An interview: a one-on-one conversation where one person evaluates your abilities, and the other tries to impress them. The director said the recommendation would give me a huge advantage, but on the other hand, it means that failure is not an option. What a pressure!
While I was thinking about the interview, my mother drove me to Sakurazai Academy. When we arrived, I was taken aback. A huge campus—since it's a shared space between a high school and a university, it's not a surprise. But still, it was impressive.
At the entrance, I saw around fifty male candidates. Kind of fewer than I expected, considering we're talking about a scholarship at the most prestigious high school in all of Japan. The gates started to open, and I began heading into the academy.
"Tomoki, good luck!"
"Leave it to me."
When I stepped onto the campus, I realized I would never have accessed this place if I were still living in my original world. No wonder this is the most prestigious co-ed high school. But now's not the time to daydream—I need to focus.
And then, an instructor appeared:
"Good morning everyone, each one of you will head to respective building. You just need to follow guiding map."
Let's see... oh, I found my name. It seems I need to go to F Block. Looking at the map, it's one of the farthest from the entrance... I swear, I'll give my all for this interview.
I still have 30 minutes until it starts, so I need to head out now. I started walking as fast as I could.
...
"Everyone, please— the bus will leave in one minute. Good luck."
"Excuse me, I think I saw a guy heading that way" - said one of the male candidates.
"An impatient one, huh? Well, we can't wait for him. I guess he's heading to A Block."
♦♦♦
It seems ten minutes have already passed, and I'm finally halfway there. Man, I should've paid more attention to the scale on the map. As I turned a corner, I bumped into someone.
"Kya!"
When I looked up, a beautiful girl around my age with blonde hair and emerald-green eyes was lying on the ground. Wait, this is my fault!
"Sorry! Are you okay?" - I offered my hand.
"Yeah, I'm fine. Don't worry," she said, standing up on her own.
"I'm glad you're okay. But let me say it again—sorry."
"You don't need to apologize. Besides, I should be the one apologizing."
"No, no, it's my fault. I was the one walking too fast."
"No, I mean—your shirt..."
When I looked down at my shirt, it was covered in ice cream.
"Holy... how much was your ice cream? Here, take this." I offered her some money.
"Eh? ... Ah... no, no, no. I can't accept it. Instead, use this to wipe your shirt."
Normally, I'd refuse a handkerchief from someone I just met, but this time I really need to look good for the interview.
"Sorry—and thanks." I began cleaning myself up.
"Are you here for the male scholarship?"
"Yes, that's right."
"Uhmm... there's still 10 minutes until it starts, if I'm not wrong."
"Oh my... I need to hurry! I'm really sorry, but I have to go!" I started running.
"Yeah, good luck!"
What a cute smile... but I need to focus. If I hurry, I can still make it.
...
"Sasaki-san, you can come in now."
"Sorry, I couldn't make it in time."
"It's fine. I just need to make a call."
"Yes, Ayame-sama."
♦♦♦
At the interview room door, a woman around her 50s called me in.
"Are you aware that you're in the most prestigious high school?"
I was drenched in sweat and had a noticeable ice cream stain. I couldn't say anything for a moment.
"Yes, I am. I know I don't look presentable, but I ask for a chance."
"Hmph. Fine. Wait here in the room—I'll get my form."
"Thank you." - I bowed my head.
My first impression is already ruined. I'm frustrated, but this is what I get for being impatient. I just need to avoid embarrassing myself any further.
Then, a beautiful woman in her mid-20s entered the room.
"So, are you okay to start now?"
"Yes, I am—but I thought the lady from earlier would be conducting the interview."
She smiled - "She asked me to do the interview instead. Don't worry."
"... (nod)."
"So, could you tell me why you chose Sakurazai Academy?""
"Yes, it's because I know that Sakurazai Academy is the most prestigious co-ed high school. Normally, I wouldn't be able to attend a school like this. But since there's a scholarship opportunity, I didn't want to miss it." - Just like I practiced.
"I see. Then, what do you intend to do if you become a student here?"
"Well, I intend to study hard enough to befit the academy. After all, academics aren't my strongest point."
"Fufu... You don't have to be so hard on yourself. But, could you tell me what your strongest point is?"
"That's a difficult question... but if I had to choose, it's that I try to achieve something even if I only have a small chance." - Now I'm getting nervous.
"Uhmm... could you elaborate?"
"For example, I know that right now there are male students with more achievements than me—in academics, physical ability, even looks. But even so, I still try to compete with them."
"I see... interesting answer. Last question—what do you think about women?"
Her expression turned serious, the warmth in her smile suddenly gone.
"Huh!?" - It's kind of weird to hear that in an interview, but if I have to say... - "Someone who should be treasured."
"What!? ... Excuse me, are you being honest?"
"Sorry? Yes, I'm not lying. Women take more care of themselves than men do—not just their health, but also their appearance."
"!?"
"I'm generalizing, of course. I'm not saying all women are like that. I'm just aware of the hardships women go through." - I started to remember about my mother, both of them.
"I'm actually surprised by your answer. Well, that concludes the interview."
"Thank you!"
Finally, it's over. Let's just go straight home.
After that, I realized there was a bus inside the academy.