COTE: Starting With Love Stock Market System

"Alright, then I'll begin."

Holding Kushida's hand, Hikaru spoke in a calm and steady tone, laying out his analysis.

"First, let's consider why Kushida-san wants to befriend Horikita-san. One reason could be that it aligns with your stated wish—to become friends with everyone."

"Heh. And then?"

"On the other hand, there's a series of contradictory actions that don't quite match that reasoning." Hikaru listed his observations one by one.

"For example, you claim to want to be friends with Horikita, yet that night, you were kicking the railing and cursing at her."

"..."

"And about my interactions with Horikita—they were nothing out of the ordinary, yet Kushida-san, you reacted quite strongly. Clearly, there's something more at play."

"So you already figured it out last time, but still chose to lie to me?" Kushida raised an eyebrow, a hint of irritation in her voice.

"That's in the past now. What we're discussing today is something new."

Unfazed by her hostility, Hikaru pressed on. "There's only one logical conclusion—Horikita knows something about you. A secret."

"A secret so important that, if it were revealed, it could tarnish your reputation," Hikaru sighed softly. "That's why you—"

"Shut up! Don't say another word!"

Her voice snapped like a whip, her delicate face tinged with red as she cut him off before he could finish his sentence.

"Heh, alright. I won't bring it up," Hikaru chuckled, taking note of the flicker of unease in her gaze.

"But if my analysis is correct, then this explains why you're so anxious."

"You're afraid that if I become close with Horikita, I might learn your secret from her, and that would put your reputation at risk, isn't that right?"

"..."

Kushida's palm grew slightly damp—sweat, born from the realization that he had guessed almost everything correctly. If it weren't for the risk of Suzune exposing her past, she never would have been so desperate to get close to her.

"So I was right, huh?"

Hikaru lightly squeezed her hand. He could feel the subtle tremor in her skin—not just from nervousness, but from a fear she didn't want to acknowledge.

"But on that point, you can relax for now, Kushida-san. Because I haven't actually heard anything from Horikita."

"...Really?"

She looked skeptical, her sharp gaze locked onto Hikaru's face, as if searching for any hint of deception. The warmth from their joined hands remained—a sensation that somehow made her more aware of his presence, even his heartbeat, steady and unwavering.

"Of course, it's the truth."

Hikaru nodded, then, in an almost teasing tone, added, "But if I ever do learn about that secret, I might make a different decision."

"...A different decision?"

Kushida suddenly noticed where his gaze had shifted—lingering on her body, moving subtly from her face downward.

"You—what the hell are you looking at?!" She snapped, her face instantly flushed a deeper shade of red. Was it anger? Or embarrassment? She didn't even know.

"I was just proving a point," Hikaru chuckled, his tone playful. "Last time, just because I saw you venting on the balcony, you immediately tried to threaten me."

"If I really knew your deepest secret, don't you think I might use that as leverage? After all, wouldn't that put me in a position where I can only benefit?"

"..."

As much as she hated to admit it, Kushida couldn't deny the logic in his words. If this guy had truly uncovered what she wanted to keep buried, his entire attitude toward her would inevitably change.

Who was the predator? Who was the prey?

She refused to think about it further.

Despite their numerous interactions, Hikaru had never once acted on any ulterior motives—or at least, he never showed them. But could she really trust that?

And yet, he was still holding her hand. Firmly. Unwaveringly.

"It seems like Kushida-san thinks what I said makes sense," Hikaru mused, shaking his head with a light smile. "Now that we've talked about it, maybe this will put your mind at ease."

"Then what exactly do you plan to do?"

Though Kushida had accepted his reasoning, her voice was still laced with suspicion. "You lent points to Horikita—was that just an excuse to get closer to her and uncover my secret?"

"Of course not. It was a coincidence. You could just think of it as me being generous."

"You actually expect me to believe that?"

"Time will prove it to you, Kushida-san," Hikaru said, his voice soft but deliberate. He then glanced down at their still-intertwined hands. "Do you notice any change in your mood?"

"...What kind of change?"

Though she was still tangled in a web of conflicting emotions, something had shifted. For some reason, the irritation, anxiety, and unease she felt earlier had gradually faded—as if her body had begun to relax on its own.

"It's about your anxiety," Hikaru said smoothly. "Hasn't it started to feel... different?"

Seeing that the moment was just right, Hikaru finally loosened his grip, gently letting go of her hand.

"...What about now?" he asked.

As soon as their hands separated, Kushida's body flinched, an involuntary reaction. She stared at her empty palm, as if reluctant to pull it back right away.

"..."

Then, after a brief hesitation, she slowly withdrew her hand.

For a fleeting second—she couldn't explain why—she felt a strange sense of loss.

But she quickly shoved that thought away, forcing herself to refocus on the real issue at hand.

"So, your analysis is done." Her voice was steady again. "Is there anything else you wanted to say?"

"Of course. I never intended for our relationship to end here. This conversation was just to help you relax, Kushida-san."

Hikaru leaned back slightly, his tone casual. Then, with a meaningful smile, he finally revealed his true purpose.

"Let's work together, Kushida-san."

"...Work together?" Kushida raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued.

"It's actually quite simple," Hikaru said, his tone casual. "And of course, it all starts with you, Kushida-san."

Without betraying any emotion, Hikaru discreetly opened his system interface, skillfully navigating through the familiar options.

---

[Would you like to sell Kushida Kikyo stock?]

[Select quantity]

[Current stock price: 150]

[Transaction successful. Funds acquired.]

[Would you like to purchase Kushida Kikyo stock?]

[Select quantity]

[Kushida Kikyo stock has reached full capacity. Remaining funds: ???]

---

Having completed the trade, Hikaru let a knowing smile curve across his lips.

"Since you're so worried about Horikita-san potentially exposing your secret, why not let me handle it instead?"

A sharp glint flickered in his eyes. "After all, she still owes me private points. That means there'll be plenty of chances for me to get close to her—and she trusts me, at least to some extent."

With Horikita Manabu around, it wasn't like she could afford to ignore him.

"...What do you want in return?" Kushida asked, her gaze locked onto his, unreadable yet wary.

"Simple." Hikaru leaned forward slightly, lowering his voice as if sealing a deal.

"I'll gather intel for you—and in return, you gather intel for me. A mutually beneficial partnership."

"..."

A moment of silence hung between them, the weight of the proposal settling in.

~~~

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