COTE: Starting With Love Stock Market System

Inside the quiet study room, Class 1-D's study group had just started working through the test papers Suzune distributed. The atmosphere was calm, with everyone focused on solving the problems.

Unfortunately, that studious mood barely lasted five minutes before someone began complaining.

"Oi, are you serious with this test? Some of these questions—I can't even understand them!"

Yamauchi threw his pen onto the table and glared at Suzune. "You didn't just grab these from upper-year exams to mess with us, did you?"

"Yeah, I feel like you're making this harder on purpose," Ike chimed in, immediately siding with his friend. "Are you really trying to help us improve?"

"These questions are selected based on the national average for middle school students," Suzune replied calmly. "If you can't solve them, then just leave them blank. That way, I can accurately assess your actual level."

"You—!"

Being openly belittled like this, especially in front of Kushida, sent a rush of anger through Yamauchi's mind.

"If you look down on us that much, then I don't see any reason to continue this study group. No way am I letting someone who doesn't respect me teach me anything."

He suddenly crumpled his test paper and glared at the black-haired girl.

"Kushida, say something. She's clearly looking down on us. How are we supposed to study like this?"

Ike turned to Kushida, hoping she would step in and pressure Suzune.

"Uh…"

Internally, Kushida was seething. You two are losing an argument with Suzune, and now you want me to clean up your mess?

Still, she maintained her usual bright smile, playing the mediator role.

"Let's all calm down, okay? We're here to study, not to argue." She smiled at the two fuming boys. "I'm sure Horikita-san didn't mean it like that. Maybe she's just a bit too eager to help, that's all."

Despite Kushida's attempt to smooth things over, Suzune remained as unfazed as ever. She glanced at the two boys and stated matter-of-factly, "I carefully selected these questions because they align with our current academic level. If you can't even understand them, then clearly, you lack the foundation necessary to improve."

"What?!"

This time, the impact was even stronger. With her indifferent tone and genuinely puzzled expression, Suzune made it seem as if their incompetence was beyond her comprehension. The level of humiliation skyrocketed.

Yamauchi and Ike shot up from their seats, their faces flushed with anger.

"You little—! Do you even hear yourself?"

"Guys, let's not fight in the study room," Kushida quickly interjected, trying to keep the situation under control.

"Hmph. If this is how she's going to act, then I'm out. I refuse to be taught by someone who thinks she's better than us."

Yamauchi had never wanted to be here in the first place. The only reason he even showed up was because Kushida invited him.

"I agree. Unless Horikita apologizes, there's no way we're continuing this."

Ike sided with Yamauchi without hesitation.

"That's not happening," Suzune replied coldly. "I'm trying to help you. If you refuse to cooperate, that's your problem, not mine."

"Fine, then we're leaving!"

Yamauchi turned to Kushida. "Thanks for inviting us, Kushida. But I'm not studying with someone like her. Call me next time—just make sure she's not around."

"Yeah, Kushida-chan, let us know if you're holding another session. As long as she's not there, we'll be happy to join."

With that, Yamauchi and Ike stormed out, leaving the study session in shambles.

Throughout all of this, Ayanokoji had remained quietly working on his test. However, as Yamauchi placed a hand on his shoulder, he finally looked up.

"Ayanokoji, I bet you don't want to study with someone like her either, right? You should come with us."

"Uh…"

Ayanokoji glanced at the situation and, after a brief moment of thought, decided that it was best to just go along with them.

He stood up, gave the two girls a small nod, and left with the others.

The study group, which had barely lasted ten minutes, completely fell apart. Suzune looked at Kushida before calmly gathering her things. She had no reason to stay any longer. In fact, if not for her agreement with Hikaru, she would have preferred studying alone in her dorm.

"Horikita-san, will you come to the next study session?" Kushida called out after her.

"…If you continue holding them, I'll attend."

With that, Suzune slung her bag over her shoulder and walked out of the study room.

Watching her leave, Kushida's expression darkened.

I barely got to talk to her.

There was no progress in building a connection—no chance to probe her for information.

Damn it…

Frustrated, Kushida pulled out her phone and immediately messaged Hikaru.

Kushida Kikyo: Hikaru-kun… I've failed.

---

Back in his dorm, Hikaru saw the message pop up and smirked slightly as he typed out a reply.

Hashima Hikaru: What happened? Did Horikita refuse to attend?

Kushida Kikyo: She agreed, but the study session didn't go smoothly. There were… some small issues.

"Small issues?"

Hikaru thought for a moment. Considering the nature of Class 1-D, it wasn't hard to guess—likely, some students weren't taking the study group session seriously. Given that it was the lowest-ranked class, their overall academic motivation was bound to be poor.

Hashima Hikaru: Were you able to get closer to Horikita?

Kushida Kikyo: Just a little… but she still feels so distant. She did say she'd come to the next session, though.

"Tch. She's really taking this seriously, huh?"

Hikaru recalled how he had practically blackmailed Suzune into attending. He hadn't expected her to actually follow through with it this thoroughly.

Hashima Hikaru: That's great, then. You can keep holding these sessions and gradually get through to her.

Kushida Kikyo: I think so too, but I'm still worried.

Hashima Hikaru: Don't be. I trust your abilities.

Kushida stared at her screen, narrowing her eyes.

Why is he helping me?

She replayed everything that had happened—from the moment she met Hikaru to their dinner yesterday. Other than that one moment where she saw him lie effortlessly to the upperclassman, he had always presented himself as kind and sincere.

Could he really just want to be my friend?

The thought crossed her mind, but she immediately dismissed it.

No one helps others without expecting something in return.

She wasn't stupid. She was well aware of the school's competitive nature.

Is he trying to gather intel on Class D?

But that didn't feel right either. Hikaru never pried about her class. If anything, he seemed more focused on her.

Still, without knowing his true motives, she felt uneasy.

And Kushida hated feeling like she wasn't in control.

If she was going to keep using him, she needed confirmation. She needed to find out where he truly stood.

With renewed determination, she typed out another message.

Kushida Kikyo: Hikaru-kun, are you free later?

Hashima Hikaru: I am. Do you need something?

Kushida Kikyo: Can we meet? There's something I want to talk about.

Hashima Hikaru: Sure. Where?

Kushida Kikyo: The stone-paved path near the artificial island. The view's nice there.

Hashima Hikaru: Got it. I'll be there soon.

Kushida Kikyo: Great! I'm looking forward to it.

As he put his phone down, Hikaru's eyes gleamed with interest.

Well, well. Looks like she's ready to make a move.

This could be the perfect opportunity to lower her guard.

~~~

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