Two weeks passed in the blink of an eye and we finally entered our second year of high school.
Compared to when we were freshmen, our school life would change drastically.
After all, we would be graduating in two years. This was the most important period in our lives as we would be starting to decide whether we'll go straight to work or enter a college instead.
"What's wrong? Your face looks crumpled… Do you have a stomach ache? I told you, you drank too much milk this morning…"
Umi, who had been walking next to me, peered into my face with a concerned expression. She had always been clingy, but ever since the birthday party she became even more clingy.
"No, I'm just thinking… We're going to graduate in two years, right? Don't you think it's a good time to start thinking about our future and the like?"
"Ah, I see… But, haven't you already decided that you'll go to college after you graduate? You've decided what you want to do already, you don't need to think that hard, at least for now."
"…I guess so…"
Since Mom told me that there wouldn't be any problems with the tuition, I decided that I'd go to college. I guess Umi was right that I didn't need to think too hard about it yet.
Still, I think it would be better to have some specific plans for the future.
Speaking of which, I wonder what Umi's plans were?
"Umi, you'll also go to a college, right? Have you decided on which?"
"Mhm. I decided on it last winter."
"Woah… Which one? If it's you I'm sure you could get into any college you want–"
"Obviously I'll enter the same college as you."
"Eh?"
…I haven't even decided on it yet though? Is it okay to trust my decision blindly like that?
"I think it's more convenient for me. I got to study together with you and live a fulfilling college life with you~"
"I understand your feelings, but… Are you sure? Don't you have a dream job or anything?"
"Hmm~ For now, nope… Honestly, I just want to keep my options open for now."
So she was the same as me.
"Have you told Sora-san and Daichi-san about this? Did they give you the okay?"
"Mhm. They said that the fact that I'm going to the college at all is more important than which college I choose. Of course they wish that I'll get into a good college, but they said they won't interfere with my decision, though that doesn't mean I'll completely ignore their wishes. I'll do my best to get into a good college for them."
That was the correct attitude to take in my opinion. While it was true that it was our right to decide how to live our lives, as long as we were still leeching off our parents' money, we needed to respect their wishes as well.
I guess it was about time for me to have a heart-to-heart talk with Mom as well.
"Ah right, now that I think about it, I do have a dream for the future… Well, I'll try to do my best to make this one come true!"
"So you do have one… What is it?"
"Hehe… Guess?~"
…Oh no…
"…Can't you just tell me?"
"Don't wanna~ You have to guess~ Okay, I'll give you a hint! Think about me! You'll find your answer by doing it~"
She showed me a mischievous smile.
"…If I give you an answer will you give me the correct answer afterwards?…"
"Depends on your answer~"
"…Then what's the point?"
Yeah, I knew this pattern. She would never tell me the correct answer even if I answered her.
I knew what exactly she wanted me to say though.
She hasn't decided anything yet regarding what kind of job she wanted to do, but she said that she would go to college at least.
The goal she mentioned definitely had nothing to do with that and since she said that she would definitely make it come true, it should be…
Should I even say it out loud?…
Well, whatever. This would be embarrassing, but it wasn't like I hated it or anything.
"Umm…"
"C'mon, Maki, quickly, tell me the answer~"
"…Fine, come closer…"
"Huh? Okay?…"
"…Alright."
…
I whispered my answer to her.
"…Is that the correct answer?"
"Um… The correct answer is…"
She formed an 'X' with her finger and placed it in front of her lips. Her cheeks reddened as she did that.
"I won't tell you~"
"Sigh…"
I knew it.
"Well, your answer is too cheesy you know? But… Hehe… I see… So that's what you think my dream is…"
"I mean, that's what comes to mind when you tell me to think about you… Anyway, why can't you just tell me the answer already? It isn't like you'll lose anything…"
"Hmm… Fine, I'll tell you! …In six years~"
"Oh, c'mon!"
Judging from her expression, I knew that she was just messing with me and my answer was actually the correct one. Well, I'll do my best to stay together with her until she gives me the answer.
Six years. That would be around the time we would graduate from college. For now, let's tackle the year ahead of us first.