Take a Chance! [Karamatsu X Female Reader]

10 - Lunch with the Brothers

After you get situated beside Karamatsu you marvel at the feast before you. Was this incredible meal really made special with you in mind? You reach for a plate and hesitate. You don't have much of an appetite at the moment, but now you feel obligated to eat as much as you possibly can!

Karamatsu must notice your uncertainty, because he offers you a reassuring smile. "Feeling overwhelmed, huh? Don't be shy, pick out whatever you'd like! I will say, our mother is an excellent cook, so I'm sure you won't be disappointed with whatever you choose~"

You smile a bit at Karamatsu's words before looking over the rest of the table. Seems like half of the brothers have already begun loading up their plates, but haven't dug in just yet thanks to their mother's (warning) request.

Choromatsu casually reaches across the table with his chopsticks to pick out some sides for his plate. "So, Y/N, what brings you to Akatsuka anyway? Karamatsu had mentioned you were new to the area."

Karamatsu blinks at that question, honestly a bit surprised that Choromatsu remembered something so trivial that he had brought up in passing last night. But.. no. He won't let himself go thinking that his good little brother has any sort of ulterior motives here! That was just a simple, friendly question!

Meanwhile, you're more than grateful for the icebreaker, and are happy to explain how you had transferred from your community college to attend university nearby. While doing so, you go ahead and begin filling up your own plate too.

Todomatsu listens with rapt attention, and smiles innocently after you're done speaking. "Oooh, so you're pursuing your higher education. That's pretty commendable! What's your degree?"

You open your mouth to respond just as Osomatsu casually interjects.

"Well, a college education isn't everything. "

All at once, the brothers pause their eating to turn and stare in disbelief at their eldest sibling.

Osomatsu simply blinks blankly in response. "What? It's true. I mean, it's cool if that's your gig and all, but I wouldn't say it's really commendable."

"Oh my god, you're seriously tactless!" Choromatsu snaps.

Todomatsu's face contorts into something dark and disdainful as he strains a smile at Osomatsu. "Now, why would you say that in front of our special guest here?"

An embarrassed Choromatsu offers you an apologetic expression. "I-Ignore him please, he doesn't know what he's talking about! Besides, he's the least educated of any of us, so take everything he says with a grain of salt!"

"Hey, that isn't true!" Osomatsu tries to retort, but Todomatsu seems like he's moments away from stabbing him with his chopsticks if he utters another word.

Meanwhile, you had simply been sitting there with a blank expression on your face. But, after a moment, you burst out into laughter at the silliness of it all, which only further confuses the brothers.

Karamatsu's brow knits in concern at your reaction. "Ah, Y/N..?"

You shake your head as you chuckle, hoping to alleviate some of the concern on his face. "N-No, no, it's fine! That's just a refreshing point of view is all!" You settle down with a sigh. "See, my parents think the exact opposite about college, which is why I ended up pursuing my higher education to begin with. Really, if it weren't for the stress and importance they placed on it, I probably would've only attended a technical school at most."

You smile wryly as your gaze drifts down to your plate. "Really, I had considered dropping out on more than one occasion. I wouldn't say I'm someone to be commended either."