As soon as Kushida finished speaking, Hashima didn't waste a second and immediately replied.
"It's simple, really. Sometimes, when I run into problems in class, I feel like I'm not handling things well," the boy said, a troubled look on his face. "Even though my intention is to help everyone, sometimes I end up making things worse."
"What should I do in those situations, according to Kushida?"
"Well, if Hashima's intention is to help the class, then I think everything he does is good," Kushida answered, her brows slightly furrowed and a serious expression on her face. "But you also have to be careful about how you help, so you don't put pressure on others."
"Yeah, I think the same way. I'm afraid of making things worse by trying to do good, so sometimes I hesitate to step in."
"That's okay. Hashima can talk to others before helping them, to really understand how they feel. That way, he won't make things worse. Everyone will appreciate it."
Kushida smiled and added, "No wonder I've heard that Class B is so united—thanks to Honami and Hashima doing their best to help, even when they're worried. You're both stronger than me."
"No, not at all."
Honami seemed embarrassed. She glanced at Hashima and continued speaking to Kushida, "Actually, I'm curious about how Hirata leads Class D. Is he as kind as you, Kushida?"
"Of course. Hirata is very reliable, and everyone—boys and girls—trusts him." Kushida thought for a moment, then lowered her voice and whispered, "Because he's so dependable, a lot of girls in our class like him."
"But he's already accepted Karuizawa's confession, and they're dating."
"What?!"
Honami looked shocked. "They're already dating?"
"Don't say I'm gossiping—everyone knows," Kushida said, making a shy face. "Karuizawa sometimes walks around with Hirata. They're not hiding it."
"I see."
Hashima nodded and continued talking to Kushida, "So, Hirata has a lot of authority in class. Even though he's dating someone, it doesn't affect the girls' trust in him?"
"Yep. After all, Hirata is really handsome!"
Kushida looked at Hashima and said, as if with hidden meaning, "Hashima is also very good-looking. Aren't there any girls in Class B who've confessed to you?"
The two across from her instantly changed expressions. Hashima was caught off guard by the question, while Honami seemed displeased, her smile vanishing.
"Right now, I haven't received any confessions from girls," Hashima said, glancing at Honami, who seemed uncomfortable. "And I think I should focus on my studies for the time being. I haven't really thought about dating anyone."
"Kushida, don't ask questions like that," Honami said, forcing a smile. "Hashima is doing his best to help the class. He probably hasn't even considered dating."
"Ah, sorry, I spoke without thinking. Don't be mad, Hashima."
Kushida immediately apologized, but her sharp observation let her notice the change in Honami's expression when she asked the question.
*Honami really is concerned about Hashima.*
"It's fine, no big deal. Kushida doesn't need to apologize. We came to ask for your advice—we should be thanking you."
Hashima spoke politely, very naturally. "Let me treat you to lunch as thanks for being our sounding board."
"Oh, you don't have to do that. I just talked to you about class," Kushida said, seeming flattered as she shook her head in refusal.
"Come on, Kushida, accept our invitation," Honami insisted, glancing at Hashima, knowing he wanted to learn more about Class D. "We bothered you so early—I feel a little bad."
"Do you have urgent plans today? If not, there's no reason to refuse."
"Well… no."
The short-haired girl hesitated, but seeing the other two's determination, she finally nodded in agreement.
"Perfect! What does Kushida like to eat? It's my treat—order whatever you want."
Hashima seemed happy that Kushida accepted. He wanted to observe this "little angel," who was so much like Honami, to learn more about her.
"I don't have any preferences. Hashima can choose," Kushida replied.
"Alright, let's go to that family restaurant that's really popular. Their food is great."
Hashima remembered the place they'd gone to during their first gathering. The Class B students had loved it—the reviews were excellent.
"Okay."
Kushida nodded in agreement.
Honami then motioned for Hashima to stand, and since their goal was gathering information, they decided to walk around Keyaki Mall with Kushida.
It was still early, and they had time before lunch. Talking with Kushida was their priority.
As they strolled through the streets, Hashima discreetly used the system to purchase a **Stock Analyzer** and check Kushida's stock status.
**Stock Analyzer activated.**
**Kushida Kikyō's Stock**
**Information:** A beautiful girl, the class socialite, highly sociable, capable of quickly bonding with strangers. Has a hidden side—a very aggressive aspect to her personality.
**Tips to increase value:** Build a trusting relationship, help her hide her past, get Horikita Suzune expelled.
**Risks of value dropping:** Frequent contact with Horikita Suzune, becoming her friend or ally.
"Huh?"
After reading the analysis, Hashima was full of questions.
*Horikita Suzune? The rise and fall in value is tied to her?*
Wait, isn't Horikita Suzune already in the system?
Is she in Class D too?
This is crucial information!