In the cozy café, Hashima Hikaru observed Sakayanagi Arisu, who fell silent after his revelation. His thoughts raced.
The information from Horikita revealed that Nancloud Masa had approved Sakayanagi's student council application. Did the two have a connection? Or was it mere coincidence?
Hashima Hikaru was eager for answers, so he feigned ignorance and asked, "Does Sakayanagi classmate have an interest in the student council?"
"Of course. As I mentioned, I enjoy helping others. Joining the student council might allow me to assist more classmates."
"I see. Sakayanagi classmate truly humbles me. Unlike you, I lack such altruism and prefer acting independently." Hashima Hikaru scratched his hair, feigning modesty.
"Were you not among the two who passed the student council review?"
Sakayanagi's question caught Hashima off guard. She'd inquired about his name during her application, and her confidence had left an impression.
Sakayanagi wasn't joining the council to help others. She cared little for the school's students, even her own supporters. Yet, after meeting Hashima on the first day, she'd grown curious.
This rare interest led her to meet Ichinose and probe for information. She even dispatched Kamishiro to shadow him. Today's meeting was to gauge his true intentions.
But he hadn't joined the council? Why? Had he failed the review?
Sakayanagi pondered. If Hashima had failed, the two spots went to his companions. Given his abilities, she doubted he'd lose to them.
After meeting Ichinose, Sakayanagi understood the girl's capabilities. If it were a personal contest, Ichinose couldn't match Hashima. Yet, she'd passed the review. How?
Sakayanagi's curiosity intensified.
"No, I didn't join. My companions passed, though. You'll see their names soon." Hashima Hikaru smiled faintly, his expression calm.
"I see. Your classmates are impressive. Someone with your abilities didn't pass, yet they did. Class A must be full of talented individuals."
Sakayanagi nodded, praising him. Yet, her purple eyes showed no surprise, not even feigned.
"Perhaps. Everyone has their moment to shine. It's not uncommon."
Hashima Hikaru didn't plan to reveal he hadn't applied. Once she started council work, the truth would surface. He wondered how she'd react.
After the question segment, they avoided class competition, chatting about movies and trends.
Sakayanagi was knowledgeable, and Hashima, thanks to Ichinose, knew topics girls discussed. Though both knew it was superficial, the smooth conversation was relaxing.
After half an hour, they prepared to part ways.
"It was nice chatting with you, Hashima classmate. Time flew by unexpectedly." Sakayanagi stood, a gentle smile on her lips.
"Likewise. I enjoyed our talk." Hashima smiled, equally satisfied.
"Then I'll take my leave. Goodbye, Hashima classmate."
Sakayanagi gripped her cane, preparing to leave. But she turned back.
"Actually, Hashima classmate, you didn't apply to join the student council, did you?"
"Why do you think that, Sakayanagi classmate?"
Hashima's smile remained, but his heart raced. Did she have eyes in the council?
"It's a girl's intuition."
Sakayanagi's face lit with a stunning smile. "Your expression gives it away, Hashima classmate."
"You're sharp, Sakayanagi classmate. Yes, I didn't apply. I'm not interested in joining." Hashima shrugged helplessly.
"I see. Understood. See you next time, Hashima classmate."
Confirming her hunch, Sakayanagi's curiosity about Hashima deepened. Why had he sent his classmates to apply?
If he sought council power, wouldn't joining himself be more effective?
And both his companions had passed. Coincidence or something deeper?
Incredible.
Sakayanagi decided to have Kamishiro continue shadowing him. She needed to uncover his plans.
Watching the silver-haired girl leave, Hashima's smile faded, his gaze cold.
Despite her physical limitations, Sakayanagi's intuition and deductions were impressive.
As he pondered, a system notification appeared.
Ding! Sakayanagi Arisu's stock is now live!
Current Price: 20
Total Shares: 2000
"..."
Why hadn't her stock appeared during their first meeting? System lag?