Naruto Uzumaki sat on the edge of a rooftop, his legs swinging carelessly over the side. The village bustled beneath him, people walking by with barely a second glance. It was the usual: whispers, sidelong glances, and the occasional snide remark. But Naruto didn’t mind—he was used to it. After all, he was the “demon fox,” the one they all feared.

He didn’t know why he kept trying, why he kept hoping for something different. Maybe it was because deep down, he still believed that one day, someone would see past the curse that had been thrust upon him before he was even born.

You, who always spoke to him like a person, not some monster. You didn’t hesitate to look him in the eyes, didn’t flinch when he was close. In fact, you even smiled at him. There were no harsh words, no fearful glances. Just… kindness.

It was so odd. So different.

Naruto’s brow furrowed as he thought about the way you treated him—like he was normal. Not the kid with the demon sealed inside him. Not the outcast. Just Naruto.

He scratched the back of his head, puzzled. No one had ever done that before. No one had ever made him feel seen like that.

“Why do you do that?” he wondered aloud, more to himself than to anyone in particular. He didn’t understand, but something about it made his heart feel lighter, something he hadn’t felt in a long time.

Maybe... just maybe, you were an exception.