Suzune Horikita: I'm Not a Bad Cook. / Honami Ichinose Is Up to Something in Secret.
"I see."
Horikita Suzune nodded. Before turning to leave, the girl glanced at Hashiba Hikaru's profile, knowing she owed him again.
I'll think of a way to thank him by the weekend.
Otherwise, I'll just keep owing more and more...
After organizing her thoughts, the black-haired girl quickly left the infirmary.
After she left, Hashiba Hikaru suppressed her gentle demeanor and looked at Ryuen Kakeru's face again.
"Well, your business is finished. Now it's my turn."
"Two million Private Points, please settle now."
"This is a small business, no credit allowed. I'm here on a mission. If you try to find excuses, I'll file a lawsuit against you for breach of contract."
"If you want to drop out, you don't have to."
Hashiba Hikaru waved her phone, a sly smile spreading across her face.
~~~~~
304
Chapter 304 Horikita Suzune: My cooking skills are alright.
Under Ryuen Kakeru's gloomy gaze, Ibuki, as the current class leader of Class D, quickly came over and transferred the points to Hashiba Hikaru. After all, it was a contract she had signed, and a breach of contract was absolutely unacceptable.
"Then I'll be going now. Welcome to challenge me again next time. I'll be waiting for your arrival anytime."
After confirming the transfer, Hashiba Hikaru waved to Ryuen Kakeru with a smile, then turned and left happily.
After he left, the few students from Class D who remained in the infirmary immediately started chatting.
"It seems your plan wasn't so foolproof after all; in the end, it all came to nothing."
Ibuki Rei glanced at Kinoshita lying on the hospital bed, her tone utterly blunt, "And you made Kinoshita suffer such pain."
"It was just an accident. Don't forget, if I hadn't led the class, would we have gotten second place in the grade this time?"
Ryuen Kakeru showed no sign of backing down, instead declaring loudly, "My strategy at the Sports Festival has been very effective. Once November begins, we'll definitely be able to get back into Class C, and then the position of class leader will be mine!"
"Snort!"
Ibuki Rei crossed her arms. Although she was unhappy, she knew in her heart that after this Sports Festival, more people had indeed sided with Ryuen Kakeru. If there were another vote, the girl's position as class representative would definitely be in jeopardy.
"Once I become the class leader, I will continue to lead the class forward!"
Ryuen Kakeru grinned and revealed his plan.
"After October, the Student Council will be holding elections, and they will definitely recruit many first-year students. Our class's goal is to secure a few positions."
"Joining the Student Council? Do you already have plans?"
"Of course, what do you think is the reason that guy Hashiba can be so unscrupulous? Isn't it because he has this unique channel?"
Ryuen Kakeru recalled the verbal exchange just now. He felt that if he wanted to continue climbing the ranks, he had to extend his influence into the Student Council; otherwise, he would easily find himself in a passive position.
"Where should we choose?"
Ibuki Rei was also thinking that sending the students in her class to the Student Council would indeed be a very good idea.
"We'll talk about it later. I'll let you know when I've made up my mind."
Ryuen waved at her nonchalantly, his tone incredibly irritating.
"Hmph! Let's go."
Ibuki Rei naturally didn't want to stay in the same space as this guy, so she immediately turned around and left the infirmary with Shiina Hiyori and Yamada, leaving only Kinoshita and Ryuen behind.
"I just..."
Kinoshita wanted to explain his earlier decision to give up.
"No need to say anything more, a loss is a loss, we'll win next time."
Although Ryuen Kakeru enjoys using tricks and schemes, it doesn't mean he's a sore loser. On the contrary, repeated defeats only make this man constantly learn from his experiences and accumulate strength for his next move.
"Just you wait, Hashiba Hikaru. I'll climb up step by step, and then I'll personally sink you into the abyss!"
--
After finishing the point collection, Hashiba Hikaru sent a message to Ichinose Honami and returned to her dormitory to rest.
After a full day of intense competition at the Sports Festival, the boy was indeed quite tired. Moreover, after using [Potential Burst] three times in a row, the soreness in his muscles was particularly noticeable.
"But if I train my stamina to 8 points, wouldn't I need to raise it to 10 points to unlock [Potential Burst]?"
Hashiba Hikaru carefully examined the skill description. There were no restrictions on it, and if you took it literally, it was indeed an unlimited boost.
"What an exciting future!"
Back in her dorm, Hashiba Hikaru saw that Class A's group chat was still buzzing with discussion about holding a celebration party. It seemed that the location had been chosen, but the time hadn't been decided yet.
Ichinose Honami and Ando were the main participants in the discussion in the group chat. After all, girls were more enthusiastic about this kind of activity, while for boys, it was just a meal, and the time and place didn't matter.
But at that moment, Hashiba Hikaru's phone received a new message.
We met to chat.
Horikita Suzune: When do you have time, Classmate Hashiba? I'm planning to thank you.
"Wow, that's quite a rare thing..."
Hashiba Hikaru smiled. This was the first time this guy had taken the initiative to message her; usually, she had to reach out to him first. It seemed that her help today had worked well, but Horikita Suzune's stock price still hadn't made any substantial progress.
Hashiba Hikaru: Thank me? Why is Horikita suddenly thanking me?
Horikita Suzune:... You really helped me out of that situation just now, and you've helped me a few times before, so I wanted to thank you.
Hashiba Hikaru: I see. So, Horikita, have you already decided on a way to thank me?
Horikita Suzune: Yeah, I'm planning to cook you a meal.
"???"
Upon seeing the message, Hashiba Hikaru was stunned. He blinked, thinking he had misread it.
"Wait, what's going on? Has this guy lost his mind?"
Hashiba Hikaru: Why cooking?
Horikita Suzune: It's fine whether I go to Classmate Hashiba's dorm or Classmate Hashiba comes to my dorm. I think I'm pretty good at cooking, and I can make bento boxes if you don't want to eat.
Hashiba Hikaru: I remember you earned a lot of points last time, right? Why did Horikita choose to thank me by cooking for me herself?
Horikita Suzune: I'm going to save all the points I earned, and I didn't know what to buy you, so I chose this method. Classmate Hashiba, do you have any dietary restrictions?
"..."
Hashiba Hikaru was suddenly silenced by her words, but upon reflection, they did make sense.
Horikita Suzune's current core goal is to accumulate 20 million points to directly advance in her class, so she usually spends very little on living expenses and is rarely seen buying luxury goods; even her sunscreen is the cheapest kind.
"But then we'll have to really think about the schedule."
The boy thought about his promise to Kushida Kikyo, and also about spending time with Sakura Airi and his girlfriend Ichinose Honami. Finding a suitable time to spend with them wasn't so easy.
Hashiba Hikaru: I don't have any dietary restrictions, but can I decide when to cook for me?
Horikita Suzune: Sure, I usually read in my dorm after school, so you can take care of your own things first Classmate Hashiba.
Hashiba Hikaru: Yeah, I understand.
305
Chapter 305 Ichinose Honami is on a secret mission.
After the annual Sports Festival, students from all three grades have returned to their normal routines. It's early October now, and the heavy workload of schoolwork and club activities will not stop. Everyone must continue to work hard.
Having finished her hard work at the Sports Festival, Hashiba Hikaru is now focusing all her energy on the Student Council.
As promised Horikita Manabu transferred the boy to the Activities Department the day after the Sports Festival ended, and the Second Year student Kiriyama was also a member of this department.
Hashiba Hikaru won first place in the final grade-wide Relay Race, thus gaining the other party's recognition. Currently, the boy is actively learning various affairs of the Activities Department under Kiriyama's guidance. There are still more than ten days left before Horikita Manabu steps down, so he must make the most of his time.
In mid-October, the school will hold the general election for the next Student Council, followed by a handover ceremony between the old and new Student Council. At that time, Horikita Manabu will leave, and the affairs of the Student Council will be fully handed over to Miyabi Nagumo.
In order to quickly establish herself in the Activities Department, Hashiba Hikaru must familiarize herself with all the procedures as soon as possible.
"Classmate Hashiba, you've been working really hard lately. Is there anything I can help you with?"
The silver-haired girl smiled gently. Although she had changed departments, the Student Council seating arrangement remained the same, and she was still sitting opposite Hashiba Hikaru.
"It's just that I've had a lot of things to do; I wouldn't call it hard work."
Hashiba Hikaru didn't even look up. He did have a lot of things piled up on his plate. Horikita Manabu had recently assigned him many tasks that weren't for newcomers. Although they were complicated, this was precisely the fastest way to improve.
"I've heard some interesting rumors these past few days, would you like to know, Classmate Hashiba?"
Sakayanagi Arisu didn't care about the other person's cold attitude at all. Even though he didn't even look up, the girl still kept trying to strike up a conversation.
"So Classmate Sakayanagi is the kind of person who's interested in rumors?"
"I'm a normal girl too, of course I'd be interested in rumors."
Sakayanagi Arisu smiled slightly, a slight upturn to her lips, and slowly said, "Does Classmate Hashiba want to know?"
"If you're willing to talk, then just say it."
Hashiba Hikaru didn't look up, but instead carefully examined a document in her hand. Compared to the Activities Department and Club Management Department, although they didn't have much access to funding, they could directly influence the school's most crucial rule— the S System.
To ensure the smooth implementation of each plan, the school granted the Student Council a very high level of authority, almost equivalent to that of the class advisors. As a result, each Student Council President wielded considerable power, which is why Miyabi Nagumo was able to confidently declare her intention to build a truly merit-based paradise.
"I heard that Classmate Hashiba is planning to run for Student Council Vice President, is that true?"
Sakayanagi casually voiced his question.
Upon hearing this, Hashiba Hikaru, who had been busy, suddenly stopped what he was doing and looked up at the other person's delicate and pretty face.
"Where did this rumor come from? I'm just a first-year student, how could I possibly run for Student Council Vice President?"
"Hehe, Classmate Hashiba's reaction is quite interesting. I'm very curious about whether this is true or false. Can you answer me?"
Sakayanagi stared at the other person's handsome face, his eyes sparkling with interest.
"Of course it's fake, I've never even heard of these rumors."
Hashiba Hikaru smiled and continued to look down at the documents in her hands.
"Well, I was thinking that if that's really what you're planning, Classmate Hashiba, I could have our class vote for you. Turns out it was just a misunderstanding?"
"Vote for me?"
Hashiba Hikaru's expression changed slightly. After reading the last line of the document, he carefully put it into the file folder.
Why would Classmate Sakayanagi have such thoughts?
"Because I think it's fun, and it's in the best interest of us first graders."
When Sakayanagi Arisu saw the boy opposite her finally reveal a different expression, she found it somewhat amusing. She had probably figured out his style of doing things; only matters involving personal gain could pique Hashiba Hikaru's interest.
"I'm all ears, please explain in detail Classmate Sakayanagi."
After placing the file folder into the drawer, Hashiba Hikaru looked up and gazed at the silver-haired girl's pretty face. Her skin was as delicate as a doll's, and she exuded a fairytale aura that seemed to belong to another world.
"The reason is actually not complicated. Currently, there are only two first-year members in the Student Council, Classmate Hashiba and I. After the Student Council elections, the third-year seniors will probably all leave."
"In order to bring in fresh blood, the new Student Council President will definitely need to recruit new people, and the target will most likely be students in the same year. But if the new Student Council Vice President is a freshman, wouldn't we be able to get a piece of the pie from there?"
"Etc..."
After hearing her analysis, Hashiba Hikaru countered, "Then why don't you try to get this position yourself?"
"Because of my leg problems, I can only serve as an advisor in the classroom. But I can't give speeches or run around campaigning for votes."
Sakayanagi spoke in a very relaxed tone, as if a physical defect that would be difficult for ordinary people to accept was a virtue in her words.
"I see."
Hashiba Hikaru stroked her chin and continued, "Even if Classmate Sakayanagi said makes a lot of sense, we're competitors. Are you really willing to campaign for me?"
"Hehehe, it's true that I'm willing to campaign for votes, but I didn't say there were no conditions at all."