#282

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The atmosphere at the beginning of the new year has transitioned from somewhat floaty to a much more serious one as the students of Sakura Gakuen gather in front of a building beyond the school gate.

We were watching the scene from our classroom.

The view below, filled with many young faces, is the same as last year, and even the year before that when Shizuku, Kirasaka, and I were in the group applying.

Today is the day for junior high school students to submit their high school applications. Since it’s only the application, there won’t be any interviews or exams, but the nervousness of these students is entirely understandable.

They’re dealing with unfamiliar places, unknown classmates, and seniors. Coupled with the mounting tension of their own entrance exams, it’s no wonder they’re anxious to be here.

I was in their shoes once, and most of the current students probably felt the same way. Therefore, the students’ gazes, as they watch the future underclassmen, are warm and somewhat reminiscent of the way parents might look at their children.

There’s an awakening maternal instinct, you might say.

Well, some students in the class are already thinking things like, “I’ll take good care of them when they come here next year.” But let me assure you, these students won’t be the ones to look after them.

They’re just trying to sound mature and say empty words that don’t mean much, and they probably don’t realize how cringe-worthy it appears from an outsider’s perspective. That’s the downside of teenage boys during their adolescence.

Leaning against the window frame in the classroom, I absentmindedly gaze at the new junior high students. Then, Shizuku peeks over, getting her face surprisingly close.

“There seem to be more this year than during the high school application period last year.”

“Yeah, actually, our school’s reputation has been getting better recently…”

I remembered what Koizumi said in the student council room. Recent successes at the school festival and the joint event that brought in the district have helped raise the school’s reputation even more. The event was born from a personal idea and a little luck, so unless you knew the inside story, no one would know.

That’s why it’s crucial for the student council, which is entrusted with a part of the school management to ensure that incoming students don’t end up disappointed.

Koizumi and Miura were discussing this very seriously, so there’s no doubt it’s a big responsibility.

“Taking exams… is not a phrase I want to hear.”

“Even if you say that, our own exams aren’t that far off, Minato.”

Kirasaka, who called me from behind, waves a sheet of paper in front of my face. It’s the career path preference survey, an unpleasant piece of paper.

I grimace and look away from the reality, shifting my gaze towards the freshmen. In the background, I hear a sigh.

Now, let me tell you one change that’s occurred since the new year. Kirasaka now addresses me by my first name rather than my last name. Between Shizuku and the break, they somehow got into a competition, and because she said calling me only by my last name felt distant and she didn’t like it, I said she could use my first name if she wanted.

I never had a particular preference for how people addressed me, so I left it up to her choice. Kirasaka did mention she’d like to be called by her first name too, but addressing her by her first name feels too advanced for me right now, especially given my lack of friends and my only interaction with a girl being my childhood friend.

As expected, I don’t have much resistance to the opposite sex!

However, as Kirasaka says, we’re in our second year of high school, and it’s now the third term. We’ve entered the period where we need to confirm our career paths.

I don’t have a specific job I want to pursue, and I don’t plan on going to a university with specialized knowledge. The same goes for vocational schools. Inevitably, my choices are limited, and I’ll likely attend the four-year university closest to my home. I’m sure that if teachers or parents were to ask me the same question, I’d come to the same conclusion.

Few people in their teens have a clear vision of their future. The news is full of stories about job changes, unemployment, and gloomy topics, so it’s difficult to set a definitive path during your student years. Most students are probably aiming for a place where they can study something they’re somewhat interested in or, like me, planning to aim for a four-year university for now and decide from there.

“There you are…”

Before I could ask the students which path they were hoping to take, a knock on the classroom door interrupted. Most of the class turned to see a familiar person standing there with a smile.

“What’s the matter, President?”

“I’m not the president anymore, Shinra. I just need a moment with you.”

“Again, me?”

Another troublesome task, like the incident with her father during winter break. It’s very troublesome. In fact, he had even interrupted my sleep twice asking me to do him a favour.

My will and body refuse to get up, and I’m determined to nurture my friendship with my desk and chair, remaining immovable. But just then, Kirasaka tapped my shoulder.

It was Kirasaka who had tapped me. Shizuku also tilted her head curiously, and I looked at her wondering what was going on.

“Every year, my father’s company cooperates with the school as an employer for students seeking jobs. He’s here today to talk with the principal, and she want to take you there.”

“Good observation, Rei, you’re quite sharp.”

President, who had already entered the classroom and walked up to me, grabbed my arm and pulled me to my feet. I reluctantly complied, and naturally, I voiced the question I had in mind.

“Why me?”

“Among the members of the student council, you’re the only one who hasn’t decided on your future career path.”

My question was answered promptly, leaving no room for further argument. Well, Koizumi and Miura seem to have it together in that regard. So, what about Shizuku? Before I could turn and ask her, President began pulling my arm.

“Ah… I see.”

There’s no way out of this now. Since President is also willing to take me along, it’s not like I could say, “I didn’t want to come.”

Besides, it’s Kirasaka’s dad. If I refuse, it might create an awkward situation with her, so I might as well disregard the hassle and just comply.

I followed President as she pulled me towards the classroom entrance. When we reached the door, she turned around and said to Shizuku and Kirasaka.

“Then, I’ll borrow Shinra, Rei and Kanazaki.”

“It’s like I’m their property… I can’t accept it.”

I said without hiding my dissatisfaction. Shizuku smiled at me, waving her hand near her chest as she sees me off.

Kirasaka also smiled and waved, so it seems they both see this as a good opportunity… Are the three of you acting as my guardians?

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