When Saturday arrived, Hikaru didn't slack off on his training routine. Since there were no classes, he ran for an hour, then returned to the dorm to shower. Afterward, he sat at his desk, waiting for Honami's message.
The previous day, they had agreed that she would meet Kikyo Kushida from Class D. Although they had only spoken a few times, their shared talent for social relationships had quickly brought them closer.
Since Hikaru's "talk therapy," Honami had become more involved in the class's plans. She wanted to discuss with Kushida to learn more about Class D and had suggested Hikaru join her to prepare for their point collection on Monday.
Ding.
As Hikaru was idly flipping through a book, his phone vibrated, signaling a message.
"Hikaru, I've found Kushida. We're at the Keyaki Mall café. You can come."
"Quick, indeed."
Hikaru checked the time. It was barely nine o'clock.
He understood that Honami was in a hurry, but why was Kushida so cooperative? On the first weekend of the school year, didn't she want to sleep in a bit more?
Really strange.
But since he had received the message, Hikaru didn't dawdle. He left his dorm and headed to Keyaki Mall. This place, the most popular on the artificial island, had become familiar to him after several days of exploration.
He knew most of the shops and restaurants. Although he wasn't trying to discover everything, he enjoyed trying new things.
Arriving at the café, Hikaru spotted Honami through the window. Across from her, Kushida was chatting animatedly, a radiant smile on her face.
As he approached, Honami noticed him immediately.
"Hello, Hikaru!"
"Hi, Honami," he replied before turning to the short-haired girl. "Hello, Kushida."
"Hello, Hikaru! Yesterday, when Honami told me you'd be coming, I was surprised," said Kushida, her face displaying a warm and welcoming smile.
Hikaru pulled out a chair to sit next to Honami, then asked with a hint of curiosity: "Surprised? Kushida, you didn't want me to come?"
"Of course not! It's just that, for a weekend, I thought Honami would prefer to spend time alone with you, without inviting me," replied Kushida, a mischievous smile on her lips, her gaze shifting between them.
With her vast social network, she had heard a rumor circulating in Class B: their two leaders, Hikaru Hashima and Honami Ichinose, might be dating.
Romantic stories were a hot topic among high schoolers, and Kushida was curious. She wanted to gather information to strengthen her social position.
"Kushida, stop saying nonsense!"
Honami's cheeks flushed. She shot a discreet glance at Hikaru before abruptly changing the subject: "If I invited you, it's to discuss something important."
"What is it?"
Kushida's gaze remained playful, her red eyes scrutinizing Hikaru, who hadn't spoken yet, as if trying to guess his intentions.
"It's about the class," replied Honami, determined to keep control of the conversation. "You told me the leaders of Class D are you and Hirata, right? I have a few questions for you."
"You're mistaken. The leader is Hirata. I'm just his assistant," corrected Kushida with a modest smile, downplaying her role.
"I see. Actually, I wanted to know how to manage tensions between classmates."
In recent days, under Hikaru's influence, Honami had learned to blend truth with small lies, delivered with disarming sincerity to gain her interlocutor's trust.
Since she barely knew Kushida, a few approximations would go unnoticed. The goal was to extract information about Class D.
"In our Class B, everyone seems united on the surface, but sometimes disputes break out, and even my attempts at mediation aren't enough," explained Honami, a shadow of concern on her face. "You said everyone trusts you. How do you do it? Is there a trick?"
"Oh, Honami, is that what's troubling you?" Kushida's smile widened, and she replied softly: "To be honest, I don't have any special technique. When there are conflicts, I just speak gently to calm things down."
"Speak gently? In what situations? Can you give me an example?"
"Sure, I'll explain."
Kushida nodded and recounted a simple anecdote.
"For example, in our class, there's Sudo. He loves basketball and is really good. He's even been chosen as a substitute for the club, so he trains every day."
"I see, and then?"
"But he's not too fond of studying. Sometimes, he doesn't even turn in his homework. And since he can be a bit intimidating, no one dares to talk to him," continued Kushida, recalling the story. "So, I asked Yamauchi and Ike, who often hang out with him, to encourage him to turn in his homework. I told them it would help him with his club activities."
"I see," said Honami, nodding with admiration. "You use an indirect approach to get him to accept your advice. It's a great method, and it avoids confronting him. Great job, Kushida, that's impressive!"
"Oh, not really. I just want everyone in the class to get along. After all, we'll spend three years together. My wish is for us all to become friends," replied Kushida, a glimmer of hope in her eyes.
With her pure face and sincere demeanor, it was hard not to like her.
Kushida seemed to be like Honami: a sweet girl who deeply cared about her class.
A little angel?
That word suddenly popped into Hikaru's mind. His action had the same initial course as Honami's, which made him think.
He began to take a greater interest in this short-haired girl. If she was really as pleasant, becoming friends with her wouldn't be a bad idea. It might even allow him to gain sympathy points and increase his funds.
"Say, Honami, are you done with your questions?" asked Kushida, her gaze settling on Hikaru with a smile. "Hikaru, you came today. Do you also have something to ask me?"
"?"
Hikaru looked up, meeting her radiant smile. He was slightly surprised.
She was perceptive.
"Yes, I have a question. Like you, I'm the assistant to my class leader. I'm sure we have a lot in common to discuss."
"Really?"
Kushida nodded slightly, her expression becoming curious. "Then go ahead, Hikaru. If I can help, I'll tell you everything I know."