After Hashima led Horikita Suzune out of Class C, their destination was a restaurant he had chosen in advance. It wasn't usually crowded, making it perfect for private conversations.
Having successfully lowered Kushida's stock price, Hashima was in a good mood. He smiled at Horikita and said, "Since I'm treating you, Horikita-san, feel free to order something expensive if you'd like."
His personal points had remained stable since the start of the semester. Though there had been a few large expenditures, Hashima wasn't one to splurge. He often cooked for himself, so his spending had been minimal.
Even after transferring half his points to Ichinose upon reaching Class A, the 51,000 points deposited into his personal account were still substantial.
Glancing at his student ID, Hashima felt confident in telling her to order whatever she wanted.
[Student ID]
[Name: Hashima Hikaru]
[Student Number: S01T004617]
[Gender: Male]
[Personal Points: 210,800]
Horikita remained indifferent to his cheerful demeanor. After scanning the menu briefly, she selected a standard set meal and handed it back to him.
"Tch, you could've picked something better. Seems Horikita-san still doesn't trust me much."
Hashima ordered the same set meal as her before passing the menu to the waiter, his tone tinged with regret.
"Even if you made a deal with my brother to help me, we're from competing classes. No matter what, we'll be rivals in the future. How do you expect me to trust you?" Horikita's tone was flat, reflecting her usual stance.
"Didn't our class extend a helping hand to yours last time?"
Hashima sighed, probing further. "Ichinose-san and I unconditionally helped search for witnesses and even gathered intel within our class."
"Isn't that a favor owed?"
"..."
"Not to mention, I also helped you refine your argument for the hearing. That makes twice now." Hashima held up two fingers. "And even that isn't enough to earn a bit of trust from Horikita-san?"
Horikita paused briefly before locking her striking red eyes onto his. "What do you want in return?"
"..."
Hearing such a blunt question, Hashima's lips twitched. Her social skills really are abysmal. Not a hint of tact—no wonder no one likes her.
So he simply shook his head. "I've already gotten what I wanted, so I won't demand anything from Horikita-san. If there's one thing, I suppose I'd like you to be a little more amiable."
From helping search for witnesses to advising her on the hearing, both actions had been aimed at curbing Ryūen Kakeru's growing influence in Class D. That goal had been successfully achieved—after Kōmiya Yagū and Ishizaki Daichi's one-month suspensions, Ryūen had completely quieted down.
This outcome satisfied Hashima immensely. Keeping that troublesome man in check was a crucial move in controlling the first-year dynamics.
"My attitude has always been this way. It might never change."
Horikita seemed slightly affected by his words but pressed on. "More importantly, can you finally tell me why you invited me out today?"
"Of course."
Hashima nodded. Since his main objective was already accomplished, he planned to fabricate an excuse to dismiss her.
But to engage her further, he suddenly thought of a better approach.
He recalled Nanase Tsubasa and his conflict with Horikita Manabu.
"Horikita-san, do you plan to join the student council in the future?" Hashima took a sip of barley tea, watching the black-haired girl across from him.
"Student council?"
Hearing this, Horikita looked puzzled, unsure why he'd bring it up.
"Don't you want to catch up to Horikita-senpai?" Hashima smiled, hinting further. "Wouldn't joining the student council be a good step toward that?"
"That..."
Horikita fell into thought. If she wanted to prove her growth to her brother, joining the student council was indeed a viable option.
"Do you have some plan in mind, Hashima-kun?"
After a moment's consideration, Horikita looked back at him.
Though she disliked how he always used her brother as bait, she couldn't deny his competence. If she wanted to reach Class A, this boy would undoubtedly be a formidable opponent.
"Not at all. If you want to join the student council, you'll have to rely on your own efforts."
Hashima shrugged helplessly. Though he held two spots promised by Horikita Manabu, he had no intention of giving them to outsiders.
Even those relatively close to him weren't eligible—after all, trust should be absolute. Those whose loyalty couldn't be confirmed were best kept out of his core plans.
If he were to confront Nanase in the future, the ideal strategy would be selecting two classmates from Class A as his proxies in the student council, gathering critical school intel.
He already had a few candidates in mind but planned to approach them after midterms. For now, everyone was focused on exams—distractions were best avoided.
"Anyway, that's what I wanted to tell you yesterday." Hashima paused, his tone softening. "If you want to catch up to Horikita-senpai, joining the student council is a good approach. Think it over."
If this aloof girl really did join the student council, she might soon uncover the hidden conflict between Nanase and her brother.
What would she do then?
Hashima was curious. And what about the exemplary student council president, Horikita Manabu? Though he acted dismissive of his sister, how would he react if she applied to join?
Would he refuse? Or accept?
Either way, it promised to be entertaining.
"If doing this can make my brother understand my resolve, then I think it's worth trying."
Horikita deemed it a viable option. Aside from studying, she had little else to occupy her time. Joining the student council might broaden her horizons.
"Mm, I'll be waiting to see how it turns out, Horikita-san."
After the meal, bidding farewell to the cold girl, Hashima returned to the dormitory.
However, as he entered the third-floor hallway, a familiar short-haired figure came into view—standing right outside his door.
"Tch, isn't she worried about gossip?"
Hashima sighed and quickened his pace.
"Kushida-san? Were you waiting for me here?"
The response was Kushida Kikyō's expressionless face, followed by a hoarse, suppressed growl: "Open the door. I'm going in."
"..."
"Alright."