ACT II - Friendship Collaboration v2 II

"Well, to be honest," Seiten-senpai began. "It's stressful. There are so many expectations to answer, and you need to decide on a clear life path. While most of us try to push worries to the back of our minds and enjoy our last year to the fullest, knowing that goodbye is near kinda… Hurts."

All of us were moved by the bittersweet emotions sweeping over his handsome face. Even such a perfect person had his concerns, huh... Ria leaned forward and asked, "Um, if it's alright, may I ask about what you have in mind for the future? I've heard that you've got excellent grades, so…" but then shook her head. "Sorry, you probably get this question a million times in a day."

Seiten-senpai laughed in response. "While that's true—I don't mind it. It's a very normal thing to hear as a third year. I aim to study in the business department, I am actually not too sure about what kind of business I'd like to own but… For now, at least my general direction is set." While his voice sounded confident in his choice, his facial features still held pain in them… I wondered why.

This time, Reo spoke up. "Business, huh? That's like the perfect match with someone of your personality type, Senpai. You could totally be like a hot CEO, just like in the dramas!" He adjusted his t-shirt as if he had a suit and a tie on. "Lookin' sharp, yeah~" We all laughed at his demonstration. He really was a fun person, despite his droopy eyes and easy-going exterior. But then, his face turned more serious—it was my first time seeing him with that expression.

"Senpai, actually, I'm also interested in studyin' business. When ya make it, would it be alright to consult ya? I'd really appreciate any help, especially from someone as competent as ya, Senpai."

All of us were surprised at Reo's sudden attitude change, especially our cool, charismatic Senpai. "Huh, really? Of course, I'd love to be of help, if my knowledge could be useful in the future. But," he glanced towards me shortly, "I thought you looked more like the artistic type?"

My classmate took a few moments, and then replied with, "Well, art can always be done as a side hobby, yeah? Haha, to think it shows from my exterior though… It's true that I really enjoy drawin', but I'm interested in business department when it comes to studies." He clapped his hands. "Now y'all know what me and Senpai aim for, what about ya? It doesn't need to be concrete, I just wanna know what y'all into. School prez, how about starting with ya?"

Ria, who was playing with her braids absentmindedly, got surprised that she was suddenly the main topic.

"Eh, me? Umm, I was thinking of studying law…"

Micchan hugged her side. "Oooh! Law would really suit you, Ria-chan! A cool lady defending rights of people, soooo awesome~"

Hearing our cute blonde friend's praise, a blush matching her red eyes formed on Ria's face. "T-Thank you… What about you, though?" Micchan put her finger on her lips. "Whooo, meee~?" Hmm, it's not that certain yet but… I think I'd like something active and to do with kids, so something like a kindergarten teacher or sports instructor!! What do you think?"

Ria smiled gently. "It would be most suitable! You have so much positive energy, your students would be very lucky to have you as their reliable teacher."

Micchan shook her head. "Nooo~ That's such high praise, Ria-chaaan~". I noticed her stealing a look at Seiten-senpai. He seemed to be listening intently, nodding to indicate his approval as well. Micchan was beaming!

I was so satisfied with watching my friends talk that, when everyone turned towards me, I didn't expect their question at all.

"What do you want to study, Yuujin?"

Oh.

"Umm… Uhh… I haven't really given it much thought yet."

And it wasn't a lie. Before, whenever people asked me, I'd just say that it's too early for me to know; and now, since my mind was always occupied with other things throughout this year, the topic of a career had never crossed my mind.

"Really?" Reo sounded very puzzled. "Since you are a very disciplined guy, I totally assumed ya would have it figured out already…" Micchan chimed in. "It’s fine though, isn't it? You're just a first year too, there's lots of time to figure it out still. If you need help, just ask us~"

Ria nodded, along with Seiten-senpai. "You're a good student, and it's okay to take time, Seira. Though, did you really not have any ideas yet? There's a lot of things you could do…"

"Yeah, since you're a really kind and considerate person, someone who catches details easily; a job that deals with others closely and helps them out would be quite fitting," Seiten-senpai stated his opinion. While he was most likely right, I suddenly felt bad to be the only one of the group who didn't have a clear goal in mind…

As the day went on, I tried not to have it get to me and darken my day with friends. We chatted, played and laughed much longer, until the sun was setting and it was time to go home. The fun time had really made me forget about all my worries, and on my way back home, I had a gentle, satisfied smile plastered on my face. Since me and Micchan lived close, I chatted with her on our way back home too, and we could still go on for hours! She was just such a sweetheart like that. After I walked her to her home, we said our goodbyes. And when it was time for me to get on the way back home…

That's when the thoughts started hitting me again.

It all started innocent enough. Oh I love my friends, they're all amazing people… But soon enough, those thoughts started to evolve into something much more depressive. Despite everyone having their own difficulties and life problems, they have their future goals set already… And what about me?

I didn't even know what my hobbies were, outside of running. But it's not like I was training to be a professional, it was too late for that decision. My grades weren't anywhere close to the top student range either, and I just… Really didn't have an idea what it was that I could do as a profession. Didn't you need special abilities to… Specialize in an area?

What was my speciality?

They had said that I was kind and considerate and all that but… Those weren’t skills, were they? When it came to 'something special' about Yuujin Seira, I guess all that could count were my extraordinary glasses…

Which reminded me that I had never visited 99-san again, especially not after getting the Reveals. Even as an additional way of saying thank you, or even just for the sake of good manners—weren't I to give him a visit…?

Aaargh, my mind was full of troubles again! I hated this about me… Even after such a good day, why was I about to cry from frustration in my bed at night…?