Author's Note:

                         Hi, I'm Sai. This story has been in my mind for a while, and I finally get the chance to put it into words. While I’m not completely satisfied with it just yet, But I'll make sure to improve it with each chapter – and I hope you’ll see the story evolve along the way! As a digital artist, I’ll also be drawing the characters myself and will share their face reveals as the story proceeds. I know I’m adding a bit more work to my plate, but it’s important to me if I do it myself! Thank you for your patience, and I hope you enjoy reading this story as much as I’ve enjoyed writing it. Your support means a lot to me!

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"Why do I have to wake up every morning?" 

"Is this what life really is?"

"Am I going to live out the rest of my life like this? Or could I just… end it all?"

These questions float through Sora’s mind every morning as she drags herself out of bed, her thoughts lingering somewhere between frustration and a dull acceptance of her routine. It’s not a life she despises exactly – just one she feels detached from, as if there’s something missing that she can’t quite place. But this wasn’t always Sora’s reality. Once, she was energetic, sociable, the kind of person who made friends with a glance and brought light wherever she went.

                                                                                    ---

Today, though, is her first day of high school at Baekje High, and the anticipation is muted under layers of indifference. Her bag is packed with everything she needs, her uniform is ironed and pristine, and her shoes practically gleam. But there’s an itch under her skin, a sense of restlessness she can’t shake.

It’s 4 a.m. when Sora steps outside, clutching her cat, Yuki, under one arm as she lets the early morning chill wash over her. She knows it’s early – people would probably think she’s crazy, waking up at this hour. But then again, they’re the “Sleeping Sheep” to her, wandering through life without really thinking.

Sighing, she heads back inside, pulling on her uniform. Her mother, ever the rule-follower, waits for her outside the door, already spotting her dressed and ready. Sora can see the barely-concealed pride in her mom’s expression, though she’s too strict to say it outright.

“You look... actually presentable,” her mom teases with a small smile.

Sora smirks back, unfazed. “Where’s my breakfast, Lady?”

Her mother narrows her eyes, crossing her arms. “ Sora. Just because you got into Baekje doesn’t make you royalty.”

Her mother’s words are sharp but with an edge of humor, though Sora catches the slight dig at her brother, who hadn’t managed to get into Baekje himself. She tenses at the thought, annoyed at how this always comes up.

“Oh, here we go again,” she says with a scoff. “Your precious son didn’t make it in, and now we have to hear about it every day.”

Her mom’s expression hardens slightly. “Sora, enough. I’m proud of you, but there’s no need to rub it in.”

“Fine, fine.” Sora throws her hands up, not really caring to prolong the argument. “I don’t even care that much. Whatever.” Her tone is light, almost indifferent, and with that, she turns, heading back to her room.

She grabs her bag, letting the irritation slip away as she gets herself ready for school. Breakfast? She doesn’t need it. “I’ll skip the food,” she mutters, heading out the door.

                                                                                       ---

First day…

Once she’s a safe distance from the house, Sora quickly pulls out a pair of trousers from her bag, changing out of her skirt with practiced ease. Her mother has always insisted on “proper attire” and endless rules, but Sora prefers comfort – and a bit of rebellion. She smirks, satisfied, and slings her bag over her shoulder.

As she walks, she glances at the sky, half-wishing her dad were here to see her off. She likes to think he’s somewhere better, eating his favorite foods, probably getting a laugh out of her bending all her mom’s strict rules. But she’s glad he’s not here to watch her every move; he’d probably have something to say about her carefree attitude.

With her headphones in, she marches down the street, the music turning her steps into an easy rhythm.

                                                                                        ---

The school is as grand as she remembers from her tour – Baekje High, the prestigious new world she’s about to enter. She steps inside, immediately scanning the hallway for the class lists taped to the wall. It only takes a second to spot her name.

                                                                                  !!Class A-1.!!

Sora’s expression shifts to a smirk. “Figures.” Class A-1 is the top of the school hierarchy, where all the highest scorers are placed, the serious students who actually care about their grades. But for Sora, it’s just a label – one that doesn’t exactly fit her idea of fun.

Without a moment’s hesitation, she turns on her heel and strides to the teachers’ lounge. She pushes open the door, strolling in like she owns the place, catching the attention of her teachers almost instantly. They seem taken aback, exchanging glances. It’s not every day a student comes in on the first day asking to switch classes.

Her homeroom teacher, Ms. Natsuki, lifts an eyebrow, a mix of curiosity and mild amusement flickering across her face.

“Yes, Sora? What can I help you with?” Ms. Natsuki asks.

Sora crosses her arms, her gaze steady. “Switch me out of Class A-1,” she states matter-of-factly. “I don’t belong there.”

The other teachers exchange glances, some chuckling under their breaths, but Ms. Natsuki only folds her hands, resting her chin thoughtfully.

“Class A-1 is the top-performing class, Sora,” Ms. Natsuki replies. “It’s meant for students like you – top scorers.”

Sora says, raising an eyebrow. “Is that so? Pretty sure my scores don’t change the fact I’d rather be elsewhere.”

Ms. Natsuki studies her for a moment, smiling slightly. “Afraid that’s non-negotiable. Your scores speak for themselves, and that’s where you belong.”

Sora gives a dramatic sigh, throwing her head back. “A pain in ass, indeed” She shrugs and turns, sauntering out without another word.

Ms. Natsuki notices her behavior and finds a chill running through her body, excitement?

She wonders...

                                                                                 ---

The classroom is already buzzing when the teacher calls out, “Sora?”

Silence. The students exchange curious glances, and Mrs. Natsuki clears her throat, glancing at her attendance sheet. “Sora?” she calls again, this time with a hint of impatience.

Just as she’s about to move on, the door swings open, and Sora strolls in, a casual smirk tugging at her lips as if the class had started early, not her running late. She scans the room with an uninterested glance, barely noticing the stares, and slouches her way to the back row, dropping into the seat by the window.

“Sora here,” she says lazily, hands stuffed in her pockets. Without a second glance, she puts her head down on the desk, shutting out the room.

Mrs. Natsuki frowns, her voice gentle but firm. “Sora, don’t be like that. You’re part of Class A-1; let’s see some engagement.”

Sora doesn’t lift her head, and if she hears the comment, she shows no sign of it. She’s already tuned out.

After a moment, Mrs. Natsuki sighs, glancing around the room. “Since Sora currently doesn’t have a deskmate, I’ll be arranging new seating for everyone tomorrow. Your assigned seats will be posted at the door.”

Sora’s indifferent expression doesn’t shift; she’s already half-asleep, her thoughts drifting as the teacher’s words fade into the background. The world outside the window holds her attention more than anything inside.

                                                                                  ---

The day passes in a blur of announcements, handouts, and introductions, all of which Sora barely registers. She spends most of it dozing, or perhaps pretending to be dozing off, only half-listening when necessary. She knows she should feel at least a little excited – it’s her first day of high school, after all. But it’s hard to muster any excitement for something that feels like it was decided for her, not by her.

As the recess bell rings, Sora is up before anyone else, grabbing her bag and slipping out the door with her headphones on. Just as she reaches the doorway, she collides with someone – a girl, she has impressively long hairs, clutching a heavy stack of books. The books slip from the girl’s grip, scattering across the floor.

Sora sighs, pulling out one earbud. “Sorry,” she mutters, crouching down to help pick up the books. The other girl starts to say something, her voice a quiet murmur, but Sora doesn’t really catch it, her mind already moving to her next objective. She grabs the last book, handing it over without looking at the girl's face.

With a quick nod, Sora shoves the earbud back in, barely noticing the girl’s flustered expression as she slips past and heads down the hallway. Her focus sharpens as she glances around, already plotting her path –

                                                 it’s time to find a way to sneak out of school.

                                                                 To Be Continued…