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

In this way, was she truly moving forward?

The girl understood that humans could not live entirely on their own, but she was unable to overcome the timidity in her heart, so she had always lived behind a mask. She feared communication and eye contact, and she feared being dragged into strange and troublesome matters, which was why she remained in a state of solitude.

But this did not mean she resisted making friends; she simply could not find someone who could make her feel a sense of identification and put her at ease.

And the Hashiba Hikaru before her eyes fit this standard quite well. Even when he looked at her, Sakura Airi did not feel afraid at all; furthermore, his attitude and the various emotions he displayed made her feel very secure.

"That's right, we both took the first step, and that is the most important thing."

Hashiba Hikaru looked at the light in the girl's eyes and continued, "It is precisely because we are friends that I want to bring up the topic we didn't finish earlier."

"What topic?" Sakura Airi looked into the boy's eyes.

"That would be about reliance and trust." Hashiba Hikaru suddenly smiled, but his tone was even gentler, "In this world, apart from parents and family, the people closest to us are our friends."

"No matter what difficulties you encounter, you can bring them up to a friend. Even if the other person cannot solve them for you immediately, I feel that the act of confiding itself is something that can transmit energy."

The boy gazed at Sakura Airi's pale blue eyes and asked softly, "Sakura-san and I have become friends, so if we encounter anything in the future, can we confide in each other?"

"..."

Hashiba Hikaru's words naturally carried his own agenda, the reason for which stemmed from the electronics store employee he had noticed today; that person was clearly very focused on Sakura.

As a school employee, even though Sakura Airi did not know him, he had displayed an inexplicably eager attitude during both of their encounters.

Even though the girl was dressed in a dowdy fashion, with thick bangs covering almost half her face, and she was accompanied by the beloved angel Kushida Kikyo, that guy's gaze had never once turned toward Kushida.

This didn't make sense.

Therefore, before getting to the bottom of this, Hashiba Hikaru hoped to communicate with Sakura Airi in advance, hoping that if she encountered any troublesome matters, she could seek help from him.

This was an important part of building trust.

After listening to the boy's words, Sakura remained silent for a moment, then nodded and said, "If Hashiba-kun encounters any problems, you can tell me. Although I might not be able to help much, I can certainly listen."

"The same goes for you, Sakura-san. If you encounter any problems, you must remember to tell me." The boy smiled and said lightly, "After all, since we've become friends, being honest with each other is also very important."

Upon hearing the word "honest," Sakura Airi's small face went slightly blank. She possessed a completely different side to herself, one that the Hashiba Hikaru before her knew nothing about.

"Being honest with each other?"

Complex light flickered in Sakura Airi's eyes. She had no way to speak directly about the pressure she was currently under, and until these matters were completely resolved, the girl did not want to drag Hashiba Hikaru into them.

"Mm, I understand."

After whispering a reply, the two enjoyed their dinner together.

After seeing Sakura Airi back to the eleventh floor, Hashiba Hikaru re-entered the elevator to return to his own dormitory.

As a result, before his backside had even warmed the seat, a knock sounded at the door.

"Knock, knock, knock!"

What's going on?

Hashiba Hikaru had no choice but to sit up from his soft bed, get up to walk to the door, and take a look through the peephole.

It was actually Kushida Kikyo.

"Hurry up and open the door so I can come in."

An incredibly cold voice drifted in from outside the door, instantly leaving the boy stunned.

What is up with this person right now? Is she not even pretending anymore?

After he reached out and opened the door, the short-haired girl walked in from the doorway with an expressionless face. She did not greet Hashiba Hikaru, but instead walked straight into his bedroom.

"Eh, Kushida-san, what are you doing?"

"I have something to ask you." The girl didn't look back and sat directly on Hashiba Hikaru's bed.

"Alright, I wonder what question Kushida-san wants to ask?"

Seeing her undisguised demeanor, Hashiba Hikaru found it somewhat amusing; this person must be exhausted from pretending all the time.

"What are you trying to do by deliberately trying to get close to Sakura?"

"Why ask that?" Hashiba Hikaru feigned an innocent look and replied, "I like photography, and Sakura-san is very knowledgeable about it, so I'm asking her for advice."

"I want the truth."

Kushida Kikyo, who had long since mastered the art of reading people, could feel that during today's meeting, Hashiba Hikaru had been intentionally or unintentionally currying favor with Sakura Airi, while the other party hadn't noticed it at all.

"That is the truth."

Hashiba Hikaru shrugged. He looked at Kushida's somewhat cold expression, but a cold sneer rose in his heart.

This person doesn't think that just by showing an attitude of liking her, I'll actually be at her beck and call, does she? I liquidated my shares in you a long time ago; I'm not afraid of you at all right now.

You dare to interrogate me, huh?

Since that's the case, I'll have to turn up the intensity on you.

Come on, release Horikita Suzune!

Chapter 87: The Actor is in Position

In the 301 dormitory at night, Kushida stared with some irritation at the boy who still wore a smile on his face.

She didn't know if it was because she had developed an uncontrollable attitude toward Pifang or something else, but the thought of him currying favor with Sakura Airi made her feel incredibly annoyed.

Meanwhile, after Hashiba Hikaru claimed he was telling the truth, he pulled a drink from the refrigerator and handed it over, as if he didn't care at all about the interrogation just now.

"Are you thirsty, Kushida-san? Would you like a juice?"

Feeling slightly annoyed by Kushida's accusatory tone, Hashiba Hikaru had already made up his mind to approach Horikita Suzune right in front of her tomorrow, just to see if this short-haired little angel would lose her cool.

Therefore, the gentler he was now, the greater the impact would be tomorrow.

How truly exciting.

After Kushida Kikyo took the juice with a complex expression, the cold sensation against her palm helped her thoughts begin to settle.

The girl's face transformed back into a gentle mask, and she smiled at Hashiba Hikaru, saying, "Thank you, Hashiba-kun. I'm sorry about just now; I was just curious about the answer, so I got a bit impatient."

"It's fine. I've always been open with you, Kushida-san; I wouldn't hide anything from you."

Hashiba Hikaru waved his hand, his expression remaining gentle.

"Mm, I know."

"That's good. Since Sakura-san has agreed to help you all, does she intend to appear as a witness during the hearing?" Hashiba Hikaru decided to discuss business to steer away from the previous topic.

"Yes, I heard her say she can testify at the hearing, stating that she saw the other party throw the first punch and that Sudo-kun was acting in self-defense."

"That's good. If we can get this hearing dismissed, there shouldn't be any major problems."

Hashiba Hikaru rubbed his chin, though he was still somewhat worried.

Last time he sabotaged Ryuen, he used video footage, and yet, despite such a serious brawl occurring this time, Class D hadn't submitted any critical evidence.

If this was just Ryuen's oversight, that would be fine, but if he had other motives—such as saving the video footage to present during the hearing—it would be a checkmate, and no amount of defense would be useful.

"I hope we can get through this crisis smoothly." Kushida looked at the boy's contemplative expression, wanting to ask for his thoughts. "What are you thinking about, Hashiba-kun?"

"Oh, it's nothing. I was just recalling some photography techniques. After all, I'm a beginner, so there's quite a lot to learn and memorize."

Hashiba Hikaru brushed it off; in any case, these thoughts hadn't been verified, and there was no point in saying them out loud.

"Alright, then I'll head back for today."

Realizing she wouldn't get any more opinions here, Kushida stood up to take her leave.

Once the door closed, Hashiba Hikaru immediately pulled out his phone and began contacting Horikita Suzune.

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

Horikita Suzune: ...Is there something you need, Hashiba-kun?

Seeing the message from Hashiba Hikaru, Horikita Suzune rubbed her temples. She was currently thinking about how to handle the hearing in a few days, as Hirata-kun had already pushed for her to be the primary spokesperson.

Hashiba Hikaru: You should know that Hirata-kun asked Ichinose-san and me to help your class find witnesses for the Sudo incident, right?

Horikita Suzune: Yes, the witness has been confirmed now.

Hashiba Hikaru: I heard you will be the main spokesperson. Have you thought about how to handle the Student Council hearing?

Horikita Suzune: I'm thinking about it. This matter shouldn't have anything to do with you anymore, Hashiba-kun.

Seeing this message, Hashiba Hikaru immediately typed a reply.

Hashiba Hikaru: Did you overlook something, Horikita-san?

Horikita Suzune: What is it?

The black-haired girl raised an eyebrow, not understanding what he meant.

Hashiba Hikaru: The hearing is presided over by the Student Council, which means Horikita-senpai might appear. Do you think you're prepared to prove yourself in front of Horikita-senpai?

Upon seeing this message, Horikita Suzune's expression changed abruptly; she had almost forgotten about that.

The girl had spent the last few days confirming that Sakura Airi would help and thinking about how to clear Sudo of this brawl, so she had neglected this point.

If my brother is going to be there presiding over the hearing, can I really... perform perfectly?

Thinking of this, Horikita Suzune suddenly felt insecure. Although she was confident in her abilities, deep down, she was actually terrified of making a fool of herself in front of her brother. If she were cornered and left speechless, it would be quite embarrassing, wouldn't it?

Hashiba Hikaru: So, this is where I need to fulfill my promise.

Horikita Suzune: What do you mean?

Hashiba Hikaru: Let's find an opportunity to meet and talk about this hearing. I want to hear your plan and provide some additions.

Hashiba Hikaru: Don't forget, this is part of the agreement between Horikita-senpai and me. I will only provide pointers; the actual execution depends on you.

Holding her phone, the black-haired girl recalled their meeting that night. Although she felt a bit unwilling, the thought of her brother potentially looking at her with disappointment made her press the send button.

Horikita Suzune: Fine. When and where should we meet?

Hashiba Hikaru: I'll send you the specific time later. Make sure you don't get the place wrong.

Horikita Suzune: I won't.

Closing her phone, Horikita Suzune continued to look down at her notebook, pondering her plan. She believed her argument should be fine, but if she had to face her brother's scrutiny, she had to make it even more perfect.

After contacting the black-haired girl, Hashiba Hikaru's next step was to confirm Kushida's movements. After all, he could only actively control the time he met with Horikita, but he couldn't predict Kushida's actions.

If he wanted to create a coincidence, he needed to make more detailed preparations.

The chat interface with Kushida Kikyo.

Hashiba Hikaru: Kushida-san, do you have any plans for tomorrow afternoon?

The short-haired girl, already changed into her pajamas, saw this message and hurriedly picked up her phone to type a reply.

Kushida Kikyo: Tomorrow afternoon? I have plans to go shopping at the Keyaki Mall arcade with some friends. Is there something you need, Hashiba-kun?

Seeing this message, the boy smiled. She really lived up to her reputation as the most popular student, enjoying life every single day.

Hashiba Hikaru: It's nothing major. I just wanted to grab a meal with you when you were free.

Kushida Kikyo: I can cancel my plans for tomorrow if you want to meet up?

Hashiba Hikaru: No need. I don't want to put you in a difficult position. Let's talk about it later; there will always be time.

Kushida Kikyo: Mm-hmm.

After confirming Kushida's movements, Hashiba Hikaru began messaging Horikita Suzune. Since they were going to the shopping arcade, he would choose that specific café. It was not only located in the center of the arcade, but its glass windows offered a clear view, making it easier for Kushida to spot who he was with.

The chat interface with Horikita Suzune.

Hashiba Hikaru: Tomorrow after school, at the café in Keyaki Mall. I'll reserve a table.

Horikita Suzune: I will be there on time.

Hashiba Hikaru: That's good. See you tomorrow, Horikita-san.

The actors were in position, just waiting for Kushida to enter the scene.

Chapter 88: Horikita Suzune's Thoughts, Kushida Takes the Bait

Before school ended the next day, Hashiba Hikaru spent his time organizing what he would say and anticipating potential scenarios. This was a crucial first test, and it all depended on how Kushida would react.