Following his routine, Hashima arrived at the school gymnasium, unlocked the side door with his key, and headed to the men's locker room with his swimwear.
But as he opened the pool area door, he found the lights already on.
"Huh? Someone's here?"
Lately, his swimming schedule had been consistent. With his 8–10 p.m. slot, he usually arrived at 8, did ten minutes of warm-up stretches, swam for an hour, rested for ten minutes, and left by 9:30.
He'd wondered if others also swam at night but had never encountered anyone—until now.
"Whatever. As the instructor said, it doesn't matter if others are here. Just focus on my routine."
Shrugging, he changed in the locker room and stepped out toward the pool.
Then, his gaze locked onto a figure near the diving platform—a girl in a one-piece athletic swimsuit ascending the steps.
Moments later, she stood poised at the platform's edge, her full silhouette now visible.
She was strikingly tall—at least 165 cm—with dazzling white hair. Her toned yet curvaceous frame showed no excess fat, her flat stomach and muscular limbs radiating athleticism.
Under the lights, she raised her arms and executed a flawless dive, entering the water with barely a splash.
Hashima's eyes widened. Her reflexes are incredible. And if she's here at night, she must have pool access too.
But why haven't I seen her before?
Puzzled but unfazed, he began his stretches by the poolside.
Just then, the white-haired girl surfaced near him, her piercing gaze locking onto him.
"You're... a first-year?"
Floating in the water, she studied him intently.
"Hmm?"
Meeting her eyes, Hashima finally saw her face clearly.
She was stunning—her white hair accentuating vivid purple eyes that gleamed with clarity, her expression vibrant even as water dripped down her cheeks.
She exuded confidence and poise.
"Are you an upperclassman?"
Recalling her question, he replied politely, "I'm Hashima Hikaru, a first-year from Class A."
"Hashima Hikaru..."
Muttering his name, the girl's lips curled into a faint smile. She'd heard of him—from Nanase Tsubasa, the de facto second-year leader.
"You know me, senpai?"
Noting her reaction, Hashima grew curious. Unsure if she was a second- or third-year, he maintained respectful decorum.
"I do. I've heard your name."
Wiping her face, she swam to the edge and hoisted herself up effortlessly.
"I'm Kiryūin Fūka, Class 2-B. Nice to meet you, Hashima-kun."
The moment she introduced herself, a system notification popped up.
[Ding! Kiryūin Fūka stock now listed!]
[Current price: 20]
[Total shares: 4000]
"A new stock?!"
Hashima's mind raced. The system's criteria are even more unpredictable than I thought. Not just same-year students—even upperclassmen qualify?
But with seniors, interaction opportunities would be limited. Different grades mean separate social circles.
Still, he kept his composure. "It's an honor, Kiryūin-senpai."
"Mm."
The white-haired girl took a sip from her water bottle and nodded.
After exchanging greetings, Hashima resumed his stretches. He couldn't afford to dawdle—his two-hour slot was precious.
Watching the first-year's disciplined routine, Kiryūin recalled the rumors.
The pool administrator had mentioned a first-year purchasing night access, but she'd been too busy to encounter him until now.
This boy piqued her interest. Nanase had spoken of him—a Class B student who'd swiftly risen to Class A within a month.
Just like Nanase back then.
"No wonder Nanase wanted to recruit him into the student council. Probably to expand his first-year influence."
Kiryūin found such power plays tedious. Her life was complicated enough without interpersonal drama.
Dismissing further thoughts, she sat by the pool, dipping her legs into the water. Having swum several laps, she now observed the first-year crisscrossing the lanes.
His technique was basic, his speed unremarkable. She could easily lap him in a race.
But... his endurance is impressive. Despite average stamina, he shows no signs of slacking.
As an elite athlete, Kiryūin recognized his disciplined pacing.
Interesting. This underclassman must be aware of his physical limits—hence the nightly training to shore up weaknesses.
Her estimation of him rose slightly.
She typically categorized people by key traits, forgetting the unremarkable ones.
Unlike that scheming Nanase, this boy's gaze is unreadable. Calm and composed for a first-year.
Just as Kiryūin prepared to swim again, Hashima approached.
"Kiryūin-senpai, may I make a bold request?"
He met her eyes steadily.
"What is it?"
"After seeing your dive earlier, I can tell you're an expert. Could you critique my form to help me swim faster?"
"Oh?"
Kiryūin's purple eyes scrutinized him. After a pause, she reassessed her initial impression.
No, he's quite different from Nanase.
His request was delivered with unshakable calm—unusual for an underclassman.
Hard to decipher his thoughts.
This intrigued her.
With a faint smile, she replied, "I can, but I'll be strict. Are you sure you can handle it?"
"Absolutely. My time's limited, so let's start now!"