Chapter 29: What's Next

Zaboru leaned back in the car, the rhythmic hum of the engine soothing the whirlwind of thoughts in his mind. Ayumi sat beside him, her gaze fixed on the passing city lights, while Junjou focused on the road ahead.

"Anyway, I hope you like the ZEPS, Ayumi," Zaboru said with a small, proud smile.

Ayumi turned to him, her expression bright. "I definitely will. It's amazing! By the way, when do you plan to start mass-producing ZEPS, Zaboru?"

His smile faltered, and he sighed. "Honestly, I want to start immediately. I'm so ready to launch ZAGE and bring everything to life. But my parents insist I finish school first. Five months feels like an eternity when there's so much I want to do."

Ayumi rested her chin on her hand, thinking for a moment. Then she looked at him with a sly grin. "Why not graduate early?"

Zaboru blinked, caught off guard. "What do you mean by 'graduate early'?"

Ayumi chuckled at his confusion. "Hibana High has a program for students who want to graduate ahead of time. It's designed for people struggling to pay tuition or students who excel academically. They let you take an advanced test, and if you pass, you're out."

Zaboru stared at her in disbelief. "Wait, that's an option? I had no idea!"

Ayumi nodded, her expression encouraging. "Yep. All you need to do is go to the headmaster's office and let them know. But you'll need your parents' approval first."

Zaboru rubbed his chin, already forming a plan in his head. "This might be the solution I've been looking for. Thanks for telling me, Ayumi."

"No problem," she replied with a warm smile. Then her eyes sparkled with curiosity. "By the way, do you have plans for more games on ZEPS?"

Zaboru's grin returned, wider this time. "Absolutely. I've already started working on prototypes."

Her eyes lit up. "Really? What kind of games? Can I try them once they're ready?"

Zaboru chuckled nervously at her barrage of questions. "I'm planning to release four classics: Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, Mario Bros, and Super Mario Bros. Those will launch alongside ZEPS. After that, I'll release my original games. You'll just have to wait."

Ayumi pouted, crossing her arms. "You're so stingy."

Zaboru shrugged nonchalantly. "Good things come to those who wait."

The rest of the drive was filled with lighthearted conversation, and before long, they arrived at Zaboru's house. He stepped out of the car, turning to Ayumi and Junjou. "Thanks for the ride. See you tomorrow."

Ayumi waved. "Good luck convincing your parents!"

---

Zaboru stepped into his home, the familiar scent of coffee and dinner lingering in the air. His father, Zanichi, sat on the couch, sipping coffee and reading a newspaper, while his mother, Keiko, was busy washing dishes in the kitchen.

"I'm home!" he called out.

Zanichi gave a small nod of acknowledgment, but Keiko chimed in with a teasing grin. "Welcome home, Zaboru! So, how was your date with Ayumi?"

Zaboru groaned, his face heating up. "It wasn't a date, Mom."

He dropped onto the couch beside his father, who lowered his newspaper slightly to glance at him. "What's on your mind, son?"

Zaboru hesitated for a moment, then straightened his back. "Dad, I need to talk to you about something important."

Zanichi folded his newspaper and gave his son his full attention. "Alright. Let's hear it."

Zaboru took a deep breath and launched into an explanation of the early graduation program Ayumi had told him about. When he finished, he looked at his father expectantly.

"Why are you in such a rush, Zaboru?" Zanichi asked, his brow furrowing.

Keiko, overhearing the conversation, dried her hands and joined them. "What's this about graduating early?"

Zaboru turned to both of them, his voice steady but passionate. "School feels like a waste of time at this point. I've already mastered the material, and I'm ready to take the next step. I want to start ZAGE now and work toward my dream."

Zanichi sighed, rubbing his temples. "You're too smart for your own good, kid. What do you think, Honey?" he asked, turning to Keiko.

Keiko sat beside Zaboru, her face softening as she met her son's determined gaze. "Zaboru has always been ahead of the curve. If this is what he wants, I think we should support him."

She reached out, running her fingers through Zaboru's hair. "You've worked so hard, my son. I'm proud of you." She leaned in and kissed his forehead.

Zanichi chuckled, finally smiling. "Alright, future CEO. You have our permission to graduate early. Just make sure you ace that test."

Zaboru's face lit up with a grin. "Thank you! Thank you both so much!" He threw his arms around his parents, pulling them into a tight hug.

---

That evening, the family spent time together, laughing and talking about Zaboru's plans for ZAGE. His father offered practical advice about running a business, while his mother encouraged him to stay true to his vision.

As Zaboru lay in bed later that night, staring out the window at the city lights, his heart raced with excitement. His dream was closer than ever, and he couldn't wait to bring it to life.

To be continued…