Request from Underdog Hero, who wanted something involving "Yuuki, Ibusaki, and hunting". It took me longer than usual to write these requests...
"What, you want me to teach you about hunting?" the short, blond-haired girl asked, jumping around enthusiastically. "And you don't think it's weird or cruel to animals or anything?"
They were freshly enrolled at an elite school for culinary students, where hundreds or possibly thousands of students would use meat in their dishes every day. Even though that was what the short girl was used to, surely no one would look down on something as natural as hunting here. Those feelings weren't unfamiliar to Ryoko either, although she'd learned to overcome them on her own, and thanks to the support of two loving parents.
"Because I specialize in smoked meat," the shaggy-haired boy reminded her. "I think it would be beneficial to-"
"All right! If you really want me to teach you about hunting, you have to call me 'Boss' and wear a bright orange vest-"
"Forget it."
"Huh?! Okay, maybe you don't have to call me 'Boss', but that thing about the orange vest is serious!"
Apparently, the shaggy-haired boy didn't believe her. The boy standing next to him – the one wearing glasses – looked a little less skeptical, but he made no effort to contribute.
"Let's try this again," Glasses suggested. "My name is Zenji Marui. Unlike Yuuki, who specializes in game meat, I was invited to this academy based on academic merit."
Ignoring Yuuki's protests, the shaggy-haired boy spoke again, "Shun Ibusaki. I usually work with meats, specifically smoked."
"How come I can't–"
"Everyone already knows who you are, Yuuki."
Once more, the shaggy-haired boy – Shun – spoke up, but this time he was looking directly at her, leaning against the door frame. Standing quietly and so far still unnoticed by everyone else. "And you. What's your name?"
"I'm Ryoko Sakaki."
She smiled slightly. Truly, it was nice attending a school where everyone felt like they could belong.
"My family owns a kouji and fermented goods shop."