Chapter 33: I can’t think of anything.

Translator: Soafp

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“Take your seats. I’m returning your tests.”

　With these words from our teacher, students are happy and sad when they see their scores written on the answer sheets that are returned to them. Some pose with joy, some hold their heads in their hands, some show each other their scores… it’s a common scene after a test in all ages.

　My impression after the first test was that these things are the same for both junior high and high school students. All the tests have been returned, and the results are not so bad.

“You look relaxed, Renya. Was your score that good?”

“Well, to a point?”

　I’ve got over 90 points in the subjects I’m good at and over 80 points in the subjects I’m not so good at. It’s not like I’m aiming for the top of the class. I wonder if the study sessions had any effect.

“How did you do it, Saijo?”

“I did pretty well too. Now they won’t cut my allowance.”

“That’s good for you”

　Well, when I was in junior high school, Aikawa was pissed off that his test results were not good enough and his allowance would be reduced. It happened every time, so he finally regained his composure.

“I understand why you want to make a fuss, but it’s time to calm down. I’m going to explain the test.”

　When the teacher said this, all the people who had been making noise quieted down. I’m good at this subject, and I’ve already figured out what I did wrong, so I don’t need to listen. Good night.

“Now that all the tests have come back, how do you feel about finishing your first high school test?”

　The homeroom teacher asked the whole class during HR after class today. There were many different responses, some saying it was easy, some saying it was difficult, some saying there were too many subjects.

“I wondered if some of you hadn’t taken it seriously yet, since it was your first test after entering high school. If you keep that attitude, you’ll be in a panic when you take the exam.”

“It’s only the first semester of the first year of high school. Isn’t it too early to start?”

　A classmate replied to the teacher’s words. I’ve studied for my tests diligently, but I haven’t thought about exams yet.

“That’s not true. It’s not uncommon for students to be studying for their future in their first year. It would certainly be depressing to spend three years of high school just studying. I’m not saying that you should study all the time. It’s also important to hang out with friends and do club activities.”

” In the end which is it?”

“I’m just saying that you should keep your eyes on the future while socializing with your friends. Three years go by so fast. It’s up to you whether you want to play or study, but I want you to have three years with no regrets. I know it sounds preachy, but please keep it in mind.”

　I listened to the grateful words of my homeroom teacher and thought about my future.

“…………”

　I can’t think of anything.

　I can’t think of a job I want to get in the future, a university I want to go to, or even what I’m going to do after high school.

　Will I just go to college like most students, take random entrance exams, get a job offer, and live a life of inertia?

　I used to have a dream. When I was a kid, I used to dream of being a hero, and when I was in elementary school, I used to dream of being a soccer player, but now I don’t have any future prospects.

　The child who dreamed so innocently is now learning about reality and becoming an adult. Whether you take this as giving up or growing up is up to you, but I honestly respect people who never give up on their dreams and keep going.

(I don’t think I can do it anymore…)

　For me, dreams are just something I only do while sleeping, and my future is just a blank.

(I wonder if I’ll ever find something I want to do…)

I thought to myself as I watched my classmates seriously thinking about their future.

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