Elarion's POV
I was still trying to process everything that had happened. The idea that I had come back in time, into my 17-year-old body—it was overwhelming.
But my thoughts were interrupted by a commotion outside.
"S-Sir, my daughter is sick... Please, she needs help!"
It was a woman's broken voice—tired, panicked. I looked outside through the window. She was holding a pale, unconscious girl who looked about fourteen. The woman's eyes were swollen, red with tears. Her pleas were ignored as the police blocked the street, refusing to let any vehicles through because of a minister's political rally. She was desperate... but to them, it didn't matter.
Then, I saw my parents stepping outside. My dad walked over and said something to her. The woman looked surprised, then nodded hopefully and followed them into our house.
Wait... my dad's a doctor, right? Maybe he offered to help.
Curious, I headed downstairs and peeked through the slightly open door.
"She'll be fine," my father said calmly as he injected something into the girl's arm. "She fainted due to low blood pressure, likely caused by anemia. She needs rest. I recommend you stay here with her until evening."
The woman bowed gratefully, wiping her eyes. Just then, my mom caught me spying.
"Hmph, you bratty boy! Peeking like that—you'll be late for school," she scolded, hands on her hips. "Go get ready! It's rude to eavesdrop."
"School...?" I echoed in confusion.
Oh. Right. I'm back in time. Back in my old life—seventeen again.
Snap!
"Back to earth, kid," Mom said, snapping her fingers in front of my eyes. I blinked and shook myself awake from the daze.
"O-Oh. Sorry, Mom. I'll get ready," I mumbled, rushing upstairs.
I opened my closet and pulled out my old school uniform. Everything looked so... real. But was it? Was this a dream? A second chance?
If this is real... I have to live it. I have to make it count.
I tied my shoelaces, took one final look in the mirror, and stepped outside. The neighborhood looked different. The buildings weren't as tall or grim as the future... there was life here. A strange warmth in the air.
As I walked, lost in thought, I suddenly collided with someone.
"Oof!"
I stumbled back. A man picked something off the ground—oh, it was a ring.
"I'm so sorry! Are you okay?" I asked quickly.
The man looked flustered. "Not again! I'm already late! Damn, I hope she hasn't left yet..."
I stared at his face.
Wait... I know him.
It was the same taxi driver from the future—the one who had become cold and distant, who once called his sick daughter a 'liability'. But now... he looked younger, anxious, and still full of hope.
"U-Um... Mister, are you going on a date?" I asked before I could stop myself.
He paused. "Huh? Well, yeah, I'm going to propose to my girlfriend today. But now, thanks to you, I'm late."
He rolled his eyes, half-jokingly.
I smiled softly. "Well, sorry about that. But... here's some advice: cherish those who love you. Your loved ones—they're the only people who truly stay."
He stared at me, stunned. Then, a smile tugged at his lips.
"You're not a complete goofball, huh? Thanks, kid. Take care."
He hurried off.
I watched him leave, a strange warmth blooming in my chest.
Maybe I changed something... maybe she'll live a better life now.
I looked up at the sky and smiled.
Then it hit me—I was late for school.
"CRAP!"
[30 Minutes Later]
After running like a lunatic, I finally found my school.
How could I forget this place...?
I had studied so hard to get into this high school—burned nights in middle school just for this. But in the future... it had become nothing more than a forgotten ruin. Still, it felt weirdly nostalgic.
I entered the hallway. Students were chatting, laughing. At least I wasn't too late.
But then a memory hit me—I never really had friends in high school. I was always the quiet one. Lonely. Faking smiles.
That same feeling crept back into my chest...
And just like fate had it, someone bumped into me.
"Hey! Watch it!" a girl snapped.
She looked my age—fair skin, brown hair tied loosely, annoyed eyes.
"You bumped into me!" I said, brushing off my uniform.
"Oh yeah? You could've moved, smartass," she huffed.
"I don't have eyes in the back of my head."
"Tch."
She was ready to shoot back, but the bell rang. We both paused mid-argument.
Then we sprinted like Olympic athletes.
"If I get marked late, I'll never forgive you!" she shouted while running.
"Hey, you bumped into me!"
"Shut up!"
We zoomed past the teacher. Our speed was so fast, his toupee flew off.
The entire class burst out laughing.
[Time Skip: Principal's Office]
"So..." the stern principal crossed her arms. "Why were you two racing down the hallway?"
"U-Um, well, Miss... I was late because this nerd didn't move!" the girl complained.
I frowned. "It was her fault! She bumped into me!"
"Enough!" the principal slammed her hand on the desk. "Miss Ayase. Mr. Rainveili. You both will clean the hallway after school. End of discussion."
We both sighed.
[After School – Hallway Cleaning]
"This is all your fault," Ayase muttered while scrubbing.
"Believe me, I have no desire to spend my afternoon like this either," I grumbled.
I expected her to shoot another comeback... but she laughed instead.
"Heh, you're such a dork. Fine, how about a peace offering? Let's grab something to eat afterward."
I blinked. "Wait, really?"
"Don't get the wrong idea. I'm not interested in you. I just don't want to sit alone at a café."
"Sure, whatever," I shrugged.
[Time Skip – Café]
The small café had a cozy vibe. Warm lights. Soft music.
"So, what do you want?" Ayase asked, scanning the menu.
"Pancakes and... maybe a cafecino."
"Boring," she teased. "Just like you."
I rolled my eyes.
She ordered some long-named, complicated coffee and a fancy burger.
"You know," she said, "you're not half bad when you're not being a pain."
"That's my line," I replied.
"Oh please, I'm way more tolerable than you."
We were about to start bickering again, but the food arrived.
Her eyes lit up. "Wow... this looks amazing!"
She pulled out her phone to take a photo.
"You know... you could just enjoy the food instead of photographing it. It'll get cold," I said offhandedly.
Her expression shifted. She lowered her phone slowly, as if my words hit her somewhere deep.
Did I say something wrong?
But then she smiled. "Maybe you're right."
She tucked her phone away and added, "But don't get cocky. You're still not that smart."
We both chuckled. It was the first time in years I'd enjoyed a meal—not just the taste, but the company.
As we walked outside, the sun had started to set. The sky was painted orange and gold.
"That was fun," she said softly. "Surprisingly... it wasn't a bad day."
"Yeah... maybe," I said.
"My home's this way. Guess I'll see you tomorrow, Rainveili."
I nodded.
As she walked away, I thought I saw a faint blush on her cheeks... or maybe it was just the light.
[Later That Evening]
I reached home, still replaying the day's events in my mind.
But something was... off.
The house was dark.
"Mom? Dad?" I called out.
No response.
They must've gone out...
I walked toward the bathroom to wash my face, but as I touched the doorknob—something pulsed. A faint, golden light glowed beneath the doorframe.
Confused, I pushed it open.
And then—
STAB.
Pain. Blinding, sharp pain.
I gasped. My eyes widened.
Standing in front of me was the same girl—the one my father treated this morning.
Her eyes were blank.
And her hand...
Was holding a bloodied knife.
My vision blurred.
What... what's happening...?
Why...?
Everything went dark.