COTE: Starting With Love Stock Market System

After leaving his dorm in his uniform, Hikaru made his way to the meeting spot. Thanks to his prior exploration of the school, he had already memorized every notable landmark on campus.

"So, am I really going through with this?"

Walking along the dimly lit path, he did a final mental review of his plan. His approach was simple—he would express interest in Kushida. Not necessarily a direct confession, but just enough to make her feel that he genuinely harbored feelings for her.

They were high school students, an age when romantic feelings were just beginning to take root. And Kushida was undeniably beautiful—her bright and charming presence made her stand out in any crowd, and her figure turned plenty of heads as she walked through campus.

So, the logic was sound. However, The Stock Analyzer had already provided valuable insights into her hidden nature.

What kind of hidden side did she possess? He wasn't sure yet. Until he built a sufficient level of trust, there was no way she would reveal it to him.

Her reaction to his affection, how she typically handled admirers, and whether she could be manipulated—all of these remained unknown variables. He would have to improvise.

It was troublesome, but necessary. He had already invested in her stock, and with such a low initial price, it would be a waste to let this opportunity slip away.

"No point hesitating—let's do this."

Taking a deep breath, he stretched his facial muscles before putting on a gentle smile and heading toward the meeting spot.

The Advanced Nurturing High School was built on an artificial island, enclosed by iron fences to maintain its isolated structure and prevent any accidents near the water.

Upon arriving at the edge of the island, Hikaru immediately spotted the short-haired girl standing by the railing, gazing at the ocean under the night sky. The sea breeze ruffled her hair as she stood there in quiet contemplation.

"Kushida-san, you're really fast. I came as soon as I got your message, you know?"

He greeted her with a lighthearted tone, subtly emphasizing how much he valued this meeting.

"Good evening, Hikaru-kun."

Kushida turned to face him, her sharp eyes subtly observing his expression. Under the glow of the streetlights, she noticed the faint sheen of sweat on his forehead, as if he had hurried over.

"Sorry for calling you out so late. You didn't have to rush—I was just being a little selfish."

"Not at all." Hikaru smiled and shook his head gently. "You could've just messaged me, and I would've responded."

"If it's something important, it should be said in person. Anything else would be rude, don't you think?"

Her expression turned slightly serious, as if emphasizing the significance of this conversation.

She's testing me.

Hikaru realized this immediately. Just as he had planned to probe her, Kushida had been thinking the exact same thing.

She's suspicious of me, but she's masking it with this charming attitude… What a troublesome woman.

Still, that made things easier. If she had set the stage for this game, then all he had to do was play along.

"Hmm, you're right. Kushida-san is always so thoughtful."

Keeping his tone gentle, he carefully watched her movements, waiting for her next move.

"Actually…" Kushida hesitated slightly, a faint blush dusting her cheeks as she lowered her gaze. "There's something I want to ask you."

"What is it?"

"Well… Hikaru-kun, do you have someone you like?"

Her voice was soft, her expression shy, as if she was embarrassed to bring up the topic.

Had it been anyone else, they might have thought she was subtly confessing to them.

But Hikaru wasn't fooled.

She's fishing for information.

Despite her wary attitude toward him, she was putting on an innocent, love-struck act to see how he would respond.

This girl is dangerous.

Still, that made things even more interesting.

Since she had laid the trap, he would step right in.

"Why do you ask, Kushida-san? Is there a reason you're curious?"

"Just indulging my curiosity, that's all." Her tone was sweet and playful, but her gaze was scrutinizing, as if trying to dissect his reaction.

"Of course."

Hikaru nodded as if affirming something deep within himself. Then, instead of looking at her, he turned his gaze toward the distant horizon over the ocean.

"…But it's complicated. If I were to confess, it would cause a lot of problems."

"Why? If you like someone, why not just be honest about it?"

She pressed further, eyes locked onto his face, sensing that she was onto something.

"Because this school isn't ordinary." Hikaru placed a hand on the railing, his voice tinged with melancholic frustration. "If this were a normal high school, I would've confessed already. Maybe I'd even know what it's like to have a girlfriend."

"But here, things aren't so simple. Kushida-san, I already explained the school's hidden rules to you before, didn't I? You should understand what that means."

Kushida's eyes narrowed slightly.

"…So the girl you like is from another class?"

"Yeah."

He turned back to her, his gaze sincere and unwavering. "She's in another class, which means—sooner or later—our classes will be rivals."

"If we were together, and she ever asked me about my class's strategies or crucial information, what would I do?"

"…That…"

Kushida momentarily faltered. She understood this problem all too well.

That was precisely why she had chosen to be everyone's friend rather than engage in any real relationships. This way, she could gather information from multiple sources while maintaining an untouchable, angelic persona.

"…But even if that's true, doesn't it hurt? Liking someone but not being able to say it?"

Hikaru let out a quiet chuckle.

"That's where you're mistaken, Kushida-san."

She carefully studied his expression.

"The act of liking someone doesn't always mean you have to possess them. As long as I can stay close to her, as long as she trusts me, that's enough."

His dark eyes shone with unwavering conviction.

"Maybe one day, I'll confess." He smiled faintly. "Or maybe… I never will."

Kushida felt something stir in her heart as she listened.

She had encountered many confessions before—countless boys had professed their feelings for her. But their eyes always held a selfish desire, a possessive hunger.

But Hikaru's gaze was different.

It held something else.

Gentleness? A longing to stand beside her? A wish for something deeper?

For the first time, she found herself wondering—is he really…?

At last, she voiced her final question.

"If that girl ever confesses to you… would you accept her?"

"Of course."

Even though he maintained his calm facade, Hikaru felt a nervous thrill run through him.

This was his first time pulling off a lie of this magnitude.

But then, he reminded himself—Kushida Kikyo is a stock with enormous potential. If I play this right, she'll be a gold mine.

The emotions reflected in his eyes slowly transitioned into something more tangible.

The desire for control.

The yearning to shape her thoughts.

But outwardly, all she saw was the affectionate sincerity of a boy in love.

"If she truly comes to like me, I would definitely accept her." His voice was quiet but firm, his eyes locked onto hers. "Is this the answer you were looking for, Kushida-san?"

"…Yes."

After confirming what she needed, Kushida's tense heart finally relaxed.

A bright, cheerful smile blossomed on her face.

"You see, a girl from my class came to me with a problem."

"Oh?"

"She likes you, but she's too shy to confess. So she asked me to find out if you had feelings for anyone."

Of course, this was a lie.

But she delivered it flawlessly.

"Really? That's surprising…" Hikaru widened his eyes, feigning shock. "Then, please tell her—I already have someone I like."

"Got it! Thanks for indulging me tonight, Hikaru-kun."

As she waved him goodbye, Hikaru watched her figure disappear down the path.

A moment later, his system sent a notification.

[Kushida Kikyo has confirmed her suspicions. While her doubts about you have faded, she has also become more determined to use you. Kushida Kikyo's stock price has increased by 10 points. Current value: 30.]

"Success."

~~~

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