COTE: Starting With Love Stock Market System

"A study group?"

Kushida muttered the words, rolling them over in her mind as if weighing the possibilities.

Across from her, Hikaru observed her expression closely before asking:

"Kushida-san, do you know how well Horikita-san performs academically?"

It was a question he already knew the answer to—he had heard the details from Ichinose before, who in turn had gotten them from Kushida herself.

Suzune's grades were exceptional across the board—she had no weak subjects.

"Her grades? Oh, Horikita-san does really well. I think she scores quite high in every subject."

"That makes things easier, then."

Hikaru's gaze remained steady as he continued:

"Even though Horikita-san prefers to act alone, the fact that she was willing to spend points last time proves that she does care about the class."

His voice was calm and measured as he laid out his plan.

"Just now, you mentioned that some students in Class D aren't taking their studies seriously, right? That's where you come in, Kushida-san. You could take the lead in organizing a study group and invite Horikita-san to be the tutor."

"During these sessions, you'd be working alongside her. It's the perfect opportunity to get closer and become friends."

"Will it really go that smoothly?"

Kushida recalled Suzune's usual arrogant attitude—always looking down on others.

Would someone like that really agree to teach the class?

Even Kushida herself wouldn't want to do it.

"That depends on how you approach her. If you don't make a move, you'll never get the chance."

Hikaru smiled warmly, his expression full of sincerity, as though he was genuinely trying to help.

"When you invite Horikita-san, try persuading her a little. I'm sure she'll understand the benefits."

"You really think so?"

Despite her outwardly hesitant expression, Kushida was already analyzing the situation internally.

From the moment she saw Hikaru lie to that upperclassman earlier, she had reassessed her impression of him.

This guy… He might be just like me.

She suspected that no one had ever truly seen his real personality.

There was no way he was genuinely this enthusiastic about helping her—he must have an ulterior motive.

But then again… so what?

If this plan helped her get closer to Suzune and find out whether she knew about her past, then it was worth attempting.

If Suzune really knew the secret, then Kushida needed to act fast and make sure she was expelled as soon as possible.

As for Hikaru… She'd stay on guard.

No matter what his true intentions were, she wouldn't let herself be caught in his trap.

"Alright, I'll give it a try. Who knows if it'll work—hopefully, Horikita-san will be willing to help the class. Some of the students really need to improve their study habits."

Kushida put on a bright, hopeful smile and cheerfully added:

"Thanks for the advice, Hikaru-kun! It's really great having you around!"

"Well, I'm not exactly helping for free, am I? After all, I got a free meal out of this."

Hikaru chuckled lightly before adding, "And besides, I want to be friends with you, Kushida-san."

"Really?"

Kushida's eyes widened slightly, as if pleasantly surprised. She immediately beamed, saying that she already considered him a friend.

"Of course, I mean it. Not only that, but Ichinose also thinks highly of you. She brings you up from time to time."

Of course, this was complete nonsense.

Hikaru rarely engaged in casual conversations, and he and Ichinose mostly talked about class strategies.

Even if she ever mentioned Kushida, it certainly wasn't to him.

The moment he said it, a flicker of curiosity flashed across Kushida's eyes.

She immediately asked, "Really? What does Honami-chan say about me?"

Hashima kept his smile warm and genuine as he replied:

"She says you're always thinking about the class—that you're an incredibly outstanding person."

Lying cost nothing, after all.

"Jeez… You're exaggerating. I'm not as amazing as you make me sound."

A faint blush appeared on Kushida's face.

Whether it was real or fake, he couldn't tell.

"In any case, I think you should try inviting Horikita-san to a study session. It might really help bring you two closer."

"Mm-hmm, I'll give it a shot."

With both of them putting on their best performances, the atmosphere at the table remained amicable throughout their meal.

---

An hour later, after finishing dinner, the two of them stepped out of the family restaurant.

Hikaru glanced at his system's stock panel—even after suggesting the study group, Kushida's stock price hadn't changed at all.

So, just making promises isn't enough to raise her favorability.

Not that it mattered.

He planned to message Suzune later and pressure her into attending the study group.

After all, he still had her brother's contact information—this would be an easy way to manipulate the cold, black-haired girl into cooperating.

His plan was simple: advance both Kushida's and Suzune's stocks simultaneously, pushing both narratives forward.

Whether it would actually work…

That would depend on what happened next.

---

"Well, that's it for today. I'll be heading back to the dorms. What about you, Kushida-san?"

"I still have plans to go shopping with a friend, so I won't be going the same way as you."

Kushida checked her phone, the notifications piling up as always.

She really did live up to her reputation as a social butterfly across multiple classes.

"Alright, see you later."

Just as Hashima was about to part ways with her, a familiar voice called out cheerfully:

"Honami-chan! Good afternoon!"

"..."

Hikaru's entire body stiffened.

He slowly lifted his head, only to lock eyes with Ichinose—standing directly in front of him.

Wait, wait, wait… Weren't you supposed to be at the café on the other street?!

"Hikaru-kun?"

Ichinose's usual warm and gentle expression was nowhere to be seen.

Instead, she stared at him blankly, her gaze slowly scanning him from head to toe.

He was wearing neatly coordinated casual clothes, clearly having dressed up for the occasion.

And standing right beside him, Kushida was also in private attire, dolled up adorably.

They were together.

Ichinose's expression remained unreadable as she stared at the suspiciously well-dressed pair.

Her mind pieced everything together instantly.

They weren't just hanging out.

They were on a date.

Hikaru felt his stomach drop.

Oh, crap.

~~~

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