Ever since that day, the three of us had been walking to school together every morning.
For reasons I didn't quite understand, the number of people openly criticizing me had surprisingly decreased. To be honest, I’d expected things to be much worse. There was no doubt they were still thinking all sorts of things when they looked at me, though.
The fact that I was getting this much attention was already well-known in my classroom. When you stand out this much every day, it’s impossible for people not to notice... though Sara-senpai had actually marched right into my classroom before, so I guess it had been that way from the start.
What I really hated, however, was that several people had started approaching me. It was extra annoying because their ulterior motives were so transparent—they obviously just wanted to get close to the senpais through me.
I basically ignored them. I couldn't care less what my classmates thought of me at this point anyway.
Then, last night, I received a message on RAIN saying that Sara-senpai would be making a bento for me today. Since we were all going to eat together, she told me not to even buy a rice ball this time.
Lunch Break
Back in the classroom, I’d struggled to hide my grin. Getting a homemade bento from Sara-senpai was almost too much happiness to handle.
When I arrived at the flowerbed, it looked like the two of them had just arrived as well.
"Hello, Takanashi-san."
"Hello~, Takanashi-kun."
"Hello to both of you."
"Since there are three of us, a bench would be a tight fit, so I brought a picnic blanket."
"I'm sorry, I should have been the one to think of that..."
She was right. I should have realized that much myself.
I’d noticed Sara-senpai carrying a bag this morning that she didn't usually have, but I’d just assumed it was for a class or something. Since she had it with her now, it must have been for the bento and the blanket.
"Now then, let's get ready."
We spread out the picnic blanket and placed weights on the four corners to keep it from blowing away. Once the three of us sat down, Sara-senpai began unpacking the bento.
"Here, Takanashi-san, this one is for you. Please use these chopsticks as well."
"Thank you, Sara-senpai."
"I have my own, so let's trade some side dishes later, okay~?"
"Yes, I made a bit extra today, so that will be fine. Shall we eat, then?"
"Let's eat!" we said in unison.
Today's bento was Japanese-style, featuring simmered dishes and fish as the main course.
Ah... it was delicious.
"You really look like you're enjoying that, Takanashi-kun. Well, I get it, since Sara's cooking is great."
"No, 'great' doesn't even cover it, honestly. It might be rude to say, but I like this more than my mother's cooking."
It wasn't that there was anything wrong with my mother's food. It was just my personal preference—or rather, the fact that Sara-senpai had made it specifically for me already made it... well, special.
"Fufu... I'm happy to hear you say that, but surely saying it's better than your mother's is an exaggeration, Takanashi-san."
"I often snag bites of Sara's bento, and I only ever remember it being delicious," Natsumi-senpai added. "Watching Takanashi-kun eat, I kind of want to try eating a whole one myself sometime."
"In that case, shall I make one for you as well next time, Natsumi?"
"Hmm, I'd love that, but three people's worth is a bit much. I make them too, so I know that even if you can cook everything at once, making enough for three definitely adds more effort."
As someone who didn't cook at all, hearing that made me feel a bit guilty. I’d just been sitting here thinking about how tasty it was while eating.
"Oh, I know! How about this? After Sara makes one, I'll make the next one. We can take turns."
"Are you sure?" Sara-senpai asked. "I don't mind making enough for three people every day, you know. I enjoy the process."
"No, I heard Takanashi-kun has various reasons to thank you, but for me to just have you make it without any particular reason would be a bit much. Besides, I want him to try my bento too!"
Wait, so that meant Natsumi-senpai was going to make one for me next? I was happy about it, but I also felt a bit bad.
"Um... Natsumi-senpai, does that mean you'll be making mine too...?"
"Yep, I'll bring some for you too, Takanashi-kun, so I want you to eat—"
"But I will be the one making Takanashi-san's bento, though?"
...Uh...
"Since I will be making Takanashi-san's bento, just the two of us is fine, right?"
Yeah, I’d started to realize lately that you never, ever argued with that particular smile. Natsumi-senpai seemed to realize it too, as she pulled back slightly.
"Well, no, I mean, since it's a good opportunity, I have things I want to thank Takanashi-kun for too, and if I'm making it anyway, I might as well make his portion—"
"I will continue to be the one making Takanashi-san's bento, you know?"
Senpai wouldn't budge an inch. Then she looked at me.
"If... Takanashi-san is okay with it... that is..."
Ugh, that expression was unfair. Being asked with such an anxious face, how could I possibly give any answer other than "it's okay"? Not that I had to worry, because it was exactly what I wanted anyway!
"On the contrary, as long as it isn't a burden to you, Sara-senpai, I'd like to ask you myself. I do feel a bit guilty, but your bento is the absolute best, and it makes me truly happy to have you make it for me."
I thought I should tell her honestly, so even though it was a bit embarrassing, I said it. A radiant smile spread across Sara-senpai's face.
"Fufu... I'm happy making a bento while imagining your face as you enjoy eating it, Takanashi-san. So, if you don't mind, please let me keep making your bento from now on."
"Thank you. I'd be glad to."
"............Ah—... This was supposed to be about me, but I've been left behind again," Natsumi-senpai muttered. "They slip into a world of their own the second I let my guard down. And they still call themselves just friends..."
Natsumi-senpai was grumbling to herself.
...Ah, we were talking about Natsumi-senpai making bento, but before I knew it, the conversation had shifted back to Sara-senpai.
"Fine, I get it. Then just make Takanashi-kun's portion a little smaller. That way, I can give him a little bit of mine."
"If that is the case... very well. Is that all right with you too, Takanashi-san?"
"Yes. Well, since I'm the one being cooked for, I'm fine with whatever you decide."
"Alright! Then I'll start making some for the group too. Now, what should I make...?"
Man, was I really allowed to be this happy?