"Katsu curry, extra-large! Drench it in sauce!"
After the fourth period ended, I headed to the cafeteria with Airi Miyama, just as we promised yesterday. She made me treat her to an extra-large katsu curry (1000 yen) without hesitation.
(Since I promised, I can't complain. Or rather, I can't bring myself to complain.)
Even as an introverted otaku, I have pride in myself as a man.
(But seriously, the extra-large katsu curry at our cafeteria is huge.)
Just as I was thinking that, the extra-large katsu curry came from the pick-up counter. It had a heaping mound of rice, eight thick pieces of katsu, and the aromatic curry sauce was filled to the brim.
Just looking at it, it seemed overwhelming. I felt full just by looking at it… and it also looked like it would give me indigestion.
Given my financial state, I'll just have a single rice ball today.
Airi Miyama and I each took our lunches and sat facing each other at a two-person table.
Having lunch with Airi Miyama… I wouldn't have believed it if you told me this would happen two days ago.
This is the second time since yesterday I've faced Airi like this. Still, no matter how often I see her, her beauty is top-tier. Her facial IQ alone is like someone who could get into Tokyo University. And as for her breasts, they're at the level of a Harvard valedictorian (definitely).
And for an introvert like me, having lunch with a girl hasn't happened since middle school cafeteria days.
Anyway, I'm super nervous…
(I need to be extra careful with my table manners.)
"Thanks for treating me today! Also, sorry for ordering something so expensive."
"It's fine; it's a thank you for yesterday…"
"Ryota, is just a rice ball enough for you?"
"I have a small appetite."
My remaining money only allows for a rice ball, but I won't say that.
"Ryota, you're so conscientious."
"Conscientious? Me?"
"Yeah, because I didn't expect you to treat me. It was just a verbal promise, so I thought you might just brush it off."
She doesn't trust me at all. Even though I'm an introvert, I always keep my promises.
"By the way, I've been thinking…" She continued.
"Hm?"
"Aren't people looking at us?"
I glanced around, and sure enough, I noticed some envious and hostile glares from the guys.
"Who's that guy? Which class is he from?"
"He's having lunch with Airi Miyama… I'm so jealous."
"Haa haa, my precious Airi-tan… haa haa."
Of course, it's like this. Airi doesn't seem to realize it, but she's idol-level popular with fans all over the school.
If such an idol ate with an introvert like me, it would be more than a scandal.
(Goodbye, my peaceful school life…)
"Hey, Ryota? Are you listening?"
"Eh! Y-Yes!?"
I was distracted by my surroundings when Airi spoke to me.
"Geez, ignoring me is the worst."
"S-Sorry. Please forgive me; I'll do anything."
"You don't have to apologize so seriously… well, whatever."
Airi started talking heartily while eating her curry with a spoon.
"About this morning…"
"Y-Yes?"
"Weren't you talking with Yuria?"
Gah… she saw that.
Airi kept stuffing her mouth with katsu curry, chewing, and swallowing before speaking again.
"Well, it was just a light conversation… but why do you ask?"
"Oh, Ryota, were you in a different class in the first year? Then it makes sense you wouldn't know."
"Huh??"
I don't get what she means at all.
"Yuria hardly ever talks to boys since the first year."
"Really? Is that so?"
"Yeah, I was surprised to see her talking to you, Ryota."
Yuria Ichinose hardly talks to boys…? I always thought she was a gyaru and probably had a boyfriend, so this is unexpected.
"So, what were you talking about with Yuria? Was it something juicy?"
"N-No! She just told me, 'I've remembered.'"
"Yuria said that? What does it mean?"
(I wish I knew…)
"What does she mean by 'I've remembered'?"
"I'd like to know too, but…"
Talking to Yuria Ichinose is way too high a hurdle for an introvert like me.
"If you want, I can ask Yuria for you since I'm her best friend?"
"Really?"
"Oh, but wait! That wouldn't be fun."
"Huh?"
After finishing her katsu curry, Airi clasped her hands and gave me her signature wink.
"I'll tell you something good, so why don't you ask Yuria yourself?"
"S-Something good…!?"