Only after being reborn did I realize there was someone I truly needed to cherish.
In other people's rebirth stories, they return to the golden days at the end of high school—the prime time to change fate. But me? I came back as a primary school student!
Wait a minute… isn't this 15 years ago?
Before I could process the shock, I found myself sitting in a brightly lit classroom—and worse, I had just been caught reading a novel during class. The teacher marched over and demanded I read it aloud to everyone.
Ah yes, this did happen once in primary school. A black mark in my history. But after so many years, the memory had become a hazy blur—something I could laugh off.
Yet now, reliving it in full color and detail, while dozens of young eyes stared at me... It felt more like a public execution.
The teacher wanted to teach me a lesson, sure. But the aftermath? I was branded an otaku by my classmates for the entire year.
Still, I picked up the book—Dragon King Returns—and continued reading bitterly, all while sorting through my situation.
No need to panic. Face every problem with a calm heart and a smile. That's what I always told myself.
And besides… this was 2012—a golden age for the rise of web novels!
Web fiction was just beginning to gain traction, and major platforms hadn't even been born yet. The internet was booming, social media was just beginning to take off, and Bitcoin was still a nerdy myth.
Many legendary novels hadn't even been written. If I posted them now… if I launched my website FictionZone early… I could dominate the web fiction industry from the very start.
Sure, this rebirth point came earlier than I'd hoped—but the future still shone brightly.
In my past life, I had built FictionZone from scratch and fought my way through fierce competition. It took everything I had to push it into the top ranks of the novel world.
But this time? I'll go even further. I'll create the strongest web fiction platform in history.
"Sit down!"
"Sit down!"
"Still smiling? You think reading novels in class is something to be proud of? You really need to reflect on your actions."
"..."
Laughter erupted around me. I slowly imitated the others, folding my hands on the desk and bowing my head in silence.
"Straighten your back!"
"...Yes, ma'am."
I looked around. Most of the faces were unfamiliar. My memory from before the bright flash on my monitor was still foggy—especially when it came to early school years.
When the teacher stepped out for a moment, the classroom erupted into chatter. These kids had known each other for years. Their camaraderie was easy, natural.
I was staring blankly at the desk when the girl sitting beside me gently tugged on my sleeve.
"Shadow, it's okay. Reading novels isn't something to be ashamed of. I like them too."
I smiled despite myself. "I'm not sad."
As I turned to get a better look at her, I found myself pausing.
She had fair skin, big watery eyes, long eyelashes, and the faintest dimple when she smiled. Her pouting lips made her voice sound especially soft and cute.
In 2022, she'd be internet-famous—a full-blown cutie with star potential.
She didn't shy away from my gaze, either. Instead, she stared right back at me with innocent curiosity.
I glanced at her again.
"Ha! I win!" she declared gleefully.
"Childish."
I wasn't playing a game...
As I drifted back into my thoughts, planning out the steps to build my empire, she tugged on my sleeve again.
"Why are you bothering me?" I snapped. "Stop being so clingy. It's annoying."
My words hit her like a slap.
Her eyes turned red almost instantly. Tears welled up.
"W-why don't you want to play with me all of a sudden? I didn't say anything bad… I didn't laugh at your novel… I just wanted to play… wuuu…"
The girl with the bun-like hairstyle began to sob loudly, as if the sky itself had wronged her. Her crying drew a lot of attention.
Wait—did I have a close relationship with her back in primary school?
"Alright, alright, I didn't mean it! I'm sorry, okay?"
Just as I was about to comfort her, a few nosy classmates whispered, "Shadow made Luna cry! Let's tell the teacher!"
"No, I didn't! That's not what happened!"
The girl—Luna—kept crying beside me, big tears rolling down her cheeks.
Sighing in defeat, I leaned toward her and gently said, "Hey, don't cry, alright? I'll… I'll buy you a chocolate tomorrow."
Her tears stopped instantly—though she was still sniffling.
"Really...? Hiccup!"
"Really. Swear on it. More real than diamonds."
Kids in this era were so pure. So easy to coax.
I raised my pinky. "Let's seal it. Pinky promise?"
She tilted her head in confusion.
Guess the trend had already started...
I wrapped her tiny finger with mine and gently swung them side to side.
"Pinky swear, hang yourself, if you lie, you're a pig for a hundred years—never break the promise!"
Luna repeated the rhyme softly, her voice cheerful again.
As I smiled, enjoying the peaceful moment, I suddenly felt a shove from behind.
I lost my balance and slammed into the hard concrete floor. My nose throbbed painfully, and blood started trickling out.
Gasps filled the classroom.
"Shadow's nose is bleeding!"
Even Luna rushed over, her eyes full of concern. "I'll help! My mom taught me how to stop nosebleeds—tilt your head back!"
(Wait, that's not the right method…)
But she gently held my head, tilting it back, and began softly patting the back of my neck.
It was oddly comforting. I didn't protest.
Soon, the teacher returned and took over from Luna, grumbling as she cleaned me up.
"Shadow! You just never sit still, do you? Always causing trouble…"
I lowered my head in silence.
And just like that… my first day of class came to an end.