ch1-ch20 · 004-ch4

Chapter 4: Please Call Me That

"Sorry, Ai, Kirikiri. It's all my fault your bentos got messed up."

Sumi apologized with a voice that sounded like she was about to cry, picking up the scattered side dishes.

"It's fine, it's fine, it's not your fault. Besides, I was happy you got angry for us."

I patted the crouching Sumi's head to comfort her, and she threw herself into my chest.

"Waaah, Aiiii!"

"There, there."

I kept stroking her head until she calmed down. Sorry it's not very soft.

"Even so, that Yamanai person, to reduce our bentos to mere bubbles, deserves to die ten thousand deaths."

"Kiri, your speech still hasn't returned to normal. ...Anyway, what should we do about lunch? The cafeteria bread is probably sold out by now."

"I have heard your conversation!!"

　　Slaaam!!

Umm, Mikato-san, you really shouldn't open the classroom sliding door with that much force, okay?

"Please rest assured, I have purchased extra from the cafeteria!"

Bang! Mikato-san held up a paper bag filled with bread high in the air. So cool it's almost stupid.

"Whoa, amazing!"

"Mikato-san, you're the best!"

"Seriously so cool!"

"N-no, it's not that big a deal."

Receiving applause from not just us but the whole class, Mikato-san blushed and squirmed. Oh, so you do have a sense of embarrassment.

"I'm so glad~ It wouldn't be funny at all if you two missed lunch because of me. Thanks, Mikato-chan!"

"No no no, there's no need for thanks. I'll just leave this here then."

Mikato-san placed the paper bag on the restored desk and tried to leave.

"Huh, what about your share, Mikato-san?"

"I have brought my own bento, so I was thinking of eating in my own classroom."

Good grief, even though she had her own bento, she went all the way to the cafeteria to buy bread for us. What a good person.

Sorry Mikato-san, to be honest I thought you were kind of a troublesome weirdo.

"Well then, farewell."

"Wait, Mikato-san. —If you'd like, want to eat together?"

When I called out and invited her, Mikato-san stiffened on the spot like a telephone pole.

Three seconds later, when she turned around, Mikato-san had a face that looked like spring had come to this world!

"Y-yes yes yes! I'll go get my bento right away!!"

'Bento' and 'get it' were mashed together in her hurry as Mikato-san dashed out of the classroom.

"I've returned!"

That was fast. You're not supposed to run in the hallways, you know?

　　―　◆　―

"Even so, that Yamanai person, he deserves to die ten thousand deaths. If I had been there, I would have taught him a lesson so he'd never defy again."

Mikato-san said something similar to Kiri... no, even more extreme. Food grudges are scary, huh.

"That's not it! ...Well, that is important too, but more than anything, I cannot forgive him for speaking ill of my friends!"

"Right~? That guy is seriously unforgivable. Mikato-chan gets it."

Sumi and Mikato-chan are completely hitting it off. I wonder what tomorrow holds for Yamanai-kun.

"I wasn't really angry about what he said to me. Being an otaku is a fact, after all."

Kiri said it so casually.

'Otaku is not a derogatory term, but a title, a pride' —by Ōnaki Kiriko.

"For me... it's true, but it still pissed me off."

"What did he say to you, Ai-chan?"

"...Shorty."

　　Clatter!

Mikato-san stood up vigorously, knocking over her chair. Your manners haven't been breathing since earlier.

"Where did that fool go? ...I shall deliver him his final rites."

"Wait, Mikato-san, it's fine now!"

"Mikato-chan, I'll lend you a hand~!"

"Don't egg her on, Sumi!"

I calmed down the pouting Mikato-san and sat her back down, and the three of us returned to our meal.

"Of all things to say, s-shorty! Even though Ai-chan is so small and adorable!"

Ah, she's not denying the small part.

"She has a baby face, like a small animal~"

Oi.

"She was mistaken for an elementary schooler the other day."

Oi. Why are you revealing that?

Aren't you guys the ones making fun of me more?

"That is what makes her cute!"

"—Thanks. But let's stop this topic now. Okay?"

"...Yes."

Apparently everyone sensed my pressure.

After that, our lunch time passed peacefully.

It was a shame about Papa's bento, but I'm glad I got to get along with Mikato-san.

"U-um."

Just before the afternoon chime was about to ring, Mikato-san started fidgeting.

"Whaaat is it~? Fifth period is about to start, you know?"

"If possible... please call me by my first name... Reiya!"

Mikato-san turned bright red and squeezed her eyes shut tight. Huh, cute.

"Got it~, ReiRei~"

"Hearing it again, Reiya is such a cool name. Did your parents choose it? They've got good taste."

"Yeah, then I'll call you Rei-chan."

Since I get called Ai-chan and all.

"Hawa, hawawawawawa, hawa——!!"

For some reason, Rei-chan screamed while holding her nose as she left.

Yeah, she's a good kid but definitely still a weirdo.

By the way, Yamanai-kun came back just barely before class started.

But he was cowering his large body, looking uncomfortable under the cold glares from the girls. He used to be somewhat popular too.