After Hikaru led Suzune out of Class C's classroom, their destination was a restaurant he had carefully selected in advance. It was a relatively quiet place, ideal for discussing matters away from prying ears.
Having just successfully driven down Kushida's stock price, Hikaru was in high spirits. He flashed a bright smile at the girl beside him. "Since I'm the one treating you, Horikita-san, don't hold back. Feel free to order anything, even the expensive dishes."
Although he'd spent significant amounts of private points on several occasions since school started, Hikaru wasn't someone who splurged without reason. Most of his expenses went toward groceries and cooking. Besides, the promotion to Class A had brought with it a reward of 51,000 private points—even after giving half to Ichinose as agreed.
Glancing at the balance displayed on his student ID, Hikaru felt confident about his casual offer.
[Student ID]
Name: Hashima Hikaru
Student Number: S01T
Gender: Male
Private Points: [Redacted]
As he smiled across the table, Suzune showed little visible reaction. She held the menu in silence for a few moments before settling on a standard set meal. She then handed the menu back to Hikaru without a word.
"Seriously, you could've picked something nicer." Hikaru sighed and chose the same set meal before passing the menu to the server. His tone was lighthearted, but his disappointment was only half-feigned. "Guess you still don't really trust me, huh?"
Suzune's crimson eyes remained cool and guarded. "Even if you've made that agreement with my brother to help me, we're still from different classes. We're competitors. Why should I trust you?"
"Even though my class helped yours during the student council hearing?" Hikaru let out a low sigh, adopting an aggrieved expression. "Ichinose and I went out of our way to help gather eyewitness information. Isn't that worth some goodwill?"
"..."
"Not to mention that I helped you develop your argument strategy for the hearing," Hikaru added, holding up two fingers. "That's twice now. Doesn't that earn me at least a little trust?"
Suzune's brows knitted slightly, and she fell silent for a moment before fixing her sharp gaze on him. "What do you want in return?"
Hikaru's mouth twitched at the bluntness of her response. Wow. No wonder people find her so hard to approach.
Shaking his head, he replied, "What I wanted, I've already gotten. I'm not looking for repayment. Well… maybe just for you to be a bit friendlier."
In truth, Hikaru's primary objective had been to undermine Ryuen's influence within Class D. With Ryuen's subordinates, Ishizaki and Komiya, suspended for a month, Ryuen's control had significantly weakened. His standing within the class was crumbling exactly as Hikaru had hoped.
"So, about that friendliness…" Hikaru arched a brow. "Think you could try?"
"My personality isn't something that changes on demand," Suzune replied flatly. "I don't expect it to improve anytime soon."
Hikaru chuckled and shook his head. "Yeah, that make sense."
Her rigid demeanor was expected. Getting a laugh out of Suzune was about as easy as squeezing water from a stone. "Anyway, back to why I invited you here today."
"Right. Let's get to the point." Suzune leaned forward slightly. "You're not the kind of person to treat someone to lunch without an agenda."
"You make me sound so calculating." Hikaru smiled innocently, then shifted the conversation toward a subject he suspected might intrigue her. "Tell me… have you ever considered joining the student council?"
Suzune blinked, momentarily caught off guard. "The student council?"
"Yeah." Hikaru set his glass down and steepled his fingers on the table. "Since you want to prove yourself to your brother, wouldn't joining the student council be a step in the right direction?"
"...I hadn't given it much thought." Suzune hesitated, unsure whether Hikaru was trying to manipulate her. "Why are you bringing this up now?"
"No particular reason," Hikaru lied effortlessly. "I just figured someone like you, who takes things seriously, might actually enjoy the challenge."
Suzune's gaze lingered on him as she considered his words. Hikaru was well aware of her strained relationship with her brother, Horikita Manabu, the current student council president. If she joined, she'd inevitably witness the brewing conflict between Manabu and Nagumo.
Would she intervene when the time came? Or would she continue to walk her own solitary path?
Hikaru leaned back in his chair, already anticipating the entertainment this development might bring. And how will Manabu react if his estranged sister tries to follow in his footsteps?
The intrigue alone made planting the seed worthwhile.
"I'll think about it," Suzune eventually said, breaking the silence.
"That's all I ask." Hikaru raised his glass in a small toast. "If you decide to apply, I'm sure the student council would welcome you."
Or, at the very least, it'd stir up the waters.
The meal concluded without further surprises. After settling the bill and parting ways with Suzune, Hikaru made his way back to the dorm.
---
As Hikaru stepped into the third-floor hallway of the dormitory, he immediately noticed a familiar figure standing by his door.
Short hair. Slim build. Arms crossed. The tension in the air was palpable.
Oh, great. This can't be good.
Quickening his pace, Hikaru approached.
"Kushida-san? Are you… waiting for me?"
Kushida turned toward him, her expression devoid of its usual cheerful mask. Her lips were pressed into a thin line, and her eyes were filled with cold fury.
"Open the door," she said, her voice low and strained. "Now."
Hikaru raised his eyebrows. She wasn't even trying to hide her anger.
"...Alright," he said softly, slipping his key into the lock.
The door clicked open.
Kushida stepped inside without waiting for an invitation.
Hikaru followed and shut the door behind them.
~~~
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