The Delinquent The Quiet Girl

Episode 3 – Rumors Reputations

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Morning: Whispers in the Hallway

It had been a week since Naruto started sitting with Miku for lunch, and the school was buzzing with rumors.

"Did you hear? That delinquent Naruto is hanging out with Miku Nakano!"

"Why is she with him? He got expelled from three schools, right?"

"Maybe he's forcing her to be with him?"

Miku, walking through the hallways with her head down, could hear the whispers all around her. It made her feel anxious, her fingers gripping the straps of her school bag tightly.

She never liked being the center of attention.

As she reached her classroom, she saw Naruto casually leaning against the doorframe, his black-and-orange custom jacket draped over his shoulders, headphones around his neck, as he scrolled through his phone.

He looked up when he noticed her.

Naruto: "Yo."

Miku hesitated. She could feel the stares of other students on them.

Miku (softly): "…Morning."

Naruto raised an eyebrow.

Naruto: "You okay? You look nervous."

Miku bit her lip, glancing around.

Miku: "…People are talking about us."

Naruto snorted, shoving his phone into his pocket.

Naruto: "Let them. Who cares?"

Miku lowered her gaze.

She cared.

--

Classroom 2-B: A Change in Behavior

Throughout the day, Miku noticed something odd.

The usual bullies—Ryo and his gang—weren't bothering her anymore. In fact, most of the students who used to take advantage of her were suddenly keeping their distance.

She saw one girl, who used to make her do homework, take one look at Naruto casually sitting next to Miku, and immediately walk away without a word.

Miku stared at Naruto.

He wasn't even doing anything. He was just there.

Did people really fear him that much?

--

Lunch Break: A Different Kind of Attention

Miku sat under a tree in the courtyard, setting out the bento she made for Naruto. She had started making him lunch every day—it had become their little routine.

Naruto flopped down next to her, stretching his long legs.

Naruto: "Man, I think I'm getting used to these."

Miku glanced at him.

Miku: "…You like them?"

Naruto smirked, taking a bite.

Naruto: "Hell yeah. You should open a restaurant or something."

Miku's cheeks turned pink.

Just then, a few girls from another class walked by, whispering and giggling while sneaking glances at Naruto.

"He's actually kinda hot…"

"I heard he fought off an entire gang at his old school!"

"Maybe he's not so bad?"

Miku looked at Naruto, expecting him to be annoyed.

Instead, he grinned.

Naruto: "Heh. I think I'm getting popular."

Miku frowned.

She wasn't sure why, but… she didn't like it.

--

After School: A Confrontation

As Miku packed her things, she suddenly heard a voice behind her.

"Hey, Nakano."

She turned around to see Ryo, arms crossed, smirking.

Miku (nervous): "…What do you want?"

Ryo glanced at Naruto's empty desk.

Ryo: "That guy—Naruto—he's only hanging around you to look cool, you know that, right?"

Miku's hands tightened around her bag.

Miku: "…That's not true."

Ryo chuckled.

Ryo: "Oh, come on. You think some delinquent really cares about a quiet, nobody girl like you?"

Miku flinched.

Miku: "I… I…"

Suddenly, a strong hand grabbed Ryo's shoulder.

Naruto: "Yo."

Ryo froze.

Naruto stood behind him, towering over him, his usual smirk gone.

Naruto: "Didn't I tell you to back off?"

Ryo swallowed hard.

Ryo: "…Tch. Whatever."

He turned and left, leaving Miku standing there, staring at Naruto.

Naruto sighed, rubbing the back of his neck.

Naruto: "Geez. That guy doesn't quit, huh?"

Miku looked down.

Miku: "…Naruto."

Naruto blinked.

Miku (quietly): "…Why are you doing this?"

Naruto frowned.

Naruto: "Huh?"

Miku clenched her fists.

Miku: "You don't even know me that well. So why are you always helping me?"

Naruto stared at her for a moment before sighing.

Naruto: "…Because I don't like seeing people get stepped on."

Miku's eyes widened.

Naruto stuffed his hands into his pockets, looking away.

Naruto: "Back when I was a kid, people used to treat me like crap too. But I fought back. You? You just take it."

Miku bit her lip.

Naruto: "I dunno… maybe I just don't like watching that happen."

There was a long silence.

Then, to Naruto's surprise, Miku gave a small, warm smile.

Miku: "…Thank you."

Naruto blinked. Then, for the first time, he felt a little flustered.

Naruto: "Tch. Whatever. Just don't get all weird about it."

Miku giggled softly.

For the first time, she felt like maybe—just maybe—she wasn't alone anymore.

--

End of Episode 3.