didn't need anyone from this group tagging along while I'm here.

Ebisu commented while pushing his sunglasses up on the bridge of his nose. "Still cold as ever, Kakashi."

"Don't mind him," Genma looked at me while holding a senbon in his mouth. He tried to lighten up the mood since there's a sudden awkwardness in the air, "He's just being his usual grumpy self."

I was about to defend myself that I wasn't being grumpy and was just giving my answer to the question when another voice spoke. Raidou asked inquisitively, "Why are you extending your stay?"

"I'm sure I'd find my dream at this place," I stated rather wistfully. It's a vague explanation, but those who knew me enough would know exactly what I meant.

"This is probably about her again, isn't it?" Genma asked. He deeply sighed before adding, "You only sound like that when you talk about her."

Kurenai glanced a worried look over at Anko after that, like she was concerned about something, but whatever it's about was their business and I don't want to be involved with that since I have my own set of problems to deal with.

The biggest one was figuring out where Sumire is right now after I suddenly sensed her being in danger yesterday and another one was her bingo book entry. It made me really worried for her safety, but there was also a sense of excitement building up within me. I was so close to finding her again after years of searching so I'd stay over here as long as I could.

"You already know the answer to that, so why bother to ask?" I replied to Genma, subtly confirming what he said was true.

"Speaking of dreams, I'm sure some of us here figured out theirs last night at the bar, over some alcohol." Aoba remarked in a teasing manner.

"What did she say about him again?" Iwashi asked with a smirk.

"He's a total dreamboat. I rate him a ten out of ten." Raidou impersonated someone in a high-pitched voice which made the guys at the table laugh.

"Do you mean Anko? She's the only one who got drunk and kept yelling in a youthful manner about how she likes-" Guy's voice was muffled when the girl in question covered his mouth, preventing him from saying anything further.

"Shut up! It was the alcohol talking, okay?" Anko glared at everyone at the table who were making fun of her.

I gradually tuned out the noise at our table as my companions kept chatting with each other. My gaze was fixated on the window once again, observing the ongoing scene outside as the rain was now pouring heavily. The inclement weather didn't stop the people from going out, the main square of Hanaoka where the stalls were set-up for the village's weekly market day was very crowded.

From my vantage point inside the cafe, I observed the lively scene happening outside- a multitude of people strolling around town, umbrellas in hand, undeterred by the weather and determined to enjoy the day.

Suddenly, my sensing ability picked up a chakra signature within the town square's vicinity. I felt a chakra that was cool, calm, and serene, gliding through my senses- the epitome of how gracefully water could flow. I know that chakra by heart since some of it was embedded with mine and I'd be able to distinguish it even in a crowd of hundreds or thousands of people. The feel of her chakra gradually warmed over time. A kind of warmth that settled within me, as though it was gently inviting me to immerse myself and experience more of it. I know by now that this only happens whenever I sense her chakra since it was an unexplainable bonded thing that I only get to have with her.

Kami-sama, how I missed feeling that.

I stood up from my seat with a shocked expression on my face, even resorted to slapping my cheeks to make sure what I was sensing wasn't just my imagination, it kind of hurt when I did that so I guess what's happening right now is real.

My companions just looked at me with bewilderment. I heard my companions talking to me when I was about to exit the door.

"Is there something wrong?" Kurenai asked with concern.

"Where are you going?" Genma asked.

"At least bring an umbrella with you!" Anko stood up from her seat with an umbrella in hand and was about to give it to me.

However, I didn't want to waste my time talking to them so I dashed out of the cafe and sprinted to where I could feel her presence, not minding being drenched in the rain. I could feel her slowly leaving the area and I'm not about to let her disappear on me again.

Sumire's POV

I haven't eaten anything since yesterday morning so I am definitely starving. Luckily, I still had some money on me and was able to buy a piece of shokupan when I passed by a stall that sells those delectable milk breads.

The rain was now getting heavier by the minute, but I couldn't really rush to get to the inn because of my current condition.

My stomach growling made me eager to have breakfast as soon as possible, my steps weren't hurried so I nibbled on the bread as I made my way to my destination, not really caring if my food got wet since eating right now is my priority.

I was on my third bite when a surprise brought me to a standstill, making me drop the bread I was holding out of shock. The sight of a familiar figure wandering around this crowded place made my heart skip a beat, stirring within me a rush of emotions that only one person could make me feel.

I wasn't able to sense him arriving in the area, likely another effect of my chakra being disrupted, so seeing him unexpectedly left me frozen on my spot. The silver-haired guy seemed to be looking around for something, then he slowly turned his head in the direction where I stood.

He had one of his eyes covered, but the other one widened in disbelief as he locked his gaze with mine. I noticed him taking off the forehead protector which covered his crimson eye, as if to make sure that what he was seeing was real and not some sort of illusion.

I was about to give him a smile and a wave, but I noticed someone running over to him- a woman with messy raven hair. She tapped his arm lightly with a sweet smile on her face to catch his attention before handing him a spare umbrella to protect him from the rain. Judging from the girl's gesture, they look like they knew each other.

"Why did you run off like that?" She was talking to him with a worried voice, "The food just arrived after you left, we should hurry back to the cafe."

Honestly, an ache tugged on my chest when I saw him with that girl.

He was looking over at me from a distance but he's next to a girl I do not recognize. He seemed surprised to see me here, but I guess that's just about it.

What did I expect? It's not like we're in a relationship. We might have this connection that somehow links his chakra and visions with mine, but it didn't mean that he wouldn't have a girlfriend or go on dates because he didn't belong to me at all.

That crossed my mind multiple times already so I already expected that this might happen, but I just couldn't help myself from being heartbroken since there's always a part of me hoping that he also has the same feelings for me as I do for him.

But I guess I was wrong.

Overwhelmed by the thought, I couldn't hold my emotions and the tears welled up in my eyes. I turned away from him and began walking in the direction of my inn.

I could hear the silver-haired guy saying something to the girl, but it was inaudible since I was now a bit far from where they were.

I mumbled to myself as I continued walking farther, "I hate feeling like this."

It's too early in the morning for a heartbreak. I haven't even fully recovered from yesterday's occurrence, now I had to deal with these unwelcome emotions too. My paces were steady and slow as I moved away from my previous spot, almost as if I were reluctant to leave, with the weight of my unresolved emotions hanging heavily in my chest.

The sound of raindrops got louder and the wind blew fiercer, but I still managed to hear someone call my name in a shout, "Sumire!"

My steps came to a sudden halt but I didn't turn around to look who called me as I already knew who the voice belonged to. Although it had changed over the years, I still recognized the soothing voice instantly. It has grown deeper and more mature since the last time we spoke two years ago at the Land of Sea.

I felt his presence slowly getting closer, but I couldn't bear to turn around and look at him because I might be unable to hold myself back from crying if I did.

He stopped just behind me, holding an umbrella over my head, shielding me from the rain that's now pouring heavily. The guy was lost for words and hadn't said anything, so I decided to speak first and tell him what's on my mind so we can both freely go our separate ways.

"I was surprised to see you here after so long, but you seem busy and in the middle of something important with your companion. I'll take my leave now." I continuously said those words to him without stopping to breathe.

I don't want to stay here any longer to endure the cold weather since my body is seeking warmth right now.

Afterwards, I started walking away again but a hand grabbed mine and stopped me from moving. I tried to shake his grip and took another step forward to leave, but he turned me around to face him instead.

He took a step towards me, with his hand still holding mine as he said, "It's really you."

I kept my gaze firmly fixed on the ground because I couldn't bring myself to look at him. My emotions might get the best of me and I probably won't stop myself from crying if I see him up close after years of missing him too much. He gently lifted my chin upwards and urged me to look into his eyes. As soon as his gaze met mine, an unspoken understanding sparked between us, causing me to cast aside all the worries in my heart from when I saw him with that girl a while ago.

His mismatched eyes were gazing at me as if he was unable to believe I am standing before him.

"It is me..." I am shivering from the cold but I still managed to give him a short reply .

He did not say anything back, but the silver-haired guy moved closer and wrapped his arms around me for a hug, dropping the umbrella on the ground. I heard his quiet sobs as he nestled his face into my neck. His body warmth gave me comfort against the relentless rain that's soaking us to the bone right now.

I returned his embrace and couldn't help myself from shedding tears as well.

I was crying not just because of our unexpected reunion, but also because he was squeezing my lacerated body in a tight hug. I wanted to yelp in pain and ask him to loosen his embrace, but I held my tongue because I actually love feeling him this close to me.

We stayed like that for a while, unbothered by the rain or the looks people were giving us as we stood locked in each other's arms in the middle of town square, as he didn't seem to want to let go of me any time soon.

It was a bit surprising to see this kind of reaction from him and I did not expect it at all.

"Are you real or am I dreaming again?" He asked when he loosened his arm around me, his hands cupped my cheeks as he looked at me closely. He traced his thumb under my right cheekbone with his eyebrows scrunching, probably noticing the long cut on my face.

Before he was able to say anything about it, I gently tapped his covered nose with my finger. "Did you feel that?" I asked with a touch of playfulness before adding, "I'm definitely real."

I didn't know I could act flirty like that, especially considering my current state- heavily injured and shivering in the cold. But I think it made him happy because I could see the twinkle in his mismatched eyes.

I felt an overwhelming chakra being released and it's all being directed to me, cradling me in a blanket of warmth and comfort, while I felt his arms embracing me in a hug again after he pulled me back closer to him.

Ouch. I wanted to say that out loud when he made contact with my wounds again, but I didn't because that chakra embrace he just gave me felt so damn good. I remember him doing this to me when we were younger and I've always liked it, we even had a name for it. I would've given him the same "power hug" if I could, but my chakra wasn't in its best state at the moment, preventing me from doing so.

We stayed rooted to our spots, locked in each other's arms for quite some time until the loud rumble of thunder made him decide we should find shelter from the incoming thunderstorm. He whispered in my ear, "Let's get out of here."

"Oww!" I yelped in pain when he accidentally grabbed my right arm, the shawl draping over my shoulder and arms fell on the ground when I jolted out of shock from his touch. It's the one with a muscle tear so it was unbearably painful when he accidentally pulled it.

"I'm so sorry" he apologized while retracting his hand on my arm. He stepped back and scrutinized my body from head to toe to check what's wrong with me, then finally noticed how many gashes I got and how bad my condition was. He had a horrified look on his face as he asked, "What happened?"

I was about to answer when my stomach growled from hunger. The bread I bought for breakfast now lay sadly on the ground, and I hadn't really gotten my fill yet.

He probably heard it too since he said, "Tell me about it over breakfast. We need to treat all of those wounds too."

He reached out his arm towards me, inviting me to hold his hand as we walked to the direction of the inn.

It felt nostalgic walking next to him like this, his hand intertwined with mine felt so natural, it made me momentarily disregard the discomfort caused by the cold weather and the pain from my wounds.

He was matching my slow paces and didn't seem to mind getting drenched from the heavy rain. My voice was quivering from the cold as I spoke, "Sorry if I couldn't hurry, you didn't have to walk in the rain with me."

"I'm cool with going on long walks with you, regardless of whether it's raining or not." He halted his steps and picked me up from the ground, securing me in a firm hold while carefully avoiding touching my wounds. "But I need to carry you now so we can reach the inn quickly and get you warmed up. You don't mind, right?"

I nodded in agreement, so he picked up his pace, half-running across the streets while carrying me in his arms.

"You're shaking too much from being cold. How long were you out in the rain?" He asked with concern in his voice.

"I got into a fight yesterday and was too tired to head back home. I ended up staying outside the whole night and just returned this morning." I answered his question honestly.

I guess I enjoyed being carried by him because I didn't even realize we were at the inn already. He seemed to be talking to me, waiting for me to respond, but I was zoned out as I stared at him up close, looking kind of dazed with my mouth agape.

He gave me an eye smile and leaned closer to my face, "We're outside your room. I'm asking where's your key."

How did he even know which one was my room or which inn was I staying at? But who cares about that right now, I was too embarrassed about my behavior to question him about it.

"Can you put me down now?" He didn't need to be asked twice since he gently placed me down on my feet.

"Sorry for spacing out earlier." I told him as I reached out to my pocket to get my key. I quietly mumbled while turning the key in the doorknob, not meaning for him to hear my words, "I just missed you too much."

"Me too," he replied. Good thing he was right behind me so he didn't see my face because I could feel my cheeks heating up. I stood frozen for a moment after opening the door, completely caught off guard because I never meant for him to hear what I said. I spoke in a very low voice, but I suppose he had sharp senses. He leaned in my ear as he whispered, "I was missing you too damn much everyday, Sumire."

Why does my name sound so good when he says it?

I wanted to shout with joy when he said that he missed me too. My heart was doing somersaults and the butterflies in my stomach were all fluttering. However, I remembered I needed to ask him about something important so I turned to face him. "Uhhh, who are you again?"

I realized how wrong my question sounded after I said it out loud. It just turned the sweet moment we had a while ago to sour, so I internally screamed at myself for asking it that way.

He looked and sounded so hurt as he asked, "You don't know me?"

His facial expression made me feel guilty so I tried my best to clarify what I meant, "I know who you are, just not your name."

"Oh." He replied, a bit disappointed.

We briefly met two years ago, but I didn't have the chance to talk to him much. I'm not sure if he was aware about what happened to me so I tried my best to explain my situation to him. "I had a terrible accident when I was six so I've forgotten most of my memories from my childhood, but I remember everything about you except for your name."

"You not knowing my name is like a punch in the gut." He playfully said that, but there was sadness in his eyes.

A few strands of my rain-soaked hair covered my face as I tilted my head down, looking at my feet while feeling guilty for causing him sadness. I avoided making eye contact with him because I felt truly sorry about it.

He stood closer in front of me, leaning down to gaze at my face because I hadn't said anything for a while. Perhaps he noticed how upset I was about not being able to recall his name.

"Kakashi Hatake," he briefly introduced himself.

The silver-haired guy tucked the wet strands of hair behind my ear, revealing my face still glistening with water droplets from the rain. He looked me directly in the eyes as he said, "I don't mind you forgetting my name, as long as you're by my side, I'd be happy to remind you everyday."

I nearly melted right then and there as soon as those words left his mouth.

Author's note:

Yay! They finally met again. tbh I was very tempted to have Sumire get captured by Orochimaru, but doing that would drag out their reunion way too long.

Any thoughts about this update?

TY for reading.