Although Shiina Mahiru's parents no longer asked about her affairs, they still sent her pocket money every month. Perhaps once she had her own job and could earn money independently, that support would come to an end.
Hozuki Nozomi felt like he should thank them. If they didn't care about Angel, how else could he have gotten the chance to hold her in his arms so quickly?
Early Morning
The first rays of sunlight filtered through the curtains. Nozomi slowly opened his eyes and found himself looking at the peaceful, sleeping face nestled against his chest. A smile crept onto his lips.
"Mahiru, it's time to wake up," he murmured softly.
A sleepy groan was his only response. The girl nestled closer to him, pressing her face against his chest. "Mou… bad guy, you wake up first. Go wake Mashiro up. I'll sleep for a bit longer."
"Alright, alright. Then I'll head out first."
Slipping out of bed, Nozomi stretched and made his way to the third floor. He knocked briefly before stepping into Shiina Mashiro's room.
On her desk, there was a new comic she had completed. Flipping through the pages, he realized that the artwork had improved once again. The story was simple, revolving around daily life, but it showed that Mashiro was gradually becoming more expressive.
"Mashiro, wake up. It's morning."
Stirring from her slumber, Mashiro opened her golden eyes. Her gaze was hazy as she blinked at him. Then, just like always, she sat up—
And just like always, the blanket slipped off her shoulders, revealing smooth, porcelain-like skin.
Nozomi felt a vein pop in his forehead. This defenseless girl…!
Suppressing the dangerous thoughts creeping into his mind, he sighed and pulled open her drawer, fishing out a blue-and-white striped set of underwear. At least this represents some level of purity…
"Here, put this on. And this too," he added, handing her a fresh bra.
Mashiro, as usual, simply allowed him to help her get dressed. As he buttoned up her shirt, his fingers brushed against her soft, warm skin.
Like touching marshmallows.
Like silk.
Nozomi swallowed thickly, his Adam's apple bobbing. He was trying his best to behave, but then—
Mashiro curiously reached out and poked his throat.
"Nozomi… a boy's Adam's apple is so strange."
He almost choked. "Even if it's strange, you can't just touch it!"
Mashiro tilted her head, seemingly deep in thought. "Then I'll only touch Nozomi."
"That's not the issue here!"
Seeing him flustered, Mashiro puffed up her cheeks in a pout. "Nozomi is a bad guy."
Nozomi let out a resigned sigh and patted her head. Mashiro immediately melted under the touch, her mood lifting.
Just as he was about to step back and let her finish dressing, she suddenly reached out—
And grabbed something she absolutely shouldn't.
Nozomi stiffened instantly. His whole body locked up as he looked down at the petite girl, who now sat on the edge of the bed with an innocent expression.
She leaned in slightly, sniffing curiously. "How strange… Rita doesn't have this smell."
A crack formed in his composure. Mashiro… do you even know what you're doing?
For a brief moment, an evil thought passed through his mind. He had the overwhelming urge to properly educate this defenseless girl on the true nature of men. But when he met her wide, confused gaze, he let out a long breath and gently pushed her hand away.
"Because I'm a guy," he explained, his voice strained. "Rita and you are both girls. So you definitely shouldn't be touching other boys like this, okay?"
Mashiro blinked up at him. Then, with a small nod, she said in a sweet voice, "Then I'll only touch Nozomi."
Nozomi felt like coughing up blood.
Resisting the urge to bang his head against the wall, he ruffled her hair instead. Mashiro hummed happily at the affection before suddenly dropping another bombshell.
"Rita is coming."
"…Huh?"
Nozomi stared at her in confusion.
"Rita is coming to live with us," Mashiro clarified.
"Rita… you mean your friend from England?"
"Mhm."
"And when exactly is she coming?"
"Next weekend."
Nozomi: "…"
"Next weekend?!"
"I don't know. That's what Rita said."
Nozomi sighed heavily, rubbing his temples. As he was processing the unexpected development, Mashiro suddenly reached out again, her fingers full of mischief.
Nozomi barely dodged in time. He was really going to lose it with this girl.
So, before she could make another move, he grabbed her chin and leaned in, forcing her to meet his intense gaze. "Mashiro, if you keep testing me like this, you'll learn just how scary a man can be up close."
Mashiro, as always, simply looked at him with innocent curiosity. Then, as if recalling something from Misaki-senpai's fan comics, she tilted her head and slowly—
Opened her mouth.
Nozomi felt his soul leave his body.
"Mashiro… you…"
"Is it not okay?" she asked, her voice tinged with rare uncertainty.
She looked up at him, her expectant expression causing his brain to short-circuit.
"Even though Mahiru did this before… Nozomi was happy, right?"
At this point, what else could Nozomi even say?
After a while, Mashiro was dragged by Hozuki Nozomi to wash her hands, brush her teeth, rinse her mouth, and change into her school uniform. Holding her delicate hand, he and Mahiru walked her to Suiko together before heading off to catch the train.
(Suimei University of the Arts is often referred to by the nickname "Suiko.")
Watching their departing backs, Shiina Mashiro placed a hand over her chest, a small, knowing smile gracing her lips. She licked her lips absentmindedly, feeling an odd thrill run through her.
"With this... Nozomi can't push Mashiro away."
"What Mahiru can do, Mashiro can do too."
Don't mistake her quiet nature for cluelessness. In truth, Mashiro knew exactly what she wanted.
Just like how she decided to draw manga after witnessing the joy and amazement it brought others, she now wished to see that same happiness on Nozomi's face. It was Kamigusa Misaki who had first planted the idea in her mind, Kashiwagi Eri's fan comics that had given her inspiration, but ultimately, it was her own desire that made her act.
In Mashiro's mind, one simple thought dominated everything else.
"I don't want to be excluded. I don't want to be abandoned. I just want Nozomi to be happy."
Besides, he always bought her Baumkuchen. That was reason enough.
=========================
On the train, Shiina Mahiru and Sanshokuin Sumireko both glanced at Nozomi's slightly flushed face, sharing a look of confusion.
"Nozomi, you seem oddly happy today," Mahiru pointed out, tilting her head slightly.
Naturally, Hozuki Nozomi wouldn't admit that his good mood stemmed from Mashiro's antics earlier that morning. He merely smiled and said:
"Of course I'm happy. I'm surrounded by such beautiful girls."
Sumireko rolled her eyes. "Flirting first thing in the morning? Aren't you being too much of a riajuu?"
(Sumireko's use of the term "riajuu" is likely meant to convey a sense of annoyance or sarcasm towards someone who is being overly enthusiastic or showy about their romantic or social life, especially in a situation where it seems unnecessary or excessive, like flirting first thing in the morning.)
Ignoring her, Nozomi casually changed the subject. "By the way, Mahiru, if anything comes up, make sure to help Sumireko."
"Yes, I know."
Mahiru was already aware of Sumireko's situation and sympathized with her junior high experiences. She was more than willing to lend a hand.
Sumireko's gaze softened slightly. "Thank you, Shiina-san."
She couldn't help but sigh inwardly. The girls around Nozomi were all kind and understanding. Compared to Kusami Runa and Sakurahara Momo constantly scheming around Hazuki Yasuo, the difference was like heaven and earth.
"You don't need to thank me. I know Sumireko is also a very good person," Mahiru said with a gentle smile, taking Sumireko's hand.
Her sheer warmth and kindness were overwhelming.
=========================
As soon as Nozomi entered the classroom, he could feel the waves of resentment coming from the male students. He casually made his way to Hikigaya Hachiman's desk, placing a hand on his shoulder.
"Hachiman, what's with the murderous glares? Everyone looks like they want to kill me."
Hikigaya shot him a deadpan look. "Are you really going to pretend you don't know?"
He scoffed, crossing his arms. "You practically got married to the most beautiful girl in the class yesterday! If it were just Shiina-san, fine, we've already accepted our fate on that front. But why the hell did even Yukinoshita get involved?! And don't even get me started on that ridiculously beautiful girl always hovering behind you! You're a monster!"
Hozuki Nozomi chuckled. "Speaking of which, when are you going to introduce me to your little sister? I miss Komachi's cookies."
"Over my dead body! I refuse to let you get anywhere near my Komachi!" Hikigaya immediately went on high alert, eyeing him warily.
Nozomi merely shrugged. "Suit yourself. But you know, there'll always be a chance. I did save your life once, after all. Komachi-chan would be more than happy to show me some gratitude."
Hikigaya froze. Damn it, he was right. If it were Komachi, she'd probably be extremely thankful to Nozomi. Maybe even admire him.
This guy…
This guy was already unfairly handsome, but why did he also get along so well with all these amazing girls?
Sure enough, Hayama was just a pretender. The real winner in life, the true king of riajuu, was standing right in front of him!
Hikigaya was burning with envy.
Just then, the angelic voice of Totsuka Ayaka broke through his thoughts.
"Hachiman, are you okay? You don't look very well."
Instantly, Hikigaya felt healed.
==========================
A while later, class began, but the moment Hiratsuka-sensei entered with two unfamiliar students, the entire classroom buzzed with excitement.
They were exchange students from Toshobu High School.
One of them was a ridiculously handsome guy—Yasuo Hazuki.
The other was an absolute bombshell with an impressive figure—Kusami Runa.
Nozomi immediately narrowed his eyes.
'They totally picked Class F on purpose. That bastard Yasuo just wants to challenge me, and that girl… well, it's obvious why she's here.'
As for senior Sakurahara Momo, since she was a second-year, she was naturally assigned to the sophomore class.
***********
By calling someone a "riajuu," she is implying that they are acting like someone who is overly confident or self-satisfied with their social or romantic success, which can come off as annoying to those who may not share the same experiences or feelings. It reflects a common sentiment in anime and manga where characters express frustration towards those who seem to have it all together in terms of relationships and social interactions.