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

She asked the male clerk, "Sir, could you tell me how much the expedited repair service costs?"

Seeing that the others had already made their stance clear, the male clerk stammered, "For expedited service, you could probably get it by tomorrow afternoon, but it would require an additional labor fee."

"About how much?"

"Three thousand."

"Then I'll cover it," Kushida Kikyo immediately interjected. "After all, Sakura-san's camera breaking has something to do with me as well."

"That wouldn't be right, I... I can pay for it myself." Sakura Airi seemed somewhat unaccustomed to Kushida's initiative.

"It's fine."

Under Kushida's firm insistence, the expedited order for the camera was quickly processed. After leaving the camera there, the four of them walked out of the electronics store.

The male clerk, holding the pink camera in his hands, felt a flash of fanatical light in his eyes.

"Shizuku-chan... I will definitely prove it to you, my... my love!"

Chapter 82: Copying Answers for Therapy

After resolving the issue with the camera, the four of them walked out of the electronics store together.

"Sakura-san, now that the camera issue is settled, can we talk about yesterday's matter?" Kushida's attention had been fixed on this the entire time; it was her main purpose for coming today.

"This..."

Although she had agreed to come out with Kushida today, for some reason, Sakura Airi could sense an inexplicable attitude coming from the short-haired girl, one that even made her feel a bit of danger.

"Hey, Kushida-san, can you not be so impatient?"

Watching Sakura Airi's hesitant expression, Hashiba Hikaru understood that besides her shy nature, the girl was likely quite timid. Even if she had truly witnessed a violent incident, it wouldn't be easy to get her to agree to testify.

"That's right, let's just let Sakura-san think about it first."

As an expert at reading the room, Ichinose Honami had noticed from the start that this Sakura-san might not be very good at socializing.

"Ugh, alright then. If you decide, Sakura-san, remember to tell me right away, okay?"

Hearing the two of them suddenly form a united front, Kushida Kikyo immediately changed her tune.

"Mm..."

Sakura Airi nodded gently, but her gaze drifted unconsciously toward the only boy present, Hashiba Hikaru.

"Um, thank you for earlier, Hashiba-san. I was a bit..." She felt she had to thank him; after all, when faced with that clerk's terrifying gaze, she had really been choked up and unable to speak.

"It's fine. Everyone has things they are good at and things they aren't. If you run into trouble, you can always rely on the friends around you."

A smile appeared on the boy's face as he gestured toward Kushida Kikyo and Ichinose Honami, saying slowly, "If you have any problems, Sakura-san, Kushida-san and Ichinose-san will both help you. You can trust them."

"That's right, we both want to be your support, Sakura-san." Uniting classmates was Ichinose Honami's specialty, so she quickly grasped Hashiba Hikaru's meaning and hurriedly expressed her stance: "Even if we aren't in the same class, it doesn't matter. If you're in trouble, Sakura-san, I will definitely lend a hand."

"Me too, me too," Kushida added as well.

"Thank you... both of you."

Although she felt very grateful, Sakura Airi was unable to express her feelings candidly. In this situation, aside from saying thank you, she couldn't respond to any other promises or declarations.

"And me. If you have any questions you want to ask me, Sakura-san, I guarantee I'll tell you everything I know."

After confirming the analysis of the [Sakura Airi Stock], Hashiba Hikaru immediately began testing his operational strategy.

Since this girl was so shy, he had to control his boundaries carefully. Otherwise, it would be troublesome if he made her feel repulsed.

That was why, from just a moment ago, the boy's demeanor and gaze had been very gentle, avoiding any display of eager attempts to get close.

"Mm."

Sakura Airi looked at Hashiba Hikaru's face. When their eyes met, she felt that same sense of calm again.

Sure enough, when this Hashiba-san treated her, there were absolutely no strange thoughts in his heart like those other boys had.

Sakura Airi repeatedly confirmed this feeling in her heart and found it wasn't fake, but truly genuine. It was the first time since entering this school.

Facing the boy's gaze, it was the first time she didn't feel fear or the urge to escape.

Just as the four of them were walking out of Keyaki Mall, several girls appeared ahead on the street—it seemed to be Ando Sayo and Himeno and the others.

They naturally saw the group on the sidewalk and hurriedly waved, as if they wanted to come over and say hello.

Hashiba Hikaru keenly caught the sight of Sakura Airi's fair face turning slightly pale, and he immediately made a decision: "Since we've run into acquaintances, Ichinose-san and Kushida-san, you should go say hello."

"Doesn't Hashiba-san want to go?" Ichinose Honami asked, puzzled, since they were all classmates.

"Don't forget, we have another companion with us. Are you planning to leave Sakura-san here all by herself?"

Hashiba Hikaru said his answer with a smile. Both girls were clever and naturally realized what he meant; if it were Sakura Airi, she probably wouldn't want to go up and greet them.

"Then Hashiba-san can stay here and keep Sakura-san company. We'll be right back." Ichinose Honami glanced at Sakura Airi's head, which had lowered again, and nodded.

"Mm, we'll go over and say hello first."

Although she wore a mask, Kushida Kikyo's image as a social butterfly was already deeply ingrained, so she couldn't refuse to greet them. After all, the relationships between girls were very subtle; if the other party had already waved to you and you pretended not to see them, the situation would become very troublesome.

Once the two of them walked away, only Hashiba Hikaru and Sakura Airi remained.

"Thank you, Hashiba-san..." The red-haired girl's voice was faint; she understood the boy's kindness.

"It's fine, I trust they'll explain things for me. We're all acquaintances, anyway."

Watching the relaxed expression on Hashiba Hikaru's face and the gentle demeanor he always projected, Sakura Airi gathered her courage and spoke to the boy.

"Hashiba-kun must have heard about me from Kushida-san, right? About that witness."

"I have, indeed."

Hashiba Hikaru mentally reviewed the specific information regarding Sakura Airi Stock. The factors that would lower her share price involved forcing her to do things she didn't want to do or pushing her into the spotlight.

Given the girl's naturally timid and shy personality, demanding such things of her would be incredibly difficult.

"Then, Hashiba-kun, what do you think I should do?" Sakura Airi looked at the boy's face, wanting to hear his perspective.

"Well, let's see..."

Hashiba Hikaru carefully weighed his words. After all, Sakura Airi was different from Ichinose Honami and Kushida Kikyo. Those two were highly skilled in interpersonal communication, so he could be more open with them without worrying about them cutting off the conversation or refusing to engage.

This red-haired girl, however, was completely different. Until a relationship of trust was established, he had to treat her with the utmost gentleness.

"My thoughts are actually quite simple: Sakura-san, just be yourself."

Hashiba Hikaru didn't deliberately watch Sakura Airi's expression; instead, he cast his gaze toward the girls gathered by the roadside, keeping the tone of the conversation light. "Remember what I said earlier? Everyone has things they are good at and things they aren't. Even if Sakura-san is involved in this matter, it doesn't mean you are obligated to shoulder the responsibility."

"Because this isn't your fault, there is no need to carry any pressure."

"If you have evidence, you can simply hand it over to someone capable of handling it," Hashiba Hikaru's tone was soft, but his meaning was clear. "If you don't, then just provide a simple statement to express your stance."

"Before you decide whether or not to take the initiative to help others, no one can force you to make a decision. I just want Sakura-san to be yourself."

"Be... myself?"

Sakura Airi placed her hands over her chest, seriously contemplating the meaning of those words.

"Yes, be yourself. You can decide for yourself what you want to do and what you don't."

Hashiba Hikaru glanced at the system stock again, confident that operating with this mindset was the right move.

Sure enough, the next second, the system notification sound chimed.

[Your words have given Sakura Airi courage. She wants to help her class. Sakura Airi has become more trusting and attentive toward you. Sakura Airi Stock price has increased by 10 points. Current price: 40.]

After scanning the system prompt, Hashiba Hikaru understood that he was on the right track. To build trust with this timid and shy girl, he had to proceed slowly. He couldn't force her; he had to guide her to think for herself.

It would be best to increase his own influence during this process, as that was the best way to raise her stock price.

"I've decided. I'll talk to Kushida-san about what happened that day." Sakura Airi's inner resolve hardened.

"Mm, that's good. As long as you've confirmed your own feelings, Sakura-san, you don't need to compromise yourself."

After saying this, Hashiba Hikaru pondered for a moment. His plan yesterday had been to collect and organize relevant information once the witness was confirmed, to see if he could devise some countermeasures for the upcoming deliberation.

But after interacting with Sakura Airi and purchasing her stock, his thoughts had shifted.

The girl's personality traits were now very clear. If he were to give her ideas and teach her how to perform during the deliberation, it might actually lower her stock price.

After all, Hashiba Hikaru had not yet established a deep enough bond of trust with her, and the girl's abilities and personality were simply not suited for performing in front of teachers and members of the Student Council.

It seemed he would have to change direction and choose someone more suitable to lead the deliberation.

"What is Hashiba-kun thinking about?"

Seeing the contemplative look on the boy's face, Sakura Airi took the initiative to voice her curiosity.

"Just some simple matters, nothing too important," Hashiba Hikaru shook his head slightly and said to Sakura Airi in a gentle voice, "Sakura-san, just remember to always start from your own perspective. Don't force yourself."

"If you ever encounter something particularly tricky, please don't carry the pressure alone. You can always seek help from others."

Hashiba Hikaru watched the two girls in the distance finish their greetings and start walking back. He turned to Sakura Airi and said warmly, "Everyone is here for you."

"Mm."

Sakura Airi silently committed Hashiba Hikaru's words to heart, though it wouldn't be easy for her to take that first step; the girl lacked confidence in herself.

"We're back, Hashiba-kun."

After Ichinose Honami and Kushida Kikyo returned to them, the group headed back to the dorms together.

Chapter 83: Kushida's Discovery

Upon entering the dormitory building, Sakura said goodbye to the others and retreated alone. Today's social activities had exceeded her capacity, leaving her with an urgent need to breathe the air of solitude.

The remaining three entered the elevator together. When they reached the third floor, Kushida Kikyo knew this was where Hashiba Hikaru's room was, so she looked at the boy's face, preparing to say goodbye.

But to her surprise, after the elevator doors opened, Ichinose Honami actually followed Hashiba Hikaru out of the elevator. The two of them waved goodbye to the short-haired girl and walked side-by-side toward the hallway.

What is the meaning of this???

Before the elevator doors closed, Kushida Kikyo's expression turned instantly gloomy. She recalled the scene she had witnessed at the supermarket earlier—the way the two of them had picked out ingredients together, looking like a pair of newlyweds, intimate and natural.

Doesn't this guy like me?

When the elevator reached the floor where Kushida Kikyo lived, the short-haired girl stepped out with a blank expression. She had already decided that she needed to find another time to see Hashiba Hikaru. If this guy was lying to her, she would absolutely not let him off the hook.

On the other side, after opening his dorm room door, Hashiba Hikaru and Ichinose Honami stepped inside.

"As we agreed today, I'll be the one doing the cooking." The boy smiled, watching the pink-haired girl reach for the apron hanging on the side of the refrigerator.

"Mm-hmm, let me help you tie your apron, Hashiba-kun."

A gentle, radiant smile hung on the pretty face of Ichinose Honami as she signaled for Hashiba Hikaru to raise his arms, then slipped the apron over him and tied a knot behind the boy's back.

"Alright, contestant Hashiba may now begin cooking. I shall uphold a strictly impartial attitude while judging and scoring your culinary skills."

Ichinose Honami suddenly lowered her voice, adopting the grand air of a master as she spoke solemnly to the boy before her: "I hope to see you show me your full potential."

"I won't let you down, Teacher. Please wait just a moment."

Hashiba Hikaru tugged at the apron, his expression grave. After pulling the ingredients he had bought today out of the plastic bag, he rolled up his sleeves, ready to get to work.

"Teacher, you can go rest elsewhere for now. I'll have it ready soon."

"I shall wait and see, contestant Hashiba." Ichinose Honami nodded.

Once this exchange concluded, she finally couldn't hold it in any longer and burst into hearty laughter: "I never expected Hashiba-kun to play along with me so well. We really do have great chemistry."

"It's not the first time. I actually took some time to watch that cooking show you mentioned earlier, Ichinose-san. It was quite interesting."

"Mm-hmm, then please continue. Don't disappoint me, okay?"

Ichinose Honami clasped her small hands behind her back and strolled toward the boy's bedroom, head held high like a lord inspecting her own territory.

These little skits were a bit of fun they had discovered in their daily lives; sometimes, Hashiba Hikaru would also play the role of a master chef to test Ichinose's cooking.

After they finished the meal and chatted for a while longer, Ichinose Honami finally took her leave.

Just as Hashiba Hikaru was tidying his clothes and preparing to take a shower, he heard a knock at the door.

"Did she forget something?"

Hashiba Hikaru rubbed his hair and walked over to open the door.

"Good evening, Hashiba-kun."