Lunch Break
Following the events of this morning, a strange tension hung over the classroom. Still, no one approached me—likely because they wanted to avoid any potential trouble.
There were a few who looked like they were on the verge of speaking up, though. They were the ones from the same Isolated Group(?) as me.
Regardless, what happened in the classroom didn't matter. I needed to get to the flowerbed quickly. Considering how things might develop from here, I felt it would be best to talk with Senpai.
I headed for our spot, carrying a bag with my usual convenience store onigiri and a plastic bottle of tea. The number of people I passed gradually thinned out, and by the time I reached the flowerbed, I was completely alone.
Then I saw her... Senpai was already sitting on the bench.
Noticing me, she gave a small wave and smiled.
It had been the same way this morning, but seeing her like this was a shock to the system. I had always known her as a dignified, almost piercing presence, so the contrast was incredible. Every little movement she made was so cute it was making things difficult for me. Well, not exactly "difficult," but... overwhelming in a way.
"Takanashi-san, hello."
"Yes, hello, Senpai."
She had several bento boxes lined up on the bench. Lined up? The sheer amount seemed like too much for just one person.
"Now then, let’s have lunch. Takanashi-san, please sit here."
"Ah, okay."
I took my seat, and we ended up in the same positions as the last time we had eaten together.
"Here, these are your chopsticks, Takanashi-san. And this portion is for you. I made quite a bit, so please, don't hesitate to eat your fill."
"Ah, thank you... wait, Senpai, did you make a bento for me!?"
"Ah... I'm sorry, I suppose I got ahead of myself. So much has happened lately that I’ve lost track of exactly what I’m thanking you for, but I made this as a token of my gratitude. Please, eat if you’d like."
Whoa, I couldn't believe she’d prepared a surprise like this!
So that was why she had been double-checking things with me several times since yesterday.
"Thank you. I feel a bit bad... no, to be honest, I'm just genuinely happy. Really, truly happy."
Senpai looked at me with a radiant, dazzling smile.
"Fufu... I’m happy to hear that. I only hope the contents and the taste please you as well."
"I've had your cooking before, Senpai, so I'm already certain it'll be delicious."
"Thank you. Actually... that previous time was intended as an investigation into your tastes so I could prepare this bento, you know?"
As she spoke, Senpai wore a slightly mischievous expression. I didn't know she could make faces like that... Today was just one surprise after another.
"So that's what it was. At the time, I just thought I was lucky and was happy about it."
"I couldn't exactly try out various things right away, so for the time being, I made things the way I usually do to see if they suited your palate."
"I occasionally exchange side dishes with Natsumi, but I’ve never made a bento specifically for someone else to eat. I was a little nervous about whether or not you'd like it."
That meant that, even if it was a thank-you gift, this was the first time she had made a bento for someone else. For me...
Was this it?
Was this some kind of salvation sent by God to make up for how pitiful my life had been until now?
Actually, Senpai herself was a Goddess.
"No, it really was delicious back then, and I was just so happy to have such a luxurious lunch."
"Fufu... I'm glad you feel that way. Well, I apologize for talking so long. Shall we eat?"
"Yes. Let's eat."
I opened the lid of the bento box and... it was Hamburg steak!
"Oh! Yes! Hamburg steak!"
"Fufu... you really do love Hamburg steak, don't you?"
"Yeah, this is the one thing that'll never change... wait, huh? Senpai, how did you know I liked..."
"I asked you for reference last time."
".........Ah, right. I think we talked about that during the conversation."
"Yes. My ultimate goal back then was to find out what your favorite food was."
Even if it was meant as a thank-you, I was deeply moved that she had put so much thought into me.
Conversely, I felt guilty all over again for the time I hadn't trusted her and had jumped to conclusions on my own.
"Now, please, help yourself. I heard it was your favorite, so I worked quite hard on it. I hope it's to your liking..."
To be honest, it was already delicious just by virtue of being handmade by Senpai. I wasn't even sure how to put this level of deliciousness into words.
"It's too good... I'm so happy..."
I was purely focused on how tasty it was and how happy I felt.
While Senpai ate her own lunch, she occasionally looked over at me with a soft smile. I felt a bit bashful, but I ended up devouring the meal with total abandon.
"Thank you for the meal... that was truly incredible..."
"Fufu... I could tell you enjoyed it just by looking at your face, so I can rest easy now."
"Sorry, I just got caught up in the moment and finished it all so fast..."
"No, that makes me happy as well."
Senpai began packing up the bento boxes.
"Oh, sorry! I'll wash that box and return it to you tomorrow!"
"Fufu... no, you mustn't. Cleaning up is part of the process when I make a bento."
With that, she quickly retrieved the container from me.
She was cute, kind, and a great cook. She really was the strongest.