Yo! It's me, I'm back once again. And faster than I anticipated too! This didn't take as long as I initially thought to write, and I'm already halfway done with chapter 6, so I hope I'll be able to keep this weekly update schedule from now on.
As for this chapter, you'll be introduced to a very important character in Gal Gohan, one that will have certain relevance in this story. You'll see why in a bit. Like always, I hope you guys enjoy!
~ Chapter 5 : The School Council's President ~
Miku Okazaki let out a long, audible sigh as the bell finally rang, signalling the end of morning classes. As soon as the teacher in charge left the classroom, she took a moment to stretch her arms up above her head to get blood pumping back to them. Having to sit down all morning while also doing her best to pay attention during her lessons always felt like a torturous task, especially given how awfully boring most of her classes were, but she always managed to endure it. After all, what awaited her after classes was enough to keep her motivated and happy throughout the day.
"Hey, Miku-chan!"
An ample smile found its way to her glossy lips at the mention of her name, and she raised her eyes excitedly to meet the bright orbs of one Naruto Uzumaki, who was now grinning back at her from the door to her classroom. Naruto stuffed one hand in his pocket as he casually made his way to her, dutifully ignoring all the many looks he was getting from the other students who'd decided to eat their lunch there instead of heading to the cafeteria or outside.
"Oi oi, what's that guy doing here again?"
"Didn't you hear? It seems like Miku-san and him are actually friends."
"Nah, no way, I can't believe it! There's gotta be something else going on."
"Some guys say he's blackmailing Miku into hanging out with him."
"What!? He really is despicable!"
Miku did her best to pretend she wasn't hearing all those horrible things her classmates were saying of Naruto, but the more they continued to bad-mouth him, the more her newly acquired scowl deepened. This wasn't the first time the prankster made his presence known in her class and got targetted by her peers as a result - after a couple weeks, he'd made a habit out of coming straight to pick her up so that they could have lunch together. Sometimes, Miku would beat the Uzumaki and get to his classroom first to take him away for a nice, private lunch somewhere else, but even then, his own classmates would immediately start whispering amongst themselves.
It was at times like those that Miku found it truly hard to understand how Naruto could put up with all the hate he received on a daily basis.
"Yahho, Naruto-kun! How are ya?"
"Hi there, Mako-chan, Hana-chan!", Miku heard Naruto said from somewhere not too far away from her desk, and she raised her emerald eyes just in time to see him fist-bumping with Makoto. He then turned around and high-fived an expectant looking Hana.
"Ne ne, when are ya gonna join us for some karaoke?", the latter inquired. "I bet you can totes sing like a pro!"
As Naruto chuckled at Hana's remark, only Miku noticed the renewed looks of disdain, disgust and contempt he was now getting. "Not today, sorry", he smiled apologetically, before adding. "I have club meeting after classes. Yabe said we'd be cooking something really cool today!"
"Hehe, someone sure is passionate about cooking..."
"And defo for more reasons that one..."
"O-Oi, s-stop it, you two..."
"Hehe, we're just messing around with ya, Naruto-kun. You know we love ya!"
"That's right~", Hana chirped, patting his back affectionately. "You're like an ototo to us already~"
"Yeah, yeah, whatever you girls say."
Miku finally snapped out of her daze as she noticed the handsome blond shortening the distance between them, her friends now making their way out the door. At that point, the gal'd stopped listening to the many comments being uttered behind his back and was now able to properly grace Naruto with a big smile when he reached her desk. "So, Miku-chan, ready to go have some lunch?", as if for emphasis, the Uzumaki gestured to the bento he was holding in his right hand, flashing her with the type of grin only he could muster.
"Uh-huh! Been looking forward to this all morning~"
Her words had Naruto's grin widening even more, his visage brightening up like a Christmas tree. He stepped back a bit to give her enough room to get up and take her own bento from her bag, before she turned to him and nodded excitedly.
They were halfway through the classroom when new, reinvirgorated whispers reached Miku's ears.
"Look at him... acting as if he owned the place."
"Miku-chan playing along with that loser makes me want to vomit. It seems going after the popular guys wasn't good enough for him, now he's manipulating Miku against her will!"
"Agh! If only I was stronger I'd give that guy a piece of my mind. Seriously, who the hell does he think he is!?"
A sudden wave of anger washed over Miku as she abruptly stopped, lowering her head. Naruto must have noticed what was going through her mind as she soon felt a comforting hand on her shoulder. "It's okay, Miku-chan, just ignore them", from her range of vision she was unable to see the gentle smile the blond send her way. His words, however, filled her with a strong resolve and determination to do what she thought was right.
In an act that managed to catch everybody by surprise, Miku unexpectedly leaned forward, encircling Naruto's arm with hers, before turning to her peers with a fiery look on her face. "Oi! Stop sticking your nose where it doesn't belong!", she exclaimed, her eyes glaring daggers at every single one of her classmates. "Naruto-kun here is my boyfriend, you hear me? And I love him very much!"
A quick, deafening silence ensued her proclamation, disbelief and astonishment now becoming visible on every person's face. Out of all them, Naruto probably had the most shock-stricken expression, and it wasn't long before his cheeks turned completely red and his eyebrows shot up in response.
Miku didn't even give him a chance to retort as she huffed in evident indignation at her classmates and began dragging the Uzumaki out the classroom, not caring in the slightest what the others thought about her proclamation.
The pair had hurriedly made their way to the school's track field, the very same place Naruto usually took Miku to whenever they were planning to have lunch together and wanted to spend a quiet time away from other students. On those few ocassions Makoto and Hana decided to tag along, they'd head to the patio or even the home economics' room if it was empty - the track field remaining as a little secret spot only both blondes knew about.
Apart from it being a peaceful location, the trees surrounding the track provided plenty of shade so as not to sit directly under the sun, which made it even more ideal for that time of the year.
"...And mama was like, 'darling! You can't use a golf club to kill that spider; you'll miss it!' But papa had made up his mind and then bam! He hit the wall so hard I totes saw a crack where that tiny spider used to be! I'd never seen mama so pissed off before that, but it was reaaaaally scary."
Naruto stared quietly at his barely touched bento as Miku had a good laugh at the memory of her father getting in trouble for trying to kill a spider of all things. His usually bright azure eyes looked unfocused and his expression vacant, like he was deep in thought.
Miku seemed to realize something was amiss the moment she noticed he was not paying attention to what she was saying and she couldn't help but grow worried. "What's wrong, Naruki?", she scooted a bit closer to the quiet blond and gently nudged him in the shoulder, making him blink. "Does your lunch taste weird or something? 'Cos if that's the problem, then we can share mine if you want. I made too much anyway knowing you'd probably ask for a bite as always, hehe~"
The Uzumaki did not react right away to her offer, but when he finally turned to look Miku in the eye she was able to spot a troubled look on his visage. "Miku-chan, why did you tell everyone in your class we were dating?", he asked bluntly, catching the gal by surprise.
"Eh? Why?", said blonde had the decency to look mildly embarrassed for a very brief moment before a proud look crossed her features. "Hmm, because I felt like it."
Naruto's eyebrows shot up in alarm at what he'd just heard. "But Miku-chan, now that people think we're a couple, others might start hating on you, too!", he hurriedly explaining, boring his eyes into hers in a desperate attempt at making her understand how dire things may end up getting after what she'd done. "I know you were just trying to defend me, and I appreciate it, I really do, but you didn't have to lie just to make everyone stop talking behind my back. I told you, it's fine, I'm already used to it."
In spite of providing a reasoning he believed was logical enough for anyone in their sane minds, Miku merely listened to every word he spoke and when he was done, she just shrugged her shoulders dismissively. "I don't care about that", she said nonchalantly, making Naruto's face be filled with incredulity.
"Hah? You don't... care?"
"Nope! Not at all", disregarding the flabbergasted look on her fellow blond's visage, she decided to elaborate, "You may be used to it, Naruki, but that doesn't make any less bad than it is. And I'm not gonna let anyone else be mean to you or anythin', at least not when I'm around to stop it!"
"B-But-!"
"No buts", Miku cut him midway, placing a finger against his lips. She noticed the light blush that then tinted his cheeks, and mustered a sincere smile. "You think I care what other people think of me? As if! The only opinion that matters to me... is yours, Naruki. And Mako's, Hana's, my parents' and maybe even Yabe's. But yours is totes the most important!"
There was a troubled look on Naruto's expression even as Miku pulled her finger away and turned her attention to her bento, allowing him a moment to process her words. One side of him felt extremely happy at the fact one, if not his only precious people in this world, placed that much importance on him, but the other, more rational side had him worrying about the possible consequences of being as close as he was to the beautiful gal.
Even if he had promised himself he'd keep Miku safe from anyone trying to harm or hurt her and still planned to fulfill said promise, Naruto was afraid his protection alone would not be enough. Especially not when knowing his pranks or fists would probably keep people away from her, which is exactly what he didn't want to happen; for her to go from being a cheerful person most if not all her classmates liked to being isolated like he used to be.
A quick glance her way revealed she wasn't even looking pensive or preocuppied in the slightest, just... content, and it made the Uzumaki relax a bit. If she really meant all that, was it really that bad to continue to ignore everyone else and let Miku do as she pleased?
The answer was pretty much clear in his mind, but he still needed to make sure she was willing to go that far just for him.
"...Are you sure, Miku-chan?"
"Hm? Oh, about the whole 'getting hated on' thingy?", Miku placed her chopsticks down on the box and gave him a brilliant grin, one that spoke volumes of how she felt. "Yeah, defo! You don't need to worry, Naruki. When I told ya I was here for you, I meant it, 'kay?"
"Okay", Naruto took a deep, relaxing breath, an act that had the instant effect of easing his worries. He then hesitated for a very brief moment before reaching for Miku's soft hand, giving it a gentle squeeze - he barely registered the gal instantly blushing at his unexpected action, too focused as he was trying to show his appreciation to her. "Thanks, Miku-chan, for standing up to those idiots for me. It feels nice knowing someone has my back."
"Don't mention it, Naruki", Miku's expression softened and her emerald eyes travelled to Naruto's hand resting upon hers, staring at it for a few seconds with a dreamy look before another thought crossed her mind. "Then... Does that mean you're not angry I told them you were my boyfriend and that I loved you very much?", she ignored the way Naruto's cheeks flared to life at her remark, no doubt reminded of a fact he'd managed to forget by then.
"A-Ah, w-well", finding himself at a loss for words, Naruto pulled his hand away from Miku's and used it to scratch his cheek embarrassedly - all under the sly stare of Miku herself. "I-I didn't really mind, I w-wasn't expecting it, is all", he admitted, growing redder by the minute. He bit down on his lip to stop himself from saying what he truly felt about her words, opting to keep it a secret or else he'd never hear the end of it.
"Really? What a relief~ For a moment there I thought you'd be angry at me for saying stuff like that", as the Uzumaki merely limited himself to shake his head no, Miku allowed her lips to curl into one of her girly smiles. "Then again, only one of the things I said was a lie so..."
Ah good, good, so what she'd actually said was a half-truth and not a complete and utter- Wait, what?
As soon as realization dawned upon him, Naruto was turning his head back her way with shocked eyes.
"Hold on, what d'ya-?"
"Here, Naruki", but Miku interrupted him mid-way before he could finish formulating his question, picking up a piece of chicken from her box and guiding it to his face. "Open up~"
"W-What? No, wait, I..."
Despite his weak protests, it was clear Miku had no intention of backing down without feeding him - her intention pretty much clear as she practically pressed the food to his lips. Soon, Naruto found himself staring hungrily at the chicken being offered his way and all desire to try and insist on getting a straight answer left his being.
Looking left and right to make sure nobody was hiding around to witness such an embarrassing act, Naruto gulped sonorously before finally allowing his lips to part and be fed by the beautiful gal.
Miku looked very satisfied as Naruto began chewing on the savory chicken now in his mouth, giggling to herself. "Tastes good, doesn't it?", at a coy nod from Naruto, she grinned happily. "I'm so glad~ Waking up early today to make lunch for me and Naruto-kun was worth it in the end. Here, eat as much as you like", the young man did nothing but watch in a daze as Miku picked up a bit of rice from her bento, placing her hand underneath it so as to prevent anything from falling to the ground. "Today, I'll be taking care of you like you so deserve, so just sit back and relax, go-ju-shin-sama~"
Naruto's only response was to flush at the way she now addressed him, briefly imagining Miku dressed in a maid's outfit and growing even redder. If he was ever to witness such a thing, he'd probably die out of blood loss, though he'd do so a very happy man indeed. Right now, the amount of joy he was experiencing at being fed by none other than Miku Okazaki was immeasurable, and he was going to take as much advantage as he could in fear of it never happening again.
The cooking club usually met for their sessions at 4 o'clock, fifteen minutes after afternoon classes ended. Despite being a relatively small club as of yet, every meeting was filled with joy and excitement at learning new recipes, mostly due to the genuine enthusiasm of the its two members. That day, Naruto had stepped into the home economic's classroom looking as bright as a christmas tree for some reason, his grin seeming to illuminate the whole place with its radiance. Behind him, Miku casually strode in, smiling in amusement at her fellow blond's state of pure happiness.
But that cheerful demeanor had instantly turned into confusion the moment Yabe dropped a stack of papers on his desk just as Naruto was about to go get his apron. He gave his sensei an inquiring look, but the aforementioned merely gestured towards the many documents pilled up before the Uzumaki.
And it was only when the young man's eyes finished analysing the papers that his eyebrows shot up.
"...Kuso."
"Language, Uzumaki."
"Eh? What's going on Yabecchi?", Miku had just finished putting on her own apron and tying her hair into a high ponytail when she heard the short exchange between them. She walked up to Naruto's side, only now noticing how downcast he was looking out of nowhere, before she took a glimpse of the stack of papers and her expression fell. "Naruki... Are these...?"
Yabe nodded gravely. "Some of his last exams, yes", he said, taking the pile of exams and spreading them all over the desk for them to see. "Maths, social sciences, Japanese, science and literature", as Yabe went over each subject, Naruto could not help but grimace at what he saw. "Out of all those, you only got a pasing mark in one subject, Japanese. The rest... well, see for yourself."
Naruto felt a sudden wave of embarrassment washing over him, and under the stares of both Yabe and Miku all he was able to muster was a weak smile. "Aww man, and I had actually studied for those", the Uzumaki proceed to rub the back of his head in a way that indicated his evident disappointment. "I was really hoping to pass this time."
A long, audible sigh escaped through Yabe's lips as he inclined his head ever so slightly. Despite the protests and many comments from other teachers claiming the blond delinquent had no chance at ever making it through the year without failing most if not all his classes, deep down he knew Naruto was trying to be a better student in general. Unfortunately, his history as a troublemaker had led almost the entire faculty to give up on the boy, even if progress was being made.
And since he was the only teacher Naruto seemed to respect, the headmaster had assigned him a very difficult task Yabe did not ask for nor want to do.
"Yabecchi, why are you showing all this to Naruki?", Miku could not help but ask, growing afraid at the prospect of whatever was it that had her sensei so distraught. "He's not in trouble now, is he?"
The home economics teacher was not able to retort as Naruto beat him to it by suddenly shrugging. "So what if I failed again? I'll just have to go at it again until I pass", he mustered enough energy to flash his trademark grin, his usual confidence returning to his expression. "Eventually, even those annoying teachs will have to admit I'm good enough, right?"
Yabe felt a pang of guilt as he noticed the enthusiasm in his student's eyes. He didn't like being the bearer of bad news, but it was his job as the club's advisor to guide each member to achieving their true potential, so there was really no other way but to be honest with the kid. "Listen Uzumaki", Yabe began, his tone deadly serious. "Today I had a meeting with the headmaster regarding your overall academic performance throughout the year", the teacher saw Naruto narrowing his eyes in suspicion, but he paid him no mind as he proceeded, "he made sure to let me know how displeased he was at your... lack of actual progress. And with mid-terms coming in a few weeks... Well, I'm sure he can't help but worry about you."
Naruto scoffed, rolling his eyes. "Worry? Bah! I bet he's laughing his ass off in his office right now", the blond felt his expression turning into a scowl and his anger rising at the image of the old man laughing at his expense. "He never really cared about me. Why am I supposed to believe he suddenly wants me to do better at school?"
A sigh made its way past Yabe's lips as he rubbed his temples, feeling a headache incoming. He noticed the way Miku tried to comfort her fellow club member by gently rubbing his arm, an act that Naruto seemed to appreciate if the way his features softened was of any indication. The scene had him smiling against his better judgement, but he quickly schooled it into a serious facade. After all, they had serious matters to discuss.
"Contrary to what you think, Uzumaki", Yabe waited until he'd regained their attention before continuing, "not everyone wants to see you fail. I, for one, know you have what it takes to succeed and some day make a name for yourself as part of our society."
Naruto looked genuinely taken aback at what was unequivocably a compliment from Yabe. The young man had never been on the receiving end of encouraging words or support by his teachers at the academy, so to actually see a sensei of all people believing in him left him stunned into silence.
"That's right Yabbechi!", Miku chirped, feeling quite grateful at her teacher for acknowledging Naruto. "I too know Naruki here can do anythin' if he works hard enough. All he needs is a little help and he'll pass his exams in no time!", taking advantage of his inability to speak, Miku trapped his right arm in a tight embrace and smiled as he slowly turned her way. "That's why... I'll help ya study this time. With me tutoring you, there's no way you can fail!"
"Really?", Naruto asked cautiously, not getting his hopes up. "But, what about you Miku-chan? Don't you need to raise your marks too?"
A proud look crossed her features at his question. "Actually, I'm doing waaay better than I used to", she flashed a grin of her own. "'Sides... You'll get to have me for a private, one to one session", as she said this, her tone became suggestive and she pressed her body tighter to his arm - her grin also morphing into a coquettish smile. "How's that sound?"
Naruto blushed up a storm at the way with which Miku's breasts engulfed his arm, but managed to keep his hormones from acting up by trying to focus his attention on the matter at hand. "H-Hah, s-sure, thanks Miku-chan", he said shakily, doing his best not to look her way in fear of his eyes moving downward on their own accord. "A-Anyway! I don't know what that old geezer told ya Yabe, but I promise I'll do my best and study really really hard for those exams. I won't let you down!"
Yabe, who had been watching with a raised eyebrow the way his students now interacted around each other (something that had him briefly wondering whether those two were secretly dating), could only muster a nod of the head in response at first. "Hmm, I don't doubt it", his brief response brought about two beaming smiles on behalf of his students, though what he said next quickly disippated their short-lived joy. "Then again, having Okazaki tutoring you is not what me or the headmaster had in mind."
"What? You didn't?"
Yabe shook his head no. "Not exactly", the teacher moved his eyes towards Miku, before saying, "you were right on one thing Okazaki, however: Uzumaki does need someone to assist him with his studies. But that won't be you, no. In fact, that position has already been covered by a very-"
"Excuse me."
As if right on cue, the three current members of the home cooking club were suddenly alerted to the arrival of someone else, their heads turning to the door. There, right at the entrance, stood a beautiful girl which looked oddly familiar to Naruto and Miku. She had short, straight dark hair barely reaching the base of her neck with two long bangs that framed both sides of her juvenile visage, and a pair of light-grey eyes that were now staring back at the duo of blondes in an indescribable manner. The girl was currently wearing the mandatory uniform of the academy, though when compared with Naruto's or Miku's more casual versions of it, hers was impecabbly worn.
"Ah, welcome. Please, come in."
Bowing politely at the teacher, the girl elegantly stepped into the classroom, closing the door behind her. She decidedly walked up to the silent pair, her steps measured. Upon reaching them, her eyes caught notice of the way Miku was practically glued to Naruto's arm, and the latter thought he saw her frowning for a brief moment, but it was replaced with a neutral look before he could even confirm he'd seen that.
"I'm not... interrupting anything Yabe-sensei, am I?"
"Not at all. I was just in the middle of explaining things to Naruto here", as he mentioned his name, Yabe gestured towards the silent blond prankster, who seemed caught in a daze. "Maybe with you here, Fujirawa, this will be easier."
Yabe's mention of her name had Miku gasping and her visage brightening in recognition. "Wait, Fujiwara, you said? The school council's president?", she couldn't help but ask, making said girl raise an eyebrow. At the same time, Naruto's eyes widened and he pointed his finger at her.
"Hey, I know you! You're that president everyone loves and admires!", he exclaimed bluntly, showing the same level of surprise as Miku did. "What are you doing here? Isn't the student council on the third floor?"
Before the girl could react and provide him with an answer, Yabe cleared his throat to attract everyone's attention back on him. "Right, I see you two know her already, so I'll keep introductions short", the teacher smiled. "This here is Fujiwara Koharu, current president of the student council. Fujiwara, these are Uzumaki Naruto and Okazaki Miku, members of the cooking club."
"Good to meet you, Okazaki-san, Uzumaki-san", the president inclined her head politely at her fellow students, but they did not return the gesture, still thoroughly perplexed at everything that was going on. Miku and Naruto exchanged a wordless look, the latter shrugging as the gal tilted her head in an interrogative manner.
And it was only after seeing their little exchange that Yabe realised they were still expecting an answer to Naruto's previous question so he decided to get straight to the point. "Fujiwara is here on the headmaster's orders", his straightforward answer caused even more confusion on his students, except for Fujiwara herself who merely folded her arms and nodded. "From this day forward, she will be tutoring you, Uzumaki, to make sure you succeed in passing your exams."
"Wait, what?", Naruto immediately asked aloud, blinking his azure eyes. "Are you for real, Yabe?", not waiting for the man to give him an answer, he pressed on. "Miku-chan already offered to help me out, you didn't have to go and ask Koharu-chan here..."
The Uzumaki ignored the way said girl seemed to gasp in surprise and her expression turned into a flabbergasted look at the casual way he now addressed her. "...! That's not the proper way to address your upperclassmen, Uzumaki-san!", her voice was filled with incredulity as she huffed, but Naruto paid her no mind, too focused as he was awaiting for Yabe's response.
"Yeah, Yabbechi", Miku pouted, finally releasing Naruto's arm so that she could cross hers over her chest. "You could've just told me in the first place. I really don't mind!"
"While it is true your marks have improved Okazaki, we can't afford having you getting distracted from your own studies by helping Uzumaki. Tutoring someone takes a lot of time and effort, after all", Yabe patiently explained. "Besides, Fujiwara volunteered herself for the position."
If before Naruto had been confused at most if not all the things he'd heard, the last remark left him bewildered. His azure eyes turned said girl's way and met her pale orbs, seeking for an answer he didn't get right away in the form of a look, but rather on the form of a smile.
"That's correct", she inclined her head, her smile brimming with certainty and conviction. "I just so happened to overhear part of Yabe-sensei and the headmaster's conversation today and I felt like I couldn't just sit back and pretend there was nothing I could do to help you, Uzumaki-san. After all, helping others is the reason why I joined the student council in the first place."
"...! Koharu-chan..."
Naruto felt strangely moved at her selfless reasoning, now gazing at her in a whole different light. He didn't really know her, having only run into her in the school hallways or P.E classes a couple of times, so all that he did know of Koharu was based on things he'd heard other people say. Most of them agreed on the fact Fujiwara was not only beautiful, but also a very kind, responsible and dilligent girl; Naruto had never paid much attention to all that, being one not to judge people before actually getting to know them, but just by seeing the kind smile she sent his way was enough to let him know she truly was a nice person overall.
"Waaah, Fujiwara-chan, you're so kind!", the Uzumaki was abruptly broken out of his stupor at noticing Miku dashing past him and throwing herself into Koharu's arms.
"H-Hold on a second, Oka-!"
Despite her protests, Koharu suddenly found herself pushed back by a golden blur that knocked her off balance. They both fell to the ground below, barely avoiding to hit their heads against the floor or hurt themselves in the process by sheer luck, and were caught in a strange position where Miku's arms were embracing a blushing Fujiwara while the latter tried to push her away.
What neither noticed, though, was that Miku's skirt had been lifted due to the speed of her movements and was currently giving Naruto and Yabe a clear view of her round shaped butt and the white panties she wore that day. While Yabe quickly looked away, Naruto himself could not stop himself from staring at it for a few seconds until he eventually realized what he was doing and tore his eyes off the view - a trail of blood leaked out of both his nostrils as he did so.
"O-Okazaki, get off me, please!"
"Aww, just a little bit longer, I'm not done hugging ya!"
Yabe let out a long, frustrated sigh as things started getting out of hand. Despite not being 30 years of age yet, he had the distinct feeling he was getting too old to keep dealing with such troublesome students. 'And I haven't even told them the bad news, yet', a shiver ran down his spine at that thought, knowing Naruto himself would be pretty pissed at hearing what he had to say...
Naruto groaned aloud for the third time in two minutes, feeling very upset at the headmaster and the way in which he continued to find new excuses to ruin all he had going for him. He couldn't just let him be, nooo, he had to go and stop him from participating in club meetings until further notice.
'...I'm sorry to say this Uzumaki, but the rules are clear: students can be suspended from a club if a teacher, faculty member or the headmaster himself considers their marks or behavior are not adequate. In this case, the headmaster wants you to focus on your studies for the time being and, if you do manage to obtain a decent score in your mid-term exams, you'll be allowed to attend our meetings for the rest of the year.'
'Mou, this just isn't fair! I don't wanna be in a club if Naruki isn't here with me. But... I guess there's no other way 'round this. Luckily for you, Naruki, you have Fujiwara-chan helping you study from now on. And me, 'course, rooting for ya! Do your best, Naruto-kun~ There'll be a prize waiting for ya later~'
Not even the mention of a prize had managed to cheer Naruto up after finding out he was being left out of the club for the time being. It was one of the very few things he enjoyed about coming to school those days, not only due to the fact Miku was there but also because he was learning useful things for a change. Things he could actually put to use in his day to day life.
"Is something the matter, Uzumaki-san?"
Naruto'd almost forgotten he was currently not alone, and that Koharu was scorting him through the school to a room where they could do some proper studying - he cursed inwardly at his bad luck but shrugged on the outside, not feeling like explaining how he really felt to Fujirawa. "I'm fine", Naruto faked a grin, hoping she'd leave it at that. He then saw her look at him from over the shoulder for a couple of moments, her eyes seeming to focus on his figure as if... analyzing him for whatever reason, before she turned her head back to the corridor ahead.
"Hm, all right then, Uzumaki-san. I won't pry."
"Naruto", the young man interjected almost immediately, "just call me Naruto. I know my surname is cool and all but I like my first name better. 'Sides, we are the same age, so you don't have to be so polite around me."
From his position a couple of steps behind her, the Uzumaki thought he saw a ghost of a blush tinting her cheeks at his request. "...V-Very well", she cleared her throat, took a moment to steel herself, and mumbled, "N-Naruto-san."
"That's more like it!", and as if that simple gesture had been enough to make the young man turn his mood around, his face lit up in appreciation and he flashed her a genuine grin this time, one that Fujiwara turned to look at. "Then, I'll stick to calling you Koharu-chan, hehe. It definitely suits you!"
Said girl was able to catch the way Naruto chuckled to himself and placed both his arms behind his neck, looking like a small child in the process. At such sight, Koharu felt the corner of her lips curling slightly upward, though she didn't allow Naruto to see said reaction.
"Soooo, where're we going? To the library?", the blond grimaced at the idea, and immediately brought his hands together in a pleading manner. "Wait, we're not heading that way, are we Koharu-chan? The librarian really hates my guts! She'll kick me out the moment she sees me!"
Fujiwara was currently guiding Naruto down a set of stairs leading to the first floor, but she didn't turn his way to respond, giving him a shake of the head instead. "Don't worry, Naruto-san. We'll be using the old koto club from now on", smiling at hearing Naruto sigh in evident relief, Koharu waited a bit at the bottom of the stairs for him to catch up with her. "The music club was looking to use it as a storage room for all their instruments, but I've managed to get it for ourselves. At least for the next couple of weeks."
"Hah, that's pretty cool Koharu-chan", the Uzumaki said casually as he followed the girl past the teachers' room and many other clubrooms that were located in the same wing. "I sure am lucky to have the president as my tutor."
The beautiful black-haired girl allowed an appreciative smile to adorn her lips, one that he flashed at Naruto before proceeding down the hallway. Neither felt the need for small talk as they shortened the distance between them and their destination, which was the door at the far end of the corridor. Upon reaching it, Fujiwara produced a small key from her pocket and used it to unlock the entrance to the room, stepping inside a moment later.
As Naruto entered the room, he was met with an array of old koto cases at the back along with some dusty shelves to the side and multiple chairs pushed against the right wall. The rest of the place was pretty much empty, save for the table and the two chairs that had been set near the center of the room before his arrival. The blond took a moment to look around, not particularly impressed with what he was seeing, but grateful nonetheless for not having to share the room with anybody else other than Fujiwara.
What did catch his attention though, was the lack of any books or studying materials for their first study session.
"So, do I need to get my books or...?"
Naruto was never able to finish his sentence as the distinct sound of the door closing behind him followed by a soft 'click' reached his ears, and he turned in confusion towards his tutor, quickly noticing the way she was now leaning against the locked entrance.
"Koharu-chan?", he blinked innocently. "What's going on?"
The president had a strange, nervous look on her visage as she turned her pale orbs to gaze straight into his'. She pursed her lips as she stared into his azure eyes, almost as if struggling to say whatever was it she had on her mind, and remained silent for a few, long seconds. It was only when Naruto began growing anxious that she spoke.
"Before we begin with our studying session... There's something I wanted to discuss first, Naruto-san, if it's okay with you."
The mysterious way with which she spoke did not go unnoticed to the Uzumaki, who all but frowned in evident ignorance. "...Sure, I guess?", he couldn't sense any ill will coming from her so he felt inclined to believe whatever was it she wanted to talk about was important. Important enough to lock the door.
Naruto ultimately gave a silent Fujiwara a shrug of his shoulders and approached the lone table at the center of the room, taking a seat on the chair directly facing her way. He dropped the bag carelessly by his side and ran a hand through his blond locks in an anxious manner as he waited for Koharu to finally make up her mind and take the seat right across him.
Which she did after a full minute of looking uncertain about something in particular.
"I'm not in any kind of trouble now, am I?", Naruto couldn't help but ask the moment she sat down, growing worried.
"Eh?", Koharu seemed taken aback by his sudden question, but she was soon waving her hands in an appeasing manner. "No, no, it's nothing like that, I assure you. It's just... well... I have something I want you ask you about, that's all. Something I can't let other people know."
The last bit managed to pique Naruto's curiosity, his previous nervousness at the prospect of being chided or reprimanded by the president now completely gone. "Hah? Really?", his eyes sparked with interest, "but why ask me of all people? I mean, don't take this the wrong way but don't you have other friends at the student's council who can help you?"
His question was made out of genuine interest, and not in a condescending manner. After all, they had met a couple minutes ago, so it didn't make sense for her to entrust a stranger like he was with what he assumed was a secret of some sort.
"This doesn't involve them, Naruto-san", Fujiawara said decidedly, shocking the young man a bit. "Or anyone else, for that matter. You see, what I wanted to talk about today... is you."
Naruto blinked. "Me?"
"Yes", she inclined her head ever so slightly in agreement as a hand reached for her left pocket. From there, she took out a plain looking phone which she unlocked and set down on the table before her. "I... think you should take a look at this."
If before Naruto was curious, now he was intrigued. As Koharu turned the phone around and pushed it in his direction, the Uzumaki briefly wondered for a moment if she was going to show him one of those pictures that were currently circulating through the school - apparently, someone had been taking pics of him and Miku walking around the school and claiming he'd brainwash her into becoming his friend... or lover. The idea was pretty much stupid, even if people at the academy were desperate to frame him with something bad enough to get him expelled.
Miku had shown some of those to him before, with the gal fully ignoring the whole purpose behind them and even choosing one to use as her phone's wallpaper. 'I wonder which one would it be this time', Naruto almost felt like chuckling at the prospect of seeing yet another one of those pics when he picked the phone in his hand and he allowed his azure orbs to glance upon the screen.
What he saw then, had him almost dropping the phone from his hand.
"T-This is...!"
"Like I said before, Naruto-san", Koharu didn't even give him time to fully comprehend what he was staring at, as she placed her elbows on the table and used her hands as support to rest her head. "I was really hoping we could talk about you before anything else", she allowed her lips to curl into a smile as Naruto glanced her way, a horrified look now in place. "You see, I know about your little secret."
To be continued...
Well now, things are getting a bit more interesting, aren't they? I know I'm kinda leaving you all on a cliffhanger, but next installment won't take long to come out, so stay tuned to see how it all plays out!
As to what role will Koharu play in the story, I've decided to give her more screen-time than Yabe-sensei for instance, though not that much. Miku x Naruto is still and will continue to be the main focus of this fic.
Someone asked me the other day how many chapters of the manga am I planning to cover in this story. Frankly, my current objective is to reach the first summer trip the cooking club does to a farm, hopefully in two chapters. Then, I'll include some minor events from Gal Gohan but focusing on the plot I want to develop. I won't give any spoilers, but these events will be centered more around Naruto than anyone else.
Thanks for reading! Stay safe, guys. じゃね！