Chapter 13: Excess Stock Price Increase
"Why do you think they left the school?"
When Hikaru posed this question, all the students present exchanged uneasy glances. None had imagined that in just one year, second-year Class B would lose four members—a clear testament to the severity of the situation.
"How could this happen... why?"
Among them, Honami appeared the most shaken upon discovering this fact. The delicate features of the young girl were now filled with utter distress, her blue eyes swirling with a mix of emotions—fear, resistance, and disbelief—constantly intertwining.
"Ichinose," Hikaru quickly placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder, speaking gently as he met her gaze. "Don't panic. Today's only the first day of school, isn't it? We have plenty of time to prepare."
"Oh... right, it's just the first day..."
Honami looked up at the boy standing before her, the warmth from his hand on her shoulder still lingering. Gazing back at Hikaru's handsome face, she asked softly, "Hanashima-kun, do you already have a plan?"
"Of course not. Do you think I'm some omnipotent god?"
Hikaru removed his hand from her shoulder and lightly tapped Honami's head. Only after her complexion gradually returned to normal did he turn to address the other Class B students.
"This is exactly why I proposed accumulating twenty million private points. If someone is ever forced to drop out during future class competitions, this will be our lifeline to save them."
"We were lucky enough to be assigned to the same class. Of course we should graduate together—not a single person less!"
"So I hope everyone will hear my initial thoughts. That's also why I'm here today."
"Just say it directly, Hanashima-kun. We'll fully support you."
After listening to his words, the group had already shaken off their earlier shock. Faced with this living example, they gained a deeper understanding of the school's cruelty.
The precedent of expulsions felt so close now, forcing everyone to become tense.
"First, according to Hoshinomiya-sensei, the school organizes different types of special exams. These special exams are where class competition is most intense. The winning class will gain class evaluation points, while the losing class will have points deducted."
"If we consider the normal ways to obtain private points, the only fixed amount comes on the first of each month, which is far from enough. Since the school offers class evaluation points as rewards in special exams, it's possible there might be private point rewards too."
"So Hanashima-kun means we can earn private points through special exams?" Shibata rubbed his hair, still confused as he asked, "But we don't even know the rules of the special exams yet. How can we prepare in advance?"
"No, I think we can at least predict some general information." Hikaru tapped the table and smiled. "Don't forget, no matter how exaggerated the school's competition rules might be, this is still a school in the end."
"And schools can't escape two types of competitions."
"Exams and sports."
"Exactly. If it's an academic exam, I believe we can gain an advantage. After all, Ichinose-san was the top scorer in the entrance exam." The long-silent Andou-san suddenly redirected the conversation to Honami.
The girl had been listening intently to Hikaru's analysis, and being suddenly put on the spot startled her. Feeling Hikaru's gaze from beside her, she recalled him tapping her head earlier, causing a faint blush to rise on her cheeks and her heartbeat to quicken slightly.
Under everyone's expectant looks, Honami suppressed her embarrassment and explained, "Yes, I ranked first in the written entrance exam. The interview examiner mentioned it."
"That's great! If we organize a study group, Ichinose-san can definitely help everyone identify and fill knowledge gaps." Hikaru, oblivious to Honami's flustered state, turned to Shibata sitting across from him.
"Aside from academics, I think Shibata-kun can speak for sports-related matters."
"I was in the track and field club in middle school. If it's a running competition, I'm confident I won't lose to anyone." Shibata exuded confidence, his sporty and refreshing appearance making his claim particularly convincing.
"My athletic performance is decent too—at least I won't drag the class down." Kanzaki Ryūji, sitting beside Shibata, chimed in at the right moment before glancing at the girls nearby. "How about the girls' athletic abilities?"
"I'm okay, at least I won't fail."
"I'm confident in volleyball, but other sports are uncertain."
"I'm not very good at sports... During middle school sports festivals, I was always the one handing out water." The last speaker was a girl with short brown hair adorned with a flower-shaped hairpin, giving her a cute appearance.
"It's alright, Shiranami-san. We'll help you." Noticing her shy demeanor, Honami quickly reassured her, gently patting her hand.
"Thank you, Ichinose-san. I'll do my best."
Shiranami seemed to greatly admire Honami, her eyes never leaving the girl's face as she spoke to her.
"Anyway, these are two areas our Class B can prepare for in advance. Whether it's academics or sports, they'll definitely come in handy."
After listening to everyone's discussion, Hikaru continued speaking.
"Additionally, the method of collecting twenty million points is just my initial idea. I can't guarantee it will definitely succeed, so I won't force anyone to join."
As he said this, Hikaru took out his phone and showed everyone a group chat page.
"I've created a group chat for students willing to participate in this plan, aimed at protecting those facing expulsion risks. If anyone is willing, I'll invite you to join."
"I'm willing!"
The moment Hikaru finished speaking, Honami immediately called out.
She gazed at Hikaru sitting beside her, never expecting him to have considered things so thoroughly. The intense emotions accumulated in her heart instantly overflowed.
"I want to join Hanashima-kun's plan! This is exactly what I wanted to do too!"
Honami suddenly pressed her body tightly against Hikaru's shoulder, her blue eyes staring straight into the boy's with an extremely serious expression.
"Alright, welcome to my plan, Ichinose."
[Ichinose Honami recognizes the expulsion risk intelligence you proposed. Her trust in you increases. Ichinose Honami stock rises by 10. Current stock price: 80]
[Ichinose Honami is deeply moved by your twenty million point plan and develops new feelings for you. Ichinose Honami stock rises by 30. Current stock price: 110]
"?"
We've already achieved the goal?
That was fast!