"That's strange, isn't it?
From outside, it just looks locked, and no matter how much someone tries to look down, my feet would be up on the toilet seat so they shouldn't be visible. How does she know it's me?
I wonder about this and feel annoyed, but Orca just urged me as if time was passing by.
"Kanna?"
She didn't even question whether it was really me.
Her skill at walking straight up and pinpointing exactly where I was hiding was impressive.
In the first place, even if she saw me go in, wouldn't a normal person just wait outside the restroom rather than calling for me specifically?
I must have been followed. Otherwise, there's no way I'd be asked to come out of the restroom.
I hope this isn't some new form of bullying, asking someone to come out while they're using the toilet...
Of course, Orca wasn't that kind of person, so it couldn't be that. I just wish she would quietly go away right now.
Today they had cream puffs, which I love.
Soft custard cream with strawberry milk would have been quite nice.
But I'd only taken two bites when I found myself in a dilemma about what to do with it.
Knock knock.
My mind went blank at the knocking that wouldn't wait for me.
I'd already thrown away the wrapper in the trash can to avoid making noise, so putting it back in plastic and into my pocket wasn't an option. But I couldn't just toss the bread in the trash—it was too expensive to waste.
Clutching the bread in one hand, I squeezed my eyes shut.
Since she already knew I was here, staying silent would seem even stranger now, so I opened my mouth.
"Um... I'm... using the toilet..."
"I know that's not true."
I tried desperately to resist, but of course it wouldn't work.
Considering she was trying to pull someone out who had just entered the restroom, I should have known better. I guess I'm the type who holds onto hope for too long.
"Kanna, there aren't many people passing by yet, so please come out quickly."
I reluctantly closed my eyes, putting aside my precious food.
I downed the remaining milk in one gulp and tossed both the bread and the milk carton into the trash. With my shoes already on, I stood up and pretended to flush the toilet.
As the water flushed, I unlocked the door and opened it slightly.
Standing there was Orca Ramiris with her blonde hair and blue eyes.
She just stared at me quietly.
Even though she knew what I was really doing and why I was there, I tried to act casual. Though honestly, my face was so hot that there was no hiding my embarrassment.
"...Haha, my stomach isn't feeling well today..."
As I laughed awkwardly and tried to slip past her, Orca went straight into the stall I had been in.
She didn't even grab my arm, but my body froze in place.
I felt caught, hesitant.
I stood there with my head turned, cold sweat running down my face.
Orca didn't even close the door as she lightly pushed the trash can with her foot.
At the rattling sound, my heart sank.
I wanted to run away, thinking "Surely she won't look?" But she had already found the bread and milk carton I'd thrown away.
"Kanna."
"...Yes."
"Follow me."
"Yes."
Damn it.
*
I sat like a criminal, fidgeting with my fingers.
It was an empty space in the lounge that was usually vacant during lunch hour, but Yoon Ha-min and Orca had naturally created a place for us to sit together.
Orca, sitting across from me, looked at me with something like pity.
Meeting her gaze, I flinched and my shoulders hunched.
"Kanna. Why were you eating in a place like that?"
Since there were people around, she didn't specifically mention it was the restroom, but she still had to ask.
Those around us wouldn't know what place she was referring to, but as the person in question, I was dying of embarrassment.
My face burned hot.
My lips twisted.
"Well..."
I hesitated, looking back and forth between Yoon Ha-min and Orca, then groaned.
I had opened my mouth, but I didn't know what to say.
No matter what I said, I didn't have the confidence to explain this situation.
So my mouth closed again.
Yoon Ha-min, sitting beside me, carefully asked.
"Is there a specific reason?"
"No, it's just... I don't have money for cafeteria food..."
When I stammered out that answer, the atmosphere suddenly became solemn.
Yoon Ha-min nodded as if he understood.
But Orca didn't stay quiet after hearing that.
"But you threw away bread in there?"
I remained silent.
I didn't want to be labeled as the weird girl who eats in the restroom.
But Orca had witnessed it, and even caught me trying to destroy the evidence so it wouldn't look that way.
That's why she seemed surprised when I said I had no money.
"No, well... I was just so startled. I didn't think anyone would come looking for me..."
"Sigh, it's my fault, so I'll buy you another one to replace what you threw away."
"You don't have to go that far..."
"No, I should do this."
Orca answered firmly and glanced slightly at Yoon Ha-min.
"Shall we get up? There's about half of lunch period left, so we won't be too late if we go now."
"Oh, right, we should go eat."
Yoon Ha-min jumped up from his chair, and Orca also stood up, looking at me.
It seemed they wanted me to come along.
But I wondered why they were in such a hurry when the store would be open during break time anyway.
"...Huh?"
I stared at my tray with a dumbfounded voice.
I thought Orca would just buy me the bread I'd thrown away at the store, but she had brought me to the cafeteria.
The cafeteria had been operating continuously for over an hour.
Since it was a place where you could eat as much as you wanted, it didn't close early.
The problem was why I was here.
I had no money. That's why I hadn't planned to eat at the cafeteria today.
But Orca was handing me a meal card she had drawn for me.
And it was even the A meal, the most delicious of the A, B, and C options.
"Um, th-this..."
"Take it. It's my treat. I've been wanting to buy you a meal sometime, so this works out well."
Orca said with a chuckle.
Facing such warmth, I felt my tear ducts almost give way.
Since I'd already received it, I decided to eat with gratitude.
Grilled barbecue meat with cheese-topped corn.
At the appearance of such luxurious food, I swallowed hard.
It looked like something I wanted to hold and take a bite of, but knowing that wasn't the proper way to eat, I tried to restrain myself.
After gulping and looking around once, I saw Orca's smile and began eating with relief.
The meat cut smoothly, and when I put it in my mouth, the flavor filled my mouth with juices as I chewed.
It felt so good I almost started humming.
Orca, sitting across from me, smiled and asked.
"Is it delicious?"
"Oh, ack, gulp..."
"Ah, t-take your time."
For a moment I was startled, thinking I might be eating too hastily for others to see, but that wasn't it.
Hearing her sincere question about whether it was delicious, I finally managed to swallow the food that had gotten stuck.
My eyes watered a little from the discomfort.
After finally swallowing and taking a sip of soup, I answered.
"It's delicious..."
While the C meal was just ordinary good food, the A meal promised a somewhat luxurious taste, making my mouth happy.
It's true that eating something delicious improves your mood.
My lips curled up involuntarily.
Yoon Ha-min, watching from the side, was grinning as he watched me eat.
I wonder what he found so amusing.
But more importantly...
"O-Orca."
I carefully addressed her.
Orca paused with her fork and stared at me.
"You can speak comfortably."
"...No, that's not it. Mine is the A meal, but yours looks like the B meal."
Honestly, getting free food is nice.
Nobody dislikes free things.
But I knew you shouldn't like free things too much.
Plus, as the one receiving, I felt burdened about eating the more expensive option.
As I waited for Orca's answer while sweating profusely, she smiled wryly.
"I don't really like such greasy food."
"I-I see..."
The B meal seemed to be mostly vegetables, but it looked delicious too, so it didn't really matter.
I've heard that if food is well-prepared, even vegetables can be extremely tasty.
"Do you want to try the B meal sometime, Kanna? The B meal is cheaper because it's vegetables, but the sauce is really good."
At Yoon Ha-min's words, I silently nodded.
Today was a bit embarrassing, but receiving such consideration wasn't entirely bad.
Of course, I made a firm promise to myself that even though I accepted their kindness, I wouldn't become dependent on it.