The clouds cleared and the colors permeated the sky, as Yuki and Mizuo walked shoulder to shoulder, hand in hand, taking each step with boundless energy on their usual way to school.

The winter chill had dissipated with the northern winds, but what the winds couldn't take away were the sorrows left by those who had passed away, and the regrets of unfinished business.

In this season of vibrant spring and cherry blossoms not far away, the morning sun generously filled the paths of the residential area.

The light footsteps of the two little girls danced upon the sunlight. At first glance, they were just ordinary little girls.

If one had to describe them, they were just cuter and prettier than ordinary little girls.

Behind their radiant appearance, no one could tell the stories they carried.

"Hey Mizuo, have you decided whether you want to go to a national, public or private middle school?"

Suddenly, Yuki turned around and asked Mizuo.

Usually, the choice of middle school for elementary school graduates is made by their parents, as the judgment and life experience of elementary school students are far from sufficient to make such an important decision.

But the Uesugi family was different. Uesugi Tano and Yukino, this couple gave Yuki complete freedom.

On one hand, it was because Yuki, despite being young, was already much more mature than children of the same age.

On the other hand, they believed that even if it was a wrong choice, it would be a step in personal growth, as long as the choice was not outrageously wrong and did not bring about severe consequences, they would not interfere.

"Oh...? Um, let's go to a public one, Kyoto City Nishigamo Middle School is pretty good."

Mizuo paused for a moment, surprised by Yuki's sudden question. However, she quickly gave an answer without any thinking or hesitation.

Clearly, Mizuo had already considered this question and had an answer.

Kyoto City Nishigamo Middle School.

Usually, after hearing the answer, one would ask, "Why did you choose this school?", but Yuki didn't say that.

Yuki had a basic understanding of Kyoto City Nishigamo Middle School. It was far from the Uesugi family's home and commuting would not be convenient. Yuki could also guess the reason Mizuo chose this school.

Compared to other schools, the tuition fees were more than half off. It was a school that enjoyed many preferential policies.

Although Koga Muri left behind an inheritance for Mizuo, they rented their house and the amount of the inheritance just barely covered Mizuo's future tuition fees. Without considering issues such as inflation, currency devaluation, and rising consumption levels, or more objective issues such as living expenses and transportation fees.

In short, for Mizuo, who had no financial means, the future would be difficult.

What was even more sad was that she had already lost the innocence she should have had at her age and was now passively and helplessly bearing the pressure of the future.

In this situation, what could Yuki say about Mizuo's choice?

When Yuki, just like Mizuo, experienced things at a young age that she shouldn't have gone through and gained maturity beyond her age.

"Really? I also happened to want to go to that school!"

Without much thought, Yuki replied.

Which school they went to didn't matter. What mattered was being able to be together with Mizuo.

Mizuo glanced at Yuki in astonishment, eyebrows raised and mouth slightly open, because she knew Yuki had better options, closer and better-resourced schools.

In response, Yuki only gave a gentle smile.

An inclusive smile.

At times like this, there was no need to say anything more, no need for "thank you"; the task at hand was simple.

Koga Mizuo tightly grasped Usugi Yuki's hand.

Just like the bond between them, they were tightly intertwined.

Before long, they had arrived at the school.

Approaching the entrance exam, Usugi Yuki and Koga Mizuo became celebrities at school.

Yuki, who was already at the top of the class, exerted even more effort in the final semester and firmly secured the top position in the grade.

As for the mischievous and lazy Koga Mizuo, she climbed from the bottom of the class to the top twenty in one breath.

Although the grades and rankings fluctuated greatly, they had already stabilized into the ranks of top students.

In terms of answering speed, Mizuo even surpassed Yuki, but her accuracy was still far behind.

During this early spring's entrance exam season, the twin loli stars of the municipal elementary school rose and shone.

At the same time, in Donhon Middle School, a group of third-year middle school students preparing to enter high school were also preparing for their respective futures.

Among them, there was Usugi Yui, who had severe subject bias, but still prepared diligently.

There was also Usugi Chongzong, who had the same severe subject bias, but took the entrance exam with a casual attitude.

And there was Eiji Hayamizu, who, although not biased towards any subject, was simply not good at any of them. (After being trained by Chongzong, he could barely manage.)

Considering the thoughts of 14-15 year old middle school students are not very complex, their innocence, while retaining its inherent flaws, also serves as their protection.

Thinking too much sometimes makes it difficult to take a step forward.

Those friends who once believed they would be inseparable are now in different schools and have formed their own circles. There are not many who can still stay after experiencing time together.

But even if there is no contact for one year, five years, or ten years, in our hearts, there will still be memories of that person. At some point in the future, on a certain day of a certain month, in an unexpected place, we will bloom smiles from the bottom of our hearts.

That is the existence of a friend.

Usugi Yui, Usugi Chongzong, Eiji Hayamizu, they already know in their hearts that after graduation, they will go to different schools and start their own different futures.

They do not dare to expect their paths to cross, only hoping that they can look at each other from a distance.

Facing the fear and reluctance of parting, they bravely move forward.

After the entrance exams, Usugi Yui wants to do community service as a volunteer. Her original intention of becoming a police officer was to help others and see their smiles.

After the entrance exams, Eiji Hayamizu wants to sort out his emotional relationships. With Chongzong's help, he has experienced the sense of achievement and happiness that comes from seriously completing a task. After becoming a high school student, he wants to bid farewell to his indecisive self and become a dedicated ideal boyfriend.

After the entrance exams, Usugi Chongzong wants to focus on completing what he promised Mizuo, making these "non-daily" aspects completely disappear from their lives, allowing Mizuo, Yuki, himself, and everyone else to live normal lives.

With everyone embracing their own different level of awareness, the shool entrance examination is approaching.