awa'altu highschool

five

Couple day timeskip -
Neteyams 3rd person POV.

Neteyam's eyes fluttered open, his body feeling strained from the lack of sleep he had experienced the past nights. With a weary sigh, he reached for his phone, which was perched on his nightstand, the annoying beeping sound signaling a new alert, momentarily rousing him from his sleep-induced daze. He placed pressure on his temples and groaned as he realized that he hadn't slept much that night. Neteyam was careful to get out of bed before Lo'ak, wanting to make sure he was the first to use the bathroom. Kiri, after all, had her own room with an attached bathroom - a luxury that she often took advantage of by refusing to allow anyone else to use it. With a sense of purpose, Neteyam turned off his alarm and proceeded to tidy his room by making his bed, ensuring that everything was in its proper place before starting his day. This morning routine had become a staple for him - a small act of control in his life that was regularly filled with drama and chaos. It was the one aspect of his life that he could truly say he had a grasp on, and it gave him a sense of comfort that helped him get through the day ahead.

With a sigh, Neteyam left his room and headed to the bathroom. He knocked softly on Lo'aks and Kiri's doors, making sure they were both still sleeping before entering. Upon ensuring they were indeed still asleep, Neteyam entered the bathroom and proceeded to brush his teeth, remembering to floss as he did so. His mind wandered as he rummaged through some drawers that stored beauty supplies - trying to find his electric razor, but his thoughts were interrupted as he accidentally pushed over a thick, glass container of warm-toned brown eyeshadow. He considered leaving it, but a sense of curiosity took hold, and he decided to give it a try. He opened the container and subtly dabbed the eyeshadow on his eyelids, blending it in with his finger before hesitantly adding just a little of pencil eyeliner to the corners of his eyes - something he watched Kiri do sometimes. A sense of satisfaction washed over him, adding a touch of confidence to his morning routine. Neteyam quietly stepped out of the bathroom and shut the door behind him. He quickly headed back to his room, excited to choose an outfit that would reflect his personal taste and fit his style. After a brief moment of contemplation, he chose a simple white shirt with a random varsity jacket that was styled with multiple eye-catching patches. He slipped into some fitted jeans and ensured they stayed put with a fashionable belt. Finally, he completed his outfit with his songcord, created from a family tradition that was introduced to him from when he was just a baby, which he neatly fastened to his braids.

Neteyam's steps were light and graceful as he made his way down the stairs. Humming to himself, a soothing melody filling the air around him, he gracefully glided through the short corridor and entered the kitchen. Here, he spotted his father, Jake, who was busily tending to his morning routine of coffee and a tin of danish biscuits at the counter. Upon catching sight of his son, Jake whipped around. "Good morning, Dad," Neteyam greeted his father with a warm smile, waving at him briefly as he approached near him for the coffee machine. Jake took a slow sip of his coffee and carefully licked the corners of his lips, wiping off the remaining crumbs of his breakfast. He was surprised to see his son up so early and couldn't help but comment on the matter. "Oh. Hey son," he greeted Neteyam with a warm smile in return, a subtle note of amusement in his tone. "Do you always wake up this early?" he asked, breaking the ice and trying to initiate some small talk. Neteyam's response was prompt, his tone calm and measured as he replied, "It's almost 6. Not that early." As he spoke, Neteyam couldn't help but steal occasional glances at his dad, trying to keep the conversation going even as he busied himself with the coffee machine. "...Well I think it is." Jake, holding on to his coffee mug tightly while also balancing a collection of Danish biscuits in his other hand, casted a brief glance at his son. A moment of uncomfortable eye contact ensued, and Jake couldn't help but avert his gaze, instead focusing on the biscuit tin he held. After a slight hesitation, he spoke up, his words sounding almost awkward. "Your mother told me to finish these off," Jake randomly stated without reason as he shook the tin ever so slightly, the sound of the Danish biscuits inside rattled in response.