As the class finished, the clock showed 11:59 a.m., signaling the start of lunchtime. The students eagerly gathered their belongings, the classroom buzzing with excitement for the break. Raika stretched her arms, feeling the satisfying stretch after the intense focus of science class.
"Nana," Raika started, turning to her friend, "do you want to have lunch together?"
But before she could finish her sentence, Nana was already halfway out of her seat, her eyes wide with a mix of panic and determination. "I... I have to go! Bye!" she blurted out, her voice high-pitched with nerves.
In a flash, Nana bolted from the classroom, running faster than Raika had ever seen anyone run before. Her violet hair streamed behind her like a banner, and she moved so quickly that a small cloud of dust seemed to swirl in her wake. It was as if she had transformed into a cartoon character, sprinting away with exaggerated speed.
