A Brave Loner
"Alright, make sure to review up to here. President, please lead the closing greeting.”
“Stand. Bow.”
“Thank you very much.”
The fourth period ended, and lunchtime began.
“Well, I guess I’ll grab some bread from the school store.”
Because of the chaos surrounding Yuki-san’s lingerie earlier, I didn’t bring my lunch. The school store is always a battlefield, so I’ll just grab whatever’s left and head to my usual spot.
“Alright, let’s go…”
As I stepped out of the classroom and headed to the staircase leading to the first floor, someone grabbed the collar of my shirt and yanked me backward.
“Gah!?”
“…Found you.”
“Shi… Shino-san? Could you not pull on my collar like that?”
“…You’re fine. You won’t die.”
That’s quite the extreme mindset. I won’t die, sure, but it’s dangerous! She doesn’t even look sorry.
“So, what do you need?”
“…This is from Yuki. It comes with a message.”
Shino handed me a lunchbox and a letter.
“…Also, a message from Hinata: 'Come to the infirmary during lunch. Hardly anyone visits, so let’s eat together.'
“Got it. Guess I’ll head there.”
“…The lunchbox is in the staff room. I’ll grab it. You go ahead.”
“Alright, see you later.”
Heading to the infirmary is fine, but I’m curious about Yuki’s message. I might as well read it now.
“Let’s see…”
‘Dear Yuuki, we need to discuss what happened with my lingerie. Make sure you come to work. If you skip, be prepared for the consequences. —Yuki’
“Terrifying! This is borderline blackmail! I really don’t want to go…”
For now, I’ll just push the thought aside. I want to enjoy my lunch in peace.
“Alright, time to forget the threatening letter and head to the infirmary.”
I went down the stairs and opened the infirmary door.
“Excuse me.”
“Oh? Yuuki, you’re here. Looks like Shino delivered the message properly.”
“I just heard about it moments ago.”
“Fair enough. Let’s eat.”
“…You here?”
It seemed like Shino arrived just in time, holding her lunchbox.
“You two can sit on that sofa.”
“…Okay.”
Shino and I sat next to each other on the sofa, while Hinata ate at his desk.
“Alright, time to dig in.”
“…Let’s eat.”
I never imagined I’d be eating lunch with others at school. Thanks to Yuki-san, Hinata-san, and Shino-san, I’ve had less alone time recently. But in the classroom, I’m still a loner. I don’t have friends my age, so I don’t really have anyone to talk to.
“…It’s delicious.”
“Yuki is quite the woman, isn’t she?”
“Yeah, I still can’t believe she’s my girlfriend sometimes.”
The last time someone made me a homemade meal must have been when Mom packed my lunch for a field trip before she passed. It warms my heart...
“…Are you okay?”
“Yeah, just reminiscing. Don’t worry about it.”
“…Alright.”
“Is Kamiiya-sensei here?”
The voice came from the doorway. A first-year student, judging by her yellow ribbon. Our school uses ribbon colors to distinguish grades: red for third years, blue for second years, and yellow for first years. Boys wear matching neckties.
“What brings you here?”
“I scraped my elbow in P.E. I washed it with water, but I need a bandage.”
The girl looked like a gal—cute and charming, rather than beautiful. Her short silver hair barely touched her shoulders, and she wore light makeup.
“Alright, let me disinfect it before I give you a bandage.”
“Ugh, I hate pain!”
“Just bear with it for a moment. Show me your arm.”
“Fine... Ouch! It stings!”
“Remember to be more careful.”
Hinata handled the treatment professionally, even though he’s usually so frivolous.
“You’re surprisingly competent as a school nurse, huh?”
“…Agreed.”
Glad to see Shino’s on my side here.
“Careful with those backhanded compliments.”
“Sensei, you seem close to these upperclassmen.”
“Indeed. This one is my son.”
“For real!?”
“No, just kidding.”
“Why would you lie about that!?”
Hinata-san, quit messing with the poor girl.
“…Arguing is futile.”
“It’s fine. A little fun never hurt anyone.”
“Sorry about him. He’s like this with everyone.”
“Don’t worry about it. What’s your name, Senpai?”
“…Brace yourself.”
“He’s none other than the legendary—”
“Stop hyping me up! It’s Kiriyama Yuuki. Ever heard of me?”
“…Nope. I’m Kirishima Kaori. Feel free to call me Kaorin!”
Her cheerful wink caught me off guard. Wait, Kirishima?
“You can call me Hinatan.”
“…Shinonon works.”
“Even Shino-san is going along with this!?”
“Nice to meet you, Senpai! I’ll be going now. Thanks, Sensei!”
“Be careful!”
With that, Kirishima left. What a bubbly and adorable girl. I bet she’s popular.
“Well, we better finish eating and prepare for the next class.”
“True.”
We chatted cheerfully while finishing our lunch.
“Still… Kirishima. Something about that feels familiar...”
Before I could figure it out, the day’s lessons ended, and homeroom was dismissed.
“Guess I’ll head to my job—or should I say, my execution?”
I started walking toward Yuki’s bookstore. As I approached a crosswalk, the light turned green.
“Perfect timing.”
Just as I stepped forward, I noticed something.
“Wait—!”
A car ran the red light, heading straight for a girl in our school uniform. Before I realized it, my body moved on its own.
“Look out!”
I sprinted and tackled her out of harm’s way. But I couldn’t avoid the car myself.
“Ah…”
My body went airborne, and everything faded to black.
---
Author’s Note:
Kaori is finally here! Yes, she’s the little sister! I hope I portrayed her cutely…
I’ll be taking a break next week due to personal matters. Thank you for reading! Feedback and ratings motivate me greatly!
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