Inside Room 301 that night, Kushida sat on Hikaru's bed, her expression uled. She fixed her gaze on the boy who still maintained his ever-present smile.

  She wasn't sure if it was because she could no longer trol him as easily as before or if there was another reason, but the thought of him getting close to Sakura irritated her.

  Meanwhile, Hikaru, still wearing his friendly demeanor, casually pulled a of juice from the fridge and ha to her as if he hadn't just been interrogated moments ago.

  "Kushida-san, are you thirsty? Want a of juice?"

  Irritated by Kushida's questioning, Hikaru had already made up his mind. Tomorrow, he was going to meet Suzune right in front of her and see just how much that would set her off.

  The friendlier he acted now, the more shog it would be for her ter.

  It was something to look forward to.

  Feeling the cold touch of the jui her palm, Kushida took a deep breath and calmed down. The tension in her face faded, and she quickly switched back to her usual gentle persona, smiling sweetly.

  "Thank you, Hikaru-kun. Sorry about earlier—I was just a little too curious about the answer and got impatient."

  "It's alright. I've always been upfront with you, Kushida-san. I wouldn't hide anything from you."

  Hikaru waved his hand dismissively, his expression remaining warm and aodating.

  "Mmm, I know."

  "That's good to hear. Now that Sakura-san has agreed to help you guys, is she pnning to testify during the hearing?" Hikaru smoothly shifted the versation back to the main topic, steering away from her previous accusations.

  "Yes. She said she withe i and firm that the other side attacked first while Sudo was merely ag in self-defense."

  "That's good. If the panel rejects the accusation, there shouldn't be much of a problem."

  Hikaru rubbed his in thought, though he still felt uneasy about the situation.

  When he had outmaneuvered Ryuen, he had used recorded footage as evidence. Yet, in this case, despite the serious nature of the altercation, Css D had not presented any crete proof.

  If this was merely Ryuen's ht, then fine. But if he was holding onto video evide it on them during the hearing, then it would be checkmate. No amount uments would be able to overturn it.

  "Let's hope things go smoothly," Kushida remarked, the thoughtful look on Hikaru's face. She hesitated before asking, "What are you thinking about?"

  "Oh, nothing much. Just trying to recall some of the photography teiques from earlier. I'm still a beginner, so there's a lot to process."

  Hikaru pyed it off effortlessly. Since he hadn't firmed his suspis yet, there was no point in bringing them up.

  "I see. Well, I should get going."

  Realizing she wouldn't get any useful insight from him, Kushida stood up and excused herself.

  The moment the door closed behind her, Hikaru pulled out his phone a a message to Suzune.

  ---

  Hashima Hikaru: Horikita-san, do you have time right now?

  Horikita Suzune: …What do you want, Hikaru-kun?

  As she read the message, Suzune rubbed her temples. She had been focused on preparing for the uping hearing, since Hirata had pushed for her to take the lead.

  Hashima Hikaru: You probably know that Iose-san and I were asked by Hirata to help your css find a witness for Sudo's case, right?

  Horikita Suzune: Yes. The witness has already been firmed.

  Hashima Hikaru: I also heard that you'll be leading the defense during the hearing. Have you thought about how you'll ha in front of the Student cil?

  Horikita Suzune: I'm w on it. At this point, this isn't your anymore, Hikaru-kun.

  Reading her response, Hikaru immediately typed out another message.

  Hashima Hikaru: Horikita-san, aren't you fetting something?

  Horikita Suzune: What do you mean?

  Suzune frowned slightly, fused by his words.

  Hashima Hikaru: The hearing is being ducted by the Student cil, which means there's a high ce that Horikita-senpai will be there. Are you really prepared to speak in front of him?

  Suzune's expression immediately stiffened.

  She had been so focused on strategizing how to defend Sudo that she had overlooked this entirely.

  If her older brother was going to preside over the hearing… could she really perform fwlessly under his scrutiny?

  Wouldn't it be humiliating if she froze up?

  Hashima Hikaru: That's why it's time for me to fulfill reement.

  Horikita Suzune: What do you mean?

  Hashima Hikaru: Let's meet up and discuss the hearing strategy. I want to hear your approad add some adjustments if necessary.

  Hashima Hikaru: Remember, this art of my agreement with your brother. I'll only give minimal assistance, but the final execution is up to you.

  Suzune ched her phoightly.

  She recalled the versation from that night.

  Although she wasirely thrilled about it, the thought of disappointing her brother outweighed her pride.

  After a moment, she typed out her reply.

  Horikita Suzune: Fine. When and where?

  Hashima Hikaru: I'll send you the time ter. Just make sure you don't mix up the location.

  Horikita Suzune: I won't.

  Closing her phone, Suzu back to her notebook, adjusting her notes. She had fiden her reasoning, but if her brother was going to be there, she o make sure she was fwless.

  ---

  With Suzune secured, Hikaru now turned his attention back to Kushida. He had no trol over when he and Suzu, but Kushida's movements o be ated for.

  If he wahis "ce" to happen, he o prepare carefully.

  He opened his chat with Kushida.

  ---

  Hashima Hikaru: Kushida-san, do you have any pns tomorrow afternoon?

  Already in her sleepwear, Kushida picked up her phone and quickly typed a reply.

  Kushida Kikyo: Tomorrow afternoon? I'm meeting up with some friends at the mall to do some shopping. Why? Do you need me for something?

  Reading her response, Hikaru smirked. This girl really was living her best life every day, huh?

  Hashima Hikaru: Not a big deal. I was thinking of inviting you out for a meal sometime.

  Kushida Kikyo: I cel my pns if you want to meet.

  Hashima Hikaru: No need. I don't want to trouble you. We always do it aime.

  Kushida Kikyo: Okay, okay~

  After firming Kushida's schedule, Hikaru sent the location to Suzune.

  Hashima Hikaru: Tomorrow after school. Keyaki Mall, the café in the shopping district. I'll reserve a table.

  Horikita Suzune: I'll be there on time.

  Hashima Hikaru: Great. See you tomorrow, Horikita-san.

  With all the actors ihe stage was set.

  Now, all that was left was for Kushida to step into the stage.

  ~~~

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