My Acting is Better Than Yours

"Study group?"

Kushida chewed on these words, seeming to think about how to operate it.

Hashima Hikaru stared at her face and asked gently, "Does Kushida-san know about Horikita-san's grades?"

This was a question he already knew the answer to, he had heard it from Ichinose before, and it was Kushida who told her.

Horikita Suzune's grades were very excellent, and she didn't have any weak subjects.

"Grades? Horikita-san's grades are very good, it seems that her scores in all subjects are high."

"Then it's easy to handle."

Hashima Hikaru looked seriously at the short-haired girl in front of him and started to explain his plan.

"Although Horikita-san usually likes to be alone, from her willingness to pay points last time, we can confirm that she should care about the class."

The boy said slowly, "Just now Kushida-san said that some classmates in the class are not very attentive in class, right? Then Kushida-san can take the lead in organizing a study group, inviting Horikita-san to be the teacher to guide everyone."

"In this process, Kushida-san can help together, I believe it can help you get closer to Horikita-san, and eventually become friends with her."

"Will it really go that smoothly?"

Kushida thought of that woman who always looked down on everyone, how could she agree to be a teacher to teach the classmates in the class, even she herself didn't want to do such a thing.

"Well, I think it's up to people, if you don't take the initiative, I'm afraid Kushida-san will never find a good opportunity," Hashima Hikaru 's expression was very enthusiastic, as if he was really helping wholeheartedly.

"When you invite Horikita-san, do more persuasion, I believe she will understand."

"Can it really work?" Kushida's expression was still a bit worried.

"Yes, I think since Kushida-san is so dedicated to serving the class, she will definitely be able to move Horikita-san."

Looking at the boy's sincere face, Kushida couldn't help but think about the pros and cons of this plan.

After seeing Hashima Hikaru deceive her senior just now, her impression of the boy had changed, Kushida felt that Hashima Hikaru might have a hidden true face like herself, maybe no one had seen that side.

So she didn't think that his enthusiastic suggestion was out of kindness, he must want something from her.

But then again, Kushida felt that following this line of thought was fine, anyway, she was indeed very eager to find out about Horikita's situation, if that person really knew the secret, she must make preparations in advance, and make Horikita Suzune drop out as soon as possible.

As for this Hashima -kun, she would be careful and vigilant, and would never fall into his trap.

"Then I'll give it a try, I don't know if it will succeed, I hope Horikita-san will be willing to help everyone, recently the classmates are not very focused on studying, if we can change the atmosphere, that would be great."

Horikita cheered herself up, smiling at Hashima Hikaru and saying, "Thank you Hashima -kun for helping me think of a plan, it's really great to have you."

"I didn't do it for free, I'm just freeloading on Kushida-san's meal, right?"

Hashima Hikaru said he had already received his reward, smiling lightly, "Moreover, I'm willing to help Kushida-san because I want to become friends with you."

"Really?"

A surprised smile appeared on Kushida's face, and she immediately said that she had already considered Hashima Hikaru as a friend.

"Of course it's true, not only that, Ichinose-san also thinks Kushida-san is very good, sometimes she mentions your name in front of me."

This was of course nonsense, Hashima Hikaru didn't have much interest in chatting, and what he discussed most with Ichinose Honami was still the plan for the class competition, even if Ichinose really mentioned Kushida, she wouldn't say it to him.

As soon as he said this, Kushida's eyes showed a hint of curiosity, and she asked, "What did little Honami say about me?"

"She said that Kushida-san is always thinking about the class, and is a very excellent person."

Hashima Hikaru 's attitude and tone were very sincere, anyway, lying doesn't cost money.

"Really, I'm not as good as Hashima -kun said." A faint blush appeared on Kushida's pretty face, it was unknown if she was really shy or pretending to be shy.

"In short, I think Kushida-san can try it according to what I just said, invite Horikita-san to organize a study group, maybe it can help your relationship make progress."

Kushida, true to her role as the sweet and helpful girl, tilted her head, her lips curling into a charming smile. "Really, Hashima-kun, your idea for the study group is brilliant. Do you think Horikita-san could be convinced if I emphasize the class's interest?"

Hikaru, his gaze sharp yet playful, nodded, feigning sincerity. "Of course, Kushida-san. With your charm, no one can resist." His voice carried a hint of irony, but it slid past Kushida, absorbed in her own performance.

They continued to discuss, their voices low, almost drowned out by the murmur of the few patrons and the clinking of cutlery. The table was covered with a white tablecloth that fell to the floor, offering discreet privacy. Hikaru, elbow on the table, watched Kushida, his fake smile revealing nothing of his thoughts. She, in turn, played with a strand of her hair, her movements calculated to maintain the illusion of camaraderie.

Then, without preamble, Hikaru leaned in slightly, his body tilting toward her, an enigmatic smile on his lips. "Actually, Kushida-san," he murmured, his voice low, almost a growl, "I'd like something in return."

Kushida raised her eyebrows, her smile faltering for a fraction of a second. "In return?" she repeated, feigning innocence. "What are you talking about, Hashima-kun?"

Suddenly, Hikaru's face hardened, his eyes narrowing, his smile vanishing to reveal a cold, almost threatening expression. "Don't play dumb with me," he snapped, his voice sharp, devoid of warmth.

Kushida blinked, caught off guard, and her own mask slipped. Her face turned icy, her lips tightening, her light brown eyes narrowing into a defiant glint. "What do you want, Hashima?" she hissed, her voice low, stripped of its usual sweetness.