Chapter 31 - 29: What’s Next
Zaboru leaned back in the car, the rhythmic hum of the engine soothing the whirlwind of thoughts in his mind. Ayumi sat beside him, her gaze fixed on the passing city lights, while Junjou focused on the road ahead.
"Anyway, I hope you like the ZEPS, Ayumi," Zaboru said with a small, proud smile.
Ayumi turned to him, her expression bright. "I definitely will. It's amazing! By the way, when do you plan to start mass-producing ZEPS, Zaboru?"
His smile faltered, and he sighed. "Honestly, I want to start immediately. I'm so ready to launch ZAGE and bring everything to life. But my parents insist I finish school first. Five months feels like an eternity when there's so much I want to do."
Ayumi rested her chin on her hand, thinking for a moment. Then she looked at him with a sly grin. "Why not graduate early?"
Zaboru blinked, caught off guard. "What do you mean by 'graduate early'?"
Ayumi chuckled at his confusion. "Hibana High has a program for students who want to graduate ahead of time. It's designed for people struggling to pay tuition or students who excel academically. They let you take an advanced test, and if you pass, you're out."
Zaboru stared at her in disbelief. "Wait, that's an option? I had no idea!"
Ayumi nodded, her expression encouraging. "Yep. All you need to do is go to the headmaster's office and let them know. But you'll need your parents' approval first."