No One Would Ever Suspect that the Perfect Angel I’m Secretly Dating is Actually "Experienced" — Part 2

“I was aiming to beat Hiiragi-san in the rankings, but I couldn’t manage it last year.”

Yes, the ‘Angel’ wasn’t just beautiful; she was also academically outstanding. I had known her name primarily because of her academic achievements during our first year, when we were in different classes.

“The last finals were close, but we both won and lost in different subjects.”

She smiled and answered. I had lost by six points in the overall score of nine subjects.

“This year, I’ll definitely beat you, at least once.”

Trying to sound casual without coming across as too competitive, I said that, and for some reason, the ‘Angel’ looked a bit surprised before smiling brightly.

“Okay!”

That dazzling smile, like a blooming flower, completely erased my earlier doubts about why she was smiling.

Gradually, we started talking more through our duties as class representatives, going from “someone I talk to occasionally” to “someone I talk to fairly often.” Of course, even though we spoke, it was only during our committee work because the ‘Angel’ was always surrounded by people in the classroom.

Suddenly, the weight in my arms shifted toward me. I snapped out of my thoughts and looked down to see Hina breathing rhythmically, sound asleep.

“She’s really something today.”

She didn’t usually cling to me like this, so she must have been exhausted.

But still, what can I say?

“…This is really tough.”

With her sleeping so soundly in my arms, I wasn’t sure if it was a sign of trust, or if it was something else entirely.

Her slightly parted, cherry-colored lips looked incredibly tempting, and I found myself averting my gaze. Feeling like I was thinking ‘bad thoughts,’ I forced myself to focus back on my memories. What came to mind was an event from the rainy season.

"Hiiragi-san, you can go home now if you like. There’s really not much left."

The soft sound of falling rain and the scratching of a mechanical pencil filled the quiet classroom after school. I was alone with the "Angel," but it was nothing out of the ordinary—just our usual committee work.

I told her we were almost done, but Hiiragi-san smiled gently and said,

"No, it’s fine. I’d feel bad, so please let me help."

Hmm, I thought for a moment and decided to challenge her statement.

"Weren’t you invited to a study group by Takahashi-san? Sorry if it seemed like I was eavesdropping."

Takahashi-san is a classmate, someone who clearly adores Hiiragi-san, practically broadcasting it with her entire body.

I continued, explaining that I felt bad for keeping Hiiragi-san around when the work was nearly finished.

After a moment of hearing only the soft rain outside, the "Angel" finally spoke up.

"It’s true that I’d like to go quickly because of the invitation, but I also feel bad leaving all the work to you, Tokito-san."

The faint humidity hinted at the summer to come. Once again, the sounds of soft rain and my pencil running over the paperwork filled the air.

Oh, I finished earlier than I expected… I completed the last form and neatly stacked the papers.

"Thanks for helping me out. You saved me."

"No, it was nothing."

After exchanging this simple conversation, I opened my mouth again.

"Sorry to ask this right after finishing, but… can I have ten more minutes of your time?"

The "Angel" tilted her head in curiosity but nodded.

"Sure, I don’t mind, but…"

In response to her unspoken question—What are we going to do?—I simply said,

"A little ‘mischief.’"

I stepped out of the classroom. Outside in the hallway, I noticed the rain had grown heavier.

As we walked, I posed a question.

"What do you think is easier: studying to raise a 50-point test score by 10 points, or studying to raise a 90-point score to 100?"

Before long, I received an answer.

"I think studying to raise a 90-point score to 100 is more difficult… right?"

Seeing the "Angel’s" puzzled expression, I agreed.

"Yeah, I think so too. …Here we are."

In front of us stood a vending machine with an almost ridiculous variety of drinks.

"Are we getting drinks?"

Yes, we were. I’m sure she was wondering why I had brought her along, but that would become clear soon enough.

I inserted 100 yen, selected a can of soda, and repeated the process twice.

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