Hajime woke up, rubbing his eyes as he sat up in bed. Today was his last day of school. With a sigh, he got up and went through his usual routine—shower, outfit, and hair care. As he dried his hair, he caught a glimpse of himself in the mirror, watching as his natural black hair briefly showed through before shifting back to its dyed gray-blue. He had gotten used to this strange phenomenon by now.

  "Still doing that, huh?" Hajime muttered to himself before shaking his head and heading downstairs.

  In the kitchen, Narissa and Jack were preparing breakfast while Matt, their 10-year-old son, sat at the table, kicking his legs happily.

  "Morning, Hajime!" Matt grinned.

  "Morning, kid," Hajime replied, ruffling Matt's hair before sitting down.

  Narissa placed a plate in front of him. "Eat up. It’s your last school day, right? Big moment."

  Hajime hesitated before nodding. "Yeah... actually, there's something I need to talk to you all about."

  Jack raised an eyebrow. "Sounds serious."

  Hajime put down his fork. "It is." He looked at the three of them. "I just wanted to say… I really appreciate everything you’ve done for me. Ever since you found me, you gave me a home, fed me, took care of me… but I’ve got all my memories back now. And I think… it’s time for me to stop freeloading and find my own place."

  Silence filled the room for a moment.

  Matt's eyes welled up with tears. "No! You can’t leave, big bro Hajime!" He jumped off his chair and clung to Hajime’s arm. "You’re part of our family! You promised we’d play more games together!"

  Narissa looked at Hajime sadly. "Hajime, you don’t have to leave. We don’t see you as a freeloader. You’re family to us."

  Jack nodded in agreement. "You have a home here, kid. No need to rush into leaving."

  Hajime shook his head with a small, bittersweet smile. "I know… and I appreciate it more than you know. But this is something I need to do. I need to stand on my own now."

  Matt sniffled, gripping Hajime’s arm tighter. "But… but what if you never come back?"

  Hajime ruffled Matt’s hair again, this time softer. "I’ll visit, I promise. I won’t just disappear, alright?"

  Matt wiped his eyes, still reluctant but nodding. "You better keep that promise."

  "I will," Hajime assured him. He stood up, grabbing his school bag and slinging it over his shoulder.

  Narissa sighed but smiled. "Just don’t forget to eat properly, okay?"

  Jack smirked. "And don’t do anything too reckless."

  Hajime chuckled. "No promises."

  With one last pat on Matt’s head, Hajime stepped out the door and onto the path toward school—one last time.

  Hajime walked down the familiar path to school, enjoying the cool morning breeze. Up ahead, he spotted Rizra and Daka walking together. Well, more like Rizra angrily ranting while Daka casually strolled beside her, looking unfazed.

  "You absolute ! How do you rice solid?! You were supposed to cook it, not turn it into a damn ice block!" Rizra fumed, waving her arms.

  Daka yawned, rubbing the back of his head. "Look, ice magic and cooking don’t mix, alright? The pot got cold. I don’t see the big deal—"

  "The big deal is that I nearly trying to eat it!"

  Hajime smirked, walking up behind them. "Morning, lovebirds. What’s this about frozen food disasters?"

  Rizra whipped around. "Oh, great, another one! Hajime, tell this moron that using ice magic on a stove is a cooking technique!"

  Hajime crossed his arms. "Daka, did you really freeze the rice solid?"

  Daka shrugged. "I was trying something new."

  Hajime sighed. "Let me guess—‘cryo-cooking’?"

  Daka pointed at him. "See? He gets it!"

  Rizra groaned. "You two are impossible."

  Hajime chuckled as they continued walking together. "Man, I’m gonna miss this."

  Rizra blinked, then glanced at him. "Yeah... last day, huh?"

  Daka nodded. "Time really flew by."

  Hajime gave a small smile. "Yeah. But hey, let’s make this last day count."

  Rizra grinned. "Damn right we will."

  With that, the three continued on to school, their usual banter filling the air as if nothing would ever change. As Hajime, Rizra, and Daka arrived at school, they spotted Emily, Sockoo, and Makoto chatting near the entrance. The three seemed to be in a deep discussion, with Makoto gesturing dramatically while Sockoo crossed her arms, looking unimpressed.

  "You seriously think makes a good final boss theme?" Makoto argued, shaking his head. "It needs more intensity, more build-up!"

  Sockoo sighed. "Makoto, not every final boss theme needs to sound like a drum set getting thrown down the stairs. Sometimes, subtlety is better."

  Emily giggled. "I think it depends on the mood of the battle. If it’s a tragic villain, something slow and emotional fits better."

  Makoto groaned. "Ugh, you’re both overthinking it. The best boss themes you in the face right away!"

  Hajime smirked as they walked up. "I’d love to keep listening to this important debate, but shouldn’t you guys be worrying about class instead?"

  Emily turned and smiled. "Oh! Morning, Hajime! Last day, huh?"

  Hajime gave a small nod. "Yeah… last one."

  Sockoo grinned. "Well, you’re stuck with us for

  a few more hours, so no getting sentimental yet."

  Makoto crossed his arms. "Yeah, and we haven’t settled the boss theme debate. What do you think, Hajime? Should a final boss theme go hard right away or start slow and build up?"

  Hajime blinked, then shrugged. "Uh… depends on the boss, I guess?"

  Makoto groaned. "You sound just like Emily!"

  Daka chuckled. "Face it, Makoto. You’re outnumbered."

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  Rizra smirked. "More like ."

  Makoto grumbled as the rest laughed. Hajime exhaled lightly, looking at everyone. He had spent so much time with them, gone through so much. It felt strange knowing that soon, he’d be leaving it all behind.

  Sockoo noticed his expression and playfully punched his shoulder. "Hey. Don’t start getting all ‘mysterious protagonist’ on us. We’ve got a full day ahead, so let’s make it count."

  Hajime chuckled. "Yeah… let’s."

  With that, they all headed inside, the energy of the Music Club just as lively as ever. Hajime walked through the hallways, his mind locked onto one goal—cookies. His stomach growled slightly as he imagined the soft, warm texture, the perfect balance of sweetness. "" he thought.

  However, just as he turned the corner, he spotted Yosuke and Yu standing near the lockers, talking in hushed voices, their hands intertwined. Angel stood nearby, her phone raised, snapping pictures with a mischievous grin.

  "Yu, you’re blushing," Yosuke teased, poking Yu’s cheek.

  Yu scoffed, though his face did turn a bit red. "I don’t blush."

  Angel giggled. "You do. Look at this!" She turned her phone to them, showing a picture of Yu mid-blush.

  Hajime immediately knew this was a scene he did want to be a part of. He carefully adjusted his pace, stepping lighter, trying to sneak past them unnoticed—

  "Hajime!" Angel called out.

  "" Hajime muttered under his breath before stopping in his tracks. He turned slowly, putting on the most neutral expression he could muster.

  Angel raised an eyebrow. "Did you just say something?"

  Hajime shook his head quickly. "Nope. Just… clearing my throat."

  Yu and Yosuke both looked over, their attention now shifting to him. "What are you sneaking around for?" Yosuke asked.

  Hajime sighed, realizing there was no escape. "I was just… getting cookies for lunch."

  Yu tilted his head. "You sound way too serious about that."

  "They’re good cookies," Hajime defended.

  Angel smirked. "Well, since you’re here, wanna be our witness? I caught Yosuke being all romantic again."

  Hajime pinched the bridge of his nose. "I really don’t need to be involved in this…"

  Yosuke grinned. "C’mon, Hajime. You wouldn’t deny true love, would you?"

  Hajime stared at him blankly. "I would if it meant getting my cookies in peace."

  Angel laughed. "Too bad, you’re here now!"

  Hajime sighed heavily. ""

  Hajime was forced into photographer duty, clicking picture after picture as Angel instructed Yu and Yosuke on different poses.

  "Okay, now hold hands—yes, yes! Perfect!" Angel cheered.

  Hajime sighed. ""

  After what felt like an eternity, Angel finally took her phone back. "Alright, that should be good! Thanks, Hajime!"

  Hajime cracked his neck. "Cool. I'm gonna go now—"

  Angel suddenly lit up with an idea. "Wait! How about we find Sockoo and have take some pictures with her?"

  Hajime's mind screamed.

  Keeping his expression neutral, he quickly responded, "Ah, Sockoo might be busy, so maybe another time?" He prayed that would be enough to shut down Angel’s idea.

  Unfortunately, fate wasn’t on his side.

  "Huh? Someone say my name?" Sockoo appeared out of nowhere, hands on her hips, looking curious.

  Hajime tensed up, his mind immediately switching to

  Sockoo tilted her head. "Did you say something, Hajime?"

  Hajime forced a smile, his soul slowly leaving his body. "Nope. Nothing at all."

  Angel grinned deviously. "Perfect timing! Hajime was just saying how he wanted to take some pictures with you."

  Hajime internally cried.

  Sockoo chuckled. "Oh? That’s rare. Alright, why not?"

  Before Hajime could protest, Angel already had them positioned. "Stand a little closer. Okay, Sockoo, put your arm around Hajime. Hajime, stop looking like you’re about to be executed and smile!"

  Click.

  Click.

  Click.

  Every picture was another piece of Hajime’s pride being stolen. Sockoo, meanwhile, just laughed, clearly having fun with it.

  "Alright, last one!" Angel said, holding back a giggle. "Do a pose together!"

  Hajime turned to Sockoo. "Kill me."

  Sockoo smirked. "No can do, picture boy."

  And just like that, Hajime knew he wasn’t escaping this nightmare.

  Just as Hajime thought he was finally free, he remembered something very important—his cookies.

  He turned, eyes lighting up, and started heading toward the cafeteria.

  RIIIIIIIIING!

  The bell rang.

  Hajime’s entire world shattered in an instant. His pupils shrank, his vision darkened, and he froze mid-step, stuck in a running position, mouth open in horror.

  For a solid five seconds, he stood there, unmoving, before finally screaming,

  "GODDAMNIT!"

  Sockoo, who had been watching this unfold, casually patted his back. "There, there."

  Hajime fell to his knees, defeated. "This is the worst day of my life…"

  Sockoo chuckled and pulled something from her pocket, holding it out in front of him.

  A bag of cookies.

  Hajime’s eyes sparkled like a little kid as he took them, staring at them like they were the greatest treasure in the world. Without hesitation, he started eating.

  "" He chewed happily, then looked up at Sockoo with absolute sincerity and said,

  "Sockoo, you’re the best girlfriend ever."

  Sockoo smirked, crossing her arms. "I know."

  Just as Hajime was about to enjoy the moment, a deep voice interrupted him.

  "No eating in the hallways."

  Hajime froze mid-bite and turned his head slowly to see the school security guard standing there, arms crossed, staring him down.

  Before Hajime could react, the guard reached out and snatched the cookies right from his hands.

  "Confiscated."

  For a moment, there was silence. Then, Hajime’s expression darkened. His head tilted down, his bangs casting a shadow over his eyes. His hands clenched into fists, and a faint of heat flickered from his legs.

  The ground beneath him trembled slightly as blue flames ignited around his feet. The temperature in the hallway spiked.

  "I swear to god, I will burn this entire school down—"

  Sockoo quickly grabbed him by the collar, shaking him. "Hajime, NO!"

  Hajime’s eye twitched. "He took my cookies, Sockoo. MY. COOKIES."

  The guard raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. "Rules are rules, kid."

  Hajime gritted his teeth, flames still flickering. "

  is why I hate school."

  As soon as the security guard walked away with his confiscated cookies, Hajime snapped. His entire aura darkened, flames bursting violently around him.

  "I’M GONNA KILL HIM! I SWEAR TO EVERYTHING, HE’S A DEAD MAN WALKING!"

  Sockoo, already used to his nonsense, quickly grabbed him by the collar and started dragging him toward the classroom. Hajime was kicking and flailing like a madman, his voice echoing through the hallways.

  "LET ME GO, SOCKOO! JUSTICE FOR MY COOKIES!"

  Sockoo rolled her eyes. "Oh my god, Hajime, get over it."

  Hajime clawed at the floor, leaving faint burn marks. "I WILL FIND YOU, ASSHOLE! NO MATTER WHERE YOU HIDE, I WILL HUNT YOU DOWN!"

  Emily peeked her head out from a nearby classroom. "What did he do this time?"

  Daka walked past with a sigh. "Security took his cookies."

  Emily nodded in understanding. "Ah. That makes sense."

  Meanwhile, Hajime was still screaming as Sockoo forced him into the classroom, his fists clenched in fury. "THIS IS A DECLARATION OF WAR! THE SCHOOL WILL PAY FOR ITS SINS!"

  Hajime barely had time to react before—BAM!

  Rizra's fist came down like a meteor, slamming into the top of Hajime’s head with enough force to create a small crater in the ground. His body was planted facedown, twitching slightly.

  “You’re making too much noise, dumbass,”

  Sockoo crouched beside him, tilting her head. “Hajime, are you okay?”

  Then, from the crater, a high-pitched, almost glass-shattering "EEEEEEEEEK!"

  erupted from Hajime.

  The entire room went silent. Everyone just stared.

  Makoto slowly leaned toward Emily and whispered, “…Did Hajime just make a girl scream?”

  Emily, equally in shock, nodded. “Yeah… yeah, he did.”

  Hajime slowly lifted his head from the rubble, his face scrunched up in pain. "Rizra… I think you just made me discover a new level of suffering.”

  Rizra smirked, cracking her knuckles. "Good. Now, shut up and go to class before you get another one."

  Hajime stood outside the Music Club

  Just then, a pair of soft hands covered his eyes. "Guess who~?"

  Hajime smirked. "Sockoo."

  She gasped. "Hey! You used your sensing ability, didn't you?"

  He chuckled, turning to face her. "Maybe~."

  Sockoo pouted, crossing her arms. "That's totally cheating. You're supposed to at least pretend to guess."

  Hajime shrugged. "What can I say? I’m just

  good."

  Sockoo rolled her eyes before stepping closer, her expression softening. "So… are you nervous?"

  Hajime sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "A little. It feels weird, you know? Like, one moment we were just a bunch of idiots messing around in this club, and now… I’m leaving."

  Sockoo smiled. "Well, you’ll always be part of Music Club, no matter where you go."

  Hajime looked at her, taking in her warm expression. His usual cocky smirk softened into something more genuine. "Thanks, Sockoo."

  Sockoo suddenly clasped her hands behind her back and leaned in slightly. "By the way… after your graduation, let’s go on a date."

  Hajime blinked. "A date?"

  She nodded. "Yep! You’ll be free from school, and we can just… spend time together. Just the two of us."

  For a second, Hajime just stared at her before a grin tugged at his lips. "Well, how can I say no when my girlfriend asks me so sweetly?"

  Sockoo smirked. "Exactly! You can’t."

  Hajime chuckled. "Alright, it’s a date then."

  As the two stood outside the club, the moment felt perfect. Even with all the chaos in Hajime’s life, at least this

  The bell has rung… but Hajime’s journey is far from over