Chapter 19
Lunchbox
“Time for lunch! Hey, Seiya-kun, Taiyo-kun, push your desks together!”
Today is so lively because of the noisy Mizusato-san. Having someone like her really changes the atmosphere of the group. Even Kanaha Yumisaki, who was reserved yesterday, looks cheerful with Mizusato-san around.
“It’s reassuring to have Mizusato-san here.”
“Thanks, Kanaha-chan! Love you!”
Mizusato-san jumps in and hugs Yumisaki. She’s quite touchy, and while it’s nice to see beautiful girls interacting, sometimes it’s hard to know where to look.
“Hmm, Kanaha-chan, you’ve grown again.”
“W-what are you saying?!”
And it’s also awkward around the ears… I wish she wouldn’t say that in front of the opposite sex. She really lacks delicacy. To be frank, Yumisaki has the biggest… well, assets in this group. Short in height, but her head and chest are… remarkable.
“Mizusato-kun, you haven’t changed, huh.”
The classroom door opens, and in walks a stunningly beautiful girl—no, a full-fledged beauty.
Her long, hazy-colored hair reaches her waist, so well cared for that even an amateur like me can tell, and I can only stare in awe.
Her name is Saika Kudobara, but we usually call her Kudo-san—except for two people.
“That’s me, Aya-chan!”
Kudo-san twitches slightly at her temple when called Aya-chan. She seems ticklish when her first name is used. Personally, I’m not good at using first names, so I’m glad she can.
She’s the last student of the Special Advancement Class in my grade. That makes five of us in total. Look at this group of stunningly handsome and beautiful people… I’m completely out of place here.
“Seiya.”
“Yes, senpai?”
Seiya and Kudo-san start a light conversation. Actually, Kudo-san spent her time abroad after elementary school, so she’s a year older but in the same grade.
These two went to the same elementary school and have a rather meaningful past connection. The fact that Seiya still calls her “senpai” is a little suspicious. They had some history, and now in the present, they’ve reunited… the setup for a romantic comedy.
When they met again in May, it was intense—Kudo-san confessed her love to Seiya in front of the whole school. So, Kudo-san clearly likes Seiya.
“Taiyo-kun.”
“Y-yes!”
Just as I thought the conversation was over, Kudo-san speaks to me.
She’s also the daughter of a very wealthy family. Honestly, I’m not good with her. Some people are just too beautiful.
“Are you fully recovered? Back in July… that was quite an injury, wasn’t it?”
“It’s nothing serious. I was discharged after about three weeks. I’m fine.”
“I’m truly sorry.”
Kudo-san bows at a 45-degree angle.
That incident in late July—just an accident. Honestly, most of the fault lies with my clumsiness, not Kudo-san who organized the trip.
I told her this during my hospitalization, but she’s a serious person… usually playful, but not in moments like this.
“I’ve said it before, Kudo-san. It wasn’t your fault. Even if you apologize, it’s unnecessary. Let’s put it behind us. Let’s think about winter break instead. Snowboarding—or maybe hot springs!”
“You really are something…”
I forcibly ended that topic. There’s no need to recall the past; it’s over.
“Did something happen?”
As yesterday, Tsukiyo comes into the classroom—perfect timing.
The atmosphere among the five of us softens. What a relief.
Of course, Tsukiyo spreads out her lunch on my desk. I think she could’ve used the girls’ desks, but I don’t want to treat her coldly.
Everyone opens their lunchboxes and starts eating. With six of us together, the conversation flows. But…
“Seiya-kun.”
“Seiya.”
“Kaminagi-san.”
Seiya is always the center of attention. This group gathers and exists around him. Without Seiya, I probably wouldn’t even be part of it.
Some outsiders tease that I’m just piggybacking on Seiya, but I’ve never thought that way.
I want to see who Seiya will choose… watching the outcome of this love story is my greatest high school pleasure.
However, the one who disrupts my thoughts… is the girl sitting next to me.
“Taiyo-san, can I have a moment?”
Tsukiyo takes out a small container from her school bag beside the desk.
A little hesitantly, she places it next to my lunchbox.
“What’s this?”
“I tried making something yesterday. I wasn’t sure if it would be good as a side for lunch… could you taste it for me?”
I wondered if Seiya couldn’t do it, but if I can taste Tsukiyo’s cooking, there’s no need to ask.
I open the lid—there are two pieces of tamagoyaki.
I take one with my chopsticks and put it in my mouth. Tsukiyo watches intently, which makes it slightly awkward.
It has green onions and… I think imitation crab? The flavor is perfect… delicious.
“This is really good. You’re an amazing cook, Tsukiyo.”
“—Th-thank you!”
Honestly, it’s delicious. I eat the other piece too—thank you.
Tsukiyo looks pleased, but tries not to show it too much, pressing her lips together. It’s a charming little gesture.
Anyone would probably think it’s delicious.
“I could eat Tsukiyo’s cooking forever.”
“…Then, can I make it again?”
The slight smile on her face is incredibly cute. I’m captivated, and can only nod in response.
Seeing her quietly celebrate makes my heart race. She’s really kind and such a good girl…
Lunch this week is something I’m looking forward to.
