FUTURE

"So... do you want to work in a lab?" Nagisa asked as she watched the boys' soccer team practice together with Honoka. Nagisa eventually shared with Honoka that little pleasure she had in watching the boys practice when she had the chance. Both girls were sitting against a tree near the fence.

"That's what I can think of right now, but even that's not a final answer," Honoka said as she watched her childhood friend sprint back and forth. "I could work in a chemical lab helping create new formulas for endless uses, or I could work in an electronics or technology lab making new technology for endless fields as well," the girl sighed with a soft smile on her lips.

"And what do you want to do among all those options?"

"Everything."

Nagisa couldn't contain an amused laugh. "Are you serious? Do you want to do all those things? Is it even possible?"

"I've always love everything about this topic, learning and discovering new things," Honoka declared with pride.

Nagisa laughed for a few more seconds before her attention was briefly taken away by the sight of the handsome Fujimura Shougo training. "And do you know if Fujimura-senpai wants to be a professional soccer player?"

"Yes, that has been his dream since he was a child."

"It's... It's nice to have a plan for the future... I mean... Even if you don't know what kind of lab to work in, at least you know where you want to go," Nagisa sighed as her spirits seemed to drop. She hugged her own knees and rested her chin on her arms. "Fujimura-senpai has always known what he wants to do when he grows up", she sighed herself again and closed her eyes. "I'd like to have a plan for sure; I'm already in high school! I bet Yuka-senpai has a plan too, right?"

"Yeah, she's going to work for her family business, as you know, Odajima-senpai comes from a rich family, so she already has a way to go," Honoka replied as she looked at Nagisa. Seeing her discouraged wasn't THAT rare, she eventually learned about Nagisa's pessimistic side, but this time she seemed more affected than usual.

"See? Even my friends on the team have plans, Rina wants to be a vet, Shiho wants to be a movie director, and she even has a channel where she uploads shorts that she makes in her spare time. She plays lacrosse just to de-stress."

Honoka put a hand to her chin. "We're only in our first year of high school, you still have time to think about what you want to do," she smiled as she playfully nudged Nagisa's shoulder with her own. "I think you can do a lot of great things, you have energy and a great presence in front of people, even in front of those who meet you for the first time."

Nagisa blushed upon hearing that and looked at Honoka with a smile that gradually filled with joy. "Do you really believe it?"

"Yes. What I've noticed is that you have a very easy way to relate to people, you're also very athletic; you could be a professional athlete. You're really fast; you could join a racing team."

Nagisa scratched her head while giggling cutely. It was the first time that she received so many compliments and she liked how Honoka felt about her. Furthermore, the one who was flattering her was none other than Yukishiro Honoka.

Honoka was happy to see her friend more animated, she offered her hand and Nagisa immediately held it. "Take it easy, you'll know what to do, I know."

"Thank you, Honoka."

"Besides, at least I plan to move to a small apartment near the university where I'm going to study," she looked at Nagisa with a smile. "Maybe you should live with me, because the only thing I can guess about the future is that the rents are going to be very expensive and I'll have to share the expenses with someone."

Nagisa blushed violently.

"I…I think…That's something you should share with a girlfriend…I mean, living with someone you love must be great." Nagisa stammered as she admitted, it was a nice idea to share an apartment with Honoka.

"Friends can live together too, you know? As roommates."

"Roommates sounds good," Nagisa finally smiled.

Honoka pressed Nagisa's hand affectionately. "For now, think things through calmly, but if you ask me, something that allows you to interact with more people or something that allows you to move your body would be options for you."

"I'll think about it, thank you very much, Honoka."

"You're welcome."

And the two continued to watch the training of the soccer players.