COTE: Starting With Love Stock Market System

After finishing lunch, Hikaru waited about ten minutes before a knock finally sounded at his door.

Without hesitation, he stood up and went to open it.

Standing before him was none other than Sakura Airi, the girl who hid her identity as a part-time model and online idol behind her usual timid demeanor.

She wasn't wearing her school uniform today. Instead, she had opted for a light blue cardigan over a thin, milky-white blouse. A short blue skirt hugged her frame, paired with thigh-high black stockings that subtly highlighted the curve of her legs.

It seemed she had put on light makeup as well—an understandable choice for someone used to working as a model. She clearly knew how to emphasize her best facial features. Her delicate face looked even more captivating than usual.

However, to maintain her usual disguise, she still wore her signature red-rimmed glasses, hugging her camera tightly as she stood at the door, gazing at Hikaru.

"Good afternoon, Sakura-san."

Hikaru took in her appearance and smiled. "You look great today. Now I'm really looking forward to the photography session."

"Thank you, Hikaru-kun. You look handsome today too..."

Sakura's face warmed slightly at his compliment. She had dressed up specifically for him, after all.

As the door fully opened, she took a moment to look at him as well.

Since they were going out, Hikaru wasn't in his usual school uniform either. Instead, he wore a fitted button-up shirt, paired with navy trousers and sneakers—simple and clean, yet stylish.

"Shall we go? Did you bring an umbrella, Sakura-san?"

"I did."

Aside from the camera in her arms, she also carried a small shoulder bag. Like most girls, she had packed her essentials—though she wasn't entirely sure why she needed them. It was just a habit.

"That's good. Just in case the rain comes back while we're out."

Grabbing his own umbrella from the rack, Hikaru stepped out of his dorm and walked alongside Sakura.

Their destination was a quiet spot behind one of the school's buildings, located on the artificial island's right side. From there, they could overlook the distant, deep-blue sea. The path leading there was lined with lush greenery, dotted with brown benches, perfect for resting when needed.

As they strolled through this peaceful area, Hikaru found himself in an excellent mood.

Part of it was the weather—after the rain, the air felt fresh, the heat of summer washed away, leaving behind a cool, comfortable atmosphere.

The other part was the girl beside him.

The moment they arrived, Sakura took off her glasses, revealing her true face. Her usual shyness vanished, replaced by pure joy as she immersed herself in photography.

Watching her made Hikaru feel at ease. When she was like this, she didn't seem timid or withdrawn at all. She was simply a girl enjoying her passion.

"Hikaru-kun, look at the camera for me—I've found the perfect angle!"

Her soft voice brushed past his ears.

"Got it."

Lifting his head, he met the gaze of the red-haired girl holding up her camera.

As she clicked the shutter, Hikaru flashed a bright, relaxed smile.

"That's perfect."

Sakura tightened her grip on the pink camera in her hands, her gaze fixed on the boy through the lens.

Since the day he expressed interest in photography, they had gone on several outings like this.

At first, she had been shy—hesitant to even make eye contact with him.

But through their study sessions and repeated meet-ups, they had grown much closer.

Now, she was comfortable enough to direct him in photos.

These were her favorite moments—when Hikaru responded to her instructions with unwavering cooperation, as if he were the model, not her.

"One more! Can you turn toward the ocean this time?"

"Sure."

After taking several more shots, Sakura, still holding her camera, walked toward him, her face slightly flushed.

Whether it was from excitement or something else, even she wasn't sure.

"How did they turn out? Let me see!"

Hikaru asked eagerly.

Over time, he had learned a lot from Sakura about photography. Even using just his phone, his skills had improved considerably.

But before she could show him, something unexpected happened.

Her legs trembled—then, as if she had lost all control, she suddenly fell to the ground.

"Ah… that hurts…"

"Sakura-san!"

Alarmed, Hikaru immediately rushed to her side.

Upon reaching her, he quickly noticed the reason for her fall.

The rain had left the ground muddy and slippery, and she must not have noticed.

Her black stockings and skirt were now smeared with dirt, and while there was visible discomfort in her expression, the embarrassment of having fallen in front of him was even stronger.

"Sakura-san, are you okay?"

"I-It's…"

She tried to brush it off, but the moment she moved her ankle, a sharp pain shot through her.

"Ah—!"

"Don't move!"

Noticing her pained expression, Hikaru immediately shifted his attention to her ankle.

"It might be a sprain. We should have the school nurse take a look."

Without hesitation, he crouched in front of her.

"I'll carry you to the infirmary, Sakura-san."

"E-Eh?!"

Her face turned a deep shade of red. Her heart pounded violently in her chest.

"No time to hesitate. If it's a sprain, the sooner we treat it, the better. Otherwise, you might not even be able to walk tomorrow."

Hikaru positioned his back toward her, his tone firm.

"Come on—hurry up!"

Hearing the urgency in his voice, Sakura glanced down at her ankle.

Taking a deep breath, she hesitantly climbed onto his back.

"Hold on tight."

Hikaru reached under her legs to secure his grip before standing up.

Sakura wasn't very tall, only about 150cm, and though she had a well-proportioned figure, she was still quite light.

With his Physical Ability having increased to 4 through constant exercise and swimming, carrying her wasn't difficult.

As her feet left the ground, she instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck.

The sudden closeness, combined with his warmth and scent, made her heartbeat race even faster.

"I've got you. I'll get you to the infirmary right away."

"…Mm…"

Slowly, she began to relax, tightening her hold around him just a little more.

Blushing deeply, she whispered, "Thank you, Hikaru-kun… I'm so clumsy…"

"It's fine. You slipped because of the muddy ground—I should've warned you earlier. Besides, we're friends. No need for thanks."

As he carefully navigated the path, Hikaru made sure to walk as steadily as possible.

Feeling the warmth of his broad back, Sakura found herself momentarily lost in thought.

She didn't want to let go.

She wanted to stay like this a little longer.

His back… was so warm.

——

[Sakura Airi has grown even more attached to you. Her feelings of reliance have deepened.]

[Sakura Airi's stock price has increased by 10 points. Current value: 120.]

Carrying her, Hikaru noticed the system notification flash before him.

He smirked slightly.

At this rate, Sakura's stock might soon catch up to Ichinose's.

Everything was progressing smoothly.

~~~

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