Title: "The Loner in the Window"

Episode Summary: When a quiet, mysterious student named Naruto Uzumaki catches Penny's attention, she becomes determined to befriend him, despite his obvious preference to be left alone. Naruto's background as an orphan and his job at a ramen shop add to his intrigue, but his cold demeanor poses a challenge for Penny. The Proud family, along with Penny's friends and crush, Kareem Abdul Jabbar Brown, all weigh in on her quest to understand the loner in their class.

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Scene 1: School Hallway

Penny, Dijonay, LaCienega, Michael, Maya, and Kareem are chatting and laughing as they walk down the hallway before class. Naruto, dressed in black pants and a black jacket with a hint of orange inside, passes by quietly, not engaging with anyone. He keeps his head down, looking slightly annoyed as he weaves through the crowd.

Dijonay: (nudging Penny) "Girl, there goes that quiet guy again. What's his deal?"

Penny: (curious) "That's Naruto, right? He's been in our class for a while, but it's like he's invisible."

LaCienega: (raising an eyebrow) "Invisible? More like he wants to be invisible. He never talks to anyone, just sits in the back and stares out the window like he's in his own world."

Michael: "Maybe he's just waiting for someone fabulous to bring him out of his shell."

Maya: "Or maybe he's dealing with stuff on his own. Some people just don't want to socialize."

Kareem: (chuckling) "I say let him do his thing. Not everyone's cut out to be the life of the party."

Penny glances over her shoulder, watching Naruto walk down the hallway.

Penny: (determined) "Well, I don't know about y'all, but I think he could use a friend. He's in our class, so why not try to get to know him?"

--

Scene 2: Classroom

The bell rings, and the class begins. Naruto sits by himself at the back, staring out the window as usual. Penny, sitting closer to the front, glances back at him, intrigued. Their teacher walks to the front of the room with a stack of papers.

Teacher: "Alright, class, today we'll be working on a group project exploring cultural backgrounds and personal stories. I'll be assigning partners, so no complaints!"

The teacher begins pairing students up.

Teacher: "Penny, you're with… Naruto Uzumaki."

Penny's friends exchange glances and smirks as she raises her eyebrows in surprise.

Penny: (whispering to herself) "Looks like I'm about to learn more about our mystery guy."

Naruto glances up briefly, meeting her eyes with a blank expression before turning back to the window.

--

Scene 3: After Class

Class ends, and Penny hurries to catch up with Naruto as he walks toward his locker.

Penny: "Hey, Naruto!"

He stops, looking mildly annoyed as he glances over his shoulder.

Naruto: "What?"

Penny: (trying to stay friendly) "So, we're project partners. I thought we could maybe meet up after school? You know, to plan things out."

Naruto: (coldly) "I don't need help with the project. Just do your part, and I'll do mine."

Penny: (surprised) "Well, we're supposed to work together. Isn't that the whole point?"

Naruto: (shrugging) "I work better alone."

He starts to walk away, but Penny steps in front of him, determined.

Penny: "Look, I get that you're a loner, but maybe you should give this a chance. It could be a good opportunity to, I don't know, make a friend?"

Naruto sighs, clearly uninterested.

Naruto: "I'm not looking for friends. Just leave me alone."

He brushes past her, leaving Penny standing there, watching him with a mix of frustration and curiosity.

--

Scene 4: Lunchroom

Penny joins her friends at their lunch table, still a bit thrown off by Naruto's rejection. Her friends notice and start asking questions.

Dijonay: "So, how'd it go with Mr. Mystery?"

Penny: (sighing) "He practically told me to stay away from him. He said he works better alone."

Michael: "Ouch! That's cold."

LaCienega: "See, I told you. He wants to be invisible."

Kareem: (laughing) "Maybe he just doesn't know how to be around people. Some people are like that."

Maya: "Or maybe he's dealing with something. You know, there are rumors he lost his parents when he was a baby and lives by himself."

Everyone goes quiet, letting that sink in.

Penny: (thoughtful) "I didn't know that… Maybe he's just used to being alone."

Michael: "Still, he doesn't have to be so rude about it."

Penny looks over at Naruto, who's sitting by himself at a far table, picking at his lunch and barely looking at anyone.

Penny: (softly) "I think he just needs someone to reach out to him. I'm not giving up that easily."

--

Scene 5: Ramen Shop - After School

Penny decides to find out more about Naruto and heads to the local ramen shop after school, where she heard he works part-time. She spots him behind the counter, stirring a large pot of broth. Naruto looks up, his expression going from neutral to slightly annoyed when he sees her.

Naruto: "What are you doing here?"

Penny: (grinning) "I heard you work here, so I thought I'd stop by. Gotta say, I'm a ramen fan myself."

Naruto: (sighing) "If you're here to talk about the project, just leave your notes, and I'll get to it."

Penny: "Actually, I'm here to see if you wanted to hang out. You know, outside of school? Maybe talk a little?"

Naruto stares at her, clearly uninterested.

Naruto: "I told you, I don't need friends."

Penny: "Well, maybe you don't think you do, but everyone needs someone to talk to."

Naruto: "Not me."

There's an awkward silence as Naruto turns back to the pot. Penny watches him for a moment, noting the focused, almost lonely expression on his face.

Penny: (softly) "Well… maybe you'll change your mind someday."

She orders a bowl of ramen and sits at the counter, eating quietly, hoping Naruto might open up. But he stays silent, his focus entirely on his work.

--

Scene 6: School - The Next Day

The next day, Penny tries once again to engage Naruto during class. As they sit together for the project, she makes an attempt at small talk.

Penny: "So, I heard you were born here. Must be interesting to grow up on your own."

Naruto: (without looking at her) "You don't know anything about me."

Penny: "Then tell me. I'm just trying to get to know you, Naruto."

Naruto finally looks at her, eyes guarded.

Naruto: "There's nothing to know. I like being alone. So just… back off."

Penny's surprised by the intensity in his tone but decides to respect his wishes for now.

Penny: "Alright. But if you ever feel like talking… I'm here."

He nods curtly, turning back to his notebook. Penny feels a mix of frustration and sympathy, wondering if there's a way to get him to open up.

--

Scene 7: Penny's House - That Evening

Penny sits at her desk, going over notes for the project and thinking about her encounters with Naruto. Her parents, Oscar and Trudy, walk by her room and notice her deep in thought.

Oscar: "You look like you're trying to figure out a math problem."

Penny: (sighing) "I'm trying to figure out someone, actually. This kid Naruto… he's really quiet, never talks to anyone. It's like he's completely shut off."

Trudy: "Maybe he's had a hard life, Penny. Some people build walls around themselves to cope."

Oscar: "Or maybe he's just one of those kids who likes to be by himself. You don't need to befriend everyone, baby girl."

Penny: (determined) "I don't know, Dad. I just feel like… maybe he needs someone to look out for him. I'm not saying I have to be his best friend, but it wouldn't hurt for him to know someone cares."

Trudy smiles, proud of her daughter's empathy.

Trudy: "That's what makes you special, Penny. Just be yourself. If he opens up, he opens up."

Penny nods, feeling a bit more hopeful.

Scene 8 School Hallway - The Next Day

Penny walks up to Naruto, who's gazing out the window with a distant look in his eyes. She hesitates but then clears her throat to get his attention.

Penny: "Hey, Naruto."

He turns, his expression unreadable. He doesn't respond, just looks at her, waiting.

Penny: (trying to keep it light) "So, I was thinking about the project. Maybe we could do something… creative? I mean, everyone else will probably just write a report, but we could—"

Naruto: (interrupting) "Why are you trying so hard?"

Penny blinks, caught off guard.

Penny: "Trying hard? I… I don't know. Maybe because I think you could use a friend."

Naruto frowns, his voice a little sharper than usual.

Naruto: "I don't need anyone, okay? Just because I'm alone doesn't mean I'm lonely."

Penny stares at him, searching his face for any hint of emotion. His usual guarded expression seems to soften, if only for a moment.

Penny: (sighing) "Look, Naruto, I get it. Maybe you're not lonely, but there's no harm in having someone around who cares."

For a split second, something flashes in Naruto's blue eyes—maybe doubt, maybe hesitation. But he quickly looks away, crossing his arms.

Naruto: "People always say they care… until they don't. It's easier to just do things alone."

Penny frowns, sensing the pain behind his words.

Penny: "Not everyone's like that, Naruto. I'm not like that."

Naruto shakes his head, frustrated.

Naruto: "Why can't you just leave me alone, Penny? It's nothing personal… I just don't want to get close to anyone."

Penny opens her mouth to respond, but Naruto has already turned away, heading down the hallway before she can say another word. She watches him walk away, her determination only growing.

--

Scene 9: Penny's Room - That Night

Penny lies on her bed, staring up at the ceiling, her thoughts racing. Her phone buzzes with a message from Dijonay.

Dijonay's Text: "Girl, you can't save everybody. Some people don't want to be saved. Leave Mr. Loner alone!"

Penny sighs, texting back.

Penny's Text: "Maybe… but he just seems so sad. I feel like there's more to him than he lets on."

Dijonay's Text* "Well, good luck! But don't let him bring you down."

Penny puts her phone down and stares out her bedroom window, wondering if there's any way to break through to Naruto.

--

Scene 10: Ramen Shop - After School

Penny decides to visit the ramen shop again after school. She takes a seat at the counter, watching Naruto work behind the counter, focused on preparing a bowl of ramen. When he notices her, he sighs, clearly annoyed.

Naruto: (deadpan) "You again?"

Penny: (smiling) "Yep. I'm a fan of ramen now, I guess."

Naruto rolls his eyes, but Penny catches a slight smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth as he hands her a bowl.

Naruto: "You really don't give up, do you?"

Penny: "Nope. Not my style."

She takes a bite of ramen, savoring the flavor.

Penny: "Mmm, this is really good. Do you like working here?"

Naruto shrugs, his gaze flickering toward the kitchen.

Naruto: "It's fine. Pays the bills."

Penny: "You live by yourself, right?"

Naruto's expression darkens slightly.

Naruto: "Yeah… I've been on my own for a long time."

Penny gives him a sympathetic look, her voice soft.

Penny: "That must be hard."

Naruto: (avoiding eye contact) "I manage."

There's a moment of silence as Penny watches him, understanding more now about why he might prefer being alone. But she can't shake the feeling that he deserves more than just "managing."

Penny: "You know, if you ever need anything… I'm around."

Naruto glances at her, his expression unreadable.

Naruto: "Thanks… I guess."

--

Scene 11: School - A Week Later

Penny continues to greet Naruto in the hallway and chat with him whenever she's at the ramen shop, slowly chipping away at his walls. He remains distant, but his responses become less cold over time. One day, during lunch, Penny notices Naruto sitting alone and decides to sit with him.

Penny: "Mind if I join you?"

Naruto gives her a wary look but doesn't tell her to leave.

Naruto: "Do whatever you want."

They sit in silence for a few moments before Penny speaks up.

Penny: "So, I know you're not big on friends… but maybe we could be… project partners who talk sometimes?"

Naruto sighs, looking out the window.

Naruto: "You're relentless, you know that?"

Penny: (smiling) "Yup. And proud of it."

Naruto finally gives a faint smile, the first she's seen from him. She realizes this might be the closest thing to a "yes" she'll get.

Naruto: "Fine. Project partners who talk sometimes. But don't expect anything more."

Penny: "Deal."

--

End of Part 1