CH. 97 - The Final Year Starts!

Three years ago, Shiori Inabi and her partner Hikigaya Oshiro entered highschool at Iris High. After quickly overcoming social anxieties and poor communication skills, Shiori made friends and took on the year, overcoming all she faced. After her first year, the second came and so did more friends that she would fall in love with. Now with these new friends, they faced the second and third year, including all the wild and eventful things that came with them.

Entering her third year was a little complicated with how things went down that summer between her and Hikigaya, but she kept her head up and dove right into the new year filled with hope, trying to be better. She was immediately given the chance when a random encounter with Amy leads them to becoming just a little bit closer, as her teacher, Ms. Samuel, dealt with her own set of adulting issues.

As the year went on, the class then found themselves out at a stranger and honestly scary farm for a school field trip. Most of them are excited, but between the ominous vibes and their friends' exaggerated rumors, things quickly become quite dramatic during the night. Flesh shifting monsters and ancient curses, the class finds themselves stuck in yet another crazy situation that Shiori and Hikigaya have to deal with, but this time they didn't do it alone.

But even with such a thing happening, life continued as if nothing strange had occurred at all. The school's Cultural Festival came, and the class was faced with the chance to do something spectacular. So they decided on a maid cafe. But, they had the boys be the maids to keep things interesting. Despite the attire, Shiori was beginning to get overwhelmed with her feelings, leading to a confession no one saw coming. But Hikigaya couldn't act on it. The serum infecting his body from the Devil's Syndicate attacks finally began taking its toll and hospitalized him. In a race against time, Shiori and Sugawara did all they could to keep Hikigaya alive, succeeding with their hopes and efforts.

As if that wasn't enough drama, the group made sure the next couple of months were filled with plenty more. From familial drama to relationship strains, a wacky plan for New Year's involving a love potion to Valentine's drama yet again, the group faced all these emotions together, even when that was the very thing making it complicated. But at the end of all that, Hikigaya began getting antsy about what Shiori had told him at the festival that he couldn't remember. So he devised a plan with the other boys to spy on the girl's night out. Little did he know, that might have only made things a little more complicated than he intended.

With the end of the third year coming up, things began getting heated with competitions of all kinds. Starting with a cooking comp. for Ryuji, then leading to a new bully trying his hand at hurting Shiori, things got very stressful for them, but they kept their heads up, not letting any of it get them down. Then, after facing a full year of stress and drama, the third school year ends. A party is thrown where things get hot and steamy quickly thanks to a certain classmate, but not giving them much time to bask in their rising emotions, a stranger comes by having some kind of connection to Sugawara. As if that wasn't enough, a misunderstanding leads Shiori to almost throw away everything she worked so hard for. This dramatic moment leads Chizuru to have an idea to go on a summer getaway.

Taken to a vacation home Asami owns, the group finds themselves open and free to have the time of their lives. They go on many adventures and do many activities, basking in the freedom they have here when things start to seem a little off between Shiori and Hikigaya. As if they were under some spell, they began acting very strangely and overly affectionately until intervention was needed. But that wasn't enough to set their plans off course as the group prepared for one last event that summer. A fireworks display for the summer season where they all got dressed up and ready for a love filled night. Especially Shiori. Things became too much for her as her memories flooded her mind, and she couldn't help but confess her feelings for Hikigaya, openly and without distraction. Not expecting anything in return, Shiori waited for rejection only for a dream to come true that night.

The third year was wild and filled to the brim with emotions and drama. The group discovered things about themselves and each other that they never knew, saw sights and did things they didn't ever expect to encounter, yet despite it all, they stuck it out together and faced everything with smiles on their faces and their heads held high. And once another summer ends, another year begins, but this one is different. Facing what they have done and prepared to face what comes next, Shiori and Hikigaya hold each other hand in hand, ready to take it on together. Three years have gone: Year One, Year Two, and Year Three, so now it is time for the final year to begin. Year Four.

The morning air is crisp and warm as a cool breeze blows by. The bangs of a familiar girl blow by gently as she walks to school. Shiori Inabi has her eyes closed with a neutral look as Hikigaya Oshiro approaches slowly from behind, stepping next to her.

“Your slow pace is gonna make us late.” Shiori says with a slight hint of attitude as she looks ahead.

“And who was it that spent an hour trying to make her hair stay down?” Hikigaya says with a glare as Shiori blushes a bit in embarrassment, patting her hair in the spot that just won't seem to stay down.

“I was just trying to look good for the first day of our fourth year!” She says back, pouting a little, but suddenly she's surprised as Hikigaya takes her hand. She blushes as she looks up at him, blushing too.

 “You always look good.. You don’t need to change your hair for that.” He says softly, looking ahead with slight embarrassment, still new to this whole thing. Shiori looks down, smiling a bit and tightening her grip on his hand as she nods gently, feeling his warmth.

 They eventually make it to school where many students are gathered at the front, socializing and making sure they have their classes in order. Right where they usually meet, the others are together and waiting for their arrival. Lucy turns around and notices them holding hands.

 “Ooh, look at that.” Lucy teases as Chizuru cheers for them.

 “Woohoo! Go Shiori~!” Chizuru shouts happily. They blush in embarrassment before letting go and smiling awkwardly as they approach the group.

 “Look what you did! You made them let go!” Alice points accusingly at Lucy, who just smirks and shrugs. Haru looks at the board many students are surrounding before turning to Touma.

 “Why do you think they put that up for the upperclassmen? It’s not like our teachers ever change.” Haru says. Touma shakes his head with a sigh, agreeing with him. 

 “Alright! Let’s not keep Ms. Samuel waiting any longer! Let’s go, baby!” Chizuru shouts excitedly as she rushes into the school while grabbing Touma’s hand and pulling him along. The others shake their heads as Ryuji grabs hold of Lucy’s hand and follows along. Haru takes Sugawara’s hand, following them, causing Shiori and Hikigaya to giggle before doing the same.

 Alice watches them hold hands as Suiyoubi steps next to her. She offers her hand for Alice to take as Alice smiles a bit and plops her hand into Suiyoubi’s, holding her hand and following the others. Kitaro begins walking to follow his friends as Hisana watches the others with a sad look.

 “I wish I could-” she whispers, but before she can finish her sentence, and without even looking at her, Kitaro offers his hand for her to hold. She looks at it for a moment, confused as Kitaro continues walking without changing his pace. Hisana smiles widely before taking his hand and holding it tightly to her face, blushing intensely and giggling. Kitaro blushes a bit, looking a bit upset at her reaction, rubbing his hand on her cheek. They all walk to class, each holding each other’s hands.

 “Welcome back, everyone. I hope you missed me as much as I missed you.” Samuel says happily as she stands at the front of their familiar class.

“Hi, Ms. Samuel!” Airi and Chizuru say together before giggling and taking their seats. As everyone begins entering the class, Hisana takes in all she can of Kitaro’s hand.

‘Ah~ I hope this never ends..’ she thinks before his hand is suddenly swiped from her.

 “Kuzan, what’s up?” Kitaro says, lifting his hand in a wave. Kuzan nods to him as Hisana stands there, devastated. Mormo then approaches her from the ground with his small teddy bear body.

“Man, real bummer. I’m sorry for your loss.” Mormo says as he pats her leg. He then looks up at her. “You could always hold me. Just press me real close and tight to your chest-”

Suddenly, he’s picked up by Lucy and cocked back as she prepares to throw him. She pitches him as hard as she can through a window Hikigaya just opened just for her. Mormo yells as he flies across the classroom and through the window, causing Samuel to look up from her desk, confused.

 “What was that?” She asks.

“Cockroach.” Lucy says with a smirk.

 “Yeah, a big one.” Hikigaya giggles and high fives Haru.

 “So you threw it out the third story window..?” Daiki asks quietly from his seat.

 “Alright everyone, in your seats!” Samuel says with a smile as the class gathers itself. “Let us begin your final year of highschool. We got lots of work to do as we begin your journey into adulthood. Now let’s get moving!” She says with a determined smile as the class cheers. 

 After school, in the clubroom, the entire group slumps in their chairs with greyed out, deathly looks as they droop. Tsuki stares at them in confusion and concern as Milo plays a game on her phone happily and Riley sits in her perfect posture, elegant way. 

 “Uh, guys? You okay?..” Tsuki asks with a sweat drop.

 “It’s our last year of highschool…” Hikigaya mumbles.

 “And none of us have gotten started on our careers…” Chizuru groans.

 “What are we gonna do?..” Sugawara says with his head in his hands as they all stress about the future.

 “Worry not, Sugawara. I am sure my family can be charitable and help get you into any college you wish. Perhaps Gollem Tech or Sanrich District University?” Riley offers. Lucy sits up with a look of judgement.

 “Two of the top universities in the Districts are considered charitable?..” Lucy mumbles. Haru sits up too, with a smile on his face.

 “Haha! That last one sounds like Sandwich!” He laughs as Riley sweats a bit. Sugawara sighs as he lays his head down on his arms.

 “No thanks, Ri. I think I have an idea of what I’m gonna do, but getting started is the hard part..” Sugawara says with a worried tone as Haru leans closer to him.

 “Don’t worry, Suga! No matter what you do, I’ll be right here to help you!” He says with a smile as Sugawara blushes. Chizuru smiles a bit, still worried about the future but trying to spark conversation.

 “What about you, Shiori? Haven’t you been writing your book this whole time? That sounds like a decent path to follow.” Chizuru says. Shiori sighs with a slightly concerned look.

 “Maybe… I’ve been really on and off about it. That is, if it's even any good.. I’m afraid if I turn it into a publisher once it's finished, it’ll be turned down..” She drops her head as gloom hovers over her. “I don’t think I can take that kind of rejection…” she says, drooped over the desk.

 “Well, if you never turn it in, you’ll fail either way, right?” Milo says, not looking from her phone. Shiori lifts her head with a surprised look as Milo doesn’t stop playing her game. Shiori gets a slightly more determined look, realizing her words are correct as Milo loses her game. “Aw, main!” She says, dropping the game to her side in frustration. She then stands up with a stretch. “Welp, if that’s all about that, I’m gonna go find someone to help cause I’m bored.” She begins to walk away when Ryuji speaks.

 “Speaking of which, I guess I should tell you guys now.” He says. Everyone looks at Ryuji in surprise and confusion. “I don’t know if I can continue in the Helpers Club.” he says with a plain look. Haru and Hikigaya jump back.

 “Whaaat??” they shout.

 “Come on, man! You’re like the heart and soul of our club!” Haru says.

 “Yeah, you can’t bail on us now!” Hikigaya says as Ryuji looks away with closed, slightly annoyed eyes.

 “I’m sorry, but if I’m going to pursue my career in cooking, I have got to get more serious.” He says firmly. They give him conflicted looks.

 “Between the certifications and training, he won’t really have time for anything else.” Lucy says in support of Ryuji, but also kind of bummed. Shiori thinks as they talk about his career before speaking up.

 “He’s right.” She says. They all look back at her with surprised looks. “We’re in our last year of highschool. The time for messing around is coming to an end. It’s time we get serious about the rest of our lives.” Shiori says confidently. They stare at her, surprised by her words, as Sugawara and Ryuji get determined smiles.

 “Right.” They say together. Lucy smirks as Suiyoubi smiles and Alice cheers.

 “Yeah! A motivational speech from Fullsky will cure any doubts! I’m gonna be a full time superhero!” Alice says proudly as the others doubt the statement. 

 “My dad owns a lumber company. I guess I can start earning my keep there.” Touma says with his hand on his chin, thinking about the idea.

 “I wouldn’t mind being a stay at home mom.” Chizuru says tauntingly while she stares at Touma with loving eyes. Touma looks away, blushing and embarrassed. The others also look away as Shiori and Lucy giggle.

 “Ahem.” Tsuki clears his throat awkwardly, gaining their attention. “That’s great and all, but it kinda sounds not so good for the club.” He says. Shiori looks at him with a smile.

 “The club will live on. With the three of you at the helm!” She says proudly. Tsuki looks shocked as Milo smiles excitedly.

 “What??” they shout together, expressing different feelings. Riley smiles softly.

 “I think that’s a great idea.” Kitaro says, partially sarcastic, as Hikigaya smiles.

 “I mean, people will still need help when we’re gone. We can’t let them down.” He says. Tsuki looks at them nervously.

 “W-well yeah, b-but how are we supposed to do that without all of you?” Tsuki asks.

 “Guess you’ll have to find out, just like we did.” Ryuji says coolly as Tsuki sweats.

 “Hell yeah! We’re in charge now! There are so many people out there we can help!” Milo shouts excitedly, pumping her fist into the air.

 “Yes, I would love to see the challenges common people face and help them overcome. I think I’ll find it… fulfilling.” Riley says, genuinely, as Tsuki sighs.

 “I guess so..” he mumbles.

 “That settles it.” Hikigaya says, standing up. “Starting tomorrow, the Helpers Club will be under new management!”

 “May you spread help and support as far as you can!” Haru says with a big smile as the group all gets up and gathers themselves. The friends gather their belongings and slowly make their way out of the club room as their lowerclassmen watch with soft looks.

 “Yeah, I am gonna miss spending so much time together..” Tsuki says softly as Shiori looks at him. She pauses for a moment before putting her hand on his shoulder gently.

 “Don’t worry, Tsuki. You’ll do great.” She says with a warm smile as Tsuki blushes a bit and smiles back. 

 “You guys better hurry up and find your careers soon cause come next year, we’ll be just like you and might need help ourselves!” Milo says with a laugh as the group exits the classroom with a melancholic joy in their hearts, watching as the club room is left in the hands of their lowerclassmen, waving as they leave. Alice throws her arms behind her head as they walk away.

 “Main, I sure am gonna miss the clubroom. Helping all those people and stuff.” Alice says with a smile.

 “You probably helped the least…” Touma says with a sweat drop. Alice smirks as she shrugs her shoulders.

 “Yeah, but those few will remember the help I offered forever.” She says in response. The others smile and walk as Chizuru smiles softly, a slight sad feeling in her heart.

 “It’s crazy it’s already been two years since we formed the club. All the memories we made and people we helped..” She says softly, looking back.

 “Yep, and now it’s behind us. No need to look back.” Hikigaya says nonchalantly as Chizuru pouts at him a bit. 

 “As usual, you have no sense of delicacy…” she says, puffing out her cheeks before looking down and smiling a bit. She then skips forward and turns around to face the group while still walking backwards. “But I suppose it doesn’t matter where we are. I’m sure we’ll help lots of people in the future, no matter what!” She says with a big smile as the group all agrees and cheers together, big smiles spreading across their faces.

 “Yeah!” 

 Eventually, not long after the school year started, a day comes where Ryuji approaches Lucy’s house. He steps to the door and knocks, then Lucy answers. 

 “Ah, so you made it.” She says with a smile, leaning against the doorframe. Ryuji nods as they go inside. Kenji is sitting at a table with different papers spread in front of him, reading them. He then looks up and smiles at Ryuji.

 “Ryuji, my boy! Come on, take a seat. We have a lot of things to go over.” Kenji says with a smile as Ryuji joins him at the table. “I appreciate you asking for my help in studying for the certification. As a successful businessman and restaurant owner for nearly 20 years now, I think I’ve got what it takes to-”

 “Hey, dad?” Lucy says, interrupting his long speech about his career. He looks at her, surprised, as she just stares at him.

 “O-oh, right.” Kenji says, sweating a bit as he looks down with an awkward smile. “Okay, look here. There are a few different licenses and certifications you’ll need just to cook in a restaurant, let alone own one, and with the way culinary school is these days, they may shoot you down just for being so young. So here’s what you should do…” He trails off as he explains many things to Ryuji. He listens with passion and determination filling his soul as Lucy sits with him.

 Another day, Ryuji is writing something on a piece of paper as Lucy helps him with flashcards. Another day comes where Ryuji is by himself on his bed, late at night, studying on his laptop and reading through papers explaining more about what he needs to know. And another day, Lucy and Ryuji sit at Ryuji’s table as he reads through a paper on his laptop.

 “Oh, Ryuji, here. My dad made you a packet of copies of things you’ll need in the future. He figured it’d help to have an example going forward.” Lucy says as she pulls out an envelope from her bag. Ryuji smiles warmly as he takes the envelope.

 “Thank you. I’ll give him my thanks next time I come to shadow him at the restaurant.” He says before turning back to the laptop, reading and continuing to write something down. Lucy watches him work as her look shifts slightly to one of concern.

“Ryuji?” she says softly. He looks up from his paper at her. “Dad said you may get shot down just for being so young. Do you think.. that’s gonna happen? Even if you pass the test next year, what are you gonna do if they don’t certify you? Maybe I should get-”

 “Lucy.” Ryuji says softly, interrupting her racing, worried thoughts. “I will get certified. One way or another.” He says with confident eyes as he takes her hand gently. Lucy’s worried look calms a bit as she nods.

 “I know you will..” she says softly as Ryuji’s mom steps into the room.

 “That’s right, my baby boy! You try your best and show those no good college judges how talented my son is!” Fuyuko says supportively as she hugs him. Ryuji smiles, a bit embarrassed, as Fuyuko steps back. “You’re going to be a wonderful chef one day. I just know it.” She says softly as Ryuji nods confidently. 

 A few weeks go by as Ryuji spends most of his time studying with Lucy at her house and shadowing Kenji at the restaurant. One day, he comes home late, the sun having set as clouds cover the sky, blocking out light from the stars above. He opens the door to his home and steps through with a tired look on his face.

 “Mom, I’m home.” Ryuji says, sighing a bit. He closes the door behind himself and puts his bag down. He looks around, confused by the lack of sound. “Mom?” He calls out as he begins to realize he’s hearing coughing from her room. He quickly rushes to her room and sees her on her knees in the doorway of the bathroom, coughing intensely into her hand, blood covering her hand and cheeks with every cough. He panics as he rushes to her side.

 “Mom! Mom!” He sees her inhaler right beside her on the ground and quickly grabs it. Upon lifting it, however, he realizes it is empty. His panic increases more as he quickly gets up and starts searching frantically through the cabinet on the wall of the bathroom. He searches but finds nothing as his mother struggles to breathe through the blood and coughing. He crouches down next to her with fear and anxiety on his face.

 “Mom, I’m sorry. Dad has the spare, he-” He hears the door open down the hall and quickly gets up. “Dad! Dad, come here! Mom needs the inhaler!” He shouts as Jun takes quick notice, drops his suitcase and jacket, and rushes to their side, pulling out an inhaler from his pocket. Despite his composed demeanor, panic and worry are written across his face as he puts the inhaler in Fuyuko’s mouth, holding her.

 “Breathe, Fuyuko. Come on.” Jun says softly. After a moment of panicked, strained breathing, she inhales sharply, taking in the medicine. She coughs sharply before breathing it in again. Jun pulls the inhaler away as Fuyuko coughs and gasps, slowly regaining her composure, coughing out bits of blood left in her throat. 

 “How did this happen?” Jun asks coldly without looking away from Fuyuko. Ryuji steps back, shaking from the panic as he catches his breath as well.

 “I-I’ve been s-so busy with school and studying, I forgot to get the refill for her-” Before he can finish, Jun backhands him across the face, causing him to stumble back into the wall. Jun stares at him with intense eyes as Fuyuko sharply clenches her fists, still struggling to regain herself.

 “You almost killed your mother. All because you were so busy with your shit. You’re never home anymore to watch her because you’d rather be thinking about cooking!” He shouts as Ryuji trembles, a bit of blood pooling at the corner of his mouth. Jun begins to stand up and face Ryuji. “You selfish little-”

 Before he can completely stand, Fuyuko grabs his shirt sleeve. He stops and looks at her with a concerned look. Fuyuko pants and struggles as she speaks.

 “I… am not… my son’s responsibility…” She looks up at him with an intense, angry and sad look as tears form in her eyes. “I would rather DIE than be anymore of a burden on him!” She screams as she pants, staring at Jun. Jun sweats as he gets a conflicted look before he speaks without looking at his son.

 “Please leave the room.” He requests as Ryuji pauses before doing so, closing the door behind him.

 Ryuji sits at the dining room table with a stressed and sad look when Jun comes from their room. Ryuji looks up to see him with a bit of blood on his shirt, but his hands clean and sleeves wet. Jun slowly takes a seat at the table across from Ryuji as Ryuji looks down, staring at the table.

 “Is she okay?..” he asks softly.

 “She is fine. I cleaned her up and put her to bed.” Jun answers. They sit in silence for a moment as Ryuji looks away. “Ryuji.” Jun says. Ryuji slowly looks back at his father only to get a shocked look when he sees his father with his forehead on the table and hands spread out on the table as well, bowing to him.

 “I fear losing your mother… I don’t want to lose you too…” he says as tears begin to fall. Ryuji watches as tears form in his eyes. “I know I am a terrible father… But please… forgive me, my son..!” He struggles to get out between sobs and tears. Ryuji rushes out of his chair and to his father’s side as he embraces him, Jun hugging his son in return. They cry together after the stressful moment that just took place, holding each other softly.