At lunchtime, the sun was shining brightly. Its rays poured through the Student Cafeteria's enormous floor-to-ceiling windows, scattering golden patches of light across the polished floor.
The air was filled with the aroma of all kinds of dishes, mingling with the hubbub of students chatting and the crisp clatter of cutlery to create a unique lunchtime symphony.
Honami Ichinose carried her tray as she walked unhurriedly toward a window-side table with her close friend Chihiro Shiranami, a classmate.
The moment she stepped into the cafeteria, it was as if she had brought her own spotlight, drawing the eyes of many people around her.
Her smooth pinkish-blond hair cascaded over her slender shoulders like a waterfall. Under the midday sun, it shimmered with a captivating sheen, its tips touched with a warm, honeyed hue. It looked like a work of art, painstakingly woven from the finest silk by the most skilled craftsman.
Her deep, amethyst eyes were bright and lively, seeming to hold boundless warmth and kindness. Her thick, slightly curled lashes cast faint shadows over her eyelids, and every blink seemed to tell a touching story.
Her small, straight nose had elegant, delicate lines. Below it, her soft pink lips looked almost succulent, and the corners of her mouth always curved up in a natural, gentle smile, revealing a neat row of white teeth. People couldn't help wanting to get close to her, hear her speak, and be swept up in her warm smile.
She was tall and well-proportioned, with graceful curves.
Her ample bust contrasted sharply with her slender waist, which looked as though it could be encircled by two hands, accentuating her alluring feminine figure.
Her well-fitted uniform outlined her elegant form just right. Her shoulders were smooth, her back and waist straight, and every gesture brimmed with the youthful energy and natural poise unique to a girl her age.
Her long legs were covered by knee-high black socks, adding a touch of playfulness and charm. The glimpse of bare skin at the top of the socks made plenty of boys passing by sneak a look before quickly averting their eyes in guilty embarrassment.
Wherever she went, people's eyes followed.
Along the path from the classroom buildings to the cafeteria, students passing by kept greeting her of their own accord.
Some were her Class B classmates, waving with bright smiles as they called out, "Honami!"
Others were students from Class A, nodding to her with friendly curiosity.
Even some unfamiliar faces from Class C and Class D would hesitate for a moment, then gather the courage to call out to her, just to hear her say, "Hello!"
And no matter who they were or which class they came from, she would always stop, turn her head slightly, look at them with those amethyst eyes, and return their greeting with her signature warm smile.
Her smile seemed to melt every barrier, like a little sun hanging in the sky, showering its light without reservation on everyone she met.
Not far behind her, at a corridor corner, several boys had gathered, following her with their eyes as they whispered among themselves:
"As expected of Honami! She's so popular... Just look at that smile. I feel like my heart's melting! I don't think there's a more dazzling beauty in our year!"
"You're only saying that because you haven't seen enough. I think Chisato Nishikigi from Class A is just as good—she's so full of energy, and her smile is just as bright as the sun. We're so lucky to have two sunlike beauties in our year. The new students in our cohort have it so good!"
"Man... If just one of them were my girlfriend, I'd be set for life..."
"Keep dreaming! Have you even thought about what you're worth? Chisato Nishikigi is Master Mazumi's maid—did you hear me? Master Mazumi! The Mazumi from Mizuki Heavy Industries!"
"From the toothpaste you use when you get up in the morning to the blanket you sleep under at night, that company controls practically every aspect of life in Chongying. You want to make a move on his maid? You must be tired of living. You probably wouldn't even know what hit you."
"I-I was just thinking out loud, indulging in a little fantasy... Well, if I can't think about Chisato, surely I can think about Honami, right? If Honami were my girlfriend..."
"Forget it! Honami belongs to everyone! With a personality like hers, she'd never date anyone—she's public property, shared by all of us! I'll take on anyone who tries to claim her for themselves!"
Some of the comments were full of longing, some were playful, and some held a hint of possessiveness.
But no matter what they said, Honami Ichinose's expression never changed. She kept the same warm, peaceful smile, as if she hadn't heard any of their whispers.
"Honami really is perfect."
Walking beside her, Chihiro Shiranami couldn't help sighing in admiration. Her eyes sparkled with reverence. "So many people like you, but you're still so composed and never put on airs. If that many people were staring at me, I'd be so nervous I wouldn't even know how to walk."
"I've only done what I should."
Honami Ichinose gently shook her head, her voice soft and modest. "I don't think I'm perfect. I'm just an ordinary girl."
"See? There you go being modest again!"
Chihiro puffed out her cheeks, sounding a little annoyed and teasing.
"Honami, you're perfect! Your life must have gone smoothly and been full of wonderful things, without any setbacks. That's why you've grown into such a warm and gentle person. The heavens really do favor you—though that's only right! Honami should be perfect! If anyone dares say you aren't, I, Chihiro Shiranami, won't stand for it. I'll fight them!"
She clenched her little fist and waved it in the air, sounding so earnest she might have been making a solemn oath. "Because this is the perfection bestowed by the gods! A treasure the heavens gave to our Class B!"
Honami Ichinose's footsteps faltered for a moment.
A brief shadow, almost impossible to catch, flickered across her amethyst eyes.
It was like a cloud passing over a clear sky, gone in an instant—as if it had never been there.
She lowered her eyes, her soft pink lips parting slightly as she murmured in a voice only she could hear:
"Perfection bestowed by the gods..."
Her voice was as light as a feather falling onto a carpet. "If there really were gods in this world... then there wouldn't be so much suffering and regret..."
"Hm? Honami, did you say something?"
Chihiro tilted her head and leaned closer like a curious little animal, blinking as she asked.
"It's nothing."
Honami Ichinose came back to herself almost at once. She raised her head, and her face bloomed once more with a smile bright enough to melt snow, as though the sadness that had surfaced a moment earlier had been an illusion.
"I was just thinking about what to have for lunch. Hmm... Should I try the curry? It smells pretty good."
Honami Ichinose said.
"Sounds good! If you want curry, Honami, then I'll have curry too!"
Chihiro Shiranami immediately perked up like a cat being petted, agreeing without hesitation.
"You don't have to choose what I choose, Chihiro. You can eat whatever you want. You should have a mind of your own, okay?"
Honami Ichinose gave a helpless little smile, her tone affectionate, like an older sister's.
"No, no, this is my choice! I choose to follow Honami! I want to eat the same thing as Honami! That's my 'own mind'!"
Chihiro Shiranami declared with utter conviction, as if it were an indisputable truth.
"...All right, as long as you're happy."
Honami Ichinose didn't try to stop her again. She let her close friend, who stuck to her like a little shadow, follow her to the curry counter.
They each ordered a serving of the cafeteria's signature curry rice and grabbed a drink before finding a window-side table.
Sunlight streamed in through the window, casting warm shadows across the tabletop.
They had only taken a few bites when boys nearby began wandering around with their trays, their eyes occasionally drifting toward the table. They were clearly looking for a chance to approach them or ask to share the table.
After all, Honami Ichinose was widely regarded as one of the top beauties among the new students, while Chihiro Shiranami, though rather cool in demeanor, was also a striking beauty with refined features.
The two of them sitting together—one warm and radiant, the other cool and wary—made for a unique sight, naturally attracting plenty of attention.
However, every time someone gathered the courage to approach their table, Chihiro Shiranami would glare them back before they could even speak, her gaze as sharp as an icy blade.
Her eyes, usually fairly gentle, seemed to shoot cold light at them now, making any boy with ulterior motives go pale and beat a hasty retreat.
In just a few minutes, four or five boys had fled under her "gaze attack."
Amid this lively yet delicate atmosphere, a tall, slender figure carrying a tray made his way toward their table at an unhurried pace.
He walked calmly, every step steady, seemingly oblivious to all the commotion in the cafeteria. His posture was upright, his shoulders broad, and his uniform fit him well, its collar fastened immaculately.
His handsome face was clear and composed, with sharp brows, bright eyes, and a straight nose. The corners of his mouth held the faintest trace of a gentle smile.
His gaze was calm and deep, like a spring whose bottom could not be seen, making it impossible to tell what he was thinking.
His arrival seemed to quiet the surrounding chatter a little.
Many of the boys watching the table wore complicated expressions—envy, jealousy, helplessness, and even resignation.
Because the person who had come was Mazumi Mami.
The boy who had ranked first in the entire year on the entrance exam and been unanimously elected Class A's class representative amid a chorus of cheers.
The heir to the famously powerful Mizuki Heavy Industries family.
The boy who was always accompanied by three stunning maids, each with a distinct style, leaving everyone else green with envy.
He stopped beside the table at just the right distance.
He didn't act nervous or awkward like the other boys, or wear the oily grin of someone frivolous. Instead, he gave a slight, natural, and courteous nod. His voice was clear and polite, as if he were greeting a friend he had known for ages:
"Miss Ichinose, I'm sorry to interrupt. Would you mind if I joined you for lunch? There's something I'd like to discuss with you."
He smiled gently, with just the right amount of warmth—neither presumptuous nor overly familiar.
He added, his tone calmly confident:
"I'm sure you'll be interested."
Chihiro Shiranami's brows shot up in an instant, her instincts putting her on guard. She set down her spoon.
She turned and sized up the uninvited guest with the same cold gaze that had just frightened off several boys.
But before she could tell him to leave, Honami Ichinose looked up first.
When her amethyst eyes recognized his face, they widened slightly, then flashed with surprise.
"...Mami?"
Her voice held a note of surprise and curiosity. Clearly, she hadn't expected the new Class A representative, who had been making waves lately, to approach her.
They were in the same year but different classes, and rarely crossed paths. Besides, he was one of the most talked-about people on campus.
What had brought him here?
Was he here on behalf of Class A to make contact with Class B? Did he want to propose a partnership? Or something else?
Several thoughts quickly crossed Honami Ichinose's mind, but she kept her gentle smile.
She didn't hesitate for long before turning slightly and gesturing for him to join them.
"Of course. Please sit."
She nodded, her voice gentle and polite.