Morning light spilled through the tall glass windows of a house so big it could probably host a royal ball. Golden beams crept across the white curtains, landing on a girl sprawled across her massive bed like a lazy cat.
Her arm dangled off the edge, clutching a pillow like it was the love of her life.
Then it came
That voice.
"HIKARIIII!!! Get up! You'll be late for school again!"
The girl groaned dramatically. "Ughhh… can I not?" she mumbled into the pillow.
A cold breeze slipped through the open window, brushing over her face. She squinted one eye open, hair sticking up in every possible direction. "Why is it so cold…? Is this God's way of telling me to stay in bed?"
Silence.
Then
"NOOO! Get up fast or else!"
She sighed, glaring at the ceiling. "This woman doesn't even let me rest in peace… life's so hard."
With the enthusiasm of a dying potato, she sat up, stretching her arms wide. "AAAAAAAAAHHHHH!" Her scream echoed through the hallways like an exorcism in progress.
After a long pause, she muttered, "...So good."
Dragging herself to the bathroom, she splashed water on her face, staring blankly into the mirror.
"Should I take a shower?" she asked her reflection.
She pose infront of the mirror
"Yeah, thought so." She grabbed a towel, thought again, then shrugged. "Who cares."
A few minutes later, she stood in front of the mirror wearing her school uniform, tie slightly off, shirt tucked in, skirt perfectly chaotic. Her hair, soft brown that almost turned golden in the sun, framed her sleepy face. Her eyes, the same warm shade of brown, long eyelashes, glimmered as she leaned closer to the mirror.
"Hmm… yeah, I look like I haven't slept in days, but still kinda cute," she said, flipping her hair. "Homeless, but make it fashion."
Bag over shoulder, she yelled, "MOM! What's for breakfast?!"
From the kitchen came a calm yet dangerous voice. "Why do you always yell, Hikari? Sit down."
Her mom, Yuri, stood by the counter, elegant as ever. Long black hair, blue eyes that could freeze a riot, and that typical mom aura that said I love you but don't test me.
Hikari grinned as she plopped down. "C'mon, life's short, let me enjoy the chaos."
"Is that so?" Yuri raised a brow. "Then shut up and eat."
Breakfast didn't last long, mostly because Hikari was too busy complaining about life between bites. She finally jumped up, grabbing her bag.
"Gotta go, Mom! Take care!"
"Don't run!"
Too late. She was already sprinting down the street, hair flying like she was in an anime opening. The morning air hit her face, cool and fresh.
And then, she almost slammed into someone.
She skidded to a stop, heart jumping. The guy stepped aside just in time, calm and unbothered. For a brief moment, the world slowed down, the scent that lingered around him was strange. Sweet, and soft. Like sugar mixed with the ocean breeze.
Hikari blinked, eyes wide.
He looked unfamiliar… and yet, oddly familiar.
But before she could say a word, her phone buzzed.
8:10 AM.
"CRAP, I'M LATE!" she yelled, taking off again.
As she ran, she mumbled under her breath, "He smelled… so good."