Out of the Ordinary by Eruanna17

Chapter 14: Gokusen's Graduation

Chapter Fourteen! Who would have thought we'd make it this far?

So, this is the second part of the graduation special, and thus, the official end of the drama. But not for me! I'll be writing at least two more chapters about what happens after Shin returns from Africa, because, let's face it, we never got the closure that us ShinKumi people deserved.

Notes:

If a student fails the standardized test, or doesn't get into the college they wanted, they can either accept admission somewhere else, forgo a college education and seek employment, or wait until the next year to retake the tests. Students who don't pass are called ronin, which literally means 'masterless samurai', or one who wanders. The term is used because students have no school to attend, in the same way that a masterless samurai has no leader to serve. (Like Kenshin! Anyone else seen the trailer for the live action version coming out in July? So awesome!)

I based the charity that Shin works with on an actual organization called 'Building Schools for Africa'. Their goal is to ensure every child in Africa has a primary education by 2015. They've built 37 schools so far, mostly in Cameroon, and also provide clean drinking water and working latrines to improve the kids' health. They involve the community in the projects so that the parents and people nearby are invested in building and maintaining the school, as well as teach the kids real life skills they can use to earn money, such as sewing or carpentry. If you want to learn more or donate, their website is schoolsforafrica dot co dot uk.

(Also, I apologize for the angstyness of this episode. It's apparently not a special without lots of shouting and crying. I'll try and keep it to a minimum.)

It's been an awesome journey, and be sure to stay tuned for more! So please read, enjoy, and review with your thoughts or questions!

Shin sighed. There were only five days before graduation, and the seniors had one last class to hear the results of everyone's university exams. The results weighed heavily on everyone's mind, including the Vice Principal's, who had commanded Shin to come see him so they could 'talk'. He rolled his eyes. No prizes for guessing what Head Teacher wanted to discuss. He sauntered into the teacher's lounge, trying just to get it over with.

"Ah! Sawada!" Yankumi, who was sitting next to Vice Principal Sawatari, asked in surprise. "What's up?"

"I summoned him," Head Teacher said smugly. "Sawada, have you decided? Waseda or Keio?"

He sighed. "Not yet."

The Vice Principal mimicked him. "Not yet." He raised his eyebrow at Shin. "Decide as soon as possible."

Shin rolled his eyes and walked away.

"Hey, Sawada!" Yankumi grabbed his shoulder and leaned in as if she was telling a secret. "If you can't decide, you can talk to me anytime." She beamed widely at him.

"Sure…" He mumbled, then headed for the door. Halfway there, he paused and looked back.

"You know, I…" He started.

"Hmm? What is it, Sawada?" She was still beaming at him.

"I…"

I what? I don't know where to go? I don't know what to choose? I don't want to go to either one? I want do something different, but I don't think I can? I think about you all the time? I love you?