When faced with an idiot, what kind of look would someone give them?
It had to be that particular blend—30% shock, 30% confusion, 30% pity, with a sprinkle of 20% disgust.
Kushida Kikyō wasn't a mind reader, of course. She couldn't quantify the exact ratios in someone's gaze.
But that didn't stop her from recognizing the unmistakable look Shimizu Akira was giving her right now—the same "you absolute moron" stare she'd seen in the mirror every time she dealt with Yamauchi Haruki and Ike Kanji.
(Shimizu Akira! He's looking at me like I'm Yamauchi or Ike! He thinks I'm an idiot!)
Her teeth clenched so hard her lip nearly bled.
What the hell is wrong with him?!
Does he really think I'm that stupid?!
Is that how little he thinks of me?!
She mentally retraced her actions over the past few weeks.
That night—she'd gone to him voluntarily, handing over 80,000 personal points and even letting him cop a feel.
Then what? After he scrounged up four measly votes, she'd lost her damn mind and sent him a swimsuit photo?!
Just thinking about it made her want to punch her past self in the face.
(Was I possessed?! I already paid him 80,000 points—helping me was the bare minimum! Why did I act like I owed him gratitude?!)
Wait…
Now that she thought about it, this whole thing reeked of a trap Shimizu had set from the start.
At first, he'd played aloof, refusing to budge even 1,000 points in their messages.
But then—at the last possible second—he'd swooped in with four critical votes, pushing her past Hirata Yōsuke right before the deadline.
For years, her mediocre grades and average athleticism had barred her from leadership roles.
But that time… she'd finally tasted what it meant to stand above the rest.
The thrill of commanding her classmates had been intoxicating.
…
Fine.
She had to admit it.
Shimizu's last-minute save had stirred something in her.
Kushida Kikyō was only human.
When someone who'd always been cold suddenly extended a hand at her lowest moment—that contrast had, against her will, carved out a tiny soft spot for him.
Not love, obviously. But compared to the other expendable guys in class, Shimizu Akira's presence in her mind had… shifted, just a little.
Just a little!
And that was the problem.
Emotions had clouded her judgment.
—That swimsuit photo? Her first time ever sending one to a guy.
She replayed her earlier words in her head.
Was there anything wrong with offering payment for the date?
After their last… transaction, she'd peeled back Shimizu's layers—he was the type who wouldn't lift a finger without incentive. Naturally, he'd expect compensation for something as trivial as a date.
She didn't want to argue over petty expenses and ruin the mood.
But honestly? This was all Yamauchi and Ike's fault!
If not for those two walking disasters, she wouldn't have lowered herself to begging Shimizu for a date. What was the difference between this and handing him free benefits?!
…
Objectively speaking…
It kind of…
…was exactly that.
"No need for payment. And you don't have to cover everything."
Shimizu's response shattered her expectations.
"Huh?! You—?!" Her eyes widened.
What's wrong with him?!
Since when did he ever do anything without a reward?!
Why's he being nice to me all of a sudden?! This feels weird!
Shimizu blinked at her stunned expression, confused. "I think I get it. You're only asking me out because of last month's bet, right? I don't mind going, but splitting the bill is fine."
"What kind of logic is that? Even if we went, it's not like I'd be losing out. Why would you pay me for a date? Besides…" He shook his phone. "You've already given me plenty of 'benefits,' Kushida-san. You've been… oddly nice to me lately. It's throwing me off."
After all this time, Shimizu had fully dissected Kushida Kikyō's nature.
Since she believed she held "blackmail material" over him, she wouldn't dare try anything shady.
This date proposal? 100% damage control—a way to bury that ridiculous bet and silence any gossip.
He had no reason to refuse.
Because—Kushida Kikyō was an objectively excellent girl.
From her delicate features to her perfect figure, right down to that angelic facade… she was flawless.
Just as he'd once assessed: "As long as she doesn't show her true self, she's the ideal angel."
And let's not forget…
Those "special rewards" she kept sending him.
Shimizu smirked.
Come to think of it, Kushida had been unusually kind to him recently.
Probably just acting… but still.
This version of Kushida Kikyō earned her "angel" title.
"...Okay! I'll message you the time later." Kushida flashed her signature smile, though it twitched at the edges.
The moment she turned away, her expression shattered into something far more complicated.
(This bastard! He saw right through me!)
(Too damn perceptive for his own good!)
(Who does he think he is, acting all magnanimous?! "No need for points," "Let's split the bill"—ugh, fine, it's better than those greedy pigs who demand everything!)
Her face contorted briefly before smoothing back into neutrality.
(What does he mean, 'I've been nice to him'?! Have I?! Since when?! The audacity!)
(I didn't give him those points because I wanted to! And that accident was purely to get leverage!)
She quickened her pace, as if trying to outrun her own thoughts.
(That photo… okay, fine, I'll admit I got carried away! I was emotional!)
(But that was one time! One!)
(Is he playing hard to get?! Did he secretly jump at the chance to go out with me?! LOL! As if!)
(Gross! Shimizu Akira, you're so gross! Don't tell me you actually like me?!)
(Just you wait… I'll make you regret this during our date!)