Would they miss me if I disappeared… or died? Probably not.
All I've ever done is hurt people — never managed to form a bond that truly mattered.
Do I even deserve this second chance?
"Only you can decide that," a woman's voice spoke from within the darkness.
"In this life, you can make things right. You cannot change your past mistakes, but the present is still in your hands."
Her voice was warm — a tone that melted something frozen deep inside me.
"This life is nothing like the one before. You have a loving family, friends, someone you care about… and peace."
Her words pulled me out of my self-blame. Slowly, my eyes opened, and the song of birds greeted me. Rei was already awake, training. The air around him stood still as he focused his mana.
Ever since he started living with us, that's been his morning ritual — growing stronger, to avenge his father.
I didn't want to disturb him, so I quietly stood up and went to have breakfast.
Mother was already eating.
"Good morning, Mother!" I said, interrupting her peaceful moment.
"Good morning, my son. How did you sleep?"
"Well… I'm starting to get used to Rei's presence, though he still snores like a wild beast," I grumbled, half joking.
I sat beside her, and the warmth of freshly cooked food greeted me.
"It must be hard for him," Mother said, her voice soft with empathy. "To watch his father die before his eyes… to be orphaned so young."
"I'll help him however I can," I answered, continuing my breakfast.
"Your father and I still have business to take care of in the village," she said calmly.
"What kind of business?"
"Paperwork mostly. Your father's been asked to take over as the village leader — in Zey's place."
So I'd be seeing even less of him now.
"Just don't overwork yourselves," I said, unable to hide my worry.
"We won't, my son. What are your plans for today?" she asked — though I could see in her eyes what she really meant: Don't do anything reckless.
"I'm going to meet Nari. But don't worry — I won't do anything stupid," I reassured her.
"All right then, have fun!" she smiled, eyes gleaming.
"It's not that kind of meeting," I said quickly, blushing.
After finishing breakfast, I got ready and set out.
I went to the place where she'd given me that flower before, hoping I might run into her again.
The field was just as peaceful — full of wildflowers and small creatures. I sat beneath the old tree and waited.
An hour passed, and still no sign of her.
"If only I knew where she lived…" I muttered, burying my head between my knees. "This is going to be a long day."
I watched the clouds drift by, listened to the birds sing, the wind whisper through the grass —
and realized how serene it all was.
Somewhere in Elyndra, people were fighting for their lives, never getting a moment to breathe.
I used to be one of them.
Too busy surviving to ever notice the beauty in such small things.
Small things… Funny, how something so small can feel so peaceful.
When I was just about to give up — the sun already dipping low — I heard footsteps.
I looked up, hoping it was Nari.
And there she was, emerging from the trees — a basket of flowers in her arms.
"Narihu? What are you doing here? Training again?" she asked, surprised.
"I was waiting for you," I said, eyes locked on hers. "You promised we'd talk, remember, Senna?"
She froze. The name hit her like a blade.
"I remember," she sighed deeply. I could see in her eyes that she had wanted to avoid this moment — afraid of what might change between us.
"So… there's no point in hiding it anymore, is there?"
"I know everything," I said quietly. "Who you were, what we shared in our past lives… and how it ended."
My voice trembled, but I forced myself to ask, "Why did you hide it from me, Senna?"
Her hands trembled slightly as she held the basket tighter.
"Because of your feelings for me. Rei told me your memories were hazy, so I used a false name. I didn't want to make you suffer again."
"My feelings… what I feel for you now isn't love. It's guilt — that I couldn't save you."
I looked at her — and for the first time, I meant every word. "But I've realized something. I'm not in love with you."
A faint light shimmered in her eyes — surprise mixed with relief.
"I'm glad you understand that. I hope it stays that way, because we can never be more than friends or comrades."
I hadn't expected that. A part of me had secretly hoped that, someday, something real could grow between us.
"Why not?" I asked, though I already feared the answer.
"I can't feel love for anyone," she said softly. "And there's something greater I must fulfill — to help you live a life filled with happiness."
Her voice carried sincerity and freedom, like someone unshackled by the past.
"Heh… so that's how it is." I smiled faintly, though my chest tightened.
"In my past life, I fell for you because you were everything I wasn't — pure, selfless, sure of yourself. You helped everyone without hesitation. I think… I wanted you to save me from myself."
"I see," she said gently. "But you don't need saving anymore. You already have everything you once longed for.
Please, don't let the chains of your past bind the future that awaits you."
I stood and stepped closer.
"I'm sorry — for forcing false feelings upon you. I promise I won't burden you with them again."
"I hope you find someone truly right for you," she said, her voice warm, genuine — even if it stung a little.
"I don't think I will," I admitted. "I won't let myself feel false love again. Which means… I won't fall in love at all. I don't even know what love is supposed to feel like anymore."
"I'm sorry to hear that," she whispered. "But maybe… that's the one thing we share. I'm the same."
"Then… comrades, right?" I asked, extending my hand.
"Yes. Nothing more. Never more." she said, taking it firmly.
In her clear eyes, I saw something that looked like peace.
And just like that —
my first love came to an end.