The classroom buzzed with the usual excitement of introductions.
The teacher gestured toward the brown-haired boy standing at the front of the room.
With an easygoing grin, he spoke up.
"I'm Issei Hyoudou. Nice to meet you all!"
A few students nodded in acknowledgment, some murmuring polite greetings in response.
Others exchanged amused glances, likely having heard about the infamous perverted trio from middle school.
A couple of girls, already wary, subtly leaned away.
Noel, seated at the very back near the door, remained silent.
His eyes locked onto Issei, unreadable, his thoughts swirling beneath a carefully neutral expression.
He let the moment stretch before sighing softly.
So, Issei Hyoudou was in his year.
That meant canon wouldn't start until next year.
A voice interrupted his thoughts. "Hey, it's your turn."
Noel turned his head slightly, meeting the expectant gaze of a girl beside him.
With a small nod, he stood up, his movements measured but relaxed.
He glanced across the classroom—curious faces, disinterested ones, a few already whispering among themselves.
"Uh, hey. I'm Noel. Shinra Noel."
His voice was calm, casual.
As he spoke, he offered a small, easygoing smile and gave a slight wave with one hand.
"Happy to meet everyone."
——————✗—————
The midday sun cast a warm glow over Kuoh Academy's outdoor space.
Beneath the shade of neatly trimmed trees, students gathered around stone pathways, some chatting in groups, others enjoying their meals on scattered benches.
The garden was lively—a mix of rustling leaves, distant laughter, and the occasional chirping of birds.
Noel stepped out, his bento in hand, eyes scanning for an empty bench.
He sighed.
Too many people.
He shifted his gaze and spotted a familiar figure—Koneko Toujou, sitting alone on a bench, nibbling at her lunch.
Without much thought, he approached.
"Mind if I sit here?"
No response.
She continued eating, her small hands holding onto her meal without even a glance in his direction.
Noel exhaled.
Still mad, huh?
"Are you still mad because of what happened at yesterday's dinner?"
No answer.
Silence.
But the frown in her face while looking at me says everything.
Noel hesitated, then, as if giving up, he turned away.
Fine.
As he walked off, Koneko's gaze stayed at him, just for a second.
Minutes passed.
Koneko, having finished most of her meal, was about to take her last bite when a shadow loomed over her.
Noel was back.
He held out a box, the warm scent of takoyaki drifting into the air.
Lightly crisp on the outside, soft and steamy within.
A drizzle of thick, savory sauce, dancing in contrast with the delicate swirl of mayo.
A sprinkle of bonito flakes curled slightly from the heat, shifting like they were alive.
Tempting.
Koneko's eyes narrowed slightly, flicking between the box and Noel's face.
Then, as if making a concession, she spoke.
"What?"
Her golden eyes locked onto him, sharp and unwavering.
Noel simply smiled—an apologetic, almost sheepish smile.
"I just want to apologize."
Then, after a beat, he added,
"Also, can you let me share the seat?"
And one more, hesitatingly—
"Can I pat your head?"
Koneko blinked once. Then twice.
"Don't push it."
Her voice was flat, but there was no real bite behind it.
Her expression was supposed to be annoyed, but to Noel, the way her brows furrowed only made her look... cute.
Before he could dwell on it, Koneko snatched the takoyaki box from his hands.
Without waiting, she popped a piece into her mouth.
The outer layer gave way with the perfect crunch, the insides warm and gooey, bursting with rich, umami goodness.
Her small lips parted slightly as she chewed, her usual emotionless expression softening—just the tiniest bit.
It wasn't a smile.
But it was close.
Noel, watching her, couldn't help but stare.
Koneko, sensing it, paused mid-bite.
She glanced at him, about to snap—but then her gaze dropped to the takoyaki resting on her lap.
"Sit."
"Can I?"
No response.
Koneko continued nibbling on the takoyaki.
Taking that as silent confirmation, Noel sat beside her and started on his own meal.
His gaze occasionally shifted to his side, watching the way Koneko quietly enjoyed her food.
Somehow, he understood why the Egyptians worshipped cats.