“Little Emerald, thank you for everything these past 13 years.” She whispers as Seiren unlocks the door.

Eliza’s small four-door car, covered with all sorts of scratches and chipped paint, was now just another car at the scrap heap. She offers up a silent prayer for her precious car before heading into the house.

Spring break came like a bolt from the blue and Seiren had been working diligently and still attending school at the same time. Working weekends at a restaurant in town and working at a construction agency after school. During the last class before spring break, Seiren was sound asleep in class.

“Mr. Kaminari, care to read the next passage?!” His teacher yelled.

Seiren snapped out of his sleep to find the whole class with their gazes fixed on him. Instead of answering, he merely tilted his head at the teacher.

“You know what… Milly read the next passage.” The teacher said, shaking his head at Seiren.

While Seiren’s classmate began the passage. Seiren nestled his chin in his palm and stared out the window of the classroom. He listened to the whispers of gossip in the class and merely sighed.

“He’s always sleeping in class, someone like him will probably never get into college.” They whispered.

“Plus he’s super weird, he never really talks all that much and doesn’t have any friends.” Another whispered.

College… huh? I never really thought about it, but… What do I want to do with my life…? He wonders.

Before Seiren realized it, someone had been standing at his desk. After snapping back to reality, he realized Kirth had been standing at his desk.

“Hey Seiren, you know class ended a while ago.” He says with a smile.

Seiren jumps up from his seat in surprise.

“—Then spring break…?” He began.

“Has already begun. That’s what I wanted to talk to you about.” Kirth says.

Seiren tilts his head.

“I and a couple of friends were gonna go and explore the famous “Fading Forest” to the south of Aundi. We were hoping you might tag along.” He says.

“—Sorry, I can’t,” Seiren replies.

“It’s no biggy,” Kirth says as he puts a hand on Seiren’s shoulder. “If you feel up to it, later on, we’re gonna be down by the forest, tomorrow night at around 8.” 

Seiren nods, watching as Kirth walks out the room, giving him a wave before continuing down the hall.

“Exploring the 'Fading Forest'? Maybe if I had more time.” Seiren thinks to himself. Still, excited by the fact spring break had come, he gathered up his belongings and left the school as soon as he could. On the walk home, he began thinking to himself.