COTE: Starting With Love Stock Market System

After completing his first round of practice, Hikaru brushed off the water droplets on his body and mentally reviewed his swimming technique. While he had managed to replicate some of Kiryuin's movements, he was still far from perfecting them.

"How was it, Kiryuin-senpai?"

Swimming back to the edge of the pool, he looked up at the white-haired senior standing at the poolside.

"Not bad. Your ability to grasp concepts is even better than I expected."

Kiryuin nodded slightly before continuing, "Hikaru, what time do you usually leave the gym?"

"Hmm… usually around 9:30."

"If you want to improve your swimming skills, consistent practice is essential," Kiryuin said, glancing at the clock on the wall. After a brief pause, she added, "Since you've already memorized a good portion of the technique, spend the rest of today's session continuing your practice."

"I'll check your progress tomorrow and correct any mistakes in your form."

"Understood."

Hikaru studied her expression. Ever since she had agreed to coach him, she had maintained a serious and focused demeanor. This gave him a clearer sense of what kind of person Kiryuin was.

"Alright, let's begin. I'm going to continue my training as well."

Despite finding Hikaru somewhat interesting, Kiryuin didn't see the need to actively engage further. There would be more chances to interact in the future.

Before diving back into the water, she cast a brief glance at the boy swimming diligently, a subtle sense of anticipation surfacing in her heart.

She had been bored for far too long.

Let's see what kind of waves you can make in this school.

---

After another ten or so minutes, the clock's hand passed the 9:30 mark. Hikaru climbed out of the pool.

He had to admit, Kiryuin's swimming technique was something special. Compared to his previous, more conventional strokes, mimicking her movements had given him a completely new perspective.

"Damn… if I had met her earlier, my swimming might have improved even more by now."

Grabbing a dry towel from the bench, he began wiping his hair as he walked toward Kiryuin, who was still in the water.

"Kiryuin-senpai, my time is up for today."

"Alright, you can head back. I'm not done yet."

Kiryuin wiped the water from her face, her violet-red eyes calmly meeting his gaze. "Same time tomorrow?"

"Yeah."

"Then see you tomorrow."

With that, she submerged her head back into the water, her white figure slicing through the pool at impressive speed.

"Tomorrow… see you…"

Watching her swim off into the distance, Hikaru murmured the last part of the farewell before shaking his head and heading to the men's locker room.

He needed to leave before 10 PM—breaking the rules wasn't an option.

---

Back in his dorm, Hikaru opened his system panel.

A new stock had appeared today, and not just any—one belonging to a senior student.

[Kiryuin Fuka Stock]

Current Stock Price: 20

Available Shares: ???

"A full investment would require 80,000 points…"

Sitting in his chair, Hikaru fell into deep thought.

"But since she's an upperclassman, aside from these swimming lessons, I probably won't have many chances to interact with her."

Moreover, he wasn't sure what role Kiryuin played within Class 2-B. If she wasn't influential, she might not be a worthwhile investment.

Hikaru rubbed his chin, his thoughts drifting to the blond vice president of the student council—Nagumo Miyabi.

He and Kiryuin were in the same grade. From what he had learned from Horikita Manabu, Nagumo had a firm grip on the entire second-year class and would eventually become a major obstacle.

Letting out a sigh, Hashima decided to hold off on investing in Kiryuin's stock for now.

He didn't know what kind of relationship she had with Nagumo, but after seeing her exceptional physical abilities, he was certain she wasn't just an ordinary student.

She probably had some level of influence in the second-year hierarchy.

"Forget it. For now, I'll just treat her as a swimming coach."

Setting those concerns aside, he turned his attention to the critical piece of information he had obtained from Kushida.

The fact that test questions were reused.

Now that he knew, he had to confirm it. If this information was accurate, ignoring it would be a waste.

Pulling out his phone, he checked the A-Class group chat.

Since they had moved up from Class B, the chat's name had been changed from "B-Class Family" to "Children of Hoshinomiya."

Ichinose had been the one to finalize the name after much discussion. This way, they wouldn't have to keep renaming it whenever their class ranking changed.

[Group Chat: Children of Hoshinomiya]

Ichinose Honami: How's everyone's study going?

Shibata Sō: Reporting in, Ichinose! My studying is going smoothly. I've already finished reviewing Japanese and Chemistry. Next up is English.

Andō Sayo: I've memorized a lot of English vocabulary recently. I even went over several example essays.

Kanzaki Ryūji: Making steady progress.

Since Ichinose had been organizing study groups, she would check in on everyone's progress every night leading up to the midterms.

Seeing the enthusiastic exchanges, Hikaru decided not to interrupt.

He'd tell Ichinose tomorrow—she should get some rest for now.

---

The next morning, being Friday, Hikaru planned to put his test paper strategy into action that afternoon.

After finishing his morning workout, he entered the classroom, holding a carton of milk in one hand.

Ichinose was already there, greeting him with a bright smile. "Good morning, Hikaru-kun!"

"Morning, Ichinose-san."

Placing his bag down, he casually opened his milk carton and turned to her. "Ichinose-san, I came across some crucial information. I need your help with a plan."

"Huh?"

Caught off guard by his sudden invitation, Ichinose blinked in surprise. However, upon hearing the words "plan" and "information," her expression quickly turned serious.

"This is related to the upcoming midterms, so it's important for our class."

Hikaru took a sip of milk before looking her in the eyes. "Do you have any plans this afternoon, Ichinose-san?"

"Nope. Even if I did, I'd cancel them. Class-related strategies take top priority."

Ichinose shook her head, smiling softly. "Is it just the two of us for this?"

"Yeah. We don't need too many people. If everything goes well, we'll be done quickly."

Hikaru watched her eyes light up with excitement.

"Once this part is done, the real challenge begins."

Though he had confidence in his classmates, knowing the test questions in advance would provide an extra layer of security.

Since he wasn't sure whether midterm results would directly impact Class Points, ensuring everyone scored well was in their best interest.

"I understand." Ichinose nodded, then hesitated before asking, "So… where did you get this information, Hikaru-kun?"

"?"

Hikaru's mind briefly stalled.

Glancing at the pink-haired girl watching him closely, he forced a chuckle. "Well, you know… from various sources."

"I told you before—I won't keep anything from you anymore. You're the one leading our class forward."

Hikaru smoothly redirected the conversation. "So when we negotiate with the upperclassmen, you'll take the lead."

"Alright, I get it."

Although his response was evasive, Ichinose only stared at his smiling face for a moment before dropping the issue.

That night, when she told her feelings to Shiranami, her resolve had strengthened.

She wasn't going to give up—not until she got what she wanted.

~~~

Read 30 Chapters Ahead!

> patreon.com/HudaLin