"A study group?"
Kushida muttered the words, rolling them over in her mind as if weighing the possibilities.
Across from her, Hikaru observed her expression closely before asking:
"Kushida-san, do you knoell Horikita-san performs academically?"
It was a question he already khe ao—he had heard the details from Iose before, who in turn had gotten them from Kushida herself.
Suzune's grades were exceptional across the board—she had no weak subjects.
"Her grades? Oh, Horikita-san does really well. I think she scores quite high in every subject."
"That makes things easier, then."
Hikaru's gaze remaieady as he tinued:
"Even though Horikita-san prefers to act alohe fact that she was willing to spend points st time proves that she does care about the css."
His voice was calm and measured as he id out his pn.
"Just now, you mentiohat some students in Css D aren't taking their studies seriously, right? That's where you e in, Kushida-san. You could take the lead in anizing a study group and invite Horikita-san to be the tutor."
"During these sessions, you'd be w alongside her. It's the perfect opportunity to get closer and bee friends."
"Will it really go that smoothly?"
Kushida recalled Suzune's usual arrogant attitude—always looking down on others.
Would someone like that really agree to teach the css?
Even Kushida herself wouldn't want to do it.
"That depends on how you approach her. If you don't make a move, you'll never get the ce."
Hikaru smiled warmly, his expression full of siy, as though he was gerying to help.
"When you invite Horikita-san, try persuading her a little. I'm sure she'll uand the bes."
"You really think so?"
Despite her outwardly hesitant expression, Kushida was already analyzing the situation internally.
From the moment she saw Hikaru lie to that uppercssman earlier, she had reassessed her impression of him.
This guy… He might be just like me.
She suspected that no one had ever truly seen his real personality.
There was no way he was gehis enthusiastic about helping her—he must have an ulterior motive.
But then again… so what?
If this pn helped her get closer to Suzune and find out whether she knew about her past, then it was worth attempting.
If Suzune really khe secret, then Kushida o act fast and make sure she was expelled as soon as possible.
As for Hikaru… She'd stay on guard.
No matter what his true iions were, she wouldn't let herself be caught in his trap.
"Alright, I'll give it a try. Who knows if it'll work—hopefully, Horikita-san will be willing to help the css. Some of the students really o improve their study habits."
Kushida put on a bright, hopeful smile and cheerfully added:
"Thanks for the advice, Hikaru-kun! It's really great having you around!"
"Well, I'm ly helping for free, am I? After all, I got a free meal out of this."
Hikaru chuckled lightly before adding, "And besides, I want to be friends with you, Kushida-san."
"Really?"
Kushida's eyes widened slightly, as if pleasantly surprised. She immediately beamed, saying that she already sidered him a friend.
"Of course, I mean it. Not only that, but Iose also thinks highly of you. She brings you up from time to time."
Of course, this was plete nonsense.
Hikaru rarely engaged in casual versations, and he and Iostly talked about css strategies.
Even if she ever mentioned Kushida, it certainly wasn't to him.
The moment he said it, a flicker of curiosity fshed across Kushida's eyes.
She immediately asked, "Really? What does Honami- say about me?"
Hashima kept his smile warm and genuine as he replied:
"She says you're always thinking about the css—that you're an incredibly outstanding person."
Lying cost nothing, after all.
"Jeez… You're exaggerating. I'm not as amazing as you make me sound."
A faint blush appeared on Kushida's face.
Whether it was real or fake, he couldn't tell.
"In any case, I think you should try inviting Horikita-san to a study session. It might really help bring you two closer."
"Mm-hmm, I'll give it a shot."
With both of them putting on their best performahe atmosphere at the table remained amicable throughout their meal.
---
An hour ter, after finishing dihe two of them stepped out of the family restaurant.
Hikaru g his system's stock panel—even after suggesting the study group, Kushida's stock price hadn't ged at all.
So, just making promises isn't enough to raise her favorability.
Not that it mattered.
He po message Suzuer and pressure her into attending the study group.
After all, he still had her brother's taformation—this would be an easy way to manipute the cold, bck-haired girl into cooperating.
His pn was simple: advah Kushida's and Suzune's stocks simultaneously, pushing both narratives forward.
Whether it would actually work…
That would depend on what happened .
---
"Well, that's it for today. I'll be heading back to the dorms. What about you, Kushida-san?"
"I still have pns to go shopping with a friend, so I won't be going the same way as you."
Kushida checked her phohe notifications piling up as always.
She really did live up to her reputation as a social butterfly aultiple csses.
"Alright, see you ter."
Just as Hashima was about to part ways with her, a familiar voice called out cheerfully:
"Honami-! Good afternoon!"
"..."
Hikaru's entire body stiffened.
He slowly lifted his head, only to lock eyes with Iose—standing directly in front of him.
Wait, wait, wait… Weren't you supposed to be at the café oher street?!
"Hikaru-kun?"
Iose's usual warm ale expression was o be seen.
Instead, she stared at him bnkly, her gaze slowly sing him from head to toe.
He was wearily coordinated casual clothes, clearly having dressed up for the occasion.
And standing right beside him, Kushida was also in private attire, dolled up adorably.
They were together.
Iose's expression remained unreadable as she stared at the suspiciously well-dressed pair.
Her mind pieced everything together instantly.
They weren't just hanging out.
They were on a date.
Hikaru felt his stomach drop.
Oh, crap.
~~~
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