"Sato, have you arrived yet?"
"Just got to the apartment."
Sato stood at the entrance of an aging apartment building, glancing up at the weathered sign beside the door.
The old wooden plaque bore the words Aoyama Apartments, though the black paint had begun to peel from age.
"That's good. Make sure you take care of yourself over there, alright? If you ever need living expenses, call us, okay?"
While taking in his surroundings, Sato replied with a trace of helplessness, "I got it, Mom. You really don't need to go on and on like this."
"I've saved up enough for a few years, I won't need money. You don't have to worry."
"How can that be!"
His mother's voice crackled with disapproval on the other end of the call. "You're in high school now, right? Time to find a girlfriend. Even monks here in Nihon can get married…"
As the conversation veered into increasingly unpredictable territory, Sato could only sigh inwardly.
What even is this logic?
"Mom, I just started high school. Isn't it way too early to be talking about this?"
"And… I'm a normal person. Why would I suddenly become a monk?"
He sighed again.
"But I worry about you…"
"There are so many girls around you, and yet nothing ever happens…"
Sato: "…"
"Mom, that's enough. We were still in middle school, okay? What are you expecting at that age?"
"Huh? But you're in high school now. According to the law, you can get married after you graduate…"
Married?!
Who's even getting married that early these days?!
"If you want grandchildren so badly, call my brother. Doesn't Shinji have someone? Anyway, it's getting late. I need to go settle in. Talk later."
Beep—!
He hung up the phone and stared at the screen, shaking his head.
Even though his mom seemed more reasonable, she was just as out-of-touch as his pervy old man.
With that thought, Sato finally looked up and took a proper look at what would be his home for the next few years.
The Aoyama Apartments sat in a quiet residential area of Usagiyama Town. In front of the building stretched a sizable courtyard surrounded by a low wall, lined with short bushes along the edges. In one corner stood a few robust cherry blossom trees.
It was March, spring in full bloom.
The sakura trees were covered in soft pink flowers. A light breeze carried the petals like drifting snow, painting a scene straight out of an anime.
Sato's mood lifted. A faint smile crossed his face. "Not bad at all."
He reached for his suitcase, packed with clothes, and was just about to go inside when he noticed a petite girl in a sailor uniform nearby, looking down at a piece of paper and glancing around.
She was only a few steps away when she suddenly froze, her eyes lighting up in delight as she spotted the sign reading Aoyama Apartments.
Moments later, she noticed Sato.
The look of joy vanished as quickly as it had appeared, replaced by a flustered expression as she bowed slightly and greeted him. "Hello!"
Sato returned the gesture with a nod. "Hello!"
Curious, he took a better look at the girl in front of him.
She was small, maybe not even 150 cm tall. Her waist-length golden hair shimmered in the light, topped with a single cowlick. Her fair skin glowed, and her bright, violet eyes radiated a mysterious charm.
She looked… pure, almost angelic.
Must be a middle schooler? Sato guessed inwardly.
Meanwhile, Gabriel was sizing him up with just as much curiosity.
Then she spotted the suitcase beside him. Her eyes lit up. "Excuse me, are you a tenant here too?"
"Too?"
Sato picked up on that word. So she was also moving in?
He smiled and nodded, motioning to his suitcase.
"Yeah. I'm Sato Nohara. First time here. Haven't even settled in yet."
"I'm Gabriel White Tenma. Also just arrived today. Please take care of me from now on."
"Likewise."
Ding! New entry: Gabriel White Tenma. Character card created. Please check system updates.
A robotic voice rang in his mind, but Sato didn't react, just calmly greeted her back.
After exchanging pleasantries, Gabriel peeked behind him at the suitcase and gave him a bright smile.
"Need help?"
"Huh?"
Caught off guard, Sato turned and followed her gaze.
"My suitcase?"
"Mmhmm!"
The tiny girl nodded with an adorable grin.
Sato stared for a moment, mouth slightly open, then scratched his head in embarrassment.
"Uh, no need. Thanks for the offer."
You're kidding, right? She wants to carry my suitcase?
He chuckled to himself. This little thing is barely taller than the luggage itself.
Gabriel looked a little disappointed, but quickly perked up again. "Then let's head up."
Sato nodded and grabbed his bag.
As they walked together, chatting casually.
"What room are you in, Gabriel-san?"
"Third floor, room three."
"Oh? That's right next to mine. I'm in room two!"
Surprised, Sato looked over at her. So we're neighbors now? What a coincidence.
They reached the third floor. Sato stopped at room two, set down his bag, and took out the key he'd gotten from the agent. Gabriel watched curiously.
The door opened to a neat entryway, and the clean floor inside gleamed. From the entrance, he could see the balcony on the far end. The layout was open and bright.
Aside from feeling a little lifeless, the place was tidy, good enough for Sato.
"So this is what it looks like inside!"
Gabriel marveled from behind him.
Sato glanced back. "You haven't been in yet?"
"I told you, this is my first time here."
Sato's curiosity grew. "Where are your parents, Gabriel-san? Are you living here alone?"
Gabriel looked at him with her bright violet eyes. "Aren't you alone too, Nohara-kun?"
"Well… yeah. But you're a middle schooler, aren't you?"
"…"
As soon as the words left his mouth, Sato sensed the mood shift.
Gabriel's smile remained, but there was a strange chill to it. Tilting her head, she narrowed her eyes and said sweetly, "It seems Nohara-kun has misunderstood something. I may not be tall, but I'm a high school student. And yes, I'm living here alone."
Her dazzling smile felt oddly threatening.
High school…? Sato looked her over again and awkwardly coughed.
"My bad!"
Despite the awkwardness, he apologized. Causing this kind of mix-up with a new neighbor on day one wasn't exactly ideal.
"Well, I suppose it's an easy mistake to make. See you later… Nohara-kun."
"See you!"
He watched Gabriel enter the room next door. After she disappeared inside, he let out a breath and stared blankly.
Still… she really looks that small and she's a high schooler?
The thought flickered through his mind before he quickly pushed it away.
Shaking his head, he stepped into his new home and shut the door.
The hallway fell silent.
And the angel, for today… had not yet fallen.