Chapter Three

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Shuichi's POV

Classes were confusing, boring, and somehow at the same time underwhelming. I had expected more from the classes even on the first day, this was a difficult academy to even get into after all, but I suppose they were very relaxed on the first day. It calmed the pit in my stomach I had since earlier that morning. Right now was mathematics, which I would say is a lot better than biology so far, but from what the teacher was telling us from her plans this week, it wasn't going to be hard at all, at least not yet.
I went to adjust my hat lower over my head but forgot — that guy had taken it. I wondered what his deal was? I don't think he had done it out of spite or anything, Rantaro didn't act like it was anything to worry about. I knew Rantaro enough that I didn't need to be introduced to him, but I didn't have a clue what his ultimate talent was. Everyone has an ultimate talent, it's why everyone is at Hopes Peak Academy. I couldn't help but think if Kokichi acted that way because of his ultimate, or if it was his personality, or a little bit of both.
A loud bell sounded throughout the halls and made me jump in my seat, bringing me out of my thoughts. That was the break bell, thank goodness, another way of saying it was lunch break or just to chill out. The teacher dismissed us and everyone including myself exited the classroom, not giving me time to check if anyone had seen my embarrassing startle from the ringing in the hallways. I managed to locate my dorm room with only a little bit of trouble, just like every other time I had done so that, day to put away my things and retrieve the ready lunch I prepared before leaving my grandfather's house that morning. My mouth watered slightly, reminding me of how hungry I was. I swallowed to prevent drooling, how embarrassing would that be?
I arrived at the cafeteria area and it was packed. Not everyone went to the lunch area during this time, some went to their own dorms or maybe even left the campus grounds, it didn't matter as long as you were in your respective class by the time you were supposed to.
I scanned the room for anyone I knew; Kaito, Kaede, even someone such as Rantaro, anybody else I had maybe been friends with in high school, but no luck. There was no sight of any other person I was familiar with either. Reluctantly, I found a fairly lonesome spot for today's lunch so I wouldn't be bothered by any strangers — I wasn't ready to socialize with new people yet. I took my seat and huffed through my nose, setting down my brown lunch bag and reaching inside. In it was a small metal container, designed with blue around the edges and a flashlight on the front. My grandfather got it for me during middle school, and I loved it. Childish to still have, but I wouldn't say that I was ashamed of it.
The metal was still fairly warm from my food inside. I flipped the lock on it and the lid popped open, the thick plastic inside had kept my food from getting cold. I unwrapped the paper towels placed inside and finally had it; my three steamed potatoes, sliced and seasoned with salt, pepper, butter, and a little bit of basil just for extra flavor. I smiled, grabbing the fork from my paper bag and stabbing into one of the potato slices, raising it to my mouth.
Just as I was about to eat, a rather childish, excited voice chimed into my right ear.
"Hello there Shumai!"
I yelled for only a second from shock, scooting away and turning to see who the hell had said that. There stood the other guy from earlier, the one who snagged my hat, Kokichi Ouma. I only knew his name because he's infamous to many people for his pranks and tricks.
The wide, devilish grin spread across his cheeks gave me alarming signals. And...he was wearing my hat.
"Sh-shumai? What kind of nickname is that? And how did you even come up with it, do you know my name?"
He laughed lightly, plopping himself right by me and adjusting the hat on his head. It was a bit too big on him.
"I do actually, Rantaro told me! So Shumai, what are you having for lunch? Would ya share with me?"
I had no time to stop him before he reached his hand in and grabbed two of my potato slices and popped them in his mouth one by one. At least he only touched those two, I could keep eating as long as he didn't take anymore.
"Oh, these are really good! Are you sure you're a detective and not a cook or something like that?"
Somehow I wasn't necessarily bothered by how intruding Kokichi presented himself. I've been around more intolerable people. To ensure the safety of my potatoes I scooted my box closer to me.
"Uh, yeah, I'm no cook."
His assumption about me making them was right, so I wasn't going to question him over that.
"Why so cold, Shumai? Do you not wanna sit with me?"
"Wha- no, I'm sorry, that's not-"
"WAAHHH!! SAIHARA-CHAN DOESN'T LIKE ME!"
The sudden outburst of tears from Kokichi made me panic, I reached out my hands and touched one of his shoulders, trying to calm him. It was only a second later before he stopped altogether, smiled, a sniffled.
"Just kidding. I would have sit here anyway."
"Why did you cry just now then?"
"It was a lie. I'll let you know Saihara-Chan, I'm a liar."
I checked to see if anybody's eyes were staring. Thankfully, the cafeteria room was fairly loud already, so it was nothing more than another noise to people. Kokichi smiled wide and stared at me, making me look back to him with a look of confusion. His gaze was rather intimidating.
"Aww, you must really like me, your hand is still on my shoulder!"
My face felt hot from his statement. Was it? I quickly pulled my hand away and held it to my chest momentarily, before picking up my fork once more and attempting to eat again. That was foolish of me.
"Neheehee~"
It seemed as so he was going to give it up for now and simply sat there with me instead. He leaned forward and propped up his elbows on the table, resting his chin against his hands. I had to admit, it wasn't the worst. He was someone to sit with and our conversation was bearable. I don't know if I'd even call that a conversation or not but it was nothing to ponder over.
Lunch continued, and all Kokichi did was make sly remarks here and there, and I'd respond the best I could. My time in the cafeteria area was nearing its end and I had three slices left. My stomach was a tad bloated and full, so forcing them down wouldn't feel too good. The metal sliding against the table made enough noise to catch Kokichi's attention, and his eyes seemed to light up.
"Here, uh, I'm full. You want the rest?"
He seemed to gladly accept, eating them in a minute. He flicked the box back my way and stood up, stretching his arms and legs. Was he going so soon? There was still a plenty of time, though I suppose I was planning on leaving soon too. He must have caught on to that.
A small tap hit the table. I looked — my hat!
"Here, I don't need this anymore. Thanks for letting me borrow it!"
"I- you're welcome I guess."
Kokichi put his arms behind his head and started walking with over exaggerated strides.
"See ya later Shumai!"
And so he was gone, my company for that day's lunch. I hummed, closing my lunch box and putting it away in the paper bag. I stood, and began my way back to my dorm. I wouldn't mind sitting with him at lunch again.

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