Volume 1 - CH 9

Episode 9 – “Her First Homemade Bento”

Having lunch together with her, it’s something every guy has fantasized about at least once. I don’t think there’s any difference between people in that regard.

Well, I can’t say for sure.

At least I, as an introverted person, have had such fantasies. Fantasies are a form of freedom.

Here’s what I’ve imagined.

She and I go to the rooftop together. She opens her lunchbox slowly, looking a little embarrassed and saying something like “I hope it turned out okay.”

However, inside the lunchbox is a perfectly cooked and delicious-looking meal, completely contrasting her words. I eat it and tell her it’s delicious, and she smiles. We spend a happy lunch break together, chatting and enjoying each other’s company…

Just a normal fantasy like that.

I never imagined it would actually happen to me. I thought fantasies would just remain as fantasies.

Moreover, the person in question is Nanami-san.

The girl who confessed to me as part of a punishment game not only met up with me but also held my hand as we walked to school and even made lunch for us.

Her level of seriousness in carrying out the punishment game is different.

Well, it could also be interpreted as me being somewhat liked by her, right?

…I shouldn’t get conceited. I haven’t done anything to make her like me that much. I haven’t taken any actions to make her fall head over heels for me.

Let’s engrave in my heart that this is her way of pursuing her “ideal boyfriend image.”

If I don’t think that way… I can’t bear it, especially considering the gazes from people around us.

At present, the two of us are on the rooftop during lunch break. Our school has an accessible rooftop, so it’s not uncommon for people to have their meals there. However…

There are significantly more people today.

The reason for the crowd is self-explanatory. They have gathered around us to observe my and Nanami-san’s lunchtime. So even though there are many people, it’s obvious that there are noticeably fewer people around me and Nanami-san.

Everyone is in a state where they gather around us to watch from a distance. It’s like the donut effect we learned about in class.

By the way, Otofuke-san and Kagone-san are not here.

They left, saying they wanted to have lunch with their boyfriends for the first time in a while. Both of them… apparently sneaked off-campus.

Until yesterday, they used to have lunch together with Nanami-san.

That was probably their way of protecting Nanami-san, who isn’t used to being around guys.

And now, that responsibility has been passed on to me. The fact that they’re not here means I must fulfill that role. I feel pressure and a sense of duty.

But even more than that, the amount of attention I’m receiving is really tough.

The curious gazes from the girls are fine. It’s uncomfortable, but there’s no actual harm, and it seems like their interest is focused more on Nanami-san than on me. It’s probably because they’re wondering why she chose me.

The problem lies with the gazes from the boys.

Hatred, resentment, envy, jealousy, remorse, anger… I can feel all these emotions mixed in their gazes directed at me.

It seems they won’t attack because Nanami-san is with me, but I feel like they could pounce on me at any moment.

There is an expression that goes something like “If hatred could kill, if stares could kill,” but what I want to say is that I feel like I’m being killed by these stares.

The homemade bento from a girl I saw for the first time… I couldn’t help but find it dazzlingly beautiful.

“In that conversation, I honestly admitted that the portion was unsatisfying. Right now, I’m satisfied in various ways, but deep down, I still want to eat a little more.”

“Well then, how about we go together to buy a lunchbox for Youshin on our way home today?”

Unexpectedly, her suggestion made my thoughts come to a halt.

“…Can I interpret that as you planning to make another one tomorrow?”

“That was my intention… Is it inconvenient?”

“Not at all. I am extremely pleased.”

Due to my excitement and being flustered, my tone became strange, but she simply murmured softly, “I’m glad,” and clasped her hands in front of her chest.

Oh God… I have no regrets even if I die here. The pinnacle of my life must be right now!

There may be people trying to kill me with their various glances, but I don’t care. I won’t find greater happiness than this.

Thinking that way, Nanami tilted her head, blushed, and with a slightly embarrassed smile, muttered in a small voice, “It’s an after-school date, right?”

…Oh God… Please let me take back what I said earlier.

I will do whatever it takes to keep on living!

Interlude: Nanami’s Inner Thoughts during the Bento Incident

Why?! Why did I end up doing the “aah” thing?! But it’s too late to retract now…

Please, Youshin, eat quickly!! The stares from people around us are painful! And even though I did it to myself, it’s embarrassing!

Ah, phew, he ate it. I should finish the rest too… Just a little bit…

Huh?… I feel like I’m forgetting something…?