Time before the graduation ceremony:

3 hours and 48 minutes.

‹Rin›

I have slept for about eight hours, and guess what I'm doing right now.

…

There is something really weird in Gin's room now that I think about it. It has been a while since he reinforced all of his windows with the AMM, meaning that it is pretty much arguably indestructible by modern day's standards. On the other hand, he is yet to make his roof a panel of projectile-proof solar cells.

But that is not the topic at hand.

With sturdy windows like that, of course you would expect that it will be secured and very difficult to open from its lock which is definitely the case.

Flying apples, I love elaborating.

See this, I can say personally that throwing a grenade on his window won't make a dent or even a hole, so why am I able to open it every time I attempt to? Am I actually born an explosive? What is this, are his windows "Rin-only entrance" because he knew that this is my fastest route to his house? Are they secretly supported with biometrics?

ಠ_ಠ

At least just for this time, I'm taking a page from Gin's book. I know I'm not capable of utilizing his kind of minimal exposure, but I am at least confident that I am able to move without a sound and I am also sure that his windows are too quiet for sliding ones.

It is only six in the morning, so there is no surprise that my ears are ringing from the silence while I slowly move and lift up his window. I immediately stepped down from his desk and made sure that he is still asleep.

Gin may have heightened senses, but he is still an idiot in the end.

In the maintained silence, I closed the window shut and locked. But as I turned around, I forgot that my opponent is not the same non-human as Potato. It didn't cross my mind that cats also have great senses.

"Meow," Haku weekly let out while looking at my massacre of a bedhead. "(Ringo-ojou… What are you trying to do?)"

Not even a question mark appeared on my head. It's a no-brainer that I definitely can't understand what Haku is supposed to be saying when he meows, and the only thing I can give him is a straight face with an emotionless head tilt.

…

"Nyaa~ Wake up Potato or whatever Haku calls you. Ringo-ojou wants you to fix your hair. Nyaa~"

And I suddenly face myself playing with Haku's feet while I press his paws on Gin's sleeping face. When the cat heard all of what sounded like flippancy to him, he shot a very unconvinced glare towards me and let out a rather angry noise.

"Meow. (I'm considering this as a mockery, but it's frustrating that you actually guessed how I address you.)"

How is even a cat sigh done?

Nonetheless, Haku raised his very safe claws and slid them on his housemate's cheek which made Gin's right eye open in blue.

"Tuuueeeee…?!"

"Meow. (Blame everything from Ojou, Aruji. If you were awake, you would find her cute when she was dubbing me.)"

"I don't know if you're mad or if you're praising her. Can't easily hate this lovely lady, huh?"

He stared at the cat with slit-eyes while my eyes found it very adorable that his hair that has a very small gradient of gray on its ends is just as messy as mine.

"Rin, however you tried to speak in behalf of Haku, can you repeat them word for word to make my day?"

"…

Can I borrow your shower, Potato?"

"Use the bathroom downstairs. Social distancing may have ended quickly because of Kagetora but that doesn't mean I'll let my life be taken by your dad. Naivety already made me learn a lesson!"

You might want to refer to the first chapter if you want to know what he's talking about. But no, he didn’t take 92 chapters to at least be this strict now.

“Alright! Last to finish in the bath will have to make breakfast!”

“Do you realize that you’re in a great disadvantage here, Rin?”

“Shall I take that as you making an excuse and you actually just want me to make breakfast for today?”

“Yes.”

“Then please make the coffee for us.”

~ ~ ~

Isn’t a boyfriend that can do your hair quite convenient?

“Did you bring your hairpin with you?”

“Yup!”

“Hahh… Do you remember when I pranked you two years ago?”

“Seriously… how can you be so good at doing disguises, Seijirou?”

“Ahahaha. So you still remember my gag.”

“Meow. (I don’t know what would have happened to me if your foot actually hit me that time, Aruji.)”

“Right… I guess I really haven’t apologized to you for that. Well, at least you dodged.”

“Meow. (I’m still more of a cat than you, Aruji.)”

“Yes, sensei.”

“Oh, right. What are you actually going to wear, Potato?”

“It’s just isn’t practical to buy a new set of clothes. Not like a lot of people will recognize my wedding attire on Hiro’s, right?”

“What, are you also going to rock your maroon necktie with you?”

“I guess. Don’t expect me to wear a brooch, okay?

What about you, though?”

“It’s not so much like a maroon, but a dark red long sleeves and a black skirt.”

“Wha… I can’t believe I’m hearing that from you.”

“Should I wear a blazer?”

“You really should. I’d suggest a brown one if it will work well with the dark red. And please tell me that your skirt is until down below your knees.”

Yep, this guy is strict.

“By the way, I’m going to school quite early. It seems like Jean has something to talk with me personally.”

“I see. I’ll be going with Mom and Dad so we’ll be there before the program starts.”

"Sure. By the way, today is a Friday, right?"

"Yeah?"

"Do you have any plans after the program?"

"Not really. I'll just be in our house later. I guess that's how I'll be for the next two months before I go to CCI."

"I'll make a big dinner later, then."

"Don't tell me that you'll go shopping with such a formal attire…"

"I will serve as an inspiration to the men who aspire to be a househusband."

"Potato, not one man wants to have that as an occupation. You're pretty much saying it is for unemployed husbands."

"Hey, don't be judgmental. It's basically a great talent to be able to master home cooking.

Besides, I'm a secret enemy of housewives while I am employed."

"You sure love dubbing yourself like that, huh," I snickered.

"O-kay. That does it for your hair. Don't you dare be late to the last time you'll enter the school as a high school student."

"Mhm. See you later!"

With my forehead making its appearance once again, I left the house without a hint of silence.

"…"

"Meow. (Aruji, Ringo-ojou has already left and you're still smirking.)"

"Kinda convenient that I'm capable of doing her hair, huh?"

"Meow? (What?)"

"Sorry, that was a strange thing to ask."

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

"Meow. (I'm not Eren, Aruji. I know what you’re talking about.)"

~ ~ ~

It hasn't been a few minutes since Gin arrived in the school which was undeniably early with how silent the school was.

"Gin?"

While Gin was catching his breath from jumping poles with a loose necktie and a blazer on his arm, he heard Tenth's voice coming from the entrance of the office. In the same manner, he also had his coat hanged on his right arm.

"I know you're not someone who gets his schedule wrong. You're really early, Gin."

"Oh, Tenth. Did Jean arrive already?"

"I don't know… I saw someone who is on his attire walking around earlier. Maybe that's him?"

"I see. Guess I'll see you later, Tenth."

"You're finally graduating from my school."

"Ahahaha. I get what you mean."

…

There was already a person sitting very near from the entrance of the school gymnasium that is watching the pending preparations when Gin entered the space. Suddenly, some object was approaching him fast in midair, which he caught perfectly, needless to say.

He turned to the person who threw a cold bottle of water at him and smiled.

"Are those the fruits of your salary for two months, Jean?"

"I'm surprised you guessed it right."

Jean was sitting on a bench with cross legs as he met with the man he wanted to talk to. He then stood, revealing his almost all-brown attire, counting his black slacks out. He then made a firm handshake.

"Congratulations on graduating, Gin."

"In advance.

Is Ai-san going to come here?"

"She said that she'll come with my parents. I don't know what's the deal with that, though."

"So. What is it that you want to talk about?"

"No surprise that you're going right at that point.

I guess I really haven't told you guys about the things going on with me."

Gin observed after those words. He had not sensed any hint of sadness, and in contrast, his smile was beaming with contentment if not necessarily delight.

Jean however is as if telling Gin that there is some kind of a piece missing in the puzzle, which he can't identify at all. But he did not wait for Gin's deduction and decisively spoke.

"We have different reasons, but just like you, I won't be pursuing more years of education."

"Hm."

"It was a hard decision to make while I talk about it with my family. Of course it will leave a bad taste on society's eyes especially when I'm pursuing to have a relationship and even be a wearer of a ring in the future.

But I realized how heavy one's responsibility in a family when my brother wasn't around. I'm already employed and I am quite happy that I'm doing well as a chef in my still green days. To be honest, my argument is quite simple although maybe unacceptable: why would I pursue higher education if I already have a job where I am applying what I have learned?"

"We're on the same page."

"So yeah. I just wanted to let you know about that since you're the one who helped me the most to find what I really want. I'm really grateful to you for that."

"Haha. You sound like we're parting ways when we'll actually see our faces at work tomorrow. Hey, more hours means higher pay. But I quite understand why the boss won't raise your wage anytime soon."

"That's because I still live with my parents, right?"

"Yeah. But I'll be open for help as your senior if ever you need to ask how difficult it is to live self-sufficiently."

"I still don't know about that."

"Anyway, I'm with you in your decision. What's the last thing you'd want to do is regret it, alright?"

"I understand."

Two fists collided.

~ ~ ~

‹Gin›

I have just realized. This might be the first and last time that I will be graduating; while technically I received my diploma in junior high. I guess as you get older you don't get to do those stupid stunts like pretending to be a guest and your girlfriend's cousin just to hide the fact that you need to hide your broken arms who got wrecked by a notorious person in the underworld.

Abnormal as I am, I'm not really restricted from that word, which I have most likely said in the past. I guess it really is normal to feel that beyond adolescence is not as bright as one's youth since they have to be aware of the society and the various systems just to survive everyday.

For those who are part of the normalcy inside this building, perhaps they are thinking that after this graduation is a new step, an entrance to a difficult world, or some may simply be worried with what lies ahead in the future.

That is, without a doubt, the usual approach. But I would assert that there is at least one in one hundred thousand people of my age with a similar circumstance as mine. The only difference could possibly very is the way of thinking and worldview. If anything, I wish them well.

"Um, Gin? I've been hearing a few meows for a while now."

"Huh?"

On the stage, there gallantly sat a cat that is being pampered by the people around.

"Sorry, but you won't be on the picture, Haku~!"

…

Moving on, most of the people inside this academic institution agree that graduation rites here is plenty scarce and rather lacks speciality. It is a very down to earth gathering, or more accurately, down under earth, as this school is being ran by a humble animal with a few animal students in it.

Forgotten history says that we Exiles were once called like that for a while.

Lacking speciality indeed. Names of the second year students are called one by one in an alphabetical order per department. We walked on to the stage as we received our diploma and back to our seat anew. The guest speaker from NED gave his speech in front of everyone, and then for a very small recognition comes.

Calling it awards is an overstatement. It is down to its core just giving a certificate of recognition which even an honors-phobic like Aomine Sanshoin would not refuse.

And I can't believe that we are graduating as the "triumvirate" of CA, disregarding a lot of its definition.

But it really is easy to forget that this batch is the first in history of anything to graduate with this very specific system.

To be honest, the only part of this program that I'm only interested with is the principal's closing speech.

"Hello, sound check.

…

Once again, a pleasant morning to each and every one of you. May we give our graduates a sounding applause for having their great endeavor concluded?

Right. Hello to that one Exile that has graduated today."

Tenth is already off to a good start, huh.

"To be very honest, I'm quite sad that he might be the first and last Exile to graduate in this school. But I am not really stuck with that closure as no one knows what kind of change will happen again.

But with that out of the way, I am sincerely overjoyed specifically to this year as I have proven that the system I have established is functioning well despite its undeniable criticism. Here, I speak in front of the graduates that accepted the… somewhat questionable terms of this school, considering the society's current standards.

But I have no regrets. This is how I envisioned this school and its population, and now we are seeing the results come to fruition. It is not me who gained the achievement, but my dear students.

I hope that you will be able to carry what you have learned here to whatever path you will take in the future. Congratulations to all the graduates, and I shall see you all in a tomorrow with content smiles.

One small step does not mean that it can change something big. But I am very happy that even a few hundred out of millions in this country believed in what we can do."

Our seats are arranged alphabetically from our last name, and I was of course situated on quite a distance from the stage. But I saw those gray eyes clearly look at me with a confident smile.

I was suddenly reminded of Hiro and myself. I just didn't realize that the two of us have taken a very small step.

I swung my arm until it was only a blur and shot a white cloth flying towards Tenth. It seems that I was actually right with my hunch.

He wore the white mask and expectedly enough, it caused quite a shocking scene.

"Have a good day to you all."

He then bowed and stepped back, prompting the conclusion of the ceremony.

"Hahh… The horizon is too vast, Tenth."

~ ~ ~

Not long after the program ended, Marcel immediately approached Kaizo who was talking with Ichika in the middle of the crowd.

"Marcel-san."

"Hey. I guess that seeing each other won't be easy after this. With this, your term with me will end, right?"

"Yes. This is the scope of what we have agreed upon the company's consensus."

"Well, what can I say? I've never expected that something like this would happen to me. I realized… maybe if not because of your help, frankly I might be gone already or I may have done what Marcus did in the past.

I can't find the words to properly express my gratitude to do, Ryuuya-san. Thank you for leading me to this path."

"You are welcome, Marcel-san. This is what my job ought to be, but I'm personally delighted that I was able to do give someone an opportunity to have a proper path to take.

Thank you for graciously giving us your cooperation, and I will be sure to also thank Marcus-san after this."

"This won't happen because of him, huh?

Anyway, do I at least earn a seat on your wedding whenever it may be?"

"Ahahaha… We will give you an invitation."

Marcel was casually looking with his still thankful eyes that helped him the most with his change. But in the corner of his eyes, he saw an unexpected sight beside the man in front of him.

"Woah, look at that. I sure am not seeing the usually energetic Mitsumi-san right now."

"…"

"Are you seriously being teased by this kid, Ichika?"

"A kid… Right…"

"Kaizo~!"

"Oh, Gin. Congratulations on graduating."

"Congratulations to you too.

So, are you going to fly back to Kyoto immediately?"

"We haven't really thought about that yet."

Marcel forcibly turned on a light bulb, seeing that Gin, who was also Anew's subject, has come to the crowd. He then mischievously uttered.

"Congratulations on your engagement…"

Gin's face suddenly shifted blankly after the words entered his left ear and locked them inside his mind on a cell. He leaped a normal height and scanned the crowd to find someone and called as he waved his hand.

"Yuzuri-san~!"

"Yes, Gin?"

Despite the crowd, it was not hard for Yuzuri to maneuver around towards them.

"I'm not sure if you already know this, but you see, Yuzuri-paisen…"

Gin leaned a little low and whispered.

Hearing that Gin was speaking in that manner, the three adults immediately knew that he was on to something. Especially now that the engaged couple is shivering beside them.

"It seems that Kaizo-kun and Ichika-chan here got tired of waiting for you and Ryou-paisen's marriage, so…"

"Ara, ara…?"

"Well, see ya, Kaizo and Mitsumi-san! I have to do some shopping with Rin right now!

I want to prove that househusbands can be respectable by coming to the market with this clothes!"

A wind comes and goes.

"…

They are seriously going with those clothes…?"

"**Umu, a power couple, indeed."

"Uhh, Ryuuya-san, who is this beautiful woman?"

"My senior's girlfriend. Don't hit on her."

"I see…"

▪ ▪ ▪

"Congratulations on graduating…!"

Sundown on the yard of house no. 275, an audible cheer was heard in the neighborhood, abruptly disrupting the silence of the street. The synchronous shout of congratulations marked as the beginning of a small celebration of the two families.

"Thanks for another great dinner, musuko! You went all out today, huh?!"

"This was what came out of a week's worth of food bought in one day, Uncle. I'll be sad if you don't eat a lot."

"Way to splurge like that…!"

"I'll survive for four days before pay. Ah, the steak is quickly disappearing. Don't mind if I do."

"Ahhh…! That was the last slice, musuko…!"

…

Anyway, now that you have graduated, what are going to do from now on? I haven't asked you, you see."

"I'm not going to college. While my friends are going to be busy with their studies, I'll be working more than ever since I now have more open time. I'll see how the future is going to lead me."

"Present, Potato. Present…!"

"Ahahahaha. Your daughter really loves that principle."

"Only the principle, musuko?"

"Not today, Uncle."

"Heh. Of course she loves you too."

"Pfft… That's what happens when your teasing comes back at you, Dad… Ahahahaha…!"

"Rin, are you still going to use my kitchen in the summer break?"

"Yep. I'll have Mom to come here for lunch while you guys are at work."

"Good to know. Clean only the kitchen and nothing else, okay? This ain't your house."

"I got it, I got it."

Amano then broke the noise and caught everyone's attention. What seemed to be a serious note was actually somewhat the opposite of it.

"Man… it was just a month since we had a lively dinner in Hiroomi's place for their wedding anniversary. And now we're making a noise again.

I wonder who's going to be next," his eyes then locked on his eldest son.

Kei evaded the gaze and in turn looked at his brother.

"…

Gin, what year is it right now?"

"2020."

"I see. 2020, huh… Hmm. Mhm. Uh-huh.

…"

After that, he never spoke a word.

"Anyway," Amano interjected, "I guess now's the time to act more as a father to Gin."

"Huh…"

"You're amazing, to be honest, son. I wasn't able to raise you properly, and I was also not able to change your childhood. You however bounced back more than you've sunk, and look at your right now. I don't know of my and Eijiro's image of how we wish you to be coincides, but what I can say is that you have greatly surpassed our vision.

I'm proud of you.

…

And Ringo."

"Y-Yes?!"

"It's no denying that you were one of the reasons why my son changed. I'm not asking you to take care of each other…

At least not right now.

But you've helped him a lot already. Make sure that you seek out for his help too."

"…"

"I'll definitely make sure to repay you, Rin."

"M-Mhm…"

"Well, with that, this chapter and another chapter of our life have ended!"

"ONWARDS…!"