Lunchtime arrived.

Since it was the day after that confession commotion, I’d been spending the morning nervously wondering when Takatsuka-san might appear.

Despite declaring she’d launch a fierce attack, things had been surprisingly quiet so far.

Maybe that confession was just a nightmare I imagined.

Just as I started to relax—

The classroom atmosphere, where everyone had been preparing lunch in their own ways with bento, cafeteria or school store food, changed in an instant.

“Hello. Where might Hayama-kun be?”

The classmates’ gazes all turned toward the entrance. Mine too.

Takatsuka-san…

Being the most famous person in school, she didn’t seem bothered by all the attention.

“Ah, there you are. I’m glad you came to school today.”

She approached smiling. Don’t come closer!

“What’s wrong? You look pale. If you’re unwell, I could take you to the nurse’s office and care for you.”

“N-no, I’m fine.”

“Don’t hold back. I know when the nurse leaves. We’d have the bed to ourselves. If your body feels troubled above or below, consult me.”

She hugged my arm, closing the distance.

Cold sweat formed.

Because Iwabuchi-san is here too.

I don’t want misunderstandings or her finding out Takatsuka-san is after me. My true feelings are for Iwabuchi-san.

“Then shall we go eat lunch?”

“Huh… lunch?”

“Yes. We promised to eat together.”

Her smile remained pleasant but carried pressure.

Better to change locations than resist here.

More than anything, I didn’t want Iwabuchi-san seeing me stuck to someone I don’t like.

“…Fine. I’ll grab my bento.”

“Go ahead. I’ll come along.”

Still holding my arm, she stayed attached.

I quickly took my lunch bag and left the classroom.