After receiving the short-haired girl's message, Hashima Hikaru shook his head slightly.
Since their deal, Kushida had dropped all pretense. Her attitude and intentions were clear, direct, and honest.
Hashima didn't dislike this. The more she exposed her desires, the easier it was to manipulate her. Deep secrecy and constant masking would be far more troublesome.
Returning to the third floor of the dorm, Hashima spotted Kushida in the corridor. She smiled softly, meeting his gaze as the elevator doors opened.
"Good afternoon, Hashima."
"Good afternoon, Kushida. You're eager."
Hashima walked beside her, teasing, "If I'd returned later, would you have waited here all day?"
"Perhaps. If you'd come back at night, I might've stood by your door."
Kushida's smile remained, but her eyes flashed with intensity.
"Hehe, that's impossible. I promised to return quickly, so no breaking promises."
Hashima took out his keycard, leading Kushida to his room, 301.
Inside, Kushida's soft smile vanished, replaced by her usual cold, expressionless face.
Does her personality change with location? Hashima thought.
Opening the fridge, he searched for drinks. After June's point distribution, he'd restocked cold beverages—essential for summer.
"What would you like, Kushida? Or don't you drink?"
"I do!"
Kushida sat on Hashima's bed, her tone blunt.
"I'll have whatever you're having."
"Got it."
Hashima was used to her erratic behavior. It was for stock manipulation, so it didn't bother him.
He grabbed two peach sodas and joined her.
"Here, same as last time. I like this flavor." He handed her a drink and sat on his chair.
"Is that so?"
Kushida sipped the cold soda, feeling refreshed.
To maintain her figure, she rarely drank soda, but with Hashima, she forgot her habits, her emotions swayed by him.
"So, what did you find out?" Kushida held the soda, her gaze on Hashima.
"Horikita didn't do what you feared. She joined the study group, tutored math, then left immediately. No lingering or dining together."
Hashima shrugged, explaining calmly. "You can relax for now."
"Are you sure? Can you confirm she wasn't lying?"
"Horikita's personality is clear. She has no reason to lie about this."
"Hmph."
Kushida merely grunted in response.
Her concern was whether Horikita had bonded with the girls. Though Horikita seemed aloof, she'd formed a unique connection with Hashima.
Kushida feared Horikita might open up to others, risking her secret. That's why she'd urgently asked Hashima to investigate.
Learning Horikita's actions, she was relieved.
As Class C's social butterfly, the study group girls weren't her friends. Asking them directly could cause issues.
Hashima, from a different class, was the best choice for discreet information.
After thinking, Kushida asked, "What excuse did you use to meet her?"
"I simply invited her to dinner. It's not our first private meeting." Hashima smiled lightly. "Today's task balances your previous info. Even, right?"
"..."
Kushida paused, then said, "Yes. This cooperation will continue."
"Indeed. Don't forget your end of the deal. Mutual benefit is key."
Hashima sipped his drink, looking content.
"Hashima, a reminder."
Kushida stepped closer, her tone firm. "Remember what I said last time. Don't betray me now that we've made a deal."
"I know, but why repeat it?" Hashima's lips curved meaningfully.
"Just remember. If you're on my side, stay there."
Kushida's expression was cold, but her heart flared with annoyance when questioned.
Oddly, knowing they'd dined together, with Hashima paying, made her think of a date.
Though they weren't like that, it left her with a strange feeling.
Her harsh tone was both a warning to Hashima and a temporary answer for herself.
"Yes, yes, I understand."
Hashima nodded, and the system notification appeared.
You successfully investigated Horikita Suzune, satisfying Kushida. She's more attentive to you. Kushida's stock rises by 20. Current price: 40.