[center][h1][color=paleturquoise][b]M A R I[/b][/color][/h1][/center][hr][right][b][color=gray]Tsukimi Residence, Kurosuoba
April 3rd, 2018[/color][/b] | [b][color=gray]5:45 AM[/color][/b][/right][hr]
The sun had barely begun to peek over the horizon as Mari made the jog back to the Tsukimi residence, practically skipping through the front door after a quick morning run around the neighbourhood. Up by five, out by ten past, run until half past and back home by quarter to. A simple exercise to build up some much needed energy for the long day ahead, and Mari was already brimming with it not even before the clock struck six. Crisply ironed uniform, check. Stupidly intricate skincare routine, completed. With the addition of eating toast, salad and chopped fruits from a bowl for breakfast and the TV in the living room blaring out the household silence, it was just like the usual school morning for Mari.

However, what was different was that this was a new house, a new school, a new [i]city[/i]. Fujioka Senior High was unfamiliar territory with unfamiliar people, but nervousness wouldn't overcome the young girl on her first day. Enthusiasm, butterflies, every excited emotion under the sun, it was all Mari could think of all night. Being able to start anew in a different place where she knew hardly anyone; it was all she ever wanted. But first days meant first impressions, and so Mari wanted to make them good.

5:55, she was already prepared to head out. Before she did, Mari slipped into the bathroom one more time, getting a good look at her reflection. Just one more look in the mirror.

Mari had to reassure herself. Doubts, unease, she was forcing it all to the side. She knew that the past was truly be behind her now; she wouldn't have to worry about it anymore, wouldn't have to think about it. Perhaps leaving the bustling Tokyo metropolis was a great idea after all, even if the totally silent neighbourhood street corners would take some getting used to. This was the next chapter, the next stage, Mari didn't want to ruin this for herself again. Anger, negativity, she wouldn't let it get that restrictive hold on her mentality. She had to change and this would be the best time to do it. This was a new beginning, a new year, and Mari was rearing to go. 

Mustering up a smile, Mari wanted to make sure she left the house looking in a cheerful disposition. Stepping outside once more, she murmured a swift goodbye, as she always did.

And as always, there wasn't anyone to hear it. Her mother had long left during her short run.

[hr][right][b][color=gray]Towards a random street, Kurosuoba
April 3rd, 2018[/color][/b] | [b][color=gray]6:34 AM[/color][/b][/right][hr]
Hearing the wind rush past her ears as she biked down the hill was a satisfying sound to Mari. The faster she went down the louder it got, and the more she felt that exhilarating thrill in her veins. Riding down the many secluded slopes it took to get to the main road definitely kept her awake.

6:35. She was going to have to speed things up.