ALL NOVEL Chapter 7: The Unexpected Encounter
During the lunchtime, I decided to visit the school cafeteria.
It was an understatement to say the cafeteria was bustling with students. It felt far too crowded for my liking, like a constant hum of chatter and energy that grated at my nerves. And frankly speaking, I wasn’t a fan of it. I wasn’t here to mingle or be a part of the lively environment that Seiren Private Academy so proudly fostered. Instead of dealing with the hassle of finding a spot in the sea of students, I made my way to one of the corner tables, a quiet refuge from the chaos.
Sitting down, I placed my bento in front of me. “Itadakimasu,” I muttered, holding my chopsticks in place, ready to dig in.
I could sense a few curious gazes in my direction, probably wondering why I was sitting alone. People are always interested in what doesn’t conform, I thought. They look at isolation like it's a mystery to be solved, but sometimes it's just a choice.
I wasn’t here to entertain their curiosity, though. I was more interested in my lunch.
The meal in front of me was a cut above what you’d expect from a typical high school cafeteria. After all, Seiren Private Academy prided itself on being a prestigious institution, and even the food reflected that. My bento was neatly arranged, each portion crafted with care. Delicately grilled salmon sat on a bed of fluffy rice, with a side of lightly seasoned vegetables and a perfectly rolled tamagoyaki. There was even a small serving of miso soup, its aroma warm and inviting.
I couldn’t help but feel a tinge of excitement. Meals like this weren’t a regular occurrence for me. Between my circumstances at home and everything else going on, a meal this well-prepared was a rare treat.
With that in mind, I took my first bite, the flavor instantly lifting my mood. “This is good,” I muttered, savoring a bite of the salmon, perfectly tender and rich with flavor.
If only I could eat like this on a regular basis…
Without realizing it, I was halfway through my bento, the food disappearing quicker than I expected. For once, I allowed myself a small moment of enjoyment in the middle of an otherwise routine day. There was something simple yet fulfilling about being able to focus solely on the taste of a good meal—no overthinking, no planning, just... eating.
It wasn’t much, but sometimes, that was enough.
***
Aliya and Kuze navigated the crowded cafeteria, searching for an empty spot. Kuze was already getting irritated, his usual laid-back demeanor shifting to impatience.
“Seriously, where did all these people come from? It’s like the entire school’s decided to eat at the same time,” Kuze muttered, his eyes scanning the room for an opening.
Aliya, more focused on finding a seat than dealing with Kuze’s complaints, caught sight of a table tucked away in the far corner. It wasn’t the most ideal spot, but it was empty enough.
“There,” she said, pointing. “That table’s got room.”
Kuze followed her gesture and shrugged. “Good enough for me. Let’s go before it’s taken.”
As they approached the table, Aliya noticed the lone figure sitting there, his attention completely absorbed in his meal. His presence didn’t stand out at first—just another student opting for a solitary lunch away from the crowd. He barely acknowledged their approach as they neared his table.
“Yo, mind if we join you?” Kuze asked, his usual casual tone masking the fact that they hadn’t really given him a choice.
The boy looked up; his expression indifferent. “Go ahead,” he replied in a flat voice, returning to his food without a second glance.
Aliya raised an eyebrow at the curt response but didn’t think much of it. She sat down across from the boy, glancing briefly at him before pulling out her own lunch. Probably just one of those types who prefers to be alone, she thought, not particularly interested in engaging him any further.
Kuze, on the other hand, didn’t mind making conversation, even with someone as unapproachable as this. “You always sit by yourself?” he asked, tearing into his bento with casual ease.
The boy shrugged, not even bothering to look up this time. “I prefer it.”
Kuze chuckled, unfazed by the short response. “Yeah, I get that. The cafeteria can be a bit much.”
Aliya took a bite of her meal, barely paying attention to the conversation. The boy didn’t seem worth her interest—not with that attitude. She could sense that he wasn’t exactly the talkative type, and that suited her just fine.
“By the way, I don’t think we’ve met. What’s your name?” Kuze asked, continuing the small talk despite the boy’s clear lack of enthusiasm.
The boy finally looked up, locking eyes with Kuze for the briefest moment. “Youseke Arima,” he said, his voice carrying the same disinterest as before.