Inside the tranquil atmosphere of the café, Hikaru silently observed Sakayanagi Arisu after answering her question. Though she remained composed, his mind was still processing the implications of their conversation.
From the information he had obtained from Manabu, Sakayanagi's application to the Student Council had been approved by Nagumo. What kind of connection did they have?
Was it just a coincidence? Or was there something more?
Wanting to probe further, Hikaru feigned ignorance and casually asked, "Sakayanagi-san, are you interested in the Student Council?"
"Yes, I am." Sakayanagi replied with a pleasant smile. "Just as you said earlier, I enjoy helping others. If I can join the Student Council, I might be able to assist even more people."
"I see. You're truly admirable, Sakayanagi-san. I can't say the same for myself—I only act for my own benefit." Hikaru scratched his head, putting on an embarrassed expression.
"Were you not one of the students who passed the selection?"
Sakayanagi's curiosity deepened upon hearing his words.
When she had submitted her own application, she had overheard the Vice President mentioning Hikaru's name. Moreover, Nagumo had spoken with absolute confidence, insisting that Hikaru would surely join the Student Council. That had caught her attention.
Of course, her true reason for joining the Student Council had nothing to do with wanting to help her classmates. She didn't care about anyone in this school—not even her own loyal followers.
However, ever since meeting Hikaru on the first day of school, Sakayanagi had found herself intrigued by him.
That feeling was rare for her, which was why she had agreed to Ichinose's request for a meeting and had even taken the initiative to gather intelligence on Hikaru.
Later, she had even assigned her "trusted subordinate," Kamuro, to discreetly follow him in order to collect more information. Today's meeting was yet another attempt to test Hikaru's true intentions.
But… he hadn't joined the Student Council?
Why? Did he fail the selection process?
Several questions formed in Sakayanagi's mind. If Hikaru hadn't passed, then the two available slots must have gone to the two girls who had accompanied him.
From a purely individual ability standpoint, she found it hard to believe that Hikaru would lose to them.
After her previous conversation with Ichinose, Sakayanagi had gained a clearer understanding of the pink-haired girl's capabilities. In terms of overall competency, she was undoubtedly inferior to Hikaru.
And considering how reliant Ichinose seemed to be on him, it didn't make sense for her to outperform him in the Student Council's selection process.
Sakayanagi's curiosity only grew stronger, prompting her to voice her question.
"That's right. I didn't join the Student Council, but both of my classmates did. In a few days, you'll see their names on the list." Hikaru replied with a calm smile, as if it didn't concern him in the slightest.
"I see. That's quite impressive—your classmates must be quite exceptional."
Sakayanagi nodded slightly, offering a compliment. "For someone as capable as you to be left out, it seems Class A has many outstanding students."
Hikaru studied her expression carefully. Though she wore a look of admiration, there wasn't a trace of surprise in her violet eyes—she didn't even bother pretending.
"Perhaps. Everyone has the potential to shine under the right circumstances. Situations like this aren't uncommon."
Hikaru had no intention of revealing that he had never applied for the Student Council in the first place. Once Sakayanagi started working there, she would naturally discover the truth.
And when that happened—what kind of reaction would she have?
That was something to look forward to.
With their questions exchanged, both Hikaru and Sakayanagi tacitly steered the conversation away from class rivalries, instead chatting about more casual topics—movies, trends, and other everyday matters.
Sakayanagi was well-read, and while her interests differed from the typical girl's, that didn't mean she was uninformed.
Meanwhile, Hikaru, having grown closer to Ichinose, had picked up on many topics that girls commonly discussed. This knowledge came in handy now.
Though they both understood that this was merely a polite exchange, the conversation flowed smoothly. Neither stumbled, and both found the interaction unexpectedly pleasant.
The casual talk lasted for over half an hour, until their coffee had gone completely cold. It was then that they prepared to part ways.
"I truly enjoyed our conversation today, Hikaru-kun. Time passed by so quickly—it's quite surprising."
Sakayanagi rose from her seat, her usual gentle smile still in place.
"Yes, I had a great time chatting with you as well, Sakayanagi-san." Hikaru returned her smile, expressing a similar sentiment.
"Well then, I'll take my leave. Until next time, Hikaru-kun."
Supporting herself with her cane, Sakayanagi nodded slightly before turning to leave.
"Goodbye, Sakayanagi-san."
However, just as she was about to go, she suddenly turned back toward Hikaru.
"Actually, Hikaru-kun… you never submitted an application for the Student Council, did you?"
Hikaru's smile didn't waver, but internally, he was caught off guard.
Could she have a spy within the Student Council?
"What makes you think that, Sakayanagi-san?"
"It's intuition. A woman's intuition."
Sakayanagi's delicate features lit up with a stunningly confident smile. "And judging by your reaction, I assume I was correct?"
"…I really can't hide anything from you, huh?" Hikaru sighed in feigned defeat before casually shrugging. "You're right—I never applied. I simply have no interest in the Student Council."
"Hmm, I see. Well, I understand your stance now. Until next time, Hikaru-kun."
After confirming her guess, Sakayanagi's curiosity about Hikaru only intensified.
Why had he sent his classmates to apply instead of doing it himself?
If his goal was to gain influence within the Student Council, wouldn't it be more reliable to take matters into his own hands?
And yet, both of his classmates had passed the selection process.
Was it pure coincidence, or was there a deeper reason behind it?
What an intriguing person.
Sakayanagi pressed her lips together in thought, deciding that Kamuro would need to continue tailing Hikaru. She had to uncover what he was truly planning.
As he watched the silver-haired girl's slender figure disappear into the distance, Hikaru's usual smile gradually faded, his expression growing colder.
No wonder she managed to get into Class A despite her physical limitations.
Whether it was piecing together clues or relying on her so-called intuition, Sakayanagi was proving to be more perceptive than he had anticipated.
Just as Hikaru was lost in thought, a new system notification popped up in his view.
[Ding! Sakayanagi Arisu's stock has gone live!]
[Current Stock Price: 20]
[Shares Available for Purchase]
"..."
Wait, if her stock was going to be listed, why didn't it happen when they first met?
Was the system delayed?
~~~
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