The conversation about the 2020 Olympics went on for a while. Kanta, Lada, Kim, and Tanya exchanged their thoughts. Lada and Kim defended the event, while Kanta dismissed it as a waste of resources. Tanya didn't say much, but she often nodded along with Kanta.

"And this year's Olympics are gonna be a literal shit show. They're planning to hold water sports in a river full of literal shit," Kanta said, but before anyone else could reply, the lunch bell rang. Kim stood up, stretching his arms. "I'm heading to the cafeteria. Are you guys coming?"

Lada raised her bento box, and Tanya returned to her seat, taking her own bento box out of her bag.

Seeing the girls settle down with their lunches, Kanta's choice was easy—he'd much rather hang out with two cute girls than brave the crowded cafeteria with Kim. He waved Kim off. "Nah, but grab me two yakisoba buns."

Lada looked at Kim, giving a small apologetic smile. "Sorry, I brought my lunch today. Let's eat together some other time, okay?" Kim nodded and left, disappearing into the bustling hallway.

With most of the class gone, the classroom felt quieter. Lada opened her bento. Kanta leaned over, taking a look. It was simple—fried chicken, a few cherry tomatoes, and rice with a pickled plum in the center. "That looks really good," he said, nodding approvingly.

Lada smiled, her eyes glinting with mischief. "You want a bite?"

Kanta looked up at Lada, his eyes flicking between her face and her bento. Before he could respond, Lada moved her chair closer, picked up a piece of fried chicken with her chopsticks, and held it out to him, her smile playfully challenging. "Here, try this."

Kanta paused, his heart racing. Lada's casual closeness took him by surprise—they hadn't really talked for years before today. Was she treating him differently, or was this just how she was with everyone? He couldn't help but wonder if their old bond still mattered to her. He looked at her, searching for an answer in her smile, but found himself captivated instead.

He leaned in to take the bite, his heart skipping a beat as Lada's eyes stayed on him. The chicken was bland, but being fed by Lada made it feel special. He couldn't take his eyes off her, feeling warmth spread through him. "Mmm, not bad," he said, trying to sound casual, though a faint blush crept onto his cheeks as he chewed.

Tanya watched silently from her seat, her eyes moving between them with a small smile.

"Aren't you gonna eat anything besides those yakisoba buns?" Lada asked.

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"Nah, I'm good," Kanta replied.

"Is that really enough? I'm not sharing any more of my food though," Lada said, then glanced at Tanya, who was holding her bento.

Lada gave Kanta a teasing look. "How about a bite of Tanya's lunch?"

Tanya looked up, a bit surprised at first, then turned to Kanta. "I don't mind," she said, her voice clear. She then turned to Lada with a small smile. "But you'll have to use Lada's chopsticks."

Lada handed her chopsticks to Kanta, a playful grin on her face. Tanya held her bento out to him. He took the chopsticks, picking a piece of grilled fish. The two girls watched, Lada looking clearly entertained while Tanya observed quietly.

Kanta smiled, feeling a bit embarrassed. "Pretty good," he said, he thought Tanya's grilled fish tasted much better than Lada's fried chicken.

After a few moments of eating in silence, Lada glanced at Kanta, breaking the quiet. "So, have you decided on your AcP electives yet?"

Kanta looked unsure. "I don't know yet. We have to pick two, right? What are you both thinking?"

"We have to pick at least two," Lada clarified. "I'm leaning toward math and calculus."

Kanta had no idea what calculus was, but he nodded along, pretending he knew.

Tanya nodded slightly, adding her thoughts. "I'm thinking calculus too, but... didn't you say the AcP Calculus teacher had a bit of a reputation, Lada?"

"Yeah." Lada hesitated, choosing her words carefully. "Well, there are rumors... apparently, he’s dated some of his female students. His students."

Kanta frowned, letting out a deep sigh. "Oh god, not another pedophile." He shook his head, clearly disgusted.

"I know, it's gross," Lada agreed, her expression tightening. "But... it’s mostly upperclassmen who failed his class spreading the rumors, so maybe there's some exaggeration."

Kanta raised an eyebrow. "Are you still planning to take his class then?"

Lada shrugged, her lips pursing. "I don’t know. Even if the rumors aren't true, it still feels... icky, you know? But the other teachers aren't much better. They’re less creepy, but honestly terrible at teaching. It's like we have to pick our poison."

"Man, I can't believe this school. And they keep bragging about being the best school around," Kanta shook his head, glancing at his phone as he scrolled through the schedule. "And calculus is at night, Friday from 7 to 8 pm? Talk about creepy."

"I know, right?" Lada grimaced. "Why would they schedule it that late?"

"The guy must've requested it." Kanta turned to Tanya. "What about you? Are you still considering calculus?"

Tanya hesitated, biting her lip. "I don't know. I mean, getting calculus credits would be nice, but... being stuck in a class with that guy, at night, just doesn't sit right with me."

Kanta had no idea what calculus was, but since he didn't know what electives to take anyway, and both of them seemed keen on calculus, it must have been a good choice. Plus, it felt like a good opportunity to show that he could be dependable.

He leaned forward, a confident grin forming. "How about we all take calculus together?" He paused, letting his words sink in. "I'll be there with you both. It'll be fine. We can watch out for each other."

Tanya visibly relaxed and nodded. "Yeah, that actually sounds like a good idea."

Lada turned to Kanta, giving him a teasing smile. She nudged his arm lightly. "Look at you, acting like a hero. Want another bite of my fried chicken as a reward?"

Kanta leaned toward Lada with his eyes closed and mouth open. "Don't mind if I do. Ahh."

Lada laughed and fed him another piece of fried chicken, shaking her head playfully. "Alright, hero, but don't get used to it."