Hajime strode out of the classroom, the faint echo of Uki and Yuki taunts lingering in the air. His jaw tightened, his frustration boiling under the surface. "I'll show them," he muttered, gripping the straps of his backpack until his knuckles turned white. His footsteps quickened as he left the school building behind.
The fresh air greeted him as he stepped into the sunlit day. He glanced up at the sky—a clear, endless expanse of blue without a cloud in sight. A smile tugged at the corners of his lips as the weight of the school year lifted off his shoulders. "Summer break is finally here," he said to himself, grinning broadly. His tenth-grade year was officially over, and freedom was his.
Hajime took a familiar path down the street, inhaling deeply as the scent of cinnamon and spices wafted through the air. It led him straight to "Nori's Sweets and Pastries," a bakery he'd heard about from his friends just days before. The sign above the shop read, "You come, we feed!" in bold letters, promising warmth and comfort.
His stomach grumbled in agreement. He stepped inside, the bell above the door giving a satisfying "DING!" as he entered. The bakery's interior was inviting and meticulously designed—the smooth marble floors gleamed under the soft lighting, while the green walls were adorned with white orchids and vines painted in delicate shades of lighter green. The chairs were sturdy, crafted from rich hickory wood, and the atmosphere buzzed with a homey, welcoming energy.
Hajime approached the counter, where a small, Orchid Hedgehog chirped and scurried about, clearly excited by his arrival. The creature's movement caught the attention of a woman standing behind the counter.
"Hello, welcome to Nori's! I'm Juuna, the third granddaughter of Nori Nishiama!" she greeted, her voice warm and bright. Her long, wavy blonde hair framed her face, and her dark green eyes sparkled with enthusiasm. Freckles dusted her cheeks, adding to her youthful appearance, and her green sundress, which hugged her small but noticeable curves, gave her a breezy, casual look.
"What can I get for you today? We've got a wide selection! My personal favorite are the Lemon Crunch Bars," she said with a smile, gesturing to the pastries displayed beneath the counter, their golden hues illuminated under the soft glow of a UV lamp.
Hajime took a moment to glance at the tempting array of treats, his hunger finally catching up to him. "I'll take the Lemon Crunch Bars," he decided, offering her a small smile in return. "Thank you."
Juuna nodded cheerfully and quickly packaged up the bars, handing them to Hajime with a friendly, "Enjoy!"
Hajime found a seat near the window, where sunlight streamed in, casting a warm glow over the table. He unwrapped the Lemon Crunch Bars, the crisp citrus scent rising to meet him. Taking a bite, he savored the perfect blend of tartness and sweetness. For the first time in a while, he felt at ease.
As he ate, his thoughts drifted back to the events of the day—the taunts, the tension, the growing desire to prove himself. The weekend ahead held promise, and with it, the chance to finally find a Beast of his own.
Hajime got up from his chair, feeling the familiar anticipation bubble inside him. After a long day at school, he headed home, his thoughts racing with excitement for the adventure ahead. Upon arriving, he was immediately greeted by the warm, inviting aroma of his mother's cooking wafting through the open door.
"Oh, hello, Hajime!" she exclaimed, her face lighting up as she caught sight of him. She wiped her hands on her apron, removed her mittens, and walked toward him, her smile wide and welcoming. "I'm making your favorite—Marry Me Flame Chicken!" She wrapped him in a warm hug, her love enveloping him like a cozy blanket. "Can you go get your father? He's in the back tending to his garden, as always!"
With a nod, Hajime stepped out the back door and walked toward the garden. The vibrant colors of the plants surrounded him, and he could hear the gentle rustle of leaves in the warm breeze. His father was hard at work, kneeling beside the rows of crops, ensuring that everything was growing just right. His hands were covered in rich, dark soil, a testament to the care he poured into his garden. Beside him, their Meadow Weasel munched happily on fresh strawberries that his master had gifted him earlier in the day.
"Dad, Mom needs you in the house," Hajime said, approaching him with a mix of respect and affection. He reached out to offer his father a hand to help him up while carefully picking up the Meadow Weasel, who squeaked in protest but settled into his arms.
"Thanks, kiddo," his father replied, brushing off his hands and standing up. He glanced at the weasel, chuckling softly. "Looks like you've got a little helper there."
"Dad… I'm not going to make it for supper," Hajime admitted, his gaze dropping to the ground, feeling a mix of disappointment and resolve. The weight of his upcoming adventure pressed heavily on his mind.
His father studied him for a moment, his expression shifting to one of understanding. "I know, and I hope you achieve your goal. It's important to follow your dreams, son. Just remember to stay safe out there." He placed a reassuring hand on Hajime's shoulder. "Go on; I'll explain it to your mother. She'll want to hear all about your plans."
Excitedly, Hajime hurried back into the house, his heart racing with a mix of eagerness and nervousness. He dashed up the stairs to his room, where the walls were adorned with posters of beasts and maps of regions he dreamed of exploring. He began to gather his equipment, carefully laying out everything he would need for the journey ahead—a sturdy net, a few traps, a first-aid kit, and, of course, a notebook to document his findings.
With each item he packed, his excitement grew. He couldn't shake the feeling that this adventure would be different, that it would be the one where he finally made his mark. After double-checking his supplies, he took a deep breath, steeling himself for what lay ahead.
Stepping out of the house, he felt a surge of determination. The sun was beginning to set, casting a warm golden hue over the neighborhood, and the sky was painted with vibrant shades of orange and pink. This was it—his adventure was about to begin.
With a final glance back at his home, Hajime set off down the familiar path, the thrill of the unknown beckoning him forward. He was ready to embrace whatever challenges awaited him, driven by the hope of achieving his dream.