COTE: Starting With Love Stock Market System

Inside Class 1-B's classroom, Hikaru was pondering how to resolve a certain issue.

"I need to give Kushida a convincing reason for my actions. I hadn't fully considered this before."

He tapped his fingers lightly against the desk, thoughts running through his mind.

"What's the best excuse to use...?"

After a few minutes of contemplation, he came up with a simple yet effective reason—one that would align with the current mindset of high school students and provide a logical explanation for why he was helping her.

But... would she buy it?

"Good morning, Hikaru-kun!"

A familiar greeting rang out beside him. Looking up, he saw Ichinose walking over with a bright smile.

"Good morning, Ichinose-san."

"Mm-hmm."

After yesterday's talk, all traces of gloom from her face had vanished. Her expression was now warm, exuding the kind of reliability that made people naturally trust her.

"Let's go over yesterday's intel first," Hikaru said, pulling out his notebook. He had already fabricated part of the story, so he needed to play the role convincingly.

"Alright, I'll start then."

Ichinose's demeanor turned serious as she recalled her meeting with Sakayanagi.

"First, regarding Sakayanagi's stance—she's against forming an alliance. Or rather, she looks down on the idea entirely."

"She looks down on it?" Hikaru raised an eyebrow.

"Yes. She said that Katsuragi's attempt to form an alliance with us was nothing more than child's play, and she's extremely confident in herself."

Ichinose thought back to her conversation with the silver-haired girl and continued, "From how she spoke, I got the impression that no matter whether it's the class competition or her own power struggle with Katsuragi, she believes she'll ultimately come out on top."

"I see."

Hikaru nodded thoughtfully. After a moment, he said, "That means Sakayanagi is going to be a formidable opponent for us down the line. Given her physical limitations, she's essentially forfeited all physical education classes and exams."

"Yet, despite that, she was still placed in Class A. That alone speaks volumes."

Ichinose's expression grew more serious. Yesterday's meeting had made her realize just how difficult an opponent Sakayanagi was. Even though they had exchanged a fair amount of information, Ichinose still felt like she couldn't see through her.

"So, what's your decision regarding the alliance? What do you think, Hikaru-kun?"

"For now, we should put it on hold. We've confirmed Sakayanagi's stance, and since Katsuragi doesn't have complete control over Class A, working with them under these conditions would be risky."

Hikaru stroked his chin as he analyzed the situation.

"Besides, we still have the reward from the school. Until next month arrives, it's best to avoid sharing information with other classes."

"I agree."

Ichinose nodded in understanding. Then, her gaze sharpened slightly as she asked, "So, what did you learn from Kushida-san yesterday?"

Seeing the sudden sharpness in her expression, Hikaru found it amusing but remained calm.

"Oh, it was about the study group."

"Kushida-san said their class is organizing a study group. Since there are regular tests every month and an important midterm exam coming up, improving their overall academic performance would be beneficial in the class competition."

"I see." Ichinose's eyes brightened with realization. "That makes a lot of sense. No matter how the class competition unfolds, we're still in a school setting, so academics are definitely important."

"Let's hold our own study group too, Hikaru-kun!"

Her enthusiasm was expected. Hikaru smiled gently.

"Sure. I think it's a good idea. We can divide into small groups for review sessions and help each other improve."

"Mm-hmm!"

Ichinose's excitement grew, as if planning activities like this always brought her joy.

"Then, I'll leave this to you, Ichinose-san. You can take charge of organizing the study groups."

He stretched lazily. "I think I'll take it easy and slack off this time."

"No problem! You just relax, Hikaru-kun—I'll handle it!"

Ichinose nodded seriously. She understood that this was part of the agreement he had set up for her to take initiative, so she was eager to fulfill her role.

"I'll be looking forward to your results. Just let me know once the groups are set."

"Mm-hmm!"

---

After school, while Ichinose was enthusiastically coordinating with her classmates to form study groups, a similar gathering was taking place in Class 1-D.

At the center was, of course, the highly popular Kushida. Beside her stood three boys—Yamauchi, Ike, and one more with a completely indifferent expression—Ayanokoji Kiyotaka.

Yamauchi and Ike were clearly excited, not about studying, but about getting to spend time close to their class idol, Kushida-chan. Meanwhile, Ayanokoji looked somewhat puzzled.

"Um, why am I here? My grades aren't exactly—"

"Ayanokoji-kun, I remember you struggling to answer the teacher's questions in class," Kushida said with a warm smile. "So why not join us? Horikita-san and I will be here to support everyone."

Ayanokoji glanced over at Suzune, who was standing next to her, expression as cold as ever. Yet, she had agreed to join this study session.

Would she really do something like this?

"...Fine, I'll join."

"As for you, Yamauchi-kun, Ike-kun, if you have any questions, you can ask me or Horikita-san anytime. Let's all work hard together!"

"O-oh! I'll do my best!"

"Yeah! I'll show Kushida-chan how serious I am about studying!"

The two boys were clearly more focused on impressing Kushida than actually learning.

With the five of them gathered, they headed to the study room after school.

It was a spacious room filled with wooden desks, an ideal environment for studying.

"This place looks good. Let's work hard today and conquer our weaknesses!"

Kushida cheerfully led the group to a table. Naturally, she and Suzune sat on one side while the three boys took the opposite seats.

"Alright, let's get started. To assess your current level, I've prepared a small test."

Suzune pulled out a stack of identical test papers from her bag and handed them out with a firm tone.

"This test covers a variety of subjects and will help identify your weak areas. Start working on it, and I'll grade them afterward."

"Oi, Horikita, are you treating us like kids?"

Yamauchi immediately protested, crossing his arms.

"Yeah, why do we have to take your test? You're not a teacher," Ike added.

Ayanokoji silently took a test paper without comment.

Seeing the growing tension, Kushida quickly stepped in, speaking gently, "Come on now, Yamauchi-kun, Ike-kun, don't be like that. Horikita-san is trying to help. Why don't you just try it? Her grades are excellent, so she can definitely guide us."

"Hmph, fine. Since it's Kushida-chan asking, I'll do it!"

"I'll do my best! Watch me ace this, Kushida-chan!"

Both boys dramatically took the test papers, suddenly filled with motivation.

"I'm looking forward to seeing your efforts."

Suzune's tone remained flat as she handed the last paper to Kushida.

"Kushida-san, this one is for you."

"...I have to take it too?"

Kushida's smile twitched slightly. She wasn't here to actually study—her goal was to observe Suzune up close.

"What do you think?" Suzune responded coolly.

"Fine... I'll do it too."

Suppressing her annoyance, Kushida accepted the paper with a composed smile before looking down to begin answering.

Meanwhile, Suzune simply pulled out her own workbook and began quietly reviewing. If she was going to be here, she wasn't going to waste time.

~~~

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