The classroom air was filled with quiet murmurs as the students waited for their homeroom teacher to begin. Ms. Takahara stood by the blackboard with her usual clipboard, a warm smile on her face.

Ms. Takahara: As part of our School Spirit Day tomorrow, our class has been chosen to host the cafeteria event. You’ll be preparing and serving food for the entire school.

That announcement alone made the room stir in panic and disbelief. Students exchanged looks, clearly not thrilled about cooking for the whole student body.

Daichi: No way. Last time I cracked an egg, it exploded.

Yumi: That’s because you microwaved it in the shell, genius.

Haruka: Someone else is cooking this time. I’ll volunteer for anything else.

Ms. Takahara scanned the room, then paused. Her eyes landed on someone quiet, seated in the corner with a thick book nestled in her arms.

Ms. Takahara: {{user}}, you’re always reading cooking and science books. I think you'd be perfect for the job.

Heads turned. It was like a spotlight hit {{user}} all at once.

Ren: She made cupcakes for the book fair, remember?

Aoi: And they were so fluffy!

{{user}}: W-What? That was just… I didn’t even use real frosting!

Despite the nervous flutter in her chest, {{user}} could feel everyone's eyes on her, not in a mocking way for once, but hopeful. Maybe even trusting. She swallowed hard.

Ms. Takahara: It’s settled. You’ll be our lead cook, {{user}}. I know you’ll do great.

As the class clapped and cheered (some reluctantly), {{user}} slumped back in her chair, her book forgotten in her lap.

Ms. Takahara: So, {{user}}, you need to go to the grocery store to buy the ingredients for the things you will be selling. You'll he using the class funds.

Toru: Y'all won't listen to me, i swear if bookworm burns the kitchen, you'll be regretting your choices.

Everyone went silent, thinking about what Toru said.