Part 4

It was close to 11 pm, so it was about time to turn off the lights.

Kitou stood up silently and headed down the hallway, grabbing several magazines he had borrowed.

"He's been reading magazines for a long time while he's in the room, huh?" I guess he likes to read.

Unlike me and Hiyori, he doesn't seem to be the type to read books from the library.

A new magazine is held in the hands of Kitou who returned a few minutes later.

He must want to read it immediately when he wakes up in the morning.

The magazines Kitou reads strongly reflect his personal tastes, and most of them are what one would call fashion magazines.

"Will you let me read it a little bit?"

I thought he would just tell me to go get one myself, but Kitou silently put the magazine on the table. Does this mean that I can read it as I please?

I decided to read the magazine for a little more than 10 minutes before the lights went out.

It features fashionable clothes, accessories, and more.

Honestly, I don't understand much of the significance of the magazine's photos or the content of its articles.

However, I only knew that Kitou had strong feelings for the magazine.

Kitou's outfit, which may seem eccentric in its fashion, was a reflection of his own sense of style and thought.

It would have been expected if Ryuen, who often fights with Kitou, would have said that the topic was boring, but no such words of criticism were exchanged.

Soon it was lights out, and we darkened the room and went to bed.

For a while, I looked up at the ceiling quietly, and my sight gradually became accustomed to the darkness.

I don't think everyone is asleep yet, but I wonder what they are thinking.

Then, Watanabe started talking.

"We'll be in our third year of high school in half a year, right? Even as we compete for the A class, we still have to think about the future and think about going to school, getting a job, etc. I still can't imagine myself after high school. I don't want to do anything in particular either. What about you, Ayanokoji-kun?"

"University, I suppose. However, I haven't decided on a specific university yet." I'll talk about the goals that would be the safest to let them know of.

"Kitou?"

Watanabe was not confident that he would get an answer, but he did not hesitate to ask.

"...I'm going to be a fashion designer"

"Huh!?"

Watanabe was doubly surprised as he did not expect to be answered and by the content of the answer.

"Surprised, right? I know that. I can't imagine it looking from the outside."

"No, no, well... that's hard to say, but yes..."

However, it is easy to understand when you think about Kitou's sense of personal clothing and the contents of the magazines he reads.

"Heh-heh, I think Watanabe would have been more convinced if Kitou said that he wanted to become a killer."

I was worried that Kitou might get angry again at Ryuen for his interruption, but no action was taken.

"Don't worry about it, Kitou. Ryuen always says things like that, so."

Watanabe tried to follow up, but Kitou really didn't look like he cared.

"I'm used to it. Most people are surprised and not convinced when I tell them my dreams.

Even if I aim for that path, I don't think it will be accepted."

There should be no prejudice, but it does exist in this world.

For the tough looking Kitou, the hurdle to pursue some professions may be naturally high. "But it doesn't matter if I graduate in A class. I can dive into the world without question.

Once I dive in, all I have to do is silence those around me with my skills."

It seems that breaking through the first entrance would be the most difficult thing for Kitou to do.

"You're really thinking about the future, huh... No, it's great, you have a proper dream."

Watanabe was surprised, but he was inspired and praised Kitou who had firmer thinking than himself.

Children grow old whether they like it or not, and have to become a part of society.

It's the same for Watanabe, who doesn't have a goal, and Ryuen, who doesn't talk about it.

"Umm, I don't know why I asked, but... I don't know what to say now that I know." Watanabe muttered in a bitter voice as he turned to the ceiling.

"We're all in different classes here, aren't we? So, normally, only one out of four students can graduate in A class. I'm assuming you have a dream you want to achieve, but if you take that seat, someone else can't... it's complicated."

Classmates can share their dreams with each other.

But you can't share your dreams with your rivals. That's how this school works.

Some laugh, others weep.

I wonder if spending an evening with other students of the same age would lead to this kind of conversation.

It was a night that reminded me of the time I spent talking with Keisei and the others at last year's training camp.