COTE: Starting With Love Stock Market System

"I can agree to Horikita-senpai's request… but what do I get in return?"

As soon as Hikaru posed the question, Manabu—seemingly expecting it—immediately replied, "If there's something you want, say it directly."

Standing nearby, Suzune sharply lifted her head, staring intently at the boy before her.

Her emotions had been complicated ever since her brother asked this mysterious first-year to help her.

She wanted to prove her own ability, yet her brother rejected her outright.

And now, this same boy was negotiating terms with her brother—and her brother was actually listening.

The more she watched, the more curious she became about Hikaru.

"Hmm… I was originally planning to ask for Private Points." Hikaru scratched his head with a smile.

"But after thinking it over, just collecting points seems like a waste."

"Your Class B is currently gathering Private Points, right? This is a perfect opportunity—why the change of heart?"

"It's simple." Hikaru's gentle smile didn't waver.

"Since Horikita-senpai trusts me enough to help Horikita-san reach Class A, then I should respect that trust."

"If I just took points, it'd be a straightforward trade—and that's not my style."

"I prefer mutual benefits."

"...Then what do you want?" Manabu's gaze sharpened, still unable to fully read Hikaru's intentions.

"I'll help Horikita Suzune grow, but I want two spots—" Hikaru held up two fingers.

"Two guaranteed spots in the student council."

"Oh?" Manabu raised an eyebrow. "I thought you didn't want to join the student council."

"Not for me," Hikaru corrected him immediately.

"I'll find two suitable candidates and have them submit applications."

"When that time comes, you must approve them unconditionally and, after they join, you cannot make things difficult for them."

Hikaru smirked slightly, his tone light yet confident.

"How about it? Can you agree to these terms, Horikita-senpai?"

Silence.

Manabu adjusted his glasses, contemplating for a moment.

"…Fine."

"You can submit the names when you've decided. I'll have Tachibana handle the process."

With a nod, Manabu agreed to the request.

But he added, "If you bring in your people too soon, it might draw Nagumo's attention."

"No problem." Hikaru shrugged casually.

"Whether it's sooner or later, we'll have to face him eventually."

"If he really wants to enforce his vision of meritocracy, then we first-years have no choice but to accept his challenge."

Seeing Hikaru's nonchalant confidence, Manabu said nothing more.

Instead, he turned his gaze to his sister.

"Suzune," he said firmly, "exchange contact information with Hikaru."

"..."

Suzune hesitated.

She wasn't familiar with Hikaru, and the idea of exchanging numbers with a near-stranger made her uncomfortable.

But her brother's authority was absolute.

Left with no choice, she reluctantly walked forward, pulling out her phone.

After exchanging numbers, Manabu's tone softened slightly.

"Suzune."

"If you truly want to catch up to me, then show me."

He adjusted his glasses, giving her one final look.

"Hikaru will support you."

"If you reach Class A before I graduate, I will acknowledge your ability."

"I…"

"Do not reject help," Manabu cut her off coldly.

"Hikaru noticed the school's hidden system on the very first day."

"His insight is unprecedented, even among past generations."

"This is why I chose him to help you."

"You lack many things, Suzune. Academic skill alone won't get you to Class A."

"I'm not asking Hikaru to babysit or protect you—"

"But from now on, if you have any plans, you can consult him."

"How he chooses to help is entirely up to him."

"…I understand."

Suzune nodded firmly.

If her brother was finally giving her a chance, she wouldn't waste it.

"Good."

Satisfied, Manabu turned back to Hikaru.

"Your goal is to lead Class B toward Class A, isn't it?"

"As you work toward that, you can guide Suzune—make her see her own weaknesses."

"Don't worry, Horikita-senpai." Hikaru raised his phone, signaling for Manabu to do the same.

"I won't break our agreement."

"Let's exchange contact information. Once I finalize my two candidates, I'll send you the details."

"Fine."

Manabu nodded, and the two exchanged numbers.

Watching this unfold, Suzune felt a deep sense of unease.

She had witnessed the entire negotiation.

At first, her brother was in control—but at some point, Hikaru had taken over.

By the end, it was he who dictated the pace of the discussion.

"Then that's it for today."

"You two should head back to your dorms."

"I have other matters to attend to."

Without a moment's hesitation, Manabu turned and walked into the darkness.

"…Horikita-san," Hikaru said, turning to Suzune with an easy smile.

"I look forward to working with you."

"...Hikaru."

She hesitated, then asked,

"…When did you meet my brother?"

With a small chuckle, Hikaru replied,

"Hmm… probably right after school started."

"We ran into each other on the sports field."

Suzune frowned slightly.

Somehow, she felt like there was more to it.

"Since your goal is Class A, I'll support you from the shadows."

"But you understand, right?" Hikaru smiled.

"I'm a Class B student. I can't openly help Class D."

"So from now on, let's communicate through our phones."

"If you run into any problems, just message me."

"I'll give you my thoughts."

"And if something major comes up, I'll arrange a meeting—but let's keep those rare."

"...I understand."

Suzune nodded, though she wasn't thrilled about texting a near-stranger.

She wasn't the type to exchange messages freely, nor did she have much experience with socializing.

"Heh."

Hikaru grinned, waving his phone.

"But don't think you can just ignore me forever."

"I already have Horikita-senpai's number."

"So if you never text me…"

"I'll just have to… well, you get the idea."

"..."

Tch.

What a jerk.

Suzune bit her lip, glaring at the boy.

"Fine! If I have any issues, I'll tell you."

"Perfect."

"We're allies now, after all."

Hikaru smiled playfully.

"From now on, let's work together, Horikita-san."

"…Yeah."

Suzune gave him one last glare before turning on her heel and walking away quickly—as if she couldn't wait to get away.

Hikaru chuckled softly.

"Tch. Not cute at all."

With a flick of his thumb, he opened his phone.

Today had been incredibly productive—he had just added four new contacts.

Hirata Yosuke

Kushida Kikyo

Horikita Suzune

Horikita Manabu

All of them were valuable information sources.

And his request for the student council seats?

He already had one person in mind.

After all, he had just spent a hefty 50,000 System Points.

If he didn't turn a serious profit, it would be a waste.

~~~

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