CLIMBING UP HIGH SCHOOL RANKS

CHAPTER 2 — A STEP CLOSER

Nagira's mom was very happy with the news. She was confident in Nagira's abilities in academics. He stood out pretty well in middle school and for the past 1 year, he had been studying high school topics which ensured his lack of difficulty in class one if he got admission.

"Okay, I'll take a loan from the bank for your traveling, but once you get your annual pay you'll have to send the money through immediately, agreed?"

"Yes ma" Nagira said and smiled, "I'll make you proud". He slowly stood up from the old fashioned sofa and began walking away when he suddenly heard his mother's voice again.

"But if you fail to make the top 5, then don't come back here". She said with an emotionless expression on her face, "I am dead serious".

"Don't worry mom I'll crush it ". Nagira simply laughed it off.

Nagira packed his things, memorized the answers that same day, and he went to bed quite alright. Nagira also made sure to spend time with his friends and colleagues before traveling to Tokyo.

THURSDAY 22ND SEPTEMBER, 2029.

TOKYO, 9:33 PM.

That night, Nagira lodged into a motel and laid his head on his bed. It had been such a long day on the road, the train and the air. He quickly ordered a plate of lasagna with bacon and cola. Nagira stared at the food, ready to devour it any second, he licked his lips, picked up his chopsticks, he was now as focused as ever, ready to pounce on his meal,....All of a sudden, a loud ringtone echoed throughout the silent room.

"What an interruption" He said. He took a glance at his cellphone and saw that it was his mother calling. He declined the call and chatted her on w******p. However, before he was able to, he saw a message from his mom from 0 sec ago, meaning that she sent it immediately he declined her call.

1 Unread Message

[I see. You're that tired huh?

That explains how stressful today was]

9:47 pm.

[I'm sorry mom, we can

talk tomorrow]

9:47 pm.

Nagira quickly switched off his phone and resumed his pending delicacy. Afterwards, he laid on the bed, facing the ceiling. His mind suddenly flashed to his Dad.

"Dad, I promise I'll gather up enough money for your surgery. Mom, I'll pay your 75k yen loan. Anyways, the exam is tomorrow, I have to get enough rest".

At this point, Nagira knew his mission. He knew why he came to High School and swore to make sure his family benefitted from it.

"JD High School huh? I'll admit, they may be tough".

With a chuckle, he closed his eyes and soon enough, he drifted to sleep.

***

The next morning, Nagira woke up as early as 5:00am. He had lodged into a motel in the outskirts of Tokyo in order to save money. The cost of hotels at the heart of Tokyo were 10 times higher than that motel. So, he had gotten up early in order to make it in time for the JD High School entrance examinations.

After getting ready, Nagira dashed out of the motel. By now it was 6:01 am. The total cost of the transportation he needed to get to school on time was 50 yen, and that was exactly all the cash he had on him at that point. The cost of the first train was 10 yen, so he removed it from his wallet and carefully placed it neatly into his shirt pocket. He did this so that he could easily pay when it was time to do so.

The streets of Tokyo were lively, even as early as that. He admired the peaceful chill wind that blew through the city. The morning was chilly and as Nagira walked along the sidewalk, the scent of urban life had found its way into his nostrils. Nagira smirked.