In Classroom of the Elite, I Only Want to Go All-in on My Love Stock Market Chapter 49

"In that case, we should be able to file a complaint, right? After all, those Private Points shouldn't be spent for nothing."

Upon hearing the boy's threat, the clerk's expression changed instantly. He had paid a heavy price to secure this job, and if a complaint were filed against him, it would be a massive headache.

"Of course... of course it's been repaired. Please, wait just a moment."

The male clerk nimbly retrieved Sakura's pink camera from the cabinet behind him. He originally intended to hand it to her personally, but seeing that the boy had no intention of moving from his spot, he had no choice but to pass the camera to him instead.

"Mm, thanks."

After giving the clerk a lukewarm reply, Hashiba Hikaru turned around and handed the camera to the red-haired girl standing before him, saying softly, "Sakura-san, why don't you check it first and see if it's working properly?"

"Mm."

Sakura nodded earnestly and lowered her head to test the camera's functions. Before bringing it in for repairs, she had already removed her memory card; after all, it contained so many important photos that she absolutely couldn't let anyone else see.

After a few simple operations, she watched the screen light up again. A faint smile tugged at the corners of the girl's mouth as she looked up into Hashiba Hikaru's eyes and whispered, "Hashiba-kun, the camera is fixed."

"That's good. Could you two wait for me for a moment? I have a few things I'd like to ask this clerk."

Hashiba Hikaru signaled for Kushida to take the girl aside so he could have a one-on-one conversation with the clerk.

He had caught this guy trying to leer at Sakura Airi again, and combined with the strange attitude he had displayed yesterday, Hashiba Hikaru felt a great deal of suspicion, so he decided to probe him.

Chapter 85: Can We Be Friends?

Once Kushida Kikyo and Sakura Airi had walked over to the rest area near the entrance of the electronics store, Hashiba Hikaru locked eyes with the male clerk once more.

"Um, Clerk-san, would it be alright if I asked you a few questions about cameras?"

"Uh, what kind of questions..."

Seeing Sakura Airi being led far away by that short-haired girl, the clerk felt a surge of anger, but facing the boy's calm inquiry, he remembered the threat from moments ago and quickly spoke up, "Is this student looking to pick out a camera?"

"Of course, otherwise I wouldn't have come back a second time."

Hashiba Hikaru shrugged, indicating that was indeed the case. He could make up any answer to gain trust; since this guy was a clerk here, he couldn't very well chase away a potential customer.

Logically speaking, since this Artificial Island was completely enclosed, the staff should have been selected long ago, and even if there was staff turnover, it shouldn't be very frequent.

Sakura Airi was a freshman who had only been enrolled for a little over a month, so no matter how he looked at it, this clerk shouldn't know her unless he had known her before she enrolled.

Yet, Sakura's behavior yesterday didn't look like someone facing an acquaintance at all; not only did she show fear, but she was also highly resistant to his gaze.

This suggested that it was highly likely this guy knew Sakura unilaterally, while Sakura was unaware of him.

After a brief mental review, the boy used the photography knowledge he had crammed that morning to ask his questions.

"Um, regarding cameras, is there a big difference between a camera for taking portraits and one for landscapes?"

"There is indeed a difference. The parameters required for shooting portraits and landscapes are not quite the same." The clerk began to explain based on his own experience, "If you're a beginner, you need to find that 'sweet spot' you're comfortable with."

"Then, if I want to shoot portraits, does Clerk-san have any recommended cameras?"

Hashiba Hikaru continued to inquire, his gaze sweeping over the various camera samples on the counter, though he was actually keeping a close watch on the other man's expression.

"For portraits, I recommend this camera. Its parameters and results in every aspect are excellent."

Hearing this, the clerk instinctively pointed his palm toward a camera that had been sitting right by his hand. It was also a pink camera, and it looked somewhat similar to Sakura's.

"What model is this, and is it expensive?"

After glancing at it, Hashiba Hikaru immediately prepared to reach out and touch the camera, but was stopped by the clerk's voice.

"Um, this sample isn't available for customers to use at the moment," the clerk's eyes bulged when he saw Hashiba Hikaru's movement, and he quickly reached out to take the camera back.

He explained to the boy with some embarrassment, "Because this camera broke earlier, and the replacement parts are still on their way, it's impossible to take photos with it right now."

"Is that so?"

Hashiba Hikaru rubbed his chin. This guy really was terrible at lying; he clearly cared about this camera, yet he made up such a lame excuse.

If it was broken, why are you so nervous?

Wouldn't the result be the same if I just discovered it myself?

After taking back the camera, the male clerk looked at Hashiba Hikaru's thoughtful expression and grew impatient, so he quickly spoke up, "Has this student decided which camera he wants to buy?"

"Eh... I think I'll wait a bit."

Understanding the hint, Hashiba Hikaru put on an apologetic expression and replied, "My Private Points aren't quite enough right now. How about I come back to buy a camera next month? Sorry about that, Clerk-san."

"..."

Although he was already cursing internally, as a service industry worker, the male clerk knew there were some things that absolutely could not be said, or he would certainly be fired.

"It's no problem. If you're interested next month, feel free to come back."

"Mm, I will. I'll be heading off then."

Hashiba Hikaru left the counter without the slightest hesitation and reunited with the two girls.

"I asked a few questions about cameras, but unfortunately, they're a bit too expensive. I think I'll just try using my phone for now."

The boy sighed with feigned regret and said to Sakura Airi beside him, "Phones should be able to take photos too, right?"

"Yes, they can. Although they aren't as good as cameras, they can still produce decent results."

Sakura Airi, who often took selfies with her phone, naturally understood the convenience of it. Seeing that the boy seemed genuinely interested in photography, she offered, "If Hashiba-kun really wants to use a camera, I can lend you mine..."

Looking at the rosy flush spreading across the girl's small face, Hashiba Hikaru simply shook his head calmly and replied gently, "I'm not in any particular rush yet. Let me try using my phone first."

"Since the camera is fixed now, why don't we go take some photos together later to test it out?" Hashiba Hikaru suggested with a smile, "Would Sakura-san be willing?"

"Um... yes, I can."

"Well, I have things to do, so I'll be heading off. If you two want to take photos, go ahead."

Seeing that these two had inexplicably become photography enthusiasts, Kushida Kikyo no longer wanted to stay here and be a wallflower.

The short-haired girl looked up and took a deep look at Hashiba Hikaru's expression. She seemed to want to say something, but in the end, she didn't open her mouth. Instead, she said goodbye and slipped away immediately.

"Goodbye, Kushida-san."

"Uh, it looks like it's just the two of us now. Does Sakura-san feel a bit uncomfortable?" Hashiba Hikaru asked the girl for her thoughts in a low voice.

"Not at all. If Hashiba-kun wants to learn photography..." Sakura Airi gripped her small hands tightly and gathered her courage to say, "I can offer some advice."

She had originally meant to say she could teach him, but after thinking about it, she felt that would be too rude, so she changed it to offering advice.

"Are you really sure?"

A look of pleasant surprise appeared on Hashiba Hikaru's face, and he said to the girl with a hint of excitement in his tone, "Thank you so much. If I have a guide to lead the way, my journey into photography will surely go very smoothly."

"Thank you, Sakura-san."

"It's nothing, I'm not really some amazing photography expert..." The girl shook her head, a rosy flush appearing on her cheeks once again.

Hashiba Hikaru thought to himself that since she had said as much, perhaps he could strike while the iron was hot and push things a little further.

Thus, the boy asked Sakura Airi gently, "Since we both like photography, then... can I become friends with Sakura-san?"

"!"

Upon hearing this, Sakura Airi's heart trembled instantly. She looked at Hashiba Hikaru's face, feeling both nervous and shy. The boy's demeanor remained gentle throughout, and all she could feel from him was a sense of consideration.

"As for being friends... is Hashiba-kun really willing to be friends with someone like me?" Sakura Airi used almost all her strength to ask this question.

"Of course I am. Since you were willing to come and help me, I naturally want to be friends with you." The boy gazed at the red-haired girl before him, his eyes bright.

"In that case... I agree to be Hashiba-kun's friend."

Even though she was shy and unaccustomed to it, Sakura Airi agreed nonetheless.

She wanted to see up close what kind of person this boy was—the first one to make her feel something so completely different deep inside.

"Mm-hmm, then from now on, we're friends, Sakura-san."

As soon as he finished speaking, the system notification sounded right on time.

[Due to shared interests and your gentle attitude, Sakura Airi has agreed to become your friend. Sakura Airi Stock price has risen by 10 points. Current stock price: 50.]

Not bad at all, Sakura-san.

Chapter 86: Time to Turn Up the Heat on Kushida

Having successfully gotten Sakura Airi to agree to be his friend through a proactive invitation, Hashiba Hikaru felt quite satisfied looking at the stock price that had risen to 50 points. He held 5,000 shares of this girl's stock; as long as it didn't drop later, he had already earned 100,000 in funds, and he could continue to mine more later.

Consequently, Hashiba Hikaru's demeanor became increasingly gentle as he accompanied Sakura Airi on a stroll around the campus. It was only then that he discovered this red-haired girl was actually very knowledgeable about various quiet, deserted spots on campus—likely photography locations she had discovered herself where she wouldn't be disturbed by others.

Hashiba Hikaru, who only had a basic understanding of photography, was a complete novice, while Sakura Airi, who was extremely skilled at taking photos, fully embraced the role of a teacher. Despite appearing shy and soft-spoken earlier, her explanations were vivid when talking about photography, and her beautiful eyes shimmered with a light called passion.

This was likely what she looked like when she was enjoying her usual photography sessions.

Although Sakura Airi's attire looked a bit dowdy at the moment, and she wore a pair of red-rimmed glasses that obscured her eyes, Hashiba Hikaru could feel her passion for photography. It was no wonder she was a blog idol and a gravure model.

"Hashiba-kun, look here. If you adjust the angle, you can capture different effects."

Sakura Airi looked at the boy beside her who was being very cooperative, carefully guiding him to use his phone to capture different scenery.

"Mm-hmm, this angle is really nice, and you can even see the reflection of the trees."

Hashiba Hikaru exclaimed in wonder repeatedly, putting on a show of being a very eager learner with a very serious expression.

"Yes, that angle was a great find. It seems Hashiba-kun has a real talent for this."

Standing very close to the boy, Sakura Airi could feel the scent of a boy wafting toward her.

This sensation had made her a little shy at first, but as she became fully immersed in their photography time, Sakura Airi found herself gradually growing accustomed to the scent.

Anyway, Hashiba-kun and I are friends now, so being a little close shouldn't matter, right?

The girl convinced herself in her heart and continued to accompany Hashiba Hikaru to various places on campus with low foot traffic, which actually allowed Hashiba Hikaru to gather some information he hadn't known before.

Hiss, this Sakura-san really has some hidden depths.

Their photography tour lasted for about two hours. Seeing the faint beads of sweat on the girl's forehead beside him, Hashiba Hikaru decided it should end here for today.

"Phew, this one finally makes me a bit satisfied."

The boy showed the last landscape photo he had taken to Sakura Airi, then lowered his head to pretend to check the time, saying, "Time really flies. It's already six o'clock."

"What time do you usually have dinner, Sakura-san?"

"Um..."

Hearing him say that, Sakura Airi suddenly snapped back to reality. She had been so focused since they started that she had almost forgotten the passage of time. It was indeed time for dinner now.

"I think it's about the same as everyone else; around six o'clock is fine."

"Mm-hmm, since Sakura-san taught me so much about photography today, let me treat you to dinner tonight."

Hashiba Hikaru suggested with a smile, and without giving her a chance to refuse, he added quickly, "You aren't allowed to say no. Since we're friends, it's only natural for us to eat together, right?"

"Mm..."

Feeling the boy's gaze and sensing the sincerity in his heart, Sakura Airi gave a small nod.

When choosing a place for dinner, Hashiba Hikaru took Sakura Airi's shy personality into account, so he didn't pick a crowded cafeteria or a popular restaurant, but instead chose a noodle shop with less foot traffic.

While waiting for their food to be served, Hashiba Hikaru took the initiative to chat with Sakura Airi, carrying out his goal of drawing closer to her.

"Sakura-san, since we've become friends, how about we exchange contact information?"

"Umm..."

"If I have any more photography questions to ask you in the future, I can contact you directly on my phone. Wouldn't that be much more convenient?" Seeing the girl hesitate, Hashiba Hikaru immediately offered a way out, waiting to see if Sakura would accept it.

"Mm, that's fine."

Of course, Sakura Airi wanted to exchange contact information with Hashiba Hikaru. Since they had already become friends, the girl also wanted to experience the feeling of texting with a friend.

"That works."

Hashiba Hikaru nodded, and after they finished exchanging contact information, the boy said gently, "I think this is an important first step."

"Friendship is born when both parties are willing to take that first step, supporting and understanding each other, so that stories and new memories can continue to be created later on. That's why the first step is so important."

"Mm, I feel that being able to become friends with Hashiba-kun is also... my first step."

Sakura Airi adjusted her glasses frames, a hint of warmth flowing through her blue eyes.

Ever since she first discovered this boy who felt different from the others, she never expected that she would actually be able to become friends with him, and that they would even share the same hobbies and interests.