Chapter LXXVIII: On-the-Job! Part 1
It's a lively afternoon as Kota and the squad decide to hang out at their usual spots: billiards, a café, the arcade, and the mall.
They head to their favorite billiards spot first. Enmei grabs a cue and lines up a shot, but not before delivering one of his classic jokes.
"Why did the scarecrow win an award?"
Kota rolls his eyes, already expecting a pun.
"Why?"
"Because he was outstanding in his field!" Enmei cackles, making the shot and sinking a ball.
Asahi, shaking his head, lines up his own shot.
"You know, sometimes I wonder if we should nominate you for an award for your terrible jokes."
"Oh, come on. My jokes are a hit, right?" Enmei grins.
"Yeah, a hit to our sanity," Natsuki retorts, snickering.
After a few rounds of billiards, they move to a nearby café. The atmosphere is cozy, and the smell of fresh coffee fills the air. They find a large table and settle in, ordering drinks and snacks.
"So, what songs have you been listening to lately?" Asahi asks, stirring his latte.
Natsuki takes a sip of her iced coffee.
"I've been into that new indie band, The Quiet Skies. Their lyrics are so deep."
Hanako nods.
"I love their acoustic sessions. There's something so raw and real about them."
Kota, munching on a muffin, chimes in. "I've been stuck on that one song from the English singer with the orange hair. You know, the one that's always on the radio."
"Ed Sheeran?" Akiko asks, raising an eyebrow.
"Yeah, that's the one!" Kota says. "His songs are catchy."
Enmei suddenly bursts out laughing.
"Remember that time we tried to do a karaoke night and Kota butchered 'Shape of You'?"
Kota groans, covering his face with his hands.
"I thought we agreed never to speak of that again."
Akiko pats his back, grinning.
"Hey, at least you gave it your all."
Next stop is the arcade. The place is bustling with people, and the squad dives into various games, from racing to shooting hoops. Enmei, once again, finds himself at the claw machine, determined to win a stuffed bear.
"This time, I'm getting it," Enmei declares, eyes focused on the prize.
"Sure, you are," Hanako teases. "How much have you spent on this thing already?"
"Doesn't matter. I'm in too deep to back out now," Enmei says dramatically.
After several attempts and much cheering (and mocking) from the squad, Enmei finally manages to snag the bear. He holds it up triumphantly.
"See? Never give up!"
"Yeah, and never count your losses," Asahi quips, making everyone laugh.
Walking through the mall, they spot a cosplay convention happening in one of the event spaces. People in elaborate costumes, some as anime characters and others as various professionals, add a lively touch to the scene.
Enmei remarks,
"How cool would it be to have that job experience and actually be good at it?"
Hanako tilts her head.
"It would be interesting to try out different professions, see what they're really like."
Natsuki nods.
"Yeah, it would give us a better idea of what we might want to do in the future."
Kota's phone buzzes with a notification from their class group chat.
"Guys, we've got a message from Ms. Soumei."
He opens the chat and reads aloud:
"Good Afternoon everyone, I invite you all to the On-the-Job Training Program of our school. Ready for college? Commit to the jobs and show your potential of what you want to be!"
Excitement buzzes through the group. They eagerly discuss their future aspirations.
"I'm thinking of becoming a nurse," Enmei says. "I want to help people and make a difference."
Hanako chimes in,
"Me too! Nursing seems like a rewarding career."
Natsuki nods.
"Count me in for nursing as well."
Asahi, however, hesitates.
"I'm torn between MedTech and Information Technology. Both fields seem really interesting."
Natsuki playfully nudges him.
"Come on, Asahi. Join us in nursing. It'll be fun!"
Asahi laughs, finally agreeing.
"Alright, you've convinced me. Nursing it is."
Kota, meanwhile, is deep in thought.
"I've been thinking about becoming an architect or a civil engineer."
Akiko, standing beside him, shakes her head with a smile.
"You know, I think BS Biology suits you better. You were amazing at it when you tutored me."
Her words trigger a flashback in Kota's mind. He remembers the countless afternoons they spent together, cuddled up with textbooks and notes. Despite the challenges, Kota patiently explained complex math concepts to Akiko, helping her improve her grades. Those moments were filled with laughter, gentle encouragement, and a growing bond between them.
The flashback ends, and Kota smiles at Akiko.
"Maybe you're right. Those were some of the best times."
As the squad continues to share their dreams, they turn to Gin, who seems a bit lost in thought.
"What about you, Gin? Have you decided on a career yet?" Kota asks.
Gin shrugs, a wry smile on his face.
"Honestly, I haven't settled on anything. I guess I'm still figuring things out."
The group nods, understanding that not everyone has their path figured out yet. They continue their walk, chatting animatedly about the upcoming On-the-Job Training Program and the possibilities it holds.
Back at school, the atmosphere is buzzing with anticipation as students discuss their plans for the On-the-Job Training Program. Posters and announcements are everywhere, showcasing different career paths and opportunities.
In the classroom, Ms. Soumei stands at the front, a warm smile on her face.
"I'm glad to see so many of you excited about the program. It's a great chance to explore your interests and gain some real-world experience."
The squad gathers around, their excitement palpable.
"This is going to be amazing," Enmei says, grinning from ear to ear.
Kota nods, glancing at Akiko.
"I can't wait to see what the future holds for all of us."
As they prepare for this new adventure, the students of Class 3-A are filled with hope and determination, ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
As the class begins, Ms. Soumei stands at the front, her smile filled with excitement and anticipation.
"Good morning, Class 3-A. Today, I'm thrilled to introduce you to the On-the-Job Training Program. This program is designed to enhance your skills and prepare you for college by giving you hands-on experience in your preferred career fields. It's an excellent opportunity to explore your interests and gain valuable insights into the professions you're considering."
The class buzzes with enthusiasm as Ms. Soumei hands out survey questionnaires.
"Please fill these out with your preferred career choices. This will help us match you with relevant job experiences."
Asahi grabs his pen, ready to write down "Information Technology," but then catches Natsuki glaring at him. He sighs and, with a reluctant smile, writes "Nursing" instead.
Once everyone completes their surveys, Ms. Soumei collects the papers and heads to the principal's office. The students start chatting among themselves, discussing their choices and aspirations.
Kota leans over to Asahi.
"What did you write down?"
Asahi chuckles nervously.
"Nursing. Thanks to Natsuki's convincing glare."
Natsuki smirks.
"You'll thank me later."
Enmei, overhearing, laughs.
"We're all going to be nurses together! This is going to be interesting."
Tengen nods.
"I'm actually excited about this. It'll be a good experience."
Kota glances at Akiko.
"So, what did you choose?"
"Flight attendant, but since it's not available, I went with my second choice: architecture. Looks like we'll be in the same field," Akiko replies with a wink.
After a while, Ms. Soumei returns with a stack of papers.
"Alright, everyone, the principal has approved your choices. Let's see where you're all headed."
She begins reading the names and their assigned fields:
"Kota Mizushiro: Architect."
"Asahi Hitokami: Nursing." Asahi sighs in mock resignation.
"Enmei Miru: Nursing." Enmei punches the air.
"Tengen Anasui: Nursing." Tengen grins.
"Akiko Chisai: Architecture."
"Natsuki Kurosaki: Nursing."
The others' assignments are announced, and then Ms. Soumei pauses dramatically before the last name.
"Gin Gushiken: Police."
The room erupts in laughter and surprise. Gin, usually quiet and unassuming, stands out with his unexpected choice.
Kota, still laughing, asks,
"Gin, why the police force?"
Gin shrugs, a rare smile tugging at his lips.
"I've always admired how they serve the community and uphold justice. Plus, I want to challenge myself and step out of my comfort zone."
The squad nods in approval, impressed by Gin's reasoning. Ms. Soumei claps her hands to regain their attention.
"Alright, everyone, these assignments will give you a taste of your future careers. Make the most of this opportunity and learn as much as you can."
The students chatter excitedly, their minds already racing with thoughts of their upcoming experiences. The day is filled with anticipation and a sense of adventure as they prepare to embark on this new journey.
During lunch, the squad gathers at their usual spot, their trays filled with food. The excitement about their assignments continues to be the main topic of conversation.
Enmei, munching on a sandwich, grins at Asahi.
"So, Nurse Asahi, are you ready to handle the pressure?"
Asahi laughs.
"I'm more worried about handling Natsuki."
Natsuki playfully elbows him.
"You'll be fine. We'll all stick together."
Kota, between bites of his bento, looks thoughtful.
"I wonder what kind of projects we'll get to work on as future architects."
Akiko nods.
"I hope we get to design something amazing. It's going to be challenging but fun."
Gin, quietly eating his rice bowl, looks up and adds,
"I'm looking forward to the physical training. It's going to be tough, but I think it'll be worth it."
The group nods, each lost in thoughts about their future paths. The On-the-Job Training Program promises to be a significant step towards their dreams, and they're all eager to embrace it.
As the school day progresses, the anticipation builds. The students of Class 3-A are ready to take on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, each step bringing them closer to their future selves.