Celebration Party / Gossip at the Yakiniku Restaurant

"So that's how it is. Senior Nagumo really is amazing!"

A flicker of surprise crossed Hashiba Hikaru's eyes. He'd thought this guy had always been in Class A. He hadn't expected there to be more to it.

"After what happened today, I've realized that Classmate Hashiba is a very righteous person. You were even willing to stand up for students from another class and bravely call out someone else's violence."

Nagumo looked at Hashiba, his voice rising with enthusiasm. "People like you are exactly who the Student Council needs. So I'd like to invite you to join us. Would you be interested?"

"Well..."

When Hashiba Hikaru's face lit up with the excitement of being recognized, Nagumo couldn't help giving a cold laugh inwardly.

His assessment of the boy in front of him was nothing like what he'd said aloud.

This first-year student had managed to get in touch with students from another class just four days after the start of term, then devise such a sinister plan to frame someone who intended to become his class leader. How could he possibly be harmless?

But then again, if Hashiba Hikaru had that kind of ability, he was exactly what Nagumo wanted.

He needed someone who stood out among the first-years. Once he took over from Horikita Manabu and became Student Council President, having Hashiba's help would make it much easier to take control of the school.

If he could, Nagumo didn't mind helping Hashiba Hikaru unite the first-years. After all, he would eventually be the school's sole ruler. Wouldn't having a capable subordinate be even better?

"Well, Senior Nagumo, I've given it some thought. I need to focus on my studies for now, so I probably can't join the Student Council just yet." Hashiba Hikaru seemed troubled, hesitation in his voice. "Could I give you my answer after the exams?"

"Of course. Studying is our most important task right now." Nagumo laughed heartily, appearing very magnanimous. "Then give me your answer after the end-of-month exams. I look forward to seeing you again, Classmate Hashiba."

"Okay. Thank you, Senior Nagumo. I'll do my best."

Though Hashiba Hikaru wore an excited expression, disdain surfaced in his heart.

Senior Nagumo made his intentions completely obvious. With skills like that, how had he ever managed to fight Horikita Manabu?

Was there no one else in the Second Year? Honestly.

Chapter 31: Celebration Party

After Hashiba Hikaru left the Student Council, he kept reviewing what he'd discovered there that day. Besides dealing with the troublesome Ryuen, he had to admit he'd gained quite a lot.

For example, the Student Council was divided. Horikita Manabu was now in his third year, so he wouldn't remain Student Council President for much longer. He would probably hand over the position to Miyabi Nagumo, the Student Council Vice President, after the second term ended.

Although the two were fellow Student Council members, it was obvious at a glance that they didn't get along. They had even begun openly and covertly struggling against each other.

"If both of them want to invite me to join the Student Council, they probably have more than one reason for it." Hashiba Hikaru rubbed his chin, forming a rough idea. "Do they want me to fight the other side?"

The boy's expression remained calm as he murmured, "I don't want to be a pawn. Being a player is much more interesting."

"If I can get involved with the Student Council, I should be able to learn more. Maybe I can even use that information in the class competition."

"But for now, I'll take things as they come. Until the right opportunity presents itself, it's probably better not to get involved with them."

When Hashiba Hikaru reached the dormitory, he took out his phone and glanced at it. It seemed his classmates in Class B had been following his actions closely. They were chatting excitedly in the group.

So he began typing a message, intending to reassure everyone.

In the Class B Family group chat.

Kanzaki Ryuji: I wonder if Classmate Hashiba succeeded. This is making me nervous.

Shibata Sou: Don't worry. With Classmate Hashiba's abilities, there's no way he failed. He's probably already on his way back to the dorm.

Ando Sayo: I believe in Classmate Hashiba too. If he succeeded, should we throw him a celebration party?

Ichinose Honami: A celebration party? Sounds good to me. We could invite Classmate Ibuki, too.

Shiranami Chihiro: Are you and that girl from Class C close, Classmate Ichinose?

Ichinose Honami: We only just met! Honestly, Classmate Shiranami.

Just then, Hashiba's message went through.

Hashiba Hikaru: We succeeded. Ryuen's been suspended, so he won't be able to attend class for a month.

As soon as he sent it, new messages began popping up beneath it.

Shibata Sou: What? That's great! I knew Classmate Hashiba could do it!

Ando Sayo: Classmate Hashiba, you're amazing! I'm going to organize a celebration party. You have to come!

Ichinose Honami: @Hashiba Hikaru, Classmate Hashiba, where are you now?

Kanzaki Ryuji: Ando, have you picked a place yet? I'm at Keyaki Mall right now. If you haven't, I can make a reservation at the Family Restaurant.

Shiranami Chihiro: If we're throwing a celebration party, should we really invite students from other classes?

Ichinose Honami: I messaged Classmate Ibuki. Let's see if she wants to come.

"Heh, how lively."

Seeing everyone suddenly get so animated in the group chat, Hashiba couldn't help smiling. Who wouldn't want to enjoy a happy school life?

Unfortunately, this wasn't an ordinary high school.

He typed another message, then closed the chat and walked into the dormitory.

Hashiba Hikaru: Let's have the celebration party tomorrow. I'm a little tired today.

Back in his room, Hashiba Hikaru lay on the soft bed and closed his eyes to rest. Ryuen had been suspended, so at least he wouldn't hear from him for a month.

Although Ryuen had still declared that he wouldn't give up on becoming the class leader, Class B wouldn't have to deal with him when interacting with Class C in the meantime. That spared them a lot of trouble.

Meanwhile, with three students from Class C suspended all at once, the class would definitely lose a lot of Class Evaluation Points. If Hashiba waited until the end of the week to sell the rules, he could maximize the gap between their classes.

As for Class D, he'd have to wait until Friday's homeroom. Then Hashiba would tally how many points they'd spent before deciding when to sell them the rules.

Once all four classes learned the rules, they'd all be back on the same starting line. But given the differences in the students' abilities, it was impossible to predict what kind of sparks would fly.

Class A, divided against itself; Class C, with students already suspended; and Class D, which hadn't done much so far.

How exciting.

Thinking of this, Hashiba Hikaru opened his System Panel again. His Stock Interface still had only three stocks.

Aside from the Chabashira Sae Stock, which didn't interest him much, Hashiba still didn't know which class the girl represented by the Horikita Suzune Stock belonged to.

He would probably find out when he went to sell the rules later. The boy also remembered something from the Opening Ceremony. He recalled that Class D had a lot of beautiful girls. Maybe he'd unlock even more new stocks.

"Please give me a stock with a lower initial price and a larger number of shares."

Hashiba Hikaru stared at the system's Trading Shop. He'd been craving the items in there for ages. As long as he kept developing the next stock, he'd earn enough money to buy them.

The next morning, after finishing his workout, Hashiba Hikaru walked into Class B. As soon as he entered, the students who were already there gathered around him again, their faces beaming with joy.

"Classmate Hashiba, I heard your plan succeeded again. That's amazing!"

"Just as expected of Classmate Hashiba. I knew everything would be fine as soon as you stepped in!"

After responding to everyone's praise, Hashiba Hikaru went to his seat. The classmates who had attended the Freshman Liaison Meeting watched him approach, all looking happy.

"Congratulations on your triumphant return, Classmate Hashiba. You've taken care of another problem for Class B."

"Ando's already picked a place. Come to the celebration party after school today, Classmate Hashiba. Let us thank you for everything you've done for Class B."

"You don't have an excuse this time, do you, Classmate Hashiba?" Shibata draped an arm over Hashiba Hikaru's shoulder and said with a grin. "You're not allowed to refuse."

"Got it. I'll come."

Faced with everyone's enthusiasm, the boy decided not to be a wet blanket anymore. When he sat down, he noticed Ichinose Honami beside him, looking down as she fiddled with her phone.

"Classmate Ichinose said yesterday that she wanted to invite Classmate Ibuki. Did she agree?"

"No..." The pink-haired girl shook her head. Something seemed to have appeared in her beautiful blue eyes, making her look a little troubled.

"That's all right. She is a student from Class C, after all. It's normal if she doesn't want to come to our celebration party."

After Hashiba Hikaru said that, he noticed a lingering gloom between the girl's brows.

What... was wrong?

"Is something bothering you, Classmate Ichinose?" Hashiba Hikaru asked quietly. "If there is, you can tell us. I'm sure everyone can help."

The boy studied Ichinose Honami's expression, but she only shook her head slightly and replied in her usual gentle voice, "It's nothing. I was just thinking about Classmate Ibuki. I imagine she's happy now, too."

"Really?"

"Really."

After hearing her answer, Hashiba Hikaru stopped asking. But his thoughts continued.

Something's off. It seems like Ichinose's been acting strangely ever since our conversation that night. The boy carefully thought back over the times he'd spent with her these past few days. Every now and then, she'd looked as if something was weighing on her mind.

Did something happen that changed the way she feels?

Whether out of friendship or because they were both in charge of Class B, Hashiba Hikaru wanted to help Ichinose Honami. After all, she was still the person he'd invested the most in, wasn't she?

Looks like I need to find a chance to talk to her.

Hashiba Hikaru looked at the pink-haired girl, whose face still wore a smile, and silently made up his mind.

Chapter 32: Gossip at the Yakiniku Restaurant

After learning that Hashiba Hikaru had successfully dealt with Class C's problem, the students in Class B were in a good mood all day. During breaks, they kept coming over to talk to the boy, each of them wearing a relaxed smile.

"Classmate Hashiba, Ando said she's already booked a place for the celebration party." Ichinose Honami held up her phone and showed Hashiba Hikaru a picture of a restaurant. "She picked a yakiniku restaurant this time. Classmate Shiranami and the others are all happy with it."

"Are they planning to treat me?"

A skeptical look crossed the boy's face. Yakiniku restaurants weren't cheap.

"Yeah. Everyone wants to chip in to treat you, to thank you for everything you've done for Class B these past few days."

Ichinose looked earnestly at the boy beside her. "I'm going to contribute, too. You've really been working hard lately, Classmate Hashiba."

"Why don't we split the bill instead? The other students have done a lot, too." Hashiba looked into Ichinose's eyes, making it clear that there was no need for this.

"I don't think I've actually done that much. As long as the students in Class B stay united, I believe we won't lose."

"That's why," Ichinose Honami said softly, but with conviction, "treating you to a meal this time is a class activity to show our unity. You can't refuse."

"..."

"I see. Looks like Classmate Ichinose is growing, too." Hashiba Hikaru met Ichinose Honami's gaze and forced a smile.

"Mm-hmm. Then let's go together after school."

After school, once the students had dispersed, Class B's star players gathered again.

Besides Hashiba Hikaru and Ichinose, Kanzaki Ryuji and Shibata Sou, who had taken part in the plan to target Ryuen, were there, too.

The two girls who had attended the Freshman Liaison Meeting, Ando Sayo and Shiranami Chihiro, were also there. Himeno Yuki had been invited as well, but she seemed to have club activities today, so she couldn't come.

"The private room I booked has seats for exactly six people. Let's eat to our hearts' content!"

Ando wore a cheerful smile, her face full of anticipation for the meal. After all, it was a rare chance to have dinner up close with Hashiba Hikaru. Almost every day over the past few days, someone had invited him, but he'd turned them all down.

That made this a rare opportunity, and it was one reason Ando was so eager to arrange everything.

"Mm-hmm, let's go."

Led by Ando and Ichinose, the group headed to the yakiniku restaurant where they'd booked a table. It was a very good restaurant, but its prices were much higher than the set meals in the cafeteria, so not many students came to eat there.

"Hello, I'm Ando. I made a reservation just now for six people."

"All right. Please follow me."

The young waitress wearing an apron looked at the six students before her with a very welcoming smile. The more customers there were, the larger the commission bonus she'd receive.

When they all entered the private room, they saw that it was nicely decorated inside.

Framed artwork hung on the walls, and the ceiling lights cast a warm glow across the room. A wide square table stood in the middle, with a black electric grill on top and plenty of room to cook.

The restaurant had two rows of sofas facing each other. Since Class B's group had three boys and three girls, Hashiba Hikaru naturally sat on one side between Kanzaki and Shibata, while Ichinose and the other two girls sat on the opposite side.

"Ladies first. You can order before us. I'm not picky, so order whatever you like."

"Let's start with the basic group set. If it isn't enough, we can order more later." Ichinose glanced at the group. If the boys had bigger appetites, they could always get more afterward.

"Sounds good."

"Let's go with Ichinose's suggestion. We can take our time eating this time, anyway."

While they waited for the waitress to bring the food, they passed the time chatting. Hashiba Hikaru remembered what he'd thought about that morning and realized that this gathering was a good opportunity to have a proper talk with Ichinose Honami.

So the boy looked across the table at the pink-haired girl and suggested, "Classmate Ichinose, could you step outside with me? There's something I'd like to talk to you about."