35: Brownies

                                    

                                          
"Kotori! You were amazing!"
                          
"Congrats on making it past the first round!"
                          
Quite honestly, when I walked into my homeroom class Monday morning, being bombarded by the familiar faces of my classmates was not what I was expecting. Which, in turn, led me to stand stock-still for a hot minute while attempting to process Satsuki and Pia's sparkling faces.
                          
We'd been the same class for all three years but not once had we talked. The duo constantly busied themselves in their own affairs so there was never the opportunity. But now, here they were, complimenting me on the last thing I thought they would.
                          
Satsuki, oblivious to my stupefaction, merrily turned to Pia. "We only went to watch the Cooking Club because we were in the area. Then you walked out and totally stole the show!"
                          
"You kept us on the edge of our seats the entire time," Pia agreed, nodding and whipping her short ginger hair back and forth. "I mean, obviously the Cooking Club was a shoo-in for victory—they destroy the competition every year. But it was much more fun cheering for you. I can't wait for the next round!"
                          
"I bet it'll be so entertaining! We gotta buy tickets."
                          
"Definitely!"
                          
The two grinned at me, to which I emitted a sheepish chuckle. 
                          
"Thank you, guys."
                          
"Don't mention it," Satsuki replied. "Truthfully, you did worry me a little. Those desserts you brought to class this past year were a bit... much. Like that one batch of brownies..."  
                          
Pia continued, "It's because of that we were kind of afraid to approach you. But, since we have you here now, do you think I can ask you something?"
                          
I fluttered my eyelashes. "Sure?"
                          
Pia didn't even hesitate: "Which one is it?"
                          
Satsuki promptly gaped at her. "Pia!"
                          
"But I'm curious," she excused. "They're all so handsome! There has to be one she likes most."
                          
Following their conversation left me befuddled. "Wait. What are you guys talking about?"
                          
They exchanged hopeless smiles.
                          
"You're so dense, Kotori," Pia sighed.
                          
"Probably because she only has eyes for Tamura," Satsuki enthused.
                          
"No way. Have you seen the way she coddles that underclassman of ours? The other one pouts when she doesn't give him attention either."
                          
"So? Tamura and her are always sneaking around after school. I once overheard them mention they're soulmates."
                          
"But can we ignore the mystery behind her and that hottie Saint? He professed his undying loyalty to her right in front of us!"
                          
"It isn't fair!" Satsuki whined. "Give us some of that popularity, Kotori!"
                          
Popularity?
                          
Truthfully, Pia and Satsuki's conversation had converted into animated gibberish eons ago. Not that they seemed to notice, or stopped to address my confusion.