Episode 4: "A Change of Heart"
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[Scene 1: The Absence is Noticed]
The early morning sun filters through the windows of the school gym, and students are starting to settle into their routines. Rias Gremory and Zero Two arrive at school together, exchanging their usual banter. They enter the classroom to find it buzzing with the usual chatter and excitement, but something seems off. They glance toward the back of the room where Naruto usually sits. His seat is empty. The girls exchange curious glances, a mix of confusion and concern rising in them.
Rias (frowning slightly):
"Have you seen Naruto at all today?"
Zero Two (tilting her head, looking around the room):
"Nope, haven't seen him. It's weird, though. He's always here, even if no one notices him."
They both take a seat, trying to ignore the strange feeling of unease creeping into their minds. As much as they didn't want to admit it, Naruto's absence was unsettling.
Just then, Issei and Hiro, two of the most popular boys in the school, walk over to them, grinning as usual. Issei, always confident and a bit cocky, raises an eyebrow at the girls.
Issei (teasingly):
"You two seem... distracted. Who are you looking for?"
Rias and Zero Two freeze for a second, not wanting to reveal their actual concern for Naruto. After all, they had reputations to maintain, and admitting they were worried about someone who was often the target of ridicule might make them look soft.
Rias (smirking slightly, thinking on her feet):
"Oh, we were just wondering where Naruto is. We were planning on pulling a prank on him today."
Hearing this, Issei and Hiro laugh, exchanging glances.
Hiro (grinning):
"Prank Naruto? That's more attention than he deserves, don't you think?"
The classroom goes silent for a moment as people start to overhear the conversation, curious about why Rias and Zero Two, the two most popular girls in school, would even care about Naruto. But Zero Two picks up on the tension and quickly joins in on the cover-up.
Zero Two (playfully, trying to keep the lie going):
"Yeah, just wanted to mess with him. Thought it'd be fun to catch him off guard."
The class seems to buy it, and the curious looks fade as the students go back to their conversations. Issei and Hiro seem satisfied with the answer, though they still find it strange.
Issei (shrugging):
"Well, if you find him, let us know. We'll join in."
They walk off, leaving Rias and Zero Two standing there, slightly relieved but still worried. Once they're sure no one's watching them, they exchange glances again, this time more serious.
Zero Two (sighing quietly):
"That was close. We should go find him. Something doesn't feel right."
Rias (nodding, determined):
"Let's check the apartment."
Without another word, they slip out of the classroom, making their way toward the apartment they share with Naruto, both feeling the weight of unspoken concern.
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[Scene 2: At the Apartment]
When they arrive at the apartment, the door is slightly ajar. Immediately, their worry spikes. They push the door open cautiously and step inside, only to be greeted by the sound of clattering pots and a low, raspy cough coming from the kitchen. They exchange surprised glances and rush in to find Naruto, pale and clearly unwell, stirring a pot of soup on the stove.
Zero Two (scolding him immediately):
"What the hell are you doing? You should be in bed!"
Naruto looks up at them, his expression tired and worn. His skin is paler than usual, and it's obvious he's not in any shape to be up and about. He coughs again, trying to wave off their concern.
Naruto (hoarse voice):
"It's just a cold. I'm fine."
Rias (crossing her arms, narrowing her eyes):
"No, you're not fine. You look awful."
Before Naruto can protest further, Rias marches over and grabs him by the arm, pulling him away from the stove and guiding him toward the couch.
Rias (sternly):
"Sit. Now."
For once, Naruto doesn't fight back. He's too tired to argue and lets her push him down onto the couch. Zero Two takes over the stove, checking the soup to make sure it doesn't burn.
Naruto (still surprised by their sudden concern):
"Why are you two even here? Shouldn't you be at school?"
Zero Two (not looking at him as she stirs the soup):
"We noticed you weren't there. Thought we'd come see what's up."
Her casual tone hides the fact that both of them were genuinely worried about him. Rias comes back with a blanket, tossing it over Naruto as if to make sure he stays on the couch.
Rias (sighing):
"You should've told us if you were sick. We're supposed to be a team, remember?"
Naruto raises an eyebrow at her, clearly not used to this kind of treatment from them. He's always been on the outside, a loner. Having anyone care about him, especially Rias and Zero Two, feels foreign.
Naruto (quietly, trying to deflect):
"I didn't think it mattered."
The comment makes both girls pause. Zero Two glances at Rias, who frowns at Naruto's response. There's a moment of silence before Rias speaks again, her voice softer this time.
Rias (genuinely concerned):
"Of course, it matters. Whether you like it or not, we're partners in this project. You're stuck with us."
There's an awkward silence after that. Naruto looks between them, still confused by their sudden change of heart. He doesn't know what to make of this new dynamic, but part of him doesn't hate it. Still, he's not used to people caring about him.
Zero Two (changing the subject):
"Anyway, let me finish the soup. You need to eat something, and then you're going to rest."
Naruto watches in silence as Zero Two moves around the kitchen, and Rias sits down across from him, keeping a close eye on him as if to make sure he doesn't try to get up again. There's a strange sense of comfort in the air, a new kind of tension that wasn't there before.
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[Scene 3: An Unlikely Team]
Later that evening, after Naruto has eaten and the girls have made sure he's comfortable, the three of them find themselves sitting together in the living room. The usual awkward tension between them feels different now—softer, more uncertain. For once, they aren't bickering or making snide comments.
Rias (leaning back in her chair, glancing at Naruto):
"You really shouldn't push yourself so hard, you know."
Zero Two (nodding in agreement):
"Yeah, you don't need to be some kind of hero all the time. We're here too."
Naruto looks at them, still not used to this. It's strange to him, the idea that anyone would actually care about his well-being. But as much as he wants to push them away, there's a part of him that's starting to accept that maybe, just maybe, he doesn't have to be alone anymore.
Naruto (softly, almost to himself):
"Thanks... I guess."
The girls exchange a glance, surprised by his quiet gratitude. For the first time since they started this project, they feel like maybe they're starting to understand him, even just a little.
As the night wears on, they talk quietly, the usual tension between them easing into something more comfortable. It's not exactly friendship yet, but it's a start. And for now, that's enough.
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[End of Episode 4]