After Kushida Kikyo entered Hashiba Hikaru's bedroom, she couldn't help feeling curious. After all, this was her first time in a boy her age's room, and she had even asked to come herself.
The room's furnishings were very simple. Aside from the many things on the desk, the rest of the room was quite bare. There were no pictures or posters on the walls, nor any game consoles or manga.
What caught her attention, though, was the pleasant fragrance floating through the room. It was faint, but Kushida Kikyo could still smell it.
"What is that...?"
Kushida Kikyo tried to recall the scent, but couldn't figure out what it was. She couldn't just ask him outright, either—that would be rude—so she had to keep her curiosity to herself for the time being.
While she was looking around Hashiba Hikaru's room, the boy came over carrying snacks and tea. After all, Kushida Kikyo was different from his friends in class; he needed to observe basic etiquette when hosting her.
"Thank you, Classmate Hashiba."
After taking the paper cup, Kushida Kikyo couldn't help looking over Hashiba Hikaru, who was sitting across from her.
The boy wore a simple white T-shirt, which made him look especially fresh and handsome.
It would have been strange if someone like him weren't popular.
"Now, it's time for the big reveal!"
Kushida Kikyo took the gift she had brought out of the bag and solemnly handed it to the boy in front of her.
When Hashiba Hikaru tore open the wrapping, he found a clear crystal ball inside. It was a prize item, with a little forest cottage covered in snow inside. It looked very delicate.
"What do you think, Classmate Hashiba? Do you like it?"
The short-haired girl's eyes sparkled with anticipation. She had carefully prepared this gift. Glassware with a pretty, transparent look was popular with girls on the shopping street, though it might not be very suitable as a gift for a boy.
But that was exactly what Kushida Kikyo was aiming for: reinforcing the image she had cultivated.
After all, the little angel who was so popular among the first-years had never dated anyone and didn't have any close male friends. Naturally, she wouldn't know what boys liked.
"I like it. It's beautiful, and it'll make a nice decoration for my room."
Though Hashiba Hikaru wondered why she had chosen this, he still wore an extremely pleased expression.
"This is actually the first time I've ever given a boy a present. I didn't really know what you liked, Classmate Hashiba, so I bought this. I'm so glad you like it." Kushida placed a small hand against her chest and let out a cute sigh of relief.
"Really? Then I'll be sure to treasure it."
Hashiba Hikaru immediately looked flattered and solemnly promised that he wouldn't let it get damaged in the slightest.
After the two chatted for a while, Kushida Kikyo finally got down to business.
"Have you thought about it, Classmate Hashiba? About helping me become friends with Horikita?"
"I've got a few ideas, but I'll need to discuss the details with you, Classmate Kushida." Hashiba Hikaru rubbed his chin and took out his notebook.
"Oh, what are they?"
Seeing Hashiba Hikaru holding a pen and taking the matter seriously, Kushida felt secretly pleased.
She really had chosen a useful tool.
"I have a simple plan. Let's see if you think it'll work." Hashiba Hikaru wrote down his idea in the notebook.
"Classmate Kushida, you've already organized study sessions, so some of the students must know that you and Horikita are working hard for the class, right?"
"Mm-hmm."
"So why not build on those study sessions? For example, after one of them, you could suggest that everyone go out for a meal, then bring Horikita along. You could use that chance to get closer to each other."
After explaining his idea, Hashiba Hikaru watched Kushida Kikyo's expression carefully. The plan was obviously nonsense. He had met Horikita Suzune several times and knew perfectly well that the black-haired girl wasn't the sort to join in private group outings.
But if he presented a mediocre plan first, then offered his real proposal after she rejected it, Kushida Kikyo would think he had put more thought into helping her.
"I've already tried that, but it didn't work," Kushida Kikyo said with a sigh, looking a little dejected. "I've invited Horikita several times, but she leaves as soon as the study session ends. She doesn't want to stay with everyone any longer than she has to."
"...I see."
Hashiba Hikaru nodded and pondered for a moment. Then his eyes suddenly lit up, as if he'd had a sudden realization. "There's another way. It might help you get closer to Horikita."
"What is it?"
"Since Horikita agreed to attend the study sessions you organized, Classmate Kushida, I think she's willing to take action to help the class. If you want to get closer to her, it makes sense to start by doing something for the class."
The boy began explaining his idea to Kushida. "So you could focus on the Midterm Exam next month."
"The Midterm Exam?" The short-haired girl blinked her pretty eyes, seeming unsure what he meant.
"Classmate Kushida, you could organize a subject assessment with Horikita." Hashiba Hikaru wrote his idea in the notebook. "Everyone in the class would participate. You'd find out which subjects they're good at and which they're bad at. Grades don't always reflect someone's actual ability, and people sometimes make mistakes during exams, so this information would be valuable."
"While gathering information, you could work alongside Horikita. You'd learn more about your classmates and get a chance to grow closer to her."
"What do you think?"
"Well..."
After hearing the plan, Kushida Kikyo fell into thought.
Although she was the class's little angel and could talk to anyone, she didn't actually care how well her classmates did. She had organized the study sessions only to create an image of herself as someone who liked helping others.
Ever since the school's hidden rules had been revealed, the girl had already given up on Class D completely by the end of the first month. She didn't believe those people could make it to Class A.
Everything she was doing now was just an attempt to get close to Horikita Suzune, all for the sake of the "secret" that had to do with her.
But Horikita's attitude had remained cold all this time. If she invited her to gather information about everyone's strongest subjects, would she really agree?
"But Horikita usually likes to be alone. She leaves as soon as the study sessions end. Would she really agree?"
Looking at Kushida Kikyo's hesitant expression, Hashiba Hikaru smiled inwardly. Don't worry about that. I'll make sure she agrees.
"That's why you should bring up the Midterm Exam. You can use this idea to persuade Horikita. I'm sure she'll agree. She agreed last time, didn't she? If she did it once, she'll do it again."
"Hmm..."
Kushida Kikyo mentally reviewed how that woman had behaved at the study sessions lately and decided it was worth a try.
Chapter 73: The Same Trick Again
In Room 301, Hashiba Hikaru waited for the short-haired girl's reply.
About ten seconds later, an approving expression finally appeared on Kushida's pretty face. She said to Hashiba Hikaru, "I think it sounds great. If I can convince Horikita to work with me, we'll definitely be able to get along."
"Thank you, Classmate Hashiba."
"You don't need to thank me. I just hope you really can become good friends with Horikita after carrying out this plan."
"Mm-hmm, I'll do my best." The short-haired girl nodded firmly.
"Then I'll look forward to hearing good news from you, Classmate Kushida." Hashiba Hikaru gazed at the smile on Kushida's face and spoke gently. "I'm sure you can do it."
"Today's been a lot of trouble for you, Classmate Hashiba. Thanks for helping me come up with another plan."
"It was nothing. It's no big deal."
"It's getting late, so I'll get going. I'll keep in touch by phone if there's any progress with the plan."
After getting the plan straight in her mind, Kushida pretended to glance at the time and stood up to leave.
"I'll walk you to the elevator, Classmate Kushida."
He had to see the act through to the end. Although Hashiba Hikaru still didn't feel anything for Kushida Kikyo, he needed to handle the little details carefully so she wouldn't see through him.
"Goodbye, Classmate Hashiba."
After seeing Kushida Kikyo to the elevator, Hashiba Hikaru turned and went back to his room.
He glanced at his System Panel. Even after helping her come up with a second plan to get closer to Horikita, the Kushida Kikyo Stock price hadn't changed. Even if she had stopped doubting him, she still wasn't buying into empty promises.
"I'll wait a little longer and see when I can make a major breakthrough."
Hashiba Hikaru silently watched the stock. His interactions with Kushida Kikyo had been exhausting. Her stock price had started out the same as Ichinose's, but she was obviously much more troublesome.
Once I've raised the price to a level I'm happy with, I'll cash out big. Then I'll go eat with Horikita Suzune right in front of you and see if your stock hits rock bottom!
After tidying up his room, the boy began the crucial two-pronged operation and opened Horikita Suzune's chat.
Hashiba Hikaru: Classmate Horikita, are you busy right now?
At that moment, Horikita Suzune was in her room. When she saw the message, a frosty look settled over her pretty face. Ever since she'd agreed to help him last time, she'd had to put up with attending the study sessions and dealing with Kushida Kikyo's occasional attempts to talk to her. It had been exhausting.
So her first instinct was not to reply.
But a minute later, that familiar screenshot arrived. To avoid disappointing her brother, Horikita Suzune had to suppress her irritation and start typing a reply to Hashiba Hikaru.
Horikita Suzune: What do you want this time, Classmate Hashiba?
Hashiba Hikaru: Have you gotten anything out of organizing the study sessions lately, Classmate Horikita?
Horikita Suzune: What are you trying to say? I have no interest in making small talk with you.
Hashiba Hikaru: Haha, all right. Tomorrow, Classmate Kushida will invite you to gather information about your classmates' academic strengths, such as which subjects they're good or bad at. I hope you'll agree.
Horikita Suzune: Why?
Hashiba Hikaru: Because I'm keeping my promise to Horikita-senpai. Since I agreed to help you, I can't just sit back and do nothing. This is a good opportunity.
Hashiba Hikaru: Didn't you say your goal was Class A? Knowing everyone's strengths and weaknesses in each subject will help you understand the class's overall ability in the future, and you'll be able to lead them better.
Horikita Suzune: What's in it for you? Aren't we supposed to be rivals?
Since the boy had already made it to Class A, Horikita Suzune was convinced that he was someone she would have to defeat one day.
Hashiba Hikaru: Yes, but I don't think you can compete with me on the same stage until you fix your personality flaws. I'm not looking down on you. That's just the truth.
"..."
The girl's expression changed abruptly when she saw those words. Her fingers pressed harder against the screen before she realized it. How dare he look down on her!
Hashiba Hikaru: Only the weak argue. If you want to prove your abilities to Horikita-senpai, then keep moving forward.
Angry, Horikita Suzune's chest heaved. After another ten seconds or so, she finally typed a reply.
Horikita Suzune: I understand. I'll gather the information, but don't think you can pry anything out of me.
Hashiba Hikaru: Don't worry, I'm not interested in your class's information. If you can do it, you'll be the one who benefits.
......
The next morning, as soon as Kushida Kikyo entered the classroom, she hurried over to Horikita Suzune's desk.
"Horikita, I need to talk to you."
Seeing how eager Kushida looked, Horikita Suzune naturally knew what this was about, so she nodded lightly.
"Go ahead. What is it?"
"The Midterm Exam is next month. I'd like you to help me gather information about everyone's academic strengths, so we can find out how well everyone is really doing and then organize study sessions to help improve their grades."
Horikita Suzune looked at the short-haired girl's expectant expression, wondering what kind of relationship she had with Hashiba Hikaru. Why did she always have to be the one to approach her?
"...All right, I agree. Come find me when you're ready to start."
The black-haired girl nodded. If they were going to carry out this plan, she would make sure to do it perfectly.
At the other girl's agreement, Kushida Kikyo's face immediately lit up with a delighted smile.
Just like Hashiba said, if it happened once, it would happen again. This is going incredibly smoothly.
At that moment, Hashiba Hikaru sat in his seat in the Class 1-A classroom, holding a book as a prop while keeping his eyes on the System Panel.
A few minutes later, the familiar system notification rang in his ears.
[Horikita Suzune agreed to Kushida Kikyo's request. She thinks you're really useful. The Kushida Kikyo Stock price has risen by 10 points. Current price: 40.]
"Having to go around in circles every time to raise the stock price is a bit of a hassle, but as long as it goes up, that's fine."
Hashiba Hikaru watched the Kushida Kikyo Stock, now up to 40. He had bought into it with everything he had and was currently holding 5,000 shares. If it rose a little more, he could go all in and cash out.
Chapter 74: I Want to Become a Swimming Expert
After a joyful day celebrating the class's successful promotion, Hashiba Hikaru woke up even earlier than usual on May 2. Today was the thirtieth day since he had used the Exercise Booster, and his physical fitness could finally start to change.
"Phew!"
After completing his exercise routine, which he had gotten into the habit of doing lately, Hashiba Hikaru stood in a corner of the athletic field and stared at his System Panel. Sweat ran down his jaw and onto his chest, soaking a large patch of his T-shirt.
[Current exercise time: 60 minutes.] [Today's exercise goal has been completed. Data statistics finished.]
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