Sena Ajisai definitely didn't just happen to know she spent her lunch breaks here.
Though they'd only crossed paths in this corner a few brief times, someone like Sena Ajisai would have unconsciously filed that detail away.
This wasn't Asakura Mio being conceited, thinking she held some special place in the other girl's mind.
It was simply that Sena Ajisai, with her angelic kindness and attentiveness, was just naturally good at noticing and remembering people's little habits.
Whoever showed up here, she'd probably remember them all with the same care.
"That I'm not special" — this was something Asakura Mio had to keep clearly in mind.
"S-so, what a coincidence…"
Even knowing this, Asakura Mio couldn't face Sena Ajisai with the same detachment she'd use on a stranger. Her words came out a bit stuttered, a silent prayer in her heart that the other girl was just passing by and would leave after a simple greeting.
But things always seemed to go contrary to her hopes. Instead of walking away, Sena Ajisai lightened her steps and came straight towards her.
"Since it's a rare chance, would it be okay if I had lunch with you today, Asakura-san?"
Her tone was a gentle inquiry, but she was already moving closer. Was she supposed to outright refuse, or even physically push her away?
Something like that… not only was it impossible for Asakura Mio, but probably no one could bring themselves to be so rude to Sena Ajisai.
This was… utterly devious!
"Oh…"
In the end, Asakura Mio could only manage a dry, noncommittal sound. It wasn't a clear welcome, nor was it a cold rejection. How to interpret it was entirely up to the other party.
Sena Ajisai, for her part, showed no hesitation and naturally sat down beside her.
She held a simple rice ball, and while she'd said she wanted to eat lunch together, she made no move to start, instead just smiling softly at Asakura Mio.
"Your lunch box looks really delicious, Asakura-san~"
It was just a very ordinary homemade bento, thrown together with last night's leftovers, by no means something that could be called 'looks delicious'. Being praised like this only left her feeling flustered.
Was this just what to expect from Ajisai-san?
This polished social grace was on a completely different level from the clumsy Amaori-san. It was probably the difference between the information age and the stone age.
"The rice ball… you don't have to eat it, you know…"
"Huh? Why do you say that?"
"Because… at lunchtime, Sena-san, you've probably already eaten a little in the classroom with everyone else, right? This is just a 'prop' you brought along specifically to talk to me, so I wouldn't feel awkward, isn't that it?"
Asakura Mio's voice grew quieter, but held a calm certainty. "You really don't need to worry so much about my feelings… If you have something to say, you can just say it directly."
This wasn't the first time Sena Ajisai had done something like this.
Asakura Mio, who had always been quietly observing the 'Quintet', had long since noticed this considerate habit of hers, so she had immediately discerned the other's true intention.
"Ara… so Asakura-san has been paying attention to me too? I'm a little happy about that~"
"W-what's there to be happy about! Don't just say things like that so casually!"
Asakura Mio's cheeks grew warm for no reason, and she hurriedly turned away, trying to hide this sudden rush of shyness.
But with her movement, the precious notebook she had placed beside her was suddenly exposed—from Sena Ajisai's angle, it was perfectly visible.
A jolt of panic shot through Asakura Mio. She quickly shifted her leg, trying to use her school uniform skirt to block the notebook filled with her 'criminal evidence'.
How careless! Thinking no one would come, she'd just left it out in the open! If only she'd hidden it away properly first!
In her fluster, she practically slammed her lunch box lid down onto the notebook, then said in an exaggerated, stiff tone:
"I-I'm finished eating! What bad timing, just as Sena-san arrives, I'm done! If you want to eat together, let's make it next time! I'll probably… be free sometime in our third year! Bye!"
No sooner had she spoken than she tried to immediately stand up and make her escape.
But in that split second, Sena Ajisai had already caught a glimpse of that familiar-looking notebook.
Combined with Asakura Mio's over-the-top reaction, she understood perfectly. She didn't point it out, just watched the flustered girl trying to flee, smiled, and reached out, gently catching the edge of her clothes.
"Wait a moment. There's something I'd like to talk to you about, Asakura-san."
"And there's something I'd rather not hear from Sena-san… How about next time?"
"It's about Renako-chan." Sena Ajisai's voice remained soft, but she accurately dangled the bait.
"Lately—I've been a little concerned about her."
Huh? Now you're talking about something I'm interested in!
Asakura Mio immediately sat back down at lightning speed, as if the person desperately trying to run away moments before had never existed.
She sat upright like a prim schoolgirl, even picking up her lunch box again, her face a picture of 'I'm ready,' her burning gaze fixed intently on Sena Ajisai, waiting for her to continue.
Seeing this reaction, Sena Ajisai breathed a silent sigh of relief in her heart.
As expected, Asakura-san is as easy to read as ever. Bringing this up is always effective.
"So, what kind of 'concern' are we talking about?"
When the other girl didn't speak immediately, Asakura Mio leaned forward impatiently, unable to hold back her question.
Sena Ajisai didn't keep her in suspense any longer and explained softly with the excuse she had prepared.
"Between Renako-chan and Mai… has something happened?"
The moment she heard it was about this, a flash of unmistakable disappointment instantly crossed Asakura Mio's face.
Sena Ajisai, keenly noticing the subtle change, immediately added with a smile, her tone carrying a hint of indescribable meaning:
"After all, I really 'like' Renako-chan… I'd rather not see any walls spring up between her and everyone else."
Sorry about this, Renako-chan… I'm using you just a bit. But to keep talking with Asakura-san, this is the best method right now…
And just as Sena Ajisai had hoped, upon hearing the word 'like,' Asakura Mio's eyes instantly lit up.
If she were an anime character, a strand of her hair would probably have shot up like a radar antenna, signifying her yuri radar had successfully locked onto a target.
This is bad—really bad! Is Amaori-san some kind of succubus?
Is the Quintet not centered around Oozuka Mai, but exists because everyone is in love with you?
What a tormenting little succubus you are…
--+--