A Step Into the Unknown

As I walked near the shore, in one of the most secluded places this school hides, I stopped to reflect on everything I had experienced this year. Time really passes quickly. In the blink of an eye, I will soon be a second-year student.

I smiled at the thought. I had never taken something so seriously before. This school has something special, something I hadn't found anywhere else. However, for some reason, that spark that ignited my interest at the beginning of the year seemed to be fading slowly. Perhaps because the gap between my class and the others is now almost insurmountable. When you no longer feel that pressure, that tension pushing you to improve constantly, it's easy to lose motivation. And that's exactly what was happening to me.

I thought about my previous schools. At first, it was always exciting to meet new people, interact, explore activities I had never tried before. But once everything turned into routine, I would distance myself. Somehow, people stopped surprising me, and I would disconnect. Here, that cycle seemed to be repeating, although this time... it felt different.

For a moment, I considered something that would have sounded unthinkable to anyone who knew me: leaving the school. Yes, I thought about walking away from it all. The competition against the other classes no longer has the same appeal. Even if I stopped participating actively and let Honami lead completely, I'm sure she would handle it. She would learn from her mistakes and grow with every experience. But leaving... wasn't that simple.

There were reasons keeping me here. The first was Anri. She made me promise that I would give my best at this school, that I wouldn't give up. And, so far, I have kept that promise. Leaving would betray her, something I couldn't bear.

The second reason was Honami. Since we cleared up what we felt for each other, something inside me changed. Is this love? I'm not sure. But what I do know is that I like being by her side. I enjoy seeing her smile, sharing moments, going out together. I want to understand more about this feeling. I want to deepen it, explore everything it involves.

And the third reason... is Nagumo. That annoying student has created a toxic environment, and my intention is to put an end to it. Not now, but at the start of next year. I want Honami to gain more influence, for her to be seen as the natural leader she is, so that when I expel Nagumo, she can take his place as the perfect president of the student council.

For these reasons, I can't leave. I don't want to leave behind the friends I've made here either. They've been the closest I've had in a long time. People with whom I can be myself, without pretensions or barriers.

As the sea breeze caressed my face and the sound of the waves filled the air, I felt a strange calm. My reasons are clear. Perhaps that spark has weakened, but there is still something worth fighting for. There are still reasons to stay and keep moving forward.

...

Sitting on a weathered wooden bench, I watched the sunset over the sea. The sky, painted in shades of orange and purple, seemed like an infinite canvas stretching beyond the horizon. The wind blew gently, making my long hair move lightly, as if it too was enjoying the tranquility of the moment. The year-end exam had ended, and with our victory secured, my classmates had eagerly dived into organizing the celebration.

Tonight would be a small, impromptu party, something simple. However, the big celebration was scheduled for tomorrow. They had talked about getting a classroom, decorating it, and filling the space with activities, karaoke, food, and laughter. It was a lively class, full of life, and the collective effort had brought us closer than ever.

But why wasn't I with them? Sometimes, I needed time for myself, a space to reflect. And, besides, there was something else to attend to this afternoon.

—Kayden, I'm sorry, I'm late—Honami said, approaching quickly, a little out of breath. Her cheeks were slightly flushed, and her breathing was quick. She sat beside me with a smile—. The girls won't stop talking.

—It's fine— I replied, returning her smile—. It's normal for everyone to be so happy.

—Yes, they're so happy with the result of the exam. That their efforts paid off in the end is something that fills us all with pride— she said, looking at the sea, her voice softening with a touch of nostalgia.

—And they'll keep improving— I added, firmly.

—That's true, all thanks to you— she said, turning to look at me.

I shook my head. —It's not just my merit. They also succeeded because they didn't doubt me, because they believed in their own abilities.

Honami smiled, that warm and sincere smile that seemed to light up any place. —Well, with the results we've had all year thanks to you, it would be strange if anyone in the class didn't trust you, you know?

I shrugged, letting out a soft laugh. —Maybe that's true.

She tilted her head slightly, her eyes reflecting a mix of curiosity and tenderness. —So, Kayden, why did you call me here? This place is far from where the others are.

I looked toward the horizon, watching as the sun began to sink into the sea, leaving behind a golden trail dancing over the waves. —I hadn't told you, but this is my special place. Whenever I want to be alone, I come here. It's where I can relax, think...

Honami looked around, nodding softly. —Really? Well, it makes sense. It's a beautiful place, and even more so now, with this sunset.

Her voice faded as she contemplated the landscape. In that moment, the silence between us wasn't uncomfortable; it was more like words were unnecessary. The breeze surrounded us, carrying with it the calm of the ocean.

Finally, I broke the silence, my voice barely a whisper. —I called you here because I wanted to share it with you. This place means a lot to me, and I think you deserve to know it.

Honami looked at me, her eyes shining with a mixture of gratitude and something I couldn't quite identify.

—Thank you for sharing it with me, Kayden. It's as special a place as you are.

Her words resonated within me. I kept watching her for a moment, feeling that this was the right time. There was no room for doubt or nervousness; I knew what I wanted and what I felt.

—Honami, this place... — I began, gently intertwining my fingers with hers—, it's important to me because it allows me to think clearly. But today, it makes it even more special because you're here with me.

She blinked, surprised by my gesture, and a slight smile curved her lips. —Kayden?

I took a deep breath and continued calmly. —Since I arrived at this school, I thought my life here would be like always: distant, disconnected from others. But then you appeared. Your kindness, your way of caring for everyone, your smile... everything about you made me want to try harder, to be closer.

Honami was now looking at me attentively, her expression shifting from surprise to something deeper. Her cheeks began to take on a soft pink hue, but she didn't look away.

"At first, I didn't understand what I was feeling," I continued, my voice steady. "But now I'm sure. Being with you makes me feel something I've never experienced before. I want to spend more time with you, get to know you even more. I want our relationship to go beyond this."

A light breeze passed, making her hair move gracefully. Her gaze wavered slightly, and then, with a sigh, she spoke.

"Kayden, I... wasn't expecting this," she said, letting out a nervous laugh as she briefly lowered her gaze. "But I must admit, I've thought about you, about us. You're someone special, someone I've always trusted."

She raised her eyes to mine again, and this time, her pupils were shining with emotion. "It makes me happy to know you feel that way. And... I also want to spend more time with you, get to know you even more."

I smiled, gently squeezing her hand. "So, do you accept? Do you want to be my girlfriend?"

Honami looked directly at me, her expression now fully illuminated with a mix of happiness and tenderness. She nodded firmly.

"Yes, Kayden. I want to."

We both smiled, and in that moment, everything else seemed to fade away. The sound of the sea, the whisper of the wind, even the distant chatter of our classmates... everything fell into the background.

Without saying anything, I slowly leaned in, keeping my gaze locked with hers. I could see the blush spreading across her cheeks, and although her hands trembled slightly in mine, she didn't pull away.

Carefully, I lifted a hand and brushed aside a strand of her hair that the wind had carried to her face. Honami closed her eyes for a moment, her breathing becoming deeper, but she remained still, trusting me completely.

I closed the distance between us, leaning in until our lips met in a soft and delicate kiss. I felt her nervousness in that first instant, a slight rigidity that soon gave way to a shy reciprocation. Her warmth, her fragrance, everything in that moment was perfect.

When we parted, the world still felt distant, as if only the two of us existed under the sky tinged by the sunset.

We stayed silent, looking at each other under the sky now turning deep orange, with the sun slowly sinking into the horizon. Honami smiled, still with a faint blush on her cheeks, while our hands remained intertwined.

In that moment, I understood that this was just the beginning of something much greater between us.

With one last glance at the sea, I stood up, helping her to her feet.

"Let's go back to the others," I said softly.

She nodded, and together we walked toward where our classmates were waiting, leaving behind that special place, but carrying with us the memory of that unique moment that would be ours forever.

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Final points for the first year after the special exam:

Class A (Kayden): 2,519 points ▲ (+310).

Class B (Sakayanagi): 454 points ▼ (-210).

Class C (Horikita): 601 points ▲ (+220).

Class D (Ryuuen): 182 points ▼ (-90).

Horikita's Class C managed to defeat Ryuuen's Class D with a close 4-3 victory in the final exam. 

And with that, we officially wrap up the first year!