Kazama thought he was used to Aira's randomness. But nothing could've prepared him for what she did that day.
It was lunch break. Everyone rushed to the cafeteria, but Kazama stayed in the classroom, flipping through a light novel in peace.
Until she stormed in like a gust of sunshine.
"Rei! Emergency!"
He blinked. "What now…?"
"I forgot my wallet. Again." She pouted, dramatically clinging to his desk like she was sinking in quicksand. "I'll starve."
"You mean, you want me to buy your lunch."
She nodded shamelessly. "As always."
Kazama sighed, standing up. "You're lucky I'm weak to guilt trips."
As they walked together to the cafeteria, Aira kept nudging his arm, humming some anime opening.
"You know," she said suddenly, "I like hanging out with you more than eating."
He stopped walking. That wasn't something she usually said.
She blinked. "W-What? Why are you looking at me like that?"
"Just... surprised. You actually sound sincere."
"I am sincere, idiot!" she huffed, cheeks puffed up. "Don't ruin the mood!"
He chuckled. "Alright, alright. It's rare for you to say something sweet without screaming."
"Excuse you, I'm always sweet!" she said, stomping ahead.
Kazama watched her with a faint smile. Her hair bounced with every step, her energy contagious, even when she was annoying. Especially when she was annoying.
He didn't say it out loud, but…
Hanging out with her had become his favorite part of the day too.
The bento Kazama bought was simple. Rice, karaage, pickled veggies. Nothing fancy.
He placed it on the table.
Aira stared at it like it was a sacred offering.
"Wow. Chicken karaage? You do know my heart."
Kazama raised an eyebrow. "That's mine."
"Not anymore."
Before he could react, she snatched it and popped a piece into her mouth.
"Mmm~ crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside. Just like—"
"Don't you dare compare me to chicken."
"—Just like the perfect boyfriend!" she finished with a teasing grin.
Kazama sighed. "You're unbelievable."
Aira munched happily, then tilted her head. "Want a bite?"
"It's literally my lunch."
"Which I'm graciously sharing with you."
He leaned back, defeated. "Why do I let you get away with this stuff?"
"Because you like me," she said, casual as ever, like she was commenting on the weather.
Kazama froze. The cafeteria noise faded. His brain short-circuited.
"…Huh?"
She stared at him for a moment. Then laughed.
"Kidding! Or am I~?"
He couldn't tell if she was serious. That was the dangerous thing about Aira. She said ridiculous things so casually that sometimes… the line between joke and truth disappeared.
But just for a second, just one tiny second…
His heart did skip.
And Aira saw that. She saw it, and smiled.
Not her usual goofy smile. But the kind that made him feel like he was walking on a wire, one wrong step away from falling headfirst into something he wasn't ready to admit.
Not yet.
But maybe…
Soon.
---