Morning came like nothing had changed.
The sun peeked through the blinds, the same city sounds echoed outside — cars, chatter, the faint call of vendors. The normalcy almost felt cruel.
Ryan went through his routine quietly. Shower. Breakfast. Backpack. School.
In the hallways, everything looked the same. Maya waved at him from across the hall, her ponytail swaying as she smiled. Arthur walked past without a word but gave a faint nod of acknowledgment. Leon called out "Yo, Captain!" with a grin that made half the hallway look over.
Ryan rolled his eyes but smiled faintly.
If only they knew what he was about to do tonight.
By the time the sun dipped again, painting the sky in amber and purple, Ryan stood in front of his mirror.
He wore his black hoodie, sleeves pulled tight over his hands. His black mask covered the lower half of his face, leaving only his eyes visible.
His reflection didn't look scared. Just focused.
He whispered softly, "Let's do this."
