Chapter 9 Graduation and Entrance Ceremony

Graduation and Entrance Ceremony

Today is finally the junior high school graduation ceremony.

Starting in April, I will be going to the prefectural high school with Kota-kun and Hitomi four stations away.

That’s right. Thanks to my hard work, I will be able to go to the same high school as Kota-kun!

When I saw the acceptance letter, I cried and broke down because I was so happy to go to the same school as Kota-kun.

I was so happy that when my mother saw me, she gently rubbed my back.

“I feel a little sad when I think that today is the last time I will go to this school.”

“Yeah. But I’m okay because I’m in the same school as Yayoi and Kota-kun, but I guess Sato-kun will be pretty lonely, right?”

“Ugh, shut up! Well, it was almost decided from the beginning that I would go to a different school. Even after I go to high school, my life will probably still be full of club activities.”

“When you take a break from club activities, come hang out with us again.”

“Yeah, that’s right! It’s not like today is the last time we’ll see each other! Let’s keep playing together whenever we get a chance.”

“I think so too. Let’s all keep getting along.”

“Ugh, ugh… You guys are so kind…”

“Whoa! Are you crying? Your nose is running! Here, I’ll give you a handkerchief; just wipe it off.”

“Kota… Thanks. Brrrr~”

Sato-kun blew his nose loudly while crying, which we all found funny for some reason, and we all laughed, then shed a few tears at the thought of this everyday life coming to an end.

We then went to a nearby park and talked about many memories of our junior high school days before saying goodbye to Sato-kun and Kota-kun.

Since today was the last day, Kota-kun decided to go home with Sato-kun, his best friend since elementary school.

After all, he’s going to be separated from his friend after nine years of school together.

I can’t be selfish, so I say to Kota-kun that he should go home with Sato-kun, at least for today.

So now Hitomi and I are going home together….

“It will be sad not to see him again, Sato-kun.”

“That’s right. But we can see each other when Sato-kun doesn’t have any club activities. And if Sato-kun goes to a game, we can go and cheer for him!”

“Yeah, that’s right! Sato-kun will probably be surprised when we go to cheer him on.”

Hitomi was the one who looked the loneliest after being separated from Sato-kun.

Hitomi said she had been in love with someone since the first grade, but maybe it was Sato-kun?

I would’ve helped her if she had told me.

“Did Hitomi like… Sato-kun?”

“Eh? No. That’s not true. There’s someone else I like.”

“Is that so? Because you looked lonely when we broke up with Sato-kun….”

“Oh, because I asked Sato-kun a lot for advice. I mean, we felt like comrades-in-arms.”

“Comrade-in-arms? Hmmm, I don’t know. I’m not sure what it means. I wish you would have asked for my advice too. I want to help Hitomi too.”

“Yes, thank you. I’ll ask Yayoi’s advice next time. I’m looking forward to your advice.”

“Fufu. Of course! Leave it to Yayoi!”

“Oh, I’m home already… Well, Yayoi. I can’t wait to see you in high school.”

“Yeah. Thank you. Let’s stay best friends forever, Hitomi.”

“Bye.”

Hmm….

So the guy Hitomi likes isn’t Sato-kun?

Then who is it?

I think the only boys Hitomi was close to in junior high school were Sato-kun and Kota-kun.

Maybe she just wanted to keep it a secret and just admire the boy and watch over him from the shadows?

Yeah, I think that’s probably it.

After all, even though Hitomi is beautiful and cool, she’s not the type to go off on her own.

That’s why I have to give Hitomi the right advice when she asks for it.

I really want her to go out with a good boy!

During spring break, I spent a lot of time playing with Kota-kun, and before I knew it, it was the day of the entrance ceremony.

Time really flies when you’re having fun.

It was decided that me, my mom, Hitomi, and Hitomi’s mom would go to the entrance ceremony together.

We met Kota-kun at the station gate.

I was eager to show him my school uniform.

I was also eager to see him in his school uniform.

When we arrived at the station, I looked for Kota-kun and found him waiting with his mother at the end of the gate.

Kota-kun found me too and waved.

“Good morning, Kota-kun. How do you like our school uniform?”

“It looks so good on you! It’s kinda weird because you both look so mature at the same time.”

“Thanks! You look cool too, Kota-kun! You’re so cool too, Hitomi.”

“Fufu. That’s right. Kota-kun looks good in his uniform, too.”

We compliment each other as we walk through the gates and board the train.

Going to school by train makes me feel like an adult.

I can’t believe I’m actually going to high school.

I’m getting nervous.

We talked about what our high school lives would be like while riding the train.

Hitomi said that she would not join any club activities but would still go to cram school.

I think it’s really great that she’s already thinking about applying to college.

I really respect her!

Kota-kun said that he wanted to help his mother by working part-time.

I’m sad that we won’t be able to spend as much time together, but I understand his family situation.

If I am selfish here, I will probably cause trouble for Kota-kun.

So I make him promise to make out with me a lot on the days when he doesn’t have a part-time job.

As for me, there is nothing in particular that I want to do.

I don’t want to join any club activities, and I don’t have to go to cram school yet.

So I think I’ll go home.

If I join a club, I won’t have time for Kota-kun.

I have to make sure I have enough free time to see him whenever I want!

I looked over at the parents and saw that the mothers were having a friendly conversation with Kota-kun’s mother.

Yes, yes.

It seems that the parents are getting to know each other better.

This is very good for me and Kota-kun’s future.