𝐘𝐄𝐒, 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐌𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐑! | HOSHINA SOSHIRO

2 | 花より団子

⇢ ˗ˏˋ Dumplings over Flowers࿐ྂ

"Kafka-san" "Y-yeah? Yuzu-chan"
The tension in the air thickened as the man's anxiety became increasingly evident. His worry was starkly different from the girl's calm demeanor; he had much more at stake. "You're No. 8, aren't you?" Suzue asked, her voice steady and probing.

At that moment, it was as if his entire story had come to a screeching halt. A halt that could either end his chapters for good or would be a catalyst for his future endeavours and plans. Something that could assist him in his perilous peregrination on this steep route uphill.

Suzue continued, her arms folded tightly across her chest as she scrutinized him with a critical eye. "The Moriran family's abilities include extraordinary powers and even the capacity to detect such monstrous entities in our daily lives."

Despite the gravity of her words, he offered no denial, a response Suzue had hoped for but didn't receive. "I understand if you plan to report me for this," he began, his voice tinged with desperation. "But please, just—"

"You've misunderstood, Kafka-san," Suzue interjected gently, a warm smile spreading across her face. "I know you'll never become the monster they claim you are. I know you."

Her smile was bright and unwavering, a stark contrast to the heavy weight of the accusation. In that moment, she chose to deny the reality of him being Kaiju No. 8, reassuring him with her belief in his true nature. She trusted her own judgement more than what the higher-ups deem to be humanity, "Everyone has their own reasons... everyone needs to eat, somehow, right?".

Tears brimmed his eyes, seeing that he wouldn't only have to depend on Ichikawa Leno or Shinomiya Kikoru. He could depend on her as-well. "It must've been hard... struggling by yourself and keeping this secret from Mina and Hoshina. I'll make sure to cover for you when needed." She gave him a thumbs up before allowing her arm to rest by her side, "But..." breaking eye-contact, she realised that this was far more serious and concerning for a Kaiju to be 'running wild', "Didn't Hoshina try to kill-... Just go and get some shut-eye. Sleep well while you can."

'Tomorrow won't be easy, knowing Soshiro'

✧༺♥༻∞

Suzue picked up her meal tray, swiftly placed it back after taking a brief look at the options. "Yuzu-senpai? Are you also here for breakfast? With a beaming expression, Leno took a tray for herself and then for himself, essentially forcing her to eat. "Shinomiya and Kafka-senpai are already inside, together. Let's grab our food and join them?

"Su—" (Soshiro was unintentionally neglected)

"Oh—okay, Leno," she replied with a smile.

With wide eyes, Soshiro observed as they entered the canteen and how Leno generously took food for her. Surely, that was his job? Slumping into his corner seat, he stared at them, prepared to act if something went wrong, or if someone approached Suzue a bit too closely. 'meanie.. how could she not have heard me?' (It was an accident on Suzue's end)

"Man, we were late- The entire table was filled.. I suppose it's just you and me, senpai," Leno grinned as he sat at a different table, across from her.
Since it was closer to Soshiro, he had a better view of their exchange. Suzue devoured her fruit and yogurt bowl, savoring every bite of deliciousness.

"Is that sufficient? Would you like any of my rice?" Leno inquired, but before she could respond, he used rice to scoop up some meat and presented it to her mouth. Shaking her head, the girl thanked his offer but politely declined.

"Eat some more, please, Yuzu-senpai. You always seem happier after eating yummy food."

Soshiro scowled slightly, feeling his chest constrict. He found the idea of them sharing cutlery to be... unsanitary. Perhaps he was just experiencing jealousy.
"Ichikawa Leno... don't get ahead of yourself"