The light breeze outside felt heavenly as Melanie rode her bike to work. She came to a halt as the streetlight turned red, waiting for her turn to cross. She barely made it across the street before she felt her bike wobbling. Desperately grasping the handles to steady herself, she put her feet to the ground skidding to a halt. She rested the bike against a nearby wall and squatted down to evaluate the problem.
After a moment Melanie let out a string of colorful curses. The chain on her bike had broken and she had no idea how to fix the stupid thing. She checked her watch, cursing again after noting the time. She'd never make it to work on time.
"Need some help?"
Melanie jumped turning to see a boy squatting down next to her. "Yes please, I'd really appreciate it."
She moved out of his way, straightening up. As he got to work, she used his distraction to get a good look at him. He was wearing orange running shorts and a white tank top that showed off his lean form. His headphones rested against his neck; she could hear the music playing. Melanie laughed when he paused to play an air guitar, singing along with the song. The boy grinned at her scratching the back of his head.
Blonde hair and blue eyes huh? How wonderfully cliché Melanie thought. He was cute, really cute, and not to mention; in shape. "So if it happens again, you'll be able to fix it now."
Melanie blinked realizing the boy had been talking to her. She smiled nodding her head, inwardly sighing. What had he been saying? She had been too busy admiring him. "Thank you so much..." Melanie hesitated not knowing the boy's name.
"Naruto," he said. "You're very welcome." He gave her a charming smile, waving as he resumed his run. She hopped on her bike unable to keep the smile off her face.
Melanie walked into the back entrance of Space Jam relieved to see that she was only a few minutes late. She grabbed her apron and name tag from the wall, making her way to the front.
"Melanie, oh thank goodness you're here."
Melanie smiled at her co-worker struggling to remember her name. She snuck a glance at the girls name tag. "Sorry I'm late Sakura, I had troubles with my bike."
Sakura waved a dismissive hand pushing a tray at Melanie before piling it with various pastries and a coffee cup. "Take this to the guy in the corner."
Melanie scanned the area where Sakura pointed. She recognized the same silver haired boy from yesterday. She carefully balanced the tray against her hip as she weaved through the tables.
Kabuto had arrived at Space Jam earlier than usual. When he walked up to the counter Sakura gave him a startled glance. "It's really important that the new girl brings me my order." He left without waiting for her reply knowing she would comply. Sakura was glad to give the task to Melanie. Kabuto was a snob when it came to his order and something about him gave her the creeps.
Kabuto waited impatiently for Melanie to arrive. He tapped his fingers against the table as he set up his game. It needed to be just right if his plan was going to work. His heart sped up as he caught a figure walking towards him out of the corner of his eye. He looked up at Melanie and smiled.
"Hello again," he said.
"Hiya." Melanie placed a few items on the table pausing to push her glasses back in place. She had worn her hair differently today. It hung in lose braids a few strands strategically framing her face. Kabuto hated it. He had liked when it hung loose and free. He wondered what it would feel like to tangle his fingers in it.
When Melanie placed the last item on the table Kabuto made his move. He let out a frustrated sigh removing his glasses. He pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed again.
"Is something wrong sir?" Melanie asked thinking something was wrong with his order.
"Call me Kabuto. Sir makes me sound like an old man. Don't let the silver hair fool you; I still have a lot of driving power in me." Kabuto winked at her.
Melanie blushed as she stared into his black eyes. Something in them made her feel exposed. "Okay...Kabuto. What can I help you with?"
"I'm stuck on how to beat this opponent," he turned his computer towards her "maybe you can help me out?"
"I'm sorry but I can't right now. I'd get in trouble," Melanie said giving him an apologetic smile. She left without another word disappearing into the back room.
Kabuto surveyed Melanie as she ambled away. He wasn't concerned about her refusal to help him. It was exactly what he was hoping for. He took a sip of his coffee humming in appreciation as he waited for phase two of his plan to take place.
Melanie was working the cash register when a familiar blonde strolled into Space Jam. He had changed out of his running clothes but she recognized his blonde hair and energetic blue eyes. Naruto seemed to be arguing with another boy as they walked forward to order. They paid no attention to Melanie who viewed the pair with curiosity. She chewed on her bottom lip as she tried to figure out what was going on.
"I'm telling you Sasuke, ramen is the way to go. You can have like," he paused to count on his fingers, "five bowls for a good price."
"You're an idiot," his companion, Sasuke, muttered. "Ramen isn't even that good nor is it filling. Plus, it makes your breath smell like onions."
Naruto pouted pushing out his lower lip. He flung himself at Sasuke. "You don't mean that Sasuke-chan."
"Get off me knucklehead." Sasuke shoved Naruto away. Naruto braced himself against the counter as he regained his balance. Melanie giggled catching the pair's attention.
She grinned at Naruto. "Welcome to Space Jam, how may I help you?"
"Well isn't it my cute damsel in distress. See Sasuke, I told you she existed!"
"Hn," Sasuke grunted before rattling off his order. He had barely finished before Sakura emerged from the back room.
"Oh Sasuke you didn't tell me you were coming today!" She gushed. Sasuke rolled his eyes and walked away to find a table. Sakura trailed behind him chatting animatedly.
"I'm glad to see you again," Naruto said, drawing Melanie's eyes back to him. "I left in such a hurry I forgot to get your name."
"My name is Melanie," she answered.
"So I learned from your name tag," Naruto teased. Melanie stuck her tongue out at him. He scanned the menu fanning disappointment, "why isn't ramen on the menu?"
Melanie played along. "I ate it all." She twisted to the side pushing her stomach out as far as she could. "See nice and full," she said patting her stomach. Then she added "your meal is on me today; as a thank you for being my knight in shining armor."
Naruto beamed a faint blush tinting his cheeks. He folded his arms behind his head and gave her his real order. He joined Sasuke and Sakura instantly switching the conversation to ramen.
When Melanie brought over their drinks and food Naruto invited her to stay. She was about to decline when Sakura spoke up. "Have you taken a break today?"
"Not yet" Melanie admitted.
Sakura stood. "Go ahead and hang out my break is over anyways." She waved at Sasuke and took Melanie's tray. Melanie slid into Sakura's empty seat properly introducing herself to Sasuke before joining in on the conversation about ramen.
Melanie clutched her sides as she struggled to breathe. Tears streamed down her face as she tried to control her laughter. Naruto pouted at her, furiously dabbing at his clothes. Sasuke smirked. When Naruto had become particularly annoying-teasing Sasuke about secretly being Edward Cullen- his drink had conveniently fallen over spilling on him.
Melanie jumped up and grabbed a dish towel. "Now it's turn to help you," Melanie teased as she cleaned up the table. She handed a clean towel to Naruto as someone cleared their throat.
"Excuse me, Melanie, I need help. My Wi-Fi won't work anymore," Kabuto said. He glared at Naruto quickly switching his expression to one of hopelessness when Melanie glanced at him.
She sighed. "Break time's over." When she looked back at Naruto she was surprised to see the cold look he was giving Kabuto.
"It's okay, we have to leave anyway," Naruto said tightly, his eyes never leaving Kabuto.
Kabuto led Melanie back to his table his hand resting light on her back. He knew exactly what was wrong; he had simply turned deleted the Wi-Fi password. It was a lame excuse but he needed to get Melanie away from Naruto. He nearly fell over when he saw her sitting with the two boys. Of all the people in the café she chose them to hang out with?
"It seems as if your computer forgot the Wi-Fi. Hold on a second while I go check the password." She returned shortly handing him a piece of paper with the password.
"Thank you," he lifted her hand brushing his lips across her knuckles.
"You're welcome," Melanie said blushing from his action. She pulled her hand away and left to clean the table Naruto and Sasuke had previously occupied. She groaned when she saw ketchup smeared across the table. She supposed it was pay back for laughing at Naruto. Upon further inspection she realized it wasn't a random mess at all. Naruto had written his name in ketchup followed by his number. Melanie wrote Naruto's number on her hand before quickly cleaning up the mess; the rest of her shift she felt giddy.
One again, when Melanie left Space Jam Kabuto was close behind. He cursed when he saw her bike. There was no way he would catch her on foot. Kabuto arrived at Melanie's house in time to see her standing at the window once more. She had already changed out of her work uniform. He stuffed his hands into his pockets, whistling as he disappeared into the night.
