For some reason, the saint of our school drops her façade when she's with me (GL) - Chapter 1

I used to believe that a girl with both stunning beauty and exceptional talent—a true superhuman—could only exist in fiction.

A mere fantasy for those who idolize women too much, and certainly someone far beyond the reach of someone as average and low-maintenance as me.

At least, that’s what I thought…

“Wow, the ‘Saint’ is as popular as ever today.”

While I was idly wasting time in the corner of the classroom, my perpetually tardy best friend, Mizuki, strolled in as if it were the most natural thing in the world. She gestured toward the most crowded part of the room.

When I followed her gaze, I saw the same scene that had been there since the entrance ceremony.

A silver-haired beauty with heterochromatic eyes—commonly known as the “Saint”—stood in the middle of the crowd, charming our classmates with her warm smile.

Since we attend a co-ed school, both boys and girls are drawn to her, and no one would find it strange if their admiration carried deeper feelings.

She is kind to everyone, possesses exceptional looks, and has an overall flawless persona. If she were to call herself an idol, no one would question it.

In fact, there were even rumors that she had been scouted, but she supposedly declined the offer with polite grace.

“Oh, right. What’s the Saint’s real name again?”
“You’re in the same class as her, at least try to remember.”
“Nah, I’m never gonna interact with her, so I figured it doesn’t matter.”

Mizuki grinned mischievously.

A few other students hanging out in the corners of the classroom like me briefly glanced in our direction… but give it up, fellow introverts.

Mizuki only has eyes for girls.

Despite her gyaru-like looks, Mizuki is a long-time friend from middle school who is exclusively into women. She’s the kind of person who easily rejects confessions from handsome guys but will immediately start dating a cute girl without hesitation.

As someone like me—who doesn’t get any romantic attention—her life is somewhat enviable.

Not that I particularly care about romance myself.

“Anyway, what’s her name? Tell me, tell me!”
“…It’s Karen Aizen.”

She’s been called “Saint” so much that barely anyone refers to her by her actual name anymore—except for the teachers.

“Ohhh, that’s right! Karen. That name totally fits.”
“Fits how?”
“Sounds kinda foreign!”
“Well, more than my name, I guess.”
“Obviously. Sachie is as Japanese as it gets.”

Mizuki laughed heartily.

My full name is Sachie Suzuki—undeniably and unmistakably traditional.

Not exactly glamorous, but at least it’s not a ridiculous “kira-kira” name.

Mizuki, on the other hand, is Mizuki Suirenji.

Even her last name has an elegant ring to it.

“Still, doesn’t she ever get tired of being so flawless and nice to everyone? If it were me, I wouldn’t last a second.”
“You’re good at being friendly too, though.”
“Nah, not like that. Just look at her…”

Mizuki glanced toward the Saint again.

“Saint, could you help me with this part?”
“This part is a little tricky, isn’t it? But once you get the hang of it, it’s easy! Let’s work on it together.”
“Saint, did you watch that show last night?”
“Oh, yes. New series always excite me!”
“Saint, that stream yesterday was amazing, right?”
“It was! That streamer always makes things so entertaining.”
“Saint, if you’re free, do you want to hang out?”
“If I have time, I’d be happy to!”

One after another, classmates bombarded her with questions, yet she responded to each of them as if she were some modern-day Shotoku Taishi.

Even when she rejected an invitation, she did it so gracefully that the person asking didn’t seem to mind.

“She’s a gorgeous girl and has a perfect personality—there’s literally nothing to criticize.”
“You don’t seem to like her much, though, Mizuki.”

Normally, Mizuki would be all over any beautiful girl, yet she never fawned over the Saint.

“She just seems fake.”

That was Mizuki’s blunt conclusion.

And, as usual, her intuition was frighteningly accurate.

“Oh, crap, Sasaki’s class is next. Time to farm some gacha stones.”

Despite being a habitual latecomer who barely paid attention in class, Mizuki still ranked in the top ten academically, which felt completely unfair.

As the warning bell rang and everyone took their seats, I stole a glance at the Saint.

She met my gaze for just a moment before calmly pulling out her textbook and opening her notebook as if nothing had happened.

Looks like today’s an “on” day.

After school, Mizuki left in her usual carefree manner, while I made my way to a certain clubroom.

The sign on the door read: Photography Club.

When I stepped inside, I found it empty, as expected. I casually took a seat and pulled out my phone, scrolling through web novels.

Although this was technically the photography club’s room, the only official members were Mizuki and me. And since Mizuki never actually attended, the space was pretty much mine alone.

That’s how it should have been…

“Oh my, you’re here early.”

Just as I settled in, the door opened, and in walked the Saint—completely unbothered.

“If I show up late, you start nagging, Aizen-san.”
“Of course. I outrank you, after all. You’re just a pet.”

These were words I would never hear from her in the classroom, but at this point, I had become so accustomed to them that they barely fazed me.

“Technically, I’m the official member, though…”
“Is that so?”
“…Never mind.”
“Good.”

With that, the Saint gracefully took a seat beside me.

I pulled out the canned soda I had bought from the vending machine earlier and handed it to her. Without a care for etiquette, she opened it and chugged it down in one go.

I always wonder—how does she manage to chug carbonated drinks like that?

If it were me, I’d probably choke halfway through.

“Phew… Nothing beats this after a long day.”

“You know, you could just buy it yourself.”

“That won’t do. The Saint drinking juice would be a violation of sacred law.”

…Since when did she become an actual saint?

“Fufu, I’m just joking. But for the sake of my image, I have to refrain from drinking it anywhere else.”

“That sounds exhausting.”

“Oh, it is. But I doubt someone like you, who spends most of the day zoning out in the corner of the classroom, would understand.”

“Jealous?”

“Let’s just say, if I were to put it lightly, I’d feel the urge to strangle you.”

Something about the way she said that made me instinctively lean back—only for her to inch closer instead.

“So? Did you bring what I asked for?”

“Yeah, I did.”

“Then hurry up and hand it over.”

She held out her hand expectantly, and I reached into my bag, pulling out a few books.

“Fufufu… As expected, you have excellent taste, Suzuki. These all look promising.”

“Glad to hear it.”

What I handed her were some of my favorite light novels and manga.

She reads all kinds of genres, but only the ones she truly enjoys get passed between us like this.

“You’ve already read them, right?”

“If I gave you something boring, you’d throw a fit.”

“Of course I would. As punishment, I might even spread a rumor that you’re an exhibitionist.”

“Can you not ruin my reputation?”

For the record, I have zero interest in anything remotely indecent.

Not to mention, it’s cold outside. Why would I ever do something like that?

“Alright then, let’s proceed with our usual routine.”

“Yeah, yeah.”

I pushed a few chairs together, smoothed down my skirt, and waited.

As if it were the most natural thing in the world, she laid down, resting her head on my lap and flipping open one of the manga I had given her.

Having her face this close made my heart skip a beat for a second, but pretending not to care, I simply pulled out my phone and started reading an e-book.

For a while, neither of us spoke. The only sounds were the occasional rustling of pages and the soft hum of the air conditioning.

Even though she always wears a gentle smile in class, right now, she’s just an ordinary girl—expressive and absorbed in her favorite stories.

I’m the only one who gets to see this side of her.

…How did things even end up like this?

“Suzuki.”

She called my name without looking up, still flipping through her book.

“What?”

“I’d like some snacks too. I’ll give you the money, so buy them for me next time.”

“You’re really making me run errands for you, huh?”

“What if I let you keep the change?”

“I’ll gladly be your dog. Woof.”

If she’s casually handing me a crisp bill from her wallet, of course I’ll comply. A broke student like me can’t refuse.

She chuckled at my quick shift in attitude, carelessly handing me the money before returning her attention to her book.

Honestly, calling her a saint is misleading—she’s more of a queen.

I carefully tucked the money into my wallet and made a note in my phone: Buy snacks for the Saint.

“Sweet or salty?”

“Something snack-like.”

“…Are you planning on drinking?”

“That wouldn’t be a bad idea.”

“You’re underage. Stick to non-alcoholic drinks.”

“Oh, of course. But if you were the one who bought it, I’d be completely blameless, and I could pin all the responsibility on you.”

“Pretty sure stores don’t sell alcohol to minors anymore.”

Maybe in the past, but nowadays, ID checks are strict. There’s no way I’d be able to buy any.

“So, something like rice crackers or salami?”

“Yes, please.”

“Got it. I’ll throw in some chocolate and chips too.”

“And cider-flavored candy.”

“You’re gonna get cavities.”

“Do you think I’d neglect my dental care?”

Not in the slightest.

Before I could say that, she suddenly opened her mouth wide, as if to prove a point.

…Why does that simple action look so oddly seductive?

Her teeth are perfectly aligned and pristine, yet the way she does it exudes an effortless charm.

Is this just natural talent?

“Alright, alright, I get it. Close your mouth already. Aren’t you embarrassed?”

“Of what?”

“Letting someone else see the inside of your mouth.”

“If I disliked the person, I’d mind. But if it’s you, I don’t care.”

…Does that mean she likes me, or am I just in the pet category?

Best not to think too deeply about it.

“By the way, no matter how much I eat, I never gain weight.”

“Oh, same here.”

“I think our reasons are very different.”

She glanced at my flat chest, then down at her own, smirking mischievously.

…Oh, so that’s how it is.

Alright, if she wants to compare, I’ll give her something to compare.

I reached out and grabbed her chest.

“Hya—!”

…Did she really have to let out such a suggestive noise?

That was on purpose. Had to be.

“Oh my… Suzuki, you’re surprisingly good with your hands… Ahhn~”

For the record, all I did was grab them from the side.

Yet she’s putting on a whole performance, from sultry moans to seductive expressions.

“Aren’t you tired?”

“My usual act is exhausting, but teasing you like this is actually quite fun.”

“Glad to hear it.”

…Actually, is it just me, or is she way too well-endowed?

Before I could dwell on it, her sharp heterochromatic eyes locked onto my neck.

“What?”

“A collar… would suit you.”

That was terrifying.

“You really want to make me your pet that badly?”

“Of course. I’d cherish you every day. Why not come live with me?”

“Sorry, but I prefer living like a normal human.”

“What a shame. Let me know if you change your mind. I already have a doghouse and a collar waiting for you.”

…She’s kidding, right?

She has to be.

But considering how absurdly rich her family is, it wouldn’t be surprising if she actually did have those things prepared.

“Oh, I just remembered—I still have some cookies left.”

Shoving aside those disturbing thoughts, I pulled two cookies from my bag, handing one to her.

“You sure?”

“Yeah.”

She smiled sweetly, thanked me… and then handed the cookie back.

…Does she not want it?

No, wait—she was sitting there with her mouth open, waiting.

She wanted me to feed her.

“Lying down like that, isn’t it kinda dangerous?”

“Just give it to me.”

“Fine, fine.”

I unwrapped the cookie and placed it in her mouth. She bit down—nearly catching my fingers in the process.

“…How disappointing.”

She mumbled while chewing.

Was she actually trying to bite me?!

Seriously, this Saint is terrifying.

And yet, as she happily munched on her cookie, flashing a genuine smile, I couldn’t help but think…

Maybe I’ve already fallen for her.