The Last Bell

The morning was quiet—so quiet that even the soft ring of a bell felt loud in the still air.

It rang in front of Hachi’s house.

Half-asleep, Hachi opened the door. A man stood on the porch with a small smile, holding out a letter and a wrapped package.

“Here’s your delivery,” the man said.

Without thinking much, Hachi took them, nodded, and closed the door. The house still held the scent of breakfast.

From inside, his grandmother called out, “It’s getting late, dear. Better get ready—it’s your last day at school.”

That simple sentence—his last day—echoed in his mind as he stared at the letter and package. A strange mix of sadness and excitement filled his heart. He placed the items on his desk and began to get ready, leaving them unopened.

But once dressed, he found he still had time. Curiosity won.

He sat on his bed and slowly opened the letter.

 “Your entry key is confirmed.

The cruiser from Tensai Harbour has been completed.

It will be ready in two days.

That ship… is where most dreams begin.

Be ready.”

Hachi blinked, then smiled to himself.

“They really built that ship so fast…”

He tore open the package next. Inside was a sleek black card with white diamond-shaped letters:

“Yochi City Entry Pass.”

He held it up, heart racing. This was real.

A glance at the clock made him jump.

“Ah! I’m late!”

He rushed downstairs. “Bye, Grandma!”

“Be careful!” she called after him.

After the door closed, she looked at the opened letter. Her eyes glistened—she was proud… but also deeply sad.

At school, Hachi finally caught up with his friends—Kai, Ren, and Toma—just before the morning bell.

“I got the pass!” Hachi grinned.

Toma nodded, “Me too. It says we only have two days.”

They turned to Kai and Ren.

“What about you two?”

Kai shook his head. “Nothing from LZT yet.”

Ren added calmly, “I’ve made up my mind.”

“What do you mean?” Hachi asked.

Kai stepped forward. “Yesterday, two people approached us. They offered us a spot on their own team. I called them this morning and said yes. They said they’ll send their own association pass. I don’t need to take the LZT test anymore.”

Toma grinned. “Lucky you!”

“What about this new team?” Hachi asked.

Ren shrugged. “I don’t know… We’ll figure it out once we reach Yochi.”

Kai looked at Ren for answers, sensing something he couldn’t explain.

Ren remembered his quiet talk with Lucas.

Lucas had told him, “Kai isn’t meant for our team. He belongs somewhere else—somewhere more important.”

But Ren had kept that to himself.

He’ll understand when the time comes, Ren thought.

That day, the school held its graduation celebration.

Among the crowd, a neatly dressed student approached Kai.

“I’m Suki. From Section C,” he said with a polite smile.

Kai stared. He didn’t recognize the boy but shook his hand.

Suki continued, “You’re probably wondering why I’m introducing myself so suddenly.”

Kai nodded slightly.

Suki’s eyes glinted. “Your presence… it’s strong.”

Kai’s heart skipped a beat, but he kept calm.

Suki smiled again. “You’re going to Yochi City, aren’t you?”

“I haven’t received the pass yet,” Kai replied.

“Of course,” Suki said. “Maybe we’ll meet again in the outside world.”

They shook hands—a quiet but eerie moment.

As their hands parted, the camera would pan out slowly, the light dimming around them, hinting at a mystery waiting to unfold.

After the party, the once noisy hall fell silent.

Toma looked at the empty classrooms and whispered, “These memories… they were short, but beautiful.”

Ren added, “Life is short. But moments like these… they make it meaningful.”

Kai looked at them, his heart full. “You two only have two days left. What will you do?”

Hachi smiled. “I think these two days will pass like two hours.”

Toma laughed. “Yeah… Let’s make the most of it.”

Two Days Later…

Hachi packed his bag. Just before leaving, his grandmother called to him.

“I need to tell you something.”

“What is it?”

She walked over and held his hand gently.

“If you ever feel lost… follow the light, not the dark. And if your heart grows heavy, find a place called Blossom Moon Town. It carries the weight of those who wander.”

“Blossom Moon Town?” Hachi repeated, confused. “I thought the only place beyond was Yochi City.”

His grandmother smiled. “That’s what most parents say. They don’t want their children to go beyond the known. But I’m not like them. I once traveled beyond, too. I found Blossom Moon… that’s where I met your grandfather.”

Hachi’s eyes widened. “Then… you’ve been there?”

“I have. It’s a beautiful place… with shadows behind the beauty. People only see what they want to see.”

“Will I find someone I know?”

She smiled gently. “You will. Eventually.”

The clock ticked loudly—time was almost up.

Hachi gave her a big hug. “I’ll be back soon.”

She held him tightly. “Go chase your dream.”

At the harbour, Toma was talking to his brother, who handed him a silver chain. Hachi waved.

“Hey! Just in time,” Toma said.

“Always am,” Hachi laughed.

Then, two figures ran up in the distance—it was Kai and Ren.

“You’re always late!” Toma teased.

They all laughed, soaking in the moment—their final one together on the island.

“If you guys get your passes,” Hachi said, “maybe we’ll meet again out there.”

Kai smiled. “We will.”

They bumped fists—four hands raised against the rising sun.

Then, Hachi and Toma boarded the ship, along with many others chasing dreams of their own.

As the ship set sail, the captain greeted them. Toma smiled, “Hey, Luke!”

Luke turned, surprised. “You’re going too? Good luck out there.”

With the golden sunrise behind them, the ship left the harbour. Families waved. Hachi stood at the edge of the deck, wind brushing through his hair.

So this is what it feels like… to leave.

Kai and Ren watched the ship grow smaller until it vanished into the horizon.

Ren whispered, “I got the invitation. In two days, I’ll receive my pass from Lucas’ team. I’ll be heading out in four days.”

Kai nodded. “I’ll see you on the other side.”

Ren smiled. “Memories are short… but they stay with us.”

Kai replied, “Yeah. Always.”