With the ringing of the bell signaling the end of class, the morning period came to a close.
As his classmates began pulling out their lunch boxes, Shiro Sakamaki suddenly realized—he hadn't prepared any lunch.
After packing up his things, he asked a nearby classmate for directions to the cafeteria, deciding to settle for a meal there.
It was now April, and spring had returned in full bloom.
The path to the cafeteria was lined with vibrant flower beds and trees just beginning to blossom. Birds chirped in the distance, and the world felt alive with color and warmth.
When Shiro arrived at the cafeteria, he had expected it to be sparsely populated. Given the affluence of most Shuchiin Academy students, he figured many would have personal chefs or housekeepers preparing elaborate lunches for them.
But he was mistaken.
While not packed to the brim, the cafeteria was still lively, almost crowded.
Most of the students here were from the Mixed Curriculum Division. Unlike their counterparts from elite families in the Pure Curriculum Division, these students had gained admission through sheer academic excellence. Many of them came from ordinary backgrounds, making the affordable and tasty cafeteria meals their go-to option.
After selecting his food, Shiro searched for a quiet corner to eat—and that's when a flash of red caught his eye.
A girl with striking, fiery red hair and a stubborn ahoge that stood up from the top of her head like a flag was making her way through the cafeteria. Her uniform skirt swayed gently as she walked, her pale legs drawing the gaze of several boys around her.
"Hmmm... Tempura or onigiri for lunch today?" she mumbled to herself.
"Well—both, I guess!"
After choosing her dishes, she made her way to a corner seat and sat down, eyes fixed on the food before her like a hawk. The enticing aroma seemed to have fully captured her attention.
"Excuse me, is this seat taken?"
Still mesmerized by the sight and smell of her lunch, the girl replied absentmindedly, "Sure, go ahead."
"Thanks."
Shiro sat across from her and quietly began eating.
Though it was a school cafeteria, the food was surprisingly delicious. It was clear that the chefs here knew their craft. The ingredients were humble, but the flavor was top-notch.
As he ate, Shiro subtly observed the girl across from him. Although she was wearing a different uniform, he was almost certain—80% sure, in fact—that she was Nakano Itsuki from The Quintessential Quintuplets.
Time passed quickly. The cafeteria gradually emptied, and Itsuki finished her lunch. It was only then that she finally looked up—and froze.
She had been so engrossed in her food that she hadn't even noticed who had sat down across from her.
And now... a boy was sitting there. A handsome boy.
Which meant—he saw her eat just now!!
Ahhh, how embarrassing...!
But... he's really handsome!
"Um... Hello."
Despite the storm of thoughts in her head, all that came out was a dry, awkward greeting.
Shiro, ever calm and composed, gave her a gentle smile.
"Hello, nice to meet you."
"I'm Nakano Itsuki, first-year, Class B."
"Oh? That's the class right next to mine. I'm Shiro Sakamaki, exchange student, just transferred into Class A today. Nice to meet you."
"Exchange student? Wow! Judging by your name, are you from abroad?"
"Yeah."
"Hehehe, I've always heard there's a ton of amazing food abroad, but I've never had the chance to go."
"Char siu buns, custard buns, roast suckling pig, Dongpo pork..."
Once the topic shifted to food, Itsuki became animated. It was like someone had flipped a switch. She started listing dishes rapid-fire, like a walking menu. Her eyes sparkled, and even the ahoge on her head perked up with energy.
"But I've never actually tasted any of those... You can barely find them here in Japan."
Her mood instantly deflated, and the ahoge drooped in sync with her spirits.
Shiro smiled. "You sure know a lot about food from my country. If you ever visit, I'll take you around to try all of it."
"To be honest, I'm pretty experienced when it comes to eating."
"Really?!"
Itsuki's eyes lit up again.
Her sisters had different interests, and with her constant school transfers, she never really made close friends. Food had always been her safe space—but sharing that passion with someone made it even better.
"It's true."
"Then—wanna add each other on LINE?"
"Uh..."
Now it was Shiro's turn to hesitate. He had only arrived in Tokyo the night before and hadn't set up any apps yet. In fact, he didn't even know how LINE worked.
Seeing his unsure expression, the light in Itsuki's eyes dimmed slightly.
"You don't want to?"
"No, no—it's not that. I just haven't applied for it yet. I was hoping you could help me out... if you don't mind?"
"Of course!"
She brightened up immediately. Taking his phone, she swiftly downloaded and registered his LINE account, even helping him set up a Twitter while she was at it.
After lunch, the two strolled casually around a nearby flower bed, chatting and enjoying the spring air. Eventually, it was time to return to their classes.
Just before they parted, Itsuki suddenly turned to him.
"Shiro Sakamaki, just call me Itsuki from now on, okay? If you keep calling me Nakano, people might get the wrong idea!"
Shiro chuckled. "Alright. Then you should call me Shiro too. We're friends now, right?"
Itsuki's cheeks flushed pink.
In Japan, using someone's first name was a sign of close intimacy—something usually reserved for good friends or more. Originally, she just meant "classmate Itsuki," but Shiro had taken it further.
Still, she thought, maybe it's just because he's not familiar with the culture yet.
She didn't correct him.
But the truth was—Shiro knew exactly what he was doing.
After all, as a hardcore otaku in his previous life, how could he not understand the implications?
Watching Itsuki walk away, flustered and pink-faced, Shiro couldn't help but smile.
He had just come to grab lunch—and ended up making a new friend.
Not a bad start at all.
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