My Path

“Class, do you know that planning your future is very important in life? You need to learn how to choose your path wisely. Maybe you don’t really understand what I mean yet, but it’s always better to plan early,” said Azusa-sensei.

“I want to be a pilot!”
“I want to be a doctor!”
“I want to be a teacher like Azusa-sensei!”

Everyone was shouting their ambitions. I confidently shouted mine, too.
“I want to be a musician!”

Suddenly, the classroom went quiet.
Did I say something wrong?

“Sorry, what did you say just now, Takahashi-kun?” asked Azusa-sensei.
“I want to become a musician!”

“May I know the reason?” she asked again.
“Because they look so cool!”
“Only for that reason?”
“Yes, Sensei!”

“I think it's quite normal for children to have dreams like that. Four or five years from now, you’ll realize what’s more important in life. That’s all for today. Make sure to finish the homework I gave earlier,” Azusa-sensei reminded us.

I didn’t care. This is my dream. I will become a musician. I won’t change my dream, not even after four or five years.

Five years later…

I have to think about this carefully. I already excel in my academics, and I need to continue my studies at the University of Tokyo. Becoming a doctor is the only path for me now. I need to focus. I don’t want to waste all the time and money I’ve invested so far.

“Ken! Are you still using the bathroom? I need to go!”

My older sister’s voice suddenly interrupted my thoughts.
“Just a minute! I’m almost done!” I said, quickly washing my hands.

As I opened the door, Nami-nee-san was already waiting, her face full of frustration.
“Do you plan to live in there, idiot Ken? I almost couldn’t hold it anymore!”
“Just go in already,” I replied.

Next day, before I sit at my desk in the classroom, I can hear someone calling my name.

“Takahashi, can you join our band? Please—we’re out of people to ask,” said my classmate, Asahi Taki. If I remember correctly, he’s been trying to form a band for this year’s school festival. But…

“Sorry. I’ve said this so many times already—I’m not interested in participating. It’s better for me to focus on my academics. Now can you please leave? I want to prepare for the next subject,” I said calmly, gesturing for him to move away.

“Didn’t you say you wanted to be a musician when you grew up?” Asahi asked.
“That was just a dream. I was just a kid. I’ve realized that becoming a musician isn’t practical. The income’s unstable.”

“Come on! It’s just for the school festival! What’s wrong with performing just once? After that, you can go back to eating your books or whatever! We only need a guitarist!”

“I said no! I’m tired of repeating myself. Just leave me alone.”

Everyone in class was now staring at us. I wished I could disappear.

“Are you still thinking about what happened during the middle school festival? Is that why you gave up music? Because of a girl? In the end, she didn’t even choose you,” said Asahi, looking at me with pity.

I couldn’t hold it in anymore. I grabbed his collar.
“Don’t you dare bring that up!” I shouted.

Not backing down, he grabbed mine too.
“You want to settle this outside, Takahashi?”

“Both of you, stop it!”

The voice came from the student council president, Miyama Akari.
“Stop now, or I’ll report your names to the head of discipline,” she scolded.