SBP Game 02

The Seijou Private Academy High School Department Cafeteria is particularly crowded on that day. It may have something to do with its latest offering which has become a favorite among the high school students - Japanese style curry. As expected, two long lines of students led its way to the cafeteria counter. Most students ordered Japanese curry, some others ordered octopus wieners, some more others ordered dumplings and Japanese-style noodles, but there were few others who seated ahead of the pack, as they have brought their own obento with them. Usually, however, students eat it inside the classroom together with their friends who also brought their own lunch boxes. Sakura brought her own lunch box, but her friend Hazuki Horio invited her to lunch at the cafeteria. She dragged another one of her friends, Kotori Konno, with her as well. She must really like curry so much that she wants to share the experience with her friends, so to speak. Well, Hazuki seems to be a really energetic girl, although a little bit air-headed. One time, she got lost inside the school grounds so she wound up about 20 minutes late for her first class. But before the teacher could say anything, she volunteered to stay outside the classroom doing various things, including carrying pails of water on both hands. She's pretty low on the academic side, but she never worries about that because she has Kotori and Sakura to help her out. Having friends with good academic sides really help. After several minutes of falling in line, Hazuki and Kotori seated themselves in front of Sakura in a table near the windows at the farther end of the cafeteria. "Haah, finally. Ah, Sakura, can you show us your lunch for today?""Whatever it is, it sure is very delicious. Sakura-chan cooked it herself after all.""Yeah, since Mom hasn't come home yet. But anyways, here it is.""Ah, a complete obento set! Wow! Did you make all of this yourself, Sakura-chan?""Yes, Kotori-san. It was a little bit difficult, but I was glad I was able to finish making it in time.""All righty, then.""Itadakimasu!""Say, Kotori, Sakura, have you heard about the new student who came here today?""Her name is Ryoko Ichinose, isn't it?""Hmm, yeah, I guess I have heard about her. Do you think she will come to our class?""I don't know, really. I heard the PE teachers and sports coaches saying she's one of the best female basketball players back in middle school. Have you, by any chance, met her before, Hazuki?""Well, no. I did join our middle school girls basketball team, but we never got past the prefectural finals anyway, let alone the Final Four so I really haven't got a chance to play with her. Although, I kept hearing about this Ryoko Ichinose for a while until sometime just before our graduation.""I see. So that's how it is.""Yeah. Students and coaches alike keep saying she's real good. I heard she had offers from schools other than Seijou. I heard she chose Seijou because it's the closest to her house, or something like that. I haven't met her yet, so I can't tell you anything... "Ah, Sakura, you're looking all gloomy again! It's all over your face! I told you a hundred times! Don't mind them! They're just envious of our very own Sakura-chan because they're not as endowed as her!""Ah, n-no! It's not like that, it's just...""Eh? Then what? Ah! You don't mean...""N-no! It's not like that, either.""Whatever, hmph.""Hazuki-san, pouting doesn't suit you.""Shut up, Kotori!" Kotori and Sakura let out a hearty laugh, much to Hazuki's chagrin. "Hah! What's that all about?!? Hey!!"