COTE: Starting With Love Stock Market System

With the class rankings shifting, students across all four classes were coming to terms with the new reality. Whether they were celebrating or lamenting, the change was now set in stone, and everyone had to adapt.

In Class B, the atmosphere was lively. While no one was arrogant enough to flaunt their success, within their own ranks, they had every reason to enjoy the victory.

As Hikaru smiled faintly while organizing his class notes, his phone buzzed with a new message. It was from Kushida.

Chat Interface:

Kushida Kikyo: Hikaru-kun, congratulations on your class advancing to Class A!

Hashima Hikaru: Haha, thanks! And congrats to your Class D for moving up as well. Looks like we're both the winners this month.

Kushida Kikyo: Hehe, if it weren't for you selling us information on the hidden rules, we probably would've lost even more points.

Hashima Hikaru: Well, the rules were just one factor. The real credit goes to you and Hirata-kun for your hard work. I only played a small part.

Kushida Kikyo: You're too modest, Hikaru-kun. But don't worry, I've already thought of a way to properly thank you.

Hashima Hikaru: Thank me?

Kushida Kikyo: Of course! You contributed to our class's promotion, and thanks to your help, I've also gotten closer to Horikita-san. That's something I wouldn't have achieved without you.

Kushida Kikyo: So, I have to express my gratitude. And you're not allowed to refuse, Hikaru-kun!

Hashima Hikaru: Alright… so what exactly do you have in mind, Kushida-san?

Kushida Kikyo: I'd like to visit your dorm room this afternoon! I even bought a gift for you, and I want to give it to you in person today.

"…?"

A gift?

Wouldn't it be easier to just hand it over in class? Why the need to visit my dorm?

Holding his phone, Hikaru found himself at a loss for words. The sudden shift caught him off guard, completely outside his expectations.

Seeing no immediate response, another message quickly followed.

Kushida Kikyo: What's wrong? Do you not want me to visit your room, Hikaru-kun?

Hashima Hikaru: Of course not! I'd be happy to have you over, Kushida-san.

Kushida Kikyo: Hehe, then look forward to it! What's your dorm number? I wouldn't want to go to the wrong room by accident.

Kushida Kikyo: Alright, see you in the afternoon then!

---

After closing the chat, Hikaru glanced toward Ichinose, who was surrounded by classmates. She had become a frequent visitor to his dorm, so if Kushida was planning to come over, he needed to give her a heads-up.

Otherwise, things might get… complicated.

So, turning to her, he asked, "Ichinose-san, do you have any plans this afternoon?"

"Nope, nothing scheduled. Why do you ask, Hikaru-kun?"

"I'm meeting a friend later, so we won't be able to discuss cooking today."

At that, Ichinose's smile froze for a moment.

She had gotten used to visiting his dorm in the afternoons under the pretext of "studying cooking." In truth, it was just an excuse for them to have dinner together—she cooked, he ate.

This simple arrangement had become a comfortable routine for her. So, his sudden change of plans caught her off guard.

"…I see."

The pink-haired girl nodded slightly, though she couldn't help but feel a little unsettled. She knew that they hadn't reached a stage where she had any right to question who he met or what he did.

---

As the final bell rang, signaling the end of the school day, Hikaru picked up his bag and left the classroom. Since Kushida was coming over, he figured he should do some tidying up in advance.

At around 4:30 PM, a knock came at the door of Room 301.

"Hikaru-kun, good afternoon~"

Wearing her signature smile, Kushida stood at the doorway, dressed in her wine-red school uniform, holding a neatly wrapped gift bag in her hands.

"Good afternoon, come in, Kushida-san."

With a welcoming smile, Hikaru stepped aside to let her in.

It was her first time stepping into a boy's dormitory—something she had volunteered for. Naturally, she was curious.

His room was simple. Other than a slightly cluttered desk, the space was mostly empty. No posters, no gaming consoles, no manga stacks—just a minimalistic, clean arrangement.

What caught her attention, however, was the faint but pleasant scent lingering in the air.

"This smell…"

She racked her brain trying to place it, but nothing came to mind. Of course, she couldn't just ask outright—that would be rude—so she decided to keep the thought to herself for now.

As she took in the surroundings, Hikaru returned with tea and snacks. Unlike his more casual interactions with classmates, he made sure to observe proper etiquette with Kushida.

"Thank you, Hikaru-kun."

Taking the cup, she studied the boy sitting across from her.

Dressed in a plain white T-shirt, with well-defined features and a composed demeanor, he gave off an effortlessly fresh and clean impression.

A guy like this… it would be odd if he weren't popular.

---

"Well then, time for the grand reveal!"

With a playful grin, Kushida took the gift from her bag and handed it over with a ceremonious air.

As Hikaru unwrapped it, he found a transparent crystal snow globe inside. A delicate, snow-covered cabin sat at the center of the glass sphere—simple, yet exquisitely crafted.

"What do you think? Do you like it?"

Her eyes sparkled with anticipation.

This was a carefully chosen gift. Items like this, with a transparent and elegant aesthetic, were all the rage among girls in the shopping district. While it might not be the most conventional gift for a boy, that was precisely the point.

It was a calculated choice—to reinforce her persona.

After all, the beloved "angel" of Class D had never been in a relationship before, nor had she ever been particularly close to any boys. Naturally, she wouldn't know what they liked.

"It's really nice. It'll make a great decoration for my room."

Though a bit puzzled by her choice, Hikaru smiled appreciatively.

"I've never given a gift to a boy before, and I wasn't sure what you'd like, so I picked this. I'm glad you like it."

Placing a hand over her chest, Kushida let out a cute sigh of relief.

"Really? Then I'll make sure to take good care of it."

He responded with an exaggeratedly touched expression, as if receiving something truly precious.

After chatting for a while, the conversation finally shifted to the main topic.

"So, Hikaru-kun, have you thought about how to help me befriend Horikita-san?"

"I have a rough idea, but we'll need to refine the details together." Hikaru tapped his chin thoughtfully before pulling out his notebook.

"Oh? Tell me!"

Seeing him take this seriously, Kushida felt a small wave of satisfaction.

This tool… I really did pick the right one.

---

Hikaru laid out his plan:

"You've already been organizing study sessions, which means some students recognize that you and Horikita-san are working for the class's benefit, right?"

Kushida nodded.

"So, why not build on that momentum? After a session, you could propose a casual get-together—maybe a group meal—and bring Horikita-san along. That might help strengthen your connection."

She sighed. "I've tried that. But every time, she leaves immediately after the session ends. She never stays to socialize."

"…I see."

Hikaru nodded, feigning contemplation. Then, as if struck by sudden inspiration, he snapped his fingers.

"There's another way—one that she might actually agree to."

"What is it?"

He smiled.

"You can propose a subject proficiency survey for the upcoming midterms…"

~~~

Read 30 Chapters Ahead!

> patreon.com/HudaLin