As I perch delicately on the rooftop, tears cascade down my cheeks like gentle rivulets as I gaze down at the ground several stories below; my mind races in astonishment, swirling with a maelstrom of thoughts. “Lucas…?” Who is this Lucas? Where am I exactly? What transpired to bring me to such a state? Just like that, the vivid reverie comes to an abrupt halt, leaving me in a disorienting silence.
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I awaken from the dream that has haunted me for ages, a spectral shadow that lingers on the edges of my consciousness. My curtain-like crimson hair shrouds my face, providing a thin barrier against the relentless rays of morning light filtering into my chamber. This same scene, with its strange yet familiar setting, is one I encounter every time I succumb to slumber; a rarity for someone like me. I bear an arduous burden—insomnia. It clings stubbornly to me, refusing to release its grip, even when circumstances seem deceptively idyllic.
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With a weary sigh that feels almost like a confession, I throw off my bedcovers and hear the sharp rapping at my door. “Hikaru, are you awake?” a voice calls from the other side, resonant with urgency and familiarity.
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Another knock follows, more forceful this time, and the door swings open with unexpected fervor, nearly colliding with the wall. I emit a quiet groan, the kind that conveys a mixture of annoyance and exhaustion. "Five more minutes, Tatsuya. I don’t need to be prepared yet." My brother, ever the embodiment of playful mockery, drops his shoulders and lets out an exaggerated exhale, grinning broadly as he relishes the moment.
"I suppose you will miss the inaugural day of school. Have a pleasant—" he begins, teasing me mercilessly.
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"I will be ready in five!" I spring from my bed with a newfound determination and nudge him out of my room, pausing briefly to take a deep breath and calm my exhilaration. It's the first day of school! It’s an occasion of great significance, and I need to present my best self. Should I take a shower? I ponder briefly—I did bathe just last night, so perhaps I shall forgo it this time.
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“Hikaru! Up for school, you’re going to be tardy!” My mother bursts into the room like a ray of sunshine, her golden eyes sparkling with joy and uncontainable enthusiasm.
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“Here, wear this… it would beautifully complement the hairstyle you’re attempting!” she declares with a flourish, handing me a delightful outfit that promises to elevate my spirits. Her broad grin is infectious, radiating encouragement.
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“Thanks, Mom, but I still need to prepare for the whirlwind ahead,” I reply, still somewhat disheveled.
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“Right, best of luck! I must hasten to work now,” she says, her voice tinged with excitement and urgency.
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“Love you, bye!” I call after her as she rushes out the door, her footsteps echoing in the hallway. I don the cozy gray bear sweatshirt and fitted jeans she provided with care, and then make my way to the kitchen, where the scent of breakfast wafts through the air.
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“I thought you said five. That was ten minutes ago,” Tatsuya chides, pretending to pout as I shuffle into the room, still shaking off the remnants of my dreams.
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“Shut up. Let’s go; it’s a four-minute drive, and you know how traffic becomes around that area, especially on a day like today!” I retort, grabbing my backpack with purpose. I step outside, inhaling the crisp autumn breeze that fills my lungs like a refreshing tonic. I watch as my breath forms a misty vapor in the cool air, a delicate reminder of the season’s change. “Today’s a new day, and I can feel it!”
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We arrive at Usagiyama Academy, a prestigious institution renowned for its opulence and academic excellence. It stands as the most affluent school in the country, celebrated for its spectacular artwork and exceptionally, intelligent students. The moment Tatsuya and I step inside, the grand entrance bathed in light and life, he immediately engages with the throngs of students, seamlessly weaving himself into their conversations and laughter. While he chats away with his usual exuberance, I pivot toward a closed classroom, seeking guidance from a teacher for directions to the front office.
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“Thank you ever so much, sir! Have a splendid day!” I say with a bright smile as I exit the room. I scan the hallway, my heart racing with anticipation, and realize with shock that Tatsuya has vanished completely. Following the detailed directions I received, I make my way toward the enormous crescent moon mural that adorns the wall, a striking piece of artistry that seems to beckon me forward.
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Then, suddenly, I spot my brother waving me down with a cheeky grin, his expressive gestures cutting through the bustling crowd. “Hey, Sis, look who I found wandering the halls!” he exclaims, pointing enthusiastically to a woman standing a few feet away.
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She has deep azure hair cascading down her back, silver spectacles perched elegantly on her nose, and a chic purple blouse that exudes a sense of intellect and style. I rush over to her, relief flooding through me.
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“Hello, Akai! How are you two faring today?” I greet her warmly, my heart swelling with nostalgia as the woman envelops my brother and me in a reassuring embrace, wrapping us in a cocoon of familiarity.
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“We're doing remarkably, Ms. Reikio. Hikaru, this is your biology instructor,” Tatsuya explains, his voice brimming with pride. “I had her last year, and she knows Dad! She’s practically family—like our aunt. She visited us when we were younger, and Miliana was just a baby. Isn’t that splendid?”
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“Yes, that’s truly impressive, I guess. Wait, how did you know she’s my biology teacher?” I ask, my eyebrows raised in surprise and curiosity.
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“I retrieved your schedule while you entered Mr. Distonip's classroom,” Tatsuya says with a sly smile, clearly reveling in his knowledge.
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As if on cue, the loudspeaker crackles to life, sending a ripple of anticipation through the crowd. “Hello everyone! Welcome back to all returners and newcomers! This year is going to be extraordinary! All freshmen and sophomore students, please head to your homerooms immediately. Junior and senior classes, please proceed to the North Gym. Thank you, and have a marvelous day!”
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I look up to find Ms. Reikio placing a reassuring hand on my shoulder, her touch grounding me as she guides me toward my homeroom. Tatsuya gives my dark bun a playful tap with a teasing smile before heading down the hall in pursuit of his friends. Today marks the commencement of something new and exciting, and I can feel the palpable energy buzzing in the atmosphere around me, lifting my spirits and filling me with hope for what lies ahead.
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and then Add to home screen.