Honami Ichinose: More Than Friends, Less Than Lovers? / Miyabi Nagumo's Second Recruitment Attempt

"I've already processed all my worries. No matter what happens in the future, I'm confident I can lead my classmates to face it."

"Then why would Ichinose do that?"

Hashiba Hikaru tried to remain calm, feeling the soft touch in her arms and the arms tightly wrapped around her waist. This intimacy clearly went beyond that of ordinary friends.

"Because for me to have the confidence to lead the class in facing this together, there is a very important prerequisite."

What are the prerequisites?

"That means... that Classmate Hashiba can always stay by my side and be a reliable support for me. Only then will I have nothing to fear."

The pink-haired girl slowly raised her head and looked at Hashiba Hikaru's expression.

Her pretty face was already flushed, Ichinose Honami's eyes sparkled with a clear light, reflecting only the image of Hashiba Hikaru.

This is Ichinose Honami's romantic offensive. She has actually thought about it for a long time and is preparing to choose a suitable time to confess her feelings to the boy.

The girl's awareness and abundant emotions had fully accumulated, and she wanted to strive for her own happiness.

During today's gathering, watching Hashiba Hikaru plan for the class and make comprehensive arrangements and considerations for everyone, Ichinose Honami's feelings grew stronger and stronger, almost reaching a critical point.

This relationship was both sweet and worrying, so Ichinose wanted a resolution; she didn't want to wait any longer.

[Ichinose Honami's resolve strengthened by the Student Council's plans, and she decided to boldly express her love to you. Ichinose Honami Stock Price rose by 20, currently standing at 170.]

"..."

Chapter 126 Ichinose Honami: More Than Friends, Less Than Lovers?

In the quiet dormitory, after Ichinose Honami lifted her head from Hashiba Hikaru's embrace and uttered this straightforward expression, the girl stared intently at his expression, waiting for his reply.

Although she could feel her heart beating faster and faster, Ichinose couldn't tell whether it was from the shyness of being pressed against the boy's chest or from the excitement of anticipating the answer.

Unfortunately, after about ten seconds, Hashiba Hikaru, who was standing right next to him, fell silent.

The pink-haired girl's pretty face suddenly turned pale, and her calves began to tremble slightly, as if all the strength in her body had been drained away.

"Hashiba... what's your answer?"

Ichinose Honami suppressed the surging emotions in her chest and asked the next question in a trembling voice.

"Actually..."

Hashiba Hikaru sighed inwardly. He never expected that continuing the plan to help Class A would directly lead to Ichinose confessing his feelings to him. This must be the butterfly effect brought about by the increase in stock price.

We are all living, breathing human beings. It's impossible for us to act according to his expectations after we've gotten closer. It's only reasonable for him to do something unexpected.

Does she dislike Ichinose Honami? The answer is definitely no.

Do I like Ichinose Honami? Yes, I do, but not to the point where I can't live without her.

The newly acquired stocks still require Hashiba Hikaru to work hard to increase the stock price in order to cash out. There are too many things to do, and for a moment he doesn't know how to respond to the girl's passionate feelings.

"I..."

Having uttered just one word, and gazing at the expectant look flickering in Ichinose's clear, bright eyes, Hashiba Hikaru fell silent once more.

"Um, I got a little too excited. If I caused any trouble for Classmate Hashiba, then I apologize."

Noticing the boy's troubled expression, Ichinose Honami was about to pull her hand away from his waist, but the next second, she heard Hashiba Hikaru speak.

"No, this is certainly not a problem."

Hashiba Hikaru's voice was soft. Although she didn't know how to handle the situation, accepting the confession or rejecting it outright was not an option in order to obtain more system funds. After all, she had to consider the other person's feelings. The best approach was to let it slide and deal with it after careful consideration.

"So... what does Classmate Hashiba think?"

Ichinose Honami heard the boy speak, she stared blankly at his face. Seeing that familiar smile on his face, she felt inexplicably at ease.

"Well, my answer is actually a bit complicated, and it might be hard for people to understand. I wonder if Ichinose would like to hear it?"

"I'm fine with anything, please tell me Classmate Hashiba." Ichinose nodded her head slightly, her excitement subsiding as she calmed down.

"Alright, I'll begin then. I hope Ichinose understands what I mean."

Hashiba Hikaru carefully considered her words before slowly revealing her thoughts to the girl.

"First of all, I am very flattered that Ichinose could express her feelings to me. You are very charming, and I really enjoy being with you. This is my genuine feeling without any pretense."

"But I've never been in a relationship before, so I don't know how to respond to these feelings," Hashiba Hikaru said with a wry smile. "I do have feelings for Ichinose, but I can't be sure if those feelings are true love."

"Because I couldn't confirm it, I was stunned when I heard what Ichinose felt about you. I didn't want to reply to you before clarifying my own feelings; that wouldn't be fair to you."

"Once I truly understand my own feelings, I will take the initiative to express them to Ichinose. Only in this way can we achieve a result that satisfies everyone."

"This is my answer and thought process. Do you understand, Ichinose?" Hashiba Hikaru's voice was very soft, but she had repeatedly confirmed each sentence in her mind before speaking, so she spoke slowly to ensure that the other person could hear her clearly.

The pink-haired girl, still pressed against Hashiba Hikaru's chest, fell silent after listening attentively to the answer.

Before deciding to express her feelings to Hashiba Hikaru today, Ichinose Honami probably had two different expectations for the outcome.

If she agrees, then she and Hashiba Hikaru will naturally become lovers and can experience together the things she has been looking forward to since she was a girl.

Secondly, she could refuse. Although she would be very sad, Ichinose Honami knew Hashiba Hikaru's personality well, and perhaps he would completely forget about it afterward. The two of them would pretend that nothing had happened and continue to work hard as the core figures in the class, continuing to lead everyone forward.

Hashiba Hikaru's answer was neither an agreement nor a rejection, leaving the girl with mixed feelings.

"So what will happen to us next?" The pink-haired girl stared intently at the other person's face.

"I don't know the answer to that question either, but I've already given the more important answer."

Hashiba Hikaru smiled gently and said, "Although I can't be sure if I really like Ichinose, I will always be with Ichinose. We are not only deskmates, but also allies who help the class together."

"After what happened today, the distance between us has shrunk again, hasn't it?"

"But..."

Ichinose Honami hesitated, but after thinking it over carefully, she realized that although she hadn't gotten the answer she wanted, she at least knew how the other person viewed her.

Classmate Hashiba has feelings for her. She sensed this before making her decision, which is why she chose to be direct instead of waiting. Now it's proven that the girl's guess was correct.

She also learned from him that he had never been in a relationship before, which made the girl feel a little relieved, because she had never been in a relationship either. If they could start dating smoothly, then all their firsts would belong to each other, which perfectly matched Ichinose's fantasy of her other half.

"Since Classmate Hashiba has already said so, then I have no choice but to accept this answer." Ichinose Honami released her arms from around Hashiba Hikaru's waist, and a gentle smile returned to her face.

"I'm glad you understand. Once I'm truly sure of my feelings, leave the confession to me."

Hashiba Hikaru Hashima observed the girl's relaxed expression; it seemed she had successfully fooled her.

"Hehehe, then I'll look forward to it. Is my current relationship with Classmate Hashiba something of 'more than friends, less than lovers'?" Ichinose Honami had read some romance manga, so she knew this concept.

"Well, I guess so. Anyway, I'm glad you understand, Ichinose. I'll definitely keep my promise, and I'll tell you as soon as I'm sure of your feelings."

"Yes, I understand."

The pink-haired girl nodded emphatically. After expressing her surging emotions today, although the result was not quite what she had expected, at least she wasn't directly rejected.

With continued effort, Ichinose Honami believes this love will surely be hers.

She has that kind of confidence.

After they had talked things out, the two became closer in the following days. To soothe her emotions, Hashiba Hikaru spent the whole afternoon with Ichinose Honami and helped her prepare the documents for her application to join the Student Council.

The boy will take her and Ando Sayo to submit this document after school tomorrow.

Regardless, this is the most important thing right now. Once the two of them join the Student Council, he will have informants within the Student Council, and all related preparations can begin in advance.

On the other hand, Hashiba Hikaru's remaining task is still to focus on improving the stock price.

In any case, as long as the prices of these stock assets are increased, he can immediately cash out once the desired items are available in the new inventory. This is the source of his confidence.

The most suitable candidate for this task is naturally Kushida, who doesn't care about the class's interests at all. This would not only boost her popularity but also allow her to gather information about Class C, resulting in a double benefit.

When it was time to leave school the next day, Ando Sayo and Ichinose Honami had packed their bags and were holding their prepared application forms.

"Let's go then. We're heading to the Student Council now. Is everyone mentally prepared?" Hashiba Hikaru smiled as she packed her things and looked at the two girls beside her.

"I'm a little nervous, but I'll try my best to overcome it, so please don't worry, Classmate Hashiba." Ando patted his chest to calm himself down. Looking at the expression on her face, the boy knew he hadn't chosen the wrong person.

Ichinose Honami stood smiling next to Hashiba Hikaru and said softly, "I'm fine, everything is ready."

"Okay, let's go then."

Led by Hashiba Hikaru, the two walked towards the Student Council classroom. Having been there once before, Hashiba Hikaru naturally remembered the route, so she easily led the two girls to the fourth floor of the teaching building.

Because Hashiba Hikaru had already messaged Horikita Manabu before they left, they saw Tachibana Akane already standing at the door when they arrived, as if she was waiting for someone.

"Good afternoon, Tachibana-senpai," Hashiba Hikaru greeted her gently, introducing the two girls behind her.

"This is Ichinose Honami, and this is Ando Sayo. They are the people who are here to submit their applications today."

Good afternoon, Senior Orange.

Good afternoon, Tachibana... Senior Tachibana.

Ichinose and Ando greeted her. Although the two girls were a little nervous, they quickly composed themselves. After all, Hashiba Hikaru was with them, which made them feel at ease.

"Then please come in with me. The President is waiting. He said he wants to personally review the nominee for Classmate Hashiba." Tachibana Akane gave Hashiba Hikaru a subtle look before gesturing for everyone to come in.

"Let's go. If all goes well, we might be able to finish soon."

Hashiba Hikaru led the two girls into the Student Council for the second time.

Chapter 127 Miyabi Nagumo's Second Attempt to Win Him Over

After the three girls were led into the Student Council by Tachibana Akane, the scene inside surprised the two girls who were visiting for the first time. After all, the Student Council is different from ordinary clubs. They usually deal with a wider variety of matters and it is a place where they can develop their abilities.

Looking past the rows of tables and chairs, watching her busy and focused senior colleagues at work, Ichinose Honami felt a mix of surprise and anticipation. Ando, too, was carefully observing his surroundings, trying to memorize the arrangement of the furnishings so he could be more familiar with them next time he came.

Just as the group was walking towards the black table and chairs where Horikita Manabu was, a flippant voice came from behind them.

"Hey, isn't this Classmate Hashiba? Are you here to apply to join the Student Council?"

It was Miyabi Nagumo. As soon as she saw Hashiba Hikaru, she walked over and called out the boy's name in a very affectionate tone.

"Greetings, Nagumo- senpai." Hashiba Hikaru greeted him with a smile.

Upon hearing the name, Ichinose and Ando's expressions changed instantly. They both remembered the facts that Hashiba Hikaru had emphasized yesterday, so they turned their attention to the boy who had appeared next to them.

Even though the other person is good-looking, it might make a good impression if it's the first time you meet them.

However, since both women had been warned by Hashiba Hikaru beforehand, their gazes toward Miyabi Nagumo were naturally filtered through a thick layer of lenses.

After seeing the man's appearance and demeanor clearly, Ando Sayo thought to herself, "Hmph, he looks respectable, but his personality is terrible. This kind of man is so much worse than Classmate Hashiba."

Meanwhile, Ichinose Honami thought to herself, "Is he Miyabi Nagumo? Since Classmate Hashiba wants us to monitor his actions, we absolutely must complete this mission."

"I'm not here to join the Student Council today, Nagumo- senpai. I'm here with two classmates to submit our applications."

Hashiba Hikaru introduced the two girls behind her to Miyabi Nagumo, calmly saying, "This is Ichinose, and this is Ando- san."

"Hello everyone, I'm Miyabi Nagumo from the second year of junior high school. You can just call me Nagumo." Miyabi Nagumo gave the girls what she thought was a very charming smile.

But it was clear that Ichinose and Ando wouldn't listen to him; they simply nodded and greeted him indifferently.

"That's really strange, Classmate Hashiba. Since people in your class are applying for Student Council, why don't you apply?" After meeting Hashiba Hikaru last time, Miyabi Nagumo went out of her way to find out more about her.

Whether it was leading Class B to Class A in the first month or buying exam papers from upperclassmen, he was quite concerned about this freshman he had met once before.

Miyabi Nagumo greatly admired his abilities, the things he did, and his underhanded tactics against students from other classes.

Nagumo's gaze swept over the two girls behind him. From their expressions and postures, it was clear that they regarded Hashiba Hikaru as their most important support. This meant that although he was not the class leader, he had already completed the integration and control of the class.

No matter how she thought about it, the blonde Vice President felt that she saw her own reflection in Hashiba Hikaru.

Therefore, Nagumo is eager to recruit Hashiba Hikaru into his ranks. When he takes over as Student Council President in the future, he will be the most suitable candidate to control the Second Year, and he definitely has the ability to do so.

"Well, I don't have much free time usually, so joining the Student Council might just be a burden to everyone. Maybe I'll change my mind later." Hashiba Hikaru's tone and expression were very gentle; after all, she still had to maintain appearances.

"Yeah?"

Miyabi Nagumo smiled and patted Hashiba Hikaru on the shoulder, saying with a beaming smile, "In that case, remember to come find me if you want to join the Student Council. I definitely won't treat you unfairly."

"Nagumo. I will remember it."

"Hehe, you guys go ahead with your work, I have something to do so I'll be going now." Miyabi Nagumo glanced at Tachibana Akane, who had been left standing there for half a day, smiled at her, and then strode away.

After hearing this conversation, Ichinose Honami tugged at Hashiba Hikaru's sleeve and met his gaze.

However, the boy simply shook his head slightly and whispered to the two girls, "I'll explain it to you when we get back."

"Um."