Chapter 51 – Lunchtime Silence and Quiet Resolve
Afternoon had arrived. Some students went to the cafeteria for lunch, while others stayed behind to enjoy their homemade bento in the classroom.
But today, something felt… off.
The usually rowdy and vibrant energy that surrounded the popular clique during lunch break was completely absent. That awkward silence spread like a cold fog throughout Class 2-F.
Everyone moved carefully, as if afraid of drawing attention—or worse, triggering another incident.
And the person responsible for this unsettling atmosphere?
He was calmly sitting at his desk, enjoying a neatly packed bento someone had made just for him.
Busujima Saeko, born into the respected Busujima family, had been trained in etiquette and domestic skills since childhood. Whether it was speech, manners, or even cooking, she excelled with effortless grace.
The bento she prepared was perfectly balanced in flavor and nutrition, with colorful side dishes and sushi that rivaled high-end restaurants.
"U-Um… Akki-kun, are you free right now?"
Akira glanced up from his meal.
"Hmm? What's up, Yuigahama-san?"
"Well… I was supposed to have lunch with Yukinon today. But, considering how Miura-san's doing right now, I'm really worried about leaving her alone. So… could you tell Yukinon I'm sorry?"
"Alright."
Akira gave a short nod as he looked at the pink-haired girl standing nervously in front of him.
He knew full well that Miura Yumiko's current state was a direct result of his words earlier that day—but he didn't regret it. He had simply spoken the truth.
"Thanks, Akki-kun!"
"If you're really thankful, stop calling me that."
"Mou~ I'm ignoring you, Akki-kun!"
Yuigahama Yui stuck out her tongue playfully before spinning around and trotting away.
Several students nearby who had been secretly watching Akira nearly choked on their food.
Seriously? The luckiest person alive might just be Yuigahama Yui.
That morning, Yukinoshita Akira had single-handedly shut down Hayama Hayato and Miura Yumiko with a few sharp remarks, effectively crushing the core of the popular clique in Class F. And yet… this girl talked to him so casually?
Even had the audacity to stick out her tongue?
Clearly, there was something going on.
But Akira didn't care what the others thought. He stood up and quietly exited the classroom.
Wherever he passed, students bowed their heads—reflexively avoiding eye contact.
It felt as though a lion was strolling through a field of rabbits, and every creature instinctively lowered their gaze in submission.
Akira made his way to the Service Club room. It didn't take long to find who he was looking for.
"Akira? What are you doing here?"
"I was looking for you."
"For me? Why?"
Yukinoshita Yukino raised an eyebrow. She had been planning to head over to Class 2-F after waiting quite a while in the clubroom—waiting for Yuigahama, who never showed up.
After all, it was the first time someone had invited her to lunch. Not just someone—her only friend.
Her face remained calm, but deep inside, she had been looking forward to this.
"There was a little trouble in class. Yuigahama Yui couldn't make it. She asked me to apologize on her behalf."
"I see… Got it."
She tried to hide it, but there was no denying the disappointment in her heart. Still, with a valid reason, she knew she couldn't blame anyone.
She convinced herself it wasn't anyone's fault. But the greater her anticipation… the sharper the sting of being let down.
Yukino turned to return to the clubroom, silently preparing to eat alone again—just like always.
But as she walked away, she noticed Akira still hadn't moved.
"Where are you going?" she asked.
"To the clubroom."
"For what?"
"There's nothing to do, so I'm going to take a nap."
"…"
As the club president, she couldn't exactly say no. Technically, Akira was a full member.
And it wasn't all that unusual for members to nap in the clubroom during breaks.
A short while later, they both arrived.
Akira immediately went to his usual seat and pulled over a few extra chairs, arranging them into an impromptu bed.
"Hey~ are you already asleep?"
"Not yet. What is it?"
"Your technique—the one you used when fighting demons. Is it something you can teach to others?"
"You want to learn it?"
"Yeah. I don't want to be a burden. I don't want to just stand in the way."
"…Not right now. But that technique can only be used by me. Still, if you're serious… give me some time. I'll simplify and restructure it so it can be taught."
"You… you're really willing to teach me?"
Yukino looked genuinely surprised. In Japan, martial techniques—especially those used to fight demons—weren't something shared lightly.
If Akira could already slay demons, then he was probably qualified to establish his own style.
And yet, he agreed without hesitation. She almost couldn't believe it.
"Why not?" he replied casually. "Your family took me in once. That alone is reason enough. Besides… even if you've got a sharp tongue, we're basically childhood friends."
"Who's your childhood friend?! Don't get ahead of yourself!"
Yukino's face flushed red at the term, but she quickly brushed the emotion aside and regained her usual cool composure.
"…By the way, about Yuigahama-san—do you know why she canceled lunch with me?"
"Yeah. One of her friends is hurt. She's staying with her to comfort her."
"Hm? Hurt? Don't tell me… it was you who did it?"
The words slipped out—an unintentional jab.
And the moment they left her lips, she regretted it.
"Yes. Me."
"…Huh?"
She froze.
She'd been about to apologize for the snide remark—but he just admitted it outright?
"Hayama started acting all friendly toward me. I rejected him. Then that girl—Miura Yumiko—stepped in to protect her precious prince. So… I told her something she needed to hear."
"…And what exactly did you say?"
"That she was just a convenient shield. Hayama was using her to fend off other admirers."
"…You really are a piece of work."
"Thanks for the compliment."
"Who's complimenting you?!"
Despite how it sounded on the surface, the rhythm between them flowed naturally—effortlessly.
But the moment Hayama's name was mentioned, Yukino's gaze sharpened, laced with sarcasm.
She wasn't the type to blame the past. She knew Hayama hadn't been obligated to help her back then. She had never believed herself worthy of being protected anyway.
That's why she never held a grudge against him. But for the very same reason, all the warmth and admiration she once felt for him… had long since turned to ash.
She glanced at Yukinoshita Akira.
And for a moment, she felt it—how vastly different people can be.
Both had grown up beside her. But Akira and Hayama…
They were nothing alike. Not even close.
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