A Warm Place

Extra V

The Young Girl's Feelings Towards Her ＊1

I open my eyes, and I faintly see that my classmates are in the middle of preparing their bags to return home.

I raise my body from my desk and look outside the window while rubbing my blurry eyes. Before I know it, the sky is already tinged with red. I can hear the yells from the courtyard, or to be specific, from the students who are devoting themselves to their club activities.

...It seems that school's been over when I was asleep. I think I remember listening to the lessons up to the fifth period, but I have no memories of what happened afterward. It seems that I've completely fallen asleep.

One of these days, I might receive a much obligated sermon from one of the teachers. Thinking about it deflates my spirits. Although, I guess it's my own fault for dozing off like that. I stretch my whole body, and I cover my mouth as I make a yawn.

(Sensei could've woken me up or something.)

My seat is next to the window, a perfect spot for the sun to shine on. It feels pleasant and warm, which makes me drowsy every time. I mentioned that to the teacher last time when I got summoned for dozing off in class, but I got scolded and my cheek lightly pinched.

People might not believe me, but I'm doing my best to stay awake every day. But, the Sandman has always been my weakness since forever. I can't seem to oppose it no matter what. Even though I turn in early, I can't wake up in the morning, and I still feel sleepy in class. I wonder why.

"Hayase."

When I'm cramming everything from inside my desk into my bag, a girl (my classmate) approaches my seat.

"Good morning to you- Slept well?"
"Why didn't you wake me up if school's already over?"
"You looked like you were sleeping so pleasantly, you know. Even Sensei hesitated to wake you up."

Hey... it's good that I managed to wake up when it's time for us students to go home. But what are you gonna do if I happen to wake up in the middle of the night instead? She ignores my grumbling and proceeds to pull the seat next to me and sit down. Then, she shows an ominous grin as she produces a printout. I wonder what's up as I receive it in my hand. I skim over the piece of paper, and I see that it's the so-called career survey. There are three fields under the instructions for me to write my future choices in.

"Sensei told us that we need to submit it by next week."
"Future choices, eh..."

The paper makes a rustling sound as I wave it around before placing it on my desk. I've already reached the period where I must think about my future course, and it makes me feel a little lonely. Although, since I'm still in my second year, I still have much time ahead of me... But on the other hand, it's just a matter of time.

"Hayase, you're going to the university, aren't you? With how smart you are, so you must be aiming for a national university or something."
"Nah, a national university is impossible for me... Besides, I haven't decided yet if I will go to a university or not."
"Eh? You won't?! What a waste!"
"Like I said, I haven't decided yet. I haven't properly thought about it."

Although, it's not that I haven't thought about my future careers at all. It's more of a matter of feelings, I don't know what is it that I want to pursue. I may have a vague idea about it, I can't seem to clearly put it in words. I don't need to hurry just yet, but not having a vision of the future makes me feel a bit anxious.

"Heeh~ That's surprising. Here I thought you had finished working out your life plan all the way till old age. I really didn't expect you to be the one who hasn't decided on your career plans."
"What kind of person do you think I am?"
"I mean, Hayase, you may look childish at a glance, but you have this aura around you that makes me feel like I'm facing an adult... or should I say, a person who's old in the inside."
"What... did you say...?"
"Sorry, my bad. I'm just messing with you."