Enjoy Things While You Can

During their lunch break, Kokomi and her friends settled down cross-legged on the soft, carpeted floor. The break room was cluttered, filled to the brim with equipment, stacks of sheet music, and a few musical instruments leaning against the walls. A worn-out sofa pushed into one corner served as the only furniture, and the lack of space meant no dining table. Still, the cozy carpet provided a comfortable enough place to sit and enjoy their lunch.

“This chicken is amazing, Koko! Where’d you learn to make it?” Simon asked, his voice thick with excitement as he tore into a piece of roasted chicken. A grin spread across his face as the tender meat practically melted in his mouth.

Kokomi, her long, slightly curled hair falling over her shoulder, gently clasped her hands together and bowed her head slightly before speaking. “A TV drama,” she explained, her tone calm and composed. “It’s about two sisters running a restaurant, and at the end of each episode, they share the recipe for the dishes made during that episode.”

With practiced grace, she picked up her chopsticks and began eating small portions of rice and chicken. Her movements were precise, almost delicate, as if she were performing a practiced ritual. Across from her, Beyond had no such restraint. He chewed happily, letting out a small, delighted moan. “I can taste the honey and lemon—so good!” he exclaimed, sounding like a child enjoying his favourite meal.

While Kokomi carefully used her chopsticks, the two boys ate with their hands, scooping up rice and chicken with enthusiasm and popping the food into their mouths. Despite their casual approach, Kokomi had made sure they washed their hands beforehand, and the lingering scent of soap mingled with the rich aroma of roasted chicken.

Beside her, Albert sat quietly. His food lay untouched, and his eyes were distant. He seemed lost in thought, his fork idle in his hand. His face, a mix of confusion and nostalgia, gave away that he wasn’t fully present. He had just joined their band a few months ago, scouted by Kokomi after she accidentally stumbled upon him in the empty university music room. He had been playing a jazzy, improvised tune—something different from the classical pieces he usually practiced.

The memory was vivid. He remembered the sound of applause startling him from his daydream. He’d turned around to see Kokomi standing in the doorway, a small, knowing smile on her lips. She wore her signature long, purple-sleeved shirt and a calf-length black pleated skirt, cinched with a belt at her waist. Her bangs were swept to the right side of her forehead, framing her soft features. She looked almost ethereal, like she had just stepped out of a scene from a storybook. Albert felt embarrassed, his face turning red at having been caught off guard. She was well-known in the course, one of the five bassists in their university—her talent and quiet nature making her memorable to everyone. But what made her even more interesting was that she was not in any music course. She was studying in the education field, training to become an elementary school teacher.

A gentle tap on his shoulder pulled Albert from his thoughts. He blinked and turned to see Kokomi’s concerned eyes looking back at him. “Are you okay, Albert?” she asked softly, her voice laced with gentle curiosity.

Albert gave a quick shake of his head to clear away the lingering thoughts. “Yeah, I’m fine,” he replied, managing a small, unconvincing smile. His fork still sat in his hand, as clean as when he picked it up.

“Better eat before your food gets cold,” Beyond chimed in, casting a quick glance at Albert. “Break’s almost over.”

“Wait, what?” Albert exclaimed, snapping out of his daze. Panic spread across his face as he hurriedly began shoveling food into his mouth, the sudden movement making the others laugh.

“Whoa! Take it easy!” Simon chuckled nervously. “If you choke, we’ll be doomed when Mr. Santoro finds out!”

Kokomi let out a small, melodic giggle that seemed to ease the tension. “Don’t worry, Albert,” she reassured him, her tone light and gentle. “We still have twenty minutes left. Just relax and enjoy your lunch.”

Albert let out a sigh, half relief, half embarrassment. He took a slower bite this time, finally letting himself taste the meal in front of him. He wasn’t used to eating with others like this, especially not home-cooked food. It had been a long time since he last sat with anyone and shared a meal that wasn’t from a takeout box.

As the minutes ticked by, he gradually joined in on the conversation, nodding along to Simon’s jokes and Beyond’s dramatic re-enactments of their band’s last practice session. Kokomi, always attentive, smiled quietly at her bandmates, her gaze shifting occasionally to check on Albert. Little by little, he felt the weight on his shoulders lighten, as if this simple act of sharing a meal had chipped away at his hesitation.

In this cluttered, makeshift break room, amid laughter, familiar scents, and shared memories, the four of them found a little moment of peace before their hectic day resumed.