The Background Character Loop: One Last Chance to Break the Cycle Chapter 16: A Quiet Touch

The air in the classroom still felt heavy, even after the faceless guy had left.

Theo sat at his desk, one hand clenched tightly into a fist on top of it.

His black hair was a little ssy, and his usually calm, dark eyes now glinted with a storm of anger—and perhaps disbelief

The rage from hearing Ivansia being insulted was still burning inside him, mixed with disbelief at what he'd just done.

Beside him, Ivansia looked at Theo with worried purple eyes from behind her silver-frad glasses.

Her pretty face showed a hint of sadness—not for herself, but for Theo.

She knew how much emotion he had to hold back, and how rare it was for Theo to lose control like that.

Ivansia didn't speak right away. Instead, she slowly reached out and gently tapped Theo's clenched arm.

It was a soft touch, but enough to draw Theo's attention. He flinched slightly and turned toward her. His angry gaze softened a little when it t her eyes.

"Theo," Ivansia whispered softly. Her voice was calm and steady, full of the quiet strength that was so typical of her. "It's okay now. Don't think about it too much."

She gently wrapped her hand around Theo's tense arm, feeling how tight the muscles still were.

Ivansia knew words wouldn't erase his anger right away—but sotis, her touch and her presence were enough.

She stroked the back of his hand with her thumb, a small gesture ant to comfort.

"He... he insulted you, Ivansia," Theo muttered, his voice rough and almost inaudible. The anger in him still hadn't faded. "I couldn't just stand there."

Ivansia gave a faint smile—not dismissive, but full of understanding. Her wavy black hair shifted slightly as she leaned a little closer to him.

"I know," she said softly. "But you didn't have to do that. I'm okay."

She tilted her head slightly, locking eyes with him in a way that felt grounding. "What matters most is that you're okay," she added, her voice now quiet like a soft breeze.

She knew Theo wasn't soone who showed emotion easily. As his childhood friend, she saw it as her job to help bring him back to normal.

Slowly, Theo took a deep breath. The tension in his jaw loosened, and his fist started to relax.

The fire in his eyes gradually faded, replaced by a look of tiredness—and maybe a bit of guilt.

He allowed Ivansia to hold his hand, letting her calmness slowly sink into him.

But a certain line from that faceless man still echoed in his mind.

'Aren't you tired of always being rejected by a guy who doesn't even know what's going on? I rember he's rejected Luna 876 tis and you 1,130 tis!'

Rejected... 1,130 tis? But... now that I think about it—have I really rejected Ivansia that much?

Theo glanced at Ivansia, then whispered quietly, "Ivansia... have I really rejected you that many tis?"

"No way! That guy was just spouting nonsense like he knows everything about us. Don't worry about it," Ivansia replied quickly.

But hearing that made Theo lower his head. He looked like sothing had clicked in him.

"But... he wasn't completely wrong, was he? I think I've rejected your kindness too often."

"No, you haven't," Ivansia said quickly. "I an, if you don't want to eat the lunch I made, it's fine. Maybe you were just full from eating bread earlier," she added with a crooked little smile.

"...Alright then! Give your bento, Ivansia. I'll eat it," Theo said suddenly, lifting his head with a big grin as he held out his hand.

Ivansia's eyes widened in surprise. She quickly reached into her bag and handed him the lunchbox she'd made the night before.

Theo took it eagerly and opened it.

Inside the light-blue bento box was a beautifully arranged al, made to nourish him completely. The aroma hit him the mont he opened the lid.

Fluffy white rice, shaped neatly, was paired with shiny teriyaki chicken sprinkled with sesa seeds.

There were halved boiled eggs for protein, along with rolled ground beef and crispy shrimp tempura.

For veggies, she included stead green broccoli, sakura-shaped carrot slices, and perfectly layered tamagoyaki.

It was not just tasty—it was healthy and full of care.

Theo's jaw dropped as he stared at the food. He even drooled a little.

"Y-You made all this in just one night, Ivansia?!" he asked in disbelief, completely stunned by how much effort she'd put in for him.

"Y-Yeah," Ivansia answered. "But don't expect too much... It might not be to your taste," she added, rubbing her temple shyly.

Theo grabbed the chopsticks and took a bite of the teriyaki chicken. The mont it entered his mouth, the delicious flavor spread instantly.

"Ah..." Theo couldn't say a word—his eyes watered a little. He regretted turning down her food before.

He started eating quickly, shoving the food in with a big smile on his face.

"Slow down, Theo, or you'll choke."

But Theo didn't listen. He was too focused on eating, and in just five minutes, he had devoured everything.

He burped, loud and unashad "That was amazing, Ivansia," he praised her sincerely.

Hearing that made Ivansia's cheeks blush a little.

"But you don't have to make bento every day," Theo said, turning to her.

"Eh? Why not? I like seeing you eat like that. Besides, cooking is one of my hobbies," Ivansia replied, smiling warmly.

Theo gave her a soft smile. "I really, really liked it, Ivansia. But... I just don't want to trouble you or rely on others too much," he admitted.

"That's not a problem at all, Theo. And like I said, I cook because I enjoy it. You're not a burden," she said, shaking her head.

"But—"

"Enough, Theo," Ivansia cut him off. "Now, move your desk next to mine. Let's study together."

Theo stiffened. A nervous smile spread across his lips. He rembered all too well what Ivansia was like when it ca to studying—strict and serious.

"Ah... But I just ate, Ivansia... Maybe we can study later. I'm still too full," Theo said, his voice shaky as he avoided her gaze.

"No excuses. Move it, now." Ivansia's smile turned sharper—almost like a threat.

I'm dood...