After ordering, the attractive pair attracted attention even in silence.
"So, Hashima, can you speak now?" Suzune tucked her hair behind her ear, her expression neutral but her gaze fixed on him.
"You're eager, Horikita. Alright."
Hashima smiled. To build trust with this unattainable beauty, he'd use Horikita as leverage—her greatest weakness.
"I met your brother at the student council room and chatted briefly."
"I see."
Suzune paused, then asked, "If I inquire about your council visit, is that spying on your class?"
"Perhaps for other matters."
Hashima studied her guarded expression. Despite multiple meetings, her caution remained high. Her question tested his attitude.
"But yesterday's events can be shared. The results will be public soon."
He recalled their previous conversation: "Remember our last talk about the student council?"
"I do."
Suzune nodded slightly. "After our talk, I considered joining the council but decided to wait."
"Why?" Hashima raised an eyebrow, smiling. "Joining could help you gain your brother's approval."
Surprisingly, Suzune's composed demeanor cracked, her expression unnatural.
"Cough... That's my decision. I don't need your help yet." She coughed, awkwardly changing the topic.
"So, you applied to the council yesterday?"
"Yes. That's why I met your brother. He reviewed our applications."
Hashima shrugged, his tone casual. "He was free, so he handled the reviews."
"Is... that so?"
Suzune's face showed clear turmoil. Her eyes reflected complexity: hope, longing, and fear.
Hashima noticed her unease and guessed her thoughts. She wanted Horikita's approval but feared facing him.
Perhaps being constantly underestimated by her brother fueled her desire to prove herself.
That night's scene was vivid. Though Hashima didn't understand their dynamic, it was useful for manipulation.
"Yes. As president, he reviews applicants. If needed, he'd interview them."
Hashima aimed to endear himself to Suzune by praising Horikita, hoping to soften her stance.
"He's dedicated, handling duties despite his workload. He takes time to interview applicants."
His tone was admiring, his face respectful.
Suzune, who'd long idolized her brother, noticed Hashima's expression. For the first time, she felt a connection with him, seeing merit beyond his manipulative invitations.
"Yes, he's always been self-disciplined and responsible, completing every task seriously."
Suzune's eyes reflected her obsession. "So I must... catch up to him."
"I believe you can. If he set expectations, he likely believes in you."
Noticing her softening, Hashima stated his goal.
"If you're growing, have you changed recently?" He probed gently. "To catch up, you can't stay still."
"Some changes..."
Suzune, seeing his admiration for Horikita, relaxed her guard. "I joined a study group today."
"Great. Studying together improves academics and social skills."
Hashima smiled subtly, balancing enthusiasm and casualness.
"I helped with math. My scores are good, so I assisted them."
Suzune glanced at him, her tone neutral. "I have no interest in socializing, so I left after tutoring."
"Take it slow."
Hashima used Horikita as an example. "As president, he excels academically, athletically, and socially. Coordinating such a large organization is complex."
"To approach him, you must improve socially."
Though he hadn't bought her stock, this groundwork could subtly influence her views on socializing, reducing future resistance.
"I'll consider it..."
Suzune didn't reject his advice. She knew her brother's social skills from his middle school presidency.
However, she disagreed with his approach, preferring strength in solitude. This created their awkward relationship.
"No rush. Proceed at your pace."
Hashima achieved his goal and shifted the topic.
Though Suzune disliked small talk, she replied neutrally during dinner. As his debtor, overly rude behavior was inappropriate.
Overall, Hashima's initiative improved their atmosphere. Discussing Horikita softened Suzune's attitude, making their interaction less stiff.
After dinner, Hashima didn't offer to escort her back, avoiding overstepping. They parted warmly at the restaurant.
Walking home, Hashima messaged Kushida.
Hashima: Mission accomplished.
Kushida, awaiting news, had returned to her dorm instead of shopping.
Seeing his message, she smiled, replying eagerly.
Kushida: Results?
Hashima: Would you be disappointed if I failed?
Kushida: Yes.
Hashima: Then I succeeded.
Kushida: Really?
Hashima: It took effort, but the outcome is good.
Reading his reply, Kushida stood, checking her appearance in the mirror.
Kushida: When are you back? Let's talk in your dorm.
Hashima: Soon. I'm on my way.