The Cursed Eyed Priestess (Naruto x Oc)

18 - Bonding

Reika was heading to ichiraku and saw Iwashi in the way

Reika: Iwashi?? Hey! Funny seeing you here, what've you been up to???

Iwashi: I was training.

Reika then wrapped her arm around his neck, leaning on him

Reika: great then you must be hungry huh?? We should head to the ichiraku together because I'm STARVING!

Iwashi's expression remained aloof as Reika leaned on him, but a flicker of something crossed his eyes. However, he didn't push her away and simply nodded, playing along.

Iwashi: (sighs) Lead the way then...

They went to Ichiraku together and Teuchi smiled as away

Teuchi: hey, Reika! The usual?

Reika: (excited) yeahh!!!

Teuchi: and who's this, your date?

Reika: (shakes head, flustered) no no no no no!!! Just friends!

Teuchi chuckled, clearly amused. "Alright, alright," he said with a smile. "Two bowls of ramen it is!"

Iwashi sat down at the counter next to Reika, his expression still somewhat stoic.

Reika: (cooling down) I'm so glad I bumped into you... it's nice to finally hang out with you (she said with an angelic smile, looking at him)

Iwashi felt a pang of something he rarely experienced—a sense of warmth. Reika's angelic smile and the unexpected compliment caught him off guard. He tried to maintain his usual cool demeanor.

Iwashi: ... it's nothing. Just a coincidence.

Reika: (sigh as she leaned back, holding the table for support) even soo, you're a cool guy. You're talented but you don't brag and I think that's an important quality! (Smile)

Iwashi was taken aback by Reika's sincere praise. Her words, although genuine, caught him off guard. He wasn't used to such compliments, especially not coming from someone who seemed to radiate genuine goodness.

Iwashi: (quietly) ... don't give me so much praise for something so small

They then got their ramen

Reika: ahh finally!!!

Teuchi placed two steaming bowls of ramen in front of them, the rich aroma filling the air. "Enjoy, you two!", he said with a smile.

Iwashi eyed his bowl, with his usual indifferent expression

Reika was blowing on her ramen as a fan, trying to cool it

As Reika blew on her ramen to cool it down, Iwashi watched her, a hint of amusement in his eyes. He took a moment to observe her childlike behavior before taking a bite of his own ramen, his expression still stoic.

Reika: (swinging her legs) I love ramen they're my favorite food~!

Iwashi couldn't help but notice the contrast between her excited demeanor and his more composed one. Despite his usual coolness, he found himself drawn to her youthful energy. As he ate his ramen, he quietly observed her.

He finished him ramen in 5 minutes meanwhile she was taking her sweet time

Iwashi watched as Reika continued to eat her ramen at a more leisurely pace. Her enjoyment was evident in her every action. Meanwhile, he had finished his bowl in only 5 minutes, a consequence of his disciplined upbringing.