COTE: Starting With Love Stock Market System

Looking at the three girls in front of him, Hikaru decided to set aside his fleeting thoughts and urged them forward.

"Aren't we going to get the camera fixed? Let's hurry."

"Mm, Sakura-san, let's go," Kushida called out to the timid Sakura, who still seemed a little uneasy in a crowd. The three girls walked ahead, while Hikaru followed behind.

Observing Sakura, Hikaru hesitated for a moment before spending 1,000 points to activate the [Stock Analyzer], immediately using it on her.

---

[Sakura Airi Stock]

Character Information: A long-haired girl with glasses who avoids dressing up. She is shy and dislikes drawing attention to herself, often lacking motivation in social situations. However, she has a surprisingly energetic side—she works as a blog idol and a magazine model online, always carrying a camera with her.

Stock Price Increase Strategy: Become her trusted friend, help her with personal issues, and take pictures together.

Stock Price Decrease Risk: Stalking her, forcing her into situations she dislikes, or pushing her into the public eye.

---

"Seriously? Another girl with a hidden side?"

Hikaru mentally sighed after reading the analysis.

What is wrong with this school? Does everyone here have a secret double life or something?!

But upon further thought, Sakura was different from Kushida. Her stock price increase method was much simpler—there was no complex interpersonal web to navigate. As long as he built a solid friendship with her, her stock price would rise.

"If I go all-in, I'll need a hefty amount of funds…"

Hikaru hesitated.

His next planned investment was Shiina Hiyori. Like Sakura, her stock price increase had nothing to do with class competition, making her a safe bet.

But now, a new stock option appeared out of nowhere, and it was available at a massive 5,000 shares.

"Should I go all-in?"

Adding to his dilemma, there was the [Martial Arts (Master Level)] skill, which he really wanted. If he invested fully in both stocks, his remaining funds would nearly bottom out.

But at the same time, Hikaru felt like he had been too conservative with his investments. Always thinking too much before acting. Now that he had successfully cashed out multiple stocks, it was time to start playing the market like a true trader.

As the four of them entered the electronics store, Hikaru finally made up his mind.

He was going all-in.

He decided to buy both stocks, and over time, build relationships with each target separately. Once their stock prices peaked, he would sell immediately and decide later if he wanted to crash their values.

---

[Would you like to purchase Sakura Airi Stock?]

[Enter Quantity]

[Sakura Airi Stock fully acquired. Current balance: 0]

After securing the stock, Hikaru put on a friendly smile and started chatting with Sakura.

"Sakura-san, have you been to this store before?"

"Um… I went once, but I didn't buy anything," she replied in a soft voice, but still answered earnestly. "But I know they do repairs here."

"I see. Then let's go ask."

Following Sakura's lead, they approached the counter. The store had various products displayed, with red banners advertising discount promotions.

"Welcome," greeted a bearded male store clerk with a polite smile as he eyed the group.

"Excuse me, do you do camera repairs here?" Sakura gathered her courage and asked.

"Yes, of course. Do you have the camera with you?"

"I do."

Sakura handed over her camera, and after a few minutes of inspection, the store clerk looked straight at her and said:

"The power unit is broken. Do you have a warranty card?"

"Oh, yes! I brought it with me today."

She reached into her pocket, pulled out the warranty card, and placed it on the counter.

The clerk picked up the small card, his smile suddenly turning strangely eager. His tone became overly enthusiastic.

"It's still under warranty, huh? Well, that means we can replace the power unit for you free of charge!"

"But first, I'll need you to fill out this form—all the required information must be completed."

Hikaru had been observing the entire exchange. For some reason, he felt the clerk's attitude was off—as if he was particularly fixated on Sakura.

"Name, address…" The store clerk grinned, placing a form on the counter and handing her a pen. "And don't forget your phone number."

"..."

As the clerk's eyes blatantly scanned her, Sakura stiffened, her body frozen in fear.

She couldn't move.

Hikaru noticed her subtle trembling immediately. Without hesitation, he stepped in front of her and called out:

"Kushida-san, come here for a second."

Hearing his voice, both Kushida and Ichinose turned toward him.

"Huh? What's up, Hikaru-kun?" Kushida walked up to them, puzzled. "Did something happen?"

"Can you fill out the form for Sakura?"

"Huh?"

Kushida was taken aback, while Sakura immediately looked up at Hikaru in surprise.

"You're both classmates, so it doesn't matter who fills it out, right? Just think of it as helping out."

Hikaru flashed a reassuring smile at Sakura before gently nudging Kushida forward.

"I don't mind, but is that okay with you, Sakura-san?"

"…Yes," Sakura nodded softly after meeting Hikaru's gaze.

"Wait, what?" The store clerk's tone suddenly became sharper. "But the camera isn't hers."

"You already checked, didn't you?"

Hikaru stood his ground.

"The warranty is valid, meaning the repair should be covered. So it shouldn't matter who fills out the form."

"If you need someone to pick up the repaired camera later, they're all classmates—surely that doesn't violate any rules?"

The store clerk hesitated.

"Well… I guess that's fine."

"Good. How long will the repair take?"

"Hmm… about two to three days."

"Can you do it faster?" Hikaru glanced around the store—it seemed professional enough to offer express services.

"Uh… well, an express service would be a bit tricky…"

Hikaru narrowed his eyes.

Seeing his look, the store clerk reluctantly caved.

"If you pay for express repair, you can get it back by tomorrow afternoon. But there's an additional labor fee."

"How much?"

"Three thousand."

"I'll cover it," Kushida quickly offered. "Since I played a part in why Sakura's camera got damaged, I'd like to take responsibility."

"That's not necessary… I can pay for it myself," Sakura said, feeling slightly overwhelmed.

"No worries!"

With Kushida insisting, the express repair order was finalized. The camera was left at the store, and the four of them exited.

---

As they walked away, the store clerk clutched the pink camera tightly, his expression shifting into something unsettling.

"My angel… I'll show you just how much I love you."

~~~

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