Chapter 24: It's now Lunchtime

Reading Settings

Translator: Soafp

---

It was lunch break after the morning classes. Ginji who normally “brings-his-own-lunch” kind of guy, was about to head to the cafeteria with Sora—also carrying a homemade bento—when Aika stood blocking the doorway. Unusually, she was alone without her usual entourage.

Ginji stepped in front of Sora protectively, staring Aika down. Most girls would've been scared off by that alone, but Aika just smiled confidently.

“What’s this? We're about to eat lunch, you know?”

“Oh, a bento? That's perfect. Would you care to talk for a bit? The student council room is free. Of course, you're coming with me, right?”

Behind him, Sora clutched tightly at Ginji's shirt.

“Got no reason to. Sorry, but I don’t like you.”

“…?”

Aika blinked, clearly taken aback. It was a genuine reaction—surprise. Even Ginji hadn't expected to show that much hostility, but it slipped out. She took a few seconds to process his words before the meaning sunk in.

“You're the first person who's ever said that to me… I might just start disliking you too.”

With that, she shot him a sharp glare, a fake smile glued to her face. And even that snake-like expression looked picturesque on Aika, which Ginji thought was seriously unfair. Still, he couldn't shake the visceral disgust he felt. No matter how pretty she was, he wasn't about to forgive what she did to Sora.

“Great. That means we don't have to eat together.”

“…Right. Let's skip today. Next time, you'll be the one inviting me—Ginji Momoi.”

She locked eyes with him, but Ginji didn't flinch.

“That's not gonna happen.”

“Oh? We'll see… right, Sora?”

Sora flinched when her name was called. The venom Aika had injected into her heart over the weekend still lingered deep inside him.

“…”

“You cut your hair… I told you not to, didn't I?”

Ginji stayed silent. Sora looked at him for reassurance, then turned to Aika again, gripping Ginji's shirt tighter.

“Y-you don't want me anymore, right? Then I should be free to do what I want.”

Ginji smirked. It was a small act of defiance, but defiance nonetheless. Even if she was still scared, Sora had shown her will—and Ginji silently praised her for it.

“Now you're dressing half-assed like that? How pathetic… Momoi-kun, you agree with me, don't you?”

Aika stepped closer to Ginji, as if dodging Sora's retort. Her silver hair swayed gracefully, a sweet scent lingered, and she made an obviously flirtatious face. But up close, Ginji could sense the irritation beneath her polished exterior, and he couldn't help but smirk. That expression showed plainly on his face—it was a full-on villain grin. Aika, once again, was taken aback. Most guys would blush or get flustered when she got this close, but Ginji had the nerve to mock her.

“Not at all. You want attention or something? Tough luck.”

He gently pushed Sora forward from behind and patted her head.

“Wah—G-Ginji!”

“No time to waste on this crap. Let's go, Sora.”

With that, they brushed past Aika and headed for the cafeteria. After a few steps, Ginji spoke up.

“Hey, Sora. Sneak a peek behind us.”

“Eh? Sur.”

Sora turned slightly and glanced over her shoulder. Aika, now with her entourage starting to gather, was biting her nails and glaring furiously.

“Whoa, she's pissed… Haven't seen her like that in a while.”

“Ahaha! That's what I like to hear. We better watch out for some petty revenge for the next day or two though.”

Watching Ginji laugh made Sora feel warmer inside—like she could face her fears. And with that came a sense of guilt.

“Sorry, Ginji.”

“Huh? For what?”

“For… making you deal with all this…”

Sora looked at him out of the corner of her eye. Ginji just flashed his usual broad grin.

“Lunch.”

“Huh?”

“Let's trade side dishes. My bacon rolls are awesome.”

Sora squeezed her eyes shut tight, quivered a little, then smacked Ginji on the back.

“Then I'll give you one of my karaage.”

For now, she leaned on Ginji's kindness. But one day—definitely—she would return it. As she looked at Ginji, Sora made that silent promise.