The Delinquent The Quiet Girl
Episode 2 – A New Routine
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Morning: A New Habit
It had been a few days since Naruto had stepped in to stop Miku from being bullied. Though she was still quiet, something had changed—she no longer ate lunch alone.
As Naruto strolled into Hanamura High, his black-and-orange custom jacket draped over his shoulders, his headphones blasting music, he noticed something strange.
Miku Nakano was waiting for him near the school entrance.
She fidgeted, her thigh-high stockings brushing against each other, her plaid skirt swaying slightly in the wind. Her reddish-brown hair was neatly combed, and her blue eyes peeked through her bangs, stealing nervous glances at him.
Naruto smirked and took off his headphones.
Naruto: "Yo. You stalking me now?"
Miku quickly shook her head, gripping the straps of her school bag.
Miku (softly): "N-no… I just… um… wanted to say good morning."
Naruto raised an eyebrow. She had never approached him first before.
Naruto: "Huh. Well, good morning to you too, I guess."
Miku looked like she wanted to say something more, but the sound of students arriving made her hesitate. She hurried ahead, disappearing into the crowd.
Naruto chuckled to himself.
"Shy, huh? She's kinda cute when she does that."
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Classroom 2-B: Trouble Finds Naruto
As the morning classes dragged on, Naruto leaned back in his chair, staring at the clock. His long legs stretched under his desk, his arms folded behind his head, and he sighed, bored out of his mind.
The teacher droned on about some history lesson, but Naruto wasn't paying attention. Instead, he noticed Miku sitting at her desk, diligently taking notes, her expression serious.
His phone vibrated.
He pulled it out, glancing at the screen. A text message.
Unknown Number: "Meet me behind the gym after class. We need to talk."
Naruto smirked. He had a good idea who it was.
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Behind the Gym: A Warning
After the final bell rang, Naruto strolled behind the gym. Sure enough, Ryo and his goons were waiting for him.
Ryo: "Yo, new kid. You've been messing with how things run around here."
Naruto sighed, slipping his hands into his pockets.
Naruto: "Oh? You mean when I stopped you from stealing a girl's lunch? Yeah, real tragic."
Ryo clenched his fists.
Ryo: "Listen up. Stay outta our business. That girl? She's just a loser. She does what we tell her to. That's how it's always been."
Naruto's expression darkened. He took a step forward, towering over Ryo.
Naruto: "Not anymore."
Ryo gritted his teeth, but he hesitated. Despite having numbers, Naruto looked way too calm, like he had been in plenty of fights before.
Naruto: "You can either drop this now… or I can make you regret it. Your call."
The air was tense. Ryo clicked his tongue and backed off.
Ryo: "Tch. Whatever. But don't think this is over."
Naruto watched them leave, shaking his head.
"Pathetic."
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Lunch Break: A Small Change
Naruto returned to class, plopping down in his seat just as Miku hesitantly approached him.
Miku: "Naruto… are you okay?"
Naruto blinked.
Naruto: "Huh? Why wouldn't I be?"
Miku hesitated before lowering her gaze.
Miku: "I saw you go behind the gym… with them."
Naruto smirked.
Naruto: "Heh. You worried about me?"
Miku's cheeks turned pink, and she quickly shook her head.
Miku: "I-I just… I know they don't like you because of… me."
Naruto stretched his arms, yawning.
Naruto: "Pfft. Like I care what they think. Besides, I don't let punks tell me what to do."
Miku stared at him, her fingers lightly gripping the hem of her blazer. Then, to Naruto's surprise, she pulled something from her bag and placed it on his desk.
A small bento box.
Miku (quietly): "I made an extra one today… for you."
Naruto stared at it for a moment before grinning.
Naruto: "Well, well. Didn't know you were a fan of mine already."
Miku's blush deepened.
Miku: "I-it's not like that! I just… wanted to thank you…"
Naruto chuckled and opened the box. The meal was simple but well-made. He took a bite of the rice and hummed in approval.
Naruto: "Damn. You're pretty good at this."
Miku bit her lip, watching nervously.
Miku: "R-really?"
Naruto nodded, flashing her a grin.
Naruto: "Guess I'm sitting with you for lunch from now on."
Miku blinked, her lips parting slightly in surprise. Then, for the first time, she gave him a small, genuine smile.
Miku: "O-okay…"
And just like that, a new routine was formed between the delinquent and the quiet girl.
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End of Episode 2.