I hear it.
The melody of the morning.
Soft chirping drifts through my window, blending with the faint rustling of leaves. The air is crisp, fresh, like the world itself is stretching awake.
I don't want to move.
Not yet.
This moment—this stillness—is perfect. A rare kind of peace I don't get often.
But then…
Something heavy presses against my chest.
I frown. It's not my blanket. It's warm. Alive.
I know exactly what it is, but I don't want to open my eyes just yet.
Then, a quiet purr rumbles through my ribs.
Yeah. Thought so.
---
1.1 - The Culprit
I crack one eye open.
Golden eyes stare back at me.
A fluffy tail flicks against my cheek, as if taunting me. My cat, Kuro, lounges on my chest like she owns the place—which, in her mind, she probably does.
"You're getting heavier," I mumble.
She doesn't care. If anything, she stretches out even more, pressing all her weight into me like a living sandbag.
I groan, finally sitting up. Kuro slides off lazily, landing on my bed with a soft thump. She stretches, then flicks her tail and struts away like nothing happened.
Meanwhile, I rub my face and glance at the clock.
…Oh.
Oh no.
Panic shoots through me.
I fling the blanket off, practically launching myself out of bed. My morning routine is a blur—teeth, hair, uniform. Breakfast? Who has time for that? I grab my bag, crouch down, and adjust Kuro's collar, making sure the tiny camera attached to it is still in place.
"Try not to get into trouble today, okay?" I say, scratching behind her ears.
She purrs. Whether that's a yes or a blatant lie, I have no idea.
Whatever. No time to worry about it.
I bolt out the door.
---
1.2 - Another Late Morning
The train is packed.
I barely squeeze inside, grabbing onto the nearest rail as the doors slide shut behind me. The air is filled with the quiet hum of half-awake passengers, the occasional yawn, the soft clicking of fingers scrolling through phones.
I let out a sigh. Maybe I should start waking up early for once.
…Nah. That's a future-me problem.
By some miracle, I reach school just as the bell rings. Slipping into my seat, I drop my bag and rest my head on my desk.
Finally. A moment to breathe.
But peace never lasts.
My phone buzzes.
I glance at the screen, frowning. A text? At this hour?
Before I can check, a shadow looms over my desk.
Then—poke.
I blink.
Standing beside me, arms crossed, is Clistoria Reve.
"Sleeping in class already?" she says, smirking. "That's not very responsible of you."
I groan. "Yes, Miss Reve. I humbly accept my punishment."
Her smirk falters—just for a second—before she regains her composure.
"Shouldn't you be with your 'girls' group'?" I ask, raising an eyebrow.
"I don't have to be with them all the time."
"Oh? Then why are you here?"
She hesitates. Just for a second.
"I just… Never mind."
Without another word, she turns and walks away.
I frown.
…What was that about?
I shake my head, sighing. Whatever. Not my problem.
For now, I just need a nap.
---