Fragile Strength (Kakashi x oc)

Chapter 19: If you leave

"Get the hell out of here Kakashi!" Takeru yelled. He stepped between Kakashi and the door. Between his sister and Kakashi.

"Sensei..." Sakura held the copy ninja steady "Let's go back to your room. You're still injured."

But Kakashi doesn't budge. He fought Takeru's angry and tired eyes, determined to pass through. He just wants to see her. Why is it so hard?

"Leave!" Takeru gave his shoulder a push. It wasn't hard but it was enough to make him stumble back. He's still bleeding from Orochimaru's attack after all.

"Sensei..." Sakura tried to help him but he stood up properly by himself, standing back right in front of Takeru.

"What's the problem with you! Why won't you just leave! Why won't you just be the jerk and heartless Kakashi that I know!!!" Takeru clench his fist in anger and grief. His hair were messy as if he hasn't showered for days and there were dark circles under his eyes.

"I love her." We're the only words Kakashi uttered.

"You don't get it!" Takeru grabbed him by the collar "You don't get anything!"

Kakashi's eyes dart into his "Then make me understand." He said flatly before landing a punch in the guy's jaw.

"Sensei!" Sakura grabbed his arms just when he's about to punch the guy again "Please Stop!"

Takeru slowly stand up, head lowered down.

"Make me understand!" Kakashi raised his voice, chest puffing up and down rapidly.

Takeru didn't utter a word, instead, his shoulders vibrated and the empty hallway filled with his sobs. He tried not to cry. He tried not to surrender to the sharp pain in his chest but it was too strong to fight off.

"Why can't you just be the cold and heartless Kakashi that I know?"

Kakashi felt his eyes stinging "W-Why are you crying? I just want to see Kasuno...! Don't cry!" he said with an unexplainable panic in his voice.

Takeru stepped away from the door "If I let you in, promise to bring her back...I-I don't want to lose my sister."

"What are you saying..." Kakashi let out a fake laugh before pushing the door open and rushing inside.

He stopped even before he can reach her bed. Tsunade was yelling here and there wildly, giving instructions to couple of medical-nin. Kasuno's parents were by the window, crying as they watch nurses and doctors try to bring their daughter back.

"Come on! Kasuno...come on." Tsunade took over, flashes of green radiating out of her hand just above Kasuno's chest. On her side was another person, pumping oxygen into the girl using a bag valve mask.

Kakashi was frozen on his spot. He hated himself. He hated how he was so shock and confuse that he just stood there. He hated how he felt as if air were knock out of his lungs and he couldn't accept what was happening right before his eyes.

But he regained his posture when Mrs. Yamashita look at him. Her eyes were swelling red and it was as if she's about to faint. He needed to be strong...he needed to give Kasuno a reason to keep fighting.

"Kasuno-chan..." He walked at the foot of her bed. He didn't care about the judging eyes of the medical-nins.

"Kakashi, what are you-?!"

"Kasuno...you still have a lot to say to me, don't you? I don't need explanations. I don't need you to apologize for pushing me away. I don't need you to love me back again...but, how do you say goodbye when your heart still wants to go on? Not yet Kasuno. Not now, not ever." Kakashi lowered his head, not bearing to look at the pale, lifeless girl in front of him. He felt his eyes stinging and his throat tightening.

"Kakashi dear..." It was Mrs. Yamashita. She'd placed a hand on his shoulder.

"I lied. I lied just now. I need explanations. I need you to apologize. I need you to tell me you love me. You run into my life Kasuno, you can't just walk away without my permission!" His grip on her bed railings tighten. Tears fell from his eyes one after the other "I'm still inlove with you...and if you leave now..."

"She's breathing..." Tsunade tried to catch her breath. Her mouth opened to say more but they couldn't. She stare at Kakashi who stayed at the same position, his gray hair covering his face. His tears were falling visibly straight into the ground.

Kasuno's parents push through the nurses and doctors, engulfing their daughter into a tight hug.

"She needs you more than she knows." Tsunade gave a pat on Kakashi's shoulder.

Kakashi felt his legs giving out. He kneel down by her bed, resting his forehead on the railings.

Thank god. Thank god she didn't leave him. Not yet. He can't let go just yet. Not today, not ever.

Kakashi's P.O.V

"You better go home or my parents will kick my ass."

I held Kasuno's hand tightly then look back at her brother. Takeru sit by the window sill, reading a familiar orange book.

Orange book?

My orange book!

Faster than ever, I run up to him, snatching Icha Icha Paradise. I start to sweat. What's worse than your girlfriend's brother reading your inappropriate book?

"So, those are the types of book you read..." He narrowed his eyes at me "There's pictures too...You better not try anything funny with my sister!"

"If I have a sister...and you're dating her, you probably won't listen to me. So why should I-"

"I would never show interest to your sister!" He pretended to puke. I tried to act as if I'm offended.

"How dare you act like that towards my sister."

"Your imaginary sister." He spat back "I bet she's ugly."

"Why are you calling my sister ugly." I scoff. Based on my genes, my sister will be eye catchingly gorgeous.

"Because she doesn't exist." He rolled his eyes.

Right.

I sat on the windowsill with him, quietly staring at Kasuno.

It's been 2 days. When will she wake up...

I miss her.

She sleeps so peacefully as if nothing in this world can bother her. She even have a slight smile in her lips...

"Even when sleeping...she looks so gentle. I love that about her."

"Thank you for looking after Kasuno."

I look at Takeru and smiled.

I would never get tired of looking after her. I'll wait until she wakes up...she came back for me after all.

He gave my chest a tap "You should go get your injury checked and go back to your room. If you die before Kasuno wakes up, she'll cut me in half."

"No matter how nice you're, I'll never let you borrow my book." I hug my book close to my chest playfully.

"Then..." Takeru chuckled "I'll steal it." He snatched the book from me and I swear, I heard ripping sound. But before I can react, he was already jumping out the window.

I can only shake my head.

I went back to sit on the chair next to Kasuno's bed. I held her hand tightly, not wanting to let go.

"It looks like you're the only one left...all 3 of your family totally fell in love with me already. Who can resist, right?" I flashed my eye smile as if she can see.

***

If you leave now, you'll be taking my heart with you.