𝐁𝐄𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐕𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 ━ 𝐁𝐎𝐊𝐔 𝐍𝐎 𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐎 𝐗 𝐅!𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐄𝐑

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐎𝐍𝐄

"Naka-chan, wake up!" A cheerful voice sang, jolting me out of my peaceful slumber. Groaning, I turned away from the source of the noise, hoping to ignore the annoying intrusion on my rest. Why did he have to be so loud so early in the morning?

Suddenly, I felt a weight on my bed and a whine in my ear. The next thing I knew, a body collided with mine, causing the wind to be knocked out of me. "Wake up!" the idiot sang out, oblivious to my discomfort.

I shot him an irritated look. "Are you a child?" I asked, annoyed at the fact that my precious sleep had been disturbed.

"You're so mean to me," he pouted, trying to guilt me with crocodile tears.

I rolled my eyes, knowing full well that he was just trying to get a rise out of me. "I wouldn't have to be mean if you didn't wake me up like this every morning," I grumbled.

He gave me a mischievous grin. "But it's so much fun to see you all grumpy and disheveled," he teased, poking my cheek.

I swatted his hand away, feeling my irritation growing. "I have a busy day ahead, so let me sleep," I pleaded, hoping he'd take the hint.

He sighed dramatically. "Fine, fine," he relented. "But only if you promise to take me to that new coffee shop later."

I rolled my eyes again, but couldn't help but smile at his persistence. "Sure, as long as you let me sleep now," I agreed, closing my eyes and burrowing deeper into my blankets.

As he left the room, I couldn't help but feel grateful for his presence in my life. Despite his annoying tendencies, he always managed to bring a smile to my face. And maybe, just maybe, I didn't mind being woken up by him after all. But my moment of contentment was short-lived as he shouted back at me, "You're going to be late for that entrance exam thing if you sleep in any longer!"

"Hiroto, you idiot!" I groaned, annoyed at his words, realizing he was right. I quickly jumped out of bed and began to prepare for the exam. As I scurried around the room, searching for my belongings, my grandmother watched me with a smile on her face. "My, my, aren't you lively this morning?" she chuckled.

"Sorry, Grandma, but I won't be around much today. I have entrance exams," I replied, sliding into a pair of black pants with white stripes on both sides and donning a loose black t-shirt. I threw on a dark red jacket and white tennis shoes to complete the look.

"Your mother would be so proud of you," she said with a smile. "Don't fret too much, my dear. Just remember to breathe and take your time. Being a hero is in our blood, and you have what it takes." My grandmother reassured me, giving my shoulder a reassuring pat. I smiled gratefully at her before grabbing my backpack and rushing out of the room.

As I sprinted through the busy streets of Musutafu, I was suddenly captivated by an unexpected intoxicating melody that drifted toward me. My curiosity piqued, I followed the music until I stumbled upon a familiar face. There, in front of me, sat Kanae Ryo - a tall, lean man with shoulder-length black hair and subtle dirty blonde highlights. He strummed his guitar atop a stool, lost in the music. Glancing upwards, I noticed the name of the shop - "Ryo Kanae Melody House" - a charming and fitting title.

I couldn't help but stare in awe at the sight before me. Kanae was a renowned musician, known for his soulful melodies and heart-wrenching lyrics. It was a rare treat to see him perform in such an intimate setting. As I approached, he looked up and greeted me with a warm smile.