Kari sipped her coffee thoughtfully, enjoying the warmth of the drink and the sweet pastries in front of her. Her fondness for sweets had always been a defining part of her gentle, kind nature, contrasting sharply with Rika's penchant for sour things. Rika's taste in food was as sharp and intense as her personality, and it wasn't surprising that her choices often reflected her boldness. The dynamic between them—sweet and sour, gentle and biting—was something Naruto had come to appreciate during their time together. Kari, always calm and nurturing, balanced Rika's more prickly disposition, creating a mix of personalities that was both challenging and harmonious.
Rika, on the other hand, didn't share the same ease in their relationship. She was more guarded, a trait that extended beyond her love of sour flavors. Her demeanor, often tough and sarcastic, came from years of dealing with difficult situations and people, and she wasn't one to wear her emotions openly. However, despite her sharp tongue and somewhat abrasive nature, she had grown accustomed to Kari's sweetness and even found herself drawn to it in an unexpected way.
Rika leaned back in her chair as Kari set down her cup, eager for the real update. "How did it go?" Kari asked, eyeing her friend with an expectant gaze. She had known Rika for long enough to understand that she often played things close to the chest and enjoyed messing with people, but Kari also knew when to cut through the playful banter.
Rika smirked, a hint of mischief in her eyes. "As you had expected, the boys broke and now they're crying in their rooms." She teased lightly, her voice carrying a playful edge. "But you want the real news, huh?"
Kari gave her a knowing look. She had long since learned that Rika's sharp tongue wasn't just for show—it could be cutting when she wanted it to be. But it wasn't that Rika didn't care; it was more that she didn't want to show how much certain things affected her. And in this moment, it was clear she was trying to soften the blow with humor.
"The real news?" Kari leaned in, her expression softening with genuine concern. "What happened?"
Rika paused for a moment before responding, the playful smirk falling from her face. "We passed... except for Henry and Takato. Takato's a little slow, but I think he'll be fine in a couple of days. Tesla might be a different story. Naruto recommended you, so it depends on your abilities."
Kari nodded, taking in the information with a thoughtful frown. She knew Rika was holding back—there was more to this than she was letting on. Rika's tone, while neutral, revealed a hint of concern, something Kari wasn't used to hearing from her friend.
"I'll do my best," Kari said, her voice calm but determined. "I know how much this means to all of us."
Rika couldn't help but raise an eyebrow, clearly not expecting such a level of sincerity from Kari. But she didn't comment on it, instead letting the silence stretch between them. The tension from the fight they'd had just the day before still lingered in the air, but both girls had learned something important about each other in the aftermath. Despite their rivalry, despite their differences, they had to find a way to coexist—not just for Naruto's sake, but for their own growth.
Kari had seen Rika's prideful side more than once, but the fight they'd had earlier had revealed something deeper—a vulnerability that neither of them had wanted to acknowledge. Rika's usual sharp retorts had softened, and she had finally admitted that the emotional games they'd played with each other weren't helping. She knew that, in the long run, they would need to work together, not against each other. The competitive tension between them wasn't something that could be ignored forever, but they could no longer afford to let it consume them.
It wasn't just about winning Naruto's affection anymore—it was about finding a balance. Rika had initially thought she only wanted to be his lover, but now she realized there was more at stake. She had learned that love wasn't a competition, even if it sometimes felt that way. She wanted to be with Naruto, yes, but not at the expense of everything else. She wanted to build something real with him, not just to win a game.
The maids, too, had become part of the equation. They were emotional anchors in Naruto's life, and despite the tension they created, Rika had come to understand that they had their own place in his world. In this moment of reflection, both Rika and Kari recognized that their jealousy—though it had pushed them apart—was ultimately a reflection of their own insecurities.
Kari looked over at Rika, her expression softening further. "We'll make it through," she said, more to herself than anyone else. "All of us. Together."
Rika nodded slowly, a slight, understanding smile curling at the corners of her lips. Despite their differences, despite the misunderstandings, they were a team. And as much as they wanted to fight against each other at times, they knew they were stronger together than apart.
Kari's eyebrow arched at Rika's words, her calm composure finally breaking. Rika had always been able to push her buttons, but this time, the attempt at humor had gone too far. The sarcastic remark about giving up was one thing, but Rika's constant needling was starting to wear her thin.
"Hopefully, so…have you given up yet?" Rika had said with an air of casual indifference, but Kari's reaction was immediate. She was now wiping the coffee spill off her dress, a small frown tugging at her lips.
"Rika, you need to learn better jokes," Kari said dryly, not bothering to hide the annoyance in her voice. "That was rude."
Rika leaned back in her chair, the same smug expression on her face. "Who said it's a joke? I was just writing fiction with my mouth again," she replied, her tone shifting to one of playful defiance. The words hung in the air, a reflection of the ongoing tension between them.
Kari shook her head in disbelief. "You know, you're impossible." She sighed, as though coming to terms with the fact that things between them weren't going to change anytime soon. She'd been doing her best to keep things civil, but Rika's behavior just grated on her nerves.
"You need to stop being so serious. I'm not attacking you. It's just how I am," Rika said nonchalantly. "I don't hate you. It's just...you've got this attitude that I can't stand. But you know what? It'll take time for us to adjust. I'm not some submissive, goody-two-shoes like you."
Kari's eyes widened at the implication. "I am not submissive!" she snapped back, her voice rising slightly. "I'm just being mature while you're acting like a child. We're supposed to be working together, but you keep pushing my buttons."
Rika gave a sarcastic chuckle. "That's your problem, you take everything so seriously. I'm just being me. I'm honest about how I feel."
Kari's patience was wearing thin. "Well, I wish you'd be less rude while being yourself. It's like every conversation we have ends up like this—always a battle."
"That's just how it is," Rika shot back, leaning forward slightly, her eyes narrowing. "I thought you were someone who could handle the truth. But apparently, it's easier for you to hide behind that smile and pretend like everything's fine. Happy little Hikari, always so pleasant, always so nice."
"I don't hide behind anything," Kari said, her voice growing colder. "I enjoy being happy, okay? Why should I be cold and unapproachable just because you can't handle it?"
Rika raised an eyebrow. "Really? I thought you were on some good meds, always so cheerful. It's a little suspicious."
Kari's lips twitched in a small smile, but it didn't reach her eyes. "Do you think the same for Naruto?" she asked, a hint of challenge in her voice.
Rika's eyes flickered with a spark of something deeper, and she didn't back down. "Yeah, he's definitely taking weed and cocaine. Must be how he stays so chill all the time," she quipped.
Kari almost couldn't believe what she was hearing, but she didn't react to it. She'd learned to deal with Rika's antics over time, and as much as it annoyed her, she knew better than to rise to the bait.
"If I promise to miss you, will you go away?" Kari's voice was tinged with a dry humor, though she knew it wasn't going to work. Rika's stubbornness was well-known, and no amount of sweet words would make her retreat.
Rika visibly cringed, her face scrunching up as if she had just heard something unpleasant. "Ugh, that gave me goosebumps. Please refrain from such dangerous attacks or I might need counseling," she said, her tone exaggerated, but her eyes still gleaming with that mix of irritation and amusement.
Kari sighed heavily, feeling the weight of the conversation drag on. "Since you have trouble speaking like a normal person, I guess I'll have to do everything. You could have just said you didn't know how to start a conversation," she said, her words sharp but controlled. She was done with the sarcasm and the mind games. "So, how was the test?"
Rika's expression softened slightly, though it wasn't much of a shift. "This obviously isn't working out," she said, her voice taking on a heavier tone. "I think it's time for us to go our separate ways and start making other people miserable."
Naruto's hand on Rika's shoulder was both a gentle reminder and a subtle command, and it immediately made Rika pause. She could feel the familiar presence of his touch, warm and grounding, and for a moment, the sharp edges of their banter dulled under his influence. He squeezed her shoulder lightly, his tone taking on a firmness that made Rika straighten her posture slightly.
"What did I say about this?" Naruto asked, his voice low but clear.
Rika, never one to back down from a challenge, smirked but didn't give him the satisfaction of flinching. "Do it again, I like it when you are sarcastic."
Naruto's eyebrow quirked in response, but his lips barely twitched with amusement. "Nice try. I said play nice. Do you want me to do it in public?"
"I know you can't do it, so why say it?" Rika retorted with a playful shrug, the usual sarcasm in her voice, but there was a hint of something softer now. Something that only Naruto could bring out when he was near.
"You're using your pretty little head for the wrong reasons," Naruto remarked, leaning down to her level, his face serious but not unkind. "Don't antagonize Kari too much. A little bit of fun is fine, but too much isn't good. Okay?"
Rika paused, taking a moment to process his words. His gaze was steady and sincere, and she knew he wasn't just talking about the moment but about the bigger picture, about how important it was to build relationships and respect each other. She sighed but softened a little, recognizing that he was right.
"I just didn't know how to play nice, so it just happened. I will try better, and maybe learn from the dissatisfied fairy on the other side." Rika added with a hint of humor, but her tone had softened slightly. It wasn't a drastic change, but Naruto had a way of making her want to do better, even if she wasn't fully ready to admit it yet.
Naruto smiled, tapping her on the head affectionately. Then, he moved over to sit between the two women, taking Kari's hand in his. His touch was comforting, a calm presence that eased the tension in the air.
"You know how she is," Naruto said, his voice gentle but firm as he looked at Kari. "Please understand. She isn't trying to be rude towards you. She sometimes has problems with talking normally with certain people. Just play along, and it will help you increase your patience and control."
His words were soothing, and there was a sincerity in his voice that made Kari feel a little lighter. She knew he wasn't making excuses for Rika's behavior, but he was offering a way for them to get along despite their differences. Kari squeezed his hand in response, appreciating the support and the understanding.
"I will try," Kari replied, her voice softening as she looked at both Rika and Naruto. The tension between the three of them had been building for a while, but now, with Naruto's steady presence, it seemed a little more manageable. She couldn't help but feel better with him around. Holding his hand gave her a sense of security, and for a fleeting moment, she thought about kissing him. But she held back, knowing she needed to be sure, and that Tai wouldn't be pleased if things moved too fast.
"Good, you're a wonderful girl, unlike a certain tsundere girl," Naruto teased with a grin, leaning back in his seat, his tone playful but warm.
"I am no such thing! Take that back!" Rika huffed, crossing her arms in a mock pout. "Hmph, hmph." She couldn't help but smile a little at the playful exchange, her earlier defensiveness melting away in Naruto's presence. There was something about him that made her drop her guard, even if only for a moment.
Kari couldn't help but smile as well, watching the two of them interact. It was clear that, despite the tension between her and Rika, Naruto had a way of making everything feel less complicated. It was like magic—his simple presence made things easier, even when they were at odds with each other.
"Hopefully we can get through this stage peacefully," Kari thought, her smile lingering. For a brief moment, she let herself enjoy the calm, even though the unease from her recent dreams still lingered in the back of her mind. She tried to push it away, reminding herself that things were looking better, that she was making progress with Naruto, and that the future could hold more happiness than she realized.
With the trio settled in their small, casual moment together, they made the most of it. Naruto, Kari, and Rika continued to spend time with each other, their bonds gradually strengthening through shared experiences and open conversations. Young, having finished up his training session, joined them later.