Chapter Text
From the moment you stepped into the taxi, to the moment you unpacked your bags in your new and vacant room, you knew that something was wrong.
Of course, anyone would feel nerved that they were moving away from their childhood home, away from the comforting lights and chatter of universally-known Tokyo, and into the startling quiet of a little, unheard-of town by the sea. Though Morioh is much smaller in size than the grand capital of Japan, you felt like the skies towered over you, the rows of houses seeming to stretch on forever in every direction you look. It must be a miracle that you and your roommate managed to find your new house in the midst of all the others that appeared exactly the same, except varying in different color palettes.
“Like different flavors of houses,” your roommate joked, after the hunt for your new home. “Ours look like it would taste like orange juice and lemon cake.”
“Sounds kind of sour,” you replied, before picking out a room to make your own. But even after those few hours that you’ve stepped foot into this colorful, seaside town, you still couldn’t shake off the bitter and icy premonition that there’s something unpleasant out there, hiding within the peacefulness of Morioh. Something a lot more sour than what your new house could ever taste like if it had an edible flavor. Your entire body shivers faintly, and you’re certain that it wasn’t from the chill of nighttime in early spring.
But before you could think more about what could have possibly caused you to experience such a feeling, your roommate knocked on your door softly, as to not surprise or scare you.
“Make sure to go to sleep right after you unpack your essentials,” they reminded as they peeked their head into your room, parental as ever. “It’ll be our first day as first-years tomorrow, and we should be well-rested for it.”
You nodded, “I will, Hannie. Make sure you go to sleep after this too.” However, you knew that the two of you would not be able to sleep soundly tonight. After all, the sudden absence of crowds and motorcycles rumbling throughout the late hours of the day is enough to keep any average person awake for a while.
Despite that, you curled up in your futon and hugged your knees, closing your eyes and waiting for the sun to bring forth another day. Morioh’s silence lulls your mind to a dreamless rest, and soon after you completely forgot about the uneasy feeling that was dancing on the tip of your tongue, and on the soft edges of your soul.
“(Y/N), wake up.” Hannie’s hushed voice stirred you back into consciousness. “We’re about to be late.”
The chills dissipated without a trace, leading you to believe that it was never there from the beginning. And like a fool, you brushed it off, too busy starting a new day of a new life, spent in blissful ignorance.
But oh, how fate loves to play with its inhabitants. You slipped on your worn-out shoes and straightened your unfamiliar school uniform, unaware of the events unfolding right in front of you with every step you take.
It’s going to be a long day.