The sky was blanketed with dark clouds. What had been a sunny day suddenly plunged into darkness, as though an ominous hand of mist had enveloped Earth. News channels had warned of heavy rain, but no one expected darkness to fall so quickly.
Inside a bustling classroom, Sei slumped over the last row's desk, his cheeks pressed against the surface. His dark hair sprawled messily, hiding his frustrated expression.
"Oi, Haru," he muttered, "why do we have a test tomorrow? I wanted to play football."
Beside him, Haru sat straight, his pen gliding over a page of notes. He answered without turning, "We can still play. Just… after we finish preparing."
The boy's eyes lit up instantly. He shot up in his seat. "Haru, I have an idea!" he declared, his excitement palpable.
"Sei, what are you—"
"Sei!" a voice snapped, sharp and severe. The teacher's glare as if it saw through him. "Out. Now."
Haru sighed, covering his face with his hand.
