The girls in the class had already considered themselves lucky to have someone as rare as “Haneda Rina” among them.

And now, to their astonishment, they had somehow been blessed with another equally rare presence—Anya Harts.

Because Lirina had such a gentle personality, most girls who tried to get closer to her would receive a response. Even if they went a little too far, she would only shyly refuse.

For example—

“Can I pinch Rina-chan’s cheeks?”

“Eh?”

Before she could even react, hands would already be reaching toward her face.

And even then, Lirina would only softly protest,

“Please… don’t do that…”

So, after getting used to interacting with such an easygoing Lirina, when they encountered someone as striking as Anya, the class naturally assumed—

She must be just as approachable.

—And in truth, back in her days at the academy in Heaven, and even later as a Blessing Angel, Anya had always appeared easy to get along with.

But that had only been an act.

A mask for the sake of “impressions.”

And being unable to endure that false version of herself anymore… was one of the reasons she had left Heaven.

“How long have you been in Japan, Harts-san?”

“About… five or six days,” Anya replied.

She hadn’t expected that even after putting on such a distant attitude, these girls would still keep talking to her.

…If it’s to keep that girl from getting troubled, I guess I’ll have to tolerate this and respond politely…

Back then, she had pretended for her mother’s pride.

Now, she did it for Lirina.

…Back then, all I got was a little praise—and even heavier expectations.

Now…

“Anya… thank you.”

“Anya, are you okay pushing yourself like that…?”

“Should I go talk to them for you…?”

Lirina had said those things to her at lunch.

That alone is enough.

And besides—these girls were just talking. Compared to the arrogant, emotionless high-ranking angels in Heaven…

They were far better.

Thinking that, Anya continued responding to the girls, while secretly glancing back at Lirina and giving her a small “I’m fine” look.

Afternoon classes began.

The knowledge of the human world—Earth—was still new to her.

Even if it wasn’t particularly useful for an angel, it was undeniably fascinating.

Humans, who lived for less than a century, who possessed no magic or special powers…

And yet, they had such incredible, intricate, almost miraculous ways of thinking—

Ways that allowed them to create countless wonders.

With that sense of curiosity, Anya listened attentively.

And naturally, the teacher couldn’t help but notice this new white-haired transfer student…

And then couldn’t help but think—

Does this child even understand Japanese?!

Second break. 3:30 PM.

“Harts-san, could you come here for a moment?”

Fujinashi appeared at the classroom door, calling out to her.

Anya stood and walked over.

“This is about cleaning duty. Take a look at this schedule and choose which group you’d like to join.”

Without hesitation, Anya pointed at Tuesday’s row.

Because she had seen the name: Haneda Rina.

“Group Two, then. Alright… Takenaka-san, could you come here?”

“Coming, coming!”

 Etsuyuki walked over.

“Takenaka-san, starting today, Harts-san will be a new member of your group. As the group leader, make sure to explain all the cleaning responsibilities properly.”

“Yes, yes!”  Etsuyuki nodded—then suddenly froze.

“Eh? Wait—Harts-san is joining Group Two? Really, Rukushio-sensei?”

“Yes, really. And remember to address me properly,” the teacher said, half amused, tapping her lightly on the head.

“Alright, I’ve got club advisor duties now, so I’ll be off.”

“Bye, Rukushio-sensei~”

 Etsuyuki turned back to Anya.

“Um… Harts-san, please take care of me?”

“…Mm.”

Anya glanced around the classroom.

There were only two classes left in the afternoon, yet many students still weren’t leaving.

“Excuse me,” she said, recalling that  Etsuyuki had been the one closest to Lirina before, “isn’t school already over?”

“Ah, you’re wondering why everyone isn’t going home?”

Seeing Anya nod,  Etsuyuki explained,

“Students in the ‘go-home club’ can leave right away, but most people join after-school clubs, so they stay.”

“I see… thank—”

Before she could finish,  Etsuyuki suddenly stopped her.

“Wait, Harts-san! Do you have any clubs you’re interested in? Um… your Japanese is so good, so—are you interested in writing!?”

“Hmm?”

Before Anya could respond, several girls nearby jumped in.

“Hey, that’s not fair,  Etsuyuki! We wanted to invite Harts-san too!”

Like quicklime dropped into water, the classroom instantly bubbled with excitement.

“Come join our club, Harts-san—”

Voices overlapped from every direction.

Lirina walked over, shooting  Etsuyuki a slightly reproachful look before glancing worriedly at Anya, who seemed momentarily overwhelmed.

“Are clubs really that important…” Anya muttered.

Then she turned to Lirina.

“Rina, are you in any club?”

“Eh?”

Before Lirina could answer,  Etsuyuki cut in again.

“Rina-chan is in the Light Novel Club too! Since you’re friends, why not join us?”

“Wait, Harts-san and Rina-chan know each other?”

“Then why didn’t they talk much today…?”

“It’s because everyone kept crowding around Harts-san…”

Ignoring the chatter, Anya pressed a hand to her forehead and sighed with a faint smile.

“So… what should I do?”

Lirina understood immediately—

She’s asking whether to join… and how to deal with this situation.

“…Do whatever you want, Anya…” she replied instinctively—

Only to realize she had just casually used “Anya” out loud.

The chatter exploded even louder.

“Anya? That nickname sounds so natural—”

“And Harts-san calls her ‘Rina’ directly too—”

“They must be really close!”

“Of course they are—pretty people naturally attract each other!”

“…Seriously…”

Anya looked even more troubled now, rubbing her forehead as she gave a helpless laugh.

“Fine… I’ll go take a look at that Light Novel Club.”

“Oh—okay…” Lirina nodded.

“Yay~!”  Etsuyuki nearly jumped in excitement.