The Cat's Curse

The persistent, shrill ring of my alarm clock tore me from the comforting depths of sleep. "Ugh, damn alarm..." I groaned, pulling the covers tighter around me. The cold morning air was an unwelcome shock the moment I reluctantly threw them off, sending a shiver through my entire body.

My muscles ached, as if I'd run a marathon in my dreams. After a quick, light breakfast, I headed out for school, the quiet of the street feeling strangely heavy without Haruka by my side. She wasn't attending classes today.

The morning dragged on. My mind, a whirlwind of bizarre images from last night, refused to focus. Teachers scolded me more than usual, their voices blending into a dull hum against the backdrop of my racing thoughts.

Lunchtime offered no respite. "Noa-san, Noa-san! Do you know anything about Haruka-sama?" The familiar chorus of Haruka's fan club swarmed me, their questions like a buzzing hive. I sighed, explaining her absence as 'a family matter,' a vague truth that eventually appeased them.

Finally, they dispersed, leaving me with what little remained of my break. I ate quickly, my mind still replaying the vivid, terrifying scenes: Haruka's glowing figure, the monstrous cat, the ice spears, and that horrifying black spear piercing my chest. I still couldn't believe it had all been real.