Because of the impending quiz bee competition, Seth decided to set aside his desire to meet Gil and talk about things that had been bothering his mind. They would see each other at school come Monday. For the meantime, Seth needed to focus on his goal to win the quiz bee competition.
First, Seth had to buy new study materials. Maybe he would also have to visit an Internet cafe to do some research. Seth informed his mother about his desire to go out.
“I’ll come with you…” his mother told Seth. It was an unexpected response from his mom, but a very welcome one. Seth’s had been busy with work lately, she had meetings even on weekends.
“Sure, mom…”
“Let’s also have lunch after you’re done with everything.” His mother hooked her arm on Seth’s.
“Yes, let’s do that!”
The two rode the bus. Seth was having a good day. Spending time with his mom like this made his heart swell in happiness. In his previous life, Seth’s mom was too busy with work while Seth didn’t want to go out because of his anxiety. There was never a time where Seth and his mom spend time together like riding the bus or going to the bookstore. Fortunately, Seth had the chance to relive his life. So, this time, many things would change. Aside from spending time with his mom during the weekends, Seth would never stop fetching his mother from work every day.
“Hmm, this quiz bee thing that you’ve told me about…” Seth’s mom initiated the conversation first while they were on the bus. “…are you really willing to do it or you’re being pressured by your teacher? Please tell me the truth, dear.”
Seth laughed while shaking his head. “I want to do it, mom. I want to win.” Aside from the satisfaction Seth would feel if he actually won, he also wanted to build his credentials for the goal of acquiring a scholarship.
His mom looked at Seth with a serious expression on her face. Then, she said: “You’ve changed. Where is that boy who doesn’t like to go out of his room during the weekends? The boy who doesn’t like to deal with people? The boy who is so timid, he can’t speak his mind even though he has a lot to say? Where is that boy, my baby?” His mother cupped Seth’s face with both hands. “Don’t get me wrong, while I miss the old you, I am so proud of the current you.”
Seth smiled at his mother.
“I like how you’ve changed for the better. I can see that you’re doing everything to be the best version of yourself. Seth dear, when you were kidnapped, I blamed myself for failing you. I thought I would do everything to protect you. However, I got busy with work, once again, I failed you. I always blame myself for what happened to you. I always want to be the best mother to you. Though, all I really do is to keep on failing you.”
Seth hugged his mom.” You never failed me, mom. You’re the best mom I could ever ask for.”
“Thank you for saying those words. I will always support you, dear. I will always be by your side.”
We’re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we’re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.
I will do everything to prevent the accident. I won’t let you die so soon, mom… Seth thought to himself.
Ktf akb rtjgfv j mbwobgajyif rlifcmf joafgkjgvr. Llr wbw’r tfjv kjr ifjclcu bc Vfat’r rtbeivfg. Pa kjr j afcvfg wbwfca atja Vfat kbeiv cba obgufa obg atf gfra bo tlr ilof.
Lbkfnfg, atf rlifcmf kjr vlraegyfv ys j mjii ogbw tlr wbw’r qtbcf. Vfat rjk tbk tlr wbw’r ojmf ugjvejiis yfmjwf qjif ktlif ibbxlcu ja tfg qtbcf rmgffc. Ktf mjii kjr jcrkfgfv lwwfvljafis. Vfat tfjgv atf rtjxlcu lc tlr wbw’r nblmf.
“H-hello, VP Swan…”
So, it was his mom’s boss. Seth had met the guy several times.
“No, I’m sorry. It’s my off today and I’m with my child. S-sorry. Y-yes. G-goodbye.” The call ended.
“What’s wrong, mom? Why is your boss calling you during your day off?” Seth asked his mom.
The look of fear on his mom’s face became evident. However, his mom immediately hid it by smiling at Seth. “T-there is nothing wrong.”
Seth had never seen his mom behaving like that. Something was definitely wrong. Maybe, it was something he had miss during his previous life. Was there something more that he didn’t know about his mom during his previous life? Was the accident that killed his mom…really just an accident?
Seth’s face darkened. “Is your boss harassing you, mom?”
“N-no!”
“Don’t try to hide things from me, mom. Please, tell me the truth.” Seth looked at his mom with pleading eyes.
Seth’s mom looked down. “I…I am thinking of quitting my job.”
“I’ll support your decision, mom.” Seth wrapped his arm wound his mom’s shoulders.
“I’ve been thinking about what you’ve said before—about starting my own business. I like the idea. Actually, I’ve been looking for a place to rent since you’ve brought it up. And I think I’ve found a perfect one.”
“That’s great, mom! I’ll help you with everything.” Seth was so happy to hear his mom’s decision. His life was turning out great.
Alas, the bus stopped when they reached their destination. The mother and son got off the bus and went straight to the direction of the bookstore. Seth was there to buy additional study materials while his mom decided to buy cookbooks to prepare for her upcoming business.
The two separated for a while inside the bookstore. Seth was busy looking at study materials when someone caught his eyes. In the small gap between shelves, Seth saw a familiar figure standing on the other side. He could only see that person’s back, but Seth instantly knew who it was.
Gil! Seth screamed in his mind. What was he doing at a bookstore? Was Gil looking at study materials just like Seth? But, the word ‘fiction’ was written on the top of the shelf where Gil was standing.
So, Gil was there to buy fiction books? Seth didn’t know that Gil liked to read books. Maybe he would also buy medical books? After all, Gil was destined to become a neurosurgeon in the future.
Seth kept on looking at Gil. After choosing a ton of books, the guy walked towards the cashier to pay. Seth didn’t know what came to him because instead of focusing on his study materials, he found himself spying on Gil. Seth even followed Gil after the latter paid for his books and left the bookstore.
Seth saw Gil walked nonchalantly amidst a crowd of people. He also saw him bought pastries inside a bakery. So, Gil liked to read and eat sweets. Hmmm…
When Seth realized what he was doing, he wanted to slap himself. He even left his mom inside the bookstore just to follow Gil. What a crazy idiot!
Seth came to his senses. He was about to go back when he saw a group of teenagers like them approached Gil. They didn’t look like friends. Some of the boys were holding metal pipes. Seth knew something bad was about to happen. When he saw Gil followed the boys without causing trouble, Seth followed them.
The group stopped in an alley hidden from onlookers. Seth didn’t know what to do. He wanted to call out to Gil. He wanted to grab Gil and they would both make a run for it. However, Seth felt his hands were shaking and his knees were weakened. His heart was beating so fast.
“We’ve meet again, Hugo.” A boy who looked like the leader spoke those words to Gil. “You’ve hurt my friends. Now it’s time for me to kill you.”
When Gilbert Hugo opened his mouth to retaliate, his voice was calm. “Your friends attacked me first. I just defended myself.”
“What the fuck are you saying, Hugo? My friends are in the hospital. What asshit about defending yourself are you talking about?”
Gil laughed, though there was nothing chill about it. Gil’s laugh brought goosebumps to the people who heard it—including Seth. “You started it. You attacked me even though I can’t remember what I have done to any of you before the fight. You’re fucking seniors but you’re still playing gang. When will you ever grow up? Please spare me the bullshit. I do not have time for kids’ play.”
“Asshole, you’re dead!”
The group began to attack Gil. Seth saw how Gil expertly fought the enemies. His punches were swift and powerful. Not even once did Gil take a hit from any of the boys.
However, no matter how strong Gil was, he couldn’t change the fact that he was outnumbered by the enemies. The boys kept on coming.
Seth felt his palms became sweaty. He thought he should call the police. But, when Seth saw some of the boys were attacking Gil with metal pipes—he didn’t know what came over him—he found himself running towards Gil while yelling “Stop!”
In the 33 years of Seth’s life, it was the first time he got involved in a fist fight. Seth didn’t know what to do, he kept on swinging his fist until it hit someone. For a brief moment, his gaze met Gil’s. Seth saw the horror in Gil’s eyes.
“Let’s get out of here!” Seth shouted at Gil while his fists kept on punching.
“Seth, you shouldn’t be here!”
In the middle of the fight, a smile curved on Seth’s lips. “I want to help you just like how you helped me, Gil.”
“Seth—!”
Seth wanted to say more to Gil. But, he felt something hit the back of his head. Before he lost consciousness, he saw how rage exploded in Gil’s eyes. Seth could hear the anger on Gil’s voice when he shouted.
Seth closed his eyes and his body fell on the ground. He had died once. Funny, he didn’t feel afraid this time.
Not a moment later, Seth fell unconscious.
*****
Crap! Have to wait a whole week for the next update! Cruel. Also, what is up with the mother’s boss? Are they having an abusive relationship? I bet he is related to her death in Seth’s previous life. And what the hell has Gil been doing while skipping school? I have questions. Thanks again for the chapter.
Gil is not going to take that well.
Is that boss presuring her to be his lover? What a nematode.
!! Just when things were going well!
thanks for the chapter <3
I’m sorry but…..my boy pulled out a Shinichiro