Morning.
"What happened to your door?"
Anko stepped into Kurenai's apartment and frowned curiously.
Kurenai was curled up in the corner of her bed, hugging a pillow, still wearing the same red nightgown from the night before.
"It's already late morning and you're still in bed. You drank again last night, didn't you?" Anko glanced at the sake set on the table.
She plopped herself down on the sofa like she owned the place, totally at ease.
But when Kurenai didn't respond, Anko turned to look at her, and was startled.
Her usually sharp friend looked utterly worn out. Her eyes were ringed with deep dark circles.
"What's wrong?" Anko shot up, alarmed.
"Don't tell me you got robbed? Did you get in a fight? Are you okay? Was it a burglar? Did they get away?!"
She hurried to the bedside, rapid-firing questions as worry crept into her voice.
Kurenai finally stirred, casting her a dull glance. Then she reached up and ran a hand through her hair, frustrated.
"No. It's nothing."
"…I locked myself out while drunk last night. Had to break the door down."
She looked away as she spoke, eyes flicking off to the side.
Anko narrowed her eyes, sensing something was off.
"Did something happen? Your lip- "
"I said nothing happened!" Kurenai suddenly snapped, then cut herself off and sighed.
"…Sorry."
She bit her lip and lay back down, turning her back to Anko.
Kurenai's thoughts were a mess.
From childhood until now, every man in her social circle had treated her with care and respect. Even Asuma, her childhood friend, had never once crossed a line.
And yet… what happened last night,
The memory flooded back.
That mocking look on Oboro's face haunted her like a curse. She hadn't slept a single minute.
That bastard… he's going to pay for this.
Her nails dug into the pillow. Teeth clenched.
Then, all at once, she sat bolt upright, startling Anko who was still figuring out how to comfort her.
"Didn't Genma and the others say they were going to teach that guy a lesson?" Kurenai asked sharply.
"Huh? That guy?" Anko blinked, then realized. "You mean Oboro? Why?"
Kurenai caught herself and cooled her tone. "No reason. Just curious."
Anko looked at her oddly, but didn't press. She shrugged. "Yeah, I think they were. Whatever. Let them. I'm not getting involved."
She leaned back against the chair.
"I mean, thinking about it later… that brat did save my life. So if we're being fair, I guess we're even now. Going out of my way to cause him trouble feels a little petty."
"Yugao didn't agree with it either. Maybe I'll ask her to talk to Hayate and get them to drop it."
"But what if they already started something?" she murmured, half to herself. "Or if they're already planning something, what then?"
"What do you think, Kurenai?"
She looked to her friend, expression shifting with every word.
"You're siding with him?" Kurenai asked coldly.
Anko startled. "What?! No way!"
"How could I be? Him? That brat? Seriously?"
Anko seemed flustered, but also a little annoyed now.
"Whatever. Let Genma do what he wants."
Kurenai swallowed back the rest of her thoughts.
"Just don't keep associating with him," she said, voice cold and measured. "His reputation's a mess, and you saw what kind of person he is. He's not worth your time."
Anko gave her a sideways look. "Yeah, yeah. I know."
She stood, pausing briefly before turning back to her.
"Asuma's throwing a little get-together. Guy's going, and I think he roped Kakashi into it too. Rare, right? He told me to come get you. You in?"
Kurenai fell back onto the bed, staring blankly at the ceiling.
"Tell him I'm sick."
Anko puffed her cheeks like she'd expected that answer.
"…And don't let Asuma come looking for me."
"Got it. I'm out."
"Close the door."
"What door? You mean this wrecked thing? You better get that fixed."
BANG.
The room fell silent again.
Kurenai lay motionless.
She lifted an arm to cover her eyes, then froze.
There, on her wrist, was a dark purple bruise.
The memories came rushing back like a tide.
She shut her eyes tight, overwhelmed by emotion.
That bastard…
That bastard…
At the Yakiniku Restaurant.
"Where's Kurenai?" Asuma asked when only Anko arrived.
"She's sick. Not coming," Anko said, sliding into her seat across from him.
"She was fine a few days ago," Guy said, puzzled.
"I dunno. She looked really out of it. Pretty down, too," Anko replied. "You guys might want to avoid poking the bear."
Asuma said nothing.
"What about Kakashi?" Anko looked around. "Just us?"
Guy sighed. "He came. Then left."
"Got called away on a mission," Asuma explained. "ANBU stuff. He's a captain, after all."
Anko nodded in understanding, but the mention of ANBU brought another person to mind, uninvited.
"Have you ordered yet?"
She took the menu and began picking dishes.
"So it's just the three of us?" she said.
"Too late to call anyone else now," Asuma replied.
"What's the point?" Anko rolled her eyes. "The guest of honor didn't show."
Asuma coughed awkwardly.
"Let me guess. Me and Guy are just your props."
Asuma scratched his head in defeat. "I've invited her out so many times. She always refuses. I thought maybe if others came too, she'd finally agree."
"Tough luck," Anko snorted, pouring herself tea. "Too bad she got sick."
"…I should go check on her," Asuma muttered, conflicted.
"You're being too hasty," Anko scolded. "You don't understand how girls think at all. What, you think buying her dinner and giving her flowers will magically make her fall for you?"
Asuma fell quiet.
"I really don't know what she's thinking…" he murmured.
Anko's hand stopped mid-pour.
Her mind flashed back to the marks on Kurenai's wrist. The bloodied lips. The look in her eyes.
"You guys… you've known each other since you were kids, right?" she asked, trying to sound casual.
"Yeah, all of us have." Asuma nodded. "We've been friends since the Academy."
"Childhood friends, huh." Anko smiled faintly.
Asuma looked up. "Something wrong?"
Anko sipped her tea, the warmth fogging her glasses.
"…No. Nothing. I just thought… you've got it rough too."
Asuma chuckled. "If only she could see it that way."
"…Maybe someday."
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200 P.S = 1 Extra Chapters
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• TL/N •
Hello guys Fanfic recommendation!
Check out my other work:
> Naruto: Mind Control
If you like smart and strong MC, this fanfic is for you.
It's Peak.
Give it a chance and you won't be disappointed