Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Kushida Kikyo visits Hashiba Hikaru's room, where she notices a pleasant fragrance but doesn't ask about it.
• Hashiba suggests two plans to help Kushida get closer to Horikita Suzune: using study sessions to invite Horikita out for a meal, and organizing a midterm exam subject assessment plan with Horikita's help.
• Kushida agrees to the second plan, and Hashiba walks her to the elevator.
• Hashiba contacts Horikita Suzune, convincing her to agree to Kushida's request to collect information on students' academic abilities.
• Horikita Suzune agrees to Kushida's request the next day.

Character Developments

• Hashiba Hikaru continues to manipulate Kushida Kikyo and Horikita Suzune to raise his stock price.
• Kushida Kikyo remains focused on her goal of befriending Horikita Suzune and is willing to use any means to achieve it.
• Horikita Suzune is irritated by Hashiba's manipulation but agrees to his requests to prove herself to her brother.

Significant Themes

• Manipulation and deception: Hashiba uses his knowledge of the girls' desires to manipulate them into doing what he wants.
• The importance of appearance: Kushida Kikyo is focused on maintaining her image as the popular little angel of the class.

Character Interactions

• Hashiba and Kushida interact in his dorm room, with Hashiba suggesting plans to help Kushida befriend Horikita.
• Hashiba and Horikita interact via chat, with Hashiba convincing Horikita to agree to Kushida's request.
• Kushida and Horikita interact in the classroom, with Kushida asking Horikita to help with the midterm exam subject assessment plan.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Hashiba Hikaru increases his stamina through continuous exercise using the [Exercise Booster] item.
• He purchases access to the school's swimming pool during extracurricular hours.
• Ryuen Kakeru returns to Class 1-D and challenges Ibuki Mio's leadership, promising to improve the class's ranking.

Character Developments

• Hashiba Hikaru shows dedication to improving his physical fitness.
• Ryuen Kakeru remains confident and ambitious despite his class's demotion.
• Ibuki Mio maintains her position as class leader but faces challenges from Ryuen.

Significant Themes

• Competition and rivalry among students and classes.
• The importance of physical fitness and self-improvement.
• The consequences of past actions and the struggle to overcome them.

Character Interactions

• Hashiba Hikaru and Ichinose Honami spend time together, with Ichinose accompanying him to the swimming pool.
• Ryuen Kakeru confronts Ibuki Mio upon his return, challenging her leadership and promising to improve the class's ranking.
• Ibuki Mio stands her ground against Ryuen, supported by her classmates, including Shiina Hiyori and Yamada Albert.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ryuen returns to Class D and plans to target Class C to regain control of his class.
• A violent incident occurs in Class C, with Ishizaki and Komiya accusing Sudo of the crime and demanding his expulsion.
• Ichinose Honami asks Hashiba Hikaru for help in finding witnesses to clear Sudo's name.
• Hashiba Hikaru agrees to help, and Class A joins the search for witnesses alongside Class C.

Character Developments

• Ryuen: He's determined to regain control of his class and is willing to use underhanded methods to do so.
• Hashiba Hikaru: He shows concern for the students in Class C and is willing to help them, indicating his growth as a leader who cares about more than just his own class.
• Ichinose Honami: She demonstrates her helpful nature and willingness to stand up for others, even if it means putting her class's interests at risk.

Significant Themes

• The theme of leadership and responsibility is explored through Hashiba Hikaru's decision to help Class C, even though it's not directly beneficial to his own class.
• The theme of competition and underhanded tactics is highlighted through Ryuen's actions and his willingness to use violence and manipulation to achieve his goals.

Character Interactions

• Hashiba Hikaru and Ichinose Honami: They work together to help Class C, showing a level of cooperation and mutual respect between the leaders of Class A and B.
• Ryuen and his lackeys (Ishizaki and Komiya): They work together to frame Sudo, demonstrating Ryuen's ability to manipulate others to achieve his goals.
• Hashiba Hikaru and Kushida Kikyo: Although they don't interact directly in this chapter, their relationship is hinted at, with Hashiba showing admiration for Kushida and being willing to help her class.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Students search for clues about the expelled student but find none.
• Hashiba Hikaru discovers Kushida Kikyo venting her frustration and kicking a railing.
• Kushida Kikyo threatens Hashiba Hikaru, pressing his hand onto her chest to intimidate him.
• Hashiba Hikaru reassures Kushida Kikyo, and she increases her trust in him.

Character Developments

• Kushida Kikyo: Reveals her aggressive and manipulative side, threatening Hashiba Hikaru to keep her secret.
• Hashiba Hikaru: Maintains his composure and gentleness, successfully gaining Kushida's trust and increasing her stock price.

Significant Themes

• Trust and Betrayal: Kushida's lack of trust in others leads her to threaten Hashiba, while Hashiba's honesty and reassurances help him gain her trust.
• Hidden Truths: Kushida's true nature is revealed, highlighting the theme of hidden truths and facades.

Character Interactions

• Hashiba Hikaru and Kushida Kikyo: Their interaction reveals Kushida's true nature and Hashiba's ability to maintain his composure and gain her trust despite her threats.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Hashiba Hikaru sells his Kushida Kikyo Stock for 500,000 funds after the stock price reaches 100.
• Hashiba plans to lower Kushida's stock price by appearing friendly with Horikita Suzune.
• Kushida Kikyo is tasked with finding the witness (Sakura Airi) to Sudo's incident.
• Hashiba and Ichinose Honami go shopping together at Keyaki Mall's supermarket, where they encounter Kushida and Sakura.

Character Developments

• Hashiba Hikaru shows satisfaction with his investment in Kushida's stock and plans his next move.
• Kushida Kikyo takes on the task of finding the witness and tries to approach Sakura Airi, but the latter's camera breaks, delaying the process.
• Ichinose Honami shows care for Hashiba by suggesting they go shopping together.

Significant Themes

• The stock market's influence on character interactions and plot developments.
• The importance of social skills and understanding others' situations (Kushida's approach with Sakura).

Character Interactions

• Hashiba and Ichinose's casual and comfortable interaction while shopping.
• Kushida's attempt to befriend Sakura, which is hindered by the camera incident.
• Hashiba and Kushida's communication through messages about the witness situation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Hashiba Hikaru, Ichinose Honami, and Kushida Kikyo run into Sakura Airi at the electronics store.
• Sakura Airi needs to repair her camera, and the group accompanies her.
• Hashiba Hikaru buys Sakura Airi's stock, planning to go all-in on both her and Shiina Hiyori's stocks.

Character Developments

• Hashiba Hikaru decides to be more aggressive in his trading strategy.
• Sakura Airi is revealed to have a timid personality and dislikes drawing attention to herself.
• The male clerk at the electronics store is shown to be creepy and fixated on Sakura Airi.

Significant Themes

• The theme of fear and anxiety, particularly in Sakura Airi's case, is explored.
• The theme of helping others and standing up for them, as demonstrated by Hashiba Hikaru, is present.

Character Interactions

• Hashiba Hikaru interacts with Sakura Airi, showing kindness and understanding towards her fears.
• Ichinose Honami and Kushida Kikyo support Hashiba Hikaru in helping Sakura Airi.
• The male clerk at the electronics store interacts with Sakura Airi in a creepy and invasive manner.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Sakura's camera is repaired, with Kushida covering the expedited fee.
• Kushida tries to persuade Sakura to testify about the violent incident she witnessed.
• Hashiba and Sakura have a conversation about Sakura's role in the incident and her decision to testify.
• Hashiba decides to change his strategy for the upcoming deliberation, considering Sakura's personality traits.

Character Developments

• Sakura Airi: Becomes more determined to testify after talking to Hashiba, who encourages her to be true to herself.
• Hashiba Hikaru: Realizes that Sakura is not suited for performing in front of others and decides to find someone else to lead the deliberation.

Significant Themes

• Self-acceptance: Sakura learns to embrace her shy and timid nature, understanding that she doesn't have to force herself into situations she's not comfortable with.
• Trust: Hashiba's gentle and understanding demeanor helps Sakura trust him, leading her to make decisions based on her own feelings.

Character Interactions

• Hashiba and Sakura: Hashiba provides guidance and support to Sakura, helping her gain confidence in her decision to testify.
• Kushida and Sakura: Kushida pressures Sakura to testify, but Hashiba steps in to give Sakura space to think and make her own decision.
• Hashiba and Ichinose: The two continue their friendly and playful relationship, with Ichinose teasing Hashiba about his cooking skills.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Kushida Kikyo visits Hashiba Hikaru's dorm late at night, asking about his dinner with Ichinose Honami.
• She shows him photos of Sakura Airi's modeling work, revealing Sakura's secret life.
• Hashiba decides to use photography as an excuse to get closer to Sakura.

Character Developments

• Hashiba Hikaru: Shows interest in photography to get closer to Sakura Airi.
• Sakura Airi: Agrees to go out with Hashiba and Kushida to pick up her repaired camera, showing she's open to interacting with him.
• Kushida Kikyo: Feels annoyed and complicated about Hashiba's actions, possibly due to jealousy or fear of him leaking her secrets.

Significant Themes

• Deception and Secrets: Kushida hides her true intentions, and Sakura hides her modeling career.
• Manipulation: Hashiba uses his interest in photography to manipulate Sakura into spending more time with him.

Character Interactions

• Hashiba and Kushida: Their interaction is tense, with Kushida suspicious of Hashiba's intentions regarding Ichinose and Sakura.
• Hashiba and Sakura: Hashiba uses his newfound "interest" in photography to get closer to Sakura, making her more comfortable around him.
• Kushida and Sakura: Kushida acts as a mediator, helping Sakura and Hashiba interact more easily.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Hashiba Hikaru threatens the clerk to get Sakura's camera back.
• Hashiba questions the clerk about cameras to probe his suspicious behavior.
• Hashiba asks Sakura to be his friend, and she agrees.
• They spend the afternoon taking photos together, and Hashiba learns about quiet spots on campus.
• Hashiba invites Sakura to dinner, and they exchange contact information.

Character Developments

• Hashiba Hikaru: Shows determination in pursuing his goals, displays gentleness and sincerity in his interactions with Sakura.
• Sakura Airi: Overcomes her initial shyness and wariness, begins to open up to Hashiba, shares her passion for photography.

Significant Themes

• Friendship: The importance of taking the first step in building a friendship.
• Trust: Hashiba's suspicion of the clerk and his efforts to probe him.
• Communication: The exchange of contact information as a step towards closer friendship.

Character Interactions

• Hashiba and Sakura: They grow closer as they spend time together, sharing their love for photography and exchanging contact information.
• Hashiba and the clerk: Hashiba uses his knowledge of cameras to probe the clerk's suspicious behavior.
• Sakura and Kushida: Kushida leaves them to take photos together, showing she understands their shared interest.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Hashiba Hikaru and Sakura Airi become friends, and he encourages her to confide in him about any troubles.
• Kushida Kikyo confronts Hashiba about his intentions with Sakura, revealing her jealousy.
• Hashiba Hikaru contacts Horikita Suzune to meet and discuss the upcoming hearing, offering his help.
• Hashiba arranges to meet Horikita at a café in Keyaki Mall, ensuring Kushida will see them together.

Character Developments

• Sakura Airi: She opens up to Hashiba, agreeing to confide in him if she encounters problems.
• Kushida Kikyo: Her jealousy of Sakura is evident, and she drops her pretenses with Hashiba.
• Hashiba Hikaru: He manipulates situations to his advantage, setting up a meeting with Horikita Suzune to make Kushida jealous.
• Horikita Suzune: She acknowledges her fear of facing her brother during the hearing and agrees to meet Hashiba for help.

Significant Themes

• Friendship and trust: Hashiba and Sakura develop a friendship based on mutual understanding and support.
• Jealousy: Kushida's jealousy of Sakura is a driving force in her actions.
• Manipulation: Hashiba uses his understanding of Kushida's feelings to orchestrate a situation to make her jealous.

Character Interactions

• Hashiba and Sakura: They become friends, with Hashiba encouraging open communication.
• Kushida and Hashiba: Their dynamic changes as Kushida drops her pretenses and confronts Hashiba about his intentions with Sakura.
• Horikita and Hashiba: They arrange to meet to discuss the hearing, with Horikita acknowledging Hashiba's help.

Summary

Key Plot Points

• Hashiba Hikaru and Horikita Suzune meet to discuss strategies for the upcoming deliberation.
• Horikita presents her plan to refute the accusations against Class D.
• Hashiba points out the possibility of the opposing side having evidence to support expulsion.

Character Developments

• Horikita Suzune shows strategic thinking and adaptability in considering alternative possibilities.
• Hashiba Hikaru demonstrates his analytical skills and ability to challenge Horikita's assumptions.
• Kushida Kikyo shows her manipulative side, feigning surprise at seeing Horikita and Hashiba together.

Significant Themes

• The importance of considering all possibilities in strategic planning.
• The manipulation of appearances and emotions for personal gain.

Character Interactions

• Hashiba and Horikita work together to strategize, showing mutual respect for each other's intelligence.
• Kushida's interaction with Hashiba and Horikita highlights her ability to maintain her public image while hiding her true emotions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Hashiba Hikaru winks at Horikita Suzune to make Kushida Kikyo jealous, causing Kushida's stock price to drop.
• Sakura Airi receives love letters from an unknown sender and decides to meet them to resolve the issue.
• Hashiba Hikaru buys the Combat Technique (Master) skill from the Trading Shop.

Character Developments

• Hashiba Hikaru: Buys a new skill, continues to manipulate situations to his advantage.
• Kushida Kikyo: Becomes suspicious of Hashiba Hikaru and Horikita Suzune's relationship, visits Hashiba to confront him.
• Sakura Airi: Decides to meet her mysterious admirer to put an end to the situation.

Significant Themes

• Manipulation and deception: Hashiba Hikaru continues to use others' feelings and insecurities to his advantage.
• Trust and honesty: Sakura Airi decides to be honest about her past, while Kushida Kikyo struggles with trust issues.

Character Interactions

• Hashiba Hikaru and Horikita Suzune: They meet to discuss strategies for the Student Council hearing, furthering their alliance.
• Hashiba Hikaru and Kushida Kikyo: Kushida visits Hashiba to question him about his relationship with Horikita, but he evades her questions.
• Sakura Airi and Hashiba Hikaru: Sakura decides to confide in Hashiba about her past, strengthening their bond.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Hashiba Hikaru aims to drive Kushida Kikyo's stock price down to 10 points.
• He discovers a stalker targeting Sakura Airi, a blog idol, and decides to help her.
• Hashiba confronts the stalker, a male store clerk, and beats him up.
• Horikita Manabu arrives to handle the situation.

Character Developments

• Hashiba Hikaru shows his protective side towards Sakura Airi, increasing her trust in him.
• Sakura Airi reveals her identity as a blog idol and gravure model to Hashiba.
• Horikita Manabu demonstrates his efficiency and authority as Student Council President.

Significant Themes

• Trust and honesty in relationships (Hashiba and Sakura Airi)
• The dark side of internet fandom and stalking
• The power dynamics between students and school staff

Character Interactions

• Hashiba and Sakura Airi grow closer as he protects her from the stalker.
• Hashiba and Horikita Manabu work together to resolve the stalking issue.
• Sakura Airi's fear of strangers is mitigated by Hashiba's presence.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Student Council deliberation for Sudo's violent incident is held.
• Sakura Airi reveals her blogging identity to Hashiba Hikaru.
• Hashiba Hikaru and Sakura Airi grow closer, with her agreeing to help him learn photography.
• Ryuen Kakeru plans to use Ibuki Mio to present evidence that can incriminate Sudo.

Character Developments

• Sakura Airi gains confidence and opens up to Hashiba Hikaru.
• Hashiba Hikaru continues to manipulate and use Sakura Airi for his advantage.
• Ryuen Kakeru manipulates Ibuki Mio to further his plans.

Significant Themes

• Trust and manipulation in relationships.
• The consequences of one's actions and the importance of truth.
• The power dynamics within the school and the Student Council.

Character Interactions

• Hashiba Hikaru and Sakura Airi grow closer, with him complimenting her and her opening up about her blogging identity.
• Ryuen Kakeru manipulates Ibuki Mio into helping him with his plan.
• The Student Council, Class C, and Class D members face off in the deliberation, with each side presenting their arguments.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Student Council hearing begins to deliberate Sudo's involvement in a fight with Komiya and Ishizaki.
• Komiya and Ishizaki testify that Sudo called them out to discuss the Basketball Club's regular spot, but Sudo denies this.
• Horikita Suzune calls Sakura Airi as a witness, who testifies that she saw Komiya and Ishizaki attacking Sudo first.
• Ibuki Mio presents a video that appears to show Sudo bullying Komiya and Ishizaki.
• Horikita Suzune reveals she has additional evidence to counter the video.

Character Developments

• Horikita Suzune shows growth and determination in defending Sudo, challenging her brother's expectations.
• Sudo remains calm and composed throughout the hearing, despite the evidence against him.
• Sakura Airi overcomes her shyness to testify, showing personal growth.
• Ibuki Mio demonstrates strategic thinking and resourcefulness by presenting the video.

Significant Themes

• Truth and perception: The hearing highlights the difference between what actually happened and how it is perceived.
• Evidence and its interpretation: Both sides present evidence, but its interpretation is subjective and can be manipulated.
• Personal growth: Several characters, particularly Horikita Suzune and Sakura Airi, show development and improvement.

Character Interactions

• Horikita Suzune and Horikita Manabu: Their sibling relationship is tense, with Manabu expecting more from Suzune, and Suzune determined to prove herself.
• Sudo and Hirata Yosuke: Sudo's friend and classmate, Hirata, tries to keep Sudo calm and composed during the hearing.
• Sakura Airi and Hashiba Hikaru: Sakura's testimony is influenced by her conversation with Hashiba, who encouraged her to speak up.
• Ibuki Mio and Horikita Suzune: Their rivalry is evident as they present evidence to support their respective sides.

• Horikita Suzune exposes Ishizaki and Komiya's lies about their injuries, using surveillance footage from a convenience store.
• Horikita Manabu rules that Sudo is not guilty and suspends Ishizaki and Komiya for one week for lying.
• Hashiba Hikaru discusses the upcoming Midterm Exam with Sakura Airi, expressing concern about her grades and offering to help her study.
• Hashiba Hikaru considers helping Sakura Airi improve her grades as a way to "solve a problem in her daily life" and increase her stock price.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Hashiba Hikaru and Sakura Airi plan study sessions together, increasing Sakura's stock price.
• Hashiba visits the school library to find Shiina Hiyori, where they discover their shared interest in mystery novels.

Character Developments

• Sakura Airi: Shows her feelings for Hashiba by agreeing to study together.
• Hashiba Hikaru: Demonstrates his interest in reading mystery novels and seeks to connect with Shiina Hiyori.
• Shiina Hiyori: Reveals her love for mystery novels and opens up to Hashiba.

Significant Themes

• Shared interests as a basis for connection and friendship.
• Time management and balancing multiple activities.

Character Interactions

• Hashiba and Sakura: They plan study sessions, increasing Sakura's affection for Hashiba.
• Hashiba and Shiina: They bond over their shared love for mystery novels, leading to a potential friendship.

Summary

Plot Points & Events

• Hashiba Hikaru meets Shiina Hiyori in the library and they bond over mystery novels.
• They exchange contact information and agree to discuss novels via phone.
• Hashiba Hikaru has a busy schedule with group study sessions and private tutoring with Sakura Airi.
• Ichinose Honami cooks dinner for the group, and they discuss Hashiba Hikaru and Ichinose Honami's relationship.
• Sakura Airi visits Hashiba Hikaru's dorm for a study session, noticing a faint feminine scent.

Character Developments

• Hashiba Hikaru: Shows restraint in his interactions with Shiina Hiyori, focusing on building a friendship. He's also dedicated to his studies and tutoring sessions with Sakura Airi.
• Shiina Hiyori: Opens up to Hashiba Hikaru, showing interest in discussing mystery novels with him. She's quiet and gentle.
• Ichinose Honami: Continues to show care and consideration for her classmates, cooking dinner for them. She's also comfortable with Hashiba Hikaru's closeness.
• Sakura Airi: Becomes more comfortable with Hashiba Hikaru, visiting his dorm for a study session. She's curious about a feminine scent in his room but doesn't ask about it.

Significant Themes

• Friendship and bonding over shared interests (mystery novels).
• Care and consideration for others (Ichinose Honami cooking dinner).
• Curiosity and jealousy (Sakura Airi noticing the feminine scent).

Character Interactions

• Hashiba Hikaru and Shiina Hiyori: Bond over mystery novels, exchange contact information.
• Hashiba Hikaru and Ichinose Honami: Cook dinner together, show comfort and familiarity with each other.
• Sakura Airi and Hashiba Hikaru: Study together in his dorm, with Sakura Airi feeling curious and slightly jealous about the feminine scent.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ichinose Honami receives a love letter from Shiranami Chihiro and seeks Hashiba Hikaru's advice.
• Hashiba Hikaru agrees to have dinner with Horikita Suzune to discuss something related to Horikita Manabu.

Character Developments

• Ichinose Honami: Confirms her feelings for Hashiba Hikaru and decides to be honest with Shiranami Chihiro.
• Shiranami Chihiro: Confesses her feelings to Ichinose Honami and is rejected, but maintains their friendship.
• Horikita Suzune: Agrees to have dinner with Hashiba Hikaru to discuss her brother.

Significant Themes

• Honesty and communication in relationships.
• The complexity of human emotions and interactions.

Character Interactions

• Ichinose Honami and Shiranami Chihiro: Ichinose Honami gently rejects Shiranami Chihiro's confession, and they maintain their friendship.
• Horikita Suzune and Hashiba Hikaru: Horikita Suzune agrees to have dinner with Hashiba Hikaru to discuss her brother, despite her initial reluctance.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Hashiba Hikaru visits Class C to find Horikita Suzune, causing a stir among the students.
• Hashiba takes Horikita to a restaurant, where they discuss her potential interest in joining the Student Council.
• Upon returning to the dorm, Hashiba finds Kushida Kikyo waiting at his door and invites her into his room.

Character Developments

• Hashiba Hikaru: Shows his strategic thinking by manipulating Horikita Suzune's ambition and curiosity about the Student Council. He also demonstrates his ability to manage multiple relationships, keeping both Horikita and Kushida at bay.
• Horikita Suzune: Considers joining the Student Council to prove herself to her brother, showing her determination and ambition.
• Kushida Kikyo: Reacts strongly to Hashiba's interaction with Horikita, indicating her growing jealousy and possessiveness.

Significant Themes

• Manipulation and influence: Hashiba uses his connections and knowledge to manipulate Horikita's ambitions and Kushida's emotions.
• Ambition and determination: Both Horikita and Hashiba display strong ambition, driving their actions and decisions.
• Trust and suspicion: The relationships between the characters are marked by varying degrees of trust and suspicion, reflecting their individual goals and fears.

Character Interactions

• Hashiba and Horikita: Hashiba uses Horikita's desire to catch up to her brother to encourage her to consider joining the Student Council, furthering his own goals.
• Hashiba and Kushida: Kushida's jealousy and possessiveness lead her to confront Hashiba about his interaction with Horikita, highlighting the tension in their relationship.