The Conniving Crow

Chapter 126: Salty Breakfast

The break of dawn arrived with an unwelcome haste, ushering in a new day for (y/n) much sooner than she desired. Sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a gentle glow upon the room, and as the first rays touched her face, the persistent warmth coaxed her into reluctant consciousness.

Beneath the soft morning light, (y/n) found herself enveloped in a cocoon of warmth and coziness, the remnants of a dream still clinging to her mind like gossamer threads. However, any semblance of peace was abruptly shattered as Kenta, her ever-enthusiastic canine companion, launched an assault on her sleep with a barrage of wet, slobbery kisses. With a half-hearted grumble escaping her lips, (y/n) attempted to shield herself from the onslaught of affection, mumbling protests against the ungodly hour.

"Kenta, can't a girl catch a few more Zs?" she groaned, squinting at her furry friend, who seemed entirely unfazed by her plea for additional rest.

The pup tilted his head, as if contemplating the request, before responding with an enthusiastic bark, clearly convinced that the morning held far more exciting prospects than slumber.

Rolling her eyes in mock exasperation, (y/n) couldn't help but chuckle at the irrepressible energy radiating from her four-legged alarm clock. "Alright, alright. I get it. Let's start the day, but can we do it with a little less saliva next time?"

As if comprehending her words, Kenta wagged his tail vigorously, his eyes gleaming with canine excitement. The room was filled with the sound of their morning banter, a conversation conducted in playful barks and (y/n)'s sleepy protests, setting the tone for the day that lay ahead.

Little did she know that beyond the confines of her cozy haven, a new adventure awaited, one that would unfold with each step taken on the path of the unexpected. And so, reluctantly but with a hint of anticipation, (y/n) began to stir, ready to face the challenges and joys that the day had in store.

A rhythmic knock on the door echoed through the room, shattering the delicate cocoon of tranquility that (y/n) had tried so desperately to cocoon herself in. Kenta, ever the vigilant companion, lifted his head with a curious expression, his ears perking up at the disturbance. (Y/n) shot the pup a bemused look, her gaze betraying a mixture of annoyance and amusement.

"Alright, alright. I'm coming," she muttered to herself, pushing herself off the comfort of her bed. With a swift yawn and a tousle of her disheveled hair, she shuffled towards the door, each step a silent plea for just a few more moments of uninterrupted solitude.

Upon swinging the door open, she was met with the sight of Tsukishima, standing tall and composed in the hallway. The early morning light played on his features, casting a subtle glow that accentuated his signature stoicism. (Y/n) glanced down, realizing she was still clad in her mismatched pajamas, and couldn't help but feel a twinge of embarrassment.

"Tsukishima, it's like, the crack of dawn. What's the rush?" she remarked, stifling a yawn with the back of her hand.

He raised an eyebrow, his usual deadpan expression intact. "The cafeteria's not open all day, you know. If you want to eat something before practice, now's your chance."

She blinked, processing the information in the haze of her morning fog. "Practice? Already? What time is it, even?"

"Early enough that if you don't hurry, all you'll get is the lingering scent of breakfast," he replied dryly.

As (y/n) mentally calculated the remaining seconds of precious sleep slipping away, Kenta darted past her legs, his tail wagging enthusiastically. Tsukishima's gaze softened ever so slightly as he offered a small nod of acknowledgment to the furry companion.

"Kenta seems excited. I assume you've briefed him on the importance of a balanced breakfast," he quipped.

She chuckled, the corners of her lips curling into a half-smile. "Of course, String Bean. We're a well-informed duo."