In the quiet dormitory, when Ichinose Honami lifted her head from Hashima Hikaru's embrace and uttered those heartfelt words, the girl stared intently at his expression, awaiting his response.
Though her heart raced faster, Ichinose couldn't tell if it was from the embarrassment of being so close to the boy's chest or the excitement of anticipating his answer.
But unfortunately, after a dozen seconds, the Hashima Hikaru just inches away fell silent.
The pink-haired girl's fair face suddenly paled, and her calves began to tremble slightly, as if all her strength had been drained.
"Hashima... classmate, what's your answer?"
Ichinose Honami forced down the sour emotions churning in her chest and asked the next question with a trembling voice.
"Actually..."
Hashima Hikaru sighed helplessly in his mind. He hadn't expected that continuing to execute the plan to help Class A would lead to Ichinose confessing her feelings for him. This must be the butterfly effect of boosting the stock price.
Everyone is a living, breathing person. It's impossible for them to act according to his plans after growing closer; unexpected actions are only natural.
Does he dislike Ichinose Honami? The answer is definitely no.
Does he like Ichinose Honami? Yes, he does, but not to the point where she's irreplaceable.
The newly acquired stocks still required Hashima Hikaru to work hard to boost their price for cashing out. With so much on his plate, he didn't know how to respond to the girl's fervent feelings.
"I..."
Just as he uttered a single word, gazing into Ichinose's clear, transparent eyes filled with anticipation, Hashima Hikaru fell silent again.
"Um, I guess I got too excited. If it's troubling for Hashima classmate, I'll apologize."
Noticing the boy's dilemma, Ichinose Honami intended to withdraw the hand circling his waist, but the next second, she heard Hashima Hikaru speak.
"No, it's definitely not a trouble."
Hashima Hikaru's voice was soft. Though he didn't know how to handle the situation, to secure more system funds, neither accepting nor outright rejecting the confession was an option. After all, he had to consider her feelings. The best approach was to stall, think it over, and handle it later.
"So... is that what Hashima classmate thinks?"
Upon hearing the boy speak, Ichinose Honami stared blankly at his face. Seeing him flash that familiar smile inexplicably reassured her.
"Well, my answer is actually a bit complicated. If I say it, it might be hard to understand. I don't know if Ichinose classmate is willing to listen."
"I'm fine with anything. Please, Hashima classmate, go ahead." Ichinose nodded slightly, her earlier excitement calming down.
"Alright, then I'll begin. I hope Ichinose classmate can understand what I mean."
Hashima Hikaru carefully chose his words in his mind, slowly revealing his thoughts to the girl.
"First, I'm truly flattered that Ichinose classmate would express these feelings for me. You're very charming, and I enjoy being with you. That's my genuine, unfiltered feeling."
"But I've never been in a relationship before, so I don't know how to respond to these feelings," a bitter smile appeared on Hashima Hikaru's face. "I do have good feelings for Ichinose classmate, but whether those feelings are true love, I can't confirm that yet."
"Because I can't confirm it, I was stunned when I heard Ichinose classmate's feelings earlier. I don't want to respond without being sure of my own feelings—that wouldn't be fair to you."
"Once I truly understand my own feelings, I'll take the initiative to express them to Ichinose classmate. That's the only way to get a result that satisfies both of us."
"That's my answer and thought process. Does Ichinose classmate understand?" Though Hashima Hikaru's voice was soft, each sentence had been carefully considered in his mind, so his pace was slow, ensuring she could hear clearly.
Still pressed against Hashima Hikaru's chest, the pink-haired girl listened carefully to his answer, and it was her turn to fall silent.
Before deciding to confess her feelings to Hashima Hikaru today, Ichinose Honami had roughly two expectations for the outcome.
One was acceptance. In that case, she and Hashima Hikaru would naturally become a couple, experiencing all the things she'd been looking forward to.
The other was rejection. Though she'd be very upset, Ichinose Honami knew Hashima Hikaru's personality well. Perhaps he'd completely forget about it later, and they'd act as if nothing had happened, continuing to work hard as key figures in the class, leading everyone forward.
But Hashima Hikaru's response was neither. It wasn't acceptance, nor was it rejection, leaving the girl's emotions complicated.
"So, what happens between us now?" The pink-haired girl stared intently at his face.
"I don't know about that, but the more important answer I've already given, right?"
Hashima Hikaru smiled gently: "Though I can't confirm if I truly like Ichinose classmate, I'll always be with you. We're not just desk mates but also allies in helping the class."
"After what happened today, the distance between us has grown even closer, hasn't it?"
"But..."
Ichinose Honami hesitated, but after careful reflection, though she didn't get the answer she wanted, at least she knew how he viewed her.
Hashima classmate does have good feelings for her. She'd sensed that before making her decision, which is why she chose to be straightforward instead of waiting. Now, her guess was confirmed.
She also learned that he'd never been in a relationship before, which brought a small sense of relief. Since she'd never been in a relationship either, if they could date smoothly, all their firsts would belong to each other—a fantasy Ichinose had about her partner.
"Since Hashima classmate has said so, I'll just have to accept this answer." Ichinose Honami released her arms from around Hashima Hikaru's waist, a gentle smile reappearing on her face.
"As long as you understand, once I'm sure of my feelings, I'll take the initiative to confess. Leave it to me."
Hashima Hikaru observed the girl's relaxed expression, figuring he'd successfully dodged the issue.
"Hehehe, then I'll look forward to it. Are we now considered more than friends, less than lovers?" Ichinose Honami had read some romance manga, so she knew the term.
"Um, I guess so. As long as Ichinose classmate understands, that's what matters. I'll definitely do what I promised. Once I'm sure of my feelings, I'll tell you right away."
"Okay, I understand."
The pink-haired girl nodded firmly. After expressing her surging emotions today, though the outcome wasn't quite what she'd expected, at least she wasn't outright rejected.
As long as she continued to work hard, Ichinose Honami believed this love would be hers.
She had that confidence.
After getting everything out in the open, their interactions grew even closer. To reassure her, Hashima Hikaru spent the entire afternoon with Ichinose Honami, helping her prepare the application to join the student council.
Tomorrow after school, he'd take her and Ando Sayo to submit the documents.
Regardless, this was the current priority. Once they joined the student council, he'd have an insider, allowing him to start various preparations in advance.
On the other hand, Hashima Hikaru's remaining focus was on boosting stock prices.
No matter what, as long as he raised the prices of these stock roles, once the items he wanted refreshed, he could immediately cash out—that was the confidence he sought.
The most suitable candidate at the moment was naturally Kushida-san, who didn't care about the class's interests at all. He could boost her stock price while also gathering intelligence on Class C, reaping double benefits.
By the time school ended the next day, Ando Sayo and Ichinose Honami had packed their bags, holding the prepared application forms.
"Let's head out. We're going to the student council now. Are you both mentally prepared?" Hashima Hikaru smiled as he gathered his things, looking at the two girls beside him.
"I'm a bit nervous, but I'll do my best to overcome it. Hashima classmate, please don't worry." Ando patted her chest, calming herself. Seeing her expression, the boy knew he hadn't chosen wrong.
Ichinose Honami, meanwhile, stood smiling beside Hashima Hikaru, saying softly, "I'm fine, everything's ready."
"Alright, let's go."
Led by Hashima Hikaru, the two girls headed toward the student council room. Having been there once before, Hashima Hikaru naturally remembered the way, smoothly guiding them to the fourth floor of the school building.
Since Hashima Hikaru had already messaged Horikita before leaving, they saw Tachibana Akane standing by the door as soon as they arrived, as if waiting for someone.
"Good afternoon, Tachibana senior." Hashima Hikaru greeted her warmly and introduced the two girls behind him.
"This is Ichinose Honami, and this is Ando Sayo. They're both here to submit their applications today."
"Good afternoon, Tachibana senior."
"Good afternoon, Tachibana... senior."
Ichinose and Ando greeted her. Though both were nervous, they quickly adjusted, reassured by Hashima Hikaru's presence.
"Come in, the president's waiting. He said he'd personally review Hashima classmate's recommendations." Tachibana Akane glanced at Hashima Hikaru meaningfully before gesturing for them to enter.
"Let's go. If all goes well, it might be done quickly."
Led by Hashima Hikaru, the two girls stepped into the student council room for the second time.