Chapter 20: I’m Really Sorry, But I’m Not!

During Miki’s stunned silence, Hikaru’s mind churns.

Huh? What’s going on? Isn’t this where Yamazaki-san should laugh a bit, pat my shoulder, and say something like, “You’re pretty fun!” or “You’re something else!”? That’s how it goes in school-themed stories, right? At least a chuckle or two? My elementary and junior high classmates laughed so hard! Why’s she not laughing… Oh, is it outdated? It was an elementary school thing, after all. Wait, did I mess up again? The vibe’s getting awkward… Okay, I got it! Time to pull out the party trick I prepped for future mixers (?!). It’s embarrassing, but that’s why it’s funny! Here it comes! It’s coming!

Hikaru’s gaze locks onto the unopened disposable chopsticks, her heart blazing with determination.

“Ah—” Before she can act, Miki breaks the awkward silence. Having been classmates for a semester, Miki knows a bit about Hikaru. She doesn’t mind giving her an out—besides, the real question’s still unasked.

“Sorry, I wasn’t sure how to react. But sharing embarrassing past stories? I read in a magazine that’s a sign of maturity.” Miki smiles, affirming her. “Suzuki-san, you’re not just more interesting than I thought—you’re surprisingly mature!”

“Huh? Oh, hehe, really?” Hikaru scratches the back of her head, flustered but flattered, thinking, Yamazaki-san’s so nice. No wonder she has so many friends. Chatting with an extrovert is so fun—everything I say gets validated. This feels amazing—

“So, mature Suzuki-san?”

“Ah! I’m here!” Hikaru sits up straight.

“Have you ever had any romance experience?” Miki asks with a smile, as natural as breathing.

“…Huh?” Hikaru freezes, her brain failing to process the question. What? Romance? Me? For real? Why ask me that? Do I look like a love expert? Did I mishear? Why’s she asking? My face practically screams “single since birth”! Why even bother?

A whirlwind of thoughts races through her mind. Snapping back, she sees Miki still smiling, waiting expectantly. “Uh, oh, well… I-I’ve been dating since, uh, not kindergarten, but elementary! Don’t let me fool you—I’m super experienced! Hahaha!”

Oh no, I lied. But with that expectant look, how could she admit she’s been single forever? She had to puff herself up!

“Whoa, that’s amazing!” Miki claps, impressed. “Didn’t peg you for a player, Suzuki-san!”

“Haha, totally! I’m super popular, you know. Back in elementary, boys were buzzing around me nonstop. In junior high, I’d switch boyfriends ten times a semester. They called me ‘Sylvester Stallone of Romance’ or ‘Napoleon of Love.’ Ugh, being popular’s such a hassle, haha, hahaha—”

“And in reality?”

“So sorry, I lied! I’ve been single my whole life! I’ll kowtow to apologize right now!” Hikaru trembles, her lie exposed instantly. Of course, a flimsy lie like that wouldn’t fool the social queen! Ugh, I’m an idiot, a total idiot. What’s there to talk about now? I should jump off a roof.

Seeing Hikaru about to turn words into action, Miki quickly stops her. “No, no, no need for that! It’s not a big deal! Never dated? No problem. I haven’t either—we’re the same!”

“Huh, oh, thanks.” Hikaru nods timidly, sitting back down.

“Let’s eat. Food’s getting cold.” Miki scoops a bite.

During their chat, the piping-hot curry has cooled to a perfect eating temperature. Tender veggies and firm chicken blend with rice in a symphony of flavor. Miki eats quietly. Hikaru glances around, wrestling with her thoughts. Talking during a meal feels a bit rude. Plus, she didn’t want to be treated, but Miki already bought the food. Not eating would waste it, disrespecting the farmers who grew the crops and raised the livestock…

After agonizing, Hikaru opens her chopsticks and digs into her oyakodon, eating silently. I’ll pay Yamazaki-san back later…

Their eating styles differ starkly. Hikaru nibbles quietly, avoiding any noise. Miki’s a whirlwind, scooping curry and rice, then mixing them into a mash and shoveling it in—fast and fierce, nothing like a “pretty girl.” Thanks to this, while Hikaru’s barely a third through, Miki’s plate is clean.

After returning her tray to the collection point, Miki grabs two oolong teas, placing one gently by Hikaru’s side and chugging half of hers. “Whew! Refreshing!” Back in her seat, she chats casually with the still-eating Hikaru. “The cafeteria’s oyakodon is great, right? Huh? You’re halfway done—why no soy sauce or shichimi?”

“Huh?” Hikaru glances at the table, bare except for napkins. “There’s none here.”

“Of course not! You gotta ask the lunch lady at the counter!”

“Huh?” Hikaru blinks. “Can you do that?”

“Oh, normally no, since the oyakodon counter doesn’t have shichimi. You gotta ask the ramen counter’s uncle.”

“Huh…” Hikaru’s stunned. Asking for condiments at a different counter? Extroverts are terrifying. She could never pull that off.

“Pfft, I know you’re shy—leave it to me!” Before Hikaru can protest, Miki snatches her tray and dashes off, returning just as fast. “Here! Try it—super tasty!”

Looking at the drizzle of soy sauce and thin layer of red spice on her oyakodon, Hikaru shyly thanks her. “Uh, thanks, Yamazaki-san.”

“No prob! Stir it well—the flavors meld, and it’s divine!”

Under Miki’s enthusiastic guidance, Hikaru stirs her bowl like it’s natto. She actually enjoys these mindless tasks. They bring a strange, floaty feeling, like her soul’s drifting away. Mid-stir, Miki casually drops another question. “By the way, Suzuki-san, anyone in our class you’re interested in? Like, someone you’d wanna date?”

“Huh?” Hikaru’s hands freeze, her face not just shocked but tinged with… fear? Miki, catching every detail, feels a smug satisfaction—things are going as planned. But the next second, Hikaru’s voice spikes, shrill with panic.

“N-n-n-no! I’m so sorry! I-I’m not from that world! I’m not into yuri!”

“?”