COTE: Starting With Love Stock Market System

The day passed quickly, and as the final school bell rang, Hikaru began packing up his things.

His scheduled meeting with Kushida was at 4:00 PM, which was earlier than Ichinose's meeting with Sakayanagi. This arrangement was deliberate—a safe and calculated decision.

---

"Hey, Hikaru, do you have any plans later? Want to go sing karaoke?"

Shibata approached, ever since that disastrous banquet where he had force-fed Hikaru with drinks, he had been actively inviting him to hang out.

Part of it was because Hikaru had a good temperament, rarely getting annoyed. But more importantly, many students trusted his abilities and wanted to build a good relationship with him.

"Nah, I've got something to do today. Next time for sure."

Hikaru smiled but didn't elaborate further before walking out of the classroom, leaving Shibata scratching his head in confusion.

To him, Hikaru and Ichinose were usually inseparable, so he instinctively turned to look for her—only to find that Ichinose was gone as well.

"Seriously…"

Shibata muttered under his breath and reluctantly picked up his bag. With Kanzaki being another highly active member of Class B, he figured he'd go find him instead.

---

Exiting the school building, Hikaru returned to his dorm first.

Since this was his first private meeting with Kushida, he changed into casual clothes. It wasn't necessary to dress up, but making a good impression was still important.

After all, his goal was to increase her favorability—appearance naturally played a role in that.

He chose a light-colored autumn casual outfit: a button-up shirt paired with fitted trousers. Compared to the wine-red uniform, this look made him appear softer and more mature, less like a student.

"Not bad. This should do."

Standing before the mirror, Hikaru adjusted his attire.

The relaxed style complemented his naturally striking features, making him appear even more refined.

Satisfied, he sent Kushida a message:

[I'm heading out now.]

Then, he grabbed his phone and left his dorm.

---

Keyaki Mall's Family Restaurant was a place Hikaru had visited numerous times.

As one of the most popular dining spots among students, it was always crowded, so making a reservation in advance was necessary.

Since Kushida was the one inviting him, she had secured a spot well ahead of time.

At the same time, in her dorm, Kushida was also meticulously preparing.

Before heading out, she had deliberated for quite a while—changing into an adorable casual outfit and even applying light makeup, enhancing her already delicate features.

"This should be fine."

Sitting at her desk, Kushida carefully adjusted her hairstyle, her face devoid of expression—this was her true, unguarded state.

Acting like a cheerful, energetic angel all the time was exhausting—there was no need to maintain the facade when alone.

"Hikaru-kun, good afternoon!"

Looking into the mirror, she practiced her greeting with a bright smile—a habit that made her feel more secure before social interactions.

Once she stepped out of her dorm, her expression seamlessly shifted into a warm and friendly demeanor.

Along the way, several acquaintances greeted her—and upon noticing her well-dressed appearance, curiously asked who she was meeting.

"It's a secret."

She answered playfully.

It was a subtle, well-practiced response—one that didn't reduce her image in their eyes but instead added a touch of mystery and charm.

Today, Kushida was still the ever-popular, cheerful darling of the school.

---

As she neared the family restaurant, her gaze instantly locked onto a familiar figure standing by the entrance.

There he was.

Tall and well-proportioned, dressed in a light-colored autumn outfit, exuding a quiet yet captivating presence.

Many girls passing by couldn't help but slow their steps, sneaking glances at him. Some were even bold enough to approach him, asking for his name and class.

Kushida quickened her pace, moving toward Hikaru.

She had to admit—his appearance aligned with her aesthetic preferences.

If she weren't so disinterested in romance right now, she might have even considered him a viable option.

However, just before she reached him, she overheard a rather unexpected conversation.

"Eh? You want to be friends with me, senpai?"

Hikaru chuckled, his response teasing yet smooth.

"I'm in First-Year Class B—Shibata So. Oh, and I'm single, by the way."

"..."

The smile on Kushida's face froze.

She had always assumed that Hikaru and Ichinose were harmless, good-natured types—but hearing this completely shattered that impression.

As someone deeply embedded in the social hierarchy of the school, Kushida immediately recognized the name—Shibata So was also from Class B.

Then why the hell was Hikaru pretending to be him?

Was there some kind of personal conflict between them?

Kushida paused momentarily, a wave of conflicting thoughts flooding her mind.

She felt the need to reevaluate him.

After a few seconds of silent contemplation, she gently patted her cheeks, composing herself.

Then, she called out from behind him.

"Hikaru-kun, I'm here!"

---

Hearing her familiar voice, Hikaru turned around.

His eyes quickly landed on Kushida, who had dressed up noticeably for the occasion.

She even wore light makeup.

"Kushida, good afternoon. You look great today."

"Thanks for the compliment, Hikaru-kun! You're looking pretty handsome yourself."

Kushida responded gracefully, her expression radiating warmth.

However, deep inside, her mind was still replaying Hikaru's suspicious behavior from moments ago.

She felt compelled to reassess his character.

"Where's our table?"

"Follow me! I picked a really good spot."

Kushida led him inside. She was already familiar with the restaurant, knowing which seats were the most comfortable and ideal.

"I'll trust your judgment. After all, today's meal is on you."

"Hehe~ I've been looking forward to this!"

As they entered, Hikaru glanced toward the street outside.

On the other side of the buildings, the café where Ichinose and Sakayanagi were meeting was located.

For some reason, a vague sense of unease crept into his mind.

---

Meanwhile, at the Café Across the Street…

Ichinose and Sakayanagi had already taken their seats.

Beside Sakayanagi stood a tall girl with purple hair—Kamuro Masumi—who remained by her side, like a loyal attendant.

"Good afternoon, Ichinose-san. May I ask what brings you here today?"

Sakayanagi greeted politely, her demeanor poised and refined.

"You're certainly direct, Sakayanagi-san. I was expecting some polite small talk first."

Ichinose smiled lightly, her social skills on full display.

She had remained quiet during the Private Point collection plan because Hikaru was leading the charge—but that didn't mean she was incapable of taking the initiative.

"I already have a rough idea of what you want to discuss."

Sakayanagi's voice was calm and composed.

"So why don't you just state your purpose directly? That way, I can confirm whether my guess was correct."

"As expected of Sakayanagi-san. No wonder Hikaru—"

Ichinose caught herself mid-sentence, instinctively about to mention his name.

She paused briefly, quickly rewording her statement.

"I actually have a question for you, Sakayanagi-san."

"Oh? And what would that be?"

"What are your thoughts on forming alliances? For example, an alliance between our two classes—to help both of us gain more Class Points."

Sakayanagi's expression didn't change, but her lips curled into an enigmatic smile.

Her response was calm yet absolute.

"I don't need allies. You're either my subordinate—or my enemy. There is no third option."

"...Is that so?"

Ichinose felt a chill run down her spine.

Yet, she pressed forward.

"But I heard that your classmate, Katsuragi-kun, is currently seeking alliances. Does that mean you two aren't on the same page?"

Sakayanagi chuckled softly.

"That's just child's play—a predictable habit of his. He always prefers forming groups before taking action."

She spoke openly, without a hint of hesitation, even when criticizing her own classmate.

"There's no need to pretend with me, Ichinose-san. I already know that Katsuragi approached your class for an alliance."

"..."

"And if you're here to probe my stance, well—I've already given you my answer."

Sakayanagi's eyes gleamed with amusement as she abruptly shifted the topic.

"But I do have a question for you as well, Ichinose-san."

"What is it?"

"Does Hikaru-kun know that you're here meeting me?"

~~~

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