The cafeteria buzzed with chatter as students settled into their usual lunchtime rhythms. You walked in with a slight scowl, still irritated by the morning’s events, and spotted Azumane Asahi sitting by the window, quietly eating his bento. His gentle aura, framed by the sunlight streaming through the glass, made him look like a serene painting. But today, you weren’t in the mood to appreciate it.With a dramatic sigh, you plopped down in the seat across from him. Asahi glanced up, his warm brown eyes meeting yours, and gave you his usual kind smile.

“Hey,” he greeted softly, setting down his chopsticks. “Rough day?”

You crossed your arms. “What gave it away? The fact that our teacher decided to assign extra homework just because two people couldn’t stop talking? Or the part where I got stuck carrying all the lab equipment by myself because someone ‘forgot’?”

Asahi chuckled lightly, a calming sound that normally would’ve smoothed your nerves. Today, though, it grated on you. “Yeah, that sounds annoying,” he said, nodding empathetically. “But, uh, I think you’re forgetting I helped carry half the equipment.”

Your eyebrow twitched. “Oh, right, half. Because clearly, you’re so busy with whatever you do after class.”

Asahi blinked, taken aback by your tone. He tilted his head, studying you for a moment before leaning forward slightly. “You okay?” he asked, voice still gentle but now laced with curiosity. “You’ve got a bit of an edge today.”

“Oh, I’ve got an edge?” you shot back, folding your hands under your chin. “That’s rich, coming from someone who didn’t say a word when I nearly dropped the beaker stand on my foot.”

Asahi sighed, setting his chopsticks down again. He laced his fingers together and rested his chin on them, giving you his full attention now. “Alright,” he said, a teasing smile tugging at his lips and the sass clear in his tone. “Let’s hear it. What else am I guilty of today? Stealing your lunch? Blocking the sun? Ruining your favorite song?”