Chapter 5: The Calm Before the Celebration

A few days drifted by like cherry blossoms in the breeze, and today was the much-anticipated graduation rehearsal. Usagi’s heart raced with excitement as she put on her favorite light blue sundress, a flattering contrast to the chiffon robe she would soon wear. She braided her hair, allowing a few loose strands to frame her face, and with a final glance in the mirror, she felt as vibrant as the shimmering morning sun that peeked through her window. "Mom! I’m ready!" she called out, her voice echoing from her room. Moments later, her mother appeared, a smile on her face, as she grabbed her car keys. "Let's go, my little graduate!" her mom cheerfully replied. Usagi could feel her heart swelling with warmth at her mother’s enthusiasm. The ride to the school was filled with joyful reminiscing, as they talked about everything from Usagi’s first day to her most memorable moments in class. Upon arriving at the school, Usagi hopped out of the car, her energy bubbling over. She spotted her friends quickly gathering near the entrance, each of them beaming with anticipation. Usagi joined their circle, her own smile mirroring theirs. "Look at you all! Isn’t it surreal that we’re finally here?" Usagi exclaimed, eyes glimmering with excitement. Rei leaned in, her expression serious yet playful. "Just imagine, soon we'll be wearing our caps and gowns. It’s all happening so fast!" Makoto nudged her playfully, "And then we’ll toss those caps in the air like it’s our last day of school forever. Sorry, Naru, I guess we’re just going to have to do it all over again in college!" Naru rolled her eyes dramatically, though her smile couldn't hide her delight. "Hey, I want to savor this moment as long as possible before we dive into finals again!" As they made their way to the auditorium, the air buzzed with chatter while other students frantically quizzed each other or recounted their favorite memories. Usagi felt a sense of camaraderie enveloping them all. Everyone was in the same boat of nerves and excitement. Finally, the rehearsal began. Principal Yamamoto led the proceedings, walking everyone through the ceremony's structure. Usagi watched with wide eyes as they practiced the procession—how to enter, how to line up, and the all-important cap toss that would signal the official end of their high school journey. With each step practiced, complete with careful pauses and excited whispers from her friends, Usagi felt the reality of graduation begin to settle in. When it came time to form the final circle upon exiting the auditorium, Usagi felt overwhelmed. They held hands, a symbol of unity, before heading back to their respective classrooms to collect their cap and gown. The moment they received their caps and gowns was like a dream. Usagi held the dark robe in her arms, running her fingers over the fabric and imagining how it would feel to wear it on graduation day. She turned to her friends, who were all radiant in the same dark gown. "We look amazing!" Usagi giggled, her excitement bubbling over again as they posed for selfies while still in the crowded classroom. "Let’s make a promise that we’ll always stay together, no matter where life takes us," Minako declared, her eyes twinkling with fervor. "Agreed! To the Class of 2025!" they all chimed in, lifting their caps into the air, momentarily forgetting any nerves they may have felt about entering adulthood. Feeling buoyed by the group’s energy, Usagi couldn’t shake the notion that although change was inevitable, the connections built during these years would be timeless. Today was one step closer to graduation, one step closer to their dreams, and she was ready to embrace the journey.