The cafeteria is the same as alwaysâstudents crammed into tables, noise levels nearing chaos, and the scent of mediocre food lingering in the air. You settle into your usual spot, setting your bento down with a practiced motion. It's a habit by now, this moment of calm amidst the midday bustle, and one you look forward to. But today, before you can even open the lid, a familiar figure slouches into the seat across from you.
Nagi Seishiro.
"Hey," he mumbles, gray eyes heavy-lidded but fixed on you.
You raise a brow, surprised to see him again so soon. "Hey...? What are you doing here?"
Instead of answering, he rests his chin in his hand and gestures toward your bento with the other. "Forgot my lunch today," he says plainly, as if that explains everything.
You blink, suspicion creeping in. "You forgot your lunch? Really?"
He nods, his face blank as ever, but there's a faint glint of mischief in his gazeâor maybe you're imagining it.
"Didn't Reo pack you something?" you ask, crossing your arms.
"Didn't ask him to."
The simplicity of his reply leaves you momentarily speechless. Of course, Seishiro Nagi wouldn't bother with something as trivial as asking for help. That would require effort.
"And what does that have to do with me?" you counter, gesturing toward your untouched bento.
Nagi shrugs, utterly unbothered. "Yours was good yesterday."
Ah, there it is. The real reason he's here. You let out a dry laugh, shaking your head. "So you're expecting me to just hand over my lunch because you were too lazy to pack your own?"
"Not all of it," he says, his tone so casual it almost makes you laugh. "Just a little."
You sigh, glancing at the carefully arranged meal in front of you. It's not like you can say noânot when he's looking at you with that unintentional puppy-dog gaze, as if it's the most natural thing in the world for you to share. Begrudgingly, you push the bento across the table.
"Fine. But only a few bites. And you owe me."
"Mm." Nagi hums in agreement, already picking up your chopsticks without asking.
You watch, equal parts amused and annoyed, as he dives into the food with the same unhurried pace he does everything else. He doesn't say much, but the way he chewsâslowly, thoughtfullyâgives him away. He's savoring it, even if he's too lazy to show it outright.
"You really are crazy, you know that?" you tease, resting your chin in your hand as you watch him eat.
He pauses mid-bite, looking up at you with faint curiosity. "Huh?"
"Showing up empty-handed and expecting me to feed you," you say, shaking your head. "You're lucky I'm nice."
Nagi tilts his head slightly, considering your words. Then, with the faintest hint of a smirk, he replies, "You didn't have to."
The comment makes your cheeks warm, though you quickly wave it off. "Yeah, yeah. Don't let it go to your head."
He resumes eating, silent but content, and you can't help but notice how relaxed he looks. As much as you want to stay annoyed, there's something endearing about how shamelessly he enjoys your cooking.
When he finally slides the bento back to youânow significantly lighterâhe leans back in his chair, arms draped lazily over the backrest. "Thanks," he says simply, as if the entire thing was a normal exchange.
"Don't make this a habit," you warn, though the teasing edge in your voice betrays your words.
"Mm," he murmurs, noncommittal. But the small, almost imperceptible smile on his lips tells you he already plans to come back tomorrow.
And despite yourself, you think you wouldn't mind.
something to snack on .áï¹