The school bell rang, signaling the end of the last day of school.
When it did, a black haired girl quietly got up from her seat and packed up her things.
Her blue eyes shone, not because of her mood, but simply because that's who she was.
That girl's name was Nishimoya.
'I can't believe school is over already! It went by in a flash…'
With the school year over, it was officially summer break. Of course, Nishimoya's parents would still drown her in studying.
'At least there won't be any studying today…I think.'
Leaving the classroom, Nishimoya began to leave the school. And as she walked, she began to reflect on her time at Laxus Flare.
'I learned so much! Not just academics, but romance and games too.'
"Hey Nishimoya!" A girl greeted her cheerfully.
She had tanned skin and dark brown hair and wore a modified version of the school uniform.
"Hey Amy!" Nishimoya greeted..
Amy was a friend Nishimoya made in English class back in the beginning of the school year.
Even though Nishimoya wasn't particularly popular, she still had considerably more friends than when she was in elementary school.
'Back then, I had no time for friends. Those days were pretty empty.'
Fortunately, Nishimoya would never have those days again.
"I'm so excited for summer! After all the work this school has drowned us in, we deserve a break!" Amy declared brashly.
"Definitely. This school year has been a lot."
'Even so, I had a great time.'
Nishimoya's joy whispered softly in the depths of her mind.
"Well, I'll see you later. You have my number so make sure to text!"
Amy quickly ran away, waving goodbye as she did.
"Bye."
With that, Nishimoya continued to walk and before long, she exited the school building.
And what met her, was the beauty of spring.
The sun gleamed down, illuminating the world. Buildings stood tall, the leaves of trees swayed, and the streets were filled with people.
Seeing that view, all the tightness of Nishimoya's muscles gradually faded.
She didn't know what she wanted to do.
But she knew one thing.
'I don't want to go home.'
And so she began to wander around. She walked from street to street, taking in the sights.
Perhaps she should've gone home. Perhaps her parents would get upset.
Yet, for once, she didn't care.
'Being out here is amazing…'
Birds chirped. Flowers bloomed.
And Nishimoya was sparkling.
There was nothing she had to do. Nowhere she had to go.
So she continued to walk and walk, observing the world around her.
Some people were giggling, others were frowning.
Others were doing things she couldn't quite understand yet.
Even so, she had the choice to look at those people. The choice to be exposed.
'Hm?'
Suddenly, Nishimoya stopped in her tracks.
In the corner of her eye, she spotted a park. It was empty, with only a few slides and swings.
But in that park, a black haired boy stayed all alone.
He had a soccer ball and kicked it against a wall, over and over.
Once, twice, thrice, he kept kicking.
When the ball rolled away, he ran for it and began kicking again.
'What? Why is he so obsessed with kicking?'
The boy's eyes were focused and determined, yet filled with boredom.
Not a single one of his kicks held an ounce of love.
"Um, hi. Are you okay?"
Without even realizing it, Nishimoya had entered the park and sparked a conversation with the boy.
"Yes."
Frowning at the boy's short response, Nishimoya questioned further.
"Where's your parents?"
"At work."
"Why are you kicking that ball?"
"Because I have to."
"Why?"
"Because I was told to."
"By who?"
The boy, for the first time, stopped kicking and looked at Nishimoya.
"Father says I have to. I need to play like him. I need to play better than him."
Nishimoya's eyes widened and she trembled slightly.
At that very moment, she realized something.
'He's like me.'
In that park, two people stood.
And both were the same as the other.
They had to work. They had to persevere. All for a dream that wasn't theirs. All for a goal that wasn't theirs.
I don't want to study.
I don't want to play soccer.
Those were the thoughts she knew they had.
A doctor or lawyer.
That's the type of job Nishimoya was expected to get.
The types of things she was expected to do.
'Why..'
Nishimoya clenched her fist so hard that her nails left imprints on her palm.
Then, with a shaky breath she spoke.
"You don't have to play soccer."
"But father said…"
"I know."
Nishimoya smiled. A small smile, but a strong one nonetheless.
"Trust me, I know."
"Do you have to play soccer to, miss?"
She shook her head.
"No. But I have to do something too."
"Then why don't you understand? I have…"
"One day, in the future, you won't have to play anymore."
The boy went quiet, not knowing what to say.
He only listened to Nishimoya's words.
"Bit by bit, we'll break away from those roles. We'll escape them. And one day, we'll be free. You'll be able to do anything you want."
The boy's eyes seemed to sparkle hearing that, and he hesitated slightly.
"Really, miss? Do you mean it?"
"Yes."
"Do you promise, miss?"
Freedom.
One day, Nishimoya was going to be free.
She was going to be who she wanted.
She was going to do what she wanted.
She was going to be…herself.
"Yes.." she said.
"..I promise."