COTE: Starting With Love Stock Market System

After sitting in his room and thinking for a long while, Hikaru finally managed to match the name Ayanokōji Kiyotaka with the person.

From what he recalled, Ayanokōji sat in the corner of Class C's classroom. During the time Hikaru was collecting Private Points, he had contributed a notable amount, and he was also involved when they were looking for witnesses in Sudo's case.

"So why do I have almost no impression of him at all?"

Hikaru rubbed his chin, puzzled. His memory of Ayanokōji was vague at best. He wasn't sure if the guy naturally had a low presence or if it was simply his own negligence.

"But to think he was the one who came up with the idea of buying past exam papers?"

If Ayanokōji had thought of such a plan, it meant he had a sharp and strategic mind. That also suggested that, in the future, Hikaru might have to face off against him.

"Class C is turning out to be even more interesting than I expected. With so many complex and multi-faceted students, I'm sure I'll get to witness some unique developments soon."

Committing the name firmly to memory, Hikaru turned his attention back to his system interface.

Now that he had repurchased Kushida Kikyo stock, his current portfolio consisted of four stocks in total.

---

[Stock Interface]

Ichinose Honami Stock

Current Price: ???

Held Quantity: ???

Sakura Airi Stock

Current Price: ???

Held Quantity: ???

Shiina Hiyori Stock

Current Price: ???

Held Quantity: ???

Kushida Kikyo Stock

Current Price: 20

Held Quantity: ???

---

His gaze swept over the stock information, recalling the faces associated with each one. Aside from Ichinose Honami stock, which was directly tied to Class Competitions, the other three had no relation to inter-class conflicts.

One was an avid Suzune supporter, another was his fellow book enthusiast from the library, and the last was a two-faced idol whose stock could be raised simply by keeping her close.

"Also, even though Sakura is practically invisible in class, maybe she could provide some intel?"

At this point, Hikaru had already secured two informants in Class C—one in plain sight (Kushida Kikyo), and the other hidden in the shadows (Sakura Airi).

Given Sakura's timid personality, expecting her to actively gather intelligence would be unrealistic. However, as a class member, she would inevitably hear things.

"It's worth testing the waters."

Hikaru stroked his chin thoughtfully. If he aimed to control an entire school year like Nagumo, he would need operatives embedded in all four classes.

Class A was already unified under him.

Class C now had two key pieces.

For Class D, he had at least met Shiina Hiyori, who was closely connected to the class representative, Ibuki Mio. That was a potential entry point.

The real problem was Class B.

Unlike the other classes, Hikaru had no established connections with anyone from Class B. More importantly, they posed the greatest threat to his class's dominance, and their overall student quality was formidable.

"Looks like I still have a lot of work ahead..."

Lying back on his bed, Hikaru stared at the ceiling.

In two days, it would be June 1st. That meant not only a refresh for the system's Trading Shop, but also the long-awaited update on Class Evaluation Points. The true impact of the Midterms would soon be revealed.

"And I also need to push forward my plans regarding the Student Council. The Midterms are over—it's time to move on to the next step."

With countless thoughts swirling in his mind, Hikaru methodically organized his next moves.

---

May 31st — 9:30 PM

After finishing his swimming practice, Hikaru bid farewell to Kiryuin Fuuka. Over the past few weeks, he had frequently encountered this upperclassman at the pool, but he had always treated her as nothing more than a swimming instructor.

Since she was a second-year student, and her stock had yet to be activated, he didn't see the need to go out of his way to deepen their relationship. For now, it was best to wait for the right opportunity.

Just before he left, the tall, silver-haired girl called out to him.

"Hikaru-kun, today's the last day of your pool access, right?"

"Yes, Kiryuin-senpai."

"Are you planning to renew it next month?"

"That depends on my schedule," Hikaru replied politely. Bowing slightly, he added, "I sincerely appreciate your guidance during our training sessions. I'll make sure to remember your techniques."

Kiryuin chuckled, studying him with her sharp crimson eyes.

"Good. You've improved a lot. Keep refining your skills, and maybe you'll surprise me again someday."

"Thank you, Kiryuin-senpai. I'll be taking my leave now."

As Hikaru walked away, the silver-haired girl remained standing in the pool, watching his retreating figure with a thoughtful expression.

"I have a feeling we'll cross paths again soon..."

---

As soon as he left the pool, Hikaru's system interface displayed a new update. Since he had started his swimming regimen on May 2nd, today marked the final day of his training.

---

[Daily Exercise Completed]

Total Exercise Time: 60 minutes

Monthly Exercise Goal Achieved (30/30)

[Effect Applied] Physique Enhancement: +1

[Current Physical Ability]: 4 → 5

[Athletic Booster Expired]

---

Feeling the subtle changes in his body, Hikaru grinned.

After two months of consistent training, his once frail physique had undergone a full transformation. With a physique stat of 5, he had officially escaped weakling status. In fact, with his daily swimming and running, his fitness level was now above average.

But more than his body, Hikaru was anticipating something else.

Tonight, the Trading Shop was about to refresh.

For the first time ever, he was staying up past his usual bedtime to check it out. Normally, he would be asleep by 11 PM to maintain a disciplined schedule. But now that he was managing multiple stocks, he needed to see what new items would become available.

As the clock struck midnight, a new notification appeared.

---

[Trading Shop Refreshed]

Stock Analyzer

Extracurricular Reading Material

30% Discount Voucher (Limited Use)

Soccer (Advanced Proficiency)

Violin Performance (Beginner)

[Stat Boost: Intellect]

"Huh?"

One item immediately caught Hikaru's attention.

---

[30% Discount Voucher (Limited Use)]

Description: A special item from the Trading Shop, granting a one-time 30% discount on any high-value purchase. Use it wisely to maximize its effect.

---

"Damn!"

The moment Hikaru read the description, his mind raced.

The Trading Shop's most expensive items were usually stat boosts like intellect or Charm, which were absurdly expensive. He had never considered purchasing them due to their exorbitant price.

But now?

With a 30% discount, the possibility became a lot more tempting.

Especially if a Physique Boost showed up next month.

With just seven figures worth of funds, he could instantly raise his physical ability without any effort—no running, no swimming, no training. A direct stat increase.

"This is huge..."

For the first time, Hikaru felt a real temptation to buy a stat boost.

"This voucher alone makes this month's refresh worth it!"

Feeling fired up, Hikaru checked the rest of the shop's offerings.

Just then—

"Hey, Hikaru-kun," a familiar voice called.

Looking up, he found Ichinose standing beside his desk, a radiant smile on her face.

"You noticed, right?" She beamed, her ocean-blue eyes filled with excitement.

"Huh?"

"My new perfume!" Ichinose extended her hands toward him. "Come on, try and guess the scent!"

"Uh… I'm not really an expert in perfumes…"

Just as he was about to refuse, he caught sight of her hopeful expression.

And, well…

There was no way he could say no to that.

~~~

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