Yumiko POV

Some weeks ago

"Yumiko, let's go to the cafeteria to buy!"

''Of course.'' I replied.

Like every day since we met, Ebina and I go to the cafeteria to buy our lunches.

Doing this with Ebina reminded me of how in middle school I used to have lunch with Raiden, and even though I suggested having lunch together, he said I should use this opportunity to deepen my friendship with Ebina, I guess he's right.

Once we got to the cafeteria, we started lining up. When we got our lunches, we found a table and sat down to eat.

The cafeteria food wasn't bad, but compared to Raiden's food, it leaves a lot to be desired.

"By the way, Yumiko, do you already know one of the most handsome boys in Sobu High?"

I hadn't paid attention to the rumors or gossip that surfaced, and I really don't want to know about Sobu high boys, since from my experience in middle school, I know that they just boast about their popularity and beauty to flirt with girls.

''I didn't think you would be interested in boys.'' I said in a teasing tone.

"Of course not." Ebina said as she adjusted her glasses. "But I may use them as models for some of my future projects, so keeping an eye on aspects of these is of the utmost importance." Ebina is in high spirits.

"I'm starting to feel sorry for those guys."

"And you know, among all of them, there is one that stands out above the rest, it's called Hayama, I saw it once, and I must say that it would be perfect to use it in one of my works."

"If you didn't know about your hobbies, I'd say you're interested in him."

''Come on, Yumiko, don't be a Joker, it's impossible for me to go out with a boy like him. Besides, he should be with a boy who looks like him so that both of them take turns.''

Ebina was too excited.

''Here'' Since Ebina and I became closer, I realized that when she imagines some things, her nose starts to bleed, so I always carry a handkerchief with me.

''Thank you, Yumiko.'' Quickly Ebina put the handkerchief to her nose.

Once she calmed, she seemed to be doing better.

"We must hurry to finish, or the bell will ring."

Ebina nodded.

Although Ebina could be considered strange, I feel comfortable talking to her.

Once we're done, we decide to go back to our classroom, although I want to buy something first.

''Ebina, you can go ahead; I want to buy something.''

''See you in the classroom.'' Saying this, Ebina continued with her path while, I went to one of the vending machines in Sobu High.

Ever since Raiden bought me a can of Max Coffee, I started to like that drink, even though it tasted too sweet at first. Perhaps it was because of the moment or because of the feeling I had back then that I found it delicious.

Once I got to the machine, I inserted a coin and got my drink.

The bell rang signaling the end of the lunch hour. I guess it's time to go back.

I opened my drink to take a sip on the way to my classroom.

Once I got to the corner, someone crashed into me.

Due to our collision, we both ended up falling to the ground.

To my bad luck, due to our accident my drink went flying and spilled on the floor.

Now I'm upset.

"You should be careful where you walk!" I said with an annoyed tone.

''SORRY!''

The said person had short orange hair.

We both stood up.

"An apology?, do you think that will fix that?" I pointed to my spilled drink.

She seemed embarrassed as well as very nervous.

''I'm so sorry, I was in a hurry and didn't realize my surroundings.''

Was she some kind of idiot for walking around without paying attention to her surroundings?

"You should watch where you're walking next time!"

"I'm very sorry, I promise I'll be more attentive when walking."

"And where are you going in such a hurry?" Maybe she had a good reason to be running without looking.

''My friends sent me to buy her drinks, and since the doorbell rang, I had to hurry up.''

Although those were her words, given my experience I had understood the opposite. My (friends) ordered me to go buy their drinks even though they knew lunchtime was already over.

Thinking about it that way, and given how innocent she seems to be, it reminds me of my middle school self before I met Raiden.

"Don't worry, I'll pay for your drink." After saying this, she took out her wallet and started to count the money.

She put on an awkward expression.

''It seems that I don't have enough money to pay for everything.'' She started laughing, I could tell she was afraid of how I would react.

''Stop it, you don't need to buy me another drink.'' I couldn't do anything about it because if I started to complain, I would only be late for class.

"Truly!?" She seemed happy with my words.

"Yeah, starting a problem would only make me late for class, so it's not worth it. Plus, your friends gave you the money to buy their drinks, so it would be a problem for you too."

''In fact.'' She began to scratch the back of her neck, denoting discomfort. ''It is my money that I am buying it with.''

Her words reminded me of things from middle school, so I couldn't help but get angry.

"And why the hell would you do that!?"

My words made her jump a little in fear.

"My friends asked me. It's also for the first time it happens, so I don't see it as bad.'' Just by seeing her say this, I could tell that she is aware that things shouldn't be like this, but she just obeys to have someone to be with.

Seeing her is like seeing my past.

"I will give you some advice, those people who claim to be your friends are not, they will only take advantage of you, it is best to get away from them before these situations become so common to the point where you think it is good."

She seemed uncomfortable with everything I had said. I don't blame her, a stranger she just met is lecturing her.

If my words could help her, good for her, but in the end, she is the one who decides what to do.

I had nothing else to do here, so I started walking towards my classroom.

''Thank you?'' I could hear her say this, there was doubt in her voice "I'll return the favor for your drink, I promise!"

Next Day

Today, Ebina and I had brought our bentos, but since Ebina wanted to have material for her plays, we had lunch in the cafeteria.

"Is it necessary to come here to eat?''

"Of course, Yumiko." Ebina had an anxious expression. "Maybe today I'll have the chance to see the classic (accident) that happens between two boys, where one ends up on top of the other, so I can't let this opportunity pass by."

"I understand, it just prevents you from getting a nose bleed.''

"Do not worry about that." Ebina showed me a handkerchief. At least Ebina is more aware. Although I would not like to know what exactly she imagines.

While having lunch, I could see the same girl from yesterday, she was holding several yakisoba breads.

I guess she's still the errand girl.

While walking she tripped, as a result, one of the loaves fell near my feet. I can tell it's pretty clumsy.

She promptly walked over to our table.

So, I took the bread and offered it to him.

"I told you yesterday that you should be careful when walking."

The girl showed a surprised expression at our sudden reunion.

"Any acquaintance, Yumiko?"

"She's the girl I had an incident with yesterday."

The girl looked very nervous.

"I'm sorry about yesterday." She started to scratch the back of her neck." Today I'm bothering you again, I'm pretty clumsy, huh." she said this with a mocking tone to herself.

For some reason, Ebina had a smile on her face.

"Why don't you have lunch with us?"

"EHH!" She said this with a surprised tone.

''Impossible, I have to take these breads to my friends, they will also get upset if I am late and…''

Her words denoted that she was the errand girl, I guess she didn't take my advice.

Ebina began to insist. Sharing a look with her, I could understand what she was trying to do.

"You owe me for yesterday, so the least would be for you to accept our invitation, right?" I said the latter with a threatening tone.

"I guess so." She made an awkward face as she said this.

Although at first, she didn't say much, little by little we began to have a fluid conversation between the 3 of us.

During our conversation, we introduced ourselves, I realized that her name was Yuigahama Yui.

After talking with her, I can confirm that she is quite cheerful, somewhat clumsy as well as very kind, and for that reason her (friends) take advantage of her.

The atmosphere between the 3 was pleasant, as if this was a common thing.

"So here you were, Yuigahama."

The voice of a third party unrelated to our conversation interrupted us.

Looking towards the direction of the voice, I realized that it came from a girl with short crimson hair.

"Sagami-chan." Yuigahama looked surprised at this girl's intrusion, I guess she must be her friend.

''I asked you to bring us lunch, and you're wasting your time here?'' That girl sighed. ''What am I going to do with you?''

"I'm sorry, Sagami-chan." Yuigahama quickly got up from her seat and began to apologize.

That behavior of Sagami reminded me of those girls.

"Then don't waste time and let's go." Sagami started walking towards her classroom.

Before Yuigahama followed her, I grabbed her arm

"Yuigahama, as far as I know, you're having lunch with us. It's rude to leave without saying goodbye."

My words caught Sagami's attention. Furthermore, Yuigahama seemed quite flustered by the situation she found herself in.

"And who are you?" Her tone of voice was quiet contemptuous, she was making fun of me.

''Someone who doesn't treat her friends like servants, nice to meet you.'' I said this last with a sarcastic tone.

We started looking directly at each other.

"How I treat my friends is none of your business."

''What if I want to butt in?'' I said with a defiant tone.

So, we started arguing.

I noticed more people looking at us, not that I cared.

"Ebina-san, shouldn't we stop them?"

"Once Yumiko starts something, she won't stop."

Our discussion began to increase in intensity.

Definitely wouldn't let someone as Yuigahama-san get together with a girl like this, who only takes advantage of others.

"Sorry, girls, you don't think this is a good time for you to stop? since it would be bad if the situation got out of control."

The new voice interrupted our discussion, the voice belonging to a blond boy.

''Hayama-kun!'' Sagami said totally excited.

I seem to recall that Ebina had mentioned this name.

"Whatever topic they're discussing; I don't think it's worth it for two pretty girls to keep yelling at each other." Hayama said in a cheerful tone, ending with a smile.

Hayama's words calmed Sagami.

''Huh!?" Who does this guy think he is to say such things? "If you don't know the reasons, I would tell you not to meddle in our affairs."

They both looked at me with a surprised expression.

''So don't get involved in matters that don't concern you.'' I said annoyed.

Hayama put on an awkward smile, as if he didn't expect this result.

I don't feel like arguing anymore, so I'll end this.

So, I looked at Yuigahama. Since it should be her who decides what to do.

"Yuigahama, you shouldn't let other people decide for you or give you orders, will just make you get used to this, I can assure you."

Everyone's gaze was focused on Yuigahama.

"Yuigahama, stopped wasting time, and let's go back." Sagami said this with an authoritative tone.

"Actually, Sagami-chan, I think Miura-san is right. Lately I feel like you just give me orders." Yuigahama said this while it looked a bit awkward.

"Will you side with her? Okay, then stay with her." After saying this, Sagami returned alone.

How it all ended, the ones watching us went back to their business, including Hayama, who just quietly walked away.

''Miura-san, I think I should thank you for that, no one had spoken to me in such a sincere way like you.'' Yuigahama was cheerful. ''It was also amazing how you didn't hesitate to argue with Sagami-chan...''

''You can call me Yumiko since we're friends, right?''

I felt comfortable in Yuigahama company, and it was my fault that she distanced herself from Sagami, so I didn't want to leave her alone.

"Of course!" Yuigahama said this with a smile on her face.

''You can call me Hina.'' Ebina also joined our conversation.

I guess it's not so bad to have more friends.

Raiden POV

"This is homework for the next week, so I hope everyone does well." Our modern Japanese class was over. We had recently been assigned a new teacher since the previous one had to retire.

Hiratsuka sensei was a teacher who was between 25-30 years old, she was also quite beautiful. If I were not a student of Sobu High, I would not hesitate to take her as my wife. Of course, there is the age difference, but since I am 23 years old, I guess there is not much difference.

I doubt this is possible though, so it will just be random thoughts I have when I'm bored.

Leaving those thoughts aside. Since I didn't bring my lunch today, I decided to go to the cafeteria to buy something and then go to the roof to eat.

I noticed arriving at the cafeteria that it was quite busy. That's why I prefer to eat on the roof.

Once I bought something to eat, I decided to go to the roof. I hope Kawasaki is in a good mood as she was still somewhat upset about our earlier incident.

"Raiden!"

Looking at where Yumiko's voice came from, I could see her in the cafeteria line, she was next to Ebina and Yuigahama.

''It's good that you're here, find a table so we can eat''

"For some reason I feel like it's an order." I said this with a teasing tone.

''Just do it.'' Yumiko said with an authoritative tone.

''Okey.'' I nodded at her words and began my relentless search for a table.

Ever since we went to karaoke, Yumiko became more bossy than usual. Also, this becomes more noticeable the times I talk to Ebina or Yuigahama, maybe I'm thinking about it too much. After all, Yumiko has that queenly aura.

To my luck, I found a table with 4 seats available, so I quickly sat down at it, and now I have to wait for Yumiko and the others to come.

While waiting, I took out the Yakisoba bread, and started eating it.

''Hello, are the seats taken?''

Looking at the sender of those words, I realized that it was Hayama, the proclaimed prince of Sobu High.

"Yes, the table is occupied." I said in a bored tone since I have no interest in having a conversation with those kinds of people. Perhaps it is due to our different natures.

Hayama kept his smile that identified him.

"Then it could wait until you vacate it." Although with my refusal, he was sure that I would hand over the table to him at some point.

"I'll be here until the end of lunchtime." I'm sure Yumiko wouldn't let me go, so I resigned myself to spending lunch here.

Hayama put on an awkward smile.

His previous words were a way of politely asking me to leave this place, but, to his bad luck, I am conditioned to be here.

"Hayato, did you manage to get a table?"

3 girls had arrived at our place. For some reason, the red-haired girl looked familiar to me.

"I had no luck with that." Hayama said this a bit uncomfortably for failing the task he was given.

"But here we have a table just for the 4 of us." I could guess where this topic was heading.

"Hey, you could vacate the table since you are not going to use it in its entirety!" Her words were authoritative, as if with the simple fact of telling me this, I had to obey her orders.

"The table is occupied, are you blind or something?" If they weren't formal with me, they didn't have to be.

My words made the red-haired girl angry.

Hayama put his hand on this girl's shoulder to calm her down, and it worked right away. It seems like this girl is his pet. After all, I know that Hayama should look for a high-status girl to prevent other girls from taking an interest in him.

Living the way Hayama does is stupid. If you want to reject someone, you just have to do it since seeking to make everyone happy is simply an ideal.

"Sagami, what do we do?" The other two girls started talking.

"I doubt we'll find another table before lunchtime is over."

Sagami, Sagami; I already remember that name. She was that red-haired girl who was lazy and just wanted others to do everything for her, no wonder it looked familiar to me.

"Excuse me, but could you do me that favor?" Hayama said with a pleading tone.

''As I told you, the table is occupied.'' I started to get annoyed at his insistence.

When Hayama was about to continue insisting, I could see that Yumiko was heading this way, so I raised hand as a signal.

After a few seconds, Yumiko and the others arrived.

But for some strange reason, there was a great tension in the air.

Especially the looks that Yumiko and Sagami gave each other, it was as if they detested each other.

"So now you hang out with them. I guess we were quite different in the end, Yuigahama."

Sagami began to speak dismissively to Yuigahama.

''Now she's with better people. Being with someone who only looks down on others does not bring anything good.''

Yumiko responded to Sagami's words.

Have I missed something?

It looked like Yumiko and Sagami would start arguing at any moment.

Though I'd rather not make a fuss in the cafeteria.

"She's not worth it, so just ignore her." If let the situation run its course, I'm sure it would get complicated.

At my words, Yumiko put a smile on her face.

"You're right, it's not worth wasting time with girls like her."

After saying this, Yumiko and the others occupied the table.

Although during all this time Yuigahama and Ebina were talking as if the situation was the most common.

"Tch." Sagami seemed annoyed, though after a few seconds she started looking at me, and a smile formed on her face.

"At least my partner demonstrates the level that differentiates us."

Oh, since she couldn't beat Yumiko, she decided to attack me. Since if we compare Hayama with me, it is obvious who would be the girls' favorite.

"Sagami, don't you think we should go find another table?" As always, Hayama dodged the problem instead of facing it. That is a big difference between us.

Before Yumiko responded, I decided to do it myself.

"Don't you think it's very presumptuous of you to talk about the level when you can't even keep up with your partner?" I said this with a mocking tone.

My words struck a chord with Sagami, since her face detonated that she was furious. Although Yumiko for her part laughed.

I guess that would be it, so I concentrated on my lunch.

When I was about to eat, I could feel liquid on my head.

Sagami had spilled one of her friends' drinks on me.

I guess nowadays you can't be calm before people look to screw you. And I thought this day would be quiet.

But before I think about my next move. A sound caught the attention of everyone in the cafeteria.

Yumiko slapped Sagami.

From her expression, I could tell that she was really upset. And Sagami's face said the same.

The entire cafeteria was silent, as if they expected the two to pounce on each other at any moment.

At first, I was upset about what Sagami had done, but seeing that Yumiko had answered for me calmed me.

"Sagami, that wasn't right." Hayama tried to calm her to prevent any trouble from happening.

Although I'm not one of those people who let others do things for him.

''Yumiko'' I wanted to draw her attention to calm down, but Yumiko didn't pay attention to me.

''YUMIKO!'' My voice sounded serious, to which Yumiko immediately turned around, it seemed that the way I said her name scared her a little.

When I got up, I started stroking her head.

This was a custom I had to calm Rumi.

"It's okay, you don't have to worry about me.'' Although Yumiko seemed to want to protest, she kept quiet as she had a smile on her face.

Maybe right now I should be angry, but after seeing what Yumiko does for me, I can say I'm calmer. But that doesn't mean I don't want to take revenge on Sagami.

Although I don't have any overly aggressive thoughts, it would be more to use the phrase, an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.

While I'm facing Sagami, Hayama watches my movements, being wary in case I tried to do something too abrupt.

"Maybe it was my fault, so I apologize." Were the most empty words I could say. Although it did make Hayama lower his guard, and Sagami put a smile on her face, as if she had managed to subdue me.

Too bad, I'm not someone you can have fun with.

I took one of the drinks one of the girls had and spilled it on Sagami.

''Oh! It seems that my hand slipped." I said with an innocent tone.

I could see how Sagami's face changed from a happy expression to an angry one.

But before she tried anything, Hayama grabbed her.

''Come on Sagami, we don't want to put on a show here.''

Before they left, I noticed the look of disapproval Hayama gave me, as if telling me that what I did was wrong.

To hell with his opinion, if I cared about other people's opinion, I'd be like Hayama for sure, but I'm someone who decides what I should do.

After they left, the tension in the cafeteria just disappeared, I could see some surprised looks from some of the students.

So, I went back to my seat and continued eating as if nothing had happened although my shirt was now wet.

It was a little awkward being like that, I guess I'll go to the laundry later to wash my shirt and clean up.

The girls seemed quite encouraged by my actions, especially Yuigahama and Ebina. Although Yuigahama told me that I overdid it.

I don't feel guilty about it though.

Omake: Raiden likes to make fun of others.

After we parted ways at the end of lunch, I went to the laundromat near the sports fields.

I had class at the moment, but it wasn't of much importance. Besides, I didn't want to be sticky until I got home.

Since it was class time, there was no one there, so I took off my shirt and started rinsing it, and also took the opportunity to wash my upper body.

When I finished washing myself, I could hear footsteps coming towards me.

"Tsurumi-san, are you around here?" I recognized that voice, it was Yuigahama, but what was she doing here?

''Here.''

After saying this, Yuigahama walked towards me.

''I wanted to apologize for today, since it was my fault indirectly that Sa...''

Before Yuigahama finished speaking, she stopped.

Her face turned red for some reason.

"Because y-you're shirtless!" Yuigahama was very nervous.

"You don't expect me to wash with my shirt on, do you?" I know Yuigahama is a bit clumsy, but this is basic reasoning.

"I know, but you should at least tell me you were busy, and I should wait!"

Yuigahama expression and mannerisms were quite funny, so an idea occurred to me.

I started to move towards Yuigahama and in response she started backing away.

"Tsurumi-san!?" Her voice sounded quite nervous, as if she couldn't understand what I was planning right now.

Before Yuigahama could continue speaking, she had reached a tree that is near the laundromat, so she had no escape.

So, I put my arm on the side of her head, I think this was called Kabe-don.

Her face was a red, she looked like a tomato. Besides, Yuigahama avoided any eye contact with me.

With my other hand I cupped her chin and made her look in my direction.

Our eyes met; it seems she can't understand what's going on right now. Furthermore, even though she tried to speak, her words would not come out of her mouth.

"Nothing today is your fault, so stop thinking about it. It also helped me relax, so I must thank you." After saying this, I parted ways with Yuigahama.

"So don't worry." I said this as waved my hands.

"BBBAAAAKKAAA!" Yuigahama said totally flustered before running off to her classroom. Her reactions are definitely hilarious.

(At the time of departure, Raiden was punished by Yumiko and had to invite the 3 to eat)