When Zayn thought things had finally returned to normal, Suzi suddenly jumped up and slammed her hands on the table, a look of horror on her face.
"Oh no... What now ?"
— I totally forgot to buy food !
— Get me a fried chicken sandwich, Carina asked.
— And you ? she asked Zayn.
— What do they sell here, besides sandwiches ?
— Uh… Water ?
— Isn't that supposed to be free ? Anyway, it's fine, I won't take anything, I already have food, thanks anyway.
Zayn remembered he had already bought two large bento boxes, meant for him and Tora. But now that Tora wasn't there, he had one too many. In fact, one box was already way too big for just one person.
He called out to Suzi, who was about to leave.
— Wait, I actually have extra food. Would you like to share it with me ?
— What is it ?
Zayn opened both boxes, revealing a true avalanche of delicious dishes. Salmon and tuna sushi, garnished with avocado, salad, eggs, and cucumber, all wrapped in nori sheets. Marinated tofu, assorted grilled vegetables, quinoa, and rice topped with black sesame seeds, in larger portions than the rest. Fried chicken and breaded shrimp, hard-boiled eggs, tomatoes, and salad. Not to mention the essential soy sauce. Each ingredient was neatly arranged in small portions, but together, it gave the impression of abundance.
Suzie and Carina were drooling at the sight of the feast.
— Are you sure ? they both asked in unison.
— Yes, go ahead ! There's more than enough for everyone.
Chopsticks and plastic utensils accompanied the meal. Carina opted for the chopsticks, leaving the forks to Suzie and Zayn, who were less skilled than her.
— Why were you carrying this buffet in your bag ? Did you have a date and get stood up ? Suzie asked, nosily.
— No, it was just to thank a friend who helped me a lot, but in the end, he didn't show up.
His expression darkened slightly.
— In any case, you should be careful. With a presentation like that, it could've been misleading, Carina advised.
— And you're the one telling him this ?! Suzie exclaimed.
Carina shoved a sushi into her mouth.
— Shut up. You're too loud. (She turned to Zayn) We're going to look like freeloaders, so could you ask us to do something in return ?
Zayn was surprised by the way she phrased it but figured she didn't mean any harm.
— After the second stop, there's an old lady, about 70, who runs a small shop by herself. It's called Yasashisa, and it lives up to its name ! That's where I always buy food because the prices are really low for the quality and quantity of what she makes. She spends her days making bentos, and when she's done, she even sweeps in front of the train station and picks up trash left by students, just out of pure kindness. At her age, she should be taking it easy, I swear !
» You won't even miss the train if you go there as it takes a ten-minute break specifically so students can buy lunch, or even dinner, from the many shops nearby. Hers doesn't get much business, though, and yet, she doesn't even do it for the money. Her bentos are only 5 euros each, and today, she even gave me a discount because I didn't have enough. So, if you get the chance, buy your food from her. It would make her very happy.
Both of them were almost in tears. They nodded in mutual agreement.
— If that's all ! Anyway, the food at this school is inedible. By the way, what's your name ? Suzi asked, looking at Zayn with flattering eyes.
— Me ? I…
— You see, that's the problem. You flirt with people before even knowing their name ! Carina interrupted, clearly still angry with Suzi.
— Oh, okay, sorry. I'll ask now, better late than never !
Carina sighed.
— …My name is Zayn.
— Ooh, what a beautiful name ! You know, I'm single, so if ever…
Zayn slammed his fist on the table, frustrated.
— I'm not sure I've understood everything, but stop talking to me like that. I'm already in love with someone else, and it's really annoying !
Carina and Suzi stared at each other, wide-eyed, in silence.
— Oh, sorry, I got carried away.
— Nah, don't worry, it's totally understandable. I also get fed up with her behaviour sometimes, Carina added.
— Hey !
— Shh, he looks like he wants to say something.
Suzi bit her lips in frustration. Zayn looked at both of them for a moment, then sighed.
— So, if I understood correctly, your name is Carina ? I heard her call you by that name earlier.
It was Suzi who answered in her place.
— Oh no, that's the nickname I gave her. It means "cute" in Italian. And look at her, isn't she just adorable, to the point of making you die from sweetness ?
"That's what I thought… until she attacked her like a wild animal ! Now, I'm not so sure."
— Stop, this is so embarrassing !
Suzi closed her eyes and made a face, as if she could feel Carina's discomfort.
— Yeah, I know, sorry.
— You two seem very close. Have you known each other for a long time ?
— We've lived our whole lives together, yeah ! Suzi answered, as if she had been preparing for that question her whole life.
— And that's an understatement. Carina nodded.
— I don't understand. You mean you're sisters ?
Carina chuckled.
— No, not at all. Basically, we've slept together for a long time and then saw each other every day at the same school.
— What ? he choked out.
— Carina ! If you say it like that, he's going to misunderstand. Apologize to her. Actually, we grew up together in an orphanage. We were very close and slept together so we wouldn't be scared at night, and later, it even became a habit. That's what she meant. After that, at 14, we were adopted, pff… She chuckled for a moment before continuing. As if we needed parents at that age ! We already knew how to take care of ourselves, and we weren't exactly welcomed with open arms either. Sometimes, we even ran away just to be together and slept under the stars, like two rebellious girls trying to escape their prison and find some pleasure in this rotten world.
"So they really are like sisters after all."
Carina elbowed her and looked her in the eyes, annoyed.
— Suziii…
— Ah ! I've said too much, haven't I ? Sorry, I got carried away with emotion.
She gently patted her head to comfort her.
— And why doesn't Carina remember her name ?
Suzi's expression became serious.
— That, you don't need to know.
— I see...
"This sounds like a sensitive topic… It's better to change the subject quickly."
— Where did you learn to fight like that ?
This time, Carina volunteered to answer.
— Think hard, you can do it, Suzi encouraged.
Her fingers moved rapidly, as if she were typing on a keyboard. After just a few seconds, she took a deep breath and began.
— When we were little, it was hard for us to defend ourselves against all those dangerous boys from around the neighbourhood. We lived in a very poor area, where food was hard to come by. So, they used to target the kids at the orphanage. Most of the time, they were adults, so we were completely defenceless. But one day, Suzi got fed up and asked me if I wanted to learn how to fight with her. So, we snuck into a training room to spy on them. It would've been easier to sign up, but women weren't allowed, for our safety, they said. So, we secretly copied all their techniques and trained tirelessly every day, without rest.
She let out a quick sigh, a mix of exhaustion and satisfaction.
— Impressive !
Suzi applauded her in awe, and Zayn did the same.
— I understand better now. I have to admit, I was pretty surprised earlier ! But still, you should be careful. You could've hurt yourselves more seriously.
The two burst into laughter.
— Nah, we're used to it, haha.
— If you say so…
Zayn noticed the pieces of fried chicken and placed them in the corner closest to Carina, who had already devoured hers.
— Here, I can't eat any anyway, and you seem to really like it.
— Thanks ! Well, then I'll give you the fried shrimp in exchange, I don't like that anyway.
— Hey, but ! I want some too ! Suzi pouted.
— Then, half-and-half.
— Here, have some sushi, and I'll take the tofu.
Suzi grabbed Zayn's tofu without even asking for his opinion.
— Stop, I was about to eat that ! I don't want your sushi, there's plenty anyway, you little scammer.
— A deal is a deal, added Carina with a mischievous smile.
— Thanks for your support, my dear.
— Don't take her side ! complained Zayn.
Zayn had managed, somewhat awkwardly, to secure the last piece of tofu from his tray and shouted in victory. Bickering over such trivial things, the general atmosphere, gave him a strange feeling he hadn't experienced in ages. Until now, Suzi and Carina had kept laughing, and Zayn had just been observing them. But this time, he too let out a laugh, it was stronger than him. He felt so much better now, thanks to these two girls who had made him feel included, almost naturally.
"I wish Tora were here so he could share this moment with us too."
When the lunch break came to an end, Suzi returned to class with Carina, whom she had to drag forcefully, as Carina wanted to continue writing her book instead.