Lara landed on the ground with a thud, the impact jolting her senses. Natsu was taken aback by Lara's unexpected fall.
A flicker of concern crossed his face as he watched her struggle to regain her balance.
"Told you to stay away," he muttered under his breath, his voice laced with irritation.
However, Lara, ever the optimist, giggled as she stood up, "You know," she began, a mischievous glint in her eye, "you're kinda cute when you get angry."
Natsu's face flushed a little pink. He tried to maintain his tough exterior but couldn't hide the embarrassment creeping up on him. "I am not cute," he said.
Lara giggled, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Somebody's blushing pink," she teased, pointing at Natsu's flushed face.
Natsu, caught off guard, denied it vehemently. "I am not," he insisted, his voice rising slightly.
Lara, undeterred, continued her playful banter, "No hiding from Lara the Great," she declared, her voice echoing with confidence. "I can seek truth like the Pegasus," she added, a mischievous glint in her eye.
Natsu retorted, "You!".
Ryu, having finished his work, entered the scene, his presence breaking the tension between Lara and Natsu."Hey, I was looking for both of you," he said, his voice carrying a note of urgency. "Why won't you pick up your phones?" he asked, his eyebrows raised in question.
Lara, still caught up in her playful banter, replied nonchalantly, "Oh, sorry, my phone was on silent mode. "Natsu, however, remained silent, his expression unreadable.
Ryu pulled out an envelope and handed it to Natsu. "Here," he said, his voice filled with a mixture of relief and anticipation.
Natsu took the envelope, his curiosity piqued. "What's this?" he asked, his voice laced with confusion.
Ryu explained, "It's your advance. From our manager. He said to be on time from everyday and take care of Lara and be a good manager to her."
Natsu's eyes widened in disbelief as he took the envelope, his hands trembling slightly. "He said what?" he repeated, his voice rising in disbelief.
Ryu smiled. "He was kind of impressed by you to be honest."
Natsu was still in disbelief, "But..."
Lara, sensing the gravity of the situation, tried to lighten the mood, "Hey, quit this 'but, but' and smile a little," she said, her voice filled with cheerfulness.
Lara, taking charge of the situation, commanded, "Now that you're officially my manager, then I order you to go to the studio nurse right now!"
Ryu's eyebrows raised in surprise. "Nurse?" he questioned, clearly puzzled.
Natsu, nursing his injured hand, tried to play it cool. "Nothing," he replied, his voice firm.
Lara, undeterred, insisted, "Look at your hand!" Her tone was both concerned and authoritative.
Natsu glanced down at his hand, now visibly swollen and red. He couldn't deny the severity of the injury, "Ughh," he groaned, finally relenting.
Ryu nodded, understanding the urgency of the situation. "You go to the nurse. I'll drop Lara to her staying place. It's already 5 pm," he said, his tone firm.
Lara's eyes lit up with excitement. "Where am I staying?" she asked, her voice filled with anticipation.
Ryu smiled. "A little surprise," he replied, leaving her to ponder the possibilities. "Ah, I can't wait," Lara exclaimed, her excitement growing.
Lara turned to Natsu. "And you, go to the nurse and take care," she repeated, her tone gentle and firm.
Natsu "fine" he said and walked away. Ryu and Lara ,their conversation continuing as they walked towards the car.
Natsu, instead of going to the nurse, headed towards his apartment, his mind racing. He ignored the throbbing pain in his hand, his focus solely on the thick envelope in his hands. A small smile crept onto his face.