In Classroom of the Elite, My Love Stock Market Only Wants a Full Position Chapter 19

"Hmm?"

Ichinose Honami was startled at first, but she quickly stood up as if she had realized something.

"Hey, are you two going to whisper about something we aren't allowed to hear?"

Ando's lips curled into a teasing smirk, and she swept an incredibly suggestive gaze over the two of them, looking quite delighted.

"Yeah, yeah, is there something you can't say here?" Shibata joined in the teasing, a mocking look on his face. "Could it be some secret you can't share with us?"

"Cut it out. I have some serious business to discuss with Ichinose-san, so excuse us for a moment."

Hashiba Hikaru didn't intend to entertain their banter. After offering that explanation, he turned and walked out of the private room, while Ichinose simply smiled at everyone before silently following the boy out.

"What secret do you think Hashiba-kun and Ichinose-san are going to talk about? Could it be... is it really that?"

Once their figures disappeared, Ando immediately grew excited. In the few days since school started, there had actually been rumors among the students of Class B that these two might be secretly dating.

After all, they were the leading duo of Class B, not only were they seatmates, but they also seemed to have a very close relationship. Plus, both the boy and the girl were exceptionally good-looking, so it wouldn't be strange if they really did get together.

"Since Hashiba-kun doesn't want to say, it must be something important, so let's not let our imaginations run wild."

Shiranami Chihiro knew what Ando was implying, and the expression on her small face was somewhat anxious; she didn't want to continue discussing this topic with everyone.

"If Hashiba really is with Ichinose, isn't that a good thing?"

As someone who was also very popular with the girls in Class B, Shibata naturally knew what topic they often discussed. He nodded earnestly and said to the group, "I think they're a great match."

"I think so too. After all, Hashiba-kun and Ichinose-san are the most important members of our Class B. If they can walk hand-in-hand for the next three years, it will be beneficial for everyone."

Kanzaki Ryuji's thoughts were the same as Shibata's. He was also aware of the rumors in the class. Tokyo Metropolitan Advanced Nurturing High School didn't have very strict rules regarding relationships between the opposite sex. If Hashiba Hikaru and Ichinose Honami really became a couple, it would actually be a welcome sight for the students of Class B.

"Are they really dating? That seems unlikely..."

The only one holding a dissenting opinion, Shiranami Chihiro, didn't look too happy. But seeing that everyone else was so enthusiastic about it, she didn't say anything else and could only bury her doubts in her heart for the time being.

She planned to ask Ichinose tonight; otherwise, she might not be able to sleep.

Chapter 33: The Girl's Tears

After Hashiba Hikaru and Ichinose walked out of the yakiniku restaurant's private room, he scanned the surrounding environment and then led the girl to sit on a bench opposite the restaurant.

"Ichinose-san, actually, the reason I called you out is that I want to talk to you about what has happened over the past few days."

Hashiba Hikaru got straight to the point. He looked at the girl sitting beside him, his tone very gentle. "A lot has really happened recently, and I'm sure you have a lot you want to say as well, Ichinose-san."

"Yes, that's true. Hashiba-kun has always been devising various plans to help Class B gain an advantage," Ichinose said, a hint of self-mockery appearing at the corners of her mouth. "Compared to you, I really am an unqualified class leader."

"...Is that so?"

Hearing her say this, the boy's expression suddenly became complicated. He hadn't expected that this was the point Ichinose was struggling with internally.

"Ichinose-san, you really don't need to compare yourself to me. No matter what I do, my starting point is the same as yours: it's to make Class B better."

"You are very important to Class B. Since everyone elected you to be the leader of Class B, it means they believe in your abilities."

After understanding the girl's inner thoughts, Hashiba Hikaru was surprised, but his mind had already begun to think quickly about how to comfort her.

"The recent series of arrangements have indeed been a bit rushed, but generally speaking, we have just been patching up various unexpected situations to ensure that the original plan can be executed smoothly."

"I don't want you to overthink things, Ichinose-san, or even start doubting your own abilities." The boy looked earnestly into Ichinose's eyes and said slowly, "How about we make a promise? A promise that will allow us to trust each other even more."

Upon hearing this, Ichinose Honami's previously gloomy expression was suddenly startled, and she hurriedly asked, "What kind of promise?"

For the past two days, Ichinose had been reflecting on what she had done as the class leader, but the conclusion she reached left her deeply disappointed.

The girl realized that from the very first day of school, she had been relying on Hashiba Hikaru. Not only did she follow his plans implicitly, but many times she didn't even think much about them, just assuming that everything would be fine.

Originally, Ichinose didn't think there was anything wrong with this; after all, Hashiba Hikaru would always be her closest partner by her side in the future, and trusting him wouldn't be a problem.

But ever since she was rejected to her face by Ibuki Mio yesterday, Ichinose Honami instantly associated it with a possibility that terrified her.

If one day Hashiba-kun were not by her side, or if he went to another class, what would she do?

Did she really have the ability to continue leading everyone in Class B forward?

Could she really graduate with everyone from Class A?

These questions were like towering mountains, crushing Ichinose Honami's mental world on the spot. She knew Hashiba Hikaru was excellent, but did she really know him well?

From their first meeting, Ichinose knew that he was a person with his own ideas. From collecting class points to formulating different battle plans, all these things were done by Hashiba alone.

But if one day Hashiba-kun felt tired of staying in Class B and wanted to change classes, could she stop him?

Perhaps he felt that going to Class A would make it easier to achieve his goals. After all, twenty million points wouldn't be very difficult for him. He was able to perceive the Deep Rules of the school on the first day of enrollment, and he would surely shine in the subsequent exams.

These doubts couldn't stop bubbling up from the bottom of her heart, causing Ichinose Honami to fall into endless conflict during this period, even leading to significant self-doubt regarding her own abilities.

But now, as the girl heard Hashiba Hikaru beside her mention a "promise," her heart suddenly began to beat uncontrollably, like a mechanical doll that had its batteries replaced, instantly injected with powerful energy.

"Heh, actually, this promise is very simple. It only takes a few sentences to explain."

Hashiba Hikaru smiled gently. After understanding the girl's inner conflict, he had already thought of a way to eliminate the unease in her heart.

He hated trouble; it was best to say things clearly to each other's faces to avoid mutual misunderstanding and growing conflict.

"To make you feel more at ease, Ichinose-san, I have two considerations."

"First, in the subsequent class competition, we must brainstorm together. When facing different situations, we need everyone to discuss them together and finally reach a plan that everyone agrees with."

"Second, once the point collection plan for this month is completed," Hashiba Hikaru looked into Ichinose Honami's blue eyes and suggested gently, "I intend to leave all class operations for next month entirely up to you to decide."

"I will leave the grand stage for you to perform on alone, and I will not take any initiative until you ask for my help."

A gleam flickered in Hashiba Hikaru's dark eyes as he gazed intently at the girl: "Since you are worried that you are not as capable as I am, then if all the opportunities are handed to you, you will surely be able to deliver an even better performance, and the worries in your heart will naturally vanish."

"How about it? Will you agree to this promise?"

"..."

After hearing the boy's statement, the emotions Ichinose Honami had been suppressing suddenly erupted. Two lines of tears fell down her beautiful face without warning, and she began to sob uncontrollably.

It seemed the pressure she had been under lately was truly immense; once a vent for release appeared, the girl's tear ducts immediately gave way.

"Eh?"

Unexpectedly, this reaction terrified Hashiba Hikaru. He had originally intended to use "talk-no-jutsu" to help Ichinose dispel her inner anxiety so she could better lead Class B.

But he hadn't expected her to burst into tears, which instantly left the boy at a loss. He wondered if he had pushed too hard, causing Ichinose to break down.

"Um, I'm sorry, Ichinose-san, are you okay? I didn't actually mean it like that..."

"How about you just pretend I didn't say anything? Please don't cry."

Seeing the boy, who was usually so confident, wearing the expression of a child who had made a mistake, the pink-haired girl—still tear-streaked—suddenly broke into a smile through her tears.

She wiped the tears from her face with the back of her hand and explained: "I'm fine. Something just flew into my eye, so it was uncomfortable and made me cry. Don't worry about it, Hashiba-kun."

"Really?"

"Don't worry," Ichinose Honami wiped the remaining teardrops from her face with the back of her hand, her eyes becoming much brighter, "I agree to your promise, Hashiba-kun. I will never let everyone in Class B down. Please supervise me."

"Alright. Just so you know, I'm very strict, so I hope you won't make any mistakes, Ichinose-san."

The two extended their pinky fingers to hook them together, looked into each other's eyes, and said in unison: "Promise made. Let us witness it together."

"Phew, since the discussion is over, let's hurry back and eat some yakiniku."

A bright, sunny smile reappeared on Ichinose Honami's pretty face as she stood up and beckoned Hashiba Hikaru to return to their private room.

At this moment, the gloom that had been lingering between the girl's brows seemed to have completely dissipated, and she had returned to being the gentle and radiant archangel she was before.

"So... she's fine now."

Hashiba Hikaru rubbed his chin. It seemed his "counseling session" had been quite effective.

Just then, a brand-new message popped up on his system panel.

[The promise you proposed has helped Ichinose Honami get back on her feet. Ichinose Honami has decided to stop relying on you, and this emotion has silently transformed into a strong possessiveness toward you at this moment. Ichinose Honami Stock has risen by 30 points. Current share price: 150]

"..."

Chapter 34: Kushida Kikyo Stock Goes Online

When Hashiba Hikaru and Ichinose returned to the yakiniku restaurant, the students sitting at the table immediately looked over.

"Ichinose-san, you're back."

Shiranami Chihiro appeared incredibly enthusiastic and quickly greeted Ichinose, while the two boys who had been sitting next to Hashiba Hikaru began to scrutinize the boy's expression. Seeing the smile on his face, they quickly asked in a low voice.

"How did it go? Did anything good happen?"

"What good thing?"

After Hashiba Hikaru sat back in his seat, he was a bit confused by their sudden question.

"Didn't Ichinose-san..."

Shibata wanted to probe whether what everyone had imagined had actually happened outside. If they had really become a couple, it would be a cause for celebration.

"What do you mean?"

Hashiba Hikaru didn't understand what they were thinking at all, but he still explained to them, "Ichinose-san and I just went out to discuss the subsequent class plans."

"It's almost Friday. After dealing with the big trouble from Class C, we need to reach a conclusion quickly on what our next step should be."

"That's right," Ichinose Honami took over the conversation, a light smile on her face, "Hashiba-kun had some ideas, but he wasn't sure yet, so he asked to chat with me first."

"Or were you all thinking we were talking about something else?"

"Oh, oh, so that's how it is!"

Shiranami Chihiro's face lit up, and she quickly said with a smile: "Hashiba-kun is so diligent, even thinking about how to help the class while eating. That's amazing!"

"Can't help it, since I'm Ichinose-san's assistant, I naturally have to think non-stop about how to gain an advantage for Class B."

Hashiba Hikaru spread his hands. After saying this, he couldn't help but look at Ichinose Honami sitting across from him.

Before returning to the private room, Ichinose Honami had gone to the restroom to wash her face, completely covering up her previous disheveled state. At this moment, her face maintained a gentle expression, as if nothing had happened at all.

Upon hearing his statement, Ichinose quickly added: "Hashiba-kun and I will continue to work hard for Class B. Please trust us."

"We know, we all trust Ichinose-san and Hashiba-kun very much."

Seeing that the two were acting normally and that there was nothing unusual between them, Ando-san felt the burning fire of gossip in her heart doused by a bucket of cold water, so she had to temporarily give up on the idea of shipping them.

She then invited everyone to start eating, as the yakiniku had already been served and was just waiting for the two of them to return.

The six of them faced the steaming, delicious food and immediately dove into the feast, chatting while they enjoyed the grilled meat.

After spending these past few days together, everyone's relationship had become quite comfortable, to the point where they could even crack a few small jokes.

The meal took about two hours to fully conclude. Noticing that everyone had finished eating, Hashiba Hikaru moved to stand up and pay the bill, but Ichinose Honami reached out to stop him.

"Don't forget, Hashiba-kun, this meal is a celebration we organized to reward you for all your hard work these past few days, so you aren't allowed to pay."

"That's right, you're the key to our success this time, so just sit back, Hashiba-kun."

Ando curled the corners of her lips into a smile, stood up, and linked her arm with Ichinose Honami's. Together with Shiranami Chihiro, the three girls headed out of the private room to settle the bill.

"Alright then."

Seeing that everyone was firm in their stance, Hashiba Hikaru had no choice but to abandon the idea of paying. After all, he had the most Private Points among everyone present, so covering the cost of a meal would have been quite easy for him.

"Hahaha, we already transferred the points to Ichinose-san," Shibata said, draping an arm over Hashiba Hikaru's shoulder and explaining in a carefree manner, "It's not too expensive when split between five people, so don't overthink it, Hashiba-kun."

"Indeed. We'll need you to lead the class meeting tomorrow, Hashiba-kun, so we'll be troubling you again then," Kanzaki Ryuji added with a faint smile on his face.

Interactions between guys are actually quite simple; Hashiba Hikaru's abilities had earned their recognition, so everyone enjoyed hanging out with him.

After the three of them chatted for a while, they heard the sound of the private room door opening.

Hashiba Hikaru turned his head and saw the girls walking back in, but to his surprise, there was an extra figure accompanying the three girls from Class B.

It was a girl with short brown hair, a beautiful face, and a curvaceous figure. She had taken Ando's place and was currently walking toward the boys while linked arm-in-arm with Ichinose Honami.

"Hashiba-kun, let me introduce you. This is Kushida-san from Class 1-D."

With a gentle smile on her face, Ichinose Honami introduced the girl beside her to the three boys: "We ran into her while we were paying the bill, so I brought her over to meet everyone."

"Hello there."

The girl named Kushida appeared natural and at ease. Even when facing people she was meeting for the first time, she showed no signs of shyness and introduced herself generously: "I am Kushida Kikyo from Class 1-D. My dream is to become friends with everyone, so I look forward to getting to know you all in Class B."