It was lunchtime again next day I took the container that was filled with my lunch which wasn't prepared by me and there was someone in front eagerly waiting for me to eat the food prepared. She was one of the popular girls in school who had the nickname of "Angel" Himari Hayami who became my friend.
I myself knew that she was waiting for me to eat since I would be criticizing her homemade cooking. There are many stares around us since both of us are again together eating lunch although they haven't notice that Himari and I had the same lunch.
"" Please give me your thoughts after eating Satoshi-kun.""
That's what Himari's face looked like to me. She made me lunch because it was part of the request she had me undertake but I was surprised that after the next day she would make me try it.
"" Well then, Satoshi-kun let's eat.""
Himari urges me to start eating I complied enduring the stares directed at us. Himari seemed to be calm and unfazed, but this was all new to me since people usually observe me for my performance rather than these piercing gazes. I continued to eat under those intense stares directed to us, even so, I managed to enjoy the meal Himari made as it was delicious enough to make me forget the people staring.
"" Your cooking is delicious Himari-san, I think it is better than my cooking if I factor the presentation and the effort you would place on the preparations to the flavoring of the meat and vegetables. It gives a balanced taste where it doesn't overpower the other cooked food but instead it enhances the flavor for each bite you take. I don't know what aspect of cooking you need to improve but overall the dish you made was delicious.""
I gave my honest reaction and thoughts about her cooking, I enjoyed eating it. Himari looked at me with a confused yet unsatisfied look.
"" Is it really that good I don't think it can be compared to your cooking Satoshi-kun. You cook in a more skilled manner than me, you use only a few ingredients to make good food without making too much effort, so I believe you are better than me at cooking.""
"" I think both of us have different styles of cooking Himari-san, you could say it is a specialty of both of us to cooking using the knowledge we know about cooking. I usually cook avoiding too much mixture of flavors while focusing to enhance the flavor of the dish, while your specialty is most likely a perfect balance of flavors.""
"" I do understand that we have different styles of cooking but if I factor your proficient skills with the knife and your preparation of the food skillfully, you are much better at cooking than me.""
Himari looks at me with a serious face. I want you to help me improve on that aspect Satoshi-kun it would help me a lot.
"" I don't mind helping you out if it's just that besides, your my friend so I'll do what I can to help you out.""
"" Thank you Satoshi-kun, also, have you studied for math today? It seems that sensei is going to give us an assessment later.""
Himari switched the topics since there was nothing to add.
"" I haven't, I was planning to study in the library after this since the classroom is relatively quiet plus I'm probably going to get questioned later if I enter the classroom early.""
"" May I join you then? I can help you study.""
"" I don't really need to study really hard, but you can come and accompany me in the library.""
I wanted to read light novels in peace, but I can't refuse Himari's offer for a reason like this. I guess I'll study then even though I understood the lessons already, but it does not hurt to re-read the lessons.
"" Let's go then Satoshi-kun. Himari stood up which gave me the cue to move.""
We both walk towards the library at a slow pace, I still noticed the piercing stares directed towards both of us but I ignored them since thinking too much about it just leads to nothing. As we arrived at the library, we both went around to find a place where there were less people inside.
"" Let's sit right there Himari-san, there is good lighting and enough space for us to study there.""
I pointed at the corner of the library where there was a big table near the science section of the library.
"" Now then Satoshi-kun, do you have problems understanding the Math topics for the test later?""
Himari sat down asking me a question with a serious face.
"" I don't have any particular problems with Math so I'm just going to review some fundamentals the teacher gave us you don't need to worry about my grades I am confident that I will get an above average grade.""
"" Are you sure Satoshi-kun? Then what is the answer for this problem then?""
Himari pointed at a problem on her notes, it was a relatively difficult problem to solve but.
"" It is 4x-3, using that you would be able to complete the formula for it. You can get the answer if you move this to here then subtract it with this before dividing the whole equation by 4, then you will see the needed formula to add.""
Himari had wide eyes after I answered the problem.
"" Then what about this then Satoshi-kun?""
She pointed to another problem.
"" This is rather difficult unless you remove the exponents by using the same method. After this you just move this and this there then you have the needed answer which is 3.""
"" Correct again.....""
"" Himari-san, is there something wrong?""
"" To think you would be able to solve this thought you would be able to answer these part way but to think that you even solved this in a few seconds.''
Himari muttered her words.
"" What was that Himari-san I couldn't understand you?""
"" It's nothing now then Satoshi-kun I believe that you won't have problems with the test but I would like you to help me with some of these problems.""
' Alright, I guess I can try to help you just don't expect me to solve it perfectly though.""
I place my seat near her at an angle to avoid touching her directly while being able to see notes she had.
"" I doubt that Satoshi-kun. Himari said in a quiet voice.""
"" Huh, did you say something Himari-san?""
"" It's nothing, now about this problem....""
It was a peaceful moment, both of us were exchanging what we understood to solve the problems on the notes Himari had. Time passed as we studied together in the library, I could only hear both of our voices as we talk to each other explaining the fundamentals. It was only a matter of time until the bell rings so I kept talking with Himari helping her solve the problem at hand.
"" You move it here then divide it by 7 then you get the answer.""
Riiiing!
"" That's the bell, I guess we should return to class now Himari-san.""
"" Yes, I was focused on studying that I forgot about the time I hope it wasn't an inconvenience for you Satoshi-kun.""
"" No, it's fine I had fun helping you out with studying I also learned a few things thanks to you, so don't worry about it.""
"" Yes, I'll ask you again sometime if there is a test so I look forward to studying with you again Satoshi-kun.""
"" It will be annoying if you call me out again in public so lets exchange line numbers it would be much more convenient if we are able to contact each other easily.""
"" Alright let's do that now.""
We both exchanged line numbers as we return to our classroom. Although the bell has already rung, it was still 5 minutes before classes start so we still had time to arrive. By the time we both arrived in our classroom people began to stare at the both of us. They must be wondering why I arrived with the "Angel" so I can understand that but it was a good thing both of us arrived a second before the teacher came in as well so there wasn't anyone asking about it.
"" Good afternoon class please take your seats, today we will have a test based on what I discussed about last week so prepare yourselves for it I'll give you all 5 minutes to study.""
The class went in an uproar, well most of them were the students who rarely study so I sent my prayers to them. I returned to my seat and observed the class, I made eye contact with Himari who had a wry smile while listening to the argument of the students since she was in the front row. I sighed opening my notes to review for the test.
Classes ended without a problem; some students were procrastinating about how they won't be able to recover from the test since it had too much hard problems. Since these were the same students who rarely study, I guess it was on them for not taking their studies seriously.
I got ready to leave school, so I was packing my all the things I need in my bags and leaving the unnecessary materials I need inside my locker. My phone rang after I was done, I checked to see Himari's name as the sender of the message.
"" Satoshi-kun thank you for studying with me earlier the test became much easier with your help the concepts you told me were seen in the problems, so I had an easier time solving them. I might be arriving home a little late so, is it okay if I eat dinner at your place today? I won't be a bother to you when you cook later, I have something to do after school today.""
I was surprised to know that she wanted to eat at my place, judging from her message she must be doing something tiring making her unable to cook later.
"" It's fine, I don't mind you coming to my apartment today, just send me a message later once you arrived.""
I sent her back a message telling her it was okay.
I wanted to directly go back to my apartment, so I didn't take the train since my place was much closer if I walk. As I exit the school, I was walking down the sidewalk thinking about dinner when a voice called out to me.
"" Your place is this way Satoshi-kun?""
A female voice called out to me.
"" Turning around I saw Kaede Yuki the one they call the Diva.""
"" Hello Kaede-san, and yes, my apartment is in this direction I wanted to directly return home, so I chose to walk back.""
"" It seems we would be taking the same path back; you mind if I accompany you for a while?""
"" It's fine but are you sure that you want to, you're pretty popular right? Going home with me might be bad for your reputation.""
"" It's fine, let them think what they want besides you and Himari-san were together at lunchtime earlier so I people can just say that I was wondering about that.""
"" Well, if you insist then go ahead, I believe you also had some questions about that?""
I looked at her with a calm face.
"" You could say that I was curious how both of you became close in just a day.""
"" You're not saying anything about me threatening her?""
"" I don't believe you would do that to a girl; besides you are not the type of person that would do that from the way Ai and Retsu-kun described you. Also, you both were talking to each other differently earlier so I thought something must have happened.""
"" How should I describe this, I guess the simplest way to describe our relationship would be friends?""
I answered her directly on point not adding unnecessary details on how it happened.
"" I thought so, does it had anything to do with her request to you yesterday?""
"" I guess you could say that Himari-san may have opened up a little to me saying she trusts me.""
I continued to walk the sidewalk looking down.
"" I guess it was unexpected for you huh.""
Kaede said beginning to walk by my side.
"" That's true, I thought she would be done with me after that, I never thought she would ask me to be her friend after finishing her request.""
"" Well, no student has been able to talk to Himari-san like you do right now, so you need to take good care of that trust she gave you. Who knows, she might open up with others with you as the bridge to that.""
"" I don't know about that, but I'll try to help out if Himari-san agrees to it.""
"" Haha, you really care about Himari-san don't you Satoshi-kun?""
"" What can I say, it is my nature to care for others especially when the person is someone I know. It was taught to me after all.""
I looked up staring at the now orange sky thinking about a past memory.
Leon, it doesn't matter if you are successful and capable in the future, you need to at least understand other people's situation when you try to connect them. Please don't lose all your humanity when moving forward, it is a sad thing that a child like you loses them, you should be happy living a normal life instead of being stuck here.
A male voice resounded in my head; those words were something that I always kept in mind.
"" Satoshi-kun, hello earth to Satoshi-kun?""
"" Ah, sorry Kaede-san I was remembering something just now, what were you saying again?""
I snapped back to reality when she called me.
Kaede looked at me with a worried face not saying anything extra, she must have realized that she touched a bad topic.
"" You don't need to worry about that Kaede-san it was just some words of inspiration from someone I know.""
I decided to break the silence to lighten the mood.
"" Oh alright, I won't touch that topic anymore, by the way how did you fare in the math test earlier Your Math class was after ours in the afternoon, I remember seeing Sensei's schedule one time.""
Kaede switched the topic perfectly to forget about it.
"" I may have gotten a score a little higher than usual. There were difficult problems, but it was solvable if you understood the concepts behind how to reverse it.""
Kaede looked at me surprised.
"" You understand how to reverse those problems!? I don't even understand most of the difficult ones, better yet solve them.""
Come to think of it, Himari-san also said a similar thing before we studied, she asked me if I was good at Math.
"" Well, when it comes to Math, I might understand fairly better than your average person but I don't think I can score very high.""
"" If you understand those problems surely you would be able to answer the other problems, it was easy enough to solve them unless you purposefully lowered your score.""
"" Kaede-san are you accusing me of lowering my score?""
I tilted my head to the side asking what she meant.
"" No wait, if you lower you score then those are all disadvantages, why would someone lower their score?""
"" Well, I guess the person doesn't want to deal with troublesome stuff maybe he did that to avoid it.""
"" Then was that the reason?""
"" I did not confirm anything I was listing a possible reason.""
"" You're a strange one Satoshi-kun I can't get a read on you.""
"" Perhaps, you should try reading books in advance so you may understand the difficult problems earlier.""
"" Hey, that's just mean Satoshi-kun.""
"" Sorry about that, anyway if you do have evidence then you can ask me again, I don't mind answering you. That is if you can find any.""
"" Hehehe, you know Satoshi-kun you're fun to talk to I can understand Ai and Retsu's words about you. Also Hiro wants to talk to you next time so please talk to him when he approaches you one time.""
Kaede giggled smiling at me.
"" I'll keep that on mind, although it would be better if he talks to me in a less populated area. Anyways my apartment is here, is Kaede-san's place further up?""
I stopped in my tracks in front of the building.
"" My place is further up by 2 blocks it is relatively close, but it's surprising you live here at this block Satoshi-kun do you come from an influential family?""
"" I'm in the care of someone who understands my situation, I don't know their standing in society since I am not really their child.""
"" Oh, so you're adopted Satoshi-kun?""
Kaede was surprised to know that, but she continued.
"" Well, you can say that they have a certain degree of power since they can provide a child a place where you're lucky to have someone like that supporting you.""
"" I am grateful to them, I wanted to get a part-time job to lessen their expenses, but they said that it was fine for me to be selfish and enjoy. They are good people to me since then.""
"" Now I know more about you Satoshi-kun, well then, I'll be going now take care of yourself.""
Kaede started to walk again waving her hand goodbye.
"" You as well, Kaede-san, goodbye.""
I said that before going inside the building.
After going inside my apartment, I got myself ready to cook but since I had time to spare, I read the light novel Elites before doing that. I lied down on my couch reading the book in peace until it was time to start cooking.
I read for about 30 minutes before starting to cook, and in a timely manner I received a message.
"" Satoshi-kun I will come over in a while, I need to get ready first, if you are starting to cook can you slow your pace, I want to see you cook again.""
Himari texted me just now saying that she arrived, It almost made me laugh internally since she wanted me to delay cooking a bit so she could watch. I held my phone typing a reply to her.
"" You really like cooking Himari-san, don't worry the dish I'm making will take a good amount of time so you don't need to worry.""
I placed my phone on the table and started to prepare the ingredients for the dish. I took the marinated chicken meat out, frying it in the pan and settling it on a tissue to absorb the excess oil. Just then my front door rang so I opened my door to let my expected guest inside.
"" Good evening, Satoshi-kun, I hope I'm not a bother for having you cook again.""
Himari stood in front of my door in her casual clothing it did not expose a lot of skin, but it certainly made her beautiful.
"" Come in, you're not a bother at all Himari-san, you look tired so I am cooking a light dish today, so it doesn't burden the stomach.""
"" Please take care of me today thank you again for cooking my part I'll be sure to repay you. By the way, what are you making?""
"" Since it is light and good for relieving tiredness, I decided to make soba, please wait a while I haven't made the noodles yet.""
"" You're making homemade soba? Wait, is that even a possibility for you Satoshi-kun?""
Himari had a confused face looking at me.
"" Just see for yourself Himari-san it is easy.""
"" I don't think the term easy for you is easy for me Satoshi-kun.""
"" Don't say that, you're here to learn my techniques right, this is also part of it.""
"" Satoshi-kun, you're really strange for being able to do this you know?""
Himari made a gesture that looks like she is seeing a incomprehensible being.
"" Perhaps.""
I went back to the kitchen while Himari was watching over by the entrance of the kitchen as I started to cook the soba.
It was fun spending a time with others, I never would have thought I could have another moment like this with a friend my age. Even so, the fact that Himari was my friend won't change for a while, it had a nostalgic feel to my mood.