When I Was Rejected and Returned Home, My Childhood Friend, Who Should Have Been Distant, Was in My Room

Chapter 6.1: Attack on Your Lunch!

“Attention, stand at ease, raise!”

“Thank you!”

With a relaxed greeting, everyone casually lowers their heads. I also give a quick bow, and as soon as I raise my head, I grab my lunch.

“Shogo, let’s eat lunch!”

“Okay!”

Since we’ve already used up the calories from breakfast during the morning classes, we exchange minimal words to communicate. I place my lunch on Shogo’s desk, but his lunch is nowhere to be seen.

“Shogo, no lunch today?”

“My mom had to leave early, so I’ll buy something.”

“Got it, I’ll wait while I eat.”

“Take your time.”

Without waiting for me to finish my reply, Shogo runs off, as usual. Our school’s shop is quite popular with students. It doesn’t get as crazy as an anime event, but if you’re not careful, the product you want might be sold out. While hoping my best friend secures his lunch, I open my lunch box.

“Well, that’s about right.”

Inside my lunch box were nearly the same dishes as last night’s dinner. No wonder, since my mom and Manaki thought I would be eating at home, last night’s dinner was luxurious and plentiful. Even though I was hungry, my stomach, already full from the fries at the family restaurant, couldn’t fit that much food… So, the leftovers ended up in my lunch.

I pick up a piece of fried chicken and take a big bite. It’s already cold, but some of the congealed juice seeps out. It doesn’t have the freshness of when it’s made, but cold fried chicken feels like something to savor, and I like it.

“Yeah, it’s good.”

Even though I’m just waiting for Shogo to come back, eating alone feels lonely, so I mutter to myself in a small voice, just loud enough for me to hear.

Not wanting to seem like I’m eating alone, I intentionally take my time with the meal and set up a chair as if waiting for Shogo to return. During that, I notice Hoshino eating her lunch by herself. That’s unusual; I don’t usually see her eating in class…

“Huh, did I just…”

Somehow, I feel like I made eye contact with Hoshino. But when I look again, she’s just eating silently by herself. Well, it was probably just a mistake. I know it’s just a trick of my mind, but I feel an unpleasant twinge of regret deep down.

To avoid any more misinterpretations, I pull out my phone and open a social game. It’s something Shogo recently recommended to me. It’s a one-on-one game where you place soldiers to defend your land and attack the enemy’s territory. Simple, but a lot of it depends on strategy, and I’ve really gotten into it.

“Huh, why is this in our class…?”

“I wonder who it’s for…?”

While waiting for my partner to return, I hear a bit of a stir from some of the class. Something’s going on, but I don’t really care. I dive into an online match. The opponent is found quickly, but they’re a lot stronger than I am.

“Oh, but surprisingly…?”

I was expecting to lose easily, but I’m actually putting up a good fight. My soldiers are pushing forward, and many are advancing into the enemy’s territory. Nice, the early game is definitely in our favor. If we keep this up, we’re sure to win… Then, at just that moment, I hear a chair being pulled out in front of me. Looks like Shogo’s back, sooner than I expected.

“Sorry, I’m busy right now, but I’ll be done soon.”

There’s no reply, but I take it as Shogo being considerate while I focus on the game. Honestly, I prefer it that way… Crap, the archers weren’t listening!

As expected from a stronger player, Shogo’s return breaks my focus for just a moment, and my opponent seizes that opportunity to strike back. The class noise grows louder, but I don’t have time for that. I desperately send my soldiers to defend, but I’m completely on the defensive now.

“Dammit, I lost from there…”

The early advantage is gone, and my enemy has completely overrun my territory. I’ve lost completely.

“Hey, Masamune.”

As I stew in frustration, Shogo taps me on the shoulder. I look up and realize I had been so focused on the game that I had ignored him.

“Sorry, sorry. I started the game while waiting, and it took longer than I thought.”

“Yeah, I figured that, but…”

“Oh, looks like you’re in luck. There’s still a yakisoba bread left?”

The yakisoba bread in Shogo’s hand is one of the most popular items at our school’s shop. It’s huge and mainly supported by boys in sports clubs for its size.

“Yeah, it’s the last one…”

Despite going through such a tough battle, Shogo seems uneasy. His gaze moves restlessly, wandering between me and the seat across from me. Huh? The seat across from me?

In that moment, my brain flashes back to earlier. I’m pretty sure Shogo had sat across from me. I definitely saw someone sit there. But now, Shogo is standing here. So then, who’s sitting in front of me…?

Slowly, I straighten my neck and look ahead. There, sitting with her elbows on the desk and smiling, is a silver-haired beauty. On her phone, the word “LOSE” glows, while my character with a big sword slumps its shoulders in defeat.

On one desk, there are two lunches and two savory breads. When Shogo and I eat together, this amount is usually enough, but with three people, it feels cramped… No, the real issue isn’t just space.

“Masamune… I think you have some explaining to do.”

I hear a small, but intense whisper from next to me. Sure, if anyone should be considered a victim in this situation, it’s probably him. But that doesn’t mean I’m the one at fault.

“I don’t even know what’s going on.”

“Don’t lie, when I came in, Himurosan was already sitting here. It’s obviously your doing!”

“Well, even so…”