Corporate Prince

Chapter 21: Lunch

Ana sat in class the next day trying to focus on the lesson, but her mind kept wondering back to yesterday. Why did I throw my bag at him? When Seto came in that morning he hadn't looked at her as he took his seat behind her. That's nothing unusual, though. She felt guilty and a little sad. Pushing the thoughts and feelings to the back of her mind, she focused on the problem on the board. Oh, this is one of the one's Amin-chan explained yesterday. I use this formula and... I did it! Looks like Amin-chan really knows how to teach. She felt guilty thinking about him again. The rest of class went in a circle. First she would focus, then feel guilty. Finally, the bell rang for lunch.

Much to her surprise, Seto stood up and left with his lunch and tablet. That's odd, he always eats and works at his desk.

"What did you bring for lunch today?" Sanae asked as she pulled out her lunch box.

"The usual." Ana pulled out hers, but her eyes wandered to the door Seto had left through. "Eat without me. There's something I need to do."

"Oh, alright." Sanae looked at her confused, but Ana didn't explain and left.

This guilt is killing me. Ana went to the cafeteria, but didn't find him. She tried the library, and he wasn't there either. Where the heck did he go? What place would Amin-chan eat at? Some place quiet with no people. Oh, I got it! She headed outside to the athletic track and to a small secluded area on the side of the building. There was a small grassy alley in-between the building and the fence. Seto sat on the grass, leaning against the brick wall. He was eating one handed and holding his tablet in the other.

"Found you!" Ana exclaimed.

Seto flinched and choked on his food. He set his tablet down and took a drink of his tea to wash it down. He glared at her when his coughing stopped.

"Great, you found me. What do you want?" Seto's tone was laced with irritation.

Ana sighed and figured she'd get this over with. Bowing to him, she said, "I wanted to say I'm sorry about yesterday. I shouldn't have thrown my bag at you."

She waited, but there was no response. Confused, she peaked up and found him frowning at her. He looked uncomfortable and unsure. Opening his mouth, he looked as if he would say something, but then closed it.

Finally, he spoke. "Alright."

She sighed and straightened up. Well, that was a better response than I thought I would get.

"Ok, I'll leave you to your lunch then." Ana turned to go.

"Sorry..." The word was muffled.

Ana turned back to Seto, who was looking down at his lunch box, his brow furrowed.

"Did you say something?" Ana inched over slightly to Seto.

He mumbled under his breath. She cupped her hand over her ear and looked down at him expectant. The look of irritation on his face was funny.

"I said sorry!" He finally snapped, then looked like he regretted snapping.

Ana tilted her head and gave him an awkward smile. "For what?"

He grumbled, but she could hear it this time. "For cursing at you and shoving your bag at you."

Did he actually feel guilty about that? Why would he get upset about hurting my feelings? Could Sanae be right about him liking me? No. There's no way.