Ughhh… my stomach is growling. Do I have anything to eat? Oh, yes, I do! Kekeke, luckily I already exchanged my money for a lunch coupon at the canteen. With this, I can eat like a king! Kekeke... forget about the club issue for now, it's time to eat to my heart's content.
.
But… where's the canteen again? I've been here for a month, but… have I ever gone to the canteen?
.
This way…
No, that's the bathroom.
This way… nope, that's the bathroom again.
Is it this way?...
.
Aha, bingo! The atmosphere is a bit crowded, as usual. Students are swarming, pushing each other to grab their favorite meals. I thought this place would be quieter, but oh well, at least it's not too packed. Kekeke… what's on the menu today?
.
Hmm… what should I get? I guess a plate of curry rice will make my day a bit better. Now, let's feast—rice, curry, some tempura, and fried chicken. Ahh, with this, maybe I can survive the rest of the day a little easier. I hope this blissful feeling lasts…
.
"Hey, Lemon? You're Lemon, right?"
.
Oh no, senior Toma… Oh god, I'm doomed!
ARGHHHHH, GOD… WHY ARE YOU SO CRUEL?
Why is the world so small, seriously?
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"Y-Yeah… w-what do you mean? I think you've got the wrong person..." Seriously, why does it have to be senior Toma working the canteen counter? It feels so awkward to interact with him here. If only I hadn't bought that cheap book, we wouldn't be in this weird situation...
.
"Oh, sorry if I'm wrong. I guess I mistook you for someone else… Anyway, my name's Toma, I'm from class 2."
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"Oh, I'm Lemon… nice to meet you." Phew, that was close… wait, did I just—
.
"Eh? Your name is Lemon?"
.
"Eh? What did I just say?"
ohhh… it feels like my world is collapsing… Why is my brain so bad, Lemon? How did I even manage to get into this school?
.
"O-Oh, by the way, senior… why are you dressed like that?"
.
"Oh, this? Cool, right? I've got a shift today. It's great for earning some extra money. So, what did you get today?" he asked while glancing at my tray.
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"Just… normal food..." **ARGGGHHHH…**
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"Wow, just normal food? I thought you'd get something more… unique." Toma chuckled as he keyed in the price of my food. "So, do you have a coupon?"
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"Oh, o-of course, senior… here it is..." **ARGHHHHHHH… HE REMEMBERS, HE REMEMBERS! **
.
**OH GOD, WHY ARE YOU SO CRUEL? **
"Pffft, you're quite the character, Lemon. Alright, don't worry… I won't tell anyone. So… enjoy your meal."
.
Oh my god… oh lord, please forgive me....
----------
A day off… no homework… in my cozy room…
Hmmm… bored… what should I do? I could read a novel all day… but I've already finished all of them. Should I just sleep the whole day? No, no… that's too sad. Ugh… I was really looking forward to this day off…
.
But if I don't have anything to do, it feels like such a waste… Well, I think I've got enough money… Maybe I'll just buy another book… I mean, I still have some cash… and no plans either.
.
(tap)
(tap)
(tap)
.
Ehh… nothing in the kitchen…
(click)
Nothing in the fridge either… no food…
Oh right… I haven't cooked dinner yet… should I just eat out instead? Fine, let's go buy a book and treat myself to a nice meal, just for today.
.
"Casual clothes should be fine, right?" Alright, let's head out. "Besides, I don't have many outfits to choose from anyway… yeah… a hoodie should do."
.
(click)
(tap)
(tap)
.
Hmm?… The neighborhood feels so quiet… I thought it would be more lively on a day off… guess I was wrong.
.
"Ahhh… Lemon… heading out?"
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"Oh, Mrs. Admon… good evening…" I rarely see Mrs. Admon outside… then again, I don't go out much either…
.
"Fufufufu… finally stepping out of your house, huh? Is everything okay with your place? Let me know if you need anything, alright, Lemon?"
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"Of course, Mrs. Admon. Thanks for all your help!"
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"Well then, have fun! Bye-bye!"
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Wow… if everyone were as kind as Mrs. Admon… the world might be a little better. Ehh… am I talking to myself again? Alright, Lemon, go buy a book… then get dinner and head home. Solid plan, hehehe.
.
(tap)
(tap)
(door opens)
.
Ahh… the smell of books is the best. I'm finally at the bookstore, but… I don't even know what book I want. Oh well, I'll just browse around and see if something catches my eye.
Hmm… 'Love Between Different Worlds'?... not interested…
'My Boyfriend is a Mafia Boss'?... Oh god, why is this even here? Are publishers running out of good books?
Maybe I should check out the horror section?… No, no… I'm still traumatized from what happened at school…
Oh… this one looks interesting… should I just get this?
.
"Thinking of buying that one, Lemon? It's actually a pretty good read."
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"Oh… senior Toma…" Oh right… senior Toma works at this bookstore… I almost forgot. Sorry, senior…
"Is this book really good? I haven't heard anything about it before."
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"Yeah, it's pretty solid. I read it a while back, and yeah, it's quite interesting. It's about a teenager trying to figure out who they are… and… uh… well, I forgot some details. It's been a while since it came out, and the story ended a long time ago."
.
"I see…" A book I've never heard of… is it really that good?
"Uhh… senior… how much is this one?"
.
"Hmm… are you sure you want to buy it? Actually, I bought that book a few years ago. I could just give you my copy if you want. It's still in good condition. Don't worry."
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"Ehh… are you serious, senior? Won't the bookstore lose money because of this? I mean… you could just let me buy it. Why go through the trouble?"
.
"Well… we're friends, right? Do I need a reason to help a friend?"
.
"Friends?..." We haven't known each other that long… why does he consider me a friend?
I don't mind making new friends, but… is he serious? Is this real? He's not messing with me, right?
.
"Hey, Lemon… I can practically hear your thoughts buzzing."
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"Eh?... What is it, senior…" Oh no, was I spacing out?
.
"Pffft… you're unique, Lemon. Here's some advice from your senior: sometimes, don't overthink things… just follow your gut."
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"Senior… you got that from a book, didn't you?"
.
"Pffft, what do you think?..."
"I'll bring you that book during the club festival. You'll be there, right?"
.
"Yeah… probably…"
.
"Alright, I'll see you Monday, Lemon. If you want to buy another book, come to me. I'll give you a friend's discount."
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"Maybe next time, senior… I've already found what I was looking for…"
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"Oh, um… senior, do you know any good food spots around here?"
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"Huh?... I'm not sure, Lemon. I hardly go out except to the bookstore. Honestly, I just eat instant noodles at home, hehehe."
.
Ehhh… turns out we're pretty much the same…