*“What is meant by a fulfilled life?” Satoshi Sugimoto pondered as he opened his eyes to the soft morning light filtering through his curtains. It was a question that had lingered in his mind for years, yet an answer always seemed just out of reach. Today, however, the thought felt particularly pressing—it was the first day of his new high school life.*

*"Well, author-san, those are my everyday thoughts."*

*"Oh yeah, you’re right, Satoshi-kun."*

*"Yeah, yeah, whatever. Let’s stop breaking the fourth wall right from the get-go."*

*"Alright."*

*Satoshi shook off his musings, suddenly remembering the importance of the day. The realization hit him like a splash of cold water—he was about to be late.*

*“Satoshi, get up already, or you’ll be late on your first day of high school!” his mother’s voice called from downstairs.*

*“Alright, Mom!”*

This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

*‘Geez, it’s already 7:00. I better hurry up,’ Satoshi thought as he quickly got dressed and headed down for breakfast.*

*“Satoshi, have you taken everything? Don’t forget anything on your first day, alright?” his mother reminded him, her tone a mix of concern and affection.*

*“Yeah, yeah, Mom, I’m not a kid anymore. I’m 15 already—you don’t have to worry so much.”*

*“Would you look at that? My little boy’s getting angry with me, even though I still do so much for him every day,” his mother teased, pretending to wipe away a tear.*

*“Stop with the fake tears, Mom. I know you’re acting.”*

*“Hehe, caught me right away.”*

*“Whose son do you think I am?”*

*“Well, well, would you look at that, Dad? Our Satoshi’s getting better with his words these days,” his mother said with a smile.*

*“Ha ha, you’re right, Mom. Our little boy’s growing up fast,” his father chimed in.*

*“Geez, stop it, you two. Don’t you both have to get to work? You should hurry up.”*

*Satoshi’s parents exchanged amused looks but nodded in agreement. The three of them shared a quick breakfast, their familiar morning routine filled with lighthearted banter.*

*“Mom, Dad, I’m heading out now.”*

*“You’ve got everything, right?” his mother asked one last time.*

*“Yeah, yeah.”*

*“Okay, have a great first day!” Without warning, his mother pulled him into a tight hug, her warmth and love enveloping him.*

*“Geez, Mom, you don’t have to do this. I’m a high school student now, you know.”*

*“I know, dear, but to me, you’ll always be my little kiddo,” she said softly.*

*Satoshi, though embarrassed, couldn’t help but smile and return the hug. It was moments like these that reminded him how much his family meant to him.*

*“Okay, I’m off. Bye!”*

*“Bye!” his parents echoed as he stepped out the door, the early morning air greeting him.*

*As Satoshi Sugimoto walked to school, the thought that had been on his mind that morning returned. What is a fulfilled life? Perhaps today, like every other day, would bring him a little closer to finding out.*