A Dream for the Future?

"A Dream for the Future?" (将来の夢？) is a short story from Gamers' store privilege for the first volume of You-Zitsu light novel series, together with two more short stories.

Summary
Wondering about the future, Kiyotaka wonders if there is any meaning in trying hard in the meritocracy world and if doing so would improve their care for the world. Horikita answering him says its for the one to decide as it helps develop one's own qualities and help achieve a job possessing high status in the society.

On the topic of getting a job, Kiyotaka asks Horikita what she wants to be in the future. Horikita flattering herself said that she hadn't chosen one and has hidden potential with an infinite variety of possibilities. Ayanokōji thinks that the speech was just her way of concealing the fact that she hasn't chosen a career. Horikita, certain that Ayanokōji wouldn't have chosen a path himself, asks him for what he wants to do in the future. Ayanokōji jokingly answers he wants to be the Prime Minister. Hearing him say that, Horikita felt exasperated and said it was worthless to ask him.

Then Ayanokōji answers her saying he was joking and what he wants to become is a civil servant. Wondering if he could become one, Horkita says that he wouldn't be able to become a civil servant as he lacked the abilities to become one and it would be best for him to become a convenience store clerk for the rest of his life. Ayanokōji objects saying she was being rude but Horikita only says that she only respects the one who works with convictions and added that he would be the laziest sales-clerk and if he has a goal, he must work hard for it instead of letting his precious time as a student pass by. Ayanokōji suddenly felt as if he was admonished by a teacher instead of a classmate of the same age.