image [https://i.imgur.com/dt4rryE.jpeg]
image [https://i.imgur.com/FbUP3AH.jpeg]
December 4th, 2002.
The Osaka prefecture hails the infamous Johenji High, which is notorious for its high graduate success rate. Entrance exams for universities and colleges are taking place in the coming months and all the students throughout Japan are in the hope of securing a place in these third-level institutes. In the middle of political studies, through the windows to the left of the classroom, Japan’s most popular radio channel, Osaka News tower, was in full-view accommodated by the smell of busy rush hour in the heart of Japan. All people busy trying to be the best rat in the rat race, that is.
'Majo?' ‘Here,’ 'Eri?' ‘Here,’ 'Hiro? Hiro Daisuke?' ‘Here.’ Sat in the corner of the class, window-side with the Osaka News Tower in view, was none other than the quiet, unassuming sixteen-year-old Hiro Daisuke. He’s not much of a household name; quiet, reserved and hardly ever interacting with others isn’t exactly a recipe for infamy and recognition; especially with graduation approaching this coming May. Nobody ever took much interest in him due to these characteristics, but that’s not a big deal if he doesn’t care, is it? Despite all of this, Hiro doesn't spend any more time in school than he must. The second the bell sounds, he's liable to his own leisure; a nonchalant spokesman for the quiet, indeed.
‘Akio?’ the teacher continued, ‘I most certainly am present in my full form professor dearest’. Sounds of giggles and laughter filled the room, alongside some displaced sneers and chatter. ‘You can certainly present yourself to your principal dearest if you wish, Akio,’ Miss Fujiwara replied. ‘I think imma pass on that one miss.' Akio Fuji: an outgoing socially established beneficiary of the social hierarchy and self-renowned class clown, known majorly for his short temper and simple demeanor. Between his quick-wittedness and his chemistry with fellow performer, Majo Sendo, Akio's name remains on the tongue of the public; however, Akio knows when he's reached his limit, escaping suspension miraculously throughout his tenure with Johenji High. The same cannot be said for his accomplice.
'Now, students. All yearbook quote drafts should have been submitted this morning. Whilst you may still edit them as the year progresses- and you inevitably will as you grow and change throughout this most impactful year of your life- keep in mind they must be submitted finally before the New Year. After the New Year, try to focus on doing what you can for the future you want to forge. I shouldn't say this, but your grades do, certainly, matter. Even if you don't desire a high paying job, and you intend to settle on the false promise of a fulfilling career, I can't promise that you will feel that way when you live paycheck-to-paycheck; if you do still feel that way by then, I'll happily resign from this job and travel the world in search for this so-called euphoria.' The class shuffled into a crowd of murmurs and jeers, followed by some unrelated conversations. 'So, for the sake of the world and the people that inhabit it, sacrifice these next few months so you can the next few decades in comfort. When you possess financial freedom, those close to you may leave in ease; those around you feel inspired; and those at your service may feel appreciated. Try to open your mind and see life as a stream of energy; it goes without saying, you should put good energy into this world and veto the bad, right Akio?' Noticing Akio's need for a rest before his next performance, nobody knows Akio Fuji more than Miss Fujiwara, 'what do you think Akio?' 'I...uh...I agree.' 'Oh, do you? Please, do elaborate.' 'You need energy...to get through your day; so you should get good energy from good food, like steak.' The crowd, already about to burst into laughter by the hunting of Akio, let loose any chains they still had. Sensing her control of the class being far out of her hands, Professor Fujiwara concluded: 'Sounds good to me, everybody, I know we're only a few weeks in, but I hope you can make the most of your final year...and enjoy some good steak for dinner tonight.'
As Johenji High's class of seniors prepare to compete in the upcoming entrance exams eight months from now, many more are competing to have the most aesthetic yearbook quote of all time. Some pondering for hours on end for a quote good enough to be placed in the modern museum of meme and cultural brilliance, others have resorted to searching on the new foreign search engine, "Google", to take inspiration from what the Western teenagers have written. In the middle of all this, lies Akio Fuji and Majo Sendo lost in thought as to what to write that could capture their parade throughout their time here; while others such as Hiro Daisuke and Emilia Mitsu have seemingly found little meaning behind such words. Little do these teenagers know the events that lie ahead would follow them for a lifetime, beyond a couple of words on a page.