COTE: Starting With Love Stock Market System

Hikaru chose the same yakiniku restaurant they had previously visited for a group meal. The place was spacious and had private rooms with good soundproofing, making it an ideal setting for discussing important matters without worrying about being overheard by other students.

As he stood at the counter informing the staff of their reservation, the group behind him began whispering among themselves.

"Ichinose-san, do you know what Hikaru-kun is planning today?" Ando clasped Ichinose's hand, her curiosity evident.

"I'm not sure. He didn't tell me," the pink-haired girl shook her head lightly. Though she was equally puzzled, she recalled that Hikaru had assured her he wouldn't carry out any plans behind her back. Calling everyone together today was proof enough of that.

"Man, Hikaru keeping us all in the dark? That's not cool!" Shibata, who considered himself Hikaru's best friend, expressed his mock outrage, deliberately putting on an exaggeratedly displeased face.

"Since we're already here, let's just wait and see what he has in store. No need to rush, Shibata," Kanzaki spoke calmly, glancing toward the boy at the counter.

"Yeah, let's just wait."

A few minutes later, the group was led to a private room spacious enough for more than eight people. Everyone chose their seats, with an unspoken understanding leaving the two middle seats next to each other open for Hikaru and Ichinose. Once everyone had settled in and the waiter left to fetch the meat, Hikaru finally spoke.

"Alright, let me explain the purpose of today's gathering."

Clearing his throat, his gaze swept across the group, his expression serious.

"I'm sure all of you are aware of the student council."

"I know about it. The student council has a lot of power, right? They were the ones who organized the entrance ceremony," Shibata responded quickly, his extensive social network making him well-informed about school affairs.

"That's correct. Over these past two months, I believe everyone has gained a deeper understanding of this school—whether it be the various rules or the competitive dynamics between classes."

"However, as of now, the student council remains somewhat of a mystery to us. We don't fully understand its operational structure or the scope of its authority."

"As a key organization governing student affairs, joining the student council would undoubtedly give our class a significant advantage."

Ichinose leaned against Hikaru's shoulder, gazing at him intently. Every time he laid out plans or strategies for the class, she couldn't help but feel her heartbeat quicken.

"Are you saying we should join the student council?" Kanzaki's tone was skeptical. "But I heard some first-years applied before and were all rejected."

"Is the student council really that hard to join? Do they have strict screening procedures?"

"I don't know the specifics, but from what I've heard, they haven't started accepting first-year applicants yet. Most of the current members are upperclassmen."

"Then what's our approach?"

The group turned their attention back to Hikaru, waiting for his thoughts.

"That's exactly why I called you all here today."

Pausing briefly, Hikaru smiled slightly. "But you don't need to worry about how difficult it is to join—because I've already secured two guaranteed admission spots."

"What?"

"Guaranteed spots!?"

Everyone, including Ichinose, was visibly shocked.

"What do you mean, guaranteed? Hikaru-kun, don't tell me you've already made connections with the student council?" Ichinose's voice carried a hint of urgency as she locked eyes with him.

"Yeah, Hikaru, don't tell me you've already struck a deal with someone from the student council?" Shibata's expression was full of disbelief, echoing the thoughts of the others.

Although they all acknowledged Hikaru's capabilities as the class's core strategist, what he just said still left them stunned.

"Something like that. I've established a personal connection with the student council president, Horikita Manabu."

Hikaru nodded slightly before pulling up his phone's contact list and showing them the screen. Seeing the name Horikita Manabu written there, the group's astonishment only deepened.

"Unbelievable… You actually became acquaintances with the third-year student council president?" Ando gasped. She had a fairly wide social circle, but it was limited to first-year students—establishing a connection with upperclassmen was something she hadn't managed.

"Yeah, this is insane. Hikaru, how did you even meet Horikita-senpai?"

"Was it during that disciplinary hearing?" Ichinose recalled their previous clash with Ibuki, where Manabu had made an appearance.

"Of course not, but that's not the point right now."

Hikaru had no intention of explaining his connection to Suzune, so he swiftly redirected the conversation. "Anyway, I secured two spots for our class in the student council. And I intend to choose the candidates from among you."

"Huh?"

"You're choosing from us? Don't you want to join the student council yourself?"

"Yeah, if you were in the student council, wouldn't you be able to do even more for the class?"

Their reactions were well within Hikaru's expectations. Naturally, he had no intention of joining himself. Managing his time was crucial—he had too many things to handle. Joining the student council would consume his after-school hours, drastically cutting into his ability to manage other affairs.

"What's your reasoning, Hikaru-kun?"

Ichinose took a deep breath, her bright eyes filled with questions. Upon hearing his plan, her first thought had been joining the student council alongside him—it would mean more time together.

"It's not that I don't want to join. It's just that I think we should divide responsibilities."

Hikaru smiled, explaining, "I'm sure many of you are thinking that the best choice would be for Ichinose and me to both enter the student council."

Everyone nodded, clearly having considered the same idea.

"But think about this—student council activities take up a lot of time. If things get busy, we might have to stay late."

"It's not that I mind the workload. I just believe it's better if one of us joins the student council while the other remains in class to handle any urgent matters."

"What if something major happens while we're both caught up with student council duties?" Hikaru reasoned. "For instance, take the recent fight involving Class C. It was later proven that Class D had framed them. But what if they decided to target us next?"

"If one of us stays behind, we can respond to such incidents immediately. Otherwise, we'd have to leave it to the student council, where we'd be surrounded by upperclassmen. If we're in the middle of a task assigned by the council, how would we even begin to prioritize?"

"That would create a lot of problems. Do you see what I'm getting at?"

His explanation left the group silent.

It made perfect sense. Everyone here was aware that Hikaru and Ichinose were the pillars of their class. If both of them were occupied with student council work after school, and something serious happened, their absence could cause chaos.

"That… does make sense. I think Hikaru's reasoning is solid."

"Yeah, if both of you are away and something major happens, things could really fall apart," Ando agreed after some thought.

"What do you think, Ichinose-san?" Hikaru turned to the pink-haired girl beside him.

She mulled over the scenario he presented and concluded that his logic was sound. His plan would ensure stability within the class.

"I agree with Hikaru-kun's approach. If that's the case, then I'll join the student council while Hikaru-kun stays with the class."

"Are you sure? I could go instead," Hikaru tested her reaction, though he had already anticipated her response. Given her personality, there was no doubt she would insist on taking on the role.

"No, Hikaru-kun, you staying with the class is the better choice. I trust your ability to handle things here!" she stated firmly.

"Alright, that settles the first spot. Now, let's decide on the second member."

~~~

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