Nothing but the rumbling sounds that the crowd always let out with their happy and gleeful cheers. That alone was enough. Enough to keep them entertained by the performers placed on the battlefield, watching intensely at the two key players. A long blonde hair individual, with her being somewhat cat-like ears, some say it's a cute ascetic. Other thinks its resembling her favoritism towards the creature.
But they are all wrong.
It's just her own secret and her alone.
Drawing a card from a bracelet that digital prints them out of neo-blue colored overlay pentagon hovering around it. Looking over the card for a moment and then to the opponent without changing her poker-face expression. Opening her mouth, in regards towards the match.
"Perfection is always key. Please, do not hate me for as I must dispose all obstacles to achieve my goals. That includes you."
Before her opponent could say a word, she activated the card on demand. A massive light illuminates the arena and reveal giant black silhouette of a dragon of sort. Stunned by the stunt our female protagonist pulled, raising her right arm, and pointed at the person.
"Checkmate. Now… farewell, stranger. Tyrant's Raaaaaage!"
By her command, the creature obeyed and rampaged against her opponent. Within seconds, they were flat down on the metal floor. The crowd cheering over the conclusion. As a holographic screen displayed all over the area, with a picture of the girl who won.
'Setsuna Saijou WINS!!'
Taking a glance at her victory sign, she quickly turned her back at the opponent. Walking off and forgetting about the match the moment she stepped out. Passing through the doors, a long silver-haired female student was leaning against the wall. Looking like she was waiting for Setsuna to set out of the ring.
A quick glance was given to the stranger and walks passed her, of course being followed by said stranger. Silence between the two as they continued their way towards the cafeteria, since there are a few minutes left for lunch period. Finally, the silence was broken by the stranger.
"You seemed to be in a good mood today, easy match today, Set?"
". . . . ."
Nothing from her. The stranger smiled.
"I will take that as a definite yes!"
A sigh left Setsuna's mouth, not responding to any of the stranger's future questions.
The two girls finally made it to the cafeteria, noticing a crowd of hungry teens fighting over being first at the counter. That's when the stranger chimes in, like a small habit of her.
"It looks like today is bread day, Set. What do ya say? We have at it!"
Setsuna finally decided to give her a reply. Despite the struggle she endured with her for the past two minutes.
"I'd rather not. Due to lunch period being close to over. Come Emilia, we might as well grab a bite from the vending machine today."
The female know named Emilia let out a small smile and nodded happily
"Sure thing boss!"
Another sigh left Setsuna's mouth.
"Can we not? Just for today at least."
A small giggle left Emilia's mouth as they were making their way to the machines.
"Oh c'mon, you need to lighten up once in a while Set! Life is too short after all!"
". . . . ."
Silence once again, it's like she never talked to begin with. Which made Emilia give out a pouty and slightly bothered expression.
"Hey! Don't ignore my suggestion! Setsuna!"
No responses as the girls finally paid their money for the machines and grabbed their food (snacks). As they quickly headed out for a nearby bench to sit on and enjoy their remaining time in peace.
Taking small bites from an energy bar and chugging it down with bottled green tea. Setsuna seemed peaceful until Emilia interrupts that beautiful moment for her.
"Umm… Set?"
Looking over with a somewhat annoyed look.
"What is it?"
Not liking the response she was giving, Emilia forcefully poked Setsuna's cheek for a bit. Until she slapped it away in a playful manner.
"Can you not?"
"Then be nice to me when I ask you something!"
The third sigh left Setsuna's mouth. Too much for her to handle in one day, since she prefers isolation more than anything.
"Alright, what is it you need, Emilia?"
Hoping she won't poke her cheek with that response.
"See?! Now that is better! Now then… answer me this, why did you accept that guy's request to battle you? Since ya know… you prefer eating over dueling specially in lunch period."
Setsuna looked at her with a dumbfounded expression and took another bite of her energy bar.
"It's that simp-!"
Quickly she was interrupted.
"Not with your mouth-full! Geez, did anyone teach you any manners?!"
Swallowing the chewed up piece, along with drinking some of the tea. Annoyed with her for saying that, but sadly… she isn't wrong.
"To be honest, the class president was annoying me so much about not participating in my dueling academics. Which I find pretty stupid. After all, I am just an average student."
Noticing that Emilia was giving her a cold glare.
"W-What?"
"You know more than anyone that the dueling academics are important for the future career you are taking. I know you can handle them fine like you did to… what-his-face?"
Tilting her head to the right, Setsuna was at a loss.
"You know… I don't even remember his name."
Emilia gave a shocked expression.
"Geez, talk about calling someone an extra!"
This literally anger Setsuna as she finally broke out of her monotone voice.
"HUH!? WHATCHA MEAN!? YOU DIDN'T REMEMBER HIS NAME EITHER!!"
Emilia bursts out laughing, never seeing Setsuna break out of composed state she is always in with such ease.
"H-Hey! It's not funny Emilia!!"
Emilia raised both her arms and gestured a stopping motion for Setsuna to calm down.
"Joke, it's just a small joke!"
Watched as Setsuna took another bite of the bar in an aggressive manner.
"Jokes are meant to be funny…"
A nervous chuckle left Emilia's mouth.
"Alright, alright. Enough of that poutiness Setsuna, we should get ready for class soon."
Take a quick look at the clock, it was near the end of lunch. As the girls get ready to pack their stuff, another female student approached and pointed right finger at Setsuna.
"You!"
Clueless from the action, Setsuna looked over at the stranger and gave a confused look. Pointing at herself to see if she was correct to assume.
"Me?"
This angered the female, causing her cheek to blush bright red out of frustration.
"Obviously! Setsuna, I challenge you to a du-!"
"No."
Quickly Setsuna shut down the stranger's challenge and took her leave along with Emilia. Feeling defeated already as she watched the two walk away from her.
"... Did she really decline my challenge like that…?"