"What do you think Katsuragi's real purpose was in approag us?" Iose furrowed her delicate brows, a hint of tension in her expression.

  "There are two possibilities," Hikaru pced his hands oable and shared his analysis. "First, the pressure from Sakayanagi must be immense. Sisuragi is leading Css A in this first rotation of their leadership cycle, he has to produce results; otherwise, he risks losing his fa's fidence."

  "Sed, he was definitely holding bae information. Whether he calls it an allianutual assistance, even though he openly shared Css A's situation to demonstrate siy…" Hikaru spoke slowly, processing his thoughts as he tinued.

  "But based on his rea when I asked about Sakayanagi's stahere's definitely something fishy going on. If she really agreed, why didn't she e along? Even if she couldn't make it in person, she could've sent a representative." Hikaru smirked slightly, then g Iose. "Ba the first day when we sold the school rules, we saw them peting for trol of Css A. That alone makes this whole thing suspicious."

  "So, does that mean you pn to reject Katsuragi's offer?"

  "Not necessarily." Hikaru shook his head and locked eyes with Iose. "Alliances be beneficial when formed with the right people."

  "But for us in Css B, there's neo rush into an alliance. We're already making progress on our own, through our collective efforts."

  "Then what should we do about Katsuragi's proposal?"

  "Haha, that depends on what Css A really wants—specifically, Sakayanagi's stance." Hikaru rubbed his thoughtfully. Since Sakayanagi was the other fa leader in Css A, her opinion carried just as much weight. Uanding her position would be key in deg how to proceed.

  Iose's eyes lit up. "Does that mean you already have a pn?"

  "Not this time. Now it's your turn, Iose-san." Hikaru's gaze softened as he looked at the pink-haired girl. "Did you fet reement? The point colle pn is plete—it's time for you to tribute to the ow."

  Iose's breath hitched, her face suddenly flushing a deep red. Her eyes shimmered like rippling water, filled with plex emotions.

  She remembered the moment she had embarrassed herself in front of Hikaru. That day, they had made an important agreement—ohat revolved around the future of the css and proving her own abilities.

  Ever sihen, Iose had found herself increasingly drawn to Hikaru, to the point where even his smallest as stirred her emotions.

  "I uand."

  She took a deep breath and nodded firmly. "I'll go find Sakayanagi and figure out her stance."

  Hikaru observed her enthusiasm with satisfa but couldn't help asking, "Do you have any tacts in Css A?"

  "Hmm… Not at the moment, but I remember Andō mentioned having friends in Css A. I ask her for help."

  Iose thought for a moment. Over the past few days, she had been fully occupied w with Hikaru on their pns, leaving little time for socializing. Oher hand, Andō Sayo, who had ahe css gathering on the first day, had been actively w across different csses. She was already being called the "social butterfly" of Css B.

  "That works. If you have a mutual acquainta'll be much easier to approach Sakayanagi." Hikaru nodded before issuing a final instru. "One more thing—if she asks about our css's situation, don't disclose anything. That includes the reward we received from the school st time."

  "Got it." Iose smiled warmly at Hikaru's . "Don't worry, I'll ha. I won't let you down."

  "Good."

  Hikaru nodded approvingly. He uood Iose's feelings from their st versation—if she wao grow, she needed opportuo prove herself.

  Experience was the best teacher. Regardless of the oute, this was something Iose had to gh. True css petition hadn't even begu—she o get familiar with these matters as soon as possible to develop further.

  Sakayanagi had left quite the impression on Hikaru when they first met. That silver-haired girl was anything but simple, and dealing with her would never be easy.

  This would be a great trial for Iose.

  "Ah, everyone's already at the restaurant for the celebration party. They're spamming the group chat, asking where we are."

  Iose held up her phone, her eyes sparkling with joy.

  "Oh?"

  "Let's hurry over. The others are waiting for us."

  Iose ractically glowing with excitement. Though she had just taken on an important intelligehering mission, the moment she heard about the party, her attention immediately shifted.

  "Alright."

  Hikaru smiled. The work was done, and the school day was over—celebrating wasn't a bad idea. Css B had been through a lot tely, and they had all pyed their part iing the pn. They deserved a moment to rex.

  Upon arriving at the restaurant, they realized that their cssmates had rented out a spacious venue exclusively for their celebration. The moment they stepped inside, a wave of appuse erupted from their peers, filling the room with warmth aement.

  "Thank you, Hikaru! Thank you, Iose!"

  "You two are the stars of tonight! e sit down!"

  Shibata So waved from his seat, having already loosened his uniform colr, looking pletely at ease.

  Hikaru and Iose were seated at the tral table, surrounded by some of the most active members of the css, including Shibata, Kanzaki, and a group of girls led by Andō.

  Ohey settled in, the celebration officially began.

  The atmosphere grew livelier as delicious food filled the tables and everyone eheir time together.

  Just as Hikaru was about to take a bite, his phone vibrated with a new message.

  Kushida Kikyo: Hikaru-kun, do you have time soon? I've been waiting to treat you to a meal. Let me know when you're free!

  Hikaru thought for a moment before replying.

  Hashima Hikaru: Tomorrow works. How about the afternoon?

  He barely had time to put his phone down before a response came in.

  Kushida Kikyo: Yay! Let's meet at the family restaurant in Keyaki Mall. Don't be te!

  Hashima Hikaru: Got it.

  Hikaru set his phone aside, a small smirk f on his lips.

  The timing wasn't bad at all.

  With Iose handling Sakayanagi and the point colle pn pleted, he could now shift his focus to other priorities.

  It was time to start boosting the "stock prices" of certain individuals.

  Moreover, today, a ock, [Shiina Hiyori Stock] had just been introduced—its initial stock price was 30, and the avaible shares were quite promising as well.

  For now, he had Kushida's invitation to deal with.

  Smirking, Hikaru leaned ba his chair.

  "Let's see what tomorrs, Kushida."

  ~~~

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