...
I was completely flabbergasted with all the the news. But what surprised me more was that my mother didn't seem shocked at all.
"Mom, did you hear about the news? This isn't normal"
"What are you talking about? I agree it's a bit unsettling, but it's nothing new."
"Huh!?"
"Anyway, it's already time to go."
"Sure..."
Right now, I need to focus on my graduation ceremony. I could ask my classmates about the news later. Today was going to be a great day… I hoped
I grabbed my things and left the house. But just as I stepped outside, I heard my mother call out.
"Tomoki!? Where are you going!?"
"To school, of course."
"Walking alone!? Have you lost your mind!? Get back here right now!"
Whoa. Did I mess up again? The last time she was this mad was when I tried to fry eggs without telling her. She even asked me if I wanted to become a firefighter and use the house as my training ground...
"Get in the car."
"Yes, ma'am"
It was rare to see my mom driving. Maybe… just maybe something unexpected would happen today. I was joking in my head, but honestly, I thought Dad would be the one to drive us. So I asked her:
"Mom, where´s father?"
Suddenly, a chill ran down my spine. For a moment, the world went silent. I wonder if they had a fight.
"Sorry, I just lost in my thoughts. Today, you´re the star. I´ll make sure to take lots of photos!"
"Thanks, mom!"
"... I never thought it would hurt so much to see him with others (mumble) ... "
Him with others? If she meant Dad, was she upset because he had to work with his colleagues today? Sure, I wanted him to be at my graduation, but I understand the pressure his job puts on him.
When I arrived at school, I started to connect the dots between the news and the situation I was witnessing. It´s like going to all-girls schools, but this was definitely the school I attended.
I started feeling anxious. Was this a dream? I pinched my cheek—yep, that hurt. I could remember everything from yesterday: the failed confession, the hamburger with my friend, and the silly romantic anime I watched that night. This wasn't a dream. This was real.
Is this… one of those "another world" situations?
I pulled out my phone—and froze. My friend contact info? Gone. The girl I liked? No trace of her. In fact… it looked like I didn't have any friends.
"Tomoki, are you okay? If you're scared of being surrounded by girls, we can go home. I'll pick up your certificate later."
"... huh!? I´m not scared mom, I´m fine, geez"
"Sure, a tough guy huh? But seriously, if it's too much, rely on me"
"Mom, please."
I was just feeling a bit embarrassed by my mom's worries. But honestly… this was actually an opportunity! In that moment, I could forget about everything else and let myself be curious—what would the girls think of me?
As we walked toward the auditorium for the graduation ceremony, I overheard some surprising things:
"Hey, is´t that tomoki? Wow, he´s so cool."
"Maybe I should confess to him today…"
"He's the only guy we're allowed to call by his first name… Is he gonna marry me?"
"Wow... the angel of the junior school."
Is that what you call "popular phase"? Actually, being in this world wasn't too bad. But sorry girls, my heart still recovering.
Aside from that surprising welcome, the rest of the ceremony went pretty smoothly. I realized how skewed is the gender propotion, only 3 male students including me were present. And I didn't recognize any of them… or the teachers.
After the ceremony, the school director approached me and my mom.
"Congratulations, Tomoki-kun! I know you're tired, but there's something I'd like to discuss with you both."
"It´s fine, sensei. Did I mess something up?"
She chuckled gently. "Not at all. Don't worry. Actually, I'd like to offer you an opportunity."
"..."
"I want to recommend you for a scholarship—to Sakurazai Academy."
"Sakurazai academy !?" - my mother blurted out.
"Yes, your son has all the qualifications to attend."
"Excuse me, but what is Sakurazai academy?"
"Oh ... you don´t know? It´s the most prestigious co-ed high school and university in Japan."
"Well… it sounds amazing, but do I really qualify? I mean, my grades are just average."
"The male scholarship doesn't focus on grades. It's based on how well you can interact with woman."
"Huh!?"
She smiled. "It's very rare to find a boy who can talk to girls naturally—without fear, or without being rude. And besides, you're the only one who prefers being called by your first name."
Well, I´m more confortable with people calling me by my first name. It seems like my other self and I share the same personality.
"Is there something that I need to do alongside with your recomendation?"
"Yes, you´ll need to do an interview. But having my recommendation gives you a huge advantage. Unless you start saying something really offensive, you're practically guaranteed to pass."
"Haha… well, I think I've got the confidence to give it a shot now. Thank you."
"If you act like you did now, you´ll pass without a doubt."
And so, my mother and I went home together. Later that night, over dinner, she looked at me and asked:
"Are you sure about that? Just know… Mom has enough savings for you to live comfortably for the rest of your life."
I´m kind surprised to hear that, but ...
"Thanks, Mom. But I know I can't rely on you forever. I don't want to miss this opportunity."
"I see... I´m proud of you."
♦♦♦
Today is the day of the interview.