The high school I attend has 70-minute classes, which has changed from junior high and is quite a long period of time.
Due to this change, I almost fell asleep at lunch. The announcement of lunch break was such a liberating feeling that I’ll probably grow wings at a faster rate than any energy drink would make me. In reality, it’s just my mood.
“Keru. Hurry up and go to the cafeteria or you’ll lose your seat.”
“Hold on a second. I’m reviewing the material on the board.”
“I see. I’ll wait for you then.”
The couple next to me get along very well.
Right now, I don’t feel like they’re intentionally flirting at all. However, when Otoha looked at Keru, who’s writing on the board, with the warmth of a wife, it made me think otherwise. It’s been less than a year since they’ve started dating, but it’s still kind of amazing how much time has passed.
Oops, I forgot.
Currently, I should be thinking about someone far more concerning than you two.
If it were a normal lunch break, Karen and I would go to the cafeteria together (I was her water carrier), but of course, today isn’t normal. Besides, Kaori had already disappeared with her friends, so I guess I’m eating solo today.
“Okay, I’m done. Sorry for taking so long… Huh? Aren’t you going to lunch, Ritsu?”
“I’m just trying to figure out what to do now.”
“I see… then, do you want to come to the cafeteria with us?”
“I appreciate that, but… that’s a no-go”
Indeed, lunch was a time for couples to be alone. If I intervened, my heart would probably throb from watching the scene.
Even if the boyfriend is okay with it, the girlfriend will probably be troubled.
However, with a gentle smile on her face, Otoha says to me,
“There’s no problem at all. After all, food tastes better when eaten with a large group.”
“…You’re an angel!”
“Don’t fall for my girlfriend, okay? It’s not hard to see that she’s cute.”
“H-Hey, don’t say cute so thoughtlessly.”
“Okay, okay.”
What a great couple… or rather, a secure couple. They can just nonchalantly flirt with each other like a seasoned couple. How dazzling.
I can even feel a sense of security and happiness when I watch them together.
“Well, I wouldn’t take my best friend’s girlfriend. Plus, Otoha is also a good friend.”
“…Can you not just decide that I’m your best friend?”
“I didn’t think you really had feelings for me!”
“I guess unrequited love just likes sticking around you.”
“Don’t screw around with a timely topic!”
I felt much better after having this conversation.
The fact that these two people talked to me in between classes must have made me feel much more relaxed.
I know these two are both good people.
And so, we headed towards the cafeteria.
***
At this school, the cafeteria is held in high esteem. It’s to the point where some food lovers, who just want to eat here, go out of their way to take the entrance exam to this high school.
In addition, the prices are friendly to high school students, which is a big plus.
Thanks to these reasons, the cafeteria is packed with students every day. Often, fights for seats occur.
And now, because I was a little late to lunch, the seats were occupied as far as I could see. Though, because I wasn’t called by anyone, I did manage to secure a seat through my enhanced mobility.
Thank you, Instructor Karen! Salute!
“I’ll wait here, so you two can go ahead first and get your lunch.”
“If you insist, then I’ll take you up on that.”
I’ll wait here to save our seats.
By the way, Instructor Karen had also taught about the virtue of standing by and waiting patiently.
He is the strongest when it comes to doing things that will help his fellow students in this school cafeteria.
I was looking around at the people surrounding me in a daze, and as usual, my eyes settled on Karen.
She was surrounded by about five girls. Indeed, Karen is the most beautiful girl in the school, making her also very popular.
Then, Karen’s group gradually walked closer and closer to me.
They’re looking for a seat, but… they can’t seem to find one. They had no choice but to split the group into two groups: one of three; the other of two.
Karen’s group of three advanced toward us.
When she got a little closer, I could tell that she was smiling and saying, “I don’t have a seat.” But when she saw me, she stopped talking and glared at me. That kind of change in attitude is scary. It’s like a magician instantly changing his or her clothes.
Then she stood imposingly in front of my seat. The way her form changed, the way her arms crossed, and the way her eyes stared at me from above was just like a boxing champion would. Considering her level, I think maybe she should go into professional boxing in the future.
“What, Ritsu, are you too embarrassed to eat with a bunch of people? And so you’re just trying to eat with the empty chairs?”
“If that were the case, that would be far more embarrassing.”
“Hmph. If you’re able to retort like that, then you’re here to eat with someone else. Hmph.”
Apparently, she wanted to have a long talk with me, so she told the girls with her to go on ahead.
I see. So, you’re going to beat me up one-on-one? I surrender!
“W-Well, yeah, I guess so. Thankfully, I have some friends.”
“Oh, yeah. You used to slobber and wag your tail so happily when you carried the water for me.”
“What did I even look like in your eyes!”
“A dog.”
“That’s so sad!”
Dogs weren’t even seen as… actual people, were they?
But at least I can proudly say that I’m better than a dog… I’m starting to feel empty.
“Well, it’s whatever. From now on, you’d better do your best so you don’t eat alone in the future!”
“Thanks for your concern.”
“Hmph!”
Karen followed the two girls again, pouting.
I guess that “Hmph!” is her habit now. If so, it’s one hell of a habit.
At any rate, I think it’s hitting me harder than before.
Stop thinking about it! Ritsu-kun, your life is zero!
But I would think that Karen would attack me even if my life is down to zero.
It’s horrible.
As I was shaking from thinking about it, I saw Keru and Otoha looking at me with concern.
Well, I’m glad I was able to avoid eating alone now.