As Hikaru and Suzune settled on their meal choices, the strikingly attractive pair sat face to face. Even without speaking, they naturally drew the attention of others.
"Well then, can you tell me now, Hikaru-kun?" Suzune tucked a strand of her long black hair behind her delicate ear, her expression calm yet her gaze unwaveringly fixed on the boy's face.
"You're quite impatient, Horikita-san. Alright, I suppose I can."
Hikaru smiled. If he wanted to establish trust with this distant, untouchable girl, he had two main options: following the Stock Analyzer recommendations to help her grow or leveraging Horikita Manabu—the one weak spot she couldn't ignore.
"I saw Horikita-senpai at the Student Council room yesterday and had a brief conversation with him."
"Did you?"
Suzune pondered for a moment before asking, "If I were to ask about your reason for visiting the Student Council, would that count as probing for Class A's information?"
"Hm, well… under normal circumstances, it might."
Hikaru studied her expression carefully. Despite having met several times, Suzune's guard was still up, and her wording was clearly meant to test his reaction.
"But yesterday's events aren't exactly a secret. The results will be announced soon anyway."
He spoke in an even tone, then brought up a past topic. "Horikita-san, do you remember what we talked about last time? About the Student Council?"
"Yes."
The black-haired girl nodded slightly, her voice steady. "After our conversation, I thought about it. If I want to join the Student Council, I'll have to wait a little longer."
"Why?" Hikaru raised an eyebrow, his lips curving into a knowing smile. "If you're seeking Horikita-senpai's recognition, submitting an application to join would be a great way to do it."
To his surprise, Suzune's usually composed expression suddenly faltered.
For a fleeting moment, a trace of discomfort flashed across her face, and the cold, untouchable aura she always maintained showed a small crack.
"Cough… Well, I still need to think about it," she said, bringing a small fist to her lips as if coughing, clumsily shifting the subject. "But that's my own business. I don't need your help with it for now."
"So, did you go to the Student Council to submit your own application, Hikaru-kun?"
"More or less. That's why I met with Horikita-senpai."
Hikaru shrugged, his tone lighthearted. "Since he was available, he personally reviewed our applications."
"...Is that so?"
Suzune's small face visibly wavered upon hearing that.
Her beautiful eyes flickered with a mix of anticipation, admiration, and a hint of fear.
Hikaru didn't miss a single detail—not just her hesitation, but also her momentary discomfort earlier.
There was no doubt about it.
Suzune wanted her brother's approval—but at the same time, she was terrified of facing him.
Perhaps it was because he had always looked down on her, which only made her more desperate to prove herself.
Hikaru recalled the confrontation he had witnessed that night. He still didn't fully understand why this pair of stubborn siblings refused to have an honest conversation.
But that complicated dynamic was perfect for him to exploit.
"Indeed," Hikaru continued, keeping his tone casual. "As Student Council President, Horikita-senpai naturally has the authority to review applications. If an interview is required, there might be an additional discussion involved."
His current objective was to soften Suzune's attitude toward him.
So naturally, praising Manabu seemed like the best strategy—it might lower her defenses and make her reevaluate her perception of him.
"Horikita-senpai is incredibly dedicated, after all. Even with his workload, he still takes the time to personally meet and interview applicants."
Hikaru spoke with genuine admiration, his expression one of deep respect.
Suzune's sharp eyes observed him carefully.
Her entire life, she had been chasing after her brother's shadow, trying to surpass him.
Even her habits had slowly begun to mirror his.
To her, Manabu was a benchmark of excellence.
Throughout middle school, he had always been ahead of his peers, setting a standard that few—if any—could match.
And now, seeing that same admiration reflected in Hikaru's expression, she felt something unexpected—a sense of resonance.
For the first time, Hashima Hikaru—this boy who constantly used her brother as leverage to force her into meetings—seemed like someone she could understand.
"Yes… my broth—Horikita-senpai has always held himself to high standards," she muttered, her violet eyes filled with determination.
"That's why… I need to work harder to keep up with him."
"I believe you can, Horikita-san."
Hikaru saw her wavering expression and knew it was time to push his advantage.
"If he's setting expectations for you, maybe that's because he believes you're capable of meeting them."
Suzune's lips parted slightly, but she didn't immediately respond.
Sensing an opportunity, Hikaru pressed further.
"So, have you made any changes recently?" He locked eyes with her. "If you want to keep up with Horikita-senpai, you can't stay in place forever, right?"
"…I've made some changes," she admitted.
She seemed less guarded now, likely influenced by his consistent praise of her brother.
"I joined a study group organized by some of the girls in our class today."
"That's great news."
Hikaru allowed a measured smile to appear on his face—not too eager, but just warm enough to show support without seeming mocking.
"Studying together isn't just about academics. It's also a way to improve interpersonal relationships."
"…I was only helping them review today's math lesson," Suzune corrected him, downplaying the situation. "My math scores are decent, so I agreed to their request."
She glanced at Hikaru briefly, as if evaluating his response.
"As for interpersonal relationships, I still have no interest in that."
"So, you just helped them and left?" Hikaru asked, tilting his head.
"Exactly."
"Well, you can take your time with that."
Hikaru subtly shifted the conversation, once again using Manabu as an example.
"Since he's the Student Council President, it's not just his academic and athletic skills that stand out—his ability to navigate relationships is equally impressive."
"After all, coordinating such a large institution takes a high level of finesse."
"If you want to get closer to him, this might be something worth working on."
Even though Hikaru hadn't invested in her stock yet, setting the groundwork early would make things smoother later.
If he could gradually reshape her views on social interactions, then by the time he needed to close the distance, there would be less resistance.
"…I'll think about it."
Suzune didn't reject his suggestion outright.
She was aware that her brother had mastered this aspect—back in middle school, he had already served as Student Council President, displaying impressive leadership and organizational skills.
But Suzune had always rejected his philosophy.
She believed in strength through independence.
Which was precisely why, despite desperately seeking his recognition, she remained at odds with him.
"I won't rush you," Hikaru reassured her. "Just move at your own pace."
Having achieved his goal for today, Hikaru smoothly shifted the conversation to other topics.
Even though Suzune disliked unnecessary chatter, she wasn't outright hostile—likely because she still viewed him as her creditor.
By the time they finished eating, the atmosphere between them had softened noticeably.
Without pushing his luck, Hikaru simply offered a polite farewell and let her leave on her own.
As he walked down the street, he pulled out his phone and typed a message.
Hashima Hikaru: Kushida-san, today's mission is complete.
---
At that moment, Kushida, who had stayed behind in her dorm, received his message.
A delighted glint flashed in her eyes as she quickly typed a response.
Kushida Kikyo: How did it go?
Hikaru smirked.
Hashima Hikaru: Would you be disappointed if I failed?
Kushida Kikyo: Yes.
Hashima Hikaru: Then it's a good thing I succeeded.
Kushida Kikyo: Really?
Hashima Hikaru: It took some effort, but the results were worth it.
Kushida immediately stood up, checking herself in the mirror.
Then, she quickly typed:
Kushida Kikyo: When will you be back? Let's talk in your dorm.
Hashima Hikaru: I'm on my way now.
~~~
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