"…I understand." Benson said, nodding. He took another deep breath before looking at Mingrui. Seeing the worry and sorrow in his eyes, Benson paused and said, "So, it was an accident. It's not your fault, sir."
Hearing those almost consoling words, Mingrui felt a sting in his nose, a mix of grievance and emotion stirred by the word "sir," though he knew the address was appropriate, having fused with part of Klein's emotions and having genuinely bonded with Benson and Melissa over time, he couldn't help but feel a pang of hurt.
No, Mingrui! You can't… Suppressing the emotions surging within him, Mingrui looked at Benson and said, "But accident or not, the fact is I've taken Klein's place and kept it from you for so long. I truly…"
"Why?" Melissa interrupted before he could finish. The young girl stared at Mingrui, her voice sharp with accusation yet laced with a faint, almost imperceptible hope. "Why do you seem so much like Klein? Why do you know I love lemon cake…?"
Her words were both a challenge and a release of pent-up emotion.
Mingrui met her amber eyes, his heart aching, and answered truthfully, "Because I've fused with some of Klein's emotions and memories. Sometimes, I see myself as him."
Melissa gave a pained smile and sank back onto the sofa, her eyes vacant, lost in thought.
Benson's gaze grew complex, a mix of realization and emotion. Mingrui, unable to bear looking at them, lowered his eyes and said, "I know this has caused you immense pain. I don't know how to make it right…"
"There's no need to make it right." Benson interrupted, sighing as he looked at Mingrui. "You haven't done anything wrong to us. You didn't kill Klein, and taking his body was just an accident. If you feel guilty, the money you've given us during this time is more than enough compensation. You don't need to carry that guilt."
"…Why?" Mingrui looked up at Benson, his voice hoarse as he sniffed. "Don't you blame me?"
"Because it's not your fault." Benson said, shaking his head. His eyes grew distant, as if recalling something. "Klein was a good kid, and you're a good person too. This isn't either of your faults... it's just… this damned fate!"
Benson cursed suddenly, his composure breaking as he covered his face with his hands, muttering under his breath. He stood abruptly and said, "Sorry, I need to visit the washroom."
Without waiting for a response, he hurried away.
The room fell silent, broken only by Melissa's soft sobs.
After a while, Melissa looked up at Mingrui, her voice trembling as she asked, "Klein… when he… passed, was he in pain?"
The words came haltingly, but she forced them out, her amber eyes fixed on Mingrui with stubborn determination.
"I don't know. I don't have memories of his final moments, but it likely wasn't painful." Mingrui said, shaking his head. He truly didn't know if Klein Moretti had suffered, but since he had taken his own life with a single gunshot, it was reasonable to assume it was quick and painless.
"That's good, that's good…" Melissa murmured, lowering her head as she began to sob quietly again.
Benson returned from the washroom, his face still damp, his eyes red from crying.
"Sorry for the wait." He said, sitting back on the sofa. He looked at the young man before him and asked, "I forgot to ask earlier... how should I address you?"
"…Zhou Mingrui. That was my name before." Mingrui replied.
Benson mulled over the name, finding it unusual but not dwelling on it. He looked at Mingrui and asked, "Mr. Mingrui, I'm curious. You've kept this hidden for so long, and we never suspected anything. Why tell us the truth now?"
"Because you deserve to know." Mingrui said, taking a deep breath as he met Benson's gaze. "I couldn't... and shouldn't... keep this from you. I can't just accept your familial love as if it's rightfully mine…"
Benson fell silent, studying Mingrui. Then he said, "You really are a lot like Klein."
Mingrui pressed his lips together, saying nothing.
Benson sighed, his eyes distant as he spoke, "You said you fused with some of Klein's emotions and memories, and that's why you see us as family, isn't it?"
Benson was sharp, cutting straight to the truth.
"Yes." Mingrui nodded.
"But you know you're not Klein." Benson said, pausing as his voice caught with emotion. "And we… we can't treat you as Klein. It wouldn't be fair to him, or to you."
"I'm sorry." Mingrui said, his words inadequate. His usual quick wit failed him, leaving only an apology. "If it bothers you, I can stay out of your sight. I can't return this body to you just yet, but when I'm able to separate from it, I'll give it back…"
"And would that affect you greatly?" Benson interrupted.
"Very much." Mingrui admitted honestly, nodding. Losing his body would be no small matter for any Beyonder, even a Magician, who could only swap between their main body and puppets, not abandon it entirely.
"I see." Benson said, seeming to reach a decision. He murmured, "It's not right to decide for Klein, but I think he'd forgive his older brother…"
He looked at Mingrui and said, "Mr. Zoroast, you don't need to return the body. You're innocent in this too. Since you've been revived, live on... live well."
"But…" Benson paused, then continued, "we may need to hold a funeral for Klein. Would that affect you?"
***
Hi everyone, I hope you're all doing well. I just wanted to let you know that right now I'm working on a really good and promising naruto fanfic. If you're interested in reading it, feel free to give it a try:
[Naruto: Pathological Liar]
Synopsis:
After reincarnated as a worthless member of the Hyūga branch family...
Fate handed me the worst possible script, but that's fine... I was born to be the greatest actor.
Are you ready?
My name is Hyūga Kumokawa.
I'm going to weave one enormous lie.
And make the entire ninja world dance to it.
---