The Delinquent The Quiet Girl
Episode 9 – A Crush?
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Morning: A Different Feeling
Miku wasn't sure when it started.
Maybe it was when Naruto stood up for her.
Maybe it was the way he always teased her but never in a mean way.
Maybe it was just his presence, loud but comforting at the same time.
But lately…
Whenever she saw him, her heart beat a little faster.
And that worried her.
--
At School: The Teasing Continues
As usual, Naruto greeted her outside the school gates.
Naruto: "Yo, Miku."
Miku felt warmth rise to her cheeks but quickly looked down.
Miku: "G-Good morning."
Naruto smirked.
Naruto: "You're acting weird."
Miku stiffened.
Did he notice?!
Miku: "N-No, I'm not!"
Naruto leaned closer, tilting his head.
Naruto: "You sure? Your face is kinda red."
Miku hid behind her scarf, looking away.
Miku: "I-It's just cold."
Naruto chuckled.
Naruto: "Yeah? Then why are your ears red too?"
Miku groaned internally.
Why was he so observant?!
--
Lunch Break: Realization Hits
Miku sat under their usual tree, but today she was too distracted to eat.
She kept sneaking glances at Naruto.
The way he laughed when watching something on his phone.
The way he casually leaned back, completely relaxed.
The way he always sat next to her, even when he could sit anywhere else.
And then it hit her.
She had a crush on Naruto Uzumaki.
Miku immediately froze.
Her face turned red.
Her hands trembled.
Naruto noticed.
Naruto: "Oi. What's up with you?"
Miku quickly shook her head.
Miku: "N-Nothing! I-I'm fine!"
Naruto narrowed his eyes.
Then he suddenly grinned.
Naruto: "Wait… don't tell me."
Miku gulped.
Naruto: "You got a crush on someone?"
Miku choked on her drink.
Miku: "W-What? N-No! That's ridiculous!"
Naruto laughed.
Naruto: "Damn, I was just joking, but that reaction—"
Miku wanted to disappear.
Her crush on him was going to kill her.
--
After School: Walking Home Together
The walk home felt different now.
Miku was hyper-aware of everything Naruto did.
The way he walked a little slower so she could keep up.
The way he casually shoved his hands in his pockets, looking cool without trying.
The way his headphones hung around his neck, music still faintly playing.
Her heart wouldn't calm down.
Naruto: "Oi, you sure you're not sick? You're acting real weird today."
Miku bit her lip.
She had to hide it.
Naruto was too dense to notice now, but if she wasn't careful…
He might figure it out.
And she wasn't ready for that.
Not yet.
--
End of Episode 9.