Another school day had come to an end, and it seemed that all the students were excited to spend their first weekend at this school.
A good opportunity to spend time with your new classmates.
Normally, I spend my weekends at home between video games and novels.
But I don't have a gaming console now, and the few novels I brought with me won't last long. Should I visit the library?
The real problem right now is that I'm hungry.
I didn't eat anything because I was summoned to the student council room.
Of course, I tried to think of another reason for being called in, other than the one they gave.
I'm not convinced that asking a few questions would cause this much trouble.
Does the student council really interfere in every small and big issue?
Impossible. Authority is only used when peaceful solutions are no longer effective—and when things may escalate into conflict.
Well, let's just say they were curious about me.
Now I have a bigger problem: I need a reasonably priced meal to fill my stomach.
Normally, I'd go for ramen, but I don't want to spend too many points, and I don't even know any ramen shops here yet.
Maybe I can use the weekend to explore the school more.
I'll head to my dorm first to drop off my bag, then go to the cafeteria.
I was already on my way to the dorm when I felt my phone vibrate inside my jacket.
"A message?"
I took out my phone and saw a notification from Yukinoshita.
Ah, I forgot to tell her what happened with the president. She must be curious.
Well, I think the whole class is curious.
I completely forgot about it because of my hunger.
All I could think about was getting something to eat, so I just left the classroom.
Now I understand why they say starvation is dangerous.
It really is brutal.
I tapped the notification and read Yukinoshita's message:
"Where are you?"
She's asking about my location. Should I call her and explain everything? I want to eat.
"On my way to the dorm."
It's better to know what she wants first. There might be a problem.
"Come to the garden next to the academic building. It's important."
Ah, but…
Looks like I won't be eating anytime soon. If it's really important, I should go.
×××
It's impressive how professionally designed this school is in every aspect.
Everything is first-class—even the garden I'm approaching right now.
Wooden benches surround a beautiful fountain.
It feels like the perfect setting, straight out of a novel.
The garden was completely empty.
Except for one girl with long black hair, still wearing her red school uniform.
She seemed focused on the book in her hands.
I wonder what she's reading.
I walked closer.
"Yo."
"Hikigaya-kun, good evening."
After greeting me, she placed a bookmark in her book and put it back into her bag.
She shifted slightly to the side, and I sat down next to her.
"So, what's the important matter?"
If there's a problem, it's better to get straight to the point.
"Ah, what happened with the president?"
So that's what she wanted to know.
I don't see any reason not to tell her.
"Well… it's nothing important. The president called me in because some upperclassmen complained that I was bothering them with questions."
It was something simple, but I'm sure Yukinoshita would make fun of me for it.
"I see. As expected. Even the upperclassmen noticed how suspicious you are. Is it because of your eyes?"
She said that with a hint of amusement on her face.
"Yeah, yeah."
I closed my eyes and leaned my head back.
Just as I thought—she never misses a chance to insult me.
Does she enjoy it?
If she does, then I don't mind.
And even if she doesn't…
I still don't mind. I enjoy her insults.
…Wait, damn. That makes me sound like a masochist.
But isn't this her way of showing concern?
"So, what was the important matter? I want to leave—I'm starving."
It doesn't seem like the "important matter" she mentioned was just curiosity, right?
"…Didn't you eat lunch?"
She said that while fidgeting with the edge of her skirt.
"No… by the time I left the student council room, lunch break was already over."
The moment I got out, the break had ended.
Did they plan it that way?
"I see… just as I thought."
Hmm…
Yukinoshita held her bag and placed it on her lap.
She took out a small box.
"…Here."
"Huh… what's this?"
"I prepared my lunch at home today, but I couldn't finish it. If you want, you can have it."
Leftovers?
Let me check first.
I reached out and opened the box.
"Yukinoshita, this…"
"If you say anything, I'll take it back."
The box was full. It didn't look like anyone had touched it. Everything was neatly arranged.
Did she make this for me?
Well, I'm not going to refuse free food—
Especially Yukinoshita's cooking.
"…Alright. Thanks for the food."
I picked up the chopsticks and started eating.
As expected from Yukinoshita, the taste was top-tier.
"So… what do you think?"
She asked while looking straight ahead.
Is she afraid I'll say it's bad?
"…It's good."
"Ah… thank you."
I continued eating, trying to ignore the heat on my cheeks.
This is really embarrassing… even though it's just food.
A few minutes later, I finished everything.
"…Thanks."
Yukinoshita took the box back and placed it in her bag.
"You're welcome…"
Now that I've eaten, there's nothing left for me to do.
Should I head back to the dorm?
"H-Hikigaya-kun…"
"Hmm?"
Yukinoshita seemed nervous, playing with the edge of her skirt.
"I heard from the girls in class that there's a café that serves delicious sweets and cakes… would you like to go?"
"…What?"
My eyes widened in surprise.
It's not that I was shocked by Yukinoshita inviting me—we've gone out together before.
But Yukinoshita, the loner, talking with her classmates about things like this…
That's unbelievable.
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing… just, since when do you talk with the girls in class about these things?"
"It's not that I talk to them. I just happen to overhear their conversations. Also, that girl—Kushida—keeps bothering me. She says she wants to be friends with everyone. I tried to refuse at first, but she wouldn't give up, so I spoke with her a little."
It seems Yukinoshita has gained some social tact from her friendship with Yuigahama.
She used to reject any attention or attempts at communication.
I remember during our Kyoto trip, she left the room the moment she became the center of attention.
Well, a little development isn't bad.
But who is this Kushida? And what kind of childish goal is that—wanting to be friends with everyone?
Is she an elementary school kid trying to get a hundred friends?
I won't deny I had similar goals when I was younger… but things are different now.
Anyway, no point thinking about that now.
Yukinoshita, who was staring at the fountain with focus…
Is she still waiting for my answer?
"Well… how about we go tomorrow? It's a day off anyway."
I scratched my head and looked away, trying to hide my embarrassment.
Why is this so awkward?
I'm still not used to her inviting me.
"Ah… yes. Tomorrow is a day off. That sounds good."
A small smile appeared on Yukinoshita's face.
It felt like her expression shifted from worry to… liveliness.
Well, whatever.
If she's happy—
Then let's go tomorrow.