HEART OF THE MAD

the fine print of free lunch

You remember that big, kind-hearted guy who was going to treat me to lunch?Guess what?Was he just bluffing?No. Surprisingly, he wasn’t. This is definitely beyond my expectations. Seriously, I respect you, man.Right now, we’re heading to the cafeteria—the chaotic battlefield where students scramble for food like hungry animals. The air is thick with the smell of fried chicken and freshly baked bread. Students chatter, trays clatter, and the cash register beeps in an endless rhythm.For a moment, I start to think maybe, just maybe, this guy has changed a little.And then—Big guy: “So, what do you wanna eat, loser?”Ah, there it is. The classic insult. Just when I thought we were making progress.It’s like watching a main character in a TV show develop as a person, only for the writers to hit the reset button after the beauty queen leaves their side. One second, they’re all noble and charming; the next, they go back to their default settings.I sigh and put on a casual smile. “Well, since you’re treating me, I’ll eat anything you offer.”I mean, I have standards… but free food is free food.Big guy: “See? Since I’m offering, you gotta do something for me in return. Make me look like a good guy in front of Hikari. Not that I’m not already, but, y’know, do your best.”Ah. There it is. The fine print. The invisible contract. The hidden terms and conditions of my so-called “free” lunch.I knew it. No way he’d just treat me for nothing. This guy is just as selfish as ever. Well, not like I’m any different.Still, it’s kind of funny. I wonder if he even realizes how transparent he is.With that, he grabs a tray, orders our food, and hands me a plate before walking toward our usual table. I follow, shaking my head with a small grin.Some things never change.Lunch Time: The Speedrun EditionAs soon as we sit down, I waste no time stuffing food into my mouth. The taste? Not bad. Not great either. Just your usual cafeteria stuff. The rice is a little dry, the chicken is a bit overcooked, and the vegetables? Let’s not even talk about them.But hey, food is food.Big guy: “Slow down, man. You look like you haven’t eaten in days.”I pause mid-bite, fork hanging from my mouth, and give him a deadpan look. “That’s because I haven’t. I’ve been living off instant noodles and regret.”He shakes his head, chuckling. “Pathetic.”Rich words coming from someone who needs my help impressing a girl.That shuts him up real fast. I smirk in victory.But before I can fully savor it, the bell rings, snapping me back to reality.Back to the VoidLunch is over. Which means back to class. Back to the never-ending cycle of boredom.I trudge down the hall like a prisoner heading to his cell. My energy levels? Critically low. My motivation? Nonexistent. My will to live? Pending review.The moment I step into the classroom, I feel my soul leave my body.Back to this boring routine. Back to staring at the clock, waiting for time to move faster.I slide into my seat—the same old desk, the same dull view outside the window. The teacher starts talking about something that sounds suspiciously like math. Or science. Or maybe philosophy. Who knows?At this point, my brain has already checked out.So, naturally, I do what I do best—zone out and start daydreamingThe Ultimate FantasyWhat if something actually interesting happened?Like, say… a terrorist organization suddenly attacking the school?I can picture it now. Chaos. Screaming students. Teachers running for their lives. Desks flying. Papers scattered. The whole place thrown into pure anarchy.And then—just when all hope seemed lost—I would step forward.The weak, unremarkable Kuroya? Gone. In his place—a mysterious, powerful hero no one saw coming. My clothes would rip apart, revealing an ultra-cool combat suit hidden underneath. My glasses would glow. The wind would dramatically blow through my hair—even though we’re indoors.I’d take down the enemies one by one, moving so fast they wouldn’t even realize what hit them. The entire school would be in awe.And then, standing among the crowd, she would be watching. Hikari. The most beautiful girl in school. Her eyes filled with admiration. Maybe even a little bit of love.“Kuroya… you’re amazing,” she would whisper, her voice trembling with emotion.I’d turn to her, smirking. “It’s all in a day’s work.”The background music swells. The credits roll. My legend is born.(And then the bell rings.)I blink.Right. Back to reality.Not like something that cool would ever actually happen.HomeboundWith a sigh, I grab my bag and stretch, stifling a yawn. My teacher gives me a weird look, probably wondering if I actually paid attention. I respond with a nod so convincing I almost believe it myself.Big guy slaps my back. “Try not to drool next time, dream boy.”“Try not to be such a narcissist next time,” I fire back.He just grins.Well, whatever. At least the day is over.Time to go home. Time to do absolutely nothing productive.And maybe… just maybe… time to come up with a better daydream.Welcome to the CastleThe moment I step through the gates, I am greeted by a sight that never fails to amuse me.Rows of neatly dressed workers bow as I pass by. The mansion—no, castle—looms in the background, its towering spires and grand marble pillars making it look like something out of a medieval fantasy.I smirk.Damn. Did you see that? This is who I am. The only heir to the mafia.Well, not your usual mafia—the kind that deals in drugs, murder, and all that cliché underworld stuff. We’re the… pookie type of mafia.Yeah, I’ll explain that later.For now, let’s head inside.I stride through the massive front doors, my footsteps echoing in the grand hall. The chandelier above glistens like a constellation of stars, and the marble floors are polished to perfection. The scent of freshly brewed tea lingers in the air, blending with the faint aroma of expensive cologne.A butler approaches, bowing. “Welcome home, Young Master.”I nod. “Yeah, yeah. I’m back.”Another servant appears, holding out a tray with a glass of juice. I take it without a word, sipping casually as I make my way toward the grand staircase.Life? Easy.Stress? Minimal.Drama? Well… we’ll see.But hey, being the heir to a powerful family has its perks.And tomorrow?Tomorrow is just another day in the life of a not-so-ordinary mafia prince.

(Author here i think I would only use the name for main character and female lead to make it more unique so if anyone is watching it oh sorry reading it you could comment if I should add or not)