Web Novel Title: The Soul-Shattering Past
Chapter 1: I Still Remember Her
The story begins with Kaifu, a 32-year-old unemployed man living in New York. His life was quiet… too quiet. But one morning, that silence shattered.
RING RING RING...
Half-asleep, Kaifu picked up his buzzing phone.
Kaifu: "Hello, Kaifu here… who's calling so early in the morning?"
Caller (Cops): "Sir, it's 9:30 AM. We're calling to close the case of Fiba Nakashima. We need your signature to finalize it."
Kaifu: groggy voice "Ask her parents. They're the ones who started the case anyway."
Cops: "Sir, her parents passed away eight years ago. You're the only one left connected to her. Please come to Japan and sign the documents."
Kaifu: sighs "Fine. But I'll charge $10,000. Her parents left money, right?"
Cops: "Yes, sir. Head toward Japan as soon as possible."
Call ends.
Cops: "He's too selfish..."
Next Day
As Kaifu boarded the plane, memories of Fiba flooded his mind.
Kaifu (thinking): "Ahh… those golden days. I still remember Fiba. We were the only two who stayed back after school… her parents were always late too."
Crew Member: "Sir, we've arrived in Japan."
Kaifu: "Thank you."
Kaifu stepped out of the plane, looking around.
Kaifu (to himself): "So much has changed…"
He headed straight toward the abandoned house of Fiba Nakashima. The place was quiet—too quiet. He stood in the rain, gazing at the ruins.
Cops: "Sir, the house was completely destroyed. There's nothing left. But we still need your signature."
Kaifu: "Yes, tell me where."
Cops: "Right here, sir. Also, you can collect the inheritance money tomorrow at your hotel."
Kaifu signs the document.
Kaifu: "Alright… heading back."
Later, Kaifu arrived at his hotel. On the way, he passed by Hashamura School, his and Fiba's old school. Feeling a pull, he stepped inside.
He sat on a bench in the empty courtyard. The wind was cold. The silence—loud.
Kaifu (to himself): "Ohh… here come the memories."
Tears rolled down his cheeks as he whispered:
Kaifu: "Fibaaaaaaa… why did you leave me? My life has only been full of suffering since you disappeared. I wanted… to end it all..."
BOOOM! BOOOM!
A creepy voice echoed from 300 yards away—from the abandoned house.
Kaifu's Shock
Wiping his tears, Kaifu ran toward the old house. A strange green-yellow light was glowing inside. He stepped in cautiously.
Suddenly, a powerful blast knocked him unconscious.
Hospital Room
Kaifu opened his eyes to a white ceiling.
Kaifu: "Where… where am I?"
Voice: "Kaifu!"
It was his mother, alive and well.
Kaifu (shocked): "Mom…?!"
Kaifu's Mom: "You should be more responsible, Kaifu!"
She scolded him lightly, then pulled him into a warm hug.
Kaifu (teary-eyed): "Momm… I missed you so much…"
Still in disbelief, he asked:
Kaifu: "What year is this?"
Kaifu's Mom: "It's 1993, honey."
Kaifu (gasping): "1993!? Not 2012?"
Kaifu's Realization
Kaifu (thinking): "If this is really 1993… then I've gone back in time. This means—I can save Fiba. I can save my parents. I can change everything!"
End of Chapter 1