Chapter 87: The Stage is Set

Inside Room 301 that night, Kushida sat on Hikaru's bed, her expression unsettled. She fixed her gaze on the boy who still maintained his ever-present smile.

She wasn't sure if it was because she could no longer control him as easily as before or if there was another reason, but the thought of him getting close to Sakura irritated her.

Meanwhile, Hikaru, still wearing his friendly demeanor, casually pulled a can of juice from the fridge and handed it to her as if he hadn't just been interrogated moments ago.

"Kushida-san, are you thirsty? Want a can of juice?"

Irritated by Kushida's questioning, Hikaru had already made up his mind. Tomorrow, he was going to meet Suzune right in front of her and see just how much that would set her off.

The friendlier he acted now, the more shocking it would be for her later.

It was something to look forward to.

Feeling the cold touch of the juice in her palm, Kushida took a deep breath and calmed down. The tension in her face faded, and she quickly switched back to her usual gentle persona, smiling sweetly.

"Thank you, Hikaru-kun. Sorry about earlier—I was just a little too curious about the answer and got impatient."

"It's alright. I've always been upfront with you, Kushida-san. I wouldn't hide anything from you."

Hikaru waved his hand dismissively, his expression remaining warm and accommodating.

"Mmm, I know."

"That's good to hear. Now that Sakura-san has agreed to help you guys, is she planning to testify during the hearing?" Hikaru smoothly shifted the conversation back to the main topic, steering away from her previous accusations.

"Yes. She said she witnessed the incident and can confirm that the other side attacked first while Sudo was merely acting in self-defense."

"That's good. If the panel rejects the accusation, there shouldn't be much of a problem."

Hikaru rubbed his chin in thought, though he still felt uneasy about the situation.

When he had outmaneuvered Ryuen, he had used recorded footage as evidence. Yet, in this case, despite the serious nature of the altercation, Class D had not presented any concrete proof.

If this was merely Ryuen's oversight, then fine. But if he was holding onto video evidence to spring it on them during the hearing, then it would be checkmate. No amount of arguments would be able to overturn it.

"Let's hope things go smoothly," Kushida remarked, observing the thoughtful look on Hikaru's face. She hesitated before asking, "What are you thinking about?"

"Oh, nothing much. Just trying to recall some of the photography techniques from earlier. I'm still a beginner, so there's a lot to process."

Hikaru played it off effortlessly. Since he hadn't confirmed his suspicions yet, there was no point in bringing them up.

"I see. Well, I should get going."

Realizing she wouldn't get any useful insight from him, Kushida stood up and excused herself.

The moment the door closed behind her, Hikaru pulled out his phone and sent a message to Suzune.

---

Hashima Hikaru: Horikita-san, do you have time right now?

Horikita Suzune: …What do you want, Hikaru-kun?

As she read the message, Suzune rubbed her temples. She had been focused on preparing for the upcoming hearing, since Hirata had pushed for her to take the lead.

Hashima Hikaru: You probably know that Ichinose-san and I were asked by Hirata to help your class find a witness for Sudo's case, right?

Horikita Suzune: Yes. The witness has already been confirmed.

Hashima Hikaru: I also heard that you'll be leading the defense during the hearing. Have you thought about how you'll handle it in front of the Student Council?

Horikita Suzune: I'm working on it. At this point, this isn't your concern anymore, Hikaru-kun.

Reading her response, Hikaru immediately typed out another message.

Hashima Hikaru: Horikita-san, aren't you forgetting something?

Horikita Suzune: What do you mean?

Suzune frowned slightly, confused by his words.

Hashima Hikaru: The hearing is being conducted by the Student Council, which means there's a high chance that Horikita-senpai will be there. Are you really prepared to speak in front of him?

Suzune's expression immediately stiffened.

She had been so focused on strategizing how to defend Sudo that she had overlooked this entirely.

If her older brother was going to preside over the hearing… could she really perform flawlessly under his scrutiny?

Wouldn't it be humiliating if she froze up?

Hashima Hikaru: That's why it's time for me to fulfill our agreement.

Horikita Suzune: What do you mean?

Hashima Hikaru: Let's meet up and discuss the hearing strategy. I want to hear your approach and add some adjustments if necessary.

Hashima Hikaru: Remember, this was part of my agreement with your brother. I'll only give minimal assistance, but the final execution is up to you.

Suzune clenched her phone tightly.

She recalled the conversation from that night.

Although she wasn't entirely thrilled about it, the thought of disappointing her brother outweighed her pride.

After a moment, she typed out her reply.

Horikita Suzune: Fine. When and where?

Hashima Hikaru: I'll send you the time later. Just make sure you don't mix up the location.

Horikita Suzune: I won't.

Closing her phone, Suzune went back to her notebook, adjusting her notes. She had confidence in her reasoning, but if her brother was going to be there, she needed to make sure she was flawless.

---

With Suzune secured, Hikaru now turned his attention back to Kushida. He had no control over when he and Suzune met, but Kushida's movements needed to be accounted for.

If he wanted this "coincidence" to happen, he needed to prepare carefully.

He opened his chat with Kushida.

---

Hashima Hikaru: Kushida-san, do you have any plans tomorrow afternoon?

Already in her sleepwear, Kushida picked up her phone and quickly typed a reply.

Kushida Kikyo: Tomorrow afternoon? I'm meeting up with some friends at the mall to do some shopping. Why? Do you need me for something?

Reading her response, Hikaru smirked. This girl really was living her best life every day, huh?

Hashima Hikaru: Not a big deal. I was thinking of inviting you out for a meal sometime.

Kushida Kikyo: I can cancel my plans if you want to meet.

Hashima Hikaru: No need. I don't want to trouble you. We can always do it another time.

Kushida Kikyo: Okay, okay~

After confirming Kushida's schedule, Hikaru sent the location to Suzune.

Hashima Hikaru: Tomorrow after school. Keyaki Mall, the café in the shopping district. I'll reserve a table.

Horikita Suzune: I'll be there on time.

Hashima Hikaru: Great. See you tomorrow, Horikita-san.

With all the actors in place, the stage was set.

Now, all that was left was for Kushida to step into the stage.

~~~

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