COTE: Starting With Love Stock Market System

After settling the issue with the camera, the four of them left the electronics store.

"Sakura-san, now that your camera problem is resolved, can we talk about yesterday's matter?" Kushida's attention had been on this issue the entire time—this was, after all, her primary reason for coming out today.

"Um…"

Although she had agreed to go out with Kushida today, Sakura couldn't shake the uneasy feeling she got from the short-haired girl. There was something about her that seemed strangely dangerous, making her feel wary.

"Hey, Kushida-san, don't be so impatient, okay?"

Noticing Sakura's hesitant expression, Hikaru quickly understood that aside from her shy personality, she was also quite timid. Even if she had witnessed the violent incident, getting her to testify wouldn't be easy.

"Yeah, let's give Sakura-san some time to think it over."

As someone adept at reading the atmosphere, Ichinose immediately sensed that Sakura wasn't comfortable in social situations.

"Ugh… fine. But if you decide, let me know, okay?"

Seeing that Ichinose and Hikaru were suddenly in agreement, Kushida swiftly changed her tone.

"…Okay."

Sakura nodded lightly, but her gaze involuntarily drifted toward the only boy present—Hashima Hikaru.

"Um, thank you for earlier, Hikaru. I… really appreciate it…" She felt the need to express her gratitude. Facing the intimidating store clerk's gaze had completely shut her down, making it impossible for her to speak.

"It's nothing. Everyone has things they're good at and things they struggle with. If something is difficult, it's okay to rely on your friends."

Hikaru smiled warmly and gestured toward Kushida and Ichinose, continuing, "If you ever need help, Kushida-san and Ichinose-san will be there for you. You can trust them."

"That's right! We all want to support you, Sakura-san!"

Uniting classmates was Ichinose's specialty, so she quickly caught onto Hikaru's message and immediately reinforced it. "Even if we're not in the same class, if you ever need help, I'll always be there for you."

"Me too, me too!" Kushida added cheerfully.

"Thank you… all of you."

Though she felt grateful, Sakura wasn't the type to openly express her emotions. In a situation like this, all she could do was offer a soft word of thanks—any promises or deeper expressions were beyond her ability.

"And of course, if you ever have any questions for me, just ask—I'll answer honestly."

Hikaru was carefully testing his approach.

Since Sakura was naturally timid, he had to be careful with his approach. If he rushed things, it could backfire.

That's why, from the very beginning, he kept his demeanor and gaze soft, making sure not to seem pushy.

"Mm…"

Sakura looked at Hikaru's face. For the first time, she didn't feel the usual discomfort she had around boys.

She had always been wary of male attention, but Hikaru's gaze was clear and free of ulterior motives.

She could feel it was genuine.

This was the first time since coming to this school that she had ever felt that way.

For the first time, she didn't feel the urge to run away.

---

As the four of them walked through Keyaki Mall, several female students appeared ahead of them—Ando Sayo, Himeno, and a few others.

They soon noticed Hikaru and the others, waving enthusiastically as they approached.

Hikaru quickly noticed Sakura's face turning pale and immediately made a decision.

"Since we ran into some familiar faces, Ichinose-san and Kushida-san, why don't you two go say hello?"

"Hikaru, you're not coming?" Ichinose blinked in confusion.

"Aren't we all classmates?"

"Don't forget about Sakura. Would you two rather leave her here alone?"

Hikaru smiled as he pointed out the obvious.

Both girls were quick-witted, and they instantly understood what he meant—Sakura probably didn't want to interact with them.

"In that case, stay here with Sakura. We'll be back soon."

Ichinose glanced at Sakura, who had lowered her head again, and nodded in understanding.

"Yeah, we'll just go say hi."

Though Kushida wore her usual mask, her social butterfly persona meant she couldn't avoid greeting acquaintances. If she ignored someone who had already waved at her, it could cause unnecessary friction.

---

With Ichinose and Kushida gone, only Hikaru and Sakura remained.

"…Thanks, Hikaru-kun." Sakura's voice was barely above a whisper—but she understood Hikaru's thoughtfulness.

"It's nothing. I'm sure they'll explain the situation for me anyway."

Hikaru's calm demeanor and gentle presence helped Sakura muster the courage to speak.

"Hikaru-kun, you probably heard about my situation from Kushida… about the witness thing."

"Yeah, I did."

Hikaru quickly recalled the details from Sakura's stock analysis—forcing her into unwanted situations or exposing her to public scrutiny would lower her stock price.

Given her timid nature, asking her to testify was a huge burden.

"So, Hikaru-kun… what do you think I should do?" Sakura asked, looking at him expectantly.

"Hmm…"

Hikaru considered his words.

Unlike Ichinose and Kushida, Sakura wasn't comfortable with social interaction.

With those two, he could be direct. But with Sakura, he had to approach things slowly and gently.

"My advice is simple—just be yourself."

Hikaru deliberately avoided looking at her, instead gazing at the group of girls ahead to keep the conversation relaxed.

"Remember what I said earlier? Everyone has things they're good at and things they struggle with. Even if you're connected to this situation, it doesn't mean you have to take responsibility."

"This isn't your fault, so there's no need to burden yourself."

"If you have evidence, you can hand it over to someone who can deal with it. If you don't, you can give a simple testimony to share your perspective."

"At the end of the day, no one can force you to make a decision—I want you to do what feels right for you."

"Do… what feels right for me?"

Sakura clasped her hands together, carefully thinking over his words.

"Yeah. You're the one who decides. What you want to do and what you don't want to do."

Hikaru glanced at the Love Stock Market System, confirming his strategy was working.

As expected, the system notification appeared.

[Your words gave Sakura Airi the courage to support her class. She now trusts and values you more.]

[Sakura Airi Stock Price +10 | Current Price: 40]

Seeing this, Hikaru knew he was on the right track.

To gain her trust, he had to take things slowly and let her make her own choices.

If he rushed her or pushed her into something she wasn't ready for, it could backfire.

"I've decided. I'll tell Kushida-san about that day," Sakura finally said.

"Good. As long as you're sure, that's all that matters."

Hikaru mentally revised his approach.

Originally, his plan was to collect intel after confirming the witness. But now, he realized that coaching Sakura for the hearing might backfire.

Her timid nature wasn't suited for public scrutiny, meaning he had to find someone else to take the lead in the trial.

---

"We're back, Hikaru!"

Ichinose and Kushida returned, and the four of them walked back to the dorms together.

~~~

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