COTE: Starting With Love Stock Market System

As Kushida and Sakura made their way toward the rest area near the electronics store entrance, Hikaru turned his gaze back toward the store clerk.

"Excuse me, sir, I'd like to ask a few questions about cameras. Would that be okay?"

The clerk's expression stiffened.

"...What kind of questions?"

Seeing that Sakura had been led far away, his frustration was evident, but Hikaru's earlier veiled threat still lingered in his mind.

So, forcing a professional smile, he replied, "Are you interested in buying a camera?"

"Of course. Otherwise, I wouldn't be back here a second time, would I?"

Hikaru shrugged casually, playing along.

He needed to appear convincing.

After all, as a store clerk on this artificial island, his employment was likely pre-determined by the school administration, with limited staff turnover.

Sakura was only a first-year student, having been enrolled for barely a month.

There was no logical reason for this clerk to know her.

Unless…

He had been watching her even before she entered the school.

But Sakura's reaction yesterday didn't resemble that of someone encountering a familiar face.

She had displayed fear, actively avoiding his gaze.

That meant…

This guy probably knows Sakura. But Sakura doesn't know him.

---

With this theory in mind, Hikaru decided to probe further, using the photography basics he had crammed that morning.

"In terms of cameras, is there a significant difference between those used for portraits and those used for landscapes?"

"Yes, there is," the clerk nodded, launching into a brief explanation.

"The settings required for portrait photography and landscape photography are quite different. A beginner would need to find the right balance to suit their style."

"I see. What camera would you recommend for portrait photography?"

Hikaru asked as he scanned the display case, his eyes discreetly observing the clerk's expression.

"For portraits, I'd recommend this model right here."

Without hesitation, the clerk instinctively reached for a pink camera, one that bore a striking resemblance to Sakura's.

"Oh? What model is that? Is it expensive?"

Hikaru extended his hand toward the camera, pretending to inspect it.

But before he could touch it—

"Wait—"

The clerk's expression tensed, and he quickly snatched the camera away.

"This… isn't available for customer use at the moment."

"Why's that?" Hikaru raised an eyebrow.

"Ah… because it's broken."

The clerk awkwardly cleared his throat, stumbling over his words.

"The replacement parts are still on the way, so it can't be used for now."

Hikaru paused, resting a hand on his chin.

This guy is a terrible liar.

If it was broken, then why was he so protective of it?

Why not just let me see for myself?

The clerk quickly changed the subject, growing impatient.

"So… have you decided on a purchase?"

"Hmm… I think I'll hold off for now."

Hikaru put on a sheepish smile, feigning regret.

"I don't have enough private points at the moment. Maybe I'll come back next month."

A flicker of irritation crossed the clerk's face.

"...I see. Well, if you're still interested, you're welcome to return."

"Thanks. I'll do that."

With that, Hikaru walked away without hesitation, reuniting with Kushida and Sakura.

---

"I asked about a few camera models, but they were a bit pricey," Hikaru sighed dramatically, turning to Sakura.

"For now, I guess I'll just practice with my phone."

"That works!" Sakura nodded enthusiastically.

"Smartphones might not be as good as actual cameras, but they can still take really nice pictures!"

Seeing her genuine excitement, Hikaru pushed his plan forward.

"If that's the case, would you like to take some photos together after this?"

Sakura hesitated for a second before nodding shyly.

"Y-Yeah… I'd like that."

"Alright, let's do it then."

"Well, I'll leave you two to it," Kushida suddenly interjected.

Both Hikaru and Sakura turned to look at her.

"I have some things to take care of, so I'll head off first," she said, already stepping away.

Before leaving, she glanced at Hikaru's face—as if she wanted to say something—but held back.

Then, she simply waved and walked off.

"See you, Kushida-san," Hikaru called out after her.

---

With Kushida gone, it was just the two of them.

"Looks like it's just us now," Hikaru chuckled.

"Are you okay with that, Sakura-san?"

"I-It's fine," she murmured.

Then, gathering her courage, she clenched her fists lightly and said:

"If you really want to learn photography… I can give you some tips."

Hikaru blinked in surprise, before smiling warmly.

"Really? That would be amazing!"

He deliberately showed excitement, making sure his enthusiasm felt genuine.

"If I have someone like you guiding me, I'll probably improve much faster!"

"Th-There's no need to thank me… I'm not some professional or anything…"

Sakura blushed, looking down shyly.

Hikaru considered his next move.

Since she had already agreed to help, maybe he could push the relationship forward a little more.

After a slight pause, he spoke gently.

"If we both like photography… does that mean we can become friends?"

Sakura's eyes widened.

"!"

Her heartbeat quickened, and she instinctively looked up at Hikaru's face.

His expression was as warm as always—kind and patient.

"Friends…?"

Her voice wavered, filled with nervousness and disbelief.

"Would you… really want to be friends with someone like me?"

"Of course I would."

Hikaru's gaze was unwavering, his tone gentle but firm.

"You're helping me, so naturally, I want to be friends with you."

Sakura hesitated for a moment.

But then—

"...Then… I'd like to be your friend too."

She said it.

It felt strange.

Unfamiliar.

But somehow… not too bad.

For the first time, she had met someone who made her feel different.

She wanted to see more of him—to understand what kind of person he was.

Hikaru smiled.

"Then from now on, we're officially friends, Sakura-san."

And right on cue—

[Ding!]

[Due to your shared interests and warm attitude, Sakura Airi has accepted you as a friend.]

[Sakura Airi Stock +10]

[Current Stock Price: 50]

Hikaru grinned internally.

Nice work, Sakura-san.

~~~

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