Deciding it's best to just leave it be, you hurry off towards the cafeteria without so much as a glance back in his direction.
The lunchroom is buzzing with the loud chatter of a couple hundred students as you step through the doors. It doesn't take long for you to find your usual table off to the side against the wall, and all of your friends are already there, enjoying their meals and conversation.
As you approach, you happen to notice them mention your name, and your best friend, Ayane, is the first to notice your arrival.
"HEY! Naomi! Where've you been?! You oversleep or something?" she yells out to you, waving you over.
Ayane is a beautiful girl, and a somewhat feisty one at that. She's sporting shoulder-length, dark-purple hair with a lilac ribbon, and the standard-issue, skimpy school uniform with knee-high socks and all. Even with her blunt nature, she knows when to get serious, and has always been there to help you since you two were little.
You hurry over to the table, happy to see your best friend. "Hey! ...Ayane." you mutter as you take a seat. It's just now that you notice your uniform is in dismay. The bow beneath your neck is crooked, and your once-gorgeous pink hair is a bit ruffled.
You gaze wanders to the food crumbs scattered on the lunch table, and you can hear concern rising in your friend's voice. "What's the matter, Naomi? You're a mess!" she asks. You don't raise your head. "I-it's..." you start to speak, but what should you say? |