Chapter 235: The Belief That Things Will Get Better-4
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 235: The Belief That Things Will Get Better-4
Compared to the walk down together, the trek back up the hill alone felt steeper and took much longer.
Trudging up the seemingly endless slope, I scanned the scenery from the same vantage point Yun Si-a had used to take it all in.
The moon, resting against the ridge of the hill, boasted its radiance just as it had when we descended. Even as I gazed at that moon—the kind of ethereal beauty that usually bewitches the common observer—I didn't find it particularly beautiful.
Step, step. I continued up the long, long hill.
The best part about being possessed in this world is the abundance of time for solitary reflection.
Perhaps it’s because I spend most of my time at home. After finishing my homework, previews, and reviews, I find myself with more free time than expected.
When time hangs heavy like that, I often find myself drifting back to memories of my previous worlds.
Considering how those lives ended, one might wonder if there are any fond memories left to cherish. Yet, because the memories of the people I met remain precious, I feel no need to correct that sentiment.
Even excluding the chaotic early days of my dimensional travels, I have met a fair number of people.
Lee Mina, Namgung So-yu, Choi Garam, Emma, Maria.
Through my entanglements with them, I had to experience a different death every time.
Sometimes death came by the hands of others; sometimes, it was by my own choice.
Having to embrace the "bad ending" of death every single time, I had been so preoccupied with adapting to each new dimension that I had forgotten something: regardless of how those stories ended, the time I spent with them wasn't all that bad.
[...Is that really possible?]
The memory of sunlight streaming through a window, brightening the room. The sight of Maria blushing shyly as we shared an awkward silence.
[If you do it like this, it feels like you’re drinking the moon. You should try it too.]
The memory of watching the moon while tilting a glass atop a pavilion. A scene painted by a wine glass reflecting the moonlight and So-yu’s jewel-like red eyes.
[Master. Just once... just once... could you hold me tight?]
The memory of dancing slowly, illuminated by the dance of colorful fireworks. The rhythm Emma and I created as she smiled, nestled tightly in my arms.
[Don't worry. I'm a professional, so I'll make sure you don't get hurt!]
The memory of gasping for breath while moving my sluggish body. Garam’s laughter as she cheered me on with vibrant energy.
And....
[Well done. It looks like you haven't lost your touch.]
[Thank you. In-ho, you're always so handsome that I can't even focus on the clothes.]
[I messed up a bit today so we couldn't clear Stage 1, but let's set a date and beat it next time.]
[That makes sense. Should I give it a try too?]
Memories of Lee Mina.
Mina had vaguely revealed her family history to me. Perhaps she had wanted to ask if I was okay with someone like her.
I can still clearly see her somber face as she revealed her weaknesses in a trembling voice on the way home from work.
Lately, I’ve been thinking of Lee Mina more often.
Perhaps it’s because I keep overlapping her image onto Yun Si-a’s face.
Choi Garam also had an unfortunate family history, but the nuance feels subtly different.
Lee Mina and Yun Si-a are alike.
They both shoulder the burdens of life alone; they are pessimistic about the world, yet they possess a diligence that refuses to let them stop.
And ironically, the fact that I am by their side is another similarity.
Maybe that’s why seeing Yun Si-a brings Lee Mina to mind.
"Which is why I want to look after her more."
I mutter to myself as I finally enter the house.
As is the case with most idle thoughts, they end without reaching any particular conclusion.
*
As I stepped into the house where no one waited to greet me, the frigid temperature of the living room washed over me.
Shivering at the cold, which was barely different from the outdoors, I headed for the second floor.
I checked my phone to see if I should send Yun Si-a a KakaoTalk message to ask if she got home safely, but just then, a call came in.
"Hello?"
[...It's me.]
I looked at the caller ID after the abrupt self-introduction.
The word [Father] was displayed on the screen.
It was my first conversation with my parents since arriving here.
"Yes."
Not knowing what else to say, I kept my response short.
[Suspension.]
The voice on the other end of the line fell into a long silence after uttering the word "suspension." It was as if saying the word aloud was deeply shameful.
[...Your suspension is almost over. I called to see if you're preparing to go back to school.]
A businesslike voice echoed through the room.
"Yes."
Again, I gave a short reply, unsure of how to respond.
[Fine. Don't bother me with things like this ever again. If you don't have the brains for studying, you should at least stay out of trouble.]
A short click of the tongue followed.
I shouldn't try to justify it, but I was beginning to understand why the child of this house had become such an outcast.
[If you cause trouble again, don't expect any more support. Understand?]
The one-sided conversation continued.
I had nothing to say other than "Yes."
[I'm hanging up.]
The call ended.
Come to think of it, I hadn't even checked how long my suspension was supposed to last.
I searched the room and found the official notice.
The suspension period lasts until the end of this week... which means I have to go to school next Monday.
The things I’ll have to face at school flash through my mind.
Existing peer relationships and my reputation, which is bound to be rock bottom....
'Regardless of how those stories ended, the time I spent with them wasn't all that bad.'
That was one of the thoughts I had while climbing the hill.
I have a feeling that I won't live out my natural lifespan in this dimension either.
If it isn't Yun Si-a or Shin Jeong-ah, some irresistible force will appear out of nowhere and snip my thread of life.
In the past, I would have worked desperately to avoid death.
But through the time I spent with Maria, I’ve come to view these dimensional possessions through a slightly different lens.
Since I’ve been possessed into this world anyway...
I might as well try to fix what can be fixed.
I believe I can make this slightly skewed world a little better.
That is what I believe.