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[Sainan High School – Courtyard – Lunch Break]
The breeze drifted softly, rustling the leaves like a whisper of what was to come, and the sun beamed down with an unnecessary intensity, as if the universe itself was laughing at me. Right there, seated on her invisible throne, was Saki Tenjouin—the self-proclaimed supreme queen of the school. Flanked by her ever-loyal attendants, Rin and Aya, she laughed in that smug way of hers, like a cat knocking over a vase and daring you to complain.
— Hohohoho! — she cackled, daintily covering her lips, as if she were the star of some over-the-top drama. — Today, I'll finally show who the true queen of this school is! There's no room for two sovereigns at Sainan High!
I tried my best to steer clear, but it was too late. The hurricane named Saki was already heading straight for me. Her heels clacked ominously across the courtyard—clac, clac—like war drums.
— Yuuki Rito! — she commanded, jabbing her bejeweled finger at me. — Stop right there!
I stopped—mostly from shock, I'll admit.
— What is it, Saki? — I asked, forcing a polite smile, though I already felt the storm brewing.
— Today, you are the chosen one! — she declared, full of pomp. — I'll grant you the rare privilege of joining me for an exclusive lunch, reserved only for the most worthy. You should count yourself lucky!
Around us, the other students' gazes burned like wildfire. A strange hush fell over the courtyard as Asia and Haruna shrank back, clearly uneasy about what was unfolding. Meanwhile, Lala, ever the curious one, watched the scene as if it were the best episode of her favorite soap opera.
— Sorry, Saki, but I've already made plans to have lunch with them today, — I said, gesturing to the three girls, trying to shut this down as smoothly as possible.
— Oh! — She clutched her chest, theatrically aghast. — You're turning down the Queen's invitation? How bold!
Lala couldn't hold back a soft laugh that slipped out like a deflating balloon.
— Saki, if you want, you can join us for lunch too! — Lala offered sincerely, her kindness radiating like a lighthouse.
Saki's expression froze for a few seconds, stunned by her rival's pure-hearted offer. But she quickly recovered, her eyes blazing with fierce resolve.
— I would never stoop so low as to share a meal with you, Lala Deviluke! — she snapped, flipping her golden hair back with a dramatic flourish. — After all, there can only be one queen here!
Then, turning back to me, her tone dropped to that sultry purr she probably thought could melt anyone:
— Rito, darling… Aren't you tired of that eccentric alien girl? I can show you what it's like to be with a true lady.
I blinked, caught between laughter and disbelief. Not even my omnipotence had prepared me for something this ridiculous. Worse still, the silence around us thickened, everyone waiting for my response.
— Uh… no thanks. I'm good as I am, — I replied, keeping my tone polite but shutting that door tighter than a store on a national holiday.
Her face turned bright red, tomato-level, but that embarrassment only fired her up more.
— Fine! You'll regret this! Rin, Aya, activate secret plan—now!
— Hai, Saki-sama! — they echoed like soldiers.
With military precision, Rin and Aya laid out a fancy picnic setup—plush blanket, golden cutlery, and a tray straight out of a French palace.
Saki sat down gracefully, crossing her legs and staring at me like a spider waiting for her prey to fall into the web.
— Come, Rito, don't be shy, — she coaxed, motioning to the extravagant food. — I personally prepared this obento. It's sure to win your heart.
A shiver crawled up my spine. Could I just have one normal day at this school?
— Saki-san, Rito already said no… — Asia tried to step in gently.
— Stay out of this, girl! — Saki snapped, waving her off with disdain. — I'm speaking to Rito!
With a weary sigh, I stepped back, making it crystal clear I wasn't playing along. That's when Lala reached for my hand, her warmth settling my nerves like a gentle breeze whispering, It's okay—I'm here with you.
— Rito, — she murmured softly, just for me — Don't worry. I get it. We're in this together, remember?
Something stirred inside me. It was like her simple, sincere presence chipped away at a wall I hadn't realized I'd built. Lala didn't need grand gestures, expensive lunches, or manipulative games. She just had to be herself.
— Thanks, Lala, — I whispered, squeezing her hand, feeling a new, deeper connection between us.
Meanwhile, Saki was ready for the big reveal. With a dramatic flick, she opened her obento box.
But instead of the luxurious meal she'd promised…
PLOFT!
Some unidentifiable goo, resembling construction paste, oozed out of the fancy lunchbox and spread across the blanket like a chemical spill.
— EHHHHHH?! — Saki shrieked, horrified, as Rin and Aya scrambled to salvage the mess.
The laughter started small, but it erupted like fireworks. Lala laughed openly, her eyes sparkling with sheer delight.
— Ahaha! Looks like your secret plan didn't go so well, Saki! — she teased, genuinely amused but without a hint of malice.
Saki stood there, frozen, red as a roasted pepper, unable to hide her humiliation. It was like watching a queen lose her crown right in front of her subjects.
— This… This is outrageous! You haven't seen the last of me! — she vowed dramatically, but it landed flat.
And just like that, Saki Tenjouin stormed off, her heels clicking faster with every step—a strategic, if not graceful, retreat.
I glanced at Lala, still giggling carefree, and in that moment, I realized something important: I already knew who was truly winning my heart. Not through wealth, arrogance, or schemes—but with kindness, love, and sincerity.
— So… ready to eat our lunch now? — I asked, relieved that the storm had passed.
— Let's! — Lala, Asia, and Haruna chimed together, walking with me to the other side of the courtyard.
Behind us, all that remained was a messy picnic blanket and a clear lesson: no matter how hard someone tries to impress you, nothing beats a pure and honest heart. And mine… was slowly but surely finding its home.