A Great Way to Start the Day (Part 1)

The morning sun poured into my room, gently coaxing me awake from my slumber. With a luxurious stretch, I emerged from beneath the covers, my muscles slowly reawakening as I moved.

Abruptly, the door creaked open, and Lidiya sauntered in.

"Ryo-sama!"

I winced at her exuberance.

"What's with that expression? Not thrilled to see my beautiful face?"

I raised an eyebrow. "Apparently not."

"Ouch! You wound me."

"Forgive me if I'm not jumping for joy."

Lidiya pouted playfully. "Well, don't tell me you thought I was here to drag you to training?"

"Hmm, unlikely. Did Shizuka put you up to this?"

She winked. "About that, she mentioned you were drained from all that studying. So, I took the liberty of preparing breakfast for you." Her grin widened as she revealed a tray laden with toasted bread, eggs, and bacon.

I suddenly noticed the delicious spread she held. "Oh, Lidiya, you're a lifesaver."

I was just getting down to get my breakfast.

With a chuckle, she set the tray down. "Anything for you, Ryo-sama."

She set the breakfast before me on the same table where I had studied the night before. I settled into the chair across from the spread.

"Need me to play the role of a devoted servant and feed you?" Lidiya smirked, her eyes sparkling mischievously.

I rolled my eyes. "Sure, if you're aiming for a comedy show."

"Hey, no need for that sarcastic tone!"

I began to dig into my breakfast, savoring the flavors. "I can manage on my own, thank you. By the way, you reek of blood."

Her eyes gleamed, almost proud. "Oh, that? I just got back from a mission. Took down a corrupt senator. He had it coming."

I nodded, unfazed. "I see."

"Apparently, he was using his power to exploit—"

I raised a hand. "I don't need the gory details."

"Change topic, How was your study session with Sawada last night?"

"It went really well. I'm feeling much more confident about passing the exams now."

"When are your exams, anyway?"

"In three days."

"Good luck with that~"

"Yeah..."

"While you finish up here, I'll get your bag ready," she said, moving to tidy up my belongings.

"Just make sure you don't accidentally slip a handgun in there."

"Huh? A handgun? Why would I—"

I let out a sigh. "Just... organize it, I'll finish up here quickly."

She went about her task efficiently.

As I finished breakfast and prepared to leave, I waited for Momo and Mizuki. Time ticked by, and after half an hour, they still hadn't appeared.

Did they oversleep?

Nori walked by and glanced at me. "What's keeping you here, Ryo-sama? You're going to be late for school."

"I'm waiting for Momo and Mizuki."

"Those two? They're on a mission in Shinjuku, If I remember there's a mafia drug dealings in there."

Huh? Shinjuku? That's quite a distance. They should have let me know. Now I'm running late.

I let out a frustrated sigh. "Alright, I'm heading off then." And with that, I sprinted away.

"Take care!" Nori called after me.

With a shortcut that involved rooftop jumping, I hastened my way to school. It wasn't long before I felt the sweat forming on my forehead.

"Late... I'm gonna be so late!"

"HEY, YOU! ARE YOU THE ONE RUNNING ON THE ROOFTOPS?" A stern voice echoed, and I halted, looking back to see a police officer glaring at me.

"I'm terribly sorry! I'm running late for school!" I blurted out, feeling the pressure of time pressing down on me.

"Get down from there immediately!"

This isn't good. I can't afford to waste time arguing with a cop right now. What do I do? I need to get to school, and fast!

"Sorry, Officer! I'll be on my way!" I yelled back, my heart pounding as I sprinted forward.

"Hey, hold on a minute!"

His voice faded behind me as I continued to leap and dash across the rooftops. Every jump, every turn was a calculated risk, a desperate attempt to make it to school in time.

The wind rushed past me, and my pulse quickened with each bound.

I knew I was pushing my limits, but I had to make it. The thought of being late and facing the consequences compelled me to keep moving, to keep pushing myself to my utmost limits.

"I can see the school gate!" My heart raced as I pushed my body to its limits, leaping from rooftop to rooftop. "Just one more jump!" With a burst of energy, I leaped into the air and landed gracefully, rolling to a stop.

Breathing heavily, I thought I had made it, but a stern voice shattered my relief.

"No, you certainly did not."

Startled, I looked up to see the police officer standing before me, his expression unyielding as he cuffed my wrists.

"How did you...?"

"Silence. You're coming with me."

My eyes widened in disbelief. "Eh!?"

And just like that, my escape came to an abrupt halt as the police officer led me away, his radio crackling with messages about my little rooftop escapade.