COTE: Starting With Love Stock Market System

After leaving the student council office, Hikaru's mind kept replaying everything he had observed today. Not only had he successfully dealt with the nuisance that was Ryuen, but he had also gained valuable insight into the current state of the student council.

With Manabu now in his third year, his tenure as student council president wouldn't last much longer. By the end of the second semester, he would likely hand over the position to Nagumo Miyabi, the current vice president.

Despite being fellow council members, it was obvious at a glance that the two were far from allies. In fact, their rivalry had already begun to surface, both openly and behind the scenes.

"So they both want me in the student council? There's no way it's just a simple invitation."

Hikaru tapped his chin in thought, piecing things together.

"Are they trying to pit me against each other?"

His expression remained calm as he murmured under his breath.

"I refuse to be a mere pawn. Being the one moving the pieces is far more entertaining."

If he could get involved with the student council, he would undoubtedly gain access to privileged information—intel that could prove invaluable in class competition. However, without the right opportunity, he had no intention of getting entangled in their power struggle just yet.

For now, he would take things one step at a time.

Arriving at the dormitory entrance, Hikaru took out his phone and saw that Class B's group chat was already buzzing with activity. Clearly, his classmates had been eagerly following the situation.

Deciding to ease their worries, he started typing a message.

---

Class B Group Chat

Kanzaki Ryuji: I wonder if Hikaru-kun succeeded? It's making me anxious.

Shibata So: Relax! With Hikaru-kun's skills, there's no way he failed. He's probably already on his way back.

Ando Sayo: I believe in him too! If he succeeded, should we throw a celebration party?

Ichinose Honami: A party sounds like a great idea! We can even invite Ibuki-san.

Shiranami Chihiro: Ichinose, are you close with that girl from Class C?

Ichinose Honami: We just met! You're overthinking it, Chihiro-san.

---

At that moment, Hikaru's message was sent.

Hashima Hikaru: Mission accomplished. Ryuen has been suspended—he won't be attending class for an entire month.

The chat immediately exploded with notifications.

Shibata So: Seriously?! That's amazing! I knew you could do it, Hikaru-kun!

Ando Sayo: You're incredible, Hikaru-kun! We have to throw that celebration party—you have to come!

Ichinose Honami: @Hashima Hikaru, where are you now?

Kanzaki Ryuji: Has a location been decided? I'm at Keyaki Mall right now. If not, I can reserve a spot at a family restaurant.

Shiranami Chihiro: Are we really inviting students from other classes?

Ichinose Honami: I sent a message to Ibuki-san. Let's see if she's interested.

---

Hikaru chuckled as he scrolled through the lively conversation.

"How lively."

If only this school was just a normal high school, he might have truly enjoyed moments like these.

Unfortunately, this place was anything but normal.

Typing out a final response, he closed the chat and stepped into the dormitory.

Hashima Hikaru: Let's do it tomorrow instead. I'm a bit tired today.

---

Back in his room, Hikaru lay on his bed, eyes closed as he gathered his thoughts.

With Ryuen suspended, Class C would no longer be a problem for at least a month. Though Ryuen still harbored ambitions of reclaiming his role as Class C's leader, his absence meant that Class B and Class C could interact without his interference, making negotiations far easier.

Moreover, with three Class C students suspended, their Class Points would take a significant hit. Once the week ended, Hikaru planned to sell the hidden school rules to them, maximizing the gap between their classes.

As for Class D, he needed to wait until Friday's homeroom to assess their Private Point consumption before determining the best time to sell them the information.

Once all four classes learned the hidden rules, the playing field would be level, but their respective capabilities would still create disparities.

A fractured Class A.

A weakened Class C.

A silent Class D.

How would things unfold from here?

Hikaru couldn't wait to find out.

---

The Next Morning

After his usual morning workout, Hikaru entered Class B's classroom.

The moment he walked in, his classmates swarmed him, their faces beaming with excitement.

"Hikaru-kun! I heard your plan worked again! You're amazing!"

"As expected! I knew you wouldn't fail!"

Hikaru responded humbly, exchanging a few words with everyone before heading to his seat.

The students who had attended the Freshman Gathering all looked at him with admiration, happy to have such a reliable classmate.

"Congratulations on your victory, Hikaru-kun. You've saved Class B from yet another problem."

"Ando-san has already booked the venue. You're definitely coming to the celebration, right?"

"Yeah, you don't have an excuse this time, Hikaru-kun." Shibata clapped a hand on his shoulder, grinning. "No backing out!"

"Fine, fine. I'll be there."

Hikaru smiled wryly—he wasn't about to ruin everyone's fun.

As he settled into his seat, he noticed Ichinose sitting beside him, staring at her phone with an unreadable expression.

"Ichinose-san, did Ibuki agree to come?"

"No…"

The pink-haired girl shook her head. Her striking blue eyes held an emotion Hikaru couldn't quite place.

"That's alright," Hikaru said lightly. "She's from Class C, after all. It's understandable if she doesn't want to join."

However, the moment those words left his mouth, he noticed a subtle change in Ichinose's expression.

There was something… off.

Her usual brightness seemed dimmed, a faint shadow clouding her normally cheerful demeanor.

"...Ichinose-san? Is something bothering you?" Hikaru asked in a lowered voice. "You can tell me. If there's anything troubling you, I'm sure the class would be happy to help."

Ichinose hesitated for a moment before shaking her head, her gentle smile returning.

"It's nothing. I was just thinking about Ibuki-san. She must be feeling relieved now."

"Really?"

"Really."

Hikaru didn't press further, but deep down, he knew something was wrong.

Ever since that night's conversation, Ichinose's mood had subtly shifted. She was still smiling, still energetic—but there were moments of hesitation, as if she was holding something back.

What had changed?

What was weighing on her mind?

Whether it was as a fellow classmate, or as someone leading Class B with her, Hikaru wanted to find out.

Because after all…

Ichinose Honami was still his most valuable investment.

And if something was affecting her, he needed to deal with it.

"I need to talk to her alone soon."

As Hikaru watched the pink-haired girl smile at her phone, he quietly made up his mind.