The blaring alarm cuts through your dreams, jolting you awake. Sunlight streams through the curtains as you fumble for your phone—9:17 AM. You're late. Heart racing, you leap out of bed, nearly tripping over yesterday's clothes scattered across the floor. The clock ticks loudly in the silent room as you stumble into the bathroom, splashing cold water on your face that sends a shiver down your spine.

Downstairs, the smell of burnt toast fills the air as you rush through breakfast, shoving the charred bread into your mouth while struggling with your tie. The front door slams behind you as you sprint down the sidewalk, briefcase bouncing against your leg with each hurried step. The morning air feels cool against your flushed cheeks.

A small rock catches your shoe, sending you sprawling forward. You collide with something soft, then hear a sharp intake of breath. Looking up, you find yourself staring at a woman with round glasses perched on her nose, her stickfigure face twisted in surprise. Her blue eyes widen behind the lenses as she stumbles back.

"I'm so sorry!" you exclaim, scrambling to your feet. Before you can offer a hand, she blushes bright red, her expression shifting from surprise to anger. Without a word, she delivers a swift kick to your shin. Pain shoots up your leg as you yelp, watching in astonishment as she storms off down the street, her ponytail swinging sharply with each step.

You limp to the waiting taxi, rubbing your leg and wondering what kind of day you've just started. The taxi's engine roars to life, carrying you toward the office where your boss is undoubtedly already fuming about your tardiness. Little do you know, this painful first encounter is just the beginning of your complicated relationship with Miu.