I remember the series, 'Billionaire Girl'. It was a nice manga to read. I thought I could use this as a way to explain how Hikigaya went from small office space to owning a skyscraper.

Ayame Fujimoto blinked blearily as the afternoon sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow over her cluttered room. Her long chestnut hair, tousled and tangled from a night of restless sleep, framed her face in disarray. Rubbing her hazel eyes, she yawned deeply, feeling the weight of exhaustion clinging to her bones.

With a groan, Ayame dragged herself out of bed, her oversized sweater dress hanging loosely off her shoulders, a testament to her habitual disregard for appearance. The fabric pooled around her slender frame, offering comfort in its soft embrace. Despite its wrinkled state, the dress held a certain charm, accentuating Ayame's curves in all the right places, including the small, healthy plumpness of her stomach.

Shuffling towards the mirror, Ayame caught her reflection, a sleepy-eyed vision staring back at her. Her hazel eyes, usually bright with mischief, now dulled with fatigue, held a faint glimmer of defiance. A stray lock of chestnut hair tumbled across her forehead, adding to her unkempt appearance.

Running a hand through her tousled locks, Ayame sighed, accepting her disheveled state with resigned indifference. After all, she had never been one to fuss over her appearance, preferring comfort over style any day.

With a final glance at her reflection, Ayame turned away from the mirror, ready to face the day—or rather, what remained of it. Another day of aimless wandering awaited her, filled with idle pursuits and half-hearted endeavors.

00000

I tiptoed into the kitchen, my stomach grumbling in protest as hunger gnawed at my insides. The tantalizing aroma of breakfast lingered in the air, promising a brief respite from my emptiness. With a faint glimmer of hope, I hurried towards the fridge, my steps quickening in anticipation of the meal that awaited me.

However, just as I reached for the handle, a stern voice shattered the silence, freezing me in my tracks. I turned slowly, dread pooling in the pit of my stomach as I met the disapproving gaze of my mother, her arms crossed and brows furrowed in disappointment.

"Ayame," my mother admonished, her voice tinged with frustration. "Do you have any idea what time it is?"

My heart sank as I stammered out a feeble excuse, my cheeks flushing with embarrassment under my mother's scrutiny. "I-I overslept, Mom. I was just... getting breakfast."

My mother's expression softened slightly, but her disappointment was evident as she shook her head in exasperation. "Ayame, you can't keep living like this. You need to start taking responsibility for yourself. Your father and I have been patient, but enough is enough."

I hung my head in shame, fully aware of the truth in my mother's words. I had become complacent, relying too often on my parents to pick up the pieces of my fragmented ambition.

With a heavy sigh, my mother continued, her voice tinged with sadness. "We want what's best for you, Ayame. But you need to start making an effort. Find a job, pursue your passions... just do something."

I nodded solemnly, my resolve flickering to life amidst the ashes of my laziness. I knew my mother was right; it was time to make a change, to break free from the chains of apathy that bound me to a life of mediocrity.

But as I turned back to the fridge, my appetite was now forgotten in the wake of my mother's lecture, I couldn't shake the feeling of unease that settled in my stomach.

0000

I sat at the breakfast table, my stomach grumbling loudly as I eyed the array of dishes before me. Despite the tantalizing spread, my appetite was subdued, overshadowed by the weight of my mother's lecture from the previous day.

Dressed in professional attire—a stark departure from my usual casual wear—I fidgeted uncomfortably, feeling out of place amidst the polished image of my family. My long chestnut hair was pulled back into a neat ponytail, with stray strands carefully tamed, while my hazel eyes betrayed my inner turmoil.

As I picked at my food, lost in thought, my mother cleared her throat, drawing my attention. With a nervous flutter in my chest, I looked up, meeting her expectant gaze.

"Mom, what's going on?" I asked, my voice tinged with apprehension.

My mother paused before delivering the unexpected news, her tone a mix of concern and determination. "Ayame, we've arranged a job interview for you today."

My heart skipped a beat as the words sank in, my mind reeling with disbelief. A job interview? I hadn't prepared for this—hadn't even considered the possibility of entering the workforce.

Before I could voice any objections, my mother continued, her tone firm yet gentle. "We know this is sudden, but we believe it's time for you to start taking steps toward independence. You have potential, Ayame, and we want to see you succeed."

My younger sibling watched with a mixture of curiosity and excitement, their eyes shining with anticipation. But a heavy feeling of dread settled in the pit of my stomach.

With a resigned sigh, I nodded, my resolve wavering but unbroken. If my family believed in me, then perhaps I owed it to myself to at least try. With that in mind, I pushed aside my doubts and prepared to face the unknown challenges that lay ahead.

0000

As I walked away from my job interview location, a sense of unease gnawed at me. Despite my efforts to appear confident and composed, doubts crept into my mind, casting shadows of uncertainty over my future. The prospect of entering the workforce loomed dauntingly, a path I had never envisioned for myself.

Seeking solace, I entered a nearby fast-food restaurant. As the door chimed open, I was greeted by the scent of fried food and the buzz of conversation—a stark contrast to the quiet tension of the interview.

I made my way to an empty table by the window, scanning the room for a distraction. That's when I spotted him—a man in a corner booth, deeply engrossed in a simulation game on his phone.

Driven by curiosity, I approached him, my heart pounding with a mix of nerves and excitement. "Excuse me," I began, my voice tentative but determined. "I couldn't help but notice you're playing a simulation game. What kind is it?"

He looked up, a faint smile spreading across his face. "Yes, it's a stock market simulation game," he responded warmly. "It lets you trade stocks without real money. It's both entertaining and educational."

I nodded, my expression revealing my confusion. "I've heard of the stock market, but I don't understand it," I admitted sheepishly.

"That's okay," he reassured me, his voice understanding. "The stock market can seem complex, but it's essentially a place where people buy and sell shares of companies."

As he explained the basics of the stock market, I listened intently, his clear and concise explanations demystifying the subject.

After his explanation, he handed me his phone. "Here, why don't you give it a try?" he suggested encouragement in his eyes.

With excitement and trepidation, I took the phone, my fingers exploring the virtual market with his guidance. As I tapped and swiped, I began to grasp the market dynamics more clearly.

I found myself engrossed in the game, my initial apprehension giving way to a newfound sense of confidence. With a grateful smile, I extended my hand towards the man. "I'm Fujimoto Ayame," I introduced myself, my voice filled with determination.

The man clasped my hand in his, returning my smile with a reassuring nod. "Hikigaya Hachiman," he replied, his tone warm and welcoming. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Fujimoto-san."

Time flew as I became engrossed in the game. When I finally looked up, realizing I had lost track of time, panic set in. "Oh no," I gasped, jumping up and almost toppling my chair. "I completely lost track of time! My interview."

Hikigaya reached out to steady me, his voice calm. "It's alright," he reassured me. "Don't worry about the interview. Why don't you skip it?"

His suggestion took me aback. "But... I can't just skip it," I protested, my thoughts racing.

"I see potential in you," Hikigaya said earnestly, his gaze intense. "You have a natural intuition for this. Why not pursue what you're passionate about instead of settling for a job that doesn't inspire you?"

Torn between the conventional path and this new, exciting possibility, I hesitated. But looking into Hikigaya's eyes, I saw hope—a chance to explore a world of possibilities.

Encouraged, I followed him out of the restaurant, eager to learn more about this new path at the bank, my mind buzzing with excitement and doubt about the journey ahead.

0000

As we entered the bank, I glanced around nervously, feeling the weight of my decision pressing heavily on my shoulders. Opening an account was a monumental step—one that would mark the beginning of my journey toward financial independence and self-discovery.

Sensing my hesitation, Hikigaya placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder, meeting my gaze with a steady and supportive look. "Don't worry, Fujimoto-san," he said calmly and confidently. "I'll guide you through the process. Opening an account is just the first step towards achieving your goals."

I nodded, my resolve strengthening under Hikigaya's unwavering support. Yet, as we approached the bank teller, unease crept into my thoughts. How would I explain my sudden interest in the stock market to my parents? What would they think of my decision to skip the job interview?

Hikigaya seemed to sense my inner turmoil and offered a comforting smile. "You don't have to tell them everything," he reassured me, his voice soft but firm. "Why not say that you got a job at the bank? It's not entirely untrue—you'll be working towards your financial future, after all."

His suggestion brought a flicker of relief, offering a simple yet elegant solution to my dilemma. It allowed me to pursue my passion for the stock market without raising suspicions from my family.

With a newfound sense of determination, I nodded in agreement, grateful for Hikigaya's wisdom and guidance. Together, we would navigate the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead, forging a path toward success and fulfillment in the world of finance. As we left the bank, excitement bubbled within me, eager to embark on this new chapter of my life.

0000

As we left the bank, Hikigaya continued to outline our plan for my foray into the stock market. With each step, I felt a growing sense of anticipation, eager to immerse myself in this new world of possibilities.

Our next stop was an electronics store to purchase a computer that would facilitate my trading endeavors. As we navigated the aisles lined with sleek laptops and desktops, I felt overwhelmed by the choices before us.

"I don't even know where to start," I confessed, my voice tinged with uncertainty as I surveyed the rows of computers on display.

Hikigaya nodded understandingly, his eyes scanning the shelves thoughtfully. "It's okay, Fujimoto. We'll find the perfect computer for you," he reassured me, his tone confident.

As we discussed our options, my mind raced with ideas. Suddenly, inspiration struck, and I turned to Hikigaya with a spark of excitement in my eyes.

"What if we get two computers?" I suggested eagerly. "One for personal use and another specifically for work, complete with multiple screens. That way, I can monitor the stock market more efficiently and stay organized."

Hikigaya's eyes lit up with approval at my suggestion, impressed by my foresight and practicality. "That's a brilliant idea, Fujimoto," he exclaimed, a smile playing on his lips. "Having separate computers will help you stay focused and maximize your productivity. Let's go find the perfect setup."

With newfound enthusiasm, we continued our search, determined to equip me with the tools I needed to succeed in the world of stock trading. We left the electronics store with our purchases.

0000

With the computer purchased and the necessary funds deposited into my account, Hikigaya reassured me that everything was falling into place. As we stepped out of the electronics store, I couldn't shake off my lingering concerns about my lack of formal education and credentials in the field of finance.

"But what about my lack of a business degree?" I voiced my worries to Hikigaya, my brow furrowed with uncertainty. "Won't that hold me back in the stock market?"

Hikigaya regarded me with a reassuring smile, his confidence unwavering. "Fujimoyo, you don't need a traditional business degree to succeed in the stock market," he explained gently. "Many successful traders and investors have forged their paths without formal education. What matters most is your passion, intuition, and willingness to learn."

I pondered his words, letting the weight of his wisdom sink in. Perhaps my lack of formal education wasn't as insurmountable a barrier as I had feared. With Hikigaya's guidance and support, I felt emboldened to pursue my dreams with renewed determination.

"And besides," Hikigaya continued, his voice laced with optimism, "there are plenty of resources available online to help you learn and grow in the field of finance. You can enroll in online courses, attend webinars, and participate in forums to expand your knowledge and skills. With dedication and perseverance, you can acquire the expertise you need to thrive in the stock market."

As I absorbed Hikigaya's encouraging words, my worries began to dissipate. Perhaps my unconventional path would indeed lead me to success. As we parted ways, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation for the journey that lay ahead.

0000

As I returned home, a mix of excitement and trepidation coursed through my veins. I couldn't wait to set up my new computer and dive into the world of stock trading, yet the memory of my parents' potential disappointment loomed large in my mind.

Upon entering the house, I was met with the concerned looks of my parents. Their expressions, a blend of frustration and worry, threatened to unfold into another lecture. I took a deep breath, steeling myself for the conversation ahead.

"Mom, Dad," I began, my voice steady despite the nerves churning in my stomach. "I need to talk to you about something."

My parents exchanged a glance, their curiosity piqued by my serious tone. "What is it, Ayame?" my mother asked, her voice tinged with concern.

Taking another deep breath to gather my courage, I launched into my confession. "I didn't go to the job interview today," I admitted the words hanging heavy in the air.

A shadow of disappointment passed over my parents' faces, the silence that followed thick with unspoken frustration. "Ayame, we've talked about this," my father said gently yet firmly. "You can't keep avoiding your responsibilities."

But I stood my ground, eager to clarify my actions. "I know, Dad, but I didn't skip the interview without reason," I replied, urgency in my voice. "I've been offered a job at a bank."

Their skeptical looks were immediate. "A job at a bank?" my mother repeated, her brow furrowed in confusion. "How is that possible? You didn't even go to the interview."

I reached into my pocket and produced a business card, extending it towards my father. "His name is Hikigaya Hachiman," I continued, excitement creeping into my tone. "He's the one who offered me the job. You can call him and confirm if you'd like."

My father took the business card, examining it with a furrowed brow. After a moment, he looked up at me, his expression a complex mix of surprise and cautious admiration. "Well, I suppose we can give this Hikigaya a call," he conceded, his voice softening with a hint of curiosity.

As my parents digested the news, a wave of relief swept over me.

0000

As I woke up the next day, a sense of anticipation filled me. Today marked the beginning of a new chapter in my life, and I couldn't wait to dive into the world of stock trading with my new computer setup.

To my surprise and relief, I found myself alone in the house that morning. My parents had left early for work, providing the perfect opportunity to receive the delivery of my computer without any interruptions.

As the doorbell rang, I rushed to answer it, my heart racing with excitement. The deliveryman greeted me with a smile, his arms laden with boxes.

"Good morning," he said cheerfully, his voice muffled by the stack of boxes in his arms. "I have a delivery for Fujimoto Ayame."

I returned his smile, relief flooding through me as I led him to my room. With practiced efficiency, the deliveryman unloaded the boxes, stacking them neatly in the corner of my room.

"Thank you so much," I said gratefully, my eyes lighting up as I surveyed my new setup. "I can't wait to start using it."

The deliveryman nodded with a smile and bid me farewell before heading out the door. As I watched him leave, gratitude washed over me. I felt lucky to have this opportunity to pursue my passion for the stock market with the support of Hikigaya and the tools at my disposal.

With purpose and determination, I wasted no time in setting up my new computers and screens. As I powered up the machines, a surge of excitement coursed through my veins. The possibilities were endless, and I was ready to seize them with both hands.

I sat at my newly set up workstation, a sense of accomplishment washing over me. I had installed all the necessary programs and tools to begin my foray into the world of stock trading. With my workstation humming softly beside me, I eagerly awaited the moment I could delve into my newfound passion.

But as the minutes ticked by, my anticipation grew. The excitement of starting my trading journey was almost unbearable, like a coiled spring ready to burst forth.

Unable to contain my excitement any longer, I decided to take a break and relax for a bit. I retreated to my cozy bed, my mind buzzing with thoughts of the possibilities that awaited me in the stock market.

With a sigh of contentment, I reached for my favorite manga, losing myself in the pages and fantastical adventures. My gaze occasionally flickered to my work computer, watching the loading screen inch closer to completion.

At 98% filled, my heart skipped a beat with anticipation. The moment I had been waiting for was nearly here, and I could hardly contain my excitement. With bated breath, I watched as the loading bar inched toward completion, each second feeling like an eternity.

And then, at last, the loading screen reached 100%, and my work computer sprang to life, ready to take me on a journey into the thrilling world of stock trading.

With a triumphant smile, I closed my manga and turned my full attention to my computer, my heart racing with excitement and anticipation.

0000

As dawn broke over the city skyline, I found myself awake long before my usual hour. Today was the day—the morning rush in the stock market awaited me, and I couldn't afford to be late. With nervous excitement coursing through my veins, I wasted no time in preparing for the day ahead.

With trembling fingers, I entered my information and account number into my computer, setting up my portfolio with a mixture of anticipation and trepidation. This was it—the moment I had been waiting for.

As I hesitated over which item to invest in, my mind was a whirlwind of emotions. Doubt and uncertainty tugged at the corners of my thoughts, but I pushed them aside, determined to trust my instincts and take the plunge.

In a moment of impulsive decision, I entered a piece of company information into the system, my heart pounding in my chest as I clicked the "purchase" button. It was a leap of faith—a gesture of trust in Hikigaya and his belief in my potential.

But as the transaction went through, my heart sank with realization. I had made a mistake—a costly one. Instead of purchasing a modest amount of stock, I accidentally bought fifty thousand yen worth.

Panic threatened to consume me as I watched the market's opening bell draw nearer. With trembling hands, I debated my options, my mind racing with the implications of my error.

In a split-second decision, I chose to sell the stock at the last minute before the morning rush came to an end. It was a gamble—a desperate bid to salvage what I could from my misstep.

And then, as the final moments ticked by, I watched in awe as my screen lit up with the confirmation of my trade. I had done it—I had managed to sell the stock at a profit of a hundred thousand yen.

As the realization sank in, I felt a surge of elation wash over me. It may have been beginner's luck, but I had turned my mistake into a triumph. With a newfound sense of confidence and determination, I braced myself for the challenges ahead.

As the morning rush faded into the afternoon sales, my initial elation gave way to a sinking feeling of despair. Despite my success, the volatile nature of the stock market had caught up with me, and I found myself facing losses that outweighed my earlier gains.

With each fluctuation in the market, my hopes dwindled, replaced by a sense of helplessness and frustration. My carefully calculated investments had turned against me, leaving me with little to show for my efforts.

Feeling defeated and overwhelmed, I longed to retreat to the safety of my bed, away from the harsh realities of the stock market. The urge to quit gnawed at me, tempting me to abandon my path and crawl back into the comfort of familiarity.

But amidst the despair, a flicker of determination burned within my heart. I refused to let my setbacks define me. Wiping away my tears, I took a deep breath and squared my shoulders, steeling myself for the challenges that lay ahead.

The road to success in the stock market was fraught with obstacles, but I was ready to face them head-on. With renewed determination, I vowed to learn from my mistakes and persevere through the ups and downs of the market.

Failure was not an option—not when I had come so far and worked so hard to pursue my passion. As I wiped away the last traces of doubt from my mind, I turned to educational videos, eager to continue my journey of growth and learning in the world of stock trading.