The cafeteria buzzed with the usual sounds of students chatting, trays clinking, and the faint hum of lunchtime chaos. Ai and I sat together on one side of the table, enjoying a rare moment of relative calm. Across from us sat Taro, Mayuri, and Kenji.
As usual, Taro was doing his best to irritate Kenji. "Hey, Kenji," Taro said, flicking a piece of rice at him, "if you're going to look like a zombie, at least play the part. Try groaning or something."
Kenji barely glanced up from his Nintendo. "Taro, the only zombie here is you—your brain's clearly rotted from whatever stupidity you marinate in every day."
Taro feigned offense, placing a hand over his heart. "Wow, Kenji, that actually stung. I thought we were friends."
Mayuri sighed, clearly used to their antics. She turned to Ai instead. "So, Ai-chan, what's the deal with the new transfer student?"
