8: Morning in the New Reality

Ren's eyes fluttered open to the soft glow of morning light spilling through his window. It wasn't sudden like he always did. The muted hum of the city stirred outside, distant yet familiar. The weight on his chest felt lighter, though a dull ache of uncertainty remained. He blinked at the ceiling, half-expecting to see cracks in the illusion. But there were none. An alien feeling getting a hold on him, as if forcing him, showing him, making him feel normal. Something erratic, totally different from what happened until now.

The clock on his nightstand read 6:42 AM — the same as always. Yet, something was different. The crushing inevitability that had plagued him through every loop no longer sat at the edge of his mind. No oppressive sense of déjà vu was there for him. Today felt… normal.

But the doubt; it was still there. 

*ting*

'The sound of notification'; Ren quickly grabbed his phone. Horror claimed his face. He saw a proof of something, something or rather someone that shouldn't be there.

"Good morning, Dear"

This was the message from Kira.

He quickly remembered his wish. To his happiness or to his horrors; no one knew but maybe his wish was granted.

The reality has changed.

At the breakfast table, Yuki moved with her usual grace, setting down a steaming cup of tea in front of him. The aroma of chamomile mingled with the faint scent of the morning breeze. Her silver hair was neatly tied back, every strand in place, and the warmth in her voice was as familiar as ever.

"Good morning, Master Ren."

Ren's fingers curled around the ceramic mug, savoring its warmth, perfectly hiding how terrified he was. "Morning, Yuki."

She paused, her sharp eyes lingering on him for a moment longer than necessary. "You seem… well-rested."

"I guess I am," he replied, though the words felt foreign. Was it a lie? Or had his body truly accepted the reprieve?

But Yuki didn't pry. Instead, she inclined her head in that ever-graceful manner and returned to her chores.

Leaving his house, the neighbor greets him, "Good morning, Ren! It's warmer today, isn't it?"

He answers it politely.

School passed in a haze of idle chatter and the scrape of chalk against the blackboard. Ren barely registered the equations written before him. Instead, his gaze flicked to Kira, seated just a few desks away.

She was the same as always — soft laughter spilling from her lips as she exchanged jokes with Sora. There was no trace of the sorrow that had once haunted her eyes. No lingering pain.

When the lunch bell rang, Kira approached, her smile bright. "You're quiet today, Ren."

He forced a grin. "Just tired."

"Skipping your late-night anime marathons might help with that." She smirked, elbowing him lightly.

Ren chuckled, the sound more natural than he expected. "I'll think about it."

The conversation flowed effortlessly, like water finding its way through familiar grooves. For a fleeting moment, Ren let himself believe. Maybe the loop had ended. Maybe the shrine had truly granted his wish after all.

Back home, the afternoon sun filtered through the windows, casting lazy patterns on the floor. Yuki served tea once more, the delicate porcelain clinking softly. Ren sat at the table, tracing the rim of his cup absentmindedly.

"How was your day, Master Ren?"

"Uneventful," he answered. "But… peaceful."

Yuki smiled, though something unreadable flickered beneath the surface, but she didn't think much. "That is good to hear."

Ren's fingers tightened around the cup. There was no reason to doubt. No evidence of the loop's return. But the silence that followed gnawed at him.

As the evening sun dipped lower, painting the sky in hues of orange and violet, Ren's mind wandered. The fear of 6:42 PM crept back, but he shoved it away. He wouldn't let paranoia steal this day from him.

Yet, a single question remained.

Was this freedom, or just another trick?