Chapter 5: Lunch and the Humming Sword
Lunch was… weird today. I didn't really feel like talking, but I went to the cafeteria anyway because sitting alone is worse than whatever weird food they serve. I carried my backpack extra carefully because Crimson Fang was in there, humming softly like it knew I was thinking about it. It makes my fingers tingle sometimes, even when it's just sitting in my bag.
Kenji was already at the table with our usual group. He waved at me like normal. I waved back, but my stomach felt weird. I don't know why. Maybe it was hunger, maybe it was the sword, maybe it was him.
I sat down. He didn't say anything at first. He was laughing with the others, but every now and then I'd catch him looking at me. Not obvious, just a quick glance. Then he'd look away like nothing happened.
I unwrapped my sandwich. It was peanut butter and jelly. A little soggy because it had been in my bag too long. I took a bite slowly, chewing carefully. The bread stuck to my teeth. I kept thinking about the sword humming. I can feel it sometimes even when it's in my bag, like it's alive and breathing with me.
Kenji leaned back and said something funny about the teacher, but I barely heard it. I nodded anyway. I don't know why I nodded. I think it was just to keep the world from noticing me zoning out.
A loud bang from the lunch line made me jump. Some kid dropped a tray. The smell of fries and mystery meat hit me at the same time. I wiped my hands on my jeans. Kenji glanced at me for a second, then back at his friends. I swear I saw something flicker in his eyes. Like… maybe a tiny spark of annoyance. But it could've been the reflection of the lights.
I tried to ignore it and take another bite of my sandwich. The sword hummed again, softer this time. Almost like it was whispering, pay attention. I shoved the thought away and focused on Kenji. He laughed at something dumb. The sound was normal, but my stomach twisted. I couldn't tell if it was because of him, or the sword, or me being weird.
The bell rang. I packed up slowly, feeling the weight of my bag. Crimson Fang buzzed faintly against my back. Kenji left first, like he always does. I trailed behind, walking slower than usual, pretending I wasn't thinking about how he looked at me.
When I got to the hallway, the lockers smelled like metal and old sweat. I shoved my backpack on my shoulder and kept walking. Every step made the sword hum just a little more. I don't know if it's excited or mad or… I don't know.
And Kenji? He probably didn't even notice me walking behind him. But maybe he did. Maybe he notices more than he lets on.