Chapter 105: A Spoonful of Omurice, A Fistful of Resolve
"Lonely-kun, how long do you plan to laze around like Shiratamaru?"
The sharp yet familiar voice of Kasumigaoka Utaha sliced through the fog of sleep clouding Yukima Azuma's mind. Blinking against the afternoon light filtering through the curtains, Azuma groaned and sat up from the cold, unforgiving floor. Every muscle ached, his back stiff and sore from a night spent sprawled on hardwood like a discarded futon.
"Sleeping on the floor really is bad for my health," Azuma muttered under his breath, massaging his lower back.
"Using Shiratamaru to mock me is a bit harsh, don't you think, senpai?" he said with a tired smirk, referencing the lazy cat that had recently adopted Utaha's room as its kingdom. "Anyway, what time is it?"
"It's already noon," Utaha replied coolly, standing in the doorway with her arms behind her back.
Azuma's eyes widened. "Ah! I'll go make lunch right away."
"Stop right there, Lonely-kun." Utaha's voice gained a rare edge of exasperation. "Do you seriously think I'd starve just because you didn't cook?"
He blinked. "Wait, you already ate?"
"Umu." She gave a small nod, subtly gesturing toward the kitchen. "There's some food left over for you."
Her tone was as composed as ever, but Azuma noticed something odd—her hands were hidden behind her back. Swollen. Reddened. Iced.
He didn't say anything.