Chapter 4: Adapting to Anomalies-4
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 4: Adapting to Anomalies-4
The house was cleaner than I expected. On-yu must have looked after the place while I was in the hospital.
I couldn't quite grasp what kind of person the 'me' before the accident had been, but the traces scattered throughout the house allowed me to make a few guesses.
“…….”
There were many small picture frames on the shoe rack and shelves, most of them containing photos of my parents and 'me' as a child.
He must have been someone who missed his family dearly. Even after growing into a high schooler, he had kept these old photos.
Ranael, that damn pigeon, used the term 'dimension transfer,' but this is possession. My soul has been layered over someone else's, after all.
That’s why it’s frustrating.
Can I really mimic a personality and habits formed over eighteen years?
Will I be able to avoid making the people here who know me feel like something is off?
To be honest, I’m not confident.
I’ve used amnesia as an excuse, but I don't think I can hide behind that shield forever. I have to live this new life, one way or another.
“Does anything come to mind?”
As I walked around, running my hand over the furniture, On-yu followed close behind.
“No, it’s a problem. I really don't remember a single thing.”
“It’s okay. It’ll come back to you soon.”
No, it’s not okay. Because I will never be able to recall the memories of this body’s original owner.
‘I wish I’d possessed a newborn instead; then I wouldn’t have to deal with all this trouble.’
When we went up to the second floor, there were two rooms.
“You used one as a storage room, and this one is your bedroom.”
What kind of person was the previous me? I cautiously opened the door.
“Well, there’s not much to see.”
There really wasn't. Various reference books, a computer, a bed. It was the room of an ordinary high school student.
“What were you expecting?”
At my dry remark, On-yu asked back as if she found it absurd.
“Nothing, really. It’s just… a very normal room.”
I couldn't deduce anything about my past self from this. Should I try opening the computer after On-yu leaves?
“I don’t know what kind of grand expectations you had, but your room was always like this. I cleaned it while you were in the hospital, but I didn't touch anything I shouldn't have.”
“I wasn't doubting you.”
“Ah, anyway, hurry up and unpack so you can rest. Are you hungry? Want me to make you something?”
“I had lunch at the hospital cafeteria. I’m not particularly hungry.”
“Really? Then what do you want to do? Should I get you something to drink?”
I expected as much, but On-yu kept trying to stay glued to my side. Whenever I seemed lost in thought for even a moment, she would immediately strike up a conversation.
It was as if she was trying to prevent me from thinking about anything else.
“No, I’d actually like to be alone for a bit. Is that okay?”
I needed time to organize my thoughts. If I let things continue like this, On-yu would stay by my side indefinitely.
Whether out of worry or obsession.
“Why?”
She tilted her head as she asked. I couldn't tell if it was natural cuteness or intentional, but rather than finding it cute, I found it troubling—it felt like an expression of her refusal to let me be.
I chose my words carefully.
“I just want to be home alone for a while. Since I can't remember anything, my mind is a bit of a mess.”
“In times like this, wouldn't it be better to have someone you can lean on by your side?”
If I denied that, I’d only provoke her.
“You’re right. But On-yu, you were with me the whole time I was in the hospital. I need some time to myself, too.”
I acknowledged her point while pushing my own.
“…….”
She still didn't seem to like it, as she was now looking at me with narrowed, suspicious eyes.
“We’re going to be hanging out all the time from now on anyway. And you have to go home eventually.”
“…I guess so.”
Maybe the phrase ‘all the time from now on’ worked. On-yu backed down sooner than I expected.
“Are you sure you’re okay without me making dinner? You always eat so poorly…”
When I placed a hand on On-yu’s shoulder and gave it a few taps, her face flushed.
“I know how to cook, too. I can manage a simple stew or something.”
I lived alone for years; I know how to do some basic cooking. Don't look down on a former office worker, kid.
“Really? Well, if you say so.”
I saw her out to the front door.
“Get some rest, and call me if you’re curious about anything. You haven't forgotten your phone password, have you?”
My phone password was 1214. Her birthday.
“Yeah. I’ll contact you if anything comes up.”
She spoke while sliding her finger into the back of her shoe to pull it on. As she leaned over, her face was level with my solar plexus.
“Oh, right.”
Still putting on her shoes, she spoke as if she had just remembered something.
“You don't know how to cook.”
On-yu looked up and gave a playful smile. A chill ran down my spine, as if she had seen right through me.
“……”
“Rest well. See you tomorrow.”
She opened the door and left, but I couldn't move from the entryway for a long time.
*
Evening, after sending her away.
I made do with a cup of ramen for dinner. It seemed her words weren't a lie; the cupboards were packed with instant meals.
This guy. If you’re living alone, you should eat better. I grumbled to myself as I sat down in front of the computer.
“It’s not here.”
Since it was the same Korea, I hadn't felt much of a sense of displacement, but once I actually got on the internet, the differences between the world I lived in and this one became apparent.
First of all, some games that enjoyed global popularity didn't exist, and there were celebrities who simply weren't there.
“It really is a different world.”
Realizing the reality of my possession, I pushed my chair back.
Wait. I missed something important.
“I can't miss out on adult videos from another world.”
This brat must have hidden them somewhere.