new day

Autumn pov:-

---

A faint warmth brushed against my face.

I shifted slightly, my brows knitting for a moment before I slowly opened my eyes.

Soft sunlight filtered through the curtains, falling across the bed.

*Morning already…*

I blinked a few times, still half-asleep.

Something heavy rested against me.

I glanced down.

“…River.”

He was curled up beside me, his head resting comfortably over my arm, completely at peace.

“You’ve taken over the bed again,” I murmured.

His ears twitched, but he didn’t move.

A small, quiet smile formed on my lips.

I gently ran my fingers through his soft fur.

“Wake up.”

His tail thumped lazily against the mattress.

Not very convincing.

I let out a soft breath before carefully slipping my arm free.

“Come on… we both have things to do today.”

That seemed to get his attention.

He stretched, letting out a soft yawn before finally getting up.

I sat on the edge of the bed for a moment, letting the morning settle in.

*Today…*

The thought returned almost instantly.

*I’m going to meet him.*

The Director’s son.

I stood up, pushing the thought aside for now.

“One thing at a time.”

---

After washing up, I tied my hair neatly as usual, making sure it stayed in place.

Routine helped.

It always did.

I headed downstairs, River following closely behind.

The faint scent of flowers greeted me the moment I stepped into the shop.

Fresh. Familiar. Comforting.

*This… is my world.*

I moved between the arrangements, checking each one carefully—adjusting a stem here, trimming a leaf there.

River settled near the counter, watching me quietly.

“You’re not helping, you know,” I said lightly.

His tail wagged in response.

I shook my head, a faint smile lingering.

After finishing the basic work, I prepared a simple breakfast.

Nothing special.

Just enough.

I sat by the window while eating, absentmindedly glancing outside.

People passed by. The street slowly came to life.

Normal.

Peaceful.

But beneath that—

*Today isn’t going to be like every other day.*

I finished eating and stood up, washing the dishes before heading back to my room.

I got ready to leave for college.

“Stay here. I’ll be back.”

River followed me to the door anyway.

“I mean it.”

He stopped, reluctantly.

I gave him one last pat before stepping out.

---

The college day passed like any other.

Classes, lectures, familiar faces.

“Class dismissed. I’ll see you all next time.”

“Thank you, sir.”

I nodded slightly, gathering my things.

*Nothing unusual.*

And yet—

*Today feels different.*

Maybe because of what was waiting afterward.

I returned to my cabin briefly, organizing my notes before finally packing up.

The sun had already begun to soften.

Evening was approaching.

I stepped out of the building, adjusting my bag on my shoulder.

I glanced at the time.

Right on schedule.

---

By the time I got back home, the sky had already started to soften into evening.

The moment I opened the door—

“River—”

He rushed toward me, tail wagging like he hadn’t seen me in days.

“Alright, alright… I’m here.”

I bent slightly, letting him circle around me before patting his head.

“You’re getting more dramatic every day.”

He let out a soft sound in response, clearly pleased.

I took off my shoes and headed inside.

*Still some time before I have to leave.*

I moved downstairs to the flower shop.

The familiar scent greeted me instantly.

“Oliver.”

Oliver looked up from the counter.

“Welcome back,” he said casually.

“Everything okay here?” I asked, glancing around at the arrangements.

“Same as usual. A few orders came in—I noted them down.”

I nodded, walking over to check.

“Good. I’ll handle them later.”

There wasn’t much else to discuss.

Things here were always simple.

Predictable.

*Just the way I like it.*

After a short while, I headed back upstairs.

---

I stood in front of my wardrobe, staring at it longer than I should have.

“What should I wear…”

A pause.

“A suit? …No.”

*Too formal.*

“This one… no.”

I pulled out another.

“That? …No.”

*Doesn’t feel right.*

I frowned slightly.

“No… this doesn’t give the right vibe either.”

I let out a quiet breath.

*Why am I even thinking this much? It’s just tuition.*

Still—

I reached for another outfit.

“…This one.”

I held it up for a second.

Simple. Clean. Comfortable.

“…Yeah. This looks fine.”

I changed quickly into something casual.

Nothing too eye-catching.

Nothing too plain.

After that, I stood in front of the mirror.

For a moment, I just looked at my reflection.

Adjusted my collar.

Straightened my sleeves.

Made sure my hair was tied properly.

*This should be fine.*

I stared at myself for a second longer than necessary.

Then—

“…It’s just teaching.”

I picked up my bag.

*No need to overthink it.*

River came up to me , nudging my hand.

"you'll have to stay home."

His ear dropped slightly.

"It won't be long ."

I gave his head pat

As I turned to leave was about to head downstairs when—

*Knock. Knock.*

I paused.

*At this time…?*

I opened the door.

A man stood outside, dressed neatly in a formal uniform.

“Good evening, sir.”

I nodded slightly. “Good evening…?”

“I’m here to pick you up, sir. Mr. Kingstone sent me.”

*…A car?*

For a second, I didn’t respond.

“I could have come on my own,” I said calmly.

“Sir insisted.”

Of course he did.

“…Alright.”

I stepped out, closing the door behind me.

“River, stay.”

He gave a small, reluctant sound but didn’t follow.

---

When I reached downstairs, I glanced toward the shop.

“Oliver, I’m heading out.”

Oliver nodded. “Alright. Take care.”

I gave a small nod and stepped outside.

A sleek black car was waiting near the entrance.

*…This is a bit much for tuition.*

The driver opened the door for me.

“Please.”

“Thank you.”

I got in, placing my bag beside me.

The door closed softly.

And just like that—

The car began to move.

---

The city passed by outside the window.

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