After leaving the barbecue restaurant, Hikaru scanned the surroundings, then led Honami to sit on a nearby bench.
"Honami, I asked you to come out so we could talk about what's been happening these past few days."
Hikaru got straight to the point, looking at the girl sitting beside him with a gentle tone: "A lot has happened recently. You must have a lot to say, right?"
"Yes… You've always been there, coming up with plans to help Class B gain the advantage," Honami replied, a bitter smile on her lips. "Compared to you, I'm really a poor leader."
"… Really?"
At her words, Hikaru's expression grew complex. He hadn't expected the knot in Honami's heart to be this.
"Honami, you don't need to compare yourself to me. No matter what I do, my goal is the same as yours: to make Class B better."
"You're essential to Class B. If everyone chose you as leader, it's because they believe in your abilities."
Understanding the girl's turmoil, Hikaru, though surprised, quickly began thinking of how to reassure her.
"Lately, our decisions have been a bit rushed, but overall, we're reacting to unforeseen events so our initial plans can proceed smoothly."
"I don't want you to start doubting yourself." He locked eyes with Honami, serious. "How about we make a pact? One that would allow us to trust each other even more."
At his words, Honami's dark expression suddenly brightened. She asked eagerly, "What kind of pact?"
These past few days, Honami had constantly wondered what she had accomplished as a leader. But the conclusion she'd reached had deeply disappointed her.
She realized she'd been relying on Hikaru since day one. Not only did she follow his plans without question, but often, she didn't even think, convinced everything would work out.
At first, she thought it wasn't a problem. After all, Hikaru would always be her closest partner, and trusting him couldn't be wrong.
But since Ibuki Mio had refused her invitation the day before, a terrifying thought had crossed her mind.
What if, one day, Hikaru was no longer by her side? If he decided to join another class? What would she do then?
Would she be able to continue leading Class B?
Could she really bring everyone to graduation in Class A?
These questions, like overwhelming mountains, had engulfed her inner world. She knew Hikaru was exceptional, but did she really know him?
Since they'd met, she'd understood he was very independent. From collecting class points to devising strategies, everything had been done by him alone.
But if, one day, Hikaru grew tired of Class B and decided to join Class A to achieve his goals more easily? Could she stop him?
These doubts kept arising, plunging Honami into a spiral of uncertainty, to the point of questioning her own abilities.
But hearing Hikaru mention a "pact," her heart began racing, like a mechanical toy suddenly recharged with energy.
"Actually, this pact is very simple. A few words can explain it."
Hikaru smiled slightly. Having understood the girl's worries, he'd found a way to dispel her anxieties.
He hated complications. Better to say everything clearly to avoid misunderstandings that would only make things worse.
"To help you feel more at ease, I have two proposals."
"First, in future class competitions, we'll think together. Facing different situations, we'll all discuss to find a solution that works for everyone."
"Second, once this month's point collection plan is complete," Hikaru continued, gently looking into Honami's blue eyes, "I'll hand over all class decisions for the next month to you."
"I'll let you shine alone on the big stage. As long as you don't ask for my help, I won't interfere."
Hikaru's black eyes sparkled with intense light as he stared at the girl: "Since you fear you're not on my level, by giving you all these opportunities, you'll prove you're capable of exceptional performance, and your doubts will vanish on their own."
"So, do you accept this pact?"
"…"
After hearing the young man's words, a wave of emotions overwhelmed Honami. Without warning, two tears rolled down her delicate face, and she began sobbing softly, as if she could no longer control herself.
It seemed the pressure she'd accumulated recently had been too great. When a crack appeared, her tears burst forth uncontrollably.
"Huh?"
This reaction took Hikaru completely by surprise. His intention was to reassure her with words so she'd regain confidence and lead Class B with assurance. He hadn't expected her to break down in tears, leaving him bewildered. Had he been too direct, upsetting her?
"Uh, sorry, Honami, are you okay? I didn't mean to say it like that…"
"We can pretend I didn't say anything, don't cry, alright?"
But seeing Hikaru's panicked expression, so unlike his usual confidence, Honami, cheeks still wet, burst into laughter.
She wiped her tears with the back of her hand and explained, "It's okay, it's nothing. I just had something in my eye, it made me cry. Don't worry, Hikaru."
"Really?"
"Promise," Honami said, wiping away the last traces of tears, her eyes regaining their sparkle. "I accept your pact. I won't let Class B down. You can watch me, Hikaru."
"Perfect. But beware, I'll be very strict. I hope you don't make mistakes," he joked.
They crossed their little fingers and looked into each other's eyes before declaring together: "Pact sealed. Let's be witnesses to each other."
"Well, now that that's settled, let's go back to eating barbecue!"
Honami stood up, a radiant smile lighting up her face. The melancholy that had shadowed her seemed to have completely dissipated, leaving the sweet, bright angel she was before.
"Looks like everything's fine."
Hikaru stroked his chin, satisfied with the effectiveness of this "talk therapy."
But at that moment, a notification popped up in his system bar.
"The pact you proposed has helped Honami Ichinose regain her confidence. She has decided to no longer rely on you. This emotion has subtly transformed into a strong desire to possess you. The price of Honami Ichinose's stock rises by 30 points. Current price: 130."
"…"