I slowly tapped the top of my alarm to turn it off.

I woke up on the first beep of my alarm, like always. Most people hit snooze a few times, but for me, waking up instantly is normal. Routine. Predictable.

Like why even set an alarm if you are just going to ignore it?

I got up from my bed, opened the curtains of my window to see the weather. Soft light from the morning sun slipped into my room.

I washed my face, changed into my uniform, and stepped out of my room, settling at the table for breakfast.

My hand automatically went to my phone. I like keeping up with the world—call it old school, but knowing what’s happening makes me feel prepared and it's also kind of my hobby.

As I placed the phone down, a headline flashed across the screen:

“Leader of the Abaki Terrorist Organization Arrested.”

A moment of celebration for the nation.

A moment of caution for anyone who understands one simple rule of life:

Every action has an equal reaction.

Especially from dangerous people with nothing to lose.

I continued listening with more and more interest what the news lady was saying.

"The terrorist organization had been involved in many incidents and also had been plotting many more terror attacks on the nation...."

"They are known for their hijacking attempts and also attacking schools and colleges, not even sparing little children but now finally our government has put a stop to their terror..."

I leaned closer, reading the details—until my phone was suddenly snatched away.

Aiko Itsugi, my younger sister, stood behind me, rolling her eyes as she paused the news and set the breakfast on the table.

“No phone on the table,” she declared.

“Geez, you really need to get your head out of this thing. Maybe get a girlfriend? You know—be a normal high school student?”

Her tone was teasing, familiar. The same old taunting joke she never dropped.

I countered with the same old answer.

“Why would I waste time on another girl when I already have such a beautiful, caring sister?”

She narrowed her eyes.

“This sugar coating isn’t getting you anywhere, mister.”

“At least I tried,” I sighed.

Breakfast smelled great, like always.

And like always, I refused to admit it to her for obvious reasons. She’d never let me hear the end of it.

I could only imagine her rising in a demonic stance, her voice proud like a demon.

-So you like my food. Huh, maybe you should beg for it on your knees the next time.

This is my life.

Our mother passed away when we were young.

Our father works too much—he tries, but he’s barely home.

So it’s always been the two of us: me and Aiko. She’s the one person I care about more than myself, though neither of us ever say it out loud.

“Get up, Mr. Perfect. We’re gonna be late,” she said, slinging her bag over her shoulder.

I stood up, picking up my bag.

I am Itsuki Hayato, a well-reputed student of the prestigious Great Hall School in Shibuya.

I live with my younger sister in a small apartment. Our father is… somewhere. Working, existing, but not really here.

Our school is quite famous—children of influential families study there. Politicians, CEOs, celebrities… the usual crowd.

We closed the door behind us and hurried to the station.

In the train, my sister started talking to me.

"You know what my friend did... "

"So my teacher is like..."

She has a habit of telling me everything about her school, class and friends during our train ride.

She wouldn't stop even if I asked her to. I think that would only make my situation worse.

So I have devised a special technique for this situation.

"Nod- Jitsu."

Whenever she starts talking, I keep my mind busy with my important thoughts but also reflexively nod after her every sentence. I have mastered this technique to such an extent that now I can even match the frequency of my nodding to her pitch.

So this is how usually survive my train rides.

On the way to school, my sister almost got hit by a truck. I noticed some men unloading boxes from a truck behind the building. Tools, equipment…? Hard to say.

I didn’t think much of it and kept walking.

In class, I was greeted by Hirata—my loud, clingy friend - the type of one extrovert friend we all have who would stick to us even if I punched him.

I’d never say it out loud, but I did like the guy.

“Hey bro! How are you?” he said, practically shouting in my ear.

“Fine,” I replied simply.

Soon after, Aira walked in—the class crush, the girl everyone admired.

Daughter of a member of Parliament. Smart. Beautiful. Kind.

She didn’t try to be the center of attention; she just naturally was.

Class began the same way it always did.

Students settling down.

Teachers preparing.

The usual quiet before the day truly starts.

And then—

BOOM.

A violent blast ripped through the school.

The windows rattled. Screams followed. Chaos swallowed the room instantly.

My breath froze.

No.

No, it couldn’t be.

But I already knew what it was.

And the first person who came into my mind was—

Aiko.

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