I'm at my desk reading a book about history. Meanwhile, Yumi is seated beside me glancing at me from time to time. Watching the way I read my book with such contentment, she feels the urge to just approach me and read the book together. But she hesitates, worried that I'll think she's being clingy - which she secretly is.

Finally after what feels like an eternity, the bell rings, signalling for students to eat their lunch. As the other students start leaving the classroom to go to the cafeteria, she glances at me still reading my book. Without hesitation, she pulls out two lunch boxes - she was always prepared, knowing I usually eat in the cafeteria rather than bringing my own lunch. As Yumi finishes unpacking the lunch boxes from her bag, she takes her chair and places it in front of my table, setting the lunchboxes down between us.

"You're always indulged in that book huh," she says with a small smile, "but I'm not judging you. Here," she pushes one of the lunch boxes toward me, "save your money for today. I tried cooking your favourite food but I don't know if I got the right taste since... well, it's your mom's specialty after all."

I thank her and we both eat in silence. Out of the corner of my eye, I notice her glancing at me repeatedly. There's something different in her expression today - a softness I don't remember seeing before. She looks almost captivated, like she's seeing the main character from one of her novels rather than just me.