Do we really need another pep talk?

Lunch was supposed to be my sanctuary, a sacred moment of peace amid the chaos of the academy. My office, small but cozy, was my escape from the noise of the students and the overbearing energy of certain colleagues.

I'd just unwrapped a perfectly assembled bento box grilled salmon, rice with a sprinkle of furikake, and a small side of pickled vegetables when my communicator pinged.

It was a message from Leora. "Mandatory meeting in my office. All cooking section teachers. Now."

I stared at it, a piece of salmon halfway to my mouth. The message was ominous enough, but there was a problem: no one ever willingly went to a meeting organized by Leora. They were chaos incarnate, and if you valued your sanity or your lunch you skipped them.

"Not happening," I muttered, popping the salmon into my mouth and savoring the smoky flavor. Whatever Leora wanted could wait. It was lunchtime, and I had a strict no-interruptions policy.