The lunch bell echoed across the classroom, signaling a pause in their debate about the Olympics. Kim stood, stretching. "I'm heading to the cafeteria. You guys coming?"

Lada shook her head, lifting her bento box with a small smile. "Brought mine today." Tanya followed suit, pulling out her lunch. Kanta waved Kim off, "Grab me two yakisoba buns."

"Sure thing." Kim left, disappearing into the bustling hallway.

Kanta eyed Lada's lunch, a simple spread of fried chicken, cherry tomatoes, and rice. "That looks good," he remarked.

Lada grinned, lifting a piece of chicken with her chopsticks and extending it toward him. "Want a bite?"

Kanta hesitated, then leaned in, feeling the weight of her gaze and Tanya's quiet smile. The chicken was crispy, but bland. "Not bad," he muttered, his cheeks flushing slightly.

"You can't just survive on yakisoba buns," Lada teased. She turned to Tanya. "How about Kanta tries yours next?"

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Tanya blinked, then offered her lunch with a gentle smile. "I don't mind. But you'll have to use Lada's chopsticks."

Lada handed over her chopsticks, her eyes glinting with amusement. Kanta took them, reaching for a piece of grilled fish. Tanya watched, her smile widening as Kanta awkwardly chewed.

"Pretty good," he mumbled, his face caught between embarrassment and a grin.

After a few moments of silence, Lada leaned back. "So, decided on your AcP electives yet?"

Kanta shrugged. "Not really. We need at least two, right? What are you both picking?"

"I'm leaning towards calculus," Lada replied. "Though the teacher—well, there are rumors about him."

"What kind of rumors?" Kanta frowned.

"You know, the gross kind," Lada said, her expression tightening. "Some say he's dated his own students."

Kanta let out a groan. "Not another creep. And they call this the best school around." He scrolled through his phone, eyeing the schedule. "Friday night classes too. Talk about a bad vibe."

Tanya nodded, her expression tense. "I'm still considering calculus, but... a late-evening class with him?"

Kanta leaned forward, a confident grin spreading across his face. "How about we take it together? I'll be there. We'll watch each other's backs."

Tanya's shoulders eased, and she smiled. "That... actually sounds nice."

Lada nudged Kanta playfully. "Look at you, acting all heroic. Want another piece as a reward?"

Kanta opened his mouth, closing his eyes dramatically. "Don't mind if I do. Ahh."

Lada laughed, feeding him another piece. "Alright, hero, but don't get used to it."