Episode 6: "Shattered Hopes, Unseen Bonds"
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[Scene 1: Rias and Zero Two's Determination]
The school bell rings, signaling the end of the day. Rias and Zero Two walk down the hallway together, their steps more purposeful than usual. Today is the day they've both decided to confess their feelings to the boys they admire—Issei and Hiro. The hallway buzzes with students talking and laughing, but for the two girls, the world feels like it's moving in slow motion.
Zero Two (glancing at Rias with a slight smirk):
"Feeling nervous?"
Rias (laughing lightly, but her smile is a bit forced):
"Not nervous, just... ready to get this over with. You?"
Zero Two (shrugging):
"Meh. I never get nervous."
But Rias can tell she's lying. Both girls have been preparing for this moment, rehearsing what to say in their heads for days. They approach the courtyard where Issei and Hiro are hanging out with friends, completely unaware of the upcoming confessions.
Zero Two (grinning):
"Well, here goes nothing. Good luck."
They split off, heading toward their respective crushes, trying to hide their nerves behind confident smiles.
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[Scene 2: Rias Confesses to Issei]
In the courtyard, Issei is laughing and joking around with his friends. Rias takes a deep breath as she walks over to him, her heart racing. When Issei sees her, he gives her a warm smile, not suspecting what she's about to say.
Issei (teasing):
"Hey, Rias! What brings you here? Need something?"
Rias (her voice steady, but her heart pounding):
"Actually, yeah. I wanted to talk to you... alone."
Issei raises an eyebrow, curious, and motions for his friends to give them space. He crosses his arms, still smiling, but now with a bit of intrigue.
Issei:
"Alright, what's up?"
Rias takes a deep breath. This is it.
Rias (softly):
"Issei, I... I've liked you for a while. I think you're amazing, and I was wondering if maybe... you'd like to go out with me? As... more than friends?"
There's a pause. Issei looks genuinely surprised, and for a second, he's speechless. Then, he rubs the back of his neck awkwardly.
Issei (sighing):
"Rias... I didn't know you felt that way. But I'm really sorry. I'm with Akeno now. We got together a little while ago."
The words hit Rias harder than she expected. She feels a lump in her throat, but she forces a smile, not wanting to make things more uncomfortable.
Rias (laughing softly, though her voice is strained):
"Oh... I didn't realize. That's great. I'm happy for you both."
Issei looks relieved, giving her a friendly smile.
Issei:
"Thanks. I really appreciate that, Rias. You're an awesome person, and I know you'll find someone amazing."
With that, Issei gives her a pat on the shoulder before walking away. Rias watches him go, her heart heavy. She sighs, feeling a deep sense of disappointment as she heads back to the apartment.
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[Scene 3: Zero Two's Turn]
Meanwhile, across the courtyard, Zero Two approaches Hiro with her usual swagger. But beneath her confident exterior, she's feeling something she rarely feels—nervous. As she reaches him, Hiro greets her with a smile, completely oblivious to what's about to happen.
Hiro (smiling):
"Hey, Zero Two! What's going on?"
Zero Two (grinning):
"Hey. I've been thinking... you and me, we're a good team, right?"
Hiro (laughing):
"Of course! We make an awesome team."
Zero Two (stepping closer, her voice dropping slightly):
"What if... we were more than just a team?"
Hiro blinks, his smile faltering as he realizes what she's saying. He suddenly looks uncomfortable.
Hiro (rubbing the back of his neck):
"Uh... Zero Two, I didn't know you felt that way. But... I'm with Ichigo now. We just started dating."
The words hit Zero Two hard, but she hides her disappointment behind a casual smirk.
Zero Two (shrugging, trying to sound nonchalant):
"Oh. Well, good for you two. No big deal."
Hiro looks relieved, but also a little guilty.
Hiro:
"Yeah... sorry if I made things weird."
Zero Two (laughing lightly):
"Weird? Please. It's fine."
She punches him lightly on the arm before walking away. As soon as she's out of his sight, the smirk drops from her face, replaced by a quiet sadness. She heads back to the apartment, feeling more alone than ever.
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[Scene 4: Apartment Reunion]
Back at the apartment, Rias and Zero Two arrive at nearly the same time. One look at each other, and they can tell that things didn't go as planned.
Zero Two (sighing as she slumps onto the couch):
"So, how'd it go?"
Rias (smiling weakly):
"Issei's with Akeno. How about you?"
Zero Two (laughing bitterly):
"Hiro's with Ichigo. Guess we both struck out."
They sit in silence for a moment, letting the weight of their failed confessions sink in. Before they can dwell too much on their feelings, they notice Naruto sleeping peacefully on the couch.
Rias (smiling softly):
"Look at him, out like a light."
They walk over to Naruto, watching him sleep. His face is calm, and his usual cold expression is softened. Out of curiosity, Rias reaches out and gently touches one of his whisker marks.
The moment she does, Naruto lets out a soft, cat-like growl. Both girls freeze, then burst into quiet giggles.
Zero Two (grinning):
"Did you hear that? He actually growled."
Rias (laughing):
"Yeah, it's kind of cute."
They notice two of Naruto's jackets lying on the couch. Without thinking much of it, they each pick one up, slipping them on. The jackets are warm and surprisingly comfortable.
Zero Two (snuggling into the jacket):
"No wonder he always wears this. It's cozy."
Both girls smile at each other, feeling a strange sense of comfort wearing Naruto's jackets. They head to their rooms, the weight of their failed confessions fading as they fall asleep, wrapped in the warmth of someone they never expected to care about.
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[Scene 5: Naruto's POV]
In his sleep, Naruto stirs slightly, sensing the warmth of his jacket missing but too tired to care. He has no idea what happened while he slept, but a part of him feels something different. He's always been alone, always kept his distance from people, but lately... things have started to change. Rias and Zero Two have been acting differently around him, and even though they still call him a "loser" in public, he can't help but notice the subtle shifts in their behavior.
For the first time in a long time, Naruto wonders if maybe, just maybe, he's not as alone as he thinks.
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The camera fades out as Rias and Zero Two sleep soundly in their rooms, wearing Naruto's jackets, while Naruto remains on the couch, unaware of the bond slowly forming between them.
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End of Episode 6.