Snippet #2577900

It was a normal, ordinary morning. All was tranquil. The birds were chirping, townsfolk were making their way through the streets, the sun was peeking through the apartment’s window. Actually, rather than a subtle peek, it was rudely intruding upon the premises, blaring its bright rays onto bed sheet. It was as if the beam of light was sentient and was targeting the individual attempting to lie in slumber. After the figure below the sheets rolled over a few times, he let out a groan of displeasement as kicked the sheets off. Hite narrowed his eyes at the blinding light, which even pave its way through his unknotted hair. The boy squinted and stretched out with a prolonged yawn, then proceeded to get into his morning routine. After fitting his hair in its common double-pigtails, he dressed himself in the same formal attire he had sowed himself. With a buttoned down shirt and a perfectly woven tie, he was ready for business. He quickly took in the state of his bedroom, making sure everything was neat. The boy was fond of keeping things in mint condition, and he constantly passed that mindset onto his fellow guild members. Of course, there are things which one can’t keep intact. A few coffee mugs or dishware once in a blue moon due to a certain care-free doll.

After he made sure he looked presentable, the boy checked in on the rest of the rooms. Echelon resided in the upper portion of a two-story building Hiteikei had bought with a decent amount of his funds. Just two bedrooms and a living room. But the trio have definitely turned a profit, since the lower floor was a mixture between a cafe and a florist shop. They equally served sweets, beverages, and rare plants which they were able to grow en masse thanks to Eth’s ability. In addition, since Airyl fancies sweet foods, all three are versed in the art of confectionaries, but the other two fail to ascend to the same level of the doll’s undying passion.

Due to the fact it was morning, Hiteikei had to open up shop. The boy let out a sigh as he descended the flight of stairs leading down to the lower floor. With each step came its own clank, produced by the sheaths tapping against his thighs. He was too tired to tie them tighter, as he was still waking up. With yet another yawn he entered the back kitchen and instantly got to tending boiling water and brewing coffee. The aroma and scents produced by the array of beverages helped to wake the boy up. His movements were still sluggish, since he nearly stumbled a couple of times whilst carrying hot drinks. ”Alright Kirano, right foot, left foot, right foot, left foot…” The boy trailed off as he continued to follow through with the motions. He left the coffee to sit, and in the meantime decided to step outside for a breath of fresh air. All seemed usual, excluding the armada of posters blotched against every single wall. The boy raised an eyebrow and examined the one attached to his own door, running his eyes across the page.

”Hm… contest…?” The boy rubbed his chin while analyzing the poster. It was quite the interesting, yet crudely drawn advertisement. He wouldn’t blame anybody for dubbing it a rip-off or fake, but the amount of parchments posted around town would say otherwise. Hite shrugged, a little part of him considering the offer as it was directed at guilds. ”Sounds interesting. I wonder what Eth and Airyl would say…?” A slight smirk spread across his face as he nodded, but abruptly remembered his obligations. The boy lightly swung the door open and slipped his way through the opening. He dug into his vest pocket and procured a notepad, with a to-do list hastily drawn on its surface. "Coffee, nearly done. Still have sweets and I have to check up on the plants..." He glanced at the entrance to the upper level, wondering when his friends would stir. "...Hope she didn't wet the bed again. Haven't had an 'accident' for a few months, please don't break the streak." It was a worry the boy had grown accustomed to, since it had occurred a few times during their time as a crew. "Oh well, back to work." And with that, the boy proceeded with his duties.