"Kazuma-kun, why do you always feel hungry whenever I see you?"
Akane swung her legs, resting her chin on her hands, looking down at him with a smile. Her face turned slightly to the side, revealing her delicate features. "Not eating on time is bad for your health."
"What do you mean, going hungry every day? It's only been two days," Kazuma said, tilting his head back and forcing a stiff smile at the leaves above. "Sigh… life forces us into these situations."
But I have money now!
As for where it came from… let's not go there.
The girl rolled her eyes, clasping her hands together. "Oh, right. I haven't eaten lunch yet. You're hungry, so I'll share mine. I'll go get it from the infirmary. Kazuma-kun, stay here and don't run off."
Akane Nanao stood in front of him, hands on her hips, leaning forward as she gave her reminder.
That tone made Kazuma's eyebrows twitch.
"You haven't eaten either, right? Aren't you hungry? Maybe we should just forget it," Kazuma said confidently. Now that he had money, he could just buy something himself later.
"I'm fine. Not very hungry. Anyway, you can't refuse—"
Perhaps worried he might sneak away, Akane Nanao ran off, frequently turning back to wave as she left.
Carrying her schoolbag plus two cartons of milk and some snacks.
She brought a small feast.
"Hu, Kazuma-kun, I brought your bento. I got the milk from the vending machine and these sausages and bread from the convenience store. Were you waiting long?"
She panted lightly.
"I'm not in a hurry, and you don't need to rush either. Don't run like that next time," Kazuma said earnestly.
"It's okay! I'm good at sports. I even joined the swimming club at the start~," Akane Nanao said, touching her slender arms with a grin.
"No, I mean… you carry so much, and you run rather dramatically," Kazuma said, glancing sideways. He couldn't be too direct, so he hinted subtly.
"..."
Akane Nanao looked down, then her face flushed. "No way… I bought a bigger size on purpose. Kazuma-kun, you're really something… so indecent."
Clearly embarrassed, she didn't continue. "These snacks are for the cat. It probably hasn't eaten yet, right? And Kazuma-kun, this is my bento."
"Oh? Akane… I didn't expect you to remember the kitten. You're really kind."
"Don't forget, I found it first. I just don't know why it's so attached to you and so indifferent to me." Akane Nanao handed Kazuma the lunchbox. Though it was her own, she didn't mind lending it.
The bento was simple—just rice with plums, vegetables, fried eggs, and fried shrimp. Ordinary, yes, but it had the warmth of a home-cooked meal.
Unfortunately… it was cold.
Not surprising—Japanese often like cold food.
"If that's not enough, I also bought bread and fried noodle bread."
Seeing the food she placed beside him and her expectant gaze, Kazuma felt conflicted. Was she feeding him like a stray cat?
"Honestly… that's a bit too much."
"Eh? Kazuma-kun, you have a big appetite, don't you? Yesterday…" Akane Nanao's eyes sparkled as she remembered the ramen he had eaten.
Yesterday… I was so hungry I almost fainted! Kazuma smacked his lips. "Did I really eat all that?"
"Go ahead and eat. I have a carton of milk—that's enough," Akane Nanao said, sticking a straw into the carton and smiling at Kazuma. "Let's see how it tastes."
Kazuma had no choice but to pick up a piece of fried egg with his chopsticks and put it in his mouth.
Akane Nanao watched him closely the entire time, a hint of nervousness in her eyes. "Is it good?"
"Great, very good," Kazuma said, taking another bite of rice. He glanced at her, noting how happy she seemed, almost radiant, and asked, "Did you make this bento?"
"Yes, I've always cooked for myself. Looks like it suits your taste." Akane Nanao's eyes flicked around nervously. "Since you often go hungry, Kazuma-kun, would you like me to make you a bento box?"
Kazuma was taken aback. "Huh?"
"Anyway, it's just one more bento, it's not a hassle..." Akane glanced to the side.
"Alright, why not enjoy a free meal?" Kazuma said, finishing another bite. "But won't Katase Sho be mad if you do this?"
Isn't that a bit ambiguous?
"Why mention him? I'm not dating him anyway. And besides…" Akane bit her lip, sighing softly. "Shoya-kun is a good person, really good—but I can't like him the way I used to."
"Oh," Kazuma said casually, scratching the back of his head. After all, he was only in charge of wish lists, not matters of the heart.
The room fell silent for a moment. Then Akane squatted in front of the kitten and held out a sausage. Though the little guy was usually indifferent, it accepted the treat and didn't resist her touch.
Akane stroked its fur, amused—it was just like its owner!
She raised her eyes to steal another glance at Kazuma. They didn't speak, but the comfortable silence felt natural. The atmosphere was calm and pleasant. Akane Nanao savored the quiet moment, feeling her heart slowly heal.
Without Kazuma, she didn't know how she would have survived such a difficult time.
Only when the school bell rang across the school did Akane Nanao stand, packing her shoulder bag. "School's out. I need to go back to the classroom. Kanna is probably still waiting for me, Kazuma-kun. Bye-bye~. See you tomorrow."
She had no plans to go back to the baseball club.
"Oh, bye-bye," Kazuma replied.
Akane took a couple of steps, then turned and waved. "Little one, I'll bring you a bento box tomorrow..."
The sunlight bathed her in a golden glow, making her smile even more dazzling. After she left, Kazuma thought about the warmth and enthusiasm she had shown him, but before he could react, a voice spoke from behind.
"You two are really close."
Kanna Hiiragi appeared quietly, her presence almost unnoticed, emanating a dark aura. "Akane is even calling you affectionately right now, Kazuma-kun. When did you two get so close? Can you tell me?"
If we're talking about relationships, we're actually closer.