No Time

While everyone seemed to be going through trials in their life, my life was calm.

There were no big happenings.

I would hear about the so-called "Butler Academy" that sounded like it came out from a manga, or teacher and students banding up to become a close group, or a romance with eloping included.

They sounded like stories, fantasies, not realistic.

But they still happened.

I suppose the apocalypse would also sound like a fantasy to all not in it.

Today, though, might be different.

I was to visit the children I saved from the cannibalistic group outside the base.

According to reports, they were treated well and went to school normally. Some of them even getting jobs.

But reports didn't tell everything, so I scheduled to go see them.

It did make me feel bad, how I had forgotten about them for several months.

So, I brought gifts and food.

Had they ever seen my real age form? I forgot, they might've only seen me as a child.

My memory was certainly getting dull these days. Is it because I slept so late? Maybe my mental age was getting old.

The children were doing well.

They were accepted by their neighbors, some even lived with some families.

After adoption processes were set properly, they told me, they'd want to belong in a family again.

They'd gone through such hard times but received hope and a bright future.

Matureness, well more of a wariness, was still evident, but it couldn't be helped.

One even said, "It's like a dream! I know it's not, but it seems like one!"

That child laughed happily and went over to watch a show with his friends.

It really is like a dream.

I could have never imagined being given a second chance.

And somehow, with bizarre luck, I was able to build the base and keep people safe.

Although, I was still selfish and small-minded to only try to keep a specific number of close people alive, I wasn't wrought with guilt.

I was essentially an employer, I'd have to provide my employees lots of benefits.

Yes, that's one way to put it. That way, the clenching in my heart will lessen.

This wasn't guilt.

Why should I feel for those I don't know?

But my chest felt tight.

It must be stress.

I could only conclude that and return home.

Today, I would ask Xia Jiayi if he would want to be in a relationship with me.

If he does, I would do my best to be the perfect lover.

If he doesn't, then I would let him go.

I'd respect his wishes.

Of course, it doesn't mean that I won't try any further.

I'm not one to give up easily.

A few days ago, all my co-workers' laptop was hacked.

There was nothing done, but an extra file appeared in the documents folder.

This happened in other departments as well.

But since it was a small case, nobody really mentioned it. At most, they gossiped, wondering who it was that played such a prank.

When I saw the document, I knew it wasn't a prank.

Sigh, it was the organization, they tracked me down.

The coded document contained chastisement.

[Why'd you leave your bodyguards behind?!]

[You're way past the time limit, come back or at least send us a reply!]

[Dr. Thornton wants to ask your opinion on the increase of those with Hyperthemesia over the years. Is it due to a reliable test being produced or genetic mutation, perhaps evolution?]

[Dr. Pennington wants to ask whether you think his cross-species of chicken duck hybrids would be a hit if there was still a meat industry.]

Etc. etc. etc.

Aiyo, I forgot about them and now they ask me so many things.

I didn't want to go back yet.

The living area, food, company here was great!

And I still had to complete my revenge although it was usually out of my mind.

Fine, I just liked this place better than the freezing lab in Greenland.

I didn't care about revenge anymore.

I felt bad for my previous life's self, Shui Jing was a monster back then.

He's a nice individual today, so I don't feel any hatred although he killed "me".

I only leeched off of my previous self's memories, I still can't resonate with his experiences properly.

Shui Yu was really too nice.

Giving me a place to stay, buying me clothes and supplies, feeding me delicious food.

I gained weight from all the pampering!

He was an intelligent, caring person.

These days, I didn't even need to speak. He'd just show up and ask if I wanted this or that.

I think everyone needs a Shui Yu in their life! I have one, hehehe.

I finished up work and decided to write back a reply.

Simple e-mail style.

I didn't bother answering all the questions, except for some that caught my eye.

None asked if I was well or sick, or whatever.

They knew that I would do fine, maybe starve a little, or be dehydrated, perhaps even close to dying, but I was still alive, so considered "ok" to them.

Hmhm, now time to go home!

I wonder what's for dinner today~

-------------

Dinner was filling and delicious as always.

This time there was even dessert, and it was meringue cookies. They tasted slightly sweet with a hint of peppermint in them. Shui Yu said he got them from a co-worker who liked to bake.

Well, thanks to the baker co-worker, I got to taste such delectable sweets.

Going along with our usual routine, we sat in the living room sofas to watch some tv.

There was a re-run of the show an old breakout room game with several stars in a grand set design. Both the Korean and Chinese versions were great to watch!

"Wait."

Ah? It was rare for Shui Yu to stop me, and he looked so serious.

I was getting a little nervous.

Had he found out that the organization hacked the lab's devices?

Did he find out that I wasn't just a refugee?

What could it be?

Could he... would he kick me out?

Maybe my emotions showed through my face, but Shui Yu laughed.

Whew, so he shouldn't have found out...

"I just wanted to ask you something, no need to be so scared."

Scared? Me?

What did he want to ask?

"I... realized that I seem to have feelings for you."

Blink.

Blink.

Blink.

What feelings...?

"Xia Jiayi, will you be my boyfriend?"

I don't know what I even replied.

There's a high chance of "um", "uh", "what"s mixed in.

I suddenly lost my ability to form sentences, no, my ability to speak.

"Think about it, ok?"

Shui Yu quickly went upstairs with red ears and blushing face after throwing that at me.

How was I supposed to answer that?

Somehow part 1 of my revenge succeeded?!

But did I even want revenge anymore?!

Did I like Shui Yu?!

How would I be able to sleep today?!

I confessed.

It was embarrassing, and I ran away in the end.

I still did it.

Xia Jiayi didn't know where to look and seemed confused.

He was flustered.

I truly hope it's a good sign.

Ah, my face is still so hot.

I want tomorrow to come soon.