COTE: Bag And Love System

Hashima Hikaru glanced at the clerk standing nearby, indicating an intention to sidestep the subject initially, and then extended her hand to retrieve the menu from the other person's grasp.

　　"Girls first."

　　"All right, does anyone have any dietary restrictions?"

　　Ichinose Honami took the menu that had been handed to her and began talking about what to eat with the classmates at the table. 

 Hashima Hikaru, seeing that everyone had diverted their attention, finally breathed a sigh of relief.

　　As the waiter removed the menu and proceeded to provide instructions to the kitchen, the B-class students at the table began to converse.

　　The students, all between the ages of fifteen and sixteen, fostered a harmonious atmosphere, discussing a wide range of topics, from Internet celebrities to TV stars' scandals.

　　However, it was not until the waiter served the dishes that the delicious food in front of them captured everyone's attention.

Given the chef's renowned status, the guests followed the advice of the saying, "Only love and food should not go to waste," and proceeded to clean their plates.

　　After approximately twenty minutes, as the dishes in front of him were nearing completion, Ichinose wiped the corners of his mouth with a handkerchief and transitioned to discussing business matters.

　　"Hashima-san, I would appreciate your thoughts on the matter. We are all awaiting your input."

　　"Indeed, we are all eager to see what novel concepts Hashima-san can propose to assist the class."

　　After taking a sip of orange juice, Ando stared at Hashima Hikaru's face with arched eyebrows.

　　"Since this idea will require the participation of the entire class, I will be direct."

　　Hashima Hikaru is preparing to make a significant move that will have a substantial impact on Ichinose's stock price.

　　Everyone observed the young man take a deep breath, then stretch out two fingers and say in a deep voice, "I want to get 20 million personal points."

　　This unexpected proposal left everyone astonished.

　　The group's expressions immediately shifted, as they were taken aback by the nature of the proposal.

Following Professor Hoshinomiya's thorough explanation of the unique regulations concerning private points, the group seemed to take little notice.

　　While the potential for utilizing these points to transfer to another class or avoid expulsion is real, the number in question is simply too large for students in Class B to believe that they could accumulate enough points to benefit.

　　"Don't be too surprised. Remember what I mentioned earlier today. The competition between classes is beginning today."

　　Hashima Hikaru's suggestion was met with surprise, and she continued, "This 20 million point rule is of significant importance. It should be the most prominent aspect of the school's regulations."

　　She then inquired about Hashima's intentions with the points, suggesting that his objective might have been to change classes.

　　"Absolutely not. I have a strong affinity for Class B, and I wouldn't consider using it in this manner."Hashima Hikaru glanced at Ichinose, who inquired, his tone earnest, "My objective is to accumulate a substantial number of points, as I foresee a future class competition with outcomes that may be challenging to accept."

　　"That is to say...someone will be forced to drop out of school."

　　After hearing this, no one reacted. Instead, the normally affable Ichinose inquired coldly, "Why?"

　　The pink-haired girl's countenance darkened noticeably, and a pallor of despondency appeared on her face.

When the other students observed her in this state, they refrained from speaking.

　　"Here is the information I gathered."Although Hashima Hikaru could see that Ichinose Honami was not in a good state at that moment, he still calmly showed her the interface of his phone, explaining, "This is the preview of the event posted by the sophomores on the school forum."

　　"Look closely at the head count above. Do you find anything unusual?"

　　"?"

　　Ichinose Honami was initially taken aback, but she swiftly accepted the phone from Hashima Hikaru and, upon closer inspection, discovered a crucial message.

　　"There are only... 36 people in class 2-B?"

　　"What is that supposed to mean?"

　　Upon hearing Ichinose's exclamation, the other classmates immediately gathered to check the information on Hashima's cell phone.It was an invitation to a dinner issued by the second-grade Class B. There were 36 reserved seats in total, and there were also 36 names of people who responded to register.

　　This fact is particularly noteworthy.

　　"That's right, sophomore Class B seniors. After freshman year, there are a total of four people missing from the class."

　　Have you considered the reasons why these students may have chosen to leave the institution?

When Ms. Hikaru inquired about the matter, the students looked at each other in surprise, as they had not anticipated that the number of students in the second grade B class would be reduced by four after only one year. This was sufficient to demonstrate the seriousness of the problem.

　　"How could this happen...why?"

　　Among the students, Ichinose Honami appeared to be the most taken aback, her finely crafted eyebrows betraying a state of heightened nervousness, her blue eyes reflecting a complex array of emotions — fear, resistance, and disbelief — all vying for dominance.

　　"Ichinose-san," Hashima Hikaru immediately placed her hand on the young woman's shoulder, looked her in the eyes, and said softly, "Don't be anxious. Didn't school just start today? We have plenty of time to prepare.

　　"Oh, yes, today is the first day..."

　　Ichinose Honami regarded the young man before her, the hand still on her shoulder eliciting a comforting warmth. She looked back at Hashima Hikaru's countenance and inquired quietly, "Hashima-san, have you devised a solution?"

　　"Unfortunately, I don't have a solution at this time. You might think I'm some kind of omnipotent deity, but I'm not."

　　Hashima Hikaru released the hand on her shoulder, reached up, and touched Ichinose's head.After the girl's complexion gradually recovered, she turned around and addressed the other Class B students.

"That's why I proposed to accumulate 20 million personal points. If someone has to drop out of the class competition in the future, this will be the trump card that can save the other party."

　　"Given that we have been assigned to the same class, it is imperative that we graduate together; no one should be left behind."

　　"I trust you received my initial proposal, and that is why I am here today."

　　"Please let me know, Hashima-san. We are fully committed to working with you."

　　Upon hearing this, the group regained their composure, realizing the severity of the situation.

　　The potential repercussions of dropping out were palpable, and it was evident that a sense of urgency prevailed.

　　"First of all, according to Mr. Hoshinomiya, the school will organize different kinds of special examinations.In special exams, the competition between classes is more intense.The winning class will increase the class evaluation score, while the losing class will lose points."

　　"In the context of private points, it's important to note that fixed points are only available on the first day of each month, which is insufficient. However, during special exams, the school will utilize class assessment scores as a reward mechanism, potentially leading to the allocation of private point rewards."

"So, Hashima-san is saying that we can earn private points on the special exam?"

　　Shibata expressed his perplexity by touching his hair and inquiring, "However, we are unaware of the specific rules for the special exam, making it challenging to prepare in advance."

　　Hashima Hikaru interjected, "I believe we can predict some general information."She pointed at the table and said with a smile, "Don't forget, even if the competition rules set by the school are exaggerated, this is still a school after all."

　　"In terms of schools, there are two types of competitions that are inevitable."

　　"Exams and sports."

　　"Exactly. If it's an exam to evaluate academic ability, we'll undoubtedly have an advantage. Ichinose-san received the highest score on the entrance exam."

　　Ando, who had been silent for some time, initiated the discussion by addressing Ichinose Honami. Honami had been listening attentively to Hashima Hikaru's analysis and was surprised when she was suddenly called out.

　　She saw that Hashima Hikaru, sitting next to her, had looked at her, causing her to recall the incident in which he had hit her head.A blush appeared on her face, and her heart beat faster.

　　Under the scrutiny of the audience, Ichinose Honami managed to maintain composure and stated, "I achieved first place in the written section of the entrance exam, as confirmed by the examiner during the interview."

"That's excellent. If we decide to hold a study session, I'm confident that Ichinose-san will be able to assist the students in addressing any gaps in their knowledge."

　　Hashima Hikaru did not perceive any peculiarities in Ichinose, but he did glance at Shibata-san, seated across from him.

　　"In addition to academics, I believe Shibata-san should be involved in sports."

　　"I was in the track and field club in high school, and if I were to compete in a running event, I believe I would be a strong competitor."Shibata Sa's confidence was evident, and his appearance, which only an athlete could possess, made him particularly convincing.

　　He further elaborated on his athletic abilities, stating, "My performance in sports is quite notable. I believe I contribute positively to the class."

　　Kanzaki Ryuji, seated adjacent to Shibata, skillfully redirected the conversation at a opportune moment, addressing the female attendees. He inquired about their sports performance scores.

　　"I'm doing well. That way, I won't fail."

　　"I'm confident in volleyball, but I'm not sure about the others."

　　"I'm not very skilled in sports. During my high school years, I was the one responsible for serving water during the sports festival."

　　The final speaker was a young woman with short brown hair who wore a flower-shaped hairpin at the end of her hair, contributing to her youthful and charming appearance.

　　"Rest assured, Shiranami-san, we'll provide assistance."

　　Ichinose quickly took the other person's words and gently patted her hand, recognizing the shy look on her face.

　　"Thank you, Ichinose-san. I'll do my best."

Shiranami-san's admiration for Ichinose Hoba was evident, and his gaze remained fixed on the girl's face during their conversation.

　　"In summary, our Class B has the capacity to prepare for these two areas in advance, whether it's academic studies or athletic training. Ultimately, these efforts will prove beneficial."

　　After listening to everyone's discussion, Hashima Hikaru continued.

　　"The method of collecting 20 million points is simply a preliminary concept. I cannot guarantee its success, so I will not obligate anyone to participate."

　　Hikaru Hashima then proceeded to present a group chat page on his cell phone.

　　He explained that he had created a group chat for students interested in participating in the plan to support those facing the dropout crisis. He invited those who were interested to join the chat.

　　"Yes!"

　　As soon as Hashima Hikaru finished speaking, Ichinose Honami shouted on the spot.

　　She looked at Hashima Hikaru, who was sitting next to her. She was surprised by the other party's consideration, and her strong emotions burst forth.

　　"I am eager to support Hashima-san's plan, as it aligns with my personal aspirations."

　　She then pressed her body tightly against Hashima Hikaru's shoulders, her blue eyes looking straight into the boy's eyes with an extremely serious expression.

"Very well, let me explain the plan, Ichinose-san."

　　[Ichinose Honami has approved of the information you provided her about the expulsion crisis, and her confidence in you has increased. Ichinose Honoki's stock price has increased by 10%; the current stock price is 80.]

　　Ichinose Honami is deeply moved by your 20-million-point plan and has developed new feelings for you. Ichinose Honami's stock price has increased by 30, and the current stock price is 110.

　　"?"

　　Is this the intended objective?

　　The rapidity with which this has occurred is noteworthy.

　　Inside the family restaurant, Class B members observed Hashima Hikaru, who retrieved his cell phone, and recognized the boy's highly action-oriented nature. Despite being only the first day of school, he demonstrated numerous ideas and plans, indicating his potential for future success.

　　When Ichinose Honami declared her intention to be the first to collect 20 million points, the others swiftly followed suit.

　　"We would like to join you, Hashima-san," they said.

　　The two boys sitting in front of the table, Shibata Sa and Kanzaki Ryuji, expressed their approval of Hashima, stating that they would be unable to reject such a significant proposal.

　　"Thank you for your support. You're welcome. What's your student credential?"

　　Hashima Hikaru's face showed a smile.After Ichinose Honami's stock price rose to 110, his mood could not have been better.He did not expect that by following the stock analyzer method, he would gain so much.

　　Reflecting on this, he turned his head toward the pink-haired girl sitting next to him.After Ichinose Honami joined the group chat, she appeared to recognize that her proximity to Hashima Hikaru might be perceived as bold, and a slight blush remained on her delicate face.

She feigned hydration while discreetly observing the young man.

　　When their eyes met, Ichinose swiftly averted his gaze, feigning conversation with the adjacent female. His ears visibly reddened, yet he maintained the facade of concealing his misstep.

　　This performance, when viewed in contrast to the girl's earlier portrayal of a trustworthy class leader, added a charming and naive aura.

　　It was quite endearing.

　　After a brief moment of silent contemplation, Hashima Hikaru shifted his gaze to the three girls beside Ichinose and inquired, "Girls, what are your thoughts on the matter?"

　　They all expressed their enthusiastic support for the plan.

　　The group chat on Hashima Hikaru's cell phone, dedicated to the new plan to earn 20 million, has expanded to seven members.

　　The group consists of himself, Ichinose Honami, Shibata Sa, Kanzaki Ryuji, and the three girls, Ando Sayori, Shiranami Chihiro, and Himeno Yuki.

　　Hashima Hikaru expressed his gratitude to the group, saying, "Thank you all for recognizing me. Let's raise our glasses together and work hard for Class B!"

　　Hashima Hikaru raised his glass of orange juice and looked very excited as he addressed the group.

"Cheers!"

　　"Cheers!"

　　The young man's enthusiasm was evident to all present, and they reciprocated by raising their glasses and standing up.The group's motivation was palpable, despite the challenges that lay ahead. Having the support of others gave them the courage to move forward.

　　The resonant sound of glass breaking reverberated through Ichinose Hoba's ears as he gazed at the young man surrounded by the group.Despite their initial encounter, a unique form of trust had developed between them.

　　The young man shared her ambition, determination, and willingness to give for others. Perhaps most importantly, she was very intelligent and determined. If he stayed with her, he would never lack the courage to move forward.

　　In the next three years, if I have Hashima-san as a collaborator, I will never feel lonely.

　　The pink-haired girl smiled slightly and then assimilated into the positive atmosphere of the crowd.