The Delinquent The Quiet Girl
Episode 11 – Getting Closer
--
Morning: A Different Kind of Tension
Miku wasn't sure what changed, but something between her and Naruto felt… different.
Ever since yesterday, Naruto had been acting weird.
He wasn't teasing her as much.
He kept glancing at her, then looking away.
And when she asked him about it—
Naruto: "Tch. Nothin'. Just hurry up, we're gonna be late."
Miku tilted her head.
Why did he seem flustered?
--
At School: A Small Moment
During class, Naruto rested his chin on his hand, staring out the window.
Miku stole a glance at him.
His usual bored expression was there, but his leg was bouncing slightly, as if he was… nervous?
Why is he acting like this?
Then, suddenly—
A small note slid onto her desk.
Miku blinked, looking around.
Naruto was still staring out the window, but his fingers drummed against his desk.
Curious, she opened the note.
It was messily written:
"You okay?"
Miku's eyes widened slightly.
She glanced at Naruto again.
He wasn't looking at her, but his ears were a little red.
Her heart skipped a beat.
She quickly wrote back:
"I'm fine. Are you?"
She slid the note back to his desk.
Naruto unfolded it.
Paused.
Then, without looking at her, scribbled something and slid it back.
Miku opened it.
"Yeah. Just… dunno. Kinda weird."
Miku stared at his words.
Weird?
Did that mean… he felt the same strange tension that she did?
Her cheeks warmed.
She bit her lip, unsure what to write next.
But before she could, the teacher's voice interrupted them.
Teacher: "Naruto, Miku, if you're going to pass notes, at least make sure I can't see you."
The class snickered.
Miku turned bright red, quickly tucking the note away.
Naruto groaned, rubbing his temples.
Naruto: "Tch. Busted."
--
Lunch Break: Unwanted Attention
Naruto and Miku sat under their usual tree, sharing lunch.
Well—Miku was sharing, Naruto was stealing pieces of her food.
Miku: "You have your own lunch, Naruto…"
Naruto: "Yeah, but yours looks better." Smirk.
Miku pouted, pulling her bento closer.
Before Naruto could tease her more, a group of boys approached.
Miku immediately tensed.
These were the same guys who used to bully her.
Boy #1: "Oi, Nakano."
Naruto's eyes narrowed.
Boy #2: "Looks like you've been getting real close to Uzumaki."
Naruto's jaw tightened.
Boy #3: "Didn't think a quiet girl like you had it in you."
Miku gripped her skirt, trying to ignore them.
Naruto slowly stood up, shoving his hands in his pockets.
Naruto: "The hell do you guys want?"
The boys laughed, but there was nervousness behind it.
Everyone knew Naruto was a delinquent.
Expelled from three schools.
Strong as hell.
And not afraid to throw a punch.
Boy #1: "Relax, man. We're just saying—"
Naruto: "Yeah? Well, I'm saying shut the hell up."
The group flinched.
Naruto's usual lazy expression was gone.
Now, he looked dangerous.
Naruto: "She doesn't need to hear your dumbass comments. So beat it."
The boys hesitated—then muttered curses and walked off.
Miku let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding.
Miku: "…Thank you."
Naruto sat back down, clicking his tongue.
Naruto: "Tch. They're lucky I didn't knock their teeth out."
Miku smiled softly.
He was rough, but he always protected her.
Her chest felt warm.
She wasn't sure if she was ready to admit it yet, but—
Her crush on Naruto was definitely growing.
And maybe… just maybe…
He was starting to feel something too.
--
End of Episode 11.