Hopes and Dreams

The students of Kentō Academy…had dreams?

Well, doesn't everybody? You'd have to be a helpless drifter wasting away through life if you had no aspirations of your own.

We all knew that every one of us wanted to earn the valedictorian title so we could make those dreams come true. That was the reason we all fought so hard. But if we were about to reveal our motivations for wanting to attend this school, wasn't that the same as unraveling our weaknesses?

Once again, there was some hesitancy to start the discussions, but the silence couldn't linger forever. Our group moved in a circle like we had done when we shared our names, but this time we started from the opposite end. Instead of Yukimura, it was Shinohara who took the first turn. Poor guy. Shinohara was too bashful to look up. He kept his head down and continued to play with his fingers. It's a miracle we even heard him speak at all.

"Ah… Okay, um, well…I want to be a scholar. I already do lots of studying, s-so I… But I want to be knowledgeable on lots of different subjects. Maybe then with all the things I've learned, I could do my part and make the world a better place. The world isn't perfect, but I want to do what I can to help people. I know I can't do much at my age. I can't get my voice heard or influence others as adults can. That's why I'm trying to teach myself the ways of the world."

Shinohara's dream was purely childish idealism. But I guess that's what I expected from him. Every child wishes for a utopia free of strife and hardship at least once, while not fully understanding the intricacies of life. There comes a time when they dream of a world where nothing goes wrong. But in Shinohara's case, he knew he had to think realistically. The idea of creating a utopia where anyone can find happiness is impossible. One person alone couldn't solve the problems of billions, but with the direction Shinohara was heading in, he could at least become a contributing member of society.

"Uh, don't laugh at me guys. I'm not one hundred percent sure what I want yet. I didn't get to say this earlier, but I like video games, especially the big arcade machines. And I'm pretty decent at making art. I could show you my work sometime. But for now, you'll just have to take my word for it. Anyway, once I'm done with school, I thought maybe I could make a game. I just know that I want to make something artistic. I wanna do something where I can put my talents to good use!" Ikebana clasped her hands together and looked above as if she were making a prayer.

Whenever I looked at her, I was captivated by this easygoing aura that she somehow possessed. Although, I couldn't tell you what made me think this way.

And then, all eyes were on me. Well, what did they want me to say?

"I just want to have a quiet life with no problems. Once I graduate, I don't want to worry about anything ever again."

"...That's it?" Yozakura asked.

"You're not…trying to pursue a career path or further your education?"

"I worked so hard just to get here. Once it's finally over, I want to take it easy. I...deserve that much. At least, that's what I believe."

Yozakura frowned. My response clearly underwhelmed him. I knew this would happen. That's why I didn't want to share. I didn't have lofty goals and my dream wasn't ambitious as one might think, but it was a simple one. And that's all I really wanted.

"Sigh… Guess, I'll go take my turn now. I said I'm a sports fan earlier. So naturally, I'm gonna get a job doing something sports related. But there's so much to choose from! If I become an athlete, then I'd have to pick a sport to play. Or I could be a commentator…or an anchor! Maybe I should try team management. Ah, just thinking about the possibilities gets me pumped up!"

As Yozakura talked about his dreams, he grinned the entire time. He was passionate to see what was in store for his future. Yozakura made a list for himself of all the things he wanted to do to achieve his dreams. When there was nothing more he could add, everyone concluded that was the end of his share. Now, it was time for Mitsuru to take the stage.

"My dream is…well, it's music obviously. But I don't have the talent to pursue that kind of dream. I'm not a singer and I can't play any instruments. I'm not gifted at all, but I don't want to give up on what I love. There's no way I can."

Mitsuru was just as passionate about her dreams as her friend Natsume, but her teary-eyed expression told a different story. Mitsuru dreamed big, but she had her doubts. Without talent, Mitsuru's dream was impossible. If Mitsuru really is talentless like she says, she would need a miracle just to get her foot in the door.

"If you strongly believe in something, then you'll find a way. I know that sounds…cheesy. And it probably means nothing coming from a girl you just met, but trust me."

And last but not least was Yukimura. She caught me off guard yet again when she reached out and patted Mitsuru's arm while giving reassurance. Not only was the cool and collected girl relatable, but she was also sympathetic. She wasn't so aloof as she appeared.

"...What's your dream, Yukimura?" Mitsuru asked.

The spotlight was suddenly put on Yukimura before she was ready to speak out. She looked down and fiddled with the hem of her skirt.

"It's complicated..."

Her dream was complicated? Surely she was going to elaborate, right? And right on point, Yukimura found the courage to pull her head up and share what she wanted for herself.

"I want to show my family how successful I can be. Someday, I may have to take over my father's company. If I'm going to keep their legacy alive, I want to be a daughter my family can be proud of."

Sounds like Yukimura's dream was filled with high stakes. If she's being entrusted to run the family company, I guess that makes her one of the harder-working students here. The only one to comment on Yukimura's share was Ikebana.

"Huh. I thought you would've had a dream that pertained to your interests a bit more. Oh well, I was wrong!"

After listening to what they wanted for their lives, I realized none of them really had their plans figured out. They had ideas of what they wanted to accomplish in the future, but nothing was set in stone.

Isn't that true of any young person? But for everyone attending this academy, I thought they would have conquered such a hurdle by now.

Well, who am I to talk? It's not like my dreams were all that remarkable either.