The school bell rang, signifying the completion of the final examination. The slight scrape of chairs against the tiled floor and students' relieved sighs signaled the start of the end...at least for this chapter of their life. Kazuki sank in his seat, looking at his answer sheet as if it had insulted him.

"Well, that was an experience," he said, reclining back and crossing his arms behind his head.

"An experience?" Ren arched an eyebrow as he placed his perfectly ordered notes in his bag.

"What portion of it was an experience?" What? the 30 calculus questions??Or the essay on economic ideas you didn't even prepare for?"

"Exactly," Kazuki replied, smirking lazily.

"It was an incredible experience, Ren. Really made me reflect on my life choices."

"You mean your choice to procrastinate all week playing video games?" Ren responded with mock earnestness.

Kazuki threw up his hands. "Hey, I'm simply stating that you can't grind for the Emperor rank in Battle Clash 4 while still competing in the Ace Finals.

"You have to pick your battles, man."

Aya, who had just completed packing, sat down next to Kazuki with an annoyed sigh.

"I'll never understand how you can do half-assed things and still thrive. Meanwhile, I'm losing sleep over one bad grade on a pop quiz."

"It's a talent," Kazuki exclaimed, grinning.

"Besides, I didn't half-ass this time." I put in a solid quarter-ass."

Aya snorted and shook her head. "You're unbelievable."

Kazuki reclined back and looked around the classroom, allowing his mind to wander.

This was it. The final day of exams. They'd all graduate in a few weeks, and their lives would never be the same again.

Some of his friends had already planned their futures: Ren to attend a prestigious institution, Aya to pursue an art scholarship, and even the quiet child in the corner who appeared to be considering founding a company..

In contrast, Kazuki Well, he hadn't planned that far ahead.

"Hey, Kazuki," Aya's voice interrupted his thoughts.

"What are you planning to do after graduation?"

He blinked, taken off guard. "Uh… you know, I haven't really decided yet."

"Seriously?" Ren said, frowning. "Don't you have any plans? Are there no applications? "No jobs lined up?"

Kazuki shrugged, attempting to be cool. "Not everyone's got it all figured out, Mr. Perfect."

Aya poked him with her elbow, her face softening. "C'mon, Kaz. You've gotta have an idea. How about game design? You're always saying how much you love it."

"Yeah, but that's just…a hobby," Kazuki answered quietly.

"People don't make it big in that type of thing. Even if I tried, I wouldn't know where to begin.

"Well, you've got us," Aya remarked, smiling slightly. "We'll help you figure it out."

Kazuki glanced between Aya and Ren, their expressions truthful concern. He felt guilty for shrugging off their queries before, but he didn't know how to tell them he was afraid—fearful of failing, falling behind, and failing to meet their expectations.

"Thanks," he replied after a time, his customary grin returning. "But for now, let's focus on celebrating our freedom, yeah?"

---

As they set off the classroom, their talk turned to lighter subjects. The three of them had been friends since middle school, drawn together by happenstance and bonded by innumerable shared memories.

Ren, the responsible one, had always been the group's glue, holding Kazuki and Aya in check when their uncontrolled energy threatened to spin out of control. He was the type of man who planned study sessions and took notes for everyone, even when he wasn't required to.

Aya was the dreamer, constantly doodling in her notebook and discussing the stories she wanted to create with her art.She had a quick wit and a tender heart, and despite their regular bickering, she and Kazuki understood each other in ways that only close friends could.

Lastly, there was Kazuki, the wild card. He was the man who always had a joke ready and could make even the most difficult situations funny. But despite his casual demeanor, he frequently felt like the odd one out. Ren and Aya had clear pathways ahead of them, but what about Kazuki? He was unsure where he belonged.

---

By the time the three of them arrived at the school gate, they had already decided to celebrate.

"Alright," Aya murmured, counting on her fingers.

"We'll meet at Ramenya at six. "Do not be late."

"Wouldn't dream of it," Kazuki replied, offering her a mock salute.

"Also, Kaz," Ren said with a chuckle, "try not to make a scene this time. Last time we went out, you almost had us tossed out of the karaoke bar."

Kazuki feigned offense.

"Hey, it wasn't my fault!"

"I swear, the karaoke machine was rigged!"

"Sure it was," Aya laughed.

"Just try to behave, okay?" This could be one of the final times we hang around like usual."

Kazuki's smile faded for a brief while before he replaced it with a grin.

"Don't get all sappy with me, Aya.

"We have plenty of time."

Even as he uttered it, a small voice in the back of his head said, "They don't..."

___(End of Prologue 1)___