As the lunch break arrived, neither Yuka nor Misaki showed up to eat with me like they usually did. Were they still upset over that misunderstanding? Should I just buy lunch from the cafeteria instead?
Just as I was considering my options, Yuka finally approached me. A wave of relief washed over me when she handed me a familiar lunch box, just like always.
Looks like she forgiven me for that misunderstanding, or... I guess not.
With a cold, piercing gaze that made me feel like the lowest form of existence, she placed the lunch box in my hands and uttered in an icy tone, "Here. A lunch for an unfaithful cheater who spent his night with another girl after his date with me."
I turned my head to the side and, by chance, locked eyes with Misaki. She gave me an awkward smile, but beneath it, I could see the faint traces of disappointment and displeasure.
"Hayato... you really are the worst."
Don't look at me like that, you two! And don't call me such a thing!
I'm loyal! Truthful! If anything, I despise cheaters and pretentious people!
Don't accuse me of something I never did! Sure, I slept with Sanae, but that's all we did—nothing else! Oh, and it's not my fault that when I woke up, she was clinging to me, right? That part shouldn't count against me... right?
Wait, that's right! Now that both of them are here, I should just explain everything and clear up this misunderstanding.
Just as I was about to speak, a timid voice called out to me. "H-Hayato, do you want to eat lunch with me?"
I turned to see Sanae standing beside me, her posture hesitant, face filled with shyness as she waited for my answer.
On the other hand, Yuka let out a small scoff, turned away, and started walking off without a word.
Panic surged through me.
"Wait! At least listen to my explanation first!" I called after her, but Yuka didn't show any sign of stopping.
Seeing her walk away without hesitation, I instinctively stood up and grabbed her wrist, stopping her in her tracks.
That small action was enough to draw both Yuka's and Misaki's attention, along with Sanae's. Their gazes bore into me, each carrying a different emotion—anger, doubt, awkwardness.
Taking a deep breath, I wasted no time and explained everything—how I met Sanae, and what happened that night.
It only took a few minutes.
"Wow, so that's what happened," Misaki said casually, munching on her food as if the entire situation had been nothing more than a minor inconvenience.
Currently, we had pushed my and Misaki's desks together to form a makeshift table for our group. Yuka and Sanae had pulled up their own chairs to join us, settling in as if the tense confrontation from earlier had never even happened.
I was relieved that I had managed to explain myself clearly, but I hadn't expected them to switch moods so easily.
Just a moment ago, they were glaring at me like I was the worst scumbag alive, and now they were peacefully eating lunch. I wasn't sure whether to feel grateful or wary.
"I understand. I apologize for misunderstanding you," Yuka said calmly, her tone composed as if she had fully accepted my explanation.
But then, in the next breath, her expression twisted in irritation as she pointed at Sanae.
"But what I don't understand is why this girl is still clinging to you even now!"
I glanced to my right, where Sanae sat incredibly close to me, practically pressing against my side. She had a bright, cheerful smile on her face as if everything was perfectly normal. To make matters worse, she had even linked our arms together, showing no intention of letting go.
When Yuka pointed at her, Sanae only responded by pressing herself even closer to me, as if she were seeking shelter under my protection, afraid of Yuka's wrath. Even now, she was just as meek as before.
I let out a sigh and turned to her.
"Sanae, Yuka is right. If you stick this close and link our arms like that, I won't be able to eat."
"That's not why I said that," Yuka said in frustration, her brows twitching in irritation.
I knew that, of course. But even though Sanae is probably a year older than me—Something i had learned from her story that she is repeating her first year of high school after not attending her previous school for a long time out of various reasons—I just couldn't bring myself to push her away when she is acting this childishly.
"B-But I feel safe when I'm this close to you," Sanae said hesitantly, her grip unwavering as she clung to me without any sign of letting go.
Before I could say anything, she picked up a piece of food from the lunch Yuka had made and held it in front of my mouth.
"If you're having trouble eating, I'll feed you instead," she offered with a gentle smile, completely unfazed by the growing tension in the air.
I sighed. I guess I didn't have any other choice—I brought this upon myself.
With that thought, I bite on the food Sanae was offering me.
The moment I did, Yuka suddenly stood up, dragged her chair to my other side, and sat down beside me. Without hesitation, she pressed herself close, mirroring Sanae's actions.
Then, picking up a piece of food from my lunch, she held it up to my mouth with a determined expression.
"I refuse to lose."
"Aren't you a lucky guy, Hayato? Two beauties at your sides, eager to feed you with their own hands," Misaki scoffed from across the desk.
But something felt off.
Her shoulders were trembling slightly, and she had a hand over her mouth, wait… is she holding back laughter? Is this whole situation that entertaining to her?
Anyway, what is this situation?!
Why do I suddenly feel murderous intent coming from all around me?!
I cautiously glanced around, only to find several of my classmates shooting daggers at me with their eyes. Some were gripping their chopsticks so tightly it snap, while others were gritting their teethes, throwing jealous glares in my direction.
I smiled inwardly.
…Great. It seems I'm going to become public enemy No.1 again, but this time for an entirely different reason.
-------
"You know, Sanae, we're going to meet a teacher, not taking a stroll. Why are you so excited about it? And more importantly, how long are you planning to stick to me like this?"
I sighed as we walked through the hallway, heading to meet our homeroom teacher as requested. Sanae was still clinging to me, her arm wrapped tightly around mine, completely unfazed by the stares we were getting.
And there were a lot of stares.
Every student in the hallway was looking at us—some in shock, others in annoyance, as if we were some foolish couple openly flaunting our affection.
"I'm just happy that I'm attending the same school as you," she said cheerfully, leaning her head against my shoulder.
I see. So this is just a momentary thing.
It's understandable—this is a new and unfamiliar school for her. Given her personality, she must feel incredibly nervous, and since I'm the only person she's somewhat familiar with, she's clinging to me for comfort.
Yes, that must be the reason.
I felt relieved, knowing that she would likely stop once she adjusted. But if she didn't, I would have to do something about it. It's not that I found it particularly bothersome, but for her own good, she couldn't keep acting like this.
It's not appropriate for a girl to have this much physical contact with a guy just for a sense of momentary security. If this continued, it could affect her reputation in the long run.
"Ah, by the way, I never got the chance to ask this—what happened after you went back? And how did you end up here?" I asked, finally bringing up something that had been on my mind since this morning.
"Well, after I went back, I went straight to my mother's office and told her everything," Sanae began, her voice calm but with a hint of relief.
"She immediately brought the police with her to our house as a precaution and filed for divorce. They took "him" into custody, but since there was no definite proof against him and nothing had actually been done to me, we assume he'll be released in a few days with just a warning."
She paused for a moment before continuing with a small smile.
"It just so happened that my mother got a promotion around the same time, and she was transferred here for work. So we moved, and now I'm here. Honestly, we're just glad we don't have to run into that guy ever again."
I see… so all of that happened after she went back.
She really listened to my advice and faced her fears head-on.
I glanced at her from the side and smiled. She's much stronger than she gives herself credit for. Despite everything she's been through, she never gave up—she just needed that extra push.
Without thinking, I raised my hand and gently patted her head, a silent gesture of praise for her bravery and hard work.
To my surprise, she closed her eyes and leaned into my touch, a pleasant smile gracing her lips as if savoring the moment.
Seriously, who's the older one here…?
Anyway, that's that. Right now, I have a bigger problem to deal with.
I already know we're about to get an earful from our teacher because of the misunderstanding, and sooner or later, I'll have to explain everything.
And the worst part? I can't even blame Sanae for it.
She never actually lied— It's, just the way she said it....
Sigh…