---MC's POV---
The days turned into weeks, and before I realized it, the seasons had passed. Winter's bite softened into spring, and the school halls grew louder with restless chatter about summer and freedom. Ever since that day, I hadn't spoken about that subject again… I felt a little guilty about my words.
After everyone had visited my home, things had been awkward at first, but then I saw their effort in comforting me.
Each of them treated me no differently, but there was something deeper now, like we understood one another without speaking. They'd seen me at my lowest, and instead of pity, they gave me warmth.
Maria especially. She was always there, dragging me into new practice sessions, sneaking snacks into my bag when she thought I wasn't looking, trying so hard to fill the silence that weighed on me whenever I thought of home. Miguel had started smiling more, talking with classmates, and even helping Alex with his assignments when the idiot couldn't figure out fractions. Olivia… well, she still argued with me every other day, but her sharp words didn't sting anymore. I could tell they were her way of showing she cared.
And me? I worked harder. Every day, every class, every dish—I pushed myself. Having an opportunity to learn from a seasoned chef like Maria's uncle was not something that came around often. Although I had caught his attention before, after seeing his face twist with disappointment when he said my technique was sloppy, I knew talent alone wouldn't be enough. I had to prove myself in every possible way.
So I did.
...
The last day of the school year came faster than I expected.
The grand auditorium buzzed with life, every student seated in neat rows, dressed in their best uniforms. Banners hung from the ceiling, golden letters spelling out Annual Academic Awards Ceremony. Teachers stood along the edges, their faces proud and watchful, while parents filled the upper rows, whispering eagerly among themselves.
I sat with my group in the middle section. Maria had been fidgeting for the past ten minutes, bouncing her leg so fast I thought she might drill a hole in the floor.
"Maria, you're shaking the whole row," Olivia muttered, rolling her eyes.
"I-I can't help it, I'm nervous!" Maria whispered back.
"For what? We already know you're getting something for creativity."
"Shhh!" Maria pressed a finger to her lips, her cheeks pink.
I chuckled quietly. Some things never changed.
The director stepped up to the stage, his deep voice echoing through the hall. "Welcome, students, teachers, and parents. Today, we gather to recognize the outstanding achievements of this year's students. Each of you has worked hard, and today we honor that effort."
The applause that followed thundered against the walls.
The ceremony began with smaller awards: perfect attendance, sportsmanship, extracurricular achievements. I clapped along with everyone else, though my mind drifted. I never expected anything. Not really. In my old world, I was average. Forgettable. Why should this world be any different?
Then came the cooking categories.
Maria's name was called."Outstanding Culinary Creativity – Maria Fontinelli."
"Wha—ehhhh?!" Maria shot to her feet, nearly tripping over her chair. Her uncle, standing at the side of the stage, laughed softly and gestured for her to hurry.
Her friends—including me—erupted into cheers. Olivia actually whistled, Alex stood on his chair yelling, "THAT'S OUR CHEF MARIAAA!" while Miguel clapped so hard his hands turned red.
Maria accepted her award, glowing like the sun itself, and when she returned to her seat, she buried her face in her hands. "T-this is so embarrassing…"
"Embarrassing? You deserved it," I told her.
Her ears turned red. "Thanks… Asahi."
One by one, more students were recognized. Miguel received a commendation for his academic consistency, Olivia for her creativity in various events, even Alex got a certificate for "Leadership," which he proudly displayed like it was gold.
Finally, the director cleared his throat.
"And now… for the highest honor of the year. The Best Overall Academic Student Award. This recognition is given not only for grades, but for growth, perseverance, and the ability to excel across all areas of study."
The hall quieted, anticipation hanging thick in the air.
"This year's recipient is…"
I glanced down at my lap. Whoever it was, it wouldn't be me.
"… Asahi!"
My head snapped up.
The hall exploded in applause.
"What?!" The word slipped out of my mouth before I could stop it.
"ASAHIIIII!" Maria jumped up, cheering so loudly the entire row turned to look at her.
Olivia smiled—just a small one—but her hands clapped firmly. "Well deserved."
"YESSSSS!" Alex howled, pounding on the chair in front of him. "AS EXPECTED OF YOU!"
Even Miguel, usually so calm, grinned from ear to ear. "Congratulations, Asahi. Truly."
I rose, my legs stiff, and made my way up the stage. The director handed me a certificate sealed with the school crest.
"Asahi, your dedication and growth this year have been exemplary," he said, his voice firm and proud. "You embody the spirit of our academy."
I bowed, hands trembling as I accepted it. The lights blinded me, the applause shook the hall, and for once in both my lives, I felt… recognized for my effort.
After the ceremony, the hall spilled with laughter and chatter. Students compared awards, parents snapped photos, teachers congratulated their pupils.
Maria grabbed my arm the moment we left the stage. "See? I told you you're amazing! Best student, Asahi! BEST!"
I scratched my cheek, embarrassed. "I didn't expect it. Honestly, I thought they'd forgotten me."
"Forgotten you?!" Alex barked. "Pfffft! Impossible. You're basically a legend now!"
Olivia crossed her arms, her expression soft. "Don't let it go to your head. But… you earned it."
Miguel nodded. "It's proof of your hard work. We're proud of you, Asahi."
I looked at them—these friends who'd stood by me, who'd cheered for me louder than anyone else—and a warmth spread in my chest.
"… Thanks, everyone."
For a fleeting moment, I felt alive again.
...
That night, I walked home under the fading light of dusk, the certificate tucked safely in my bag. The streets were quiet, the air cool against my skin.
I thought of Maria's smile, of Miguel's steady words, of Olivia's rare praise, of Alex's loud cheer. I thought of the director's voice as he called my name, of the thunderous applause, of the pride swelling in my chest.
I couldn't help but think about the scholarship that came with this award. With it, I could apply and almost certainly receive it. Maybe I could take some weight off my mother's shoulders. I had promised to make it up to her by the end of school. I'd been thinking ever since that day… this should be a good surprise.
I reached my house. The windows were dark, the curtains drawn.
"Mom?" I called softly as I stepped inside.
Silence.
I set my bag down and looked around. The living room was still, the faint smell of alcohol lingering. Bottles littered the table, but nothing unusual.
"Mom?" I tried again, moving deeper into the room.
That's when I saw her.
Collapsed on the couch, her head tilted unnaturally, her chest unmoving. The glass in her hand had fallen to the carpet, soaking into the floor.
For a second, my mind refused to process it.
"… Mom?"
No answer.
I rushed forward, shaking her shoulder. "Mom! Wake up!"
Her skin was cold.
I froze, my entire body numb.
No matter how many times I blinked, she didn't move.
No matter how much I screamed, she didn't react.
That's when it hit me… my mother… was gone.