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After showing a more mature side of himself in front of Mayu Kirisu and leaving a good impression, Andrew left the office and returned to his seat. He pulled out his laptop and started typing away.
He was working on adding a new character—a flat-chested, blonde, twin-tailed rich girl inspired by Nagi Sanzenin.
According to what he'd read, Nagi's filthy rich—her daily allowance is enough to buy a whole house.
If, by some miracle, someone like her stumbled across his novel, loved it, and dropped a huge donation… wouldn't that be like winning the lottery?
Way better than just waiting around for manuscript fees alone.
Since this character was based on Nagi, Andrew quickly filled in her basic info.
Then he smoothly introduced her into the story, kicking off a love-triangle competition with the protagonist and the other two female leads.
"Hmm? Andrew, what are you writing?"
Tobe Sho, sitting nearby, noticed Andrew's fingers flying across his keyboard and couldn't help but ask.
Andrew smiled, "Oh, nothing special—just working on a manuscript. I'm thinking of trying to become a novelist."
"Eh? Seriously? Can I read what you've written?"
Andrew closed his laptop and gave a polite smile.
"Sorry, not yet. Maybe when I make it big, you'll see it then."
"Tch, what the hell? Acting all mysterious! I didn't wanna see it that bad anyway."
Tobe lost interest immediately.
Hayama Hayato also looked over, curious. "Andrew wants to be a writer? That's pretty impressive. I honestly thought you were gaming."
Andrew gave a small nod. "Just giving it a shot. No idea if I'll actually make it."
Hayama thought that was admirable. For a high schooler to have a dream and actively chase it—that was already pretty amazing.
He figured becoming friends with Andrew might be a smart move.
After all, Hayama was childhood friends with the Yukinoshita sisters. His dad was the personal lawyer for their politician father.
Hayama had always admired the older sister, Haruno Yukinoshita. His polished smile, his polite and gentle attitude toward everyone—that was all him trying to imitate Haruno.
Which meant Hayama's whole vibe revolved around befriending talented people and maintaining a strong social circle.
So, making friends with someone like Andrew, who had real potential, was another step toward getting closer to Haruno.
But the problem was—by doing this, Hayama had kind of lost himself. He was constantly wearing a mask.
Andrew didn't think too highly of that behavior.
Because Haruno Yukinoshita? She was a massive sis-con. And if Andrew remembered right, Hayama had totally screwed over her beloved little sister, Yukino, back in elementary school.
So really, he and Haruno were a lost cause from the start.
By lunchtime, Andrew took out the burger box his angel, Mahiru Shiina, had made him. He found a quiet spot near a flowerbed with no one around and sat down to eat in peace.
Just as he was digging in, a familiar, soft fragrance drifted over.
He turned his head—and there she was. Mahiru Shiina.
She hesitated for a moment, then sat down next to him.
"Is it okay if I sit here?" she asked nervously.
"Nope," Andrew said with a straight face.
Mahiru stared at him, stunned.
What the hell's wrong with this guy?
She'd finally worked up the courage to come over and talk, and he just flat-out rejected her?
Just as she was starting to feel a little hurt, Andrew grinned mischievously.
"If you sit here, Shiina, I might not be able to stop myself from wrapping my arm around your waist. After all, I'm a total perv."
Mahiru rolled her eyes but didn't say anything. Instead, she sat right down next to him anyway.
She pulled out her own matching plastic burger box and started eating.
Andrew, like a starving beast, devoured his food in seconds. After a sip of water, he looked totally satisfied.
"I can't believe I get to eat food made by an angel. I'm so lucky."
"I told you, I'm not an angel! And you're exaggerating—it's just normal food. Anyone could make something like this."
Mahiru tried to act annoyed, but her cheeks turned pink, and her lips curled into a small smile.
Still, it felt nice to have her cooking appreciated.
"Is that so? But it just tastes better to me. Better than anything from a restaurant. And don't forget—this is the kind of lunch every guy in our class dreams about. If only Shiina accidentally made an extra one every day…"
Andrew looked at her meaningfully as he spoke.
Mahiru didn't say a word. She just kept nibbling her food in tiny bites, her ears turning red.
When she didn't respond, Andrew let out a dramatic sigh.
"Ahh, I'm being greedy. No way I could get this lucky every single day…"
Still nothing. She just shyly turned her head and kept eating in silence.
Andrew glanced around. No one nearby.
He boldly slid over… and slipped his arm around her waist.
"Hey! What are you doing?! We're at school!" Mahiru jumped a little, her voice full of flustered anger.
She quickly looked around too, paranoid that someone might have seen.
"Well, who told you to ditch your girl friends and come sit next to me? You knew I'm a bad guy—I obviously can't resist hugging you."
"…Do you have to admit you're a bad guy?" she said, looking at him helplessly.
"Yep. I'm the worst. A total perv who takes advantage of any chance I get!"
"Ugh! Stop… don't do that…"
She felt the pressure of his arm around her waist and tried to push him away with her small hands.
But Andrew took the chance to make a demand.
"Give me your number, and I'll let go. If not… I'm not letting go."
"Fine! Take it! Happy now?!"
Blushing furiously, Mahiru pulled out her phone and handed it to him. "Here. Just put your number in yourself."
Andrew raised an eyebrow. "You're not worried I'll peek at your messages? If you trust me that much, I'd feel bad messing with you."
Mahiru frowned and gave him a side-eye, then went back to eating without a word.
Seeing she was ignoring him, Andrew shrugged and entered his number anyway.
At least now it'd be easier to stay in touch.
"..."
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