Chapter 5 – Career Path Form

The chime rang, and finally the classmates surrounding Yukimori dispersed.

Whew… I can finally sit in my seat.

As I sat down and waited for the teacher to arrive, a note was passed to me from the side.

Needless to say, it was from Yukimori.

> “You always can’t sit down because of me, right? Sorry about that.”

…She’s really worrying about that? Seriously, she’s such a goody-two-shoes.

I tore off a piece of my notebook and wrote a reply, passing it back to her.

> “Don’t worry about it. I’m used to it.”

> “But I do worry. Honestly, I just want to live in peace too…”

> “Must be tough being a goddess.”

> “Don’t call me that. I hate it.”

> “Sorry.”

Yeah, that was a bit careless of me.

Yukimori just wants to live peacefully, normally, and without attention. It’s not like she wants attention.

As I reflected on that, another note came flying my way.

> “But you’re the only one who can do whatever you want with this goddess’s body ♡”

Ugh. Don’t put that kind of stuff in writing.

I glared at Yukimori out of the corner of my eye. She kept a nonchalant face, listening to the teacher.

Spring sunlight shone on Yukimori’s profile.

The window behind her looked like a picture frame — it was like a living painting.

I couldn’t help but stare, my eyes glued to her.

“Hey, Hatase. It’s fine to be captivated by Yukimori, but pay attention to homeroom too!”

“…S-sorry.”

Crap. How long was I staring?

And come on, Kazuki — quit grinning like that or I’ll sock you. And why the hell is Tōdō glaring at me?

Yukimori, don’t laugh either. I can see the smug little “teehee” behind your eyes.

> “This is your fault.”

> “Whatever do you mean? I was only stating the truth.”

…You little—

I glared at Yukimori again, sighed quietly, and turned forward. There’s no way I’m winning a verbal exchange with her.

 “Alright, make sure to submit your career path forms by the end of this week! College, employment, becoming a bride — any path is fine. I’ll respect whatever decision you make!”

The class chuckled at the teacher’s words.

The career form being passed around had spaces to write your first to third choice.

If you’re planning to go to college, you list up to three schools.

Career plans… right, we are second-years now.

My own path… I’ve got nothing in mind.

And who knows how much longer this thing with Yukimori will last. Most of my paycheck goes into savings, so I might be able to swing college if I push hard enough.

…Guess college is the safe bet for now.

Just as I was relaxing my shoulders and about to write “college,” another note 

came flying from Yukimori.

> “What about you, Hatase-kun? Any career plans?”

> “Probably college. Thanks to you, I’ve been saving up.”

> “So if it weren’t for our relationship, you’d be working after high school?”

> “Yeah. I had no money for college otherwise.”

College takes a decent amount of money. I’ve got no parents due to certain circumstances, so if I could start working early, that’d be better.

But if I keep saving like this, I think I can manage to go to college.

…I really don’t want to touch this money, but I hope she’ll forgive me for using it on this.

Just as I was about to fill out the form with “college,” yet another note flew over.

> “If you’d like, how about permanently working for me?”

…Huh? Permanently?

What does that even mean?

I glanced sideways at Yukimori, but she was still facing forward as if nothing had happened.

But… her cheeks looked just a little pink.

“Permanently”… oh. Oh.

> “You mean, like, as your butler? I’d be honored, honestly.”

From what I’ve heard about job hunting, it sounds like a pain. If I can avoid it, I will.

Still, I never expected Yukimori to make that kind of proposal.

Suddenly, a crumpled-up piece of paper smacked me in the side of the head and rolled onto my desk. She threw it at me.

That’s a first.

I tilted my head and opened the wadded note.

> “Idiot.”

…Why?

Totally confused, I looked at Yukimori, but she just stared out the window, refusing to meet my gaze.

Women’s hearts are like autumn skies — constantly changing. Even though it’s 

spring.

◆

“Career path, huh… I’m going straight into the workforce.”

During lunch break, I was eating with Kazuki, and the conversation turned to the morning’s career forms. Apparently, he’s planning to work right after graduation…

“Wait, really? You’re going straight to a job? That’s kinda surprising.”

“Why?”

“I just figured you’d go to college and mess around for four years.”

“Wow, thanks, Inori. Now I know exactly how you see me.”

Sorry, man. Don’t pout like that.

But seriously, I was surprised. I’ve been to Kazuki’s house before — totally normal family, and I’ve never heard of any drama or problems.

“Got something you want to do?”

“Yup. I want to backpack around the world.”

“…You serious?”

“Dead serious. Check this out.”

He handed me a magazine on world heritage sites.

It was full of places I’d seen on TV or online, all breathtaking.

“Looking at this made me think, ‘No way am I dying without seeing stuff this beautiful with my own eyes!’ So yeah — I’m gonna work, save up, and travel the world before I hit thirty. That’s the dream.”

“That’s… really specific.”

“Dreams should be specific, right?”

“…You’re pretty amazing, Kazuki.”

“Haha! Feel free to shower me with praise!”

Honestly, I do think he’s amazing. I don’t have that kind of drive, and I’ve never even thought about doing something like that.

Dreams, huh…

“I wonder what my dream is.”

“Beats me. But hey, no need to rush. That’s what college is for, right? Studying, goofing off, figuring out your future — all of it. You’ve got time.”

“……”

“Huh? Inori, what’s wrong?”

“It’s just… it’s kind of annoying when you say it.”

“What the hell!?”

“Kidding. I appreciate it.”

“O-oh… that’s kinda embarrassing.”

He blushed, and I smacked him on the head, then washed down the rest of my bread with some milk.

Well, career paths can change anytime. Even if I write “college” now, maybe I’ll lean toward working later on.

…I wonder what Yukimori’s thinking. She’s probably aiming for college.

I mean, if she’s gonna inherit her family business, she probably needs the education for it.

College, work, something else entirely…

Haa… I have no idea.