Don't mind me, I am just here to draw

By the time the fourth period ended, a collective sigh swept through the room like the release of a held breath. The chalk squeak of the last equation had faded, and Matsumoto-sensei bowed before stepping out with a reminder to review for the upcoming quiz.

Katsuragi Kokoro stretched slightly in his chair, then opened his school bag. From inside, he carefully lifted a neatly wrapped bento box, the cloth folded with his mother’s characteristic care. His lips tugged into a small, private smile.

Unwrapping it, he found the same warm attention to detail: perfect rice molded into soft mounds, tamagoyaki sliced just right, grilled salmon with crisp edges, and the telltale flower-cut radish garnish. Beneath the lid, a small folded note sat tucked beneath the chopsticks.

> "Do your best today. I’m cheering for you! Love, Mom – Eniko"

Thanks, Mom, he thought, quietly touched.

He snapped a quick photo and sent it to his little sister.

> Kokoro: "Mom’s bento looks professional again."

Yui: "Ugh. Mine’s just rice and pickled plums. So unfair."

Kokoro: "Want to trade?"

Yui: "Too late. I already cried while eating."

He chuckled quietly and started eating as the classroom began to hum with life.