In Classroom of the Elite, My Love Stock Market Only Wants a Full Position Chapter 41

Once Kushida Kikyo entered the bedroom of Hashiba Hikaru, she couldn't help but feel a surge of curiosity; after all, this was the first time she had ever entered the room of a boy her own age, especially one she had requested to visit herself.

The furnishings in this dormitory room looked very simple. Aside from the items on the desk, the rest of the space was quite empty, lacking any posters, wall decorations, video game consoles, or manga.

However, what caught her attention was a pleasant, faint fragrance drifting through the room, though Kushida Kikyo still managed to catch the scent.

"What... is that smell?"

Kushida Kikyo searched her memory for a long time but couldn't identify the scent. She couldn't ask directly, as that would be impolite, so she had to keep her confusion to herself for the time being.

Just as she was looking around his room, the young man walked over carrying snacks and tea. After all, unlike his friends from the same class, Kushida Kikyo was someone with whom he needed to observe basic hospitality.

"Thank you, Hashiba-kun."

As she reached out to take the paper cup, Kushida Kikyo couldn't help but study Hashiba Hikaru, who was sitting across from her.

The boy was wearing a simple white short-sleeved shirt, which, paired with his handsome features, made him look incredibly fresh and clean.

It would be strange if someone like him wasn't popular.

"Now, it's time for the big reveal of the gift!"

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 packaging, he found a transparent crystal ball inside. It was a high-quality prize-style item featuring a delicate, snow-covered cabin in the woods.

"How is it? Do you like it, Hashiba-kun?"

Expectant light flickered in the short-haired girl's eyes. She had prepared this gift with great care. Glassware that emphasized beauty and transparency was something girls in the shopping district were crazy about, even if it might be a bit unconventional as a gift for a boy.

But that was precisely Kushida Kikyo's goal: to solidify her persona.

After all, as the popular little angel of the first year, she had never been in a relationship and had no close male friends, so it was only natural that she wouldn't know what boys liked.

"I like it quite a bit. It's very beautiful; it will make a nice decoration for the room."

Although Hashiba Hikaru was puzzled as to why she had chosen this, he still wore an expression of extreme satisfaction.

"Actually, this is my first time giving a gift to a boy, and I didn't really know what you liked, so I bought this. I'm so glad you like it." Kushida placed her small hand over her chest and let out a cute sigh, as if a weight had been lifted from her shoulders.

"Is that so? Then I will definitely treasure it."

Hashiba Hikaru immediately put on an expression of being flattered, solemnly promising that he would never let it suffer even the slightest damage.

After the two chatted for a while longer, Kushida Kikyo finally began to discuss the real business.

"What do you think, Hashiba-kun? About helping me become friends with Horikita-san?"

"I have some leads, but we need to discuss the specific execution with you, Kushida-san." Hashiba Hikaru rubbed his chin and pulled out his notebook.

"Oh, oh, what is it?"

Seeing Hashiba Hikaru holding a pen with such a serious expression, Kushida felt a hint of joy in her heart.

She really hadn't chosen the wrong tool for the job.

"I have a simple idea, see if you think it's appropriate." Hashiba Hikaru wrote his plan in the notebook.

"Kushida-san, you've already organized study sessions, so surely some of the students know that you and Horikita-san are working hard for the class, right?"

"Mm-hmm."

"So, why not build on the momentum of the study sessions? For example, after one of the sessions, you could suggest that everyone go out for a meal and bring Horikita-san along. You could use that opportunity to bridge the gap between you."

After finishing his suggestion, Hashiba Hikaru carefully observed Kushida Kikyo's expression. This plan was, of course, nonsense. He had met Horikita Suzune several times and knew very well that the black-haired girl was not the type to participate in private group activities.

But by proposing a less viable plan first, he could then present the real one after it was rejected, making Kushida Kikyo feel that he was putting in even more effort.

"I've already tried that method, but it didn't work," Kushida Kikyo sighed, looking a bit frustrated. "I've invited Horikita-san several times, but she leaves immediately after the study session ends. She doesn't want to spend any extra time with everyone."

"...I see."

Hashiba Hikaru nodded. After a moment of contemplation, his eyes suddenly lit up, as if he had just had a realization. "There is one more way that might help you get closer to Horikita-san."

"What way?"

"Judging by the fact that Horikita-san agreed to attend the study session you organized, I think she is someone willing to act for the sake of the class. If you want to get closer to her, starting from the perspective of helping the class should be the right approach."

The boy began to explain his thoughts to Kushida: "So, we could focus on the midterm exams coming up next month."

"Midterm exams?" The short-haired girl blinked her beautiful eyes, seemingly not understanding what he meant.

"Kushida-san, you could organize a subject assessment plan for Horikita-san," Hashiba Hikaru wrote his thoughts in the notebook. "The participants would be everyone in the class. We would track what subjects everyone is good at and what they struggle with. Since report cards don't always reflect everyone's true level—sometimes people make mistakes in the exam hall—this information would have value."

"In the process of collecting this information, you could work together with Horikita-san. Not only would this deepen your understanding of the classmates, but it would also provide an opportunity to get closer to her."

"What do you think?"

"This..."

Upon hearing this plan, Kushida Kikyo fell into deep thought.

Although she was the little angel of the class who could talk to everyone, she didn't actually care about the students' grades at all. Organizing study sessions was merely to cultivate her image as someone helpful.

From the moment the school's hidden rules were revealed until the end of the first month, the girl had actually long since lost all hope in Class D, not believing for a second that this bunch of losers could ever reach Class A.

All her current actions were solely to get close to Horikita Suzune, all for the sake of that "secret" concerning herself.

But that girl's attitude had been cold until now. If she invited her to collect the students' subject preferences, would she really agree?

"But Horikita-san usually likes to keep to herself, and she leaves immediately whenever the study session ends. Will she really agree?"

Watching the hesitation on the face of Kushida Kikyo, Hashiba Hikaru smiled inwardly. That's nothing for you to worry about; I'll make sure she agrees.

"That's exactly why we should propose the midterm exam as the reason. Kushida-san, you can use that angle to persuade Horikita-san. I believe she'll accept it; after all, didn't she agree last time? Once there's a first time, there will definitely be a second."

"Hmm..."

Kushida Kikyo mentally reviewed the various ways that woman had behaved during the study sessions lately and decided that it might be worth a try.

Chapter 73: Using Old Tricks

In Dorm Room 301, Hashiba Hikaru was waiting for a reply from the short-haired girl.

About a dozen seconds later, an expression of approval finally appeared on Kushida's pretty face. She said to Hashiba Hikaru, "I think that's a great idea. If I can convince Horikita-san to work with me, we'll definitely be able to improve our relationship."

"Thank you, Hashiba-kun."

"No need to thank me. I just hope that once this plan is executed, Kushida-san can truly become good friends with Horikita-san."

"Mm-hmm, I'll do my best." The short-haired girl nodded heavily.

"Then I'll look forward to good news from you, Kushida-san." Hashiba Hikaru gazed at the smile on Kushida's small face and said softly, "I believe you can definitely achieve your goal."

"Mm, I've really troubled you today, Hashiba-kun, helping me brainstorm again."

"It's just a small matter, not worth mentioning."

"It's getting late, so I'll head off now. I'll contact you on my phone if there's any progress with the plan."

After organizing her thoughts on how to proceed, Kushida pretended to check the time before standing up to take her leave.

"Right, let me walk you to the elevator."

Acting requires commitment. Although Hashiba Hikaru still didn't have any real feelings for Kushida Kikyo, he still needed to handle the small details carefully so she wouldn't notice anything amiss.

"Goodbye, Hashiba-kun."

After seeing Kushida Kikyo off, Hashiba Hikaru turned and returned to his room.

He glanced at his System Panel. After helping her come up with a plan to get closer to her target for the second time, the stock price of [Kushida Kikyo Stock] remained unchanged. Even if this girl had dispelled her suspicions about him, she still wasn't buying into his empty promises.

I'll wait a bit longer and see when I can pull off a major breakthrough.

Hashiba Hikaru stared silently at the stock. The few times he had interacted with Kushida Kikyo had truly exhausted him. Even though she started with the same initial stock price as Ichinose, this girl was clearly much more troublesome.

Once I raise the stock price to a satisfactory level, I'll definitely cash out big, and then I'll go eat with Horikita Suzune right in front of you. Let's see if your stock price hits the limit down!

After tidying up his room, the boy began his crucial dual-track operation, opening the chat window with Horikita Suzune.

Hashiba Hikaru: Horikita-san, are you busy right now?

At this moment, inside her own room, Horikita Suzune felt a chill wash over her face upon seeing the message. Ever since she agreed to his request last time, she had been forced to endure the study sessions and face Kushida Kikyo's constant attempts at conversation, which was truly exhausting.

So, her first instinct was not to reply to his message.

But a minute later, that familiar screenshot was sent over. In order not to disappoint her brother, Horikita Suzune had to suppress her irritation and start typing a reply to Hashiba Hikaru.

Horikita Suzune: What does Hashiba-kun want this time?

Hashiba Hikaru: Horikita-san, have you gained anything from organizing the study sessions lately?

Horikita Suzune: What exactly are you trying to say? I have no interest in making small talk with you.

Hashiba Hikaru: Haha, alright. Tomorrow, Kushida-san will invite you to collect information on the academic abilities of the students in your class, such as their strengths and weaknesses. I hope you will agree to it.

Horikita Suzune: Why?

Hashiba Hikaru: Because I am fulfilling my promise to Horikita-senpai. Since I agreed to help you, I can't just do nothing. This is a great opportunity.

Hashiba Hikaru: Didn't you say your goal is Class A? Mastering the subject preferences of everyone in the class will help you better understand the class's overall strength in the future, which will allow you to lead them more effectively.

Horikita Suzune: What's in it for you? We're supposed to be rivals, aren't we?

For the boy who had already ascended to Class A, Horikita Suzune was convinced that he was someone she would eventually have to defeat.

Hashiba Hikaru: Yes, but I don't think you can stand on the same stage as me until you correct your personality flaws. This isn't me looking down on you; it's just the truth.

"..."

Seeing this line, the girl's expression changed abruptly. Her fingers pressed against the screen with involuntary force. This guy actually dares to look down on me like that!

Hashiba Hikaru: Only the weak engage in verbal disputes. If you want to prove your ability to Horikita-senpai, then strive to move forward.

Due to her anger, Horikita Suzune's chest heaved violently. After about a dozen seconds, she finally typed a reply.

Horikita Suzune: I understand. I will collect this information, but don't think you can pry anything out of me.

Hashiba Hikaru: Don't worry, I have no interest in your class's intelligence. If you can pull it off, all the gains will be yours.

The next morning, as soon as Kushida Kikyo entered the classroom, she hurried over to Horikita Suzune's desk.

"Horikita-san, I have something to tell you."

Seeing Kushida's eager demeanor, Horikita Suzune naturally understood what was going on, so she nodded gently at her.

"Go ahead, what is it?"

"The midterm exams are next month. I hope you can join me in gathering information on everyone's academic abilities, Horikita-san. Once we understand where everyone truly stands, we can organize study sessions to help improve their grades."

Horikita Suzune glanced at the short-haired girl, whose face was filled with anticipation. She felt a flicker of doubt in her heart, wondering exactly what kind of relationship this girl had with Hashiba Hikaru and why he always had her reach out to her.

"...Fine, I agree. Just come find me when you're ready to start."

The black-haired girl nodded; if she was going to execute this plan, she had to do it perfectly.

Upon hearing the agreement, a look of instant delight bloomed on the face of Kushida Kikyo.

Just as Hashiba had said, once there was a first time, there would be a second. Everything was unfolding incredibly smoothly.

Meanwhile, inside the Class 1-A classroom, Hashiba Hikaru sat at his desk pretending to read a book, though his gaze remained fixed on his System Panel.

After a few minutes, a familiar system notification chimed in his ears.

[Horikita Suzune has agreed to Kushida Kikyo's request. She feels you are truly useful. Kushida Kikyo Stock price has increased by 10 points. Current share price: 40.]

"It's a bit of a hassle having to go through such a roundabout way to raise the stock price every time, but as long as it keeps going up, that's fine."

Hashiba Hikaru looked at the [Kushida Kikyo Stock] that had risen to 40. He had gone all-in on this stock and was currently holding 5,000 shares. Once it rose a bit more, he could go all-in and liquidate his position.

Chapter 74: Wanting to Become a Swimming Expert

After a joyous day of the class successfully advancing, Hashiba Hikaru woke up even earlier than usual on May 2nd. Today was the 30th day since he had used the [Exercise Booster], and his physical strength was finally about to undergo a change.

"Hah!"

After completing his exercise tasks, following the habit he had cultivated over this period, Hashiba Hikaru stood in the corner of the track staring at his System Panel. Sweat trickled down his jaw onto his chest, soaking a large portion of his short-sleeved shirt.

[Current exercise time: 60 minutes.]

[Today's exercise goal completed. Data statistics finalized.]