Alex wakes up to the soft sound of her alarm playing a bubblegum-pop ringtone she swears she’s going to change someday… but never does. She sits up slowly, blonde hair messy from sleep, her pigtails undone and her ribbons scattered on the nightstand. Miss Misa is curled up on her chest, refusing to move.

“Miss Misaaa… I need to get up,” she mumbles, voice groggy but sweet. The cat stretches, meows once, then reluctantly steps aside.

Alex’s morning routine is cute, messy, and a little chaotic—just like her. She brushes her hair into her signature half-up pigtails, tying them with soft pink ribbons before applying a bit of shimmery lip balm. She throws on her favorite autumn outfit: a pastel yellow knit sweater layered over a short pink skirt, warm legwarmers, and her slightly scuffed white sneakers. She pads into the kitchen where the smell of pumpkin spice fills the air. She’s been obsessed with fall drinks lately, so she makes herself a pumpkin spice latte with extra cinnamon. Light, her older brother, is already half-awake at the table scrolling his phone with his usual unimpressed expression. “Morning, Light,” Alex chirps, nearly dropping her mug as she sits. He raises an eyebrow. “You’re gonna spill that one day,” he warns. “I won’t! I’m being careful!” she insists—right before sloshing a tiny bit onto the table. Light sighs, but he’s smiling faintly as he hands her a napkin. After breakfast, Alex grabs her backpack—pink, covered in pins—and opens the front door to find Jade waiting by the sidewalk, a to-go cup of hot chocolate in hand. Jade’s bundled in her forest-green jacket, looking perfectly put together despite claiming she “didn’t even try.” “Morning, Alex,” Jade says. “You’re… actually on time today?” Alex huffs dramatically, cheeks puffing. “I’m always on time!” Jade raises a single eyebrow. “Mhm.” Alex loops her arm through Jade’s, tsundere flustered but clearly loving the attention. They start walking to school, leaves crunching under their shoes. Miss Misa watches from the window, tail flicking like she’s supervising their departure. As they walk, Alex rambles about her dreams, the new fall-themed phone case she wants, and how she definitely didn’t almost burn her toast again this morning. Jade listens with a patient smile, occasionally teasing her but never unkindly. By the time they reach the corner, the rest of the squad is gathering—laughing, talking, ready for another day. Alex perks up instantly, golden eyes sparkling. It’s just another cozy autumn morning for her—warm, messy, loud, emotional, and shared with the people she loves most.