A whole week had passed. Nothing too special had happened—just the usual lectures, notes, hallway banter, and group chats echoing the rhythm of college life. For Zen, it was a calm after the storm—no more emotional chaos, no more guilt trips, no more manipulative drama.
But beneath the surface, something was quietly shifting.
Monday morning brought new energy to campus. Flyers and class announcements filled the air—Career Day was officially on the calendar. It was a long-standing tradition where students dressed up as their dream careers on the first day, and on the second, businesses and colleges visited to present opportunities and network with students.
Zen found himself caught up in a conversation with his friend Shane as they headed out of their lecture hall.
Zen: "Yoooo bro, what you gonna wear on Thursday?"
Shane: "Something science-y. Just know it's gonna be fire."
Zen (laughing): "Okay okay, I see you. You'll see mine on the day. No spoilers."
Shane: "Fair. How's your side of things?"
Zen: "Not bad. Been dialing down on games, dialing up on business stuff."
Shane: "Man, you're too focused. But hey—Friday might be your chance to shine."
Zen: "Facts. Free opportunity? Let's get it."
As Thursday approached, Zen was quiet but purposeful. He wanted his outfit to speak—not just for his dream career but for who he was becoming.
Black cargo pants. Crisp white shirt. Black blazer. Clean black cats. Simple, bold, and confident.
First period: French.
Mrs. Carly walked in with her usual flair and greeted the class.
Mrs. Carly: "Bonjour la classe!"
Class: "Bonjour la classe!"
Mrs. Carly: "Quels sont vos métiers, classe?!"
Students proudly announced their chosen professions.
Jasmine: "Je suis institutrice."
Jen: "Je suis femme d'affaires."
Jude: "Je suis avocate."
Finally, Mrs. Carly looked at Zen with curiosity.
Mrs. Carly: "Et toi, Zen?"
Zen (with a half-smile): "Ma profession est top secrète. Mais vu que la plupart d'entre vous disent que j'ai une tête de pasteur, eh ben… on va dire que je suis pasteur pour l'instant!"
Laughter rippled through the room. But behind the joke, Zen was reflecting.
Maybe I really am meant to be something more… not just loud clothes and laughs, but purpose.
Later that day, during lunch, the award ceremony took place. Zen had been nominated for academic excellence in several subjects. When his name was called, he was met with claps—especially from the freshmen who'd come to admire him over the past semester.
He sat down next to Tim and Aiden, the school's deputy head-boy.
Tim: "Yoooo, are you a super senior?"
Zen (chuckling): "No man, I was just their class prefect last year."
Tim: "Ahh makes sense. Everyone's talking about you like you're staff."
Zen: "Not yet… maybe one day."
Friday came quickly.
The atmosphere on campus felt different—professional, electric, full of possibility.
Zen sat through a two-hour ceremony as colleges and companies introduced themselves. One group caught his attention: Reliance, a tech firm focused on cybersecurity and innovation.
As soon as the presentations ended, Zen grabbed Tim and Marinette.
Zen: "Let's go talk to Reliance. I've got questions."
The three approached the team, asked insightful questions, and left with a strong impression—and Reliance's contact info. It was a small moment, but to Zen, it felt like a glimpse into the future.
They returned to their base room, energized… until something strange happened.
As they approached the door, two freshmen stood outside, looking awkward. Then, just as they were about to enter, two more exited the room—a boy and a girl—the girl was on the verge of tears and the guy was nonchalant.
Zen (raising an eyebrow): "What were those guys doing in there?"
Marinette (folding her arms): "I don't know… but they might've been doing what I think they were doing."
Tim: "You mean like—"
Marinette: "Exactly that."
Zen: "I'm keeping tabs on this."
Zen didn't let it slide. He observed carefully, noted the details, and later that day, filed a report to the teachers. The issue escalated into a full investigation.
Eventually, the students involved were found guilty and were disciplined accordingly.
It was more than just a report for Zen—it was another sign that he was stepping into a different role. A role of integrity, leadership, and discernment.
⸻
Epilogue
Zen had walked through betrayal, heartbreak, and healing. He had learned to stand alone, find his voice, and trust his instincts. He was no longer just reacting to the world—he was shaping his own.
The past was behind him, and the future was slowly unfolding before him, one lesson at a time.
From emotional wounds to academic wins, from silent observations to bold actions—Zen was evolving.
And something told him… this wasn't even the peak yet.