"Ryosuke… that sounded even better than singing a ballad!"
Obito's blood was pumping from the speech, but the fact that it came out of Ryosuke's mouth left him staring like he'd just seen a ghost. He held it in for a moment before blurting that out.
Better than singing? Please. That was pure sincerity.
You blockhead, you wouldn't understand a thing.
"Obito."
Ryosuke shot him a glance.
"Huh?"
Obito blinked.
"Sometimes, if you don't know how to put something into words, it's better to just keep quiet."
Obito finally snapped out of it and glared back at him.
"Obito! Don't be so rude! What Ryosuke said just now was really good. I've heard Lady Tsunade's lecture before, and Ryosuke's ninja way feels exactly the same—it… really struck me."
The moment Rin said that, Obito's angry look faded. After thinking for a moment, he gave a goofy grin.
"Really? So Ryosuke's that amazing, huh?"
Ryosuke looked at him wordlessly. This guy wasn't just a hopeless simp—he was a master of changing faces in an instant.
"Alright, alright, it's getting late. Let's head back; we still have class this afternoon," Rin reminded them after checking the time.
Ryosuke glanced back at Kakashi.
"What about you? Where are you going this afternoon?"
"I'm a little tired. I'll head home first—come find me after school," Kakashi said, tucking his lunch box under his arm and walking off the rooftop with his hands in his pockets.
"Ryosuke, doesn't Kakashi seem… in a pretty good mood today?" Rin said softly as she stepped up beside him, watching Kakashi's back.
Ryosuke didn't answer. He watched until Kakashi's figure disappeared before pulling his gaze back.
"Come on, Rin. Let's head back—and leave Obito here to clean the rooftop."
"Hey, hey, hey! Why am I the one stuck cleaning?!"
Ryosuke raised a brow. "There were only three of you eating here. Kakashi went home. What—were you planning to let Rin clean up by herself?"
"Uh… that…"
Obito froze when Rin's name came up, suddenly looking unsure.
"Obito, I—"
Before Rin could offer to stay and help, Ryosuke grabbed her by the wrist and pulled her toward the stairs, leaving Obito behind.
Once they were back in the classroom, Ryosuke finally let go of her hand. He gave a small smile, then headed straight to his seat, stretching and laying his head down for an afternoon nap.
The school day flew by, and the bell rang.
"Ryosuke! School's out!"
Obito strode over to Ryosuke's desk and practically yelled into his ear—clearly payback for being left alone on the rooftop earlier.
Ryosuke frowned, cracking one eye open before yawning. Seeing Obito's face way too close, he simply reached out, planted a hand on it, and pushed him away.
"Didn't I tell you? I'm not into guys. Stay back."
At those words, Rin glanced toward Obito in surprise.
Catching the look from the girl he liked, Obito's face instantly turned crimson.
"Ryosuke! I'm not into guys either! Don't spread lies about me!"
He pointed at Ryosuke, voice shaking, then turned to Rin in a panic.
"Rin, I swear—it's not true! He's slandering me!"
Rin just sighed and looked at Ryosuke.
"Ryosuke, you're teasing Obito again, aren't you?"
Ryosuke smirked, then zipped up his bag.
"Let's go."
The three had barely reached the classroom door when Kurenai appeared, clearly waiting for him, and blocked their path.
"Ryosuke, I need to talk to you for a moment. Could you come with me?"
Her cheeks were tinged red, and her baby-faced features carried a hint of nervousness.
Ryosuke nodded. "Wait for me," he told the others.
Kurenai let out a quiet breath of relief and led him to the far end of the corridor.
"Here… this is your lunch box."
She carefully pulled a spotless lunch box from her bag and handed it to him.
"Oh, thanks. I'll take it," Ryosuke said casually, reaching for it and already turning to leave.
Kurenai, flustered, quickly grabbed his hand.
"Wait a second!"
Ryosuke blinked. Wasn't she just here to return the lunch box? Was there something else?
"You…" She bit her lip and lowered her head. "Give me my lunch box back."
Ryosuke smacked his forehead. Right—he'd taken her lunch at noon, and the box was still in his bag.
Opening it, he paused at the sight of the empty but unwashed container.
"Sorry. I usually take my lunch box home to wash. Guess I forgot after eating yours today…"
Holding the one she had cleaned for him, he felt a little guilty. This was basically taking advantage of a nice person.
"How about… I give yours back tomorrow instead?"
Kurenai shook her head, taking the box back herself.
"No need. I'll take care of it."
"Oh, okay."
"Tomorrow…"
"Tomorrow what?" Ryosuke asked, puzzled.
"Can we… trade lunches?" she asked, her blush deepening.
"…Huh?" Ryosuke gave her a strange look. Was this girl into something weird?
"If you agree to trade, I can also wash your lunch box after you're done," she added, summoning her courage to meet his eyes. "And… if you have time, could you teach me how you cook your food?"
Ah—so that's it. She wanted his cooking.
No wonder she wanted to trade. His lunches were all homemade dishes—simple, delicious, and perfect with rice. Judging by her shy but eager look, she'd completely fallen for the taste.
Well, it wasn't like he'd lose anything.
"Sure—but starting tomorrow, bring an extra lunch. Just one more. I don't get full otherwise."
[End of Chapter]