Chapter 1 An Ordinary Morning

It was just another warm morning, and sunlight slipped quietly through the curtains of Minyi’s room. Her alarm rang beside her bed, loud and persistent, breaking the calm that had settled overnight. 

She turned slightly, burying her face deeper into the pillow as if that could silence it. Five more minutes, she muttered, pulling the blanket closer around herself. 

She tried to open her eyes, but they felt far too heavy to cooperate. No, I should wake up, she thought, forcing them open little by little while resisting the urge to fall back asleep.

Her mind was already awake, but her body stubbornly refused to move. She let out a small sigh of frustration, complaining quietly about how much she hated this feeling. 

It felt as though the bed itself was hugging her tightly, unwilling to let her go so easily. Still, she knew she couldn’t stay there forever. 

With a slow breath, Minyi finally pushed herself upright and stretched her arms above her head. The quiet of the house made the morning feel ordinary, almost comforting.

Mom, she called out, her voice echoing down the hallway. A few moments passed, and that was when she noticed something strange. Her school uniform wasn’t where it was supposed to be.

She blinked once, then twice, scanning the room again as if it might suddenly appear. Huh, she murmured before stepping out of her room and peeking into the hallway. Mom, she called again, slightly louder this time.

Oh sweetie, her mother replied from the kitchen, I think they’re still wet. Minyi groaned softly and leaned against the wall, already feeling tired again. 

Again? she complained lazily, wondering what she was supposed to do now. She dragged her feet into the kitchen, her hair messy and eyes half closed, while the smell of breakfast filled the room. 

Her mother stood near the window, calmly folding clothes as sunlight spilled across the floor. Everything felt unfairly normal.

After a short pause, her mother spoke again and suggested she could go to school without her uniform today. 

Minyi turned toward her instantly, shocked by the idea. What? she exclaimed, shaking her head in disbelief.

There was no way she could do that. Leaning against the table, she stared down at the floor while thinking hard, her fingers tapping lightly against the wood. A few quiet seconds passed as she argued silently with herself.

Then suddenly, a thought crossed her mind. He’ll be there too, she whispered without even realizing she had said it out loud. Her face felt warm almost instantly.

Today, summer vacation was finally over, and there was someone at school Minyi wanted to see again. She stood there silently for a moment, weighing her embarrassment against her curiosity. 

Finally, she let out a small sigh. Alright, she said at last. She decided she would go to school without her uniform.

I’m going, Minyi called out as she stepped outside. The air felt gentle against her skin, and the walk ahead felt familiar.The sky looks peaceful today, she thought quietly as she headed toward school.

On the way, she spotted a group of familiar students and raised her hand instinctively. Morning, Nyodu, they called out cheerfully, 

using her surname. She smiled and returned the greeting with more energy than she expected.

One of them glanced at her clothes and asked if she wasn’t wearing her uniform. Minyi smiled nervously and explained that it was still wet. The conversation ended quickly, but the words lingered in her mind.

What a pleasant surprise.

She turned around and saw Fyumi standing behind her. Good morning, Fyumi, Minyi said with a small smirk, instantly feeling lighter just from seeing her.

Morning, Fyumi replied calmly, adding that Minyi was full of surprises as usual. Minyi laughed softly as they continued walking together, talking about nothing important and everything at once.

When the school building came into view, Minyi stopped for a moment. Whoa, they changed the paint, she said while staring at the fresh color. 

Students filled the entrance, laughter and chatter blending into familiar noise. Eventually, they reached their classroom and stepped inside. 

Minyi’s eyes wandered instinctively as she looked around the room. Where is he, she murmured under her breath.

Did you say something, Fyumi asked, already knowing the answer. Minyi laughed nervously and shook her head, denying it quickly.

Good morning, Minyi, a voice said suddenly.

She stiffened at once. It was Yuzu, standing there calmly as always. Her chest felt heavy, and the words refused to come out.

Oh, good morning Fyumi, Yuzu added casually. Fyumi smiled and commented that he looked taller, earning a relaxed thank you in return.

Minyi watched quietly from her seat. Yuzu hadn’t changed at all, still calm and unbothered, and that somehow made her even more nervous.

The teacher entered the classroom soon after, and the room slowly settled down. 

Minyi let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding, feeling her chest grow lighter again.

She turned her gaze toward the window, letting her thoughts drift for a moment. Is that a cloud, she murmured quietly to herself. 

The sky looked different somehow, though she couldn’t explain why.

To be continue...