The Delinquent The Quiet Girl
Episode 4 – A Small Smile
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Morning: A New Routine
The rumors hadn't stopped, but Naruto didn't seem to care.
As Miku walked into the classroom, she saw Naruto already in his usual spot, leaning back in his chair with his headphones on, nodding to the music.
She hesitated for a moment before walking over.
Miku (softly): "Morning."
Naruto pulled down his headphones, looking up at her.
Naruto: "Yo. You sleep okay?"
Miku blinked.
Did he just… ask about her sleep?
She nodded, feeling a little flustered.
She wasn't used to people caring about her like this.
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First Period: The Attention Grows
Miku noticed that more students were watching her now—not just because of the rumors, but because of Naruto.
A few girls whispered excitedly.
"Did you see how he looks at her?"
"I bet she's just playing innocent."
Miku tried to ignore it, but it was hard.
She wasn't used to being noticed this much.
Naruto, however, looked completely unbothered, twirling his pencil in his fingers as the teacher droned on.
Then, a folded piece of paper landed on Miku's desk.
She glanced at Naruto, who tilted his head.
Naruto (whispering): "What's that?"
Miku hesitantly opened the note.
"Stay away from him. He's dangerous."
Her heart sank.
Naruto leaned over, reading it over her shoulder.
His eyes narrowed.
Naruto (grinning, but not in a friendly way): "Tch. That's cute."
Miku's hands shook slightly.
Would things get worse now?
Naruto noticed.
He sighed and gently flicked her forehead, making her blink in surprise.
Naruto: "Hey. Don't let this crap get to you."
Miku rubbed her forehead, pouting slightly.
Miku: "…That hurt."
Naruto smirked.
Naruto: "Yeah? Good. Means you're still here."
Miku stared at him, then—without thinking—she let out a small giggle.
It was soft, but real.
Naruto raised an eyebrow.
Naruto: "Did you just laugh?"
Miku covered her mouth, cheeks turning pink.
Miku (embarrassed): "…No."
Naruto chuckled.
Naruto: "Huh. Guess I'll have to make you do it again."
Miku looked away, feeling oddly warm inside.
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Lunch Break: A Change in the Air
As usual, they ate lunch together under the tree.
This time, Naruto noticed that Miku was less tense.
She still didn't talk much, but now, when she did, she didn't hesitate as much.
She even looked at him more, instead of staring at her food.
Naruto: "You know, people don't bother you as much anymore."
Miku blinked, thinking about it.
It was true.
Since Naruto had started sitting with her, no one had stolen her lunch money. No one had forced her to do their homework.
She still got glares and whispers, but…
It was better.
Miku (softly): "…Because of you."
Naruto paused, then smirked.
Naruto: "Damn right it is."
Miku shook her head, but she was smiling just a little.
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After School: A Step Forward
As they left school, Miku noticed the same group of girls watching her.
They looked annoyed, as if they were waiting for her to fail.
Miku took a deep breath.
Then, instead of walking ahead of Naruto, like she usually did, she matched his pace.
Naruto raised an eyebrow.
Naruto: "You good?"
Miku hesitated, then nodded.
Miku: "…I don't want to run away anymore."
Naruto stared at her for a moment.
Then, he grinned.
Naruto: "Huh. Guess you're tougher than I thought."
Miku blushed.
But this time, she didn't look away.
For the first time in a long while…
She felt safe.
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End of Episode 4.