Feeding

Watanabe Hayabara went back to his dorm on his own and fell asleep as soon as he lay down.

The next morning, after washing up, Watanabe Hayabara headed to class.

Since it was the first day, most of the class was spent going over study plans and other guidelines. The teachers were so cheerful and friendly that this hardly felt like an entrance-exam school. They didn't manage the classroom at all: they didn't care if students talked, arrived late, played on their phones, or slept.

"Ayanokoji, don't you think the class is being managed far too loosely?"

"You're right, Horikita."

Watanabe Hayabara listened for a long time, but Ayanokoji Kiyotaka and Horikita Suzune still couldn't come up with a real explanation. One couldn't think deeply about it, while the other didn't want to.

The morning passed in the blink of an eye, and soon it was time for lunch. The students got up and left with people they knew to find something to eat.

Watanabe Hayabara noticed Yosuke Hirata surrounded by a group of girls. It seemed Hirata had invited them to eat together.

"Come on, Hirata."

Watanabe Hayabara heard the call loud and clear.

He looked over and saw a girl with long yellow hair and a flashy, gyaru style holding Yosuke Hirata by the arm.

Making progress fast, Hirata.

Watanabe Hayabara didn't know the gyaru holding Yosuke Hirata. He'd left during the introductions, and there was no need for him to find out now.

After glancing at the two, Watanabe Hayabara stood up and headed for the back door alone.

However, someone stepped into his path.

"Is something wrong, Kushida? Did you need something?" Watanabe Hayabara gave her his trademark smile.

"Actually... I wanted to ask you something. Um... it's not a big deal." Kushida Kikyo looked conflicted.

"Go ahead."

"Ah... right. Well... I want to get along with everyone in class as soon as possible, so I've been asking them for their contact information one by one. But... Horikita turned me down."

"So you want me to help you, Kushida?"

"Yes. You and Horikita seem to know each other a little."

"I'd be happy to help, but you'd be better off asking Ayanokoji. He's been trying to become friends with Horikita for a while." As he spoke, Watanabe Hayabara pointed toward Ayanokoji Kiyotaka.

"Really? Thanks, Watanabe."

"If that's all, I'm going to get lunch, Kushida."

Kushida Kikyo seemed a little hesitant. "Are you eating alone, Watanabe?"

"Yeah. I didn't find a lunch buddy on the first day."

"Would you like to have lunch with me, Watanabe?" Kushida Kikyo asked softly with a smile, a hint of anticipation in her eyes.

Watanabe Hayabara looked at Kushida Kikyo in surprise. After a moment's hesitation, he replied, "But... I imagine you have plenty of people to eat with, Kushida."

Kushida Kikyo seemed to have expected him to say that. She chuckled and explained, "Of course, but I turned them all down. I noticed you hadn't found anyone to eat with on your first day."

Warmth welled up in Watanabe Hayabara's heart at her words. He thanked her sincerely. "Then I'm very grateful you're joining me for lunch, Kushida."

"Then let's go, Watanabe." Kushida Kikyo's lips curled into a sweet smile as she leaned toward him.

Watanabe Hayabara caught a faint, pleasant fragrance. It left him feeling a little dazed, and he followed Kushida Kikyo nervously as they walked out of the classroom side by side.

They drew plenty of attention on the way. Some people watched them curiously, while others whispered among themselves. Kushida Kikyo seemed used to it. She cheerfully greeted everyone they passed and introduced them to Watanabe Hayabara.

Thanks to Kushida Kikyo's introductions, he met quite a few people, which felt both novel and exciting.

She's already built up her social circle on the first day. Not bad.

Watanabe Hayabara and Kushida Kikyo took a long time getting to the cafeteria because they kept stopping along the way.

"Let me treat you to lunch today, Kushida. Think of it as a thank-you for introducing me to so many classmates." Watanabe Hayabara spoke with genuine sincerity.

"You don't have to, Watanabe. Helping you meet more classmates isn't a big deal, right?" Kushida Kikyo replied with a warm smile like the spring sunshine.

"Then... could I ask you to do me a favor?" Watanabe Hayabara scratched his head, a little embarrassed.

"What is it, Watanabe? If it's something I can do, I'd be happy to help!" Kushida Kikyo leaned close, her big eyes blinking with curiosity.

"I was... I was hoping you'd let me treat you to lunch." Watanabe Hayabara finally worked up the courage to say it, his voice trembling slightly.

"Haha, so that's what you meant. All right, since you're being so generous, I can't very well refuse." Kushida Kikyo readily agreed, her laughter as clear and sweet as tinkling bells.

Even I'm starting to feel a little sick. I'll have to peel away that mask of yours soon.

Watanabe Hayabara smiled at Kushida Kikyo, then said to the server, "Could we have two of the most expensive set meals on the menu, please?" The server quickly wrote down the order and left.

Before long, the server brought two beautifully presented set meals to their table. The dishes looked so delicious that they were appetizing at a glance.

"Let's eat," Watanabe Hayabara and Kushida Kikyo said almost at the same time. They picked up their chopsticks in unison and began to enjoy the lavish meal.

"Mm, this is delicious! This really is the most expensive set meal!" Kushida Kikyo said, chewing as she closed her eyes to savor the food, a satisfied smile on her face.

It's pretty average.

Watanabe Hayabara smiled and agreed. "It really is delicious. It's worth the price."

Hearing him say that, Kushida Kikyo felt a little bad and said, "You really spent a lot, Watanabe. Next time, you have to let me treat you."

Watanabe Hayabara waved his hands. "You don't have to, Kushida. I figure girls probably have more day-to-day expenses than boys. You should save your points for yourself."

"But... well... mm..." Kushida Kikyo seemed to have more to say, but the words suddenly caught in her throat. Her eyes widened, and she stared at Watanabe Hayabara in astonishment, at a loss for what to do.

Watanabe Hayabara didn't give Kushida Kikyo much time to react. He quickly lifted the untouched food from his plate to her lips, his movements gentle but decisive.

Kushida Kikyo's face turned as red as a ripe apple in an instant. Her lips trembled slightly. After a long hesitation, she ate the food he held to her mouth.

Watanabe Hayabara smiled faintly as he watched Kushida Kikyo's flushed face.

"May I interrupt you for a moment?" A gentle female voice sounded nearby.