Invisible Threads

Lunch for Two

Lunch had always been an uneventful routine for Yuri—a quiet part of her day where she could sit, eat, and let the world drift around her. She never sought company, never felt the need to fill the silence with conversation.

That changed when Aicy started joining her.

It wasn’t planned, and it certainly wasn’t something they talked about. Aicy never asked if she could sit with Yuri, never hesitated before dropping her tray onto the table like it had always been hers.

"Hope you don’t mind," Aicy said casually, mirroring the exact words she had used on the first day they became seatmates.

Yuri barely glanced at her. "You don’t wait for answers, do you?"

Aicy smirked, taking a sip of her drink. "If I did, I wouldn’t be sitting here, would I?"

Yuri sighed, but she didn’t tell her to leave. Instead, she pushed her plate slightly toward the center of the table—an unspoken sign, a small permission that Aicy was welcome.

Aicy noticed, of course. She noticed everything.

"You always eat the same thing," she mused, inspecting Yuri’s food.

"So?" Yuri frowned.

"Nothing. Just an observation."

Yuri narrowed her eyes. "And you? You change your meal every day?"

"Of course. I like variety."

Their conversation wasn’t anything special, but somehow, it felt like something. A rhythm they hadn’t planned but had naturally fallen into.

Then, without warning, Aicy stole a fry from Yuri’s plate and popped it into her mouth.

Yuri blinked.

"You—"

Aicy grinned. "Oh, don’t look at me like that. It’s just one."

"You could’ve asked."

"But where’s the fun in that?"

Yuri sighed again, shaking her head, but she didn’t take her plate back.

Aicy, clearly enjoying herself, leaned forward, tapping a finger against Yuri’s tray like she was inspecting a hidden treasure.

"You know, sharing food is a sign of deep affection," she mused. "In some cultures, it means we’re practically soulmates."

Yuri gave her an unimpressed look. "In this culture, it means you’re stealing my fries."

Aicy gasped, placing a hand dramatically over her chest. "Stealing? That’s a harsh word. I prefer borrowing—with no intention of returning, of course."

Yuri rolled her eyes, but her lips twitched—just slightly, almost imperceptibly.

Aicy noticed.

"Ohhh, I saw that!" she pointed, triumphant. "That was almost a smile, Yuri."

"It was a reflex," Yuri muttered.

"Mhm, sure. Reflexes caused by me, obviously."

Yuri shook her head, exhaling as she picked up another fry and ate it before Aicy could reach for it.

Aicy pouted. "Unbelievable. You have trust issues."

Yuri ignored her, pretending to focus on her meal.

Aicy, ever relentless, rested her chin on her hand, staring at Yuri with an exaggerated, dramatic sigh.

"You know," she said thoughtfully, "if you ever feel like expressing your overwhelming appreciation for me, I accept payment in the form of extra fries."

Yuri finally looked at her, deadpan.

"Not happening."

Aicy grinned, as if she had won anyway.

Lunch wasn’t quiet anymore.

It was something else.