Apologies for the wait, was taking the time to rewatch SSSS.Gridman to get it fresh in my mind and finally getting the chance to watch Gridman Universe (Fantastic, by the way). After seeing that, I can see some good new ideas of what to implement for this story in the future.

Digi-Gojira: Can't gurantee quick updates but I'll try to go as long as I can. I do plan to at some point have some..."mature" moments but this will still be an attempt at an actual story.

The next day went by slowly, Haru still not being used to the school setting. While he wasn't forced to do any more "get to know you" introductions, he still could feel the curious eyes of his classmates. Even a few people in the halls from other classes would glance at him from time-to-time when he'd prefer to just ignore it.

For now though, it was just lunch time again in the cafeteria. Haru forgot his wallet at home though so it looked like he was going hungry this time. He pulled out a laptop from his bag, getting ready to distract himself with a movie when somebody suddenly sat across from him at his chosen table. Two somebodies, actually.

Glancing up at them, Haru recognized the red-haired boy who bumped into him yesterday. He looked to be fidgeting nervously in place. The other boy is new though, tall with green hair and glasses. There was a strange smugness to him, although that might be just be some premature judgement on Haru's part. He just looked bored to be there, staring at his phone instead of paying attention.

Haru raised an eyebrow, "Can I help you?"

The red-haired boy struggled to find some words, "Ummm, well..."

His friend cut in, "Yuta wants to be friends with you."

The boy, identified as Yuta, flinched, "Utsumi, that's too forward!"

"What? That's what you wanted to ask."

"Well yeah but it's weird to be upfront like that."

Haru sighed, "Why?" When both Yuta and Utsumi looked at him in confusion, Haru explained, "We only know each other because you rammed into me yesterday. I don't hold it against you but I don't see why you'd want to be friends because of that."

Getting back some of his nervous energy, Yuta scratched his cheek, "I heard you were new here, and I'm sorry about...yesterday. I thought it'd be nice to welcome you here."

"I see..." Haru frowned, "Maybe some other time. No offense but I'm not really a 'friend' person, especially with someone I don't know anything about. Maybe if we meet some other day but I'm not really in the mood right now." He's just honest, being social is usually uncomfortable and Haru didn't feel much like opening up so soon into a new school setting. Unfortunately, his point-blank shyness didn't quite come across that way...

Utsumi grunted, "Alright, c'mon Yuta. He doesn't want friends." He lightly pulled Yuta away from the table, who looked awkward as he gave a small wave to Haru who waved back. While walking away, he could hear Utsumi mutter, "Man, that guy's uptight..."

Haru paid it no mind, the words of a stranger didn't bother him even if they're negative. He opened his laptop again only to freeze up. The occasional side effect of being a daily coffee drinker hit him head-on, his insides churning in pain. "Oh shit..." He looked around and spotted a nearby bathroom, grabbing his laptop and rushing inside. He left behind his backpack filled with school supplies at the table to prevent someone from sitting there.

When he came back, the students in the cafeteria were all gossiping with each other. While Haru made an effort to not listen and head back to his table, he couldn't help but hear the topic is about someone named 'Shinjo' doing something. Instead, what drew Haru's attention is something new placed at his table.

In front of his backpack is a hotdog wrapped in plastic, filled with what seemed to be lettuce, pickles, radish sprouts, and even an egg. Haru recognized it as a "special dog".

There's a small note attached simply saying "Feel free to eat". As much as Haru didn't trust food randomly left around, his growling stomach held a strong argument. Screw it, free food.

As Haru picked up the snack and started to unwrap it, that caused the gossiping around the room to fester up again. Out of the corner of his eye, Utsumi seemed to be glaring at him and muttering something to a confused Yuta.

"Yeesh, people sure are talkative today."

And with that remark, he took an experimental bite of the special dog and slowly chewed. "...Holy crap, that's good." He immediately started scarfing it down.

In a few hours, the school day finally ended with little issue. Haru yawned as he stepped out of the building, still feeling hungry with his admittedly small lunch ages ago.

As he approached the school gate, a girl stepped around and stood in front of him. She's admittedly beautiful, like many of the girls in this school, with exotic pinkish hair and red eyes.

She smiled, "So, did you enjoy it?"

Haru raised an eyebrow, "Excuse me?"

The girl pulled out from her pocket another special dog in its wrapping, "I left you one of these earlier, I noticed you didn't get anything to eat yourself."

Seeing the sight of the delicious snack, Haru's stomach audibly growled. He looked away with an embarrassed blush while the girl simply laughed. "If you're that hungry, I guess I can give you another."

Haru caught it with one hand when she tossed it, "Are you sure? I can just get something when I get home."

"Just enjoy it," she smirked, "My name is Akane Shinjo."

Haru nodded, "Haru Satsuma. Thank you."

"I'll be seeing you around then, Satsuma." Akane smiled and walked away, adjusting her backpack as she fades from view. With another growl from his stomach, Haru quickly tore into the special dog and munched on it.

"Nice girl, although she's probably just doing that because I'm the new kid. Doubt we'll meet that much."