Honkai Impact: Become Their Hero

"K-Kiana, what do you mean, 'love-bento'?! You can't just say things like that!"

Flustered by the paramecium's words, Mei's face turned red, and steam was practically rising from her head.

Meanwhile, Elias had already accepted the bento prepared with great care by his personal chef and had begun digging in without hesitation.

After all, Mei's cooking had always been Honkai Impact's undisputed top-tier culinary skill—easily in the S-rank. Even Kevin, the almighty ruler of World Serpent, had once tried to recruit her just to improve their meals.

This homemade meal, filled with the girl's sincerity, was far superior to takeout or anything Elias could cook himself.

"Elias, Elias, can I have a piece of fried chicken? Just one! Please, please!"

Kiana rested her head on Elias' lap, her big watery eyes staring up at him pitifully, as if she had a wagging tail behind her.

"…Kiana, where is the dignity of a proud warrior of the Kaslana family?"

"Hmph! My annoying old man once said: 'The Kaslana family never surrenders! …Unless meals are included!'"

"Wow. Your family is something else. Fine, just one piece."

In the end, he still gave her one. But immediately after, Elias picked up the pace, determined to finish his meal quickly.

This delicious lunch was too good to share any further.

And so, by the time Kiana had finished her drumstick and tried reaching for another piece, Elias simply gave her a deadpan look—as if to say:

"A mere paramecium like you dares to ask for a second piece of fried chicken? Dream on."

Kiana's expression instantly deflated like a sad little cat.

Raiden Mei watched the scene unfold with a gentle smile.

Especially when Elias took a bite of her homemade meal, his face full of satisfaction—for some reason, seeing that look on his face gave Mei an odd sense of fulfillment, too.

She had originally honed her cooking skills just to survive on her own after her father's arrest.

No matter how well she cooked, eating alone never felt particularly special.

But ever since she started making lunch for Elias, she had found herself growing more and more fond of cooking.

"Ahh, I'm stuffed. That was amazing."

"I'm glad you liked it, Elias. By the way, is there anything in particular that you enjoy eating? I'll make it for you next time."

"Really? Oh, I couldn't possibly trouble you… Can I request Shenzhou cuisine? Like Mapo tofu, Dongpo pork, spicy boiled beef—things like that."

"That all sounds so good! Mei, Mei, I want some too!"

"Mm, got it—Shenzhou cuisine. I'll learn it tonight and cook it for you both."

Looking at the two white-haired furballs in front of her, Raiden Mei felt her heart thump heavily.

A sense of purpose welled up inside her.

At that moment, she made up her mind—she would level up her cooking skill to the absolute max.

(Mei: "I shall step into the kitchen—to bring you both a feast!")

There was still plenty of time left before lunch break ended.

"Haaaah~" x2

After eating their fill, Elias and Kiana yawned in perfect sync, clearly indicating that neither of them had gotten enough sleep after running around Nagazora City all night.

However, for Elias, this was more of a habit. Back when he was in school before his transmigration, he had always taken naps at noon, and over time, it became second nature—now, as soon as midday rolled around, he would start feeling sleepy.

"Ugh, so tired… I'll nap for a bit. Wake me up before class starts. Man, the sunlight is nice, but if only I had a pillow…"

His gaze turned hazy, and for a moment, he missed the pillows back on his battleship.

Li Pillow… Oh, how he longed to sleep on Li Sushang's chest.

"Same here! Yesterday, I took down three or four Hasty-class enemies, plus one on horseback. I'm exhausted! Also, Elias' right—if only we had a pillow… huh?"

Just as Kiana was about to drift off, her gaze suddenly froze in place.

With an expression far too indecent, even for a fellow girl, she shamelessly locked eyes onto Mei's legs wrapped in black stockings.

"Kiana… why are you suddenly staring at my legs?" Mei asked, feeling embarrassed as she instinctively covered them.

But before she could react, the paramecium had already pounced—burying her face between those silky thighs wrapped in black stockings and taking deep, exaggerated breaths.

"Isn't this a ready-made, top-tier pillow? Mei, I want a lap pillow!"

"Eh?! L-Lap pillow?!"

"Hehe, I read about this in Far East manga! Pleaaase, Mei, pretty please?"

Faced with the ultimate, absurdly, ridiculously adorable Kiana unleashing her full-powered spoiled brat attack, Mei's heart inevitably softened.

She let out a helpless sigh, about to reluctantly agree—

"You really are hopeless… El—Elias?"

Staaare~~

Only to see Elias staring at her with a completely expressionless face.

He didn't say a word, but Mei immediately understood exactly what he was thinking.

"I want one too! Kiana, you absolute genius! But if even she gets to have Mei's lap pillow, then as her 'boyfriend'—a position with far greater privileges—shouldn't I be entitled to the same treatment?"

"T-Then… fine. But you two better not do anything weird! Especially you, Kiana!"

Though feeling shy, Mei still agreed to their unreasonable request—but not before giving a special warning to a certain white-haired furball.

"How could I~? I'd never do anything weird to Mei! I just want to—"

"Alright, alright, nap time. Mei's right leg is mine, Kiana, you take the left."

"Fine… Waaaah, so this is a lap pillow? Mei's lap pillow is sooo comfy~ Zzzzzz~"

"Agreed. Good night. Zzzzzz~"

(Did they seriously fall asleep that fast?!)

Mei couldn't help but smile wryly as she looked at the two who had already drifted off, one on each of her legs.

Though she felt a little nervous, she tried her best to relax—making sure not to tense up, so they could have the best lap pillow experience possible.

And as the minutes ticked by, Mei slowly raised her hand, reaching toward the boy's snowy-white hair.