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The sun shone brightly, birds chirped in the distance, and the faint hum of a car engine echoed outside. Inside a small apartment, the kitchen sink was full, the floor of the living room was scattered with clothes, books, and DVDs. On the shelf stood a framed photo of a boy and a girl smiling together.
In the bedroom, that same boy lay on the bed, sleeping soundly.
"Wake up…"
The voice was sudden, pulling him out of his dreams. His eyes opened slowly, focusing on the beeping alarm clock beside him.
"…Who turned this on?" he muttered, switching it off.
The sight of the clock made a memory flash in his mind.
"Here, big brother," his sister had said years ago, smiling warmly. "Happy birthday! I got you this alarm clock."
"Thank you," he'd replied, smiling faintly.
The memory faded. He lay back, staring at the ceiling.
"…Why did I even wake up? Why couldn't I just… sleep forever?" he whispered. Tears welled up in his eyes.
Another memory surfaced—her voice again.
"Big brother, I want you to join the Service Club."
"…Why?" he'd asked.
"Do it for me."
"…Okay."
The memory ended. He exhaled heavily. "…Fine. If that's your wish… I'll do it. Only for you."
Dragging himself out of bed, he dressed neatly, tightened his tie, and picked up his school bag.
My name is Kiyoa Takayama. Just an ordinary boy…
He sighed. I'll join the club… but I'm only going there to nap.
Locking the door behind him, Kiyoa walked through the busy streets, passing groups of laughing students until he stood before a tall building.
Hoshikawa Academy, huh?
He pushed through the gates and found his classroom. Standing at the doorway, he listened as the teacher addressed the class.
"Class, we have a new student today." The room filled with murmurs—
"I hope it's a cute girl."
"Bet he's hot."
"Come in," the teacher called.
Kiyoa stepped in.
"I'm Mrs. Misaki Hironame, your homeroom teacher. And you are…?"
Kiyoa sighed. "…Kiyoa Takayama."
The smiles in the room faded quickly, some students glancing away, others muttering under their breath.
"Take a seat at the back," Misaki said.
He sat down, resting his head on the desk. From the corner of his eye, he glanced at the girl sitting beside him—long black hair, quietly scribbling notes. She hadn't even looked at him when he'd entered.
The bell rang for lunch. Still half-asleep, Kiyoa suddenly felt something thump lightly against his head.
"Hey—wake up!"
Opening his eyes, he saw a cheerful girl with short orange hair grinning at him.
"The bell just rang for lunch," she said brightly.
"…Thanks," he yawned.
She pressed her hands together in a playful gesture. "I'm Hinari Asune! See you later!"
Before he could reply, she was gone.
Why am I here again? Oh… right. The Service Club.
He wandered through the halls until he found the door marked "Service Club."
I hope you're happy now, sis…
Opening the door, Kiyoa froze.
A red-haired boy stood inside, glaring, a flame burning in his hand.
"I told you—it's important to be the strongest!" he shouted.
The black-haired girl from class sighed. "Calm down, Ryouma."
"Please don't fight!" Hinari pleaded, stepping between them.
In the corner, a purple-haired girl quietly read a book, while a blonde girl stood with her arms folded.
"…What the hell?" Kiyoa muttered.
The red-haired boy extinguished the flame and turned toward him. Hinari quickly shut the door.
"What did you see?" she asked urgently.
Kiyoa frowned. "…You mean when he just summoned a fireball?"
The black-haired girl looked at him. "…He knows too much."
"Wait, what do you mean?" Kiyoa asked. "I only came here to join the Service Club!"
That made the girl pause. "…Join?"
Before anyone could say more, the door opened again—Mrs. Misaki walked in, smiling.
"Finally, you're all here!"
We all stared at her. "What do you mean?"
"These," she said, gesturing to the others, "are your new club members."
Kiyoa's mouth fell open. I didn't ask for this…
"Introduce yourselves," Misaki instructed.
The black-haired girl stood first. "Yukine Shirahane. I'm a samurai." She unsheathed her sword slightly.
"A sword? In school?!" Kiyoa blurted.
"Because I am a samurai," she said simply.
Hinari beamed. "I'm Hinari Asune! An angel of love—I joined to help people."
Kiyoa blinked. "…First a samurai, now an angel…"
The red-haired boy crossed his arms. "Natuse Ryouma. Half-dragon. Fire type. I joined to fight strong warriors."
"A dragon…? Yeah, this school's insane," Kiyoa muttered.
The purple-haired girl finally looked up from her book. "Arisawa Nozumi. Wizard. I joined so I can read in peace."
The blonde girl flipped her hair. "Serika Aveline. Preacher."
All eyes turned to Kiyoa. "…Kiyoa Takayama. Normal boy."
They all stared at him like he'd just said something impossible.
Misaki patted his shoulder. "So you're that boy…"
"…How do you know about me?" he asked, but she only smiled.
"I've gathered you to play the SYNC Level," she said.
Yukine frowned. "What's that?"
"There are five levels," Misaki explained. "If you win them all, you'll be granted… any wish you desire."
The room went silent.
Kiyoa's mind flashed to an image—his sister lying pale in a hospital bed.
Yukine's eyes hardened. Finally, I can find the one who killed my mother.
Hinari's face lit up. I can make anyone happy.
Natuse smirked. I can wish for a true warrior to face.
We all exchanged shocked glances.
Next time…
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