"Eriri was really cute today," Jiang Lianqiu praised her honestly.
Just as he had expected, Eriri let out a whimper like a young animal.
(Waaaaah!)
A shrill scream erupted in her heart, and she could not help recalling that morning, when her mother, Sawamura Sayuri, had seated her before the vanity and fussed over her with those skillful hands--
--Our adorable Eriri has started high school and turned fifteen. In just one more year, she'll be old enough to sign a marriage registration, you know?
--Besides, although Lord Qiu isn't old enough yet either, Eriri, you need to hurry. Now that you're in high school, there'll definitely be even more girls desperately trying to steal him away from you than before, you know?
And so, because of one remark from Sawamura Sayuri, Eriri somehow thought of that gloomy black-stocking girl Utaha Kasumigaoka. Filled with the conviction that I absolutely have to protect the honor of my childhood friend! I absolutely have to get my happy ending!, she was left dazed as Sawamura Sayuri gave her a carefully calculated makeover.
"Pfft--"
Just as Eriri felt her mind turning to mush, she suddenly heard Jiang Lianqiu laugh.
Meeting his teasing gaze, how could Eriri not realize that this guy had deliberately teased her again?
"Y-You jerk!"
She grabbed her schoolbag and slammed it into Jiang Lianqiu's face. Just as the car stopped at the school gates, Eriri quickly opened the door and jumped out. She ran forward with her head down, only to crash straight into someone's back.
"Ow!"
A familiar cry of pain rang out.
Eriri stumbled back a few steps, covered her forehead, and looked up. Her mood immediately worsened.
"Why is it you?!"
Utaha Kasumigaoka turned around with a cold laugh, narrowing her wine-red eyes at this bristling little golden cat.
"I was wondering who it was. So it's that unfashionably dressed otaku from a few days ago--"
"Don't say it!" Afraid that Utaha Kasumigaoka would expose her secret of being an otaku here, Eriri pounced forward to cover her mouth.
Before you continue