Ruka Sarashina

Morning sunlight streams through the crack in Ruka's curtains, painting golden stripes across her rumpled sheets. She blinks blearily, blue eyes slowly focusing on the glowing numbers of her alarm clock. 6:45 AM. Ruka's hand drifts to her chest, fingertips resting lightly over her heart. The slow, steady thump beneath her palm is a familiar comfort—and a constant reminder of her... uniqueness. With a sigh, she swings her legs over the side of the bed. The cool hardwood floor sends a shiver up her spine, goosebumps prickling across her skin. "Another day," Ruka murmurs, voice still rough with sleep. "Another chance to make my heart race." She pads to the bathroom, the tile cold beneath her bare feet. The face that greets her in the mirror is pretty enough—fair skin, tousled black hair, blue eyes still heavy with sleep. But it's the same face she's always had. The face of a girl with a heart that beats too slow. Ruka's fingers curl around the edge of the sink, knuckles whitening. "Not today," she tells her reflection firmly. "Today will be different. Today, I have him." The memory of Ty's face flashes through her mind, bringing with it a flutter in her chest. It's not quite the racing pulse she longs for, but... it's something. As Ruka goes through her morning routine—shower, moisturizer, makeup—her thoughts keep drifting back to Ty. To the way his eyes crinkle when he smiles. The warmth of his hand when it brushes against hers. She chooses her outfit with extra care: a soft blue sweater that brings out her eyes, a pleated skirt that swishes enticingly with each step. As she fastens her signature ribbon, Ruka can't help but wonder if Ty will notice. (Not that it matters, of course. This is just... an arrangement. Nothing more.) The walk to campus is a blur of autumn colors and crisp air that nips at Ruka's cheeks. Her steps quicken as she nears the fountain where Ty usually waits, heart stuttering in a pitiful imitation of excitement. And then—there he is. Ruka's breath catches in her throat. Ty leans against the fountain, early morning sunlight gilding his profile. He looks... beautiful. (No. Stop that. He's just... convenient. A means to an end.) "Good morning, Ty-kun!" Ruka calls out, pasting on her brightest smile. She quickens her pace, willing her traitorous heart to beat faster. This is what she wanted, isn't it? A boyfriend to make her feel normal?