NOTE: This is a re-upload, not an adoption! After this note, everything including the author notes are the result of Reain's efforts. Only reason the ANs aren't being removed, is because I'm a lazy bastard.
Author's note: I hope you enjoy the story everyone! Thank you for taking the time to read and review. Right off the the bat this features an AU Naruto in the present HotD world. There will be major character death. Also, please try to excuse any spelling/grammar mistakes. I try my best but I've got no beta.
I do not own Naruto or High school of the Dead. Enjoy!
The water was cold, but he didn't care. It served the purpose of cleansing the filth from his hands. If only it could cleanse him entirely.
"Live on"
Bringing the cool liquid to his face, Uzumaki Naruto sighed. He had been doing that a lot lately. The droplets of water trailed down his cheeks and over the thin marks that would forever mark him as a container—an empty one.
Two years have passed since he stumbled through the at the time confusing and terrifying streets of Tokonosu City. The bright lights, tall buildings and mass of strangely dressed people were all so overwhelming. In those two years he had accomplished nothing, but that was okay with him. In fact, he didn't want to accomplish anything. He was content with where he was now, a nameless loser at the prestigious Fujimi Academy.
"You must live."
He was content with drifting away until natural cause erased his existence permanently. He had no more dreams. No more aspirations. He was a stranger in an even stranger world.
Glancing at the clock through the open bathroom door of his small apartment, Naruto couldn't help but sigh once more. Six in the morning. He didn't have to leave for another hour or so.
"Live on.
You must live. There is still so much for you to do."
It was a little ironic to say the least. All he wanted to do was disappear, to put an end to his misery like he had planned two years ago. And yet, the bonds of that old life continued to secure him to this new world. The only thing he could do now was hope that one day soon it would all end. That his luck would finally run dry. Until that day came, he would continue to repeat the same old ritual.
Without a second thought Naruto drove himself to the ground and began his usual morning warm up. Old habits died hard.
"Hey Naruto-boy! It's me! Just telling you not to come by today! The shop has been running slow so no need for any extra hands. Take the day off, find yourself a girl or something!" The rough and withered voice of his boss, a kind if not slightly perverted older man by the name of Hayate, echoed throughout the mostly empty apartment.
So his evening was free. How tragic.
"I was looking forward to working tonight." Naruto mumbled to himself while deleting the voice mail.
Glancing at the clock once more, the blond fought back a groan, his lips pursing as he contemplated even bothering to show up to that dreadful place today. "No more absences or you'll be expelled!" the principals warning echoed in his ears, and he decided against it. That old bastard would skin him if that happened.
Against his will, Naruto made his way over to the small table in the very center of the room and grabbed his bag. It was finally time for the most gruesome part of that everyday ritual—school.
There were plenty of reasons to dislike that place in particular above all else, but the biggest was probably the never-ending ignorance. For hours on end he was forced to sit in a room with people his age, people who would never see what he has seen, whose only worries were the opposite sex and a promising career. None of that mattered to him and he really just could not find it in him to care, in spite of how hard he tried.
At least this was his last year.
Why are you still here? A voice taunted in his head. Why do you even bother?
Naruto let out a tiny breath.
He knew why...
The favor he owed —a favor he didn't even want to owe in the first place—still stood, and regrettably enough, old habits really do die hard. With that in mind, he stepped out of the front door, not even bothering to lock his apartment. His neighbors already knew there was nothing of value to take anyways.
Busujima Saeko was what any man, and some women, would deem as outright gorgeous. An all around perfect human being with a long bloodline of success.
Kind, but stern when need be. Gentle, but fierce in her own way. And she wasn't just beauty either, her brains were just as sharp as her skill with a blade—and she was good with a blade. She carried herself with the utmost confidence and walked with an elegant grace about her, like one would expect of a princess.
When she entered the room all eyes would instinctively turn toward her. She was just that kind of person, one who oozed confidence and held the adoration of many. And how could she not? Captain of the champion Kendo team, with the highest grades in her class, and to top it all off she was the head of the schools disciplinary committee. To the naked eye, Saeko was the very definition of a model student and was seemingly deeply involved with the world around her.
What a joke...
What they saw her as—who they saw her as—that was not her. That wasn't the real Busujima Saeko.
"Uzumaki, you're late. Again."
Her light blue eyes turned to the slouched and rather rugged looking blond who had just entered the room not even a minute ago.
"Ah, sorry. I saw an old lady carrying her groceries and they looked heavy, so naturally I asked if she needed help. As it turns out she was a ninja and was just using the bags as an excuse to steal my wallet. Long story short, I had to chase her down and get it back. The good news is I did get my wallet back." The class gave a collective groan at his response. It was funny the first few times but after a year of the same old-same old, everyone had grown rather tired of the lame excuses.
Saeko however thought differently.
People were so strange, they looked through a window all their lives but never bothered to stop and consider the story of each object inside. Instead they chose to stare blankly at the contents within. He did this every day last year. It was almost like a ritual really.
And it seems this year will be no different. She mused, a small smile playing at her lips. How he managed to not fail simply due to tardies was beyond even her.
The teacher furrowed his brow and gave a low sigh, apparently not as amused as the blond next to him. "You should take this more seriously Uzumaki! Life is not a joke or a game, and what you do in here is a prime example of what you'll be doing out there." he scolded the blond.
Naruto cut a sharp glance his way, "What I do out there won't matter teach." There was a dimly lit grin on his features as he retorted.
"Just take your seat, you're disturbing class..."
As if he didn't already do that on a weekly basis. Naruto shrugged and stuffed his hands into his pockets, making his way to the empty seat in the back of the class next to the window, all the while ignoring the not so subtle harsh whispers. It was his favorite spot she had come to notice. He would simply turn his head as soon as the lesson began and promptly ignore everything around him. At least that's what everyone assumed.
Saeko saw it however.
The small subtle twitch of his finger when someone coughed and broke the silence, or the tensing of his leg when someone entered unannounced—she saw it all. These were but small pieces to the puzzle that was Uzumaki Naruto, one of many that she had begun to collect since his sudden appearance at Fujimi Academy.
As their teacher continued his lecture her thoughts drifted back to a year ago, when her interest in the blond took a turn toward borderline obsession. She knew it to be true and she had no shame in it. There were worse secrets she kept, after all.
"I know." Her smile was devilish, sinister, and held a confident gleam.
It was growing late and the sun was already setting.
"You know what?" Naruto asked, blinking as he stared who he knew to be as the most well-liked person in the school.
The smile never left her face. "You work at that seafood restaurant near the bridge. You realize that is a direct violation of student code of conduct, correct?" She had him now. There was no way for him to blow her off. No way for him to come up with any kind of excuse. He was effectively cornered. Would she do it here...?
Perhaps.
He seemed put off for a second, like he didn't think anyone would even bother to do any kind of research on him, let alone stalk where he works. "Okay...and you know this how?" His tone was wary one, but he was calm nonetheless.
It sent chills down her spine, it always did. He was her prey! And yet in the face if a predator such as herself, he was relaxed. Not a single flinch, not a single flicker of doubt or fear. Most people would be on their hands and knees begging for her to keep it a secret.
What an interesting guy...
"It's my duty as the head of the discipline committee to keep an eye on any trouble making delinquents, and you are among the most infamous of them all. So it is only right of me to make sure you're not doing anything to break the rules. Which, by the way, you are." Her smile widened. She'd planned this little encounter for days—now, she had him.
Saeko was very much aware that Naruto did not care for School or appearances. It was all rather strange to him. Not in the sense that he didn't understand or that he would rather be doing something else, but, more in the sense that Naruto himself did not fit into the frame. Despite this obvious detail, one he himself was very aware of, he continuously showed his face almost every day. Whatever his reasons were she didn't particularly care. All that truly mattered was her ability to use it against him.
They locked eyes once more. This time she saw those calm waters turn an interesting shade of blue. It was as if she was diving into the ocean itself.
The deeper she went...
...the darker it grew.
"What do you want from me?"
"Hm? What ever do you mean, Uzumaki-san?" She feigned innocence but he wasn't convinced.
"I catch you in class sometimes, looking, staring at me. Curiosity can be a dangerous thing you know?" His words were soft, but the hard edge in them was unquestionable. He was threatening her.
Saeko fought back a smirk.
"Correct, and as I said, you are the most infamous delinquent in all of Fujimi Academy. So it is only right that I observe and keep an eye on you." She paused for a second. "As for what I want from you, well..." Taking a step forward and closing the gap between them with ease. Saeko allowed that smile to widen even more, internally fighting down her growing excitement. Really, she hadn't had this kind of fun in a long time.
Watching him, studying his moves, and gradually discovering that he wasn't like the rest.
That he was like her.
"It's simple. I want to know...if you're worthy..." A single golden eyebrow was raised in question. "I wonder..." she began again, stepping past him while placing her hands behind her back, interlocking her fingers while leaning on her right foot. "You're a strange one, Uzumaki-san."
"That's not something to wonder, and why would you of all people need to consider me worthy?"
Naruto seemed genuinely confused.
She turned to him and gave a rather brilliant smile, one unlike the sinister one, tilting her head lightly as a single strand of violet hair fell over her eye. "I want to know more about you, Uzumaki-san..." She stepped even closer. Saeko had to inch off her heels a bit to even come close him, as he was quite tall—and rather handsome up close, she noted.
His breath mixed with her own in an invisible dance but the blond didn't seem in the slightest bit fazed by their close proximity. For a moment she reveled in their close proximity. It was enough to get her heart racing! This! This was her moment!
In less than a split second she acted, moving her arm with practiced form and ease, the object in her hand clutched tightly as it glimmered under the dimming rays of sun. It never made it past her waist. His hand was already there, locking her wrist tightly within an iron grip, exerting just enough pressure to stop her but not enough to hurt her.
Saeko's breath hitched and she repressed another shiver.
"Are you trying to assault me?" His tone never changed, neither did his demeanor.
As the two locked eyes, a slight breeze swept through and lightly ruffled the grass around them. In that moment, a multitude of thoughts and feelings swept overcame her.
He knew...somehow...he knew! How wonderful! With this she was more than just satisfied, she was absolutely sure that he was the one!
"No. Just answering my own question." She said, while still looking into his eyes. "Thank you, Uzumaki-san. I apologize for wasting your time. I promise you that your secret is safe with me. I give you my word." With a light tug she freed her hand and tucked the small knife away into her pocket. A final polite bow followed and she then turned made her way up the riverbank towards home.
Saeko could hear his footsteps fading off into the distance as she walked. They were light and almost untraceable. She wouldn't even put it behind him to be able to mask his footsteps entirely. Another piece to add to the puzzle she supposed. 'You are very interesting indeed, Uzumaki-san.' The darkness within her had been stirred, but she fought against it.
In a world that would deem her unstable and evil, she did well in hiding her true nature. So it was only right that she would be able to spot someone like her—someone who hid among the ignorant masses of the world just as she did—someone who knew what it meant to truly be alive! In a world composed of sheep and wolves, she was a wolf disguised as one of them, and now she was sure he was the same.
Uzumaki Naruto was a wolf, and a dangerous one at that.
The lunch bell broke her from her trance and she easily concealed the predatory smirk that began to sprout over her features. Her eyes discreetly turned to glance at him, only to meet his deeper blue. Saeko offered him a smile and he returned it with a lazy blink and a short wave. Of course, the rest of the students, now broken free from their own musings by the bell noticed. And in response most sneered his way for even glancing at the 'queen of Fujimi Academy'. He easily ignored them and wordlessly stood and left the room, the class almost parting for him as he stepped through.
He carries their ill will so easily, as always. He really must be used to it.
Such an interesting guy that Uzumaki Naruto.
"Busujima-san! We're going to be late for the meeting!" Saeko's attention was drawn to a group of students calling her name. A few of her school associates, two were members of the Kendo club and the other three were simply friends from her childhood.
"Yes! Sorry, I was lost in thought."
Her delicate smile was back up, and the mild-mannered Saeko rose from her seat and gracefully made her way to them. A wolf in sheep's clothing and she played her part very well.
"For the last time, leave me alone, please."
"Awww, Naruto-chan is so grumpy all the time!"
Naruto sighed and continued to stare out into nothing while trying his best to ignore the two girls next to him. Well mainly the one, the other was pretty much terrified of him.
Ichijou Misuzu and her best friend Toshimi Niki were inseparable, the best of friends and arguably the biggest annoyance to Naruto in the entirety of the school. Why?
Because Misuzu was fully set on breaking through to Uzumaki Naruto. And as the student body president for the second-year class she absolutely could not ignore someone like him! In Misuzu's eyes it was her job to spread cheer and love wherever she went, and to whoever she deemed needed it.
Her friend Niki on the other hand was the exact opposite of Misuzu. Where the dark haired girl was bubbly and outgoing, Niki was quiet and shy. The two were quite the strange pair in his opinion. Another difference between them was that while Misuzu wanted to absolutely break through the blonds 'shell' as she called it, Niki wanted nothing to do with the man whom she dubbed 'scarier than the boogeyman'.
Still, she stuck by her friend regardless of her own feelings on the matter.
"I promise I'm going to make you crack a genuine smile one day! If not, I'll swallow 1,000 needles!" She seemed ready to do just that as she beamed down at the unresponsive blond.
"S-Suzu-chan..." Niki whimpered, the image of her friend swallowing that many sharp objects leaving her feeling a bit queasy.
Naruto only groaned in response. "If you're not going to leave me alone here, could you at least stop trying to follow me home?"
"Pffft, like that even matters! You always seem to evade me and Niki pretty easily." The girl squeaked at her mention and the casual indifference to stalking the pale blond.
"You realize that is stalking, right? You might need therapy." He almost felt bad for the girl.
"No, YOU need therapy, and I'm the perfect councilor!" Misuzu stated proudly, jutting her thumb over her heart as she spoke.
Naruto finally turned his full attention to her and inwardly fought back a groan. Out of all the people in the school who could honestly use her bubbly personality, she was wasting it on the wrong guy. What was he a science project?
"I heard you were late for class, again — and on the first day!" she exclaimed, popping her bottom next to him on the small bench. "This is your last year here! Don't you want to leave a good impression as our senpai?!" She motioned to herself and Niki who did all she could to avoid eye contact with the blond.
Naruto only gave her a blank stare. "No." He responded dryly.
The girl pouted and dramatically slouched into the bench, cheeks puffed and red. "Maaa, Naruto-chan is never any fun!" She looked about ready to throw a fit.
"M-Maybe we should just leave him alone, Suzu-chan?" The quieter of the two nearly whispered.
Naruto's eyes instantly turned to her and the girl grew red in a heartbeat.
"I agree."
"Nope!" Misuzu exclaimed, her earlier bout of depression gone in a flash. "We are Narut-chan's only friends here and we—" She was interrupted by Naruto abruptly standing and promptly walking off, dishing out a final wave to the two without looking back as he disappeared into the crowd of students and teachers.
Misuzu pouted once more and huffed, crossing her arms over her chest in disappointment. "Hmph! He can be such a jerk sometimes..." She continued to watch him go until he was gone from sight. "Still, at least he waved goodbye." Despite her outward sigh, she was rather pleased. That was progress to her.
"U-Uhm, Suzu-chan? I don't think Uzumaki-san wants to be friends..." Niki trailed off, her eyes moving to meet her best friends in wonder.
"Nonsense! He wants friends so badly he shuts everyone out because of it!" The brunette responded.
"Wha—What?" Niki was confused. If he wanted friends...why shut people out? That made no sense to her!
For an entire year and a half her best friend had been trying desperately to try and make the blond smile more, to open up, to be his friend. She had heard the rumors, just like everyone else. He appeared suddenly—almost randomly from how some of the teachers talked about it. A delinquent who didn't care about anything or anyone, not even himself. He was dangerous, and Niki really did not want her friend to get mixed up with him, but Misuzu was hardheaded and kind, far too kind for her own good if you asked her.
"You heard me. He wants friends so badly that he won't let himself make any."
Niki had a hard time believing that someone like Uzumaki Naruto could make any friends at all.
"Besides...I just can't get over that look of his." Misuzu clenched her fists tightly, her head turning to the spot where the blond had once sat.
Niki truly didn't understand.
Misuzu shook her head lightly and simply smiled. Placing her hands on her best friends shoulders, she gave a firm squeeze and spoke. "One day you should give him a chance. You'll be surprised at what you'll find."
To quote an old friend of his, This is a drag. Today felt weirder than normal for whatever reason. It was the same interactions with the same people, and yet, still, he couldn't shake off the feeling that something was coming. He hadn't felt that tingling in his gut in two years. Though whatever it was, he supposed it wasn't of any concern of his. Just ten more minutes and I'm free. I'll go home, train, and sleep. Maybe I'll stop by the restaurant and pick up something to eat.
It was the same every day but he didn't mind. He was content to just letting it happen. Things were never particularly easy for him though, people like Saeko and Misuzu always seemed to complicate whatever plans he would hatch.
That girl. He mused to himself. Calling herself my friend. I don't have anymore friends. Sometimes when alone, Naruto would allow his thoughts drift to the better times despite the ache it brought him. Back to when he was twelve and had just graduated the Academy, a fresh genin, when he had his team and when he was slowly making friends and forming bonds for the first very time.
After the Third Hokage died all of that changed. When the Foundation adopted him. When War—
*Ding* *Ding* *Ding* *Ding*
Time for me to go.
He was up before anyone else, almost a blur as he made his was out the door. Weaving through the masses of teens and adults all headed towards the now open gates of the massive and luxurious Academy. Naruto truly hated thinking of the past, a past he literally could never return to. It opened up old wounds. Wounds that never quite healed and probably never would.
And just as he was about to step through to freedom, a familiar voice called out to him.
"Naru-chan!"
Just pretend you don't hear her and keep walking.
"Don't pretend you don't hear me! Turn around right now!"
Damn it... He felt himself stop for whatever reason, not really knowing why. Maybe it was old sentiments guiding him, but she was kind, the least he could do was acknowledge her. So against his better judgment Naruto chose to humor Misuzu one last time before the day ended. The second he turned to face her, he came face to face with a neatly wrapped bento box. Small shrimp and ramen swirls painting a cute pattern over it.
"What's this...?" He trailed off, slightly perplexed.
Misuzu sighed and refrained from bonking the teen in the head. "It's a bento box. You know, you keep food in it?"
Naruto didn't seemed amused. "I know what it is. I mean, what are you doing with it? Or more importantly, what do you want? I'd like to go home."
Misuzu pouted and grabbed the blonds right hand. He flinched at the contact, but quickly hid the act with a change in posture. "It's for you. I want you to have it." The smile on her face was brilliant, even he couldn't deny that.
"I don't want it."
"Too bad."
"Nope."
"Take it!" Her frustration was starting to show, and his theory was further proven correct when she shoved the box into his hand and then closed it with her own. "I hear your stomach grumble sometimes." He didn't eat, she wisely chose to leave that part out. "So from now on, I'm going to bring lunch for you every day for the rest of the year!"
Naruto for the life of him would never understand why. This kindness was above and beyond the norm. He didn't deserve this. What's more, he couldn't afford to—
"I know what you're thinking. I can't afford to be in her debt blah blah blah. It's not a favor! It's just a kind gesture...from one friend to another."
His heart thumped loudly.
"Live, Naruto."
Without thinking, he quickly turned and began making his way home, the bento box still in his hands. I'll just dump it when I get far away enough.
"Did you see that?! Ichijou-chan just offered him, the hell student of Fujimi Academy, a bento box! And he didn't even thank her!"
"What scum!"
He ignored the harsh whispers like always. They didn't phase him and he didn't care. Instead Naruto merely increased his pace. She was watching him, he could feel it, her eyes somehow piercing through him. He couldn't look at her right now. He didn't deserve her kindness, it was wasted on him.
Misuzu watched him go until his silhouette was but one among many. She didn't care that he didn't say thank you, he took the gift she made for him. He took it home with him. That was thank you enough. One day, I'll make you smile for real, and I'll take that look in your eyes away forever. She promised herself she would. And she always kept her promises.
Sighing softly, Misuzu hefted her bag and continued on her way home. Unaware of the narrowed eyes that watched her as she left.
Naruto closed his door and dropped his books unceremoniously on the ground. Rushing to his room, he peeled his school clothes off and fell unceremoniously back onto his futon. His eyes staring blankly at the pale white ceiling above him.
"From one friend to another..." He whispered to himself, the bento box still in his hand. He never dumped it. How could he? "I'm just hungry." He said quietly as he gently unwrapped the silk cover, being careful not to rip or tear it. The meal looked delicious. "She must have worked hard on it."
"So from now on, I'm going to bring lunch for you everyday for the rest of the year."
Maybe...
Maybe it wouldn't be such a bad thing to let himself enjoy one last year?
The water was warm, and as she let her muscles relax and her head fall back, Saeko unmistakably found she could think of nothing but that girl, and of the offering made to her prey. "Who is she to him, I wonder?" Saeko ran a hand over her legs, careful to brush off any of the remaining soap as her fingers traveled down her thigh. She had been here for at least fifteen minutes now. Her bathing time was scared to her. It was peaceful, quiet.
How peculiar, by the look of things, Uzumaki Naruto did not know how to handle kindness. The girl didn't see his face...but she did. He was conflicted. No. He was afraid, confused...and it surprised her.
"But why?" She whispered aloud to herself. "Why would such an act break through that mask of his...?" A mask she had spent the better part of a year attempting to figure out. Her left hand rose from the water and she placed it above her breast, over her heart. "And why did I feel so...alarmed?"
Saeko knew she was beautiful. She had to be. Yet, Naruto never noticed. Or maybe it was that he didn't care?
Fujimi Academy was known for three things—brains, brawn, and beauties. She was not a fool. Her moniker as the 'queen of Fujimi Academy' was not news to her. To him however that might as well have meant nothing. He did not stop and stare as other men did, his eyes did not conceal a hidden lust or craving for her, or any other woman's flesh either. When those deep blue eyes stared into you it was as if he was looking past anything physical.
Saeko let out a soft laugh, realizing that once again the enigmatic blond had overtaken her thoughts. "Uzumaki Naruto-kun..." She purred his name out, slowly closing her eyes as she basked in the feeling of the warm water.
The real her, the real Busujima Saeko, the one that came to life on that day would have nothing but such a man by her side, forever. She could faintly feel it rolling off of him in waves, no matter how hard he tried to hide it. A dark, murky feeling. A dangerous power. She needed that power, she wanted that power, and everything that came with it. She wanted to claim it and hold it in her hands and to be with it forever.
Naruto would live for her, and he would die for her.
Never mind that... It would seem someone else had been making a move on him as well, maybe not with her intentions, but still, she was a threat. That girl had some kind of effect on him, whether she knew it or not. Saeko didn't like it. Naruto was hers, and she would be the only one to have him.
Naruto casually strolled past the massive gates of Fujimi, his eyes discreetly bouncing from face to face as they passed. Never really staring long enough for anyone to notice. They were too distracted by each other anyways. By the ritual they believed in. Today would be like any other for the students and faculty of Fujimi Academy.
Naruto honestly wished he could join them. His mind was still reeling, impacted by Misuzu and her actions as of late. That foolish girl who never left him alone if she could help it. He was evasive enough as it was, never really sticking too close to anyone or anything. Hell, he was pretty sure Busujima Saeko was the only person in this entire School with some kind of interest in him, other than that, everyone else usually stayed away.
So for this bubbly-bright-annoying light to suddenly shine down on him, it was honestly all rather unsettling to someone who had spent the past couple of years stalking through the shadows or outright charging his enemy with the intent to come out alive.
Would he curse me now? Would he deem me weak? Would they? The Fifth Hokage took him under his direct wing and molded his younger-self into the perfect weapon—sharp in every way possible—from stealth to politics and everything in between. Nothing was deemed unnecessary.
What could he do with all of that useless information now though? How could he function in this relatively peaceful place?
Withholding a deep sigh, Naruto turned to glance at the massive clock plastered onto the main building. It was ten till, and if he learned anything this past week...
"Na-ru-to-chaaaan!"
It was that Misuzu was an early bird and she long ago marked him as her worm. Naruto didn't even turn to acknowledge her, all too aware that it wouldn't stop her from forcefully making herself his company. And he was instantly proven right as the girl was already quickly closing the distance between the two. Niki was right behind her, as always being dragged along for the ride.
He really almost felt sorry for the girl. She is loyal. Naruto could give her that much. It was obvious the girl was visibly uncomfortable from just being around him.
Misuzu was next to him now, her bright smile wide and friendly showcasing her pearly whites. "Hey Naruto-chan! How'd you sleep? Did you eat my bento? Did you like it!?" The questions were shot at mock speed.
Her bento, the one she made for him.
He did eat it.
It was good.
"Could have been better. A little too salty, and the rice balls were kind of cold..." He responded rather dryly, expression unchanging as he spared the shorter Misuzu a small glance. Fighting down the urge to once again clonk the blond in the head for his rude comments on her cooking, Misuzu huffed and crossed her arms over her chest. A habit he quickly picked up on. She only did it when she was genuinely upset. He honestly never liked making girls upset.
"—But, it wasn't all bad. So...thank you, for the meal." The last bit was almost a whisper and even surprised him a bit. He hadn't said thank you to anyone since the old man let him work at the restaurant after his arrival. He however was not the only one surprised.
Misuzu and Niki both shared a look, mouths slightly parted as they tried to comprehend exactly what just happened. Uzumaki Naruto, the number one delinquent of Fujimi Academy! The man who barely even gave teachers a single minute of his time! Had thanked them of all people. No one, not a single person had ever even thought the blond capable of any kindness. No one had even heard the blond utter those words before.
"U-Uhm...n-no problem!" Misuzu responded, tilting her head down a bit so her hair would hide her blush. She felt her heart pound within her chest and silently questioned the action for what felt like the third time this week.
"You said...thank you..." Niki whispered, still dazed.
Naruto resisted the urge to deadpan.
The second bell snapped the two girls out of their stupefied and slightly embarrassed daze, replacing their shock with sudden realization. "Damn it! We're gonna be late!" Niki gave a slight squeal as her best friend grabbed her by the arm and gave a small pull, dragging her along as she made her way for the doors of the main building. In an instant the two disappeared into the crowd, leaving behind the lone blond teen.
He watched them go, feeling a slight twitch of his lips as Misuzu's frantic cries echoed away in the distance.
The crowd of students around him quickly thinned, until it was only him standing alone in the massive courtyard of the school. Lush tall trees surrounded him, beautiful decor was littered around in a cleverly orchestrated manner, from the wooden benches situated under the shady trees to the colorful cobblestone paths and the massive Victorian-styled fountain. It all tied together seamlessly.
"Still..." He whispered to himself, glancing at the tall metal fencing and stone walls that surrounded the school, "can't help but feel like this place is more of a cage. An expensive one." But then again everything was a cage to him now. Might as well get to class. With a sigh, the teen slung his stuff over his shoulder and continued his rather casual stroll to class.
Another beautiful day indeed...
"Hey! You there!"
Naruto paused at the unfamiliar cry. It was distinctly male and sounded a bit frantic, winded too. No doubt the person was either out of breath or extremely tired. Probably both.
I should just ignore it.
Misuzu's face instantly flashed in his mind. He couldn't help but cringe. He would regret this, he just knew it.
Tilting his head back, Naruto caught sight of a rather short silhouette standing behind the school gates. The very much closed school gates. Narrowing his eyes to get a better view, the blond saw it was a rather pudgy student. He was covered in sweat and was indeed heaving, his hands gripping the school gates tightly, and by how red his face was it looked like he'd been trying—and failing—to force them open for quite some time now. As he made his way over, Naruto started to get a better look at the student.
His short dark hair was matted to his forehead and his glasses were foggy, obscuring almond shaped brown eyes. The sweat-stained uniform clung to his pudgy form in a manner that did not suit him. The guy looked totally defeated.
"You need help?"
"Ah!" The shorter male cried, letting go of the iron bars and stumbling back. How he managed to not notice him was actually rather impressive.
"Holy crap man! Don't scare me like that!"
Naruto resisted the urge to turn and leave the pudgy teen to his woes. "You realize YOU called out to me, right?"
A small sigh followed his statement, all the while he wondered why he was even bothering. That girl must be getting to him. Did he really feel that in debt to her? It was only one lunch — No it wasn't — he much rather preferred to be alone and be left alone — It was so much more. Was he that annoying when he was younger? God, he hoped not. He had enough regrets as it was.
Naruto watched dimly as the teen gave a nervous chuckle in response, placing a hand behind his head and offering a weak grin.
"I know. I'm sorry. I-I just saw you...well, keep walking, so I figured you were gone. It's okay though!" He began to shake his arms frantically, as if he'd said something insulting. "I-I'm not mad or anything! I'm...sorta used to it. Hehehe."
For being one of the most well respected and highest ranked Academies in Tokonosu, Fujimi was a rather crude and intolerant place. If you weren't blessed with good looks or a rather rich/important family you were most likely a nobody here. Such was probably the case with this one.
"What's your name?"
The boy seemed stumped, lowering his arm as he quickly realized that they didn't even know each other. "Oh! My name is Hirano Kouta! Second-year from class 2-A! Nice to meet you...?"
"Uzumaki Naruto."
Kouta quickly did an excellent impression of a deer caught in headlights. "U-Uzumaki Naruto!? As in the Uzumaki Naruto!?" He stuttered, his glasses fogging up and obscuring eyes.
Naruto was already beyond regretting this. "Yes, th—"
"—It's an honor, Uzumaki-san!" Kouta bowed deeply. Almost completely forgetting the fact that he was at the least already seven minutes late to class and still behind the locked gates.
That was a first.
"What...?"
"You are Uzumaki Naruto?! Who, like myself and a select few others, is ostracized and neglected by the students and faculty! You are a legend within our circle Uzumaki-san! You who have defied and ignored them! We, who are constantly humiliated and bullied everyday know of you! Unlike us you do not shrink away or cower under their judging eyes! Oh man wait until I tell the others I actually met you!" His eyes twinkled dangerously, a wide and rather dangerous smirk growing over his features.
While the now incredibly excited Kouta continued to dabble on, Naruto could only think one thing. What...the hell just happened here? He blinked, actually speechless. "What are you talking about?"
Kouta froze, blushing madly as he bowed once more, this time incredibly embarrassed."I-I'm sorry for that! You see you're kind of a role-model to some of the students. We get pushed around and taken advantage of almost everyday here!" His fists clenched tightly, and a deep scowl marked his features. "We—We don't really do well with it...but you! You take it all head on! Their hurtful words and attempts at making a fool of you! We all wish we could handle it like you do..."
Forget surprise, Naruto was floored. Never in his right mind would he actually think that somewhere deep within the confines of student body of Fujimi Academy, someone, let alone an entire group actually looked up to him.
"Y-You should stop by the Astronomy-club after class...i-if you want! I'm sure everyone would love to really meet you!"
Naruto almost sighed at the request. "Never mind that. Right now let's focus on getting you on this side of the gate."
Kouta quickly remembered his situation and glanced at the clock hanging over the main building. He was already ten minutes late! And his first period class was the absolute worst! The teacher, Shido-sensei, was manipulative and publicly allowed his bullying and teasing. He even encouraged it at times!
"R-Right!" Kouta responded quickly, albeit still a bit nervous.
Hirano Kouta's week had not started well and only got progressively worse as it went. The last day of the first week of school and he had already been targeted by one of the biggest asshole of the school, Tsunoda, and his gang of delinquents. Not only that, but his first class of the day was with Shido and he shared the very same class with the bastard Tsunoda! Now he was officially late for what he considered the worst part of his day and the gates were firmly shut.
Shido would have a field day with this when he actually showed up. Sweaty, tired, and very much tardy.
When he spotted another person standing in the middle of the courtyard just as late as he was, the dark haired teen grew hopeful. With some luck whoever it was would actually come to help! He honestly never expected that someone to be Uzumaki Naruto, the only person in the entire school more hated than the entirety of their group combined. Which consisted of the unfit, the unattractive, the too-book-smart not enough people-smart and all otaku alike. Each other was all they had in this scholastic jungle as they'd come to see it.
Just like everyone else he had heard the rumors. Unlike everyone else however, he had also been on the receiving end of rumors. When they whispered and mocked him. He shrank back or brushed it off with a forced laughed. When Naruto was made the object of the negative attention. He would simply level them with those blank, intense eyes and they would flinch. The blond made them fear him. His skin was too thick for their poisonous fangs to pierce.
"Just let yourself fall. Trust me, I'll make sure you don't hit the ground too hard." Naruto called out from below.
It seemed Naruto also had a rather dry sense of humor...
"Easy for him to say..." Kouta mumbled while sparing a glance downward, gulping as a mild fear of heights washed over him. He was currently doing his best to balance and not fall from the top of the fence he was currently standing on, down to where Naruto was staring back up at him. Arms outstretched, expression still blank.
Was he really planning on catching him? Kouta didn't doubt that Naruto was a strong person, but physics was stronger than the will of any man. His weight, plus the velocity of his drop, add the height and well...it just didn't look very probable he would be making it out of this without a few scrapes and bruises.
"This is a bad idea Uzumaki-san." Hirano whimpered out nervously, trying his best to ignore the familiar twisting feeling of butterfly's in his stomach.
The blond below sighed and let his hands drop. "Fine." He then swiftly turned and made to pick up his things off the ground, "I guess you can get to class on—"
"—Wait! Ok! Ok!" Man he was cruel!
Steeling himself, Kouta took a deep breath and did his best to calm his nerves. At least if anything Naruto would break his fall.
Without a second thought, Hirano Kouta gave a hearty yell and jumped. For a second he felt free as the cool wind brushed against his hot skin. He had a pretty good view of everything too. It did not however, last long. Gravity soon kicked in and everything became a blur of colors and lines as he rapidly approached the hard ground.
"Arggghhhhhhhhh!" Shutting his eyes tightly, Kouta expected everything from a searing pain to even unconsciousness as he fell. What he did not expect however was a sudden feeling of weightlessness, or the hard tug on his collar. "W-What?" He breathed out, cracking an eye open. His gaze met Naruto's own. "H-How...?"
Naruto was rather easily holding the entirety of his body up by the back of his collar alone. "See, told you I'd catch you." The casual manor in which he said it made it sound like he did this everyday.
Kouta would have questioned just how Naruto was managing to hold him up like he didn't weigh close to two-hundred pounds with one arm, or how he managed to even grab him mid-fall. He honestly didn't care! "That...was...AWESOME!" He couldn't believe he did that! It was reckless, and foolish, and could have REALLY messed him up! But he did it!
Naruto let the teen go, watching him drop to the ground with a massive grin on his face. The courtyard was empty still, but campus-security would be on the prowl very soon. Fujimi Academy didn't have much of an attendance policy, but even they still had to enforce it.
"Well, this was nice and all but I gotta get going."
Kouta watched him leave. He almost wanted to call out to him, to thank him, but he knew better. A heartfelt thank you would just complicate things for the taller blond. All in all, it may have been a crappy week, but this sorta made up for it. If anything, Uzumaki Naruto is definitely not like the rumors say he is. Anyone who actually bothered to help him of all people out couldn't be all bad. I wonder if he'll actually stop by the club?
With a short shrug, Kouta rushed over to his stack of things and quickly picked them up. Unleashing a final sigh, he prepared himself for the confrontation with his teacher that was to come next.
Misuzu released a quiet sigh as she sat in class, her fingers twitching every so often as she blankly stared ahead. Her teacher had already begun the lecture and as he read aloud from the book in his hands, the girl felt her focus lessen and lessen. Too preoccupied with thoughts of a certain blond senior. She, like many others, had dismissed the blond as simply another dark teen who didn't enjoy any kind of social activity. She was fine with that. There were plenty of people like that in the world, but when she first really laid eyes on him that day, she knew the truth.
Uzumaki Naruto was broken. She'd never seen someone who looked so...aimless. Nothing he did spoke of a purpose. He didn't even eat! If anything he seemed to only exist within school hours. Afterwards no one knew what became of him. Glancing to her left, she suppressed a light chuckle as she watched Niki struggle with keeping her eyes open. Niki was on the verge of passing out.
I can't help but feel bad when I drag you into this sort of stuff...
For as long as she could remember Niki had been her best friend. Always by her side through thick and thin. Friends, nay, people like that were hard to come by. Friends... The thing that he feared the most, and she just could not understand why. Why are you so inclined to be alone?
A brief imagine of Naruto popped into her thoughts. His uncaring expression and lulled blank eyes. The way the color of his hair and eyes seemed to speak of something brighter, something happier. Something long gone. Her heart managed to once again, pound in her chest.
What the hell could have made you want to be alone...?
Misuzu hated being alone. She had been alone her entire life. Her parents were never home, always away, always at work. The only company she had growing up was Niki. If it wasn't for the soft-spoken girl she probably would have taken her own life. How Naruto reserved himself to that soul crushing emptiness was beyond her.
"Suzu-chan, are you okay?" Niki whispered next to her, a concerned expression on her gentle features.
Misuzu internally scolded herself for letting the past darken her mood. Giving a small thumbs up, she gave her friend a reassuring smile and nodded. That was just like Niki, always concerned, always noticing. She knew Niki didn't believe her, but her friend was surprisingly wise when it came to people, however much she tried to deny it, and instead of causing a scene she simply turned her attention back to the teacher. The look in her eyes however told her that this wasn't over.
Sometimes I wish the world could see just how beautiful you are Niki. The brunette mused, a small smile playing at her lips.
There was an innocence to her that seemed so rare nowadays. She would die for her best friend, there was no doubt about that. Because Niki took away her pain, and that was all the reason she needed.
"You're late, Uzumaki."
Naruto didn't even spare glance as he calmly made his way over to his spot. Some glared, others didn't even make eye contact. Ignoring his presence outright. All except one. Saeko's eyes locked with his the moment he entered the room, her lips glistened in the warm sunlight and her eyes shimmered with hidden intent. She had been waiting for him. A smile worked its way on her face.
His response—or lack of one—seemed to work fine with their teacher, who continued the lecture as if nothing happened. Not even bothering to catch the blond up on what he had missed.
As he slid into his seat, Naruto fought back a groan. She watched him, a twinkle in her eyes, like she won something. So he would let the strange girl sit next to him for whatever godforsaken reason she had. He really didn't feel like causing an uproar today.
"Hello, Uzumaki-san." She pushed a single strand of her silky hair back and offered a harmless smile.
For a second, Naruto briefly pondered the fact that this was the same girl who not even two years ago pulled a knife on him, proclaiming that he was worthy, then proceeded to randomly show up to his job every week shortly after. It seemed that no matter where he went it, weird stuck to him like glue—sticky and annoying super-glue.
Sparing her a glance, he managed a slight nod and turned his attention back to staring at nothing. Hopefully this isn't permanent.
Saeko didn't seemed bothered by the act. Instead, she leaned her head on her arm and proceeded to openly stare Naruto down.
. . .
His brow twitched.
How is this even allowed?
"What are you doing?"
Her smile widened when he spoke up. "What's been asked of me, Uzumaki-san. As the head of the discipline committee I have been instructed by our teacher to make sure you pay the utmost attention in class."
Did she plan this? Naruto stared her down. Her curiosity is dangerous though. I wonder how would she react if she really knew what she was dealing with? Not that he would ever tell her, or anyone for that matter, his secrets would die with him. This world wasn't ready for that kind of knowledge. Hell, he wasn't ready for that kind of knowledge, but like everything else in his life it was forced onto him.
Sometimes, it still feels like a dream...
He turned his sights away from the dark green chalkboard and to the massive city outside. Tall steel towers shimmering in the sun, right lights flashing all about even in the light of day, cars moving like armies of ants in the distance. It was so different from what he knew, from what he was used too. But, this was his world now.
"You'll miss the lesson if you daydream. Or, is it that perhaps you find me that breathtaking?" Her smile was still there. So polite, sp proper. The 'Queen' of Fujimi Academy, its pride and joy.
"Sorry, I was lost in thought." He responded truthfully.
"Mah, you're never any fun, Uzumaki-san."
Whenever she talked to him, she never looked away, her eyes would always meet his. And that was strange. He had come to notice that Saeko never sustained eye contact with others, not for too long. Almost as if she deemed them unworthy of her full attention, or like they bored her. But when it came to him...it was different.
She giggled softly. "Though, I suppose that's apart of your charm. If you don't mind me asking, made you so late today? I would like to know."
Naruto blinked. Oh, he didn't make that joke today. Good old Kakashi, and Obito to an extent. "I drank spoiled milk and spent the morning on the toilet as a result."
Saeko blinked, actually surprised he even bothered to respond. "My...I'm glad to know you're all better now. Though, could it be the milk is still affecting you? you're awfully chatty. Could it be because of your girlfriend? I believe her name is, Misuzu Ichijou-san?"
Seriously, why is she not being called out right now? Naruto felt his eyebrows rise past his hairline. Just what was she playing at? Before he could say anything else however, a small piece of chalk was thrown his way. He could have easily dodged it, but that would rouse unwanted attention. So it was with great joy that he let it smack him in the face.
"Ah!" Naruto flinched as the rather hard object hit him square in the cheek.
"Uzumaki! Control your hormones and stop chattering to Busujima-san! She, unlike yourself, will no doubt become a functioning and productive member of society!"
With a grunt, the blond dismissed the snickering of the rest of the glass and met his teachers eyes. "Right, sorry about that teach."
Tch, figures...
Scowling, the teacher reached for another chalk stick and re-opened the thick book in his left hand, resuming the lecture—and no one said a word, some even laughed. His words would be considered harsh by anyone else's standards, the unjust action unfair and clearly biased. He however was not anyone else. From bastard-child to demon, he'd heard it all.
The rest of the class period went by seamlessly thankfully. He even skipped lunch just to steer away from any unnecessary confrontation. Unlike yesterday however, as soon as the bell dismissed them he was up and gone, making a beeline to the gates. Misuzu would take another five minutes or so to show. By the time she finished her after school duties he would be a quarter of the way home.
Home...
The word echoed within, bouncing back and forth inside the empty shell that was Uzumaki Naruto. His crummy apartment did nothing more than keep him sheltered and hidden from the world. Most utilities were taken care of by the tenant, his only job was to pay every month. It was perfect. If he so wished it he could pack up and leave without a single bit of evidence being left behind. To everyone whom lived in the complex with him, he was just another ghost.
"Oi! Uzumaki-san!"
Naruto was snapped out of his musings by a now familiar baritone. As the chubby boy grew closer, the blond cursed whatever deity watched over him for doing such a terrible job.
"Hirano. To what do I owe the pleasure?"
Kouta looked a bit startled. After all, the blond didn't even turn to acknowledge him. Pausing to catch his breath, the teen gave a bright grin. "I *heave* ran all the way here *gasp* as soon as I caught *pant* sight of you!"
"You should work on your physical fitness." Naruto deadpanned.
Kouta looked as if he was struck by a rock. "Mah Uzumaki-san, you sure are cold. Anyway, I'm glad I caught you!"
Well, at least one of us is.
"See, I-I wanted to.." Kouta's cheeks grew a slight red tint. Whether it was from embarrassment or exhaustion Naruto couldn't tell. "That is to say, I-I just thought that..." His confidence was waning.
"You wanted to ask me if I could stop by your club?"
Kouta beamed. "Y-Yes! I—"
"—No."
"What? W-Why not!?" Did he do something to offend him? Oh no! The others are gonna kill me if I screw this up!
Hirano was very aware that he wasn't the best when it came to conveying ideas and feelings. The troubles of being a gun-obsessed, socially-awkward, loser he supposed.
"I have something very important to take care of. Maybe some other time."
Well, it wasn't a flat out no. Kouta once again beamed. "Okay! I understand and I'll hold you to it! Have a good day Uzumaki-san!" The shorter of the two gave a bright grin followed by a small two-finger salute before making his way towards the west building, en route to the Astronomy Clubs observatory.
Naruto didn't even bother glancing back once. He just wanted to return to his apartment and call it a night.
"Ohohoho! Naruto-boy! Forgot to message you this morning! Restaurants going to be slow again tonight! Yer friend dropped by yesterday too, the pretty girl with the long hair and the huge—"
Naruto pressed a single button. "Message deleted." The robotic voice said.
So, Saeko stopped by his work again. That girl was just as troublesome as Misuzu. He was beginning to sound like Shikamaru with all this talk of troublesome women...
"Actually, more so." He mumbled to himself. At least Misuzu didn't try to outright assault him, unless assault with overbearing kindness was a thing now.
Peeling his school uniform off, Naruto found himself surprisingly tired as he dragged himself towards the futon. With all the days he'd been getting off as of late he might as well have not been working at all. The rents due in less than a week. I might have to do some extra work if I want to make it.
With his specific skill set he could have easily robbed a few small stores, but that didn't sit well with him. One of the few things Danzo could never beat out of him was that child-like honor he held onto so tightly growing up. He couldn't help but rub his hands, a nervous act, at the memory of the man. Danzo loved his emotional suppression techniques. Hopefully a nap would put him in a better mood.
Misuzu fiddled with the bento box in hand. She didn't find him during lunch, and now after waiting almost fifteen minutes by the gates for him...well, she was starting to lose hope.
"I-I think he already left, Suzu-chan."
Her friends soft spoken words were not lost to her.
"Yeah..." That came out a bit weaker than she wanted it too. Still, she was disappointed. Did he really not like my lunch? Shaking her head, Misuzu quickly straightened herself out. "Mah, I guess there's nothing left to do but head home!" She exclaimed.
Niki could practically taste the false enthusiasm. Her chest burned slightly. Misuzu only ever got like this because of him. That selfish, rude, uncaring Uzumaki Naruto! Why her best friend was so intent on involving herself with that delinquent truly was beyond her reasoning "Do you want to walk home together? I can help you make another bento for him tomorrow."
Misuzu offered an apologetic smile. "No. That's okay. I'll just meet you at yours later today."
Niki concealed a sigh, but nodded nonetheless.
The two shared a short hug and before Misuzu knew it she was alone, watching her closest friend walk away towards home. Ten more minutes passed and she was finally ready to go. Yet, for some reason...she didn't. Ten more minutes and her grip over her bento was tight, the plastic denting under her fingertips.
"Damn him..." She cursed under her breath.
Something in her chest began to hurt. This wasn't the first time he left her behind or avoided her presence, but lately...she truly felt like he was opening up a bit more. It seemed she was maybe, just maybe, finally getting through to him!
With a heavy sigh, Misuzu loosed her grip and shifted her bag over her shoulder while gathering her wits. The walk home wasn't long, but she always got lonely so easily... I'll just have to try again tomorrow. She nodded once to herself and began her trek home.
"Ichijou-san! Wait up!"
Misuzu froze mid-step. "Hirano?" Tilting her head back, she watched as the teen in question rushed to her side. In his arms seemed to be a stack of papers neatly stapled together.
As soon as he caught up to her, Kouta let his hands fall onto his knees for support as he greedily sucked in as much oxygen as possible. Oh man, Uzumaki-san is right! I should really start paying close attention to what I eat!
"Hirano what are you doing here so late?" Misuzu sized him up.
"O-Oh! Right! I joined the Astronomy Club like you told me to last year! It's been a while since we've gotten to talk!" He gave a sheepish grin as he gathered what was left of his dignity. "Sorry for just calling out to you like that, it's just I know you've been very busy as president of the second-year class, but I just wanted to properly thank you for the advice! I've actually made some friends!"
Misuzu was overjoyed at hearing the news. "Glad to know I could be of some help, but it was all you!" She smiled at him, meaning every word of it.
When she first met Hirano, the boy was even worse off. No friends, not one person he could talk to in a school that seemed out to get him and all others alike. Her parents may have always been away, but that was due to them owning a successful chain of high-class restaurants. It at least spared her from the cold blade that was the Fujimi social ladder. Hirano wasn't so lucky.
"Yeah!" His grin then grew a bit wider, "And you'll never believe who I met today!"
"Oh?"
"Fujimi Academy's very own hell student, Uzumaki Naruto!"
Misuzu had to bit her tongue. Hirano was a good distraction from her thoughts of the blond. Now they came back, full force. "Oh...is that right? Tell me what happened."
Hirano seemed oblivious to the subtle change and very eagerly summarized his morning. "Well normally I stay here in the dorms, but last night I decided to go home because I wanted to wash my clothes and the student cleaners...well, they're not so kind to me sometimes." His tone faltered. Misuzu found herself almost scowling in disgust. What was it with this place? "A-Anyways, I went home. Washed my clothes and went to bed, but I forgot to bring my alarm clock from my dorm with me!"
"So...you woke up late, eh?" Misuzu couldn't help but shake her head.
"Yeah..." Hirano responded with another sheepish grin.
"So how does this lead up to you meeting Na—Uzumaki-san." She seamlessly caught herself.
"Right! Well, when I got to the gates they were closed. I tried my best to open them but no one helped! They all either laughed or pretended they didn't see me! Once the bell finally rang I thought I was really out of luck!" He paused to catch his breath. "Then I noticed someone just kinda...standing there. So I called out to them, but they kept walking." Kouta's grin went from sheepish to excited in a split-second. "Turns out that someone was Uzumaki-san! And instead of walking off, he came to help me!"
Misuzu smiled softly. "Is that so?...How did he help you exactly?"
Naruto wasn't the type to help anyone, she knew this very well. He wasn't the type to get involved with anything that he deemed bothersome or so much as even spare a glance. So this was good!
Maybe...maybe she was right?
"Well he led me to an older part of the school, around the East Wing I think. Then he told me to climb up top and jump!"
"And? Did you?!" She asked, slightly put off. Fujimi's walls were pretty high, and for someone as physically unable as Kouta it would have definitely been a danger.
"Yeah! Well, no, at first no. I was terrified. Uzumaki-san said he would catch me...but you know...I kinda doubted him. After he almost left me up there though, I figured this was one of those 'now or never' moments! So yeah! I jumped!" there were practically stars in his eyes. "Get this. He actually caught me! Plucked me mid-air like I was nothing and just held me there! It was crazy!"
Misuzu was yet again surprised. "And you just...jumped?" Her surprise quickly shifted to worry. "You could have seriously hurt yourself you know?! What if he didn't catch you?! What did he even say to make you do something so stupid?!"
Hirano shook his head at her scolding. That was just like Misuzu, always worried about others.
"That's the thing. No matter what you've heard Ichijou-san, I can confirm that Uzumaki Naruto isn't as bad as everyone says he is." He paused once more to fix his glasses 'Just let yourself fall. Trust me.' I didn't know if I could, until I looked into his eyes. Complete and utter confidence in himself. He was going to catch me, no doubt about it...and I guess, that sorta made me believe in myself too."
Misuzu felt her heart begin to race once more. Without her knowing, a bright smile crossed her features.
"He sounds like a nice guy, Hirano-kun."
Kouta nodded in agreement. "Anyways, thank you again! I should be heading off. I've got to get my clothes and bring them back to the dorm before they shut the gates for good! Later Ichijou-san!"
With a small wave, he too was gone, leaving her to muse on today's happenings. Misuzu sat there for a few more seconds, a tiny smile resting on over her lithe features, until she finally made her way home.
That jerk, at least he said thank you.