Even Gods Are Not Perfect

At lunchtime, the sun was just right, pouring through the massive floor-to-ceiling windows of the student cafeteria and scattering golden patches of light across the polished floor.

The air was filled with the aroma of various dishes, mingling with the noisy chatter of students and the crisp clatter of cutlery to form a unique symphony belonging to the midday.

Honami Ichinose carried her tray, walking at a leisurely pace toward a window-side table alongside her close friend from the same class, Chihiro Shiranami.

The moment she stepped into the cafeteria, she seemed to carry her own spotlight, drawing the gazes of many around her.

Her soft, pink-gold long hair cascaded over her slender shoulders like a waterfall, shimmering with a charming luster under the midday sun; the tips of her hair glowed with a honey-like warmth, as if they were a work of art woven from the finest silk by the most skilled craftsman.

Her eyes, deep as amethysts, were lively and bright, seemingly hiding endless gentleness and kindness, while her thick, slightly curled lashes cast faint shadows on her lids, each blink appearing to tell a moving story.

Her small, straight nose had elegant and delicate lines, and the lips beneath were pink and succulent, the corners of her mouth always curled into a natural, slight upward arc, revealing a set of clean, straight teeth that made one want to get close to her, listen to her speak, and be infected by her warm smile.

Her figure was tall and well-proportioned, with exquisite curves.

Her proud bust stood in sharp contrast to a waist so slender it seemed it could be spanned by a single hand, highlighting her charming feminine silhouette.

Her form-fitting school uniform outlined her elegant shape perfectly; her shoulder lines were fluid, her back was straight, and every gesture she made was filled with the youthful vitality and natural composure unique to a young girl.

Her long legs were encased in knee-high black stockings, adding a touch of playfulness and cuteness, and the sliver of "absolute territory" visible at the edge of the socks made many passing boys steal a glance before quickly and guiltily looking away.

Wherever she went, people's gazes followed.

On the path from the teaching building to the cafeteria, students kept passing by and taking the initiative to greet her.

There were classmates from Class B, waving and calling out "Little Honami" with faces full of smiles.

There were also students from Class A, nodding to her with kindness and curiosity.

Even some unfamiliar faces from Class C and Class D would summon the courage to stop her after a moment of hesitation, just to hear her say, "Hello there."

And she, regardless of who the person was or which class they came from, would stop, tilt her head slightly, gaze at them with those amethyst eyes, and return that signature, warm smile.

That smile seemed capable of dissolving all barriers, like a small sun hanging in the sky, shedding its light without reservation upon everyone she encountered.

Meanwhile, around the corner of the corridor not far behind her, a few boys were gathered together, their eyes following her back as they whispered:

"As expected of Little Honami, she really is so popular... Look at that smile, I feel like my heart is melting! I don't think there's a more dazzling beautiful girl in the entire grade, right?"

"You're too inexperienced if you say that. I think Chisato Nishikigi from Class A isn't bad either—that energetic type, her smile is just as sunny. It's great, having two beauties as dazzling as the sun in one grade; we freshmen are truly blessed."

"Sigh... if only one of them were my girlfriend, then this life would be worth it..."

"In your dreams! Don't you know your own worth? Chisato Nishikigi is the maid of Young Master Mizuki—did you hear that clearly? Young Master Mizuki! The one from Mizuki Heavy Industries!"

"In the entire Chongying Protectorate, almost everything from the toothpaste you use in the morning to the quilt you sleep under at night is controlled by that enterprise. You want to touch his maid? I think you're tired of living; you wouldn't even know how you died."

"I, I was just thinking about it, just satisfying my cravings... Well, if I can't think about Chisato, then thinking about Little Honami is fine, right? If Little Honami were my girlfriend..."

"Forget it! Little Honami is everyone's sun! With her personality, it's obvious she won't date anyone—she's public property belonging to all of us! I'll fight anyone who tries to monopolize her!"

Some of these words were filled with longing, some with jest, and some with a vague sense of possessiveness.

But regardless of these remarks, Honami Ichinose's expression remained unchanged, maintaining that warm and peaceful smile as if she hadn't heard those discussions at all.

"Little Honami is truly perfect."

Chihiro Shiranami, walking beside her, couldn't help but exclaim, her eyes bright and filled with adoration. "To be liked by so many people and still be so composed, without a hint of arrogance. If I were being stared at by so many people, I would have been too nervous to even walk."

"I'm just doing what I ought to do."

Honami Ichinose shook her head gently, her tone soft and humble. "I don't consider myself perfect; I'm just an ordinary girl."

"Look, look, you're being humble again!"

Chihiro Shiranami puffed out her cheeks, her tone carrying a hint of dissatisfaction and coquetry.

"Little Honami, you are perfect! Your life must be smooth sailing and brilliant, never having faced any setbacks, which is why you've developed such a warm and gentle personality. Heaven truly favors you—but that's how it should be! Little Honami should be perfect! If anyone dares to say Little Honami isn't perfect, I, Chihiro Shiranami, will be the first to disagree; I'll fight them to the death!"

She clenched her small fists and waved them in the air, her tone as earnest as if she were taking an oath: "Because this is a perfection bestowed by the gods! It is a treasure heaven gave to our Class B!"

Honami Ichinose's footsteps faltered slightly.

In those amethyst eyes, a trace of an extremely fleeting shadow, almost impossible to capture, flickered by.

That shadow was like a dark cloud passing over a clear sky, vanishing in an instant, so fast it was as if it had never appeared.

She lowered her gaze, her pink lips moving slightly, and whispered in a voice only she could hear:

"Perfection bestowed by the gods, huh..."

Her voice was as light as a feather landing on a carpet: "If there really were gods in this world... then there wouldn't be so much suffering and regret in the world..."

"Hm? Little Honami, did you say something just now?"

Chihiro Shiranami tilted her head, leaning in closer like a curious little animal, blinking her eyes as she asked.

"It's nothing."

Honami Ichinose recovered almost instantly, lifting her head, her face blooming once again with that bright smile that seemed capable of melting ice and snow, as if the low mood she had just displayed was merely an illusion.

"I was just thinking, what should I have for lunch today? Hmm... should I try the curry? It smells quite good."

Honami Ichinose said.

"Yes, yes! Since Little Honami wants to eat curry, then I want to eat curry too!"

Chihiro Shiranami immediately became excited like a cat that had been stroked the right way, agreeing without hesitation.

"You don't have to follow my lead, Chihiro. Just eat whatever you want. You need to have your own opinions, you know."

Honami Ichinose smiled with a touch of helplessness, her tone filled with the doting affection of an older sister.

"No, no, no! This is my choice! I choose to follow Honami-chan! I want to eat exactly what Honami-chan is having! This is my 'opinion'!"

Chihiro Shiranami declared righteously, as if stating an indisputable truth.

"...Alright, as long as you're happy."

Honami Ichinose didn't stop her further, allowing her best friend, who clung to her like a little tail, to walk with her toward the curry station.

The two ordered the signature curry rice and grabbed two drinks before finding a window seat.

Sunlight spilled in from outside, casting warm shadows across the table.

They had barely taken a few bites when boys began hovering nearby with their trays, their gazes drifting toward their table as they clearly looked for an opportunity to strike up a conversation or ask to share the table.

After all, Honami Ichinose was recognized as one of the top beauties among the new students, and while Chihiro Shiranami had a colder temperament, she was also a stunning girl with refined features.

Sitting together, one gentle and bright, the other cold and guarded, they formed a unique sight that naturally drew many eyes.

However, every time someone gathered the courage to approach their table, they were glared back by the sharp, icy gaze of Chihiro Shiranami before they could even open their mouths.

Her eyes, which usually looked mild enough, seemed to shoot out cold light at that moment, making those boys with ulterior motives feel their scalps tingle and their feet itch to run.

Within just a few minutes, four or five boys had already fled in defeat under her "stare offensive."

Amidst this lively yet subtle atmosphere, a tall, upright figure walked toward their table with a tray, moving at a steady, unhurried pace.

He walked with composure, each step firm, as if he were completely oblivious to the commotion in the cafeteria. He stood tall with broad shoulders, wearing a well-fitted school uniform with his collar buttoned meticulously.

His face was handsome and clear, with sharp brows, bright eyes, a high nose bridge, and a faint, gentle smile playing on his lips.

His gaze was calm and profound, like a bottomless spring, making it impossible to guess what he was thinking.

His appearance caused the surrounding noise to quiet down slightly.

Many boys watching the table wore complex expressions—envy, jealousy, and a touch of helplessness and resignation.

Because the person who had arrived was Mami Mazumi.

He was the man who had ranked first in the entrance exams and been elected Class A representative by a unanimous vote amidst cheers.

He was the heir to the powerful Mizuki Heavy Industries, a family rumored to hold immense influence.

He was the man who was always followed by three beautiful maids of different styles, a man others couldn't help but envy.

He walked to the table and stopped at the perfect distance.

He didn't show the nervousness or awkwardness of other boys, nor did he wear the greasy smile of a flirt. Instead, he tilted his head slightly with a natural and appropriate posture, his voice clear and polite, as if greeting an old friend:

"Ichinose-san, excuse me—would you mind if I took a moment of your time to join you for lunch? There are some things I would like to discuss with you."

He smiled slightly, a gentle and measured expression that felt neither abrupt nor overly familiar.

He added, his tone carrying a sense of confident ease:

"Believe me, you will definitely be interested."

Chihiro Shiranami's brows furrowed in alarm, an almost reflexive reaction as she set down her spoon.

She turned her head, sizing up this uninvited guest with the same icy glare that had already scared off several boys.

But before she could open her mouth to chase him away, Honami Ichinose had already looked up.

Her amethyst-like eyes widened slightly upon seeing his face, followed by a flicker of surprise.

"...Mazumi-kun?"

Her voice held a hint of surprise and curiosity. Clearly, she hadn't expected the high-profile new representative of Class A to approach her personally.

Although they were in the same grade, they were in different classes and had no prior interaction. He was also a figure of intense discussion throughout the campus.

What was his purpose?

Was he representing Class A to reach out to Class B? Did he want to cooperate? Or was it something else?

Several thoughts flashed through Honami Ichinose's mind, but she maintained a gentle smile on her face.

Without hesitating for long, she turned slightly and made a gesture of invitation.

"Of course, please sit."

She nodded, her voice soft and polite.