The next day, Hashima Hikaru and Ichinose Honami reviewed the situation in the classroom.
"After we parted ways yesterday, Kushida took it upon herself to approach Sakura," the pink-haired girl said to Hashima . "After hearing Horikita's analysis, I think there's a real possibility she's right."
"Well, Kushida is naturally good at socializing. She should be able to get some clues from her."
Hashima smiled. He had great respect for Kushida's social skills—even if it was a facade, her ability to maintain good relationships with so many people was a unique talent.
"Right. I believe in Kushida too. Hopefully, we'll make progress today."
Ichinose nodded in agreement. She also recognized Kushida Kikyō as someone skilled at making friends. Since Sakura was her classmate, they might actually obtain crucial information.
"We can't intervene directly right now. We'll have to wait for their results."
Hashima pulled out a textbook from his desk and reassured her, "Worrying won't help. Let's focus on studying for now."
"Okay."
Just before school ended, Hashima received a message from Kushida.
Kushida Kikyō: Hashima , something unexpected happened.
Hashima Hikaru: What?
Kushida Kikyō: Sakura's camera broke. After school, I'm planning to go with her to get it repaired.
Hashima Hikaru: What about the witness thing? Didn't you talk about that?
Kushida Kikyō: That's when it happened—right as I was about to bring it up, her camera fell and broke...
The short-haired girl glanced toward the back of the classroom, where a girl with her head lowered was the supposed witness identified by Horikita.
At noon, Kushida had approached her directly, trying to strike up a conversation with her usual friendly demeanor.
But barely a few words in, Sakura Airi hastily denied any involvement and tried to leave.
As she turned to flee, she suddenly tripped—and her precious pink camera crashed to the ground.
"No way... It won't turn on..."
Sakura's expression became frantic as she repeatedly pressed the camera's buttons. Kushida quickly stepped forward, apologizing and offering to help.
She suggested accompanying Sakura after school to the electronics store in the Keyaki Mall for repairs—even offering to cover the costs.
After a moment of hesitation, Sakura agreed, and the two arranged to go together after school.
Kushida Kikyō: Anyway, once the camera's fixed, I'll do my best to build a good relationship with Sakura. Hopefully, we can achieve our goal.
Hashima Hikaru: Good luck.
Putting his phone away, Hashima prepared to continue studying when Ichinose spoke up.
"Hashima , do you have any plans this afternoon?"
"No, why?" Hashima turned to the pink-haired girl. Her beautiful eyes sparkled with anticipation, as if she had something to say.
"Your fridge seems empty. Want to restock?" Ichinose suggested. After cooking in his room last time, she'd noticed his fridge was running low on ingredients and supplies.
"Ah, probably."
Hashima scratched his head awkwardly. Ever since Ichinose started cooking in his room, he'd stopped paying attention to the fridge—she was the one organizing most of it now.
"Then let's go shopping together this afternoon! The fresh supermarket in Keyaki Mall has really good produce. I heard they get deliveries every morning."
Seeing her eager expression, Hashima nodded. "Sounds good. You've been doing all the work lately, so let me cook tonight."
"Okay!"
Ichinose beamed, her face lighting up with a radiant smile.
After school, the two headed to the fresh supermarket in Keyaki Mall. Located on the first floor, the shelves were lined with all kinds of vegetables and fruits.
Once inside, Hashima naturally grabbed a shopping cart while Ichinose picked out ingredients and supplies. Since she enjoyed this, he left it all to her.
Though both wore school uniforms, the sight of them walking side by side—him pushing the cart, her smiling as she filled it—created a harmonious atmosphere that drew glances from other students.
Their striking looks only made them seem more like a perfect couple.
About ten minutes in, as they passed an open shelf, Hashima suddenly felt someone's gaze on him.
He paused and looked up, spotting two figures ahead—Kushida Kikyō and a red-haired girl with her head lowered, clearly shy.
"Hashima ? What's wrong?"
Noticing his pause, Ichinose followed his gaze and saw the two as well.
"It's Kushida."
By the time Ichinose noticed them, Kushida had already approached with a smile, while the red-haired girl stayed behind, seemingly reluctant to come closer.
"Good afternoon! Fancy running into you two here!"
"Yeah, what a coincidence," Ichinose said, placing a bag of vegetables into the cart. "Are you here shopping, Kushida?"
"No, I'm here with Sakura to get her camera fixed."
Kushida glanced at Hashima pushing the cart and Ichinose loading it with groceries. The two looked like a newlywed couple out shopping, their closeness unmistakable.
For some reason, the sight made Kushida feel inexplicably uncomfortable.
"Sakura?" Ichinose looked over at the red-haired girl still standing awkwardly. "Is she the witness Horikita mentioned?"
"Yeah, but I haven't gotten a clear answer from her yet."
Seeing Ichinose's interest and Hashima standing nearby, Kushida added, "Want to come with us to the electronics store?"
"Can I?"
Ichinose was indeed curious about whether Sakura was the witness. She turned to Hashima . "What do you think?"
"Sure. I'll carry the bags," Hashima agreed casually.
"Then let's check out first."
After paying for their groceries, Hashima carried a transparent plastic bag while Ichinose walked with Kushida back to the red-haired girl.
"Sakura, this is Ichinose. She's here to help too," Kushida introduced, then pointed to Hashima , who was standing a little further back. "And that's Hashima . He'll be coming with us."
"Eh..."
But upon hearing the name "Hashima ," Sakura suddenly looked up, her gaze locking onto the boy.
Sakura Airi actually had a unique impression of Hashima Hikaru. On the day he came to sell the rules, she had glanced up when private points were mentioned—and their eyes met.
Strangely, despite usually hating eye contact, Sakura hadn't felt uncomfortable when meeting Hashima 's gaze.
If anything, his eyes were clear, devoid of any lingering stare, and he quickly looked away—as if she were just another ordinary person.
That had stuck with her.
Due to her well-endowed figure, Sakura had grown accustomed to strange looks since puberty. Over time, she had even developed an ability to sense what people truly thought of her.
The more she noticed, the more she feared social interactions, gradually isolating herself.
After entering this school, Sakura had maintained a low profile, still sensing some boys' inappropriate thoughts and avoiding them at all costs.
But Hashima was the first person who made her feel differently—she sensed only calmness from him, none of the usual discomfort.
So she remembered his name.
"Nice to meet you, Sakura! I'm Ichinose Honami." Ichinose greeted her warmly.
"H-Hello..."
"Hashima , come over here."
"Coming."
As Hashima approached, Sakura nervously met his eyes again.
Hashima studied the red-haired girl—her pink glasses, long bangs covering her forehead, and plain appearance made her seem unremarkable.
He smiled gently. "Nice to meet you, Sakura. I'm Hashima Hikaru."
"H-Hi... I'm Sakura Airi."
She forced out the introduction with all her strength. But in that brief moment of eye contact, she once again felt that uniquely comforting gaze.
Just then, Hashima heard a new system notification.
[Ding! Sakura Airi Shares have been listed!]
[Current Price: 30]
[Total Shares: 5000]
"?"
Another 5000 shares?
After confirming the message, Hashima was stunned.
This was the third 5000-share stock to appear—and all three girls were present today. Was there something special about them?
Ichinose Honami, Kushida Kikyō, and Sakura Airi.
He stroked his chin, then suddenly realized something, his expression turning strange.