I Won't Be a Loser

The gathering was originally planned to take place at Sekai's home, but after thinking about it, she realized it might be a bit awkward to bring everyone there so soon.

So, she changed the location to her family's restaurant.

She hadn't told anyone in advance that they would be going to her family's restaurant. When they arrived and saw her mother, Yoko Saionji, working in the restaurant, the others finally realized that it was a family business.

"I've passed by here before, but I didn't know it was your family's place. This is a surprise," said Nanami Kanroji, glancing at Sekai as she watched her mother go to work. Kanroji had often come to the restaurant to relax but hadn't realized the owner was Sekai's mother.

Hikari Kuroda, who was sitting beside her, looked equally surprised. He looked from Sekai to her mother, and then back to Sekai, realizing that they shared a resemblance.

"Your mom looks so young! I couldn't tell she was married. I actually thought she was your sister earlier," Hikaru said with a grin.

Sekai chuckled at her classmates' comments, feeling a bit embarrassed, but didn't respond to Hikari. Instead, she gestured for everyone to find seats while she went to get drinks.

Setsuna and Kotonoha sat together, while Nanami sat with Hikari.

Looking across the table at Kotonoha, Nanami propped her chin in one hand, studying the "high-class" girl across from her with an amused expression.

"I never expected you to come to something like this, Kotonoha. I always thought of you as a more aloof, 'cool' type of girl. Seems like I was wrong."

"Eh?" Kotonoha blinked in confusion, not realizing that others saw her that way.

"Well, you look like a high-class lady and are a bit shy, so I figured you'd be the type who's hard to approach. I used to think you'd be cold and distant, but it seems I misunderstood," Nanami said with a grin.

Hikari, sitting next to Nanami, also smiled and shared his own impression of Kotonoha.

"Is that really how I come across?" Kotonoha asked, surprised by how others viewed her.

"Sometimes, I'm not sure how to interact with others. I get nervous and hesitate, unsure of how to start a conversation. By the time I think of something to say, they've already walked away," Kotonoha explained, looking down at her hands resting on her knees.

Growing up sheltered by her parents, Kotonoha spent her time studying or attending various hobby classes her parents enrolled her in. But as she grew older, she realized she had no close friends. Even at home, she found it difficult to connect with her parents and often spent time with her younger sister instead.

Setsuna, sitting next to Kotonoha, couldn't help but feel a bit of similarity between them.

Sekai came over with juice and tea for everyone, sitting next to Kotonoha after handing out the drinks. After everyone thanked her, she asked what they had been talking about.

Upon hearing the discussion about Kotonoha's first impression, Sekai nodded in understanding.

"Did everyone feel that way? But I think Kotonoha is just a bit shy. Once I started talking to her, I realized she has a really nice personality."

Kotonoha blushed at Sekai's words and lowered her head, her fingers nervously fiddling with the fabric of her skirt.

"By the way, about that topic you and Kotonoha were discussing last time… Sekai,between you and Setsuna who is dating? I've been dying to know! I even spent all of yesterday thinking about it," Hikari asked, eager to know the answer.

Kotonoha, already aware of the answer, looked up at Sekai, then at Setsuna, but didn't say anything.

Sekai, feeling a bit of bitterness about the question, smiled and gave her answer, though it wasn't without hesitation.

"Well..." Sekai paused, feeling a bit awkward.

With Nanami and Hikari's eyes fixed on her, Sekai smiled and said, "I haven't started dating anyone yet."

Hikari and Nanami's eyes then turned to Setsuna. Earlier, they had wondered if Setsuna had a boyfriend, and Nanami's earlier guess was spot on.

Setsuna took a small sip of her juice, offering no special reaction to their probing gazes.

"Does Setsuna already have a boyfriend? What's he like? Is he handsome? Does he go to our school?" Hikari shot question after question, leaning closer as she eagerly sought details about Setsuna's love life. Her curiosity was so intense that it caught Setsuna off guard.

Sekai, sitting next to them, glanced at both Hikari and Setsuna . Beneath her smile, there was a touch of bitterness. She wished someone would ask her those questions, too.

As she glanced at Setsuna, she started to think about what she could do to spend more time with her tonight.