Two and a half hours later.
The sound of chairs scraping against the floor filled the classroom as students stretched and packed their things.
"Finally…"
I leaned back in my chair and rubbed my neck.
Three classes.
No sleep.
No breakfast.
My brain felt like it had been wrapped in cotton.
Then the bell rang.
DING—DONG—DONG—
"Lunch break!"
The classroom instantly became noisy.
Students stood up, chatting excitedly while grabbing their bags and lunch boxes.
"Let's go to the canteen!"
"Wait for me!"
"I'm starving!"
I slowly stood up from my seat.
"Yeah… food sounds like a good idea."
My stomach immediately agreed.
Grrrrrr…
"Right."
I grabbed my wallet and slung my bag over my shoulder.
"Canteen it is."
The hallway outside was already crowded with students moving toward the cafeteria.
Some laughed loudly.
Some argued about test answers.
Some simply walked together in small groups.
I followed the flow of people down the stairs.
Thump… thump… thump…
Halfway down the staircase, something caught my eye.
Someone was standing near the railing.
Alone.
"…Huh?"
I slowed down.
"Isn't that… Himari?"
She stood quietly with her hands clasped together, looking slightly nervous. Her long hair fell neatly over her shoulders, and her gaze moved around the hallway as if she were searching for something.
Or someone.
I walked closer.
"Hey."
She looked up immediately.
"Ah—!"
Her eyes widened slightly.
"R-Renji."
"Yeah."
I stopped beside her.
"Is something wrong?"
She hesitated.
Her fingers tightened around the edge of her sleeve.
"…Can you help me?"
I blinked.
"With what?"
She looked away for a moment before answering.
"I… forgot my lunch box at home."
"Oh."
"And…"
Her voice became even quieter.
"…I was wondering if you could share your lunch with me."
I scratched the back of my head awkwardly.
"Ah…"
"About that…"
She looked up hopefully.
"I didn't bring a lunch box today either."
Her shoulders dropped slightly.
"Oh…"
"…I see."
She lowered her head.
"Sorry for bothering you."
She turned slightly as if preparing to leave.
"Wait."
She stopped.
I pointed down the hallway.
"I was actually heading to the canteen."
Her eyes lifted again.
"…Really?"
"Yeah."
"If you want, you can come with me."
She blinked.
"…Are you sure?"
"Of course."
I shrugged casually.
"I'm hungry anyway."
Her expression softened slightly.
"…Thank you."
"No problem."
We started walking together down the hallway.
For a few moments, neither of us spoke.
The noise from the cafeteria grew louder as we approached.
The smell of fried food and noodles drifted through the air.
Students crowded around the counters, waiting in long lines.
"Wow…"
Himari looked around quietly.
"It's really busy."
"Yeah," I said.
"Lunch time is always like this."
We stepped inside the canteen.
Metal trays clattered.
Cash registers beeped.
Students laughed and argued over seats.
I pointed toward the menu board above the counter.
"What do you want?"
She quickly shook her head.
"No, no. I can't let you buy me food."
"Why not?"
"Because I asked for help first."
"And?"
"That means it's my responsibility."
I stared at her.
"…You're really serious about this."
She nodded.
"I don't want to trouble you."
I sighed.
"Well, here's the thing."
She tilted her head slightly.
"What?"
"I was going to buy food anyway."
"So technically…"
I pointed at the menu.
"…this doesn't count as helping."
She looked confused.
"…It doesn't?"
"Nope."
"It's just lunch."
She hesitated for a moment.
Then nodded slowly.
"…Okay."
"Then I'll accept."
"Good."
We stepped into the line.
A few students glanced at us curiously.
Probably because Himari rarely talked to anyone.
Especially not me.
After a minute, I spoke again.
"So…"
She looked at me.
"Yes?"
"You said earlier you don't have any friends?"
Her gaze dropped slightly.
"…Yes."
"That's surprising."
"Why?"
"Well…"
I gestured vaguely.
"You're one of the most popular girls in class."
Her face immediately turned red.
"N-No I'm not!"
"Yes you are."
"I'm really not."
"You are."
She looked away quickly.
"…People just don't talk to me."
"Why?"
"…Because I'm bad at talking."
I laughed lightly.
"Well."
She looked at me again.
"You talked to me just fine."
She blinked.
"…That's true."
A small smile appeared on her face.
And for a moment, the awkward tension between us faded.
Maybe lunch wouldn't be so bad after all.