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𝟑𝐫𝐝•Pov
Shadow leaned against a tree in the distance, his arms crossed as his crimson eyes followed Y/n's every move. He had been observing her since Tails introduced her to the others. She was... peculiar. The android didn't act the way he expected—too cheerful, too determined, and far too eager to fit in with a group she barely knew.

From where he stood, Shadow watched as Y/n chatted with Sonic and Tails, her voice carrying faintly on the wind. Sonic was laughing, clearly impressed by her ability to keep up with his speed earlier. Shadow scoffed to himself. So what if she's fast? She's still just a machine.

Yet, as much as he wanted to ignore her, his gaze kept drifting back. When Tails handed her a small gadget and explained how it worked, Y/n's quick understanding surprised even the fox.

She tinkered with it for a moment, then handed it back, now fixed and improved. Tails beamed at her, impressed.

"She's trying too hard" Shadow muttered under his breath, though no one was around to hear him. He didn't understand why someone something like her was so determined to help everyone.

And worse, she'd made it clear she wanted to help him.

Shadow tensed as Y/n suddenly turned her head and locked eyes with him. For a moment, neither of them moved. Then, to his irritation, she started walking toward him.

"Why are you avoiding me?" Y/n asked when she reached him, tilting her head curiously.

"I'm not avoiding you" Shadow replied flatly, though he made no effort to hide his annoyance.

"Then why do you keep watching me from a distance?" she pressed. "If you don't want my help, just say it."

"I already did" he snapped, glaring down at her. "I don't need help from anyone, especially not from an android trying to play hero."

Y/n frowned but didn't back down. "I'm not playing hero. I just want to help. Isn't that what teammates do?"

"We're not teammates" Shadow said coldly.

Her expression softened, though her determination didn't waver. "You think being an android means I can't care about anyone? I may not be like you, but that doesn't mean I don't have a purpose. My purpose is to help, whether you like it or not."

Shadow clenched his fists, his mind racing with frustration. Her words struck a nerve, though he couldn't explain why.

Before he could respond, Tails and Knuckles approached, clearly sensing the tension.

"Everything okay over here?" Tails asked, looking between the two.

"It's fine" Shadow muttered, turning away.

"Doesn't look fine," Knuckles said, smirking. "You're grumpier than usual, Shadow."

"Don't you have something better to do?" Shadow shot back, his tone sharp.

Sonic jogged over, a teasing grin on his face. "What's going on? Shadow finally meeting his match? Y/n must be tougher than I thought to get under your skin."

"Enough" Shadow growled, glaring at Sonic before walking away without another word.

Y/n watched him go, her resolve only strengthening. She turned to Tails. "I'll help him. No matter how long it takes, I'll help him."

Tails gave her a reassuring smile, though he looked uncertain. "It won't be easy. Shadow doesn't open up to anyone."

"I know" Y/n said quietly. "But I won't give up."

Shadow walked through the forest alone, his thoughts swirling. Y/n's words echoed in his mind, no matter how much he tried to push them away.

"I just want to help."

He stopped by a quiet clearing, leaning against another tree as he stared at the ground. Why did she care so much? Why couldn't she just leave him alone like everyone else did?

And why did a part of him—deep down—wonder if she really could help him?

Shadow shook his head, forcing the thought away. He didn't need anyone. And he definitely didn't need her.

But as he stood there in the silence, he couldn't deny the faint, nagging curiosity that wouldn't leave him alone.