Chương 4: Mirko partner!
As Itachi sat at the small dining table, he allowed his gaze to wander around Rumi's apartment. The place was modest, with a minimalist design that reflected Rumi's straightforward and practical nature. A few personal touches caught his eye—trophies and medals on a shelf, likely from her hero work, and a small potted plant on the windowsill that added a bit of greenery to the space.
The smell of cooking eggs filled the air, and Itachi found the aroma oddly comforting. It was a simple, homey scent that reminded him of quieter times in his life, times that felt like they belonged to someone else entirely.
Rumi glanced over her shoulder at him as she worked in the kitchen. "You seem deep in thought. Everything okay?"
Itachi looked up, pulled from his reverie. "Yes, just… adjusting."
"To what?" she asked, turning off the stove and plating the eggs. She brought the plates over to the table and set one down in front of Itachi before taking a seat across from him.
Itachi hesitated, searching for the right words. Adjusting to this lifestyle, Rumi looked confused and asked, "What do you mean?" Itachi then explained, "I lost my memory, so I was brought here with the help of Aizawa-san." Rumi looked at him intently, "You lost your memory?" Itachi nodded, and she continued, "That's sad. You must have been through a lot. So you don't know anyone?" Itachi shook his head. Rumi regarded him with a sympathetic smile, then stood up and said, "Don't think about it for now. Just eat what I made." Itachi nodded in agreement.
He picked up his fork and took a bite of the eggs. They were perfectly cooked, seasoned just right. He nodded approvingly. "These are good."
Rumi grinned. "Glad you like 'em. I don't usually cook for other people, so I wasn't sure how it'd turn out."
"You did well," Itachi said, feeling the corners of his mouth lift slightly. It was a rare, genuine smile, one that Rumi noticed immediately.
"Hey, look at that," she said, pointing at him with her fork. "You're smiling. I didn't think I'd see that today."
Itachi's smile widened just a bit. "It's been a while since I've had a reason to."
Rumi chuckled. "Well, get used to it. We'll have you cracking jokes and smiling like a pro in no time."
They continued eating in comfortable silence, with Rumi occasionally glancing at Itachi, noting how he seemed to relax more with each passing minute. There was something about him that intrigued her—his calm demeanor, his quiet strength, and the way he carried himself with a sense of purpose that was both intense and controlled.
"So," Rumi said after a while, leaning back in her chair. "What's your plan after the hero exam? Assuming you pass, which I'm pretty sure you will."
Itachi took a moment to consider the question. "I'm not entirely sure yet. I want to find a way to help people, to protect them. But beyond that… I don't know."
Rumi nodded thoughtfully. "That's a good start. And you don't have to have it all figured out right now. The important thing is that you're taking the steps. You're moving forward."
"I suppose so," Itachi said, appreciating her perspective. "And what about you? What drives you to keep pushing yourself?"
Rumi's eyes sparkled with determination. "I live for the thrill of it. The challenge, the fight, the chance to prove myself over and over again. But more than that, I want to make sure that no one ever feels powerless. I want people to know that they can fight back, that they can stand up for themselves. That's what being a hero means to me."
Itachi listened intently, her words resonating with him. Though their motivations were different, there was a common thread in their desire to protect and empower others.
"That's a noble goal," he said quietly.
Rumi shrugged, a modest smile on her lips. "It's just what I do. And now that you're here, I think you'll find your own path, too."
Itachi nodded, feeling a sense of calm settle over him. He wasn't sure what the future held, but for the first time in a long while, he felt a glimmer of hope—a feeling that maybe, just maybe, he could forge a new destiny in this world, one that wasn't bound by the mistakes and burdens of his past.
As they finished their meal and cleaned up, Rumi kept the conversation light, telling Itachi stories about her adventures as a hero, her battles, and the people she'd met along the way. Itachi listened with interest, finding himself more at ease in her presence.
Rumi came out of her room, dressed casually in a white T-shirt and track pants. She found Itachi still looking out the window, his demeanor as calm and composed as ever. When he noticed her, he quickly turned and bowed. "I am sorry, Rumi. I didn't mean to intrude. I was just looking around."
Rumi, still smiling, waved off his apology. "It's alright, Itachi. I understand. Everyone's bound to have these little mix-ups."
She walked over to him, her smile reassuring. "You get freshened up as well, and we'll head out for a little surprise."
Itachi raised an eyebrow in curiosity but nodded. "A surprise?"
Rumi grinned mischievously. "Yep. But first, you need to get cleaned up. The bathroom is all yours."
Itachi went to the bathroom, his mind still processing the awkward moment. He quickly took a shower, cleaning away the sweat and dust from the day. Afterward, he changed into the spare clothes he had white shirt and black tracks.
Rumi grinned as they walked side by side. "So, are you ready?"
Itachi nodded. "Yeah, let's go."
As they walked together, Itachi noticed people staring at them, some even whispering to each other. Itachi's eyes darted around, puzzled. "Why is everyone looking at us?"
Rumi sighed with a small smile. "I'm a hero, remember? People aren't used to seeing me out in casual clothes, especially walking around with a guy."
Itachi looked around again and nodded. "You must be really famous here."
Rumi chuckled. "They say I'm a rising star."
Itachi smiled back. "That's great, isn't it?"
Rumi nodded, pleased. Just then, Itachi noticed someone in the crowd snapping photos of them. "Is he taking pictures of us?"
Rumi glanced over and sighed. "Yep, that's just something you'll have to get used to. They're paparazzi—they take photos of famous people and sell them to the media for money."
Itachi frowned slightly. "I understand, but won't this cause trouble for you?"
Rumi shrugged nonchalantly. "How so?"
Itachi hesitated, then said, "They might spread rumors, like saying you're in a relationship with me or something."
Rumi looked at him and burst out laughing. "Oh, they definitely will."
Itachi was about to respond when Rumi added with a playful smirk, "But I don't mind."
Itachi's eyes widened as he tried to process what she meant, his face turning a light shade of pink. Embarrassed, he quickly looked away, trying to hide his blush. "I... I see."
Rumi noticed his flustered reaction and smiled warmly. "Look, we're here."
Itachi looked up to see they'd arrived at a clothing store. He blinked in surprise. "A clothing store?"
Rumi smiled and nodded. "Yep, we're here to get you some new clothes."
Itachi's eyes widened in shock. "For me? Why?"
Rumi grinned at Itachi's surprise as they stood outside the clothing store. "Why?" she echoed, her tone light and playful. "Because, Itachi, you can't keep walking around in just one set of torn clothes. You need a proper wardrobe, especially if you're going to be a hero."
Itachi looked at the store, then back at Rumi, still a bit flustered from her earlier comment. "But I don't need much. Just a few simple things will do."
Rumi shook her head with a laugh. "No way! If you're going to be hanging around me, you've got to look the part. Besides, consider it a thank you for not being a creep back at the apartment."
Itachi blushed again, but this time he managed to maintain his composure. He understood Rumi's intentions were good, and he didn't want to seem ungrateful. "Alright," he agreed, "but nothing too extravagant."
Rumi grinned, clearly pleased. "Deal. Let's go find something that suits you."
They walked into the store, and Rumi immediately took charge, leading Itachi through the aisles of clothing. She picked out various shirts, pants, and jackets, holding them up against him and making quick decisions about what would work best. Itachi, who had never spent much time thinking about fashion, was content to let her take the lead.
As they moved through the store, Rumi kept the mood light, teasing Itachi and making jokes. Itachi, despite his usual reserved nature, found himself smiling more than he expected. There was something about Rumi's energy that was infectious, and he couldn't help but feel more at ease around her.
Eventually, they had a small pile of clothes for Itachi to try on. Rumi handed them to him with a grin. "Alright, time to see how you look. Go try these on."
Itachi nodded and headed to the fitting room. As he tried on each outfit, he couldn't help but notice how comfortable the clothes were. Rumi had a good eye for what would suit him, and he was grateful for her help, even if he wasn't entirely sure why she was being so generous.
When he stepped out of the fitting room in one of the outfits Rumi had picked, she looked him up and down and gave an approving nod. "Not bad, Uchiha. You clean up pretty well."
Itachi felt a bit self-conscious under her gaze but managed a small smile. "Thank you, Rumi. I appreciate this."
Rumi waved off his thanks with a casual shrug. "No big deal. Like I said, you're going to need this stuff anyway. Plus, it's nice to see you looking like a regular person instead of a wandering warrior."
Itachi chuckled at that. "I suppose so."
After they finished shopping, Rumi insisted on paying for everything, despite Itachi's protests. "Consider it a gift," she said, handing the cashier her card. "And don't worry, I can afford it."
As they left the store, Itachi carried the bags with a sense of gratitude and something else—an unfamiliar warmth that he couldn't quite place. Rumi had been nothing but kind and supportive since they'd met, and though he was still getting used to her bold personality, he found himself appreciating her company more than he expected.
As they walked back to Rumi's place, Itachi glanced over at her, still processing everything that had happened. "Rumi, why are you helping me so much? We've only just met, but you've been incredibly kind."
Rumi looked at him, her expression softening slightly. "Because I can tell you're a good person, Itachi. And I've got a feeling you've been through a lot. People like us… we need to stick together, you know? Plus," she added with a grin, "I kind of like having someone around who isn't afraid to be himself."
Itachi felt a pang in his chest at her words, but it was a good feeling—one of connection and understanding. "Thank you, Rumi. That means a lot."
Rumi just smiled and patted his shoulder. "No problem. Now let's get you settled in. We've got a big day tomorrow."
As they continued walking, Itachi couldn't help but think about how different his life had become in such a short time. And for the first time in a long while, he felt like he was finally on a path that didn't involve solitude and darkness—but rather, one that was filled with hope and new beginnings.
Itachi looked at Rumi with a calm smile and said, "Since you've been helping me so much, how about I cook dinner for you?"
Rumi grinned, her playful energy bubbling up. "If you want to, I won't say no."
They walked back to Rumi's home, and as soon as they arrived, Itachi headed straight to the kitchen. He began preparing the meal with a sense of purpose, taking out two chicken breasts. He placed flour, eggs, and Panko breadcrumbs in three shallow bowls, whisking the eggs thoroughly with a bit of water. Then, he carefully sliced the chicken breasts into four pieces, turning them into cutlets.
Rumi stood beside him, watching as Itachi dredged each cutlet in flour, then egg, and finally in the Panko. He pressed the breadcrumbs onto any spots that weren't fully coated, making sure each cutlet was evenly covered before setting them aside on a clean plate. Rumi found herself impressed by how smoothly he worked. *He's really good at this,* she thought, a grin forming as she considered asking him to cook more often.
Itachi then heated some vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil was hot, he carefully lowered two of the cutlets into the pan, making sure to lay them down away from Rumi to avoid any splashes. As he gently shook the pan, ensuring the oil rolled over the tops of the cutlets, Rumi couldn't help but think, *He's quite dependable.*
While Itachi focused on the frying cutlets, he noticed Rumi watching him closely. "Is there anything else I can make? Like rice?" he asked.
Rumi blinked, snapping out of her thoughts. "Oh, yeah. Look behind you; there's a rice cooker. It's easy to use."
As Itachi turned to look at the device, Rumi added, "Actually, I'll take care of the rice."
Itachi smiled, appreciating her offer. "Are you sure? I can handle it."
Rumi playfully insisted, "No, no. I insist."
With a nod, Itachi returned his focus to the cutlets while Rumi measured out the rice, added water, and set the timer on the cooker. After closing the lid, she stepped back beside Itachi, who looked at her and asked, "Is that all it takes?"
Rumi nodded, grinning. "Yep. That's why I said I'd handle it."
As the cutlets turned golden and crispy, Itachi carefully removed them from the skillet, slicing them neatly and drizzling a light sauce over each piece. Just then, the rice cooker beeped, signaling that the rice was done.
Rumi checked the rice and smiled. "Rice is ready!"
Itachi glanced at the fluffy rice and nodded approvingly. "It looks great. Thanks for handling that."
Rumi chuckled, "You can thank me later when you taste it."
Itachi plated the rice alongside the cutlets and brought everything to the dining table. Rumi brought the plates, and as they sat down, she couldn't help but inhale deeply, savoring the delicious aroma.
"It smells amazing," Rumi said, clearly impressed.
Itachi gave her a modest smile. "I hope it tastes just as good. Please, have a bite."
They both began eating, and as Rumi tasted the food, her eyes lit up with delight.
Rumi grinned as she sat down at the dining table, looking at the perfectly cooked meal Itachi had prepared. The aroma of the crispy chicken cutlets, combined with the fresh rice, filled the room. Itachi had arranged everything with care, the cutlets sliced into even pieces with sauce drizzled on top, and the rice steamed to perfection.
As Rumi picked up her chopsticks, she couldn't help but tease, "You sure know your way around a kitchen, Uchiha. Are you trying to impress me?"
Itachi gave a small, humble smile as he took his seat. "I just wanted to thank you properly. Cooking is something I enjoy, and I hoped it would be a nice gesture."
Rumi chuckled, appreciating his sincerity. "Well, you definitely succeeded. Let's see if it tastes as good as it looks." She took a bite of the chicken cutlet, her eyes lighting up as she chewed. "Mmm! This is amazing! I didn't know you had such a talent, Itachi."
Itachi smiled, relieved that she liked it. "I'm glad you think so. It's just something simple, but I wanted to make sure it was done right."
They both started eating, and the room was filled with the sounds of clinking plates and satisfied chewing. Rumi glanced over at Itachi, who was eating quietly, his demeanor calm and composed as always. Despite everything he'd been through, he seemed at peace in moments like these, focused on the task at hand.
After a few moments of comfortable silence, Rumi spoke up, "You know, Itachi, you really are full of surprises. First, you're an incredible fighter, and now I find out you're a great cook too. What else are you hiding?"
Itachi looked at her with a gentle smile. "There's not much more to it. I've just had a lot of time to learn things on my own. Cooking was a way to relax for me."
Rumi leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms with a smirk. "Well, I'm glad you're here. I could get used to meals like this. But you're setting the bar pretty high, you know?"
Itachi chuckled softly, "I'll try not to disappoint."
Rumi laughed and continued eating, clearly enjoying the meal. Itachi, too, felt a sense of contentment. Despite the unexpected turns his life had taken, moments like this, sharing a meal with someone like Rumi, made it all feel worthwhile.
As they finished their meal, Rumi looked at Itachi with a mischievous glint in her eyes. "So, what's next, Chef Itachi? Dessert? Or are you going to leave that to me?"
Itachi smiled, shaking his head. "I think I'll leave dessert to you this time. You've earned it after all your help today."
Rumi grinned. "Fair enough. But next time, you're in charge of everything. I'm looking forward to it."
As they cleaned up together, the mood was light and filled with easy conversation. Rumi found herself enjoying Itachi's company more and more. His calm presence was a nice contrast to her usual high-energy lifestyle, and she appreciated his respect and thoughtfulness.
After everything was tidied up, they both sat back down, this time on the couch, relaxing after the meal. Rumi stretched her arms out, a satisfied look on her face. "You know, Itachi, I think this could be the start of a pretty great partnership."
Itachi looked at her, his expression thoughtful. "I think so too, Rumi. Thank you for everything."
Rumi waved him off with a grin. "No need to thank me. I'm just glad to have someone around who can cook as well as you can fight. Plus," she added, her voice turning teasing, "I wouldn't mind getting to know you a bit better, Uchiha."
Itachi met her gaze, his heart warming at her words. "I'd like that too, Rumi."
Rumi's playful demeanor shifted as she looked at Itachi with a more serious expression. "So, tell me about your past," she said, her tone gentle but firm. Itachi met her gaze for a moment, sensing the sincerity in her voice. She continued, "I've been observing you for a while, and I can tell there's something weighing on you."
Itachi held her gaze briefly before looking away. "Can we just change the topic?" he replied, his voice subdued.
Rumi narrowed her eyes slightly, not out of anger but out of concern. "You know, Itachi, I really want to get to know you," she said softly.
Itachi bowed his head, the weight of his past pressing down on him. "Don't worry about me," he murmured, standing up abruptly. He gathered their plates and headed toward the kitchen, avoiding her eyes.
Rumi watched him go, her concern growing. After a moment, she followed him into the kitchen. Without a word, she grabbed a dishcloth and began washing the dishes alongside him. As they stood side by side in silence, she moved a little closer, brushing her shoulder against his.
"I just want you to trust me," Rumi said quietly, her voice barely above a whisper.
Itachi paused in his task, staring down at the soapy water. A sad smile formed on his lips as he replied, "I think... you'll have to wait for that."
Rumi stood there, her hand still holding a plate. She looked at him with understanding in her eyes and then gently placed her hand on his cheek. "I will," she promised.
Itachi placed his hand over hers, feeling the warmth of her touch. "Thank you," he whispered.
They finished washing the dishes together in silence, the tension easing just a bit. Afterward, Rumi dried her hands and turned to him with a grin, her usual energy returning. "Now, get some sleep. Tomorrow, we're hitting the gym, and I'm not going easy on you. We're going to spar," she said, her playful tone back in full force.
Itachi managed a small smile, appreciating her effort to lighten the mood. "Okay, I will," he agreed.
Rumi nodded, satisfied. She pointed to a room down the hall. "That's your room for tonight. Sleep tight," she said, giving him a wave before heading off to her own room.
Itachi watched her go, a mixture of gratitude and unease swirling within him. He sighed softly, then headed to the room she had indicated. As he lay down, he couldn't help but think about how different things had become, how people like Rumi were starting to break through the walls he had built around himself.
For the first time in a long while, he allowed himself to believe that maybe, just maybe, he could find a place where he belonged.
Rumi walked into her room and shut the door behind her. She leaned against it, staring at the ceiling as thoughts of Itachi swirled in her mind. There was something deeply painful in his past, something he wasn't ready to share.
Sitting on her bed, she hugged her knees to her chest, speaking softly to herself. "What could have happened to him? He's so closed off... but not cold. There's warmth in him, kindness even. He's just... guarded."
As she reflected, a faint blush crept onto her cheeks. "I care about him," she admitted quietly.
She sighed, her thoughts drifting back to the way Itachi had looked at her when she asked about his past. His eyes held a sadness that made her heart ache. "He was trying so hard to hide it, but it's there. Whatever it is, it's eating at him."
Rumi began to pace her room, trying to make sense of her feelings. "He doesn't trust easily, but I'm not going to give up. I want to help him, to show him he doesn't have to carry all that weight alone."
She stopped in front of her mirror, seeing her own determination in her reflection. The blush deepened as she whispered, "I don't know what happened to you, Itachi, but I'm going to be here for you. Whether you like it or not."
Turning off the light, she slipped into bed, her thoughts still lingering on Itachi. "Tomorrow, we'll spar, and maybe through that, he'll open up a little. If I can just break through that wall of his, even just a crack, it'll be worth it."
As she settled under the covers, Rumi whispered into the darkness, "I'm not going to let you push me away, Itachi. Not when I can see how much pain you're in. You don't have to trust me yet, but I'll prove to you that you can."
With that resolve—and the blush still faintly present—Rumi closed her eyes, her heart set on helping Itachi find the peace he deserved.
Meanwhile, Itachi entered his room and closed the door softly behind him. The room was simple but comfortable—a bed, a small dresser, and a window that looked out onto the quiet street below. He sat on the edge of the bed, staring at the floor, lost in thought.
The kindness Rumi had shown him was more than he had expected. It reminded him of the people he had left behind, the bonds he had severed, and the sacrifices he had made. The guilt, the sorrow—it was all still there, buried deep within him, and he wasn't sure if he could ever share that part of himself with anyone, even someone as understanding as Rumi.
He sighed, running a hand through his hair, trying to push those thoughts away. It had been a long day, and he needed to rest. But sleep didn't come easily. His mind kept drifting back to Rumi's words, to the gentle way she had touched his cheek and promised to wait for him to open up. He hadn't expected her to be so patient, so willing to give him time. It was... comforting, but also unsettling. He didn't want to burden her with his past, yet a part of him longed for that connection, that trust.
As he lay down, pulling the blanket over himself, he stared up at the ceiling. "Why is she so kind to me?" he whispered to himself, the darkness of the room closing in around him. "What have I done to deserve this?"
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