COTE: Starting With Love Stock Market System

By the time the next day arrived, Hikaru was in the classroom, reviewing the situation with Ichinose.

"When we split up yesterday, Kushida-san took it upon herself to talk to Sakura-san," the pink-haired girl said to Hikaru. "After hearing Horikita-san's analysis, I think there's a strong possibility she might be right."

"Well, Kushida-san is skilled in social interactions, so she should be able to get some clues from her," Hikaru replied with a smile.

He had always acknowledged Kushida's social skills. Even if she wore a mask, her ability to maintain good relationships with so many people was undeniably a unique talent.

"Yeah, I trust Kushida-san too. Hopefully, we'll make some progress today," Ichinose nodded in agreement. She also believed that Kushida was someone who excelled at making friends. Plus, since Sakura Airi was her classmate, there was a good chance she could extract valuable information.

"There's nothing we can do right now but wait for her results," Hikaru said as he took out a book from his desk. "Worrying won't change anything, so we might as well focus on our studies."

"Mhm."

Just before the school day ended, Hikaru received a message from Kushida.

Kushida Kikyo: Hikaru-kun, something unexpected happened.

Hashima Hikaru: What happened?

Kushida Kikyo: Sakura-san's camera broke. I plan to accompany her to get it repaired after school.

Hashima Hikaru: What about the eyewitness situation? Did you get a chance to ask her?

Kushida Kikyo: I was just about to bring it up when the camera fell and broke…

Kushida subtly glanced toward the back of the classroom, where a girl with her head down was sitting quietly—the very witness Suzune had identified.

During lunch, Kushida had approached the girl with her usual friendly demeanor, hoping to strike up a conversation. However, just as she started talking, Sakura hurriedly denied any involvement in the matter and attempted to leave.

But in her haste to escape, she tripped and fell, sending her cherished pink camera crashing onto the ground.

"No way… Why isn't it turning on…?"

Seeing this, Sakura's expression turned frantic as she repeatedly pressed the camera's buttons. Kushida immediately stepped in, apologizing while offering to help.

She then suggested taking the camera to an electronics store in Keyaki Mall for repairs after school. If necessary, she was even willing to cover the repair costs.

After some hesitation, Sakura eventually agreed to the proposal and made plans to go with Kushida after class.

Returning to their chat:

Kushida Kikyo: In any case, once the camera is fixed, I'll try my best to build rapport with Sakura-san. Hopefully, we can accomplish our goal smoothly.

Hashima Hikaru: Good luck.

After putting down his phone, Hikaru was about to continue studying when Ichinose's voice interrupted him.

"Hikaru-kun, do you have any plans for this afternoon?"

"Not really. Why?" Hikaru turned to the pink-haired girl, noticing the anticipation in her eyes. It was clear she had something in mind.

"Your fridge is empty again, you know? Shouldn't we restock?" she said playfully. After their last cooking session, she had realized that most of the food and other supplies in his kitchen were nearly depleted.

"Uh… I guess so," Hikaru scratched his head, feeling a bit embarrassed. Ever since Ichinose started cooking at his place, he had completely stopped paying attention to his fridge—she was the one who usually took care of everything.

"Then let's go shopping this afternoon! We can go to the fresh produce section at Keyaki Mall. I heard they restock with fresh deliveries every morning!" she suggested enthusiastically.

Seeing her expectant expression, Hikaru nodded. "Sounds like a plan. Since you've been doing all the work, let me take care of dinner tonight."

"Really? Okay!" Ichinose nodded excitedly, her face lighting up with a dazzling smile.

---

Keyaki Mall - Fresh Produce Section

After school, the two of them headed to the supermarket in Keyaki Mall, where neatly organized shelves were stocked with a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Hikaru instinctively grabbed a shopping cart while Ichinose happily browsed through the ingredients and household necessities. Since she was so enthusiastic about it, he decided to let her take charge.

Despite both of them being in their school uniforms, the sight of them shopping together—Ichinose carefully picking out groceries while Hikaru pushed the cart—created a peaceful and harmonious atmosphere. They drew quite a few glances from other students passing by.

With their striking appearances, they looked even more like a well-matched couple.

Like a married couple, huh?

About ten minutes later, as Hikaru was walking past an open aisle, he suddenly felt someone's gaze on him.

Pausing for a moment, he lifted his head and spotted two familiar figures nearby.

It was Kushida and a red-haired girl who kept her head down, looking rather timid.

"What's wrong, Hikaru-kun?" Ichinose noticed him stopping and followed his gaze, soon spotting the two girls as well.

"It's Kushida-san."

As soon Ichinose identified them, Kushida approached with a friendly smile. The red-haired girl, however, remained frozen in place.

"Good afternoon! I wasn't expecting to run into you two here!" Kushida greeted cheerfully.

"Yeah, what a coincidence,"

Ichinose replied, placing another vegetable into the cart. "Are you here to shop?"

"Not really. I came with Sakura-san to get her camera fixed."

Kushida glanced at Hikaru, who was pushing the shopping cart, and Ichinose, who was placing items inside. They truly resembled a newlywed couple on a grocery run. The realization gave Kushida a strange, inexplicable feeling that unsettled her.

"Sakura-san?" Ichinose looked over at the red-haired girl. "So she's the witness Horikita-san suspected?"

"Mhm. But I still haven't gotten a clear answer from her yet."

Kushida noticed Ichinose's curiosity and then shifted her gaze to Hikaru. She suddenly asked, "Honami-chan, do you want to come with us to the electronics store?"

"Would that be okay?" Ichinose hesitated but was clearly interested. She was curious whether Sakura really was the witness.

Looking at Hikaru, she asked, "What do you think, Hikaru-kun?"

"Hmm… I don't mind. I'll just carry the bags," Hikaru shrugged.

"Alright, let's check out first."

After purchasing their groceries, Hikaru carried the shopping bags while

Ichinose and Kushida returned to where Sakura was waiting.

"Sakura-san, this is Ichinose-san. She's here to help too," Kushida introduced her.

She then pointed toward Hikaru, who was standing a little distance away. "And that's Hikaru-kun. He'll be coming with us as well."

"Ah…!"

At the mention of Hikaru's name, Sakura suddenly lifted her head, her gaze landing directly on him.

She had a unique impression of him ever since that day when he had announced the hidden r. Back then, when the topic of confiscating Private Points came up, she had instinctively glanced up—only to lock eyes with him.

Strangely enough, despite her usual discomfort with making eye contact, she hadn't felt uneasy when their gazes met.

On the contrary, his eyes had been calm and unintrusive. He hadn't lingered on her like others often did. Instead, he had quickly looked away, treating her like just another passerby.

That had left an impression on her.

Due to her well-developed figure, Sakura had always been hyper-aware of people's gazes since puberty. Over time, she had developed an acute sense of people's thoughts about her, which only deepened her fear of social interaction.

Since enrolling in this school, she had done everything to remain unnoticed, avoiding unnecessary interactions—especially with male students whose stares made her uncomfortable.

Yet, Hikaru was the first person whose presence didn't evoke that repulsion.

So she remembered his name.

"Good afternoon, Sakura-san! I'm Ichinose Honami," Ichinose greeted warmly.

"H-Hello…"

"Hikaru-kun, come over here," Kushida called.

"On my way."

As Hikaru stepped closer, Sakura nervously looked up at him, and their eyes met once again.

He studied her briefly—her long red hair, her pink-framed glasses, and her timid demeanor. She didn't seem like someone who sought attention.

Offering a small smile, he greeted her gently, "Nice to meet you, Sakura-san. I'm Hashima Hikaru."

"I… I'm Sakura Airi… Nice to meet you."

She gathered all her courage to introduce herself. And once again, she felt that same inexplicable sensation when she met his eyes.

At that moment, Hikaru heard a familiar system notification.

[Ding! Airi Sakura's stock is now available!]

[Current stock price: 30]

[Issued shares: 5,000]

"Huh?"

Another 5,000 shares?

That made three now.

And all three were standing right in front of him—Ichinose Honami, Kushida Kikyo, and Sakura Airi.

Was there some kind of pattern here?

Hikaru rubbed his chin, a peculiar expression forming on his face as a thought struck him.

~~~

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