The future that destiny holds for us

“Ono-kun?” 

Someone was calling my name. 

“Ono-kun?” 

It was a high-pitched, delicate voice, like a girl’s. 

“Ono-kun, is everything okay?” 

What a wonderful smell. I opened my eyes and realized that the person calling me was none other than Hanami Ami! 

“Hi, hi, hi! I’m awake! I was just relaxing my eyes.” 

Why does she call me when I’m sleeping, how embarrassing. 

“Ono-kun, the teacher is calling you.” 

My happiness didn’t last long. 

“Ono-san, today you’re in charge of cleaning the classroom, Hanami-san, please help him.” 

“Ok, teacher.”

I took back what I had thought, thank you sensei! 

“Did something happen, Ono-kun? You’re not the type to fall asleep during class.” 

“It’s okay, I just couldn’t sleep well last night.” 

Actually, I didn’t sleep at all! Yuji-san’s story wouldn’t leave my head. I have to forget about this story for now and take advantage of the fact that I'm alone with Hanami. 

“Hanami-san!” 

Should I invite her to eat something? I have nothing to lose! 

“Are you free after school? Do you want to eat something?” 

“I don't have any plans for today, let's go!” 

What??? She accepted??? Just the two of us??? 

“Can I invite some friends?” 

Why didn't I suspect? 

“Su- su- sure!” 

Since that's the case, I'll invite Ren and Taichi too. We all headed to the nearest restaurant, and as soon as we got there I ordered a good traditional ramen. 

“It's really tasty!” 

Seeing Hanami enjoying the food was a feast for the eyes, but it was hard to eat my own food. After hearing Yuji-san's story, I started thinking about the present we live in. If Yuji-san somehow manages to save the planet from the Front, what will happen to the present? 

“What's wrong, Ono-san? 

You've been too thoughtful since we arrived.” 

“It’s nothing, I’m just thinking that this restaurant was a good choice.” 

Lying to Hanami was the last thing I wanted to do, but I can’t tell her that maybe the utopia we live in today isn’t really a utopia and that maybe it will stop existing, or something like that. While I was thinking about it, Taichi came closer to me. 

“Congratulations Akimitsu, you got the courage and asked her out! I heard that she only invited her friends because she would be embarrassed to go to a restaurant alone with you.” 

“What? What do you mean?” 

“That’s right! Tsubaki said, her best friend.” 

“And since when have you two been talking?” 

“Since forever, we’re closer than you think.” 

Taichi started this conversation, but I don’t know. Is it possible that the girl I like is in love with me?

“Cough...Cough...” 

I let my thoughts go to my head, just because she doesn’t want to be alone with me doesn’t mean she’s in love. Time passed and everyone left. 

“Thank you very much for the invitation Ono-kun, invite me to go out more often!” 

The last one to leave was Hanami-san. Wait, did she say to call her again? It must be her politeness, what a polite girl! 

“It will be a pleasure, see you tomorrow at school!” 

Right after she left, Yuji-san called me on the phone. 

“Boy, I think I know how to solve all this! Come home quickly.” 

“Okay, I’m going.” 

After Yuji-san called, I ran straight home. 

“I just got back.” 

“Welcome back, son!” 

My mother was off work today. 

“Thank you for letting Yuji-san stay here, mom.” 

I told her that he is a friend I met playing an online game and we agreed to have him stay here at my house to have fun for a few days. Lying was the only way, I hated it, but I couldn’t tell her that there was a time traveler among us! 

“Nothing, Akimitsu, but next time, please let me know in advance.” 

“Ok, sorry, I just found out last minute.” 

My mother was very calm about it. There were practically no bandits and murderers on the loose; we live in a utopia after all. I went upstairs and opened the door to my room. 

“I’m here, Yuji-san!” 

He was writing on a whiteboard in my room. 

“Hello, boy! I think I know how to end the Front’s utopia farce!” 

“Wait, wait, wait. One thing I kept asking myself, utopia is a good thing and even if it’s false, we’re living in a utopia, why end it?” 

“Boy, I think you don’t understand the real meaning of utopia.”