Warmth^

"Whoever called me?"

So inquires Yuuyami-senpai, her hair tied in a bun. So that her way of slightly looking up as she asks about Kanadera-san feels energetic.

"Sorry, I should introduce myself. My name is Tenshi Kanadera," says she with a reverent tone.

"T-... Te-... Tenshi?!?"

Her cry further rouses the keen scrutiny of every other student. Of course, because Tenshi means "angel". Yuuyami-senpai joins gestures to words, and seems in a state between thrill and fear.

... I suppose I should clarify things between them. Yet again, it's kinda strange Kanadera-san knows my name too... So it's better to wait and see, as being confronted with the unknown might unsettle her.

"You attracted the angel of death, Taoru-kun!"

"Is it a pun of some kind?"

"We gotta catch her!"

"Could you please calm down?!" Kanadera-san raises her voice in a tempered manner, still giving away the hint of annoyance. The sudden onslaught seems to slightly perturb Yuuyami-senpai.

That might be enough. At least it proves she's human and can get angry, too.

"There's this urban legend, apparently, about an angel of death with metallic wings."

"Yes, like Taoru-kun says! Damn, you're eager to hunt too, I'm proud of my boy!"

Being called like this by my secret crush... might make me blush.Kanadera-san brushes her hair with the back of her hand, letting it sway beautifully. She looks at both of us in silence.

"... Oh, so that's how it is. Nice to meet you."

And she starts eating. Pasta... might or might not be on the menu. At the very least, the golden threads woven, bolognese sauce of a vibrant red, and spices that adorn the mixture with pleasant diversity...

It all seem delicious, and kind of reflects what an European rich lady would eat for lunch.

"Thanks for the meal," and senpai eats as well.

Except we have yet to address the elephant in the room yet!

"Wait, how do you know our names? We aren't as famous as your family."

"I simply memorized thet name of every student attending the school, as well as that of staff members, for instance including teachers, janitors, and administration workers..."

She starts enumerating on her other hand. Not only is this a stalking behavior, it doesn't really feel easy to do.

"And why would you do that?"

"To always remember a debt, and pay it double. Such is the way of the Kanadera."

Okay, then so be it. Though whimsical, might somewhat be a proper reason.

"Taoru-kun, what class do we have next? I forgot to copy the schedule."

"Art Studies. By the way, you might not have the proper material, seeing as you just transferred. We're working on granular paper."

"Could you lend me some, by then?"

"Yes, Kanadera-san."

Not that I'm forced to agree. Most people in our classroom would be eager to appeal to her.

"... Let's talk business, my little kouhai."

Now it's Yuuyami-senpai that looks at me with worrisome eyes. The one worrying is me.

"How are we gonna catch the angel of death?! Have you dreamt about anything? Any hunch?!"

"Dreamt?"

"I don't know, Taoru-kun was quite a proactive member back in the Occultic Club."

"Please. That's behind me."

Somehow, I didn't expect today's lunch to be so talkative. And yet, my life is usually so bland that this type of warmth might not be too bad. Plus, I get to eat with senpai.

For a while, we talk together, as Yuuyami-senpai plans out the quest for the urban legend, after club activities.

Tenshi Kanadera manages to gain her confidence over the course of this lunch, and will be exploring the unknown with us...

Who could have known, what strange incident would occur in Art Studies?