COTE: Starting With Love Stock Market System

Since he had requested an express repair service, Hikaru planned to use the next day's camera pickup as an opportunity to grow closer to Sakura.

His approach was simple—engage with her through photography. If he could get her to take pictures with him, it would prove that she was slowly accepting his presence.

With this in mind, Hikaru took out his phone and messaged his best "wingman."

---

Hashima Hikaru: Kushida-san, are you going with Sakura-san to pick up her camera after school today?

Kushida Kikyo: Yes, we planned to finish this up today since we already went yesterday.

Hashima Hikaru: Would it be alright if I joined? I've recently taken an interest in photography.

Kushida. Kikyo: Really?

Sitting at her desk, Kushida raised an eyebrow as she read the message.

He never mentioned photography before—so why was he suddenly interested now?

Following that thought, her gaze shifted toward the back of the classroom, where a certain red-haired girl sat.

As always, Sakura remained isolated, her head down, lost in thought, barely speaking to anyone.

Although Hikaru's sudden interest was suspicious, Kushida didn't delay in responding.

Kushida Kikyo: Sure, let me ask Sakura-san first.

Hashima Hikaru: Thanks. I hope it won't trouble her too much.

---

Leaving her seat, Kushida approached Sakura's desk and spoke in a friendly tone.

"Sakura-san, would it be alright if one more person joined us when we pick up your camera later?"

"Eh?"

Sakura instinctively wanted to refuse, hesitating as she glanced up.

"Umm... Do we have to add someone else...?"

"It's Hikaru-kun," Kushida clarified. "He mentioned that he's interested in photography and wanted to come along."

The moment Hikaru's name was mentioned, Sakura's eyes subtly lit up before she quickly nodded.

"If it's Hikaru-kun… then… that's fine."

"You don't mind?"

"Umm… not at all."

Sakura shook her head gently.

To be honest, she had been wanting to talk to Hikaru more. But she neither had his contact information nor the courage to seek him out in Class A.

So now that he was the one initiating contact, even mentioning photography, she felt genuinely excited.

---

Kushida observed Sakura carefully.

The normally reserved girl, who rarely spoke to anyone, had reacted positively the moment Hikaru's name was brought up.

Her thoughts turned to the previous day.

She remembered catching Sakura sneaking glances at Hikaru at least twice.

She never talks to anyone, Kushida thought. Yet, she's okay with spending time with a guy from another class?

And then there was Hikaru himself—was he really interested in photography?

Or was he doing this for Sakura?

Kushida clenched the eraser in her hand, her eyes flickering with a sharp glint.

But after a few seconds of thought, she suddenly realized something.

Lately… she'd been thinking about him a lot.

She wasn't just monitoring Hikaru to make sure he kept her secret.

She was keeping tabs on his interactions.

Her mind drifted back to the scent in Hikaru's dorm room—the unmistakable fragrance of Ichinose.

They're both single, yet they keep eating dinner together in his room?

Tch.

Hikaru's luck with women is unbelievable.

She bit her lip, irritated.

The way he immediately reassured her during the "handprint incident" was satisfying, but this?

Was she worried about him leaking her secret… or something else?

Shut up. Stop overthinking it.

Forcing herself to focus on her studies, Kushida shoved aside the unwanted thoughts and prepared for class.

---

Meanwhile, Hikaru was completely unaware of her internal conflict.

He sat at his desk, researching basic photography techniques on his phone.

He needed just enough knowledge to carry a conversation with Sakura and use it as a topic of discussion.

Beside him, Ichinose peeked at his screen with curiosity.

"Hikaru-kun, are you getting into photography?"

"Something like that."

Hikaru gave a vague answer, naturally avoiding the real reason.

"Then… can you take pictures of me someday?"

Ichinose's bright blue eyes sparkled mischievously as she asked the question.

"Uh… I'm still a beginner. Probably not good enough yet."

"That's fine! I'm sure you'll learn fast—I believe in you."

"Well… I'll think about it once I actually learn some skills."

Hikaru laughed lightly, shifting his focus back to photography guides.

Ichinose smiled to herself.

---

After school, Hikaru left after telling Ichinose he had something to do.

He needed to reduce his time spent with her.

If he wanted to become a true market manipulator, he had to start playing his moves carefully—and keeping Ichinose from getting too attached was part of the strategy.

By using photography as an excuse, he could subtly distance himself without arousing suspicion.

Upon arriving at Keyaki Mall, Hikaru didn't wait long before spotting two familiar figures.

One walked calmly in front, while the other kept her head lowered, nervously trailing behind.

Sakura was still uncomfortable with being in public—he wondered if she'd ever grow past that.

"Kushida-san, good afternoon."

Hikaru greeted with his usual smile.

"Good afternoon, Hikaru-kun!"

Sakura hesitated before summoning her courage to greet him as well.

"H-Hikaru-kun… good… afternoon."

Hikaru chuckled softly.

"Let's hurry and get your camera back, Sakura-san."

With that, the three of them set off.

---

As they neared the electronics store, Hikaru recalled Sakura's reaction to the creepy store clerk yesterday.

"Sakura-san, stand behind me when we get there. I'll handle the conversation."

"Eh? Is that okay…?"

She fidgeted, feeling slightly guilty.

"Of course. Besides, this is a great chance for me to ask about camera models—I might buy a beginner one."

"Really?! There's one I really like…"

Sakura instantly perked up, eager to recommend something.

Hikaru nodded to himself.

Perfect. The guide was right—this was working.

Meanwhile, Kushida, now reduced to a third wheel, forced a smile.

"Well then, let's not keep Sakura-san's camera waiting."

---

At the store, the same shady clerk greeted them.

Upon seeing them, his eyes immediately searched for Sakura—but Hikaru was already standing in the way.

"Welcome. Ah, it's you guys again. Here to pick up the camera?"

"Yes, can you get it for us? We're in a hurry."

The clerk hesitated.

Hikaru towered over him, his presence blocking the man's view of Sakura entirely.

"You did say the repair was complete, right?"

"Uhh… Y-Yeah."

"If not, then I guess our rush fee was wasted? We could always file a complaint about that."

The clerk paled instantly.

"N-No need! I'll go get it right away."

Within seconds, he reluctantly retrieved the pink camera.

Hikaru took it without a word, then turned to gently hand it to Sakura.

"Check if it works properly."

Sakura nodded seriously, inspecting her camera.

Moments later, she looked up, smiling softly.

"Hikaru-kun, it's fixed."

"That's good."

Then, Hikaru turned back to the clerk.

"You two wait a moment—I have something I need to ask him."

It was time to test the waters.

~~~

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