#309

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Hunger is extremely dangerous. It prevents concentration on studies and makes physical activity feel like a chore.

Even if you don’t usually pay attention, you’ll realize the importance of food when you try to function without it.

I may sound pretentious, but it’s a simple truth. Since last night’s conversation with Shizuku, I’ve been immersed in my thoughts by the riverside, completely losing track of time.

I didn’t even remember the time for dinner that my mom and Kaede mentioned.

When I finally rushed back home, all I could do was watch helplessly as my mom with puffed up cheeks and annoyed sister confiscated the meal.

In the morning, my mom’s mood hadn’t changed, while Kaede enjoyed her coffee gracefully in the living room.

I was at fault for leaving the carefully prepared meal to go cold.

But when I was told that they would still prepare dinner for me if I apologized, I breathed a sigh of relief.

However, during class breaks, I found myself glancing at the clock repeatedly. It’s now halfway through the last morning class.

…After class, I’ll go to the cafeteria and buy something like a croquette bun or a sandwich, not some sweet bread.

Suppressing the rumbling in my stomach, I participated in class, when a low voice from beside me seemed to see right through me.

“You should have had a snack during break.”

“The morning shop was monopolized by the sports clubs… gluttons.”

I glanced resentfully at the field. My attempt to decide between stopping by the convenience store or taking it easy at school for a snack had backfired.

I had forgotten that the morning shop would be swarmed by the sports clubs. If only I had made the effort to stop by the convenience store during my commute.

…I also shouldn’t have been so stingy with my wallet.

“…I don’t remember saying I was hungry.”

“I could tell from your actions and the cute little growl your stomach made earlier.”

Kirasaka chuckled and directed her gaze towards me.

…She heard it.

It was so embarrassing that I felt like my stomach had turned into a hollow void, far beyond just being hungry.

I might as well have taken a body slam from a professional boxer right now. I haven’t had many opportunities to talk to her these past few days.

The fact that she approached me now, does it mean she’s forgiven me for not taking her hand before?

…No, she probably just wants to know.

She wants to know what I’m doing and what state I’m in right now.

Kirasaka Rei’s principle of action is curiosity. She shows an extraordinary eagerness to observe how the people she likes react and behave.

Studying and exercising are just minor detours in the process. Detours that come with satisfactory results.

“Night walk ended up lasting longer than I imagined… I’m reflecting because I missed dinner time.”

“Well, for someone who finds physical activity itself troublesome, going for a walk seems like you’re quite troubled, even after rejecting my offer of help…”

“You don’t have to say it twice…”

She’s still holding a grudge, huh?

The gaze from my left has somehow turned chilly, and the hunger I felt has now turned into a chill.

Maybe I should ask the President how to deal with Kirasaka when she’s in a bad mood. As I was thinking about that, she muttered softly.

“I’ll share my lunch with you… Since you were planning to have bread anyway.”

“Well, yeah… But will that be enough for lunch?”

I know she’s not a big eater, but she’s human, so hunger can strike. If I were to refuse her kindness, it would be wrong.

In response to my question, she reassures me with her eyes, so I remain silent and redirect my attention to the class, which I don’t remember much of.

Time seems to pass twice as fast as when I was conscious of my hunger.

Finally, lunch break arrives, and I turn my gaze towards Kirasaka, who sits to my right, as if I’ve been waiting for her.

Like a dog waiting for its meal. She beams at me as if I had just learned how to wait. A wide smile that doesn’t suit her at all.

“…”

“Go ahead, eat as much as you like.”

As soon as the class ends and the bell rings, Kirasaka places a bento box on my desk, seemingly materializing it from nowhere.

Well, I’m not sure if I can call it a bento box.

It’s black, multi-layered, and mainly seen during New Year’s… but the one she’s offering me now is several times smaller than the ones I know.

“A jubako… Isn’t it too big?”

“It’s custom-made. Be grateful.”

Is this for a food challenge a professional eater would attempt?

Kirasaka removes the lid of the super-sized jubako she brought out, revealing a neatly arranged assortment of dishes inside.

It’s definitely not a lunch one student would eat.

It’s like a masterpiece crafted by a chef, meticulously prepared and packed with skillful techniques.

“Go ahead… Eat to your heart’s content.”

With those words, Kirasaka’s eyes took on a chilling coldness befitting an ice queen.

“My stomach feels like it’s going to burst…”

As I muttered while leaning against the hallway wall, I couldn’t help but feel like my body was getting heavier.

It’s a feeling of fullness that’s incomparable to when elementary school kids overindulge during lunch.

Even though I packed enough food in my stomach to last until the day after tomorrow, I have to make sure to have dinner on time today, or else my mom might get seriously upset. After school, maybe I should do some light exercise…

But damn it, Kirasaka… She looked so pleased to see me struggling.

She grinned mischievously at my troubled expression. Whether it’s effective or not, I’ll have to talk to the President later about how to handle her when she’s in this mood.

As I stood there, trying to digest my lunch break, I noticed Miyashita standing nearby.

She was sipping strawberry milk from a paper pack she bought on the first floor, and she smirked mischievously as she glanced at me.

I felt like everyone around me was becoming more and more alike. Maybe it’s just my imagination.

Leaning slightly against the wall to support my heavy body, I stopped, and Miyashita stopped next to me, leaving enough space for three people between us.

This distance between us, not too close and not too far, indicates the state of our relationship.

It’s a distance where we can talk normally and hear each other’s voices clearly.

In Miyashita’s mind, Yuuto is her priority, and I’m just his friend. I secretly appreciate her straightforwardness, unlike others who try to take advantage of the situation.

As I took a deep breath and exhaled, releasing the discomfort that had been building up in my chest, Miyashita spoke first.

“I thought you looked like something was bothering you this morning. Was I mistaken?”

“No, you weren’t.”

Placing my hand on my hip, I sighed deeply, letting out the discomfort that had been pent up inside me.

Miyashita murmured, “I knew it,” in response to the answer that spilled out at the same time as her breath.

“It’s not that big of a deal… I was just wondering if you know anyone who is good at video editing?”

“Video editing?”

Her eyes turned to me, indicating that she was aware of my role as the farewell party committee leader.

She must have wondered why I needed someone skilled in video editing for the farewell party preparations, considering it’s something anyone could do with basic skills.

After understanding that I was looking for a skilled student, she seemed curious as to why it was necessary and whether there was another reason.

“No matter what form it takes, I want to leave a positive impression on the alumni. And for that, I need someone with polished skills and creativity.”

Editing alone won’t cut it. I prefer someone who has accumulated enough experience to incorporate their unique style with ease.

Was this answer enough to satisfy Miyashita? She didn’t ask any further questions and quietly closed her eyelids.

Perhaps she heard something from Yuuto or Shizuku about it. Thinking for a moment, she let out a resigned sigh and spoke in a somewhat helpless tone.

“I’ll tell you, but don’t complain… And promise me you won’t tell anyone I told you!”

With that, Miyashita took out her smartphone and began to operate it.

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