CHAPTER 8 - Notorious November (1)

[CAREER TROUBLE]

Ever since Korosensei had left to the faculty lounge for their career consultation, Hayami has been staring at her career goals form, which was yet to be filled up. Although it had been invading her mind for the past month, she was still having trouble figuring out what she wanted to do in the future.

Amidst the sea of dreams and career paths that her classmates have been spouting, a familiar figure loomed over her beside her seat.

"What did you write?"

Upon hearing Chiba's question, her hand unconsciously shielded her career goals form before looking up at him. "Still nothing," she replied followed by a sigh as her gaze reverted to her form.

"Korosensei can help with that," he said confidently although he felt useless himself. Even if he was itching to, he didn't know how he could help her. He was not like their octopus teacher or some of their classmates who always knew the right words to say.

With her hands coiling into fists across the paper, she said, "I don't even have a clue on what I want."

"You don't have to rush," he said before raising his head towards their blue-haired classmate, who was brooding over his own form. "Even Nagisa hasn't found out his career goal yet."

When Okajima had come back in the room from his career consultation, Isogai stood up and turned around to face the whole class. "Okajima is already done. Who wants to go next?" he proclaimed.

Hayami rose to her feet as she raised her hand. "I'll go," she uttered.

Then she glanced at Chiba and began to tell him, "Although I may not know yet the career path that I am going to take –" she took out her pistol with a determined expression "– I will grab this chance to hit our target."

Seeing her new resolve brought his mind to ease. With this, he nodded in reply.

***

"I see. So you are planning to go to a public high school near your house," Korosensei said after reading her career goals form. "This school provides high-quality education, particularly on international studies. Good choice, Hayami-san. Under Irina-sensei's English classes, you'll have no problem getting here."

When he had placed her form on the desk, he rested his tentacle arms on his lap. "I understand that you have not decided on your goal yet, but let me assure you that with your top-grade execution and skills, any job will truly be suitable for you," he said just as Hayami engaged into a surprise sniping attack to which he dodged in ease.

"It is indeed practical to aim for good grades and a good school for now, so that when you finally reach the moment when you find what you want, it will be a breeze for you to furnish your blade for that career," he added.

Hayami shifted to her second attempt by wielding two guns. "You said that anything will be fine for me. That's why I think I should focus on killing you for now, while of course polishing my second blade," she said.

The yellow octopus let out his brazen chortle, the record book on his one tentacle deflecting the incoming pellets while using his superhuman reflexes to evade the second gun's attacks. "Well said, Hayami-san. If you want, we can discuss your options later after class for you to have an idea in the future."

"Sure, Korosensei," she replied with a nod.

How lucky she was to have a teacher like him. It was a shame though that she could not make the kill today.

***

"Thank you for waiting."

After stepping out of the building, she found Chiba alone outside, leaning on the wall, with shades of orange coating his figure.

While Hayami had been having her career discussion with Korosensei, he used the time to practice shooting on his own. He admitted that it felt lonely to not have anyone to compete with or to have anyone to praise you for your direct hits.

When she had begun walking beside him, he asked her, "How was it?"

"As expected, there is a lot to choose from but I'm considering Business Administration. It has a high demand and I think it is something that I can imagine myself doing."

"That's a good choice."

She wheeled her head towards him. "You're aiming for Tokyo Tech, right? That's a high hurdle to cross." Then she added confidently, "Well if it's you, I'm sure that you can do it."

He smiled. "Thanks. Since this school is affiliated with Tokyo Institute, it will be easier for me to get into that university, which is well-known for the Architecture course."

"Impressive. You have thought about your future that much."

Scratching his cheek, he said sheepishly, "I got some help from my father in deciding on a school."

They continued to walk under the trees, their surroundings getting darker as the sun set down when she became glum with her eyes downcast on the ground. "As Korosensei has said, we will be leading on our separate paths after we graduate," she stated.

His jaw tightened. Although the time they had spent together was precious and fun, they would have to face the fact that good things come to an end – even their tranquil walks in the mountain.

Especially the assassination.

Hayami has just parted with Chiba at the school's main gate when she stopped short. Right before her was Fujiwara leaning on the wall as if waiting for someone. He met her gaze with an unreadable expression and, then, his feet started to move towards her.

"Hayami, can we talk?"