The buzz of the alarm clock jolted Sota from a restless sleep. He groaned, reaching over to silence it, the sound grating against his already frayed nerves. Morning light seeped through the blinds, illuminating his room in soft, golden hues, but Sota barely noticed. His gaze drifted to the desk, where the mysterious bracelet sat in a quiet reminder of last night's unease.
Shaking his head, he swung his legs off the bed and stood, the soreness from yesterday's training still clinging to his body. He went through the motions of his morning routine on autopilot—brushing his teeth, dressing for school, and grabbing his bag. By the time he stepped out the door, the bracelet was tucked safely into his pocket, a weight he couldn't quite ignore.
At Seiryuu High, the usual morning chatter filled the halls as students exchanged greetings, shared gossip, and rushed to their lockers. Sota moved through the crowd like a ghost, his mind elsewhere.
