After actively inviting Sakura Airi to agree to become his friend, looking at the stock price that had risen to 50 points, Hashima Hikaru was quite satisfied. This girl had 5,000 shares of stock, and if it didn't decrease in the future, he'd already made 100,000 in funds, with more potential to dig.
So Hashima Hikaru's demeanor became increasingly gentle as he accompanied Sakura Airi around campus. It was then that he discovered this red-haired girl was surprisingly knowledgeable about various quiet, unoccupied places on campus—probably photography spots she had discovered where she wouldn't be disturbed by others.
Hashima Hikaru, with his basic understanding of photography, was truly a novice, while Sakura Airi, who was highly skilled in photography, fully embraced her role as a teacher. Though she had previously appeared shy and quiet, when discussing photography, her explanations became vivid, with a light of passion floating in her beautiful eyes.
This was probably how she looked when happily taking photos.
Although Sakura Airi's appearance seemed somewhat plain at the moment, wearing red-framed glasses that covered her eyes, Hashima Hikaru could feel her love for photography. No wonder she was a blog idol and print model.
"Hashima -kun, look here. If you adjust the angle, you can capture different effects."
Sakura Airi looked at the very cooperative young man beside her, carefully guiding him to use his phone to capture different scenery.
"Mmm, this angle is really nice, and you can even see the reflection of the trees."
Hashima Hikaru repeatedly expressed amazement, showing a very studious manner and extremely serious attitude.
"Yes, that angle is very good. It seems Hashima -kun has a natural talent."
Standing very close to the young man, Sakura Airi could feel the masculine scent coming from him.
This feeling initially made her a little shy, but as she became fully immersed in photography, Sakura Airi found herself gradually getting used to this scent.
After all, I'm friends with Hashima -kun now, so being a little closer shouldn't be a problem.
The girl convinced herself and continued accompanying Hashima Hikaru to various low-traffic areas of the school, which allowed him to collect information he hadn't known before.
Hmm, this Sakura-san really has something about her.
Their photography journey lasted about two hours. Seeing a fine layer of sweat on the girl's forehead beside him, Hashima Hikaru decided they should end for the day.
"Whew, I'm finally somewhat satisfied with this one."
The young man handed the last landscape photo he had taken to Sakura Airi, then pretended to check the time and said: "Time really flies—it's already six o'clock."
"What time does Sakura-san usually eat dinner?"
"Umm..."
Hearing him say this, Sakura Airi suddenly realized that she had been so engrossed that she'd almost forgotten the passage of time. It was indeed time for dinner.
"I guess around the same time as everyone else, about six o'clock is fine."
"Mmm, since Sakura-san taught me so much about photography today, let me treat you to dinner."
Hashima Hikaru smiled and suggested, giving her no chance to refuse as he quickly added: "You can't say no. Since we're friends, eating together is normal, right?"
"Mmm..."
Sakura Airi felt the young man's gaze and, sensing his sincerity, gently nodded her small head.
When choosing a place for dinner, Hashima Hikaru, considering Sakura Airi's shy personality, didn't choose the crowded cafeteria or popular restaurants, but instead selected a noodle shop with fewer customers.
While waiting for their food to be served, Hashima Hikaru actively engaged Sakura Airi in conversation, pursuing his goal of building a closer relationship.
"Sakura-san, since we've become friends, shall we exchange contact information?"
"Umm..."
"If I have any photography questions to ask you in the future, I can contact you directly by phone. Wouldn't that be more convenient?"
Seeing the girl's hesitation, Hashima Hikaru immediately offered words that could serve as a step down, leaving it up to Sakura whether she would accept.
"Yes, that would be fine."
Sakura Airi certainly wanted to exchange contact information with Hashima Hikaru. Since they had become friends, the girl also wanted to experience what it was like to have friends texting each other.
"That's great."
Hashima Hikaru nodded, and after exchanging contact information, the young man said gently: "I think this is an important first step."
"Friendship is born when both people are willing to take the first step, supporting and understanding each other. Only then will stories and new memories continue to emerge, so the first step is very important."
"Yes, I think becoming friends with Hashima -kun is also... a first step for me."
Sakura Airi adjusted her glasses, a warmth flowing through her blue eyes.
Since first discovering this young man who gave her a different feeling, she never imagined she could actually become friends with him, and that they would share the same interest.
Does this mean I'm really moving forward?
The girl understood that people cannot live alone, but she couldn't overcome her timid heart. She feared communication and eye contact, feared being involved in strange and troublesome things, which is why she maintained her solitary state.
But this didn't mean she rejected having friends; she just couldn't find someone who made her feel a sense of recognition and security.
And the Hashima -kun before her quite matched this standard. Even when he looked at her, Sakura Airi didn't feel afraid at all, and his attitude and various emotions he displayed made her feel safe.
"Yes, we've both taken the first step, and that's the most important thing."
Hashima Hikaru looked at the light in the girl's eyes and continued: "Because we're friends, I want to finish what I started talking about earlier."
"What topic?" Sakura Airi looked into the young man's eyes.
"About relying on and trusting others." Hashima Hikaru suddenly smiled, but his tone became even gentler. "In this world, apart from parents and family, the closest people are friends."
"No matter what difficulties you encounter, you can bring them up to friends. Even if they can't solve them right away, I think the act of confiding itself is something that can transmit energy."
The young man gazed into Sakura Airi's light blue eyes and gently asked: "Since I've become friends with Sakura-san, if we encounter anything in the future, can we confide in each other?"
"..."
Hashima Hikaru's words naturally carried his own purpose, stemming from his observations of the electronics store employee today who was clearly interested in Sakura.
As a school employee, despite Sakura Airi not knowing him, in their two encounters, he had shown an inexplicably eager attitude.
Even though the girl was dressed plainly with thick bangs covering half her face, and was accompanied by the universally beloved Kushida Kikyō, that guy never once looked at Kushida.
This didn't make sense.
So before completely clarifying this matter, Hashima Hikaru wanted to communicate with Sakura Airi in advance, hoping she would seek his help if she encountered any trouble.
This was a crucial element in establishing trust.
After hearing the young man's words, Sakura was silent for a moment, then nodded and said: "If Hashima -kun encounters any problems, you can tell me. Although I might not be able to help much, I can certainly listen."
"The same goes for Sakura-san. If you encounter any problems, be sure to tell me," the young man smiled and said casually. "After all, now that we're friends, honesty is very important."
Hearing the word "honesty," Sakura Airi's small face froze slightly. She herself had a completely different side, and the Hashima -kun before her didn't know about it.
"Mutual honesty, huh?"
Sakura Airi's eyes flickered with complex light. The pressure she was currently under wasn't something she could simply talk about. Before completely resolving these issues, the girl didn't want to drag Hashima Hikaru into it.
"Mmm, I understand."
After a soft reply, the two enjoyed their dinner together.
After escorting Sakura Airi back to the eleventh floor, Hashima Hikaru returned to his own dormitory.
But before he could even get comfortable, there was a knock at the door.
"Knock knock knock!"
What's going on?
Hashima Hikaru had to get up from his soft bed, walk to the door, and look through the peephole.
It was Kushida Kikyō.
"Open the door quickly and let me in."
An extremely cold voice came from outside, immediately startling the young man.
What's with her now? Not even pretending anymore?
After he opened the door, the short-haired girl entered with an expressionless face. She didn't greet Hashima Hikaru but walked straight into his bedroom.
"Hey, Kushida-san, what are you doing?"
"I have something to ask you." The girl sat on Hashima Hikaru's bed without looking back.
"Okay, what does Kushida-san want to ask?"
Seeing her completely undisguised demeanor, Hashima Hikaru found it somewhat amusing. This girl must be exhausted from pretending all the time.
"Why are you deliberately getting close to Sakura?"
"Why do you ask that?" Hashima Hikaru feigned innocence and replied: "I like photography, and Sakura-san knows a lot about it, so I'm asking her for advice."
"I want to hear the truth."
Kushida Kikyō, who had mastered the art of reading people, could sense that throughout today's meeting, Hashima Hikaru had been intentionally or unintentionally ingratiating himself with Sakura Airi, yet she hadn't noticed at all.
"That is the truth."
Hashima Hikaru shrugged. Looking at Kushida's cold expression, he internally laughed coldly.
This girl must think that because she acted like she liked him, he would actually obey her every word. He had already cleared out her stock, so there was nothing to fear now.
She dares to question me?
If that's the case, I must increase the pressure on you.
Come on, bring out Horikita Suzune!