COTE: Starting With Love Stock Market System

With the midterm exams finally over, the group study sessions that had been ongoing for weeks were put on hold. Everyone had worked hard, and Ichinose felt it was time to let the class relax and enjoy school life for a bit.

However, after school, Hikaru declined Shibata and the others' invitation to hang out and immediately left the classroom. The reason? He had received a message from Kushida.

Now that he had successfully reset her stock price to its initial value, he needed to carefully plan his next move. Kushida had already proven to be a valuable test subject—he had fully tested the mechanics of both increasing and decreasing her stock price.

A highly manipulative and cunning person, capable of leaking class information to him for her own benefit, she had no moral constraints when it came to self-preservation. Combined with her exceptional social skills, she was the perfect tool. And Hashima knew exactly how to handle her.

Maintaining close contact with someone like Kushida might yield unexpected benefits in the future.

Returning to his dorm, Hikaru took some time to tidy up the room. He set out some fruit-flavored drinks and a clean glass, preparing for his guest. Then, he sat at his desk and waited.

Ten minutes later, a knock echoed from the door. He smiled faintly and got up to open it. Standing outside was the ever-beautiful short-haired girl—but this time, her face was devoid of expression. She gazed at him coldly, her usual mask of sweetness completely stripped away.

"Come in, Kushida-san," Hikaru said casually, as if completely unfazed by her demeanor. After inviting her in, he poured a drink into the prepared glass and extended it to her.

"I don't want it."

Her voice was icy, and her gaze void of warmth. A stark contrast from her usual friendly act.

"Come on, it's pretty hot outside," Hikaru remarked, smiling. "This drink helps cool you down, you know?" Seeing Kushida's outright refusal and her blatant hostility, he found this side of her even more interesting than her pretend sweetness.

"Well, suit yourself." With a shrug, he placed the glass back on the table and turned his attention back to her.

"So, Kushida-san," he said calmly, "what's the urgent matter that made you come straight to my room?"

"You're smart, aren't you?" Her voice was sharp, carrying an undertone of contained rage. "Can't you guess why I'm here?"

"Hmm… I have some ideas," Hikaru replied, completely composed. "But let's be clear—I didn't break our agreement." He shook his head slightly before continuing: "This time, Horikita-san reached out to me first. I never initiated contact."

"But the result is the same, isn't it?" Her expression darkened as she recalled earlier in class—when everyone praised Suzune, discussing her intelligence and leadership.

That woman—who had always acted superior, who looked down on everyone else, who mocked others openly—was now being recognized and respected by the class. All because she had borrowed private points from Hikaru.

Kushida couldn't accept this. She wanted everyone to hate Suzune. Not acknowledge her.

"You lent her that many private points," Kushida snapped, slamming her hand on the desk. "And now, you'll have an excuse to stay in contact with her under the pretense of 'debt collection.'"

"This isn't just about money. You're getting closer to her, aren't you?!"

Hikaru chuckled softly. Unlike Kushida, he wasn't angry. If anything, he found this whole situation amusing.

"You're laughing?!" Seeing his reaction, her frustration surged even more. Her fists clenched, and she glared at him as if she wanted to tear his smirk right off his face.

"You really hate Horikita-san, don't you?" Hikaru took a sip of his drink, speaking with a casual indifference.

Kushida froze for a split second. Her mind had already anticipated this confrontation—she had prepared for it. After spending so much time around Hikaru, she had come to understand something.

This guy— His interest in her had never been genuine. He had been lying to her from the very start. And the worst part was— She had no idea what he was really after.

"So, what exactly are you trying to say?" A cold, mocking smile curled on her lips. "Are you calling me a liar?"

"Well, I never said that." Hikaru shrugged, unbothered. But he had caught something. The determination in her eyes. She wasn't here just to argue. She had come to force the truth out of him. She had finally decided to 'settle things' with him.

"You always act so calm," Kushida whispered, stepping forward slightly. "Like nothing ever gets to you. But tell me, Hikaru-kun… have you ever taken off your mask?"

Her piercing gaze locked onto him. "Because compared to me, you're the better liar, aren't you?"

"Maybe," Hikaru said simply. "Everyone has a side they don't want others to see."

"Stop dodging the question," she snapped. "You hate her, too, don't you?"

Hikaru let out a low chuckle. "Why are you so anxious, Kushida-san?" His tone was gentle, yet the words carried a hidden weight.

Kushida's heart skipped a beat. Her eyes widened slightly, sensing the underlying pressure in his words.

"...Do you really know something?" Her voice wavered slightly. For the first time tonight— She had dropped her usual confidence. And Hikaru caught it instantly.

"So it really is like that, huh?" He let out a small sigh, then— He reached out his hand toward her.

"Take my hand, Kushida-san."

Kushida stiffened. "...What are you trying to do?" Her tone was cautious, filled with suspicion.

"Just hold it," Hikaru said, his expression calm. "What I'm about to tell you… is something you'll want to hear."

His demeanor was too composed. Too calculated.

Kushida knew this was dangerous. She should refuse. She should walk away.

And yet— Something about his words made her hesitate.

"...Tch." "Fine, I'll humor you."

After a brief moment of silence, she slowly reached out, her fingers brushing against his palm.

Her soft, warm hand settled into his grip. The moment their skin touched, a strange sensation spread through her.

An unsettling warmth.

Her body tensed slightly— Because deep down— She knew—

This was dangerous.

And yet, for some inexplicable reason— She didn't pull away.

~~~

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