Chapter Text
When Kim Rok Soo opened his eyes, he saw an unfamiliar ceiling, something he remember too clearly that didn't belong to his small apartment. So a question immediately brewed in his mind, where was he?
As he sat from the bed, he felt dizzy from the sudden move which prompt him to lay back down in an instant. It wasn't a mild dizziness he felt, it was too extreme for his liking. Kim Rok Soo never experienced that before since he no longer lived in the orphanage he used to live in as a kid, but that kind of dizziness he felt back then was due to him getting beaten up by the other children his age not because he suddenly sat up and felt the world spinning like an anemic person would feel.
Now Kim Rok Soo is 100% sure he wasn't anemic. Or at least, not that he knew he was or was not. He simply knew he's quite healthy since he got such a body… If you don't count his mental health that is.
Kim Rok Soo attempted to sit up again, this time a little more slower. Once he was sitting up he looked around the room he was in and realized it was too unfamiliar and luxurious compared to the apartment and life he had.
'Did I sleepwalk here? Or did I rob someone?' he had that thought but his mind instantly went blank when he saw his reflection on the mirror that he was so sure wasn't how he looked like. Or should and would have looked like.
The man staring back at him had long red hair and reddish-brown eyes which for some odd reasons reminded him of a certain character from a certain game. Kim Rok Soo was bewildered.
It doesn't help the fact that he looked too pale and weak that, again, made him recall of a certain character's words from his monologue in that one particular game. Kim Rok Soo realized the horror of waking up to someone else's body that doesn't belong to him. Especially that's from—
'No.' He took a deep breathe then began contemplating, 'Let's think things through first.' the gears in his head started to furiously move as he try to remember what he had done before he woke up.
'It was my day off. I discovered a game that many people liked to play nowadays and got curious. I then read some of the reviews and got hooked up with how they told their experience playing that game so I decided to give it a try. It was a game called [Birth of a Hero] with interesting love interests and story plot but the character route I worked so hard to get suddenly changed to a different character so I decided to research about it.'
Kim Rok Soo's eyes shook for a moment when the face of the character he chose to have as his 'love interest' passed through his mind. He suddenly got goosebumps.
'Then I learned a lot of interesting hidden things and some fan discussions that were quite entertaining to read. After that, I went back to the game and restarted it then I ended up in a different character's route which I ended up regretting.'
He doesn't stop the exasperated sigh from escaping his lips but when he did that, his chest suddenly felt tight. He cursed under his breathe and clench his fist on his chest as he try to regulate his breathing when suddenly the door burst open.
"Kimsoo! Its time to—What the-?! Kim! Does your chest hurt?!"
The one who rushed towards him made Rok Soo's heart tight for a whole different reason as he feel his body turning ice cold when the guy he was just thinking a few moments ago sat in front of him with an extremely worried and anxious face.
'No,' he desperately tried to deny, 'god no, please no. You can't just tell me my suspicion was right.'
"Kim?! Does it hurt so much?! Wait here I'll call the physician! Don't you dare faint like last—" as the guy was about to stand up and bolt out the room, Kim Rok Soo immediately stopped him from leaving by grabbing his hand.
"What is it?! I'll be right back I'll just—"
"No, wait."
The guy immediately placed all of his attention towards Rok Soo. Although his eyes were quickly scanning his face to see if he was still in pain while the worried and anxious look on his face remains. Kim Rok Soo tried to calm his heart that was beating too fast in nervousness.
'Cale Henituse,' he began remembering this guy—no, this character's information that he had read multiple times. 'Known as the lout of the count's family. He was one of the supposed love interest but was actually just a minor character in the game, or that's what the fans believed.'
But to Kim Rok Soo, Cale Henituse was the most interesting character and he even cursed the creator for doing this guy dirty in the game. It was this guy's route that Kim Rok Soo worked so hard to get but suddenly got a different guy as his love interest and gave up on that round when he found out from the fans that Cale Henituse turned into a criminal who orchestrated the killing of many people during the festival when his brother died.
Kim Rok Soo, 36 years old—or supposed to be 36 years old, suddenly felt so nervous for his life.
'Damn it.' He internally cursed and unknowingly tightened his hold of Cale Henituse's hand, 'Why this game of all things?!'
"Kim?! Seriously you're making me worried! What is it?! What's wrong?! If you won't tell me I'm really going to—"
"Brother." He had to force the word out since he wasn't used to it. "What date is today?"
He needs to know the exact day he woke up in this world since he needs to prevent this guy from getting beaten up to a pulp by another character so this Cale Henituse doesn't go down on the wrong path. Most importantly, Cale Henituse must absolutely not get disowned by Count Deruth so Kim Rok Soo doesn't die in this life.
He didn't need to finish Cale's (or, supposedly Cale's) route to know why on earth he turned into a criminal. It was naturally because he read dozens upon dozens of fan's reviews about what happened in his "tragic route".
According to them, After getting into a fight with the character that completely replaced him in his route (And was, unfortunately also the same guy that was used as the "face of the game" a.k.a the main love interest) and get beaten to a pulp as a result, Cale Henituse was disowned by his father (His father, who was said to love him dearly) and was ban to ever show himself to them or near their territory ever again. Cale's brother, the sickly and weak brother, was then forced to attend the Academy in his stead. Due to his extremely frail body, he died because he pushed himself pass his own limit that result in Cale Henituse getting enraged then tried to get "revenge" for his deceased brother.
Which was pretty useless because, "Cale Henituse is a hypocrite. A lot of times was it implied that he doesn't care about anyone but his brother then caused his brother to die all because he was such a bitch towards Choi Han and got disowned which then forced his brother to attend the Academy he was supposed to be attending. Seriously, he's trash among trash and the ones he should be getting that 'revenge' on is no one else but himself," according to the fan that Kim Rok Soo honestly wanted to smack on the back of their head.
"Kimsoo, what the hell are you even saying." Cale Henituse was giving him an annoyed look but Kim Rok Soo knew this character too well to be able to tell that he wasn't actually annoyed.
Just like what Kim Rok Soo experienced during his time when he was trying so hard to get this bastard's (difficult) route and the many reviews he read from other fans and players, Cale Henituse was always tender and caring and extremely protective of his younger twin brother that was so feeble and couldn't even leave their estate without either fainting or be so out of breathe he might as well faint.
"Brother," he repeats the earlier word that he still struggled to say out loud, "I'm alright now." he gave Cale's hand a tight squeeze, "So?"
Cale let out a frustrated sigh, "What 'so'?!"
"Brother, what day is it today."
The latter gave him a feigned-angry look but Rok Soo could see the desperation in his eyes all too clearly, he stealthily shallowed the lump that suddenly got caught in his throat.
(Kim Rok Soo knew why Cale Henituse was like this towards his twin. He knew about this guy's tragic backstory and the tragic end he would have faced.)
"Are you sure you're okay? I saw you clutching on your chest earlier. Don't you dare lie to my face and say you weren't hurt." He grumbled with his eyebrows deeply furrowed, still, Kim Rok Soo could point out how quiet that voice was used towards him.
So he smiles, or tries to smile softly but it only seem to make Cale worried even more so Kim Rok Soo immediately added, "I'm really okay now, hyung-nim. I was just shocked earlier but now my body feels fine."
Cale gave him a stern look.
"Really, brother, really."
The other redhead sighed deeply then crossed his arms, his shoulder no longer as tense as earlier, "It’s the 20th day of the 5th month in the 781st year of the Felix Calendar. There. Happy?" he was still acting annoyed to mask his worry, Kim Rok Soo found it amusing so he couldn't help but respond cheerfully.
"Yes, brother. I am truly grateful."
"Haaa…" Cale sighed after seeing his smiling face, but soon enough he mirrored that smile. "You really must be fine now since you're being cheeky with me." Kim Rok Soo pursed his lip at that.
"I really was telling the truth…" because he knew how much this guy hated liars the most.
Cale laughed at him before standing up, "Alright, alright. I'll go tell Ron to get you your breakfast, so stay there." he gave Rok Soo a warning glare, "You better be still until I get home." then walked out of the room. Kim Rok Soo didn't ask where he was going since he already figured his brother—still very foreign to his own tongue and mind but decided he needs to get used to this—was now heading to the Academy.
Kim Rok Soo, no, Kimsoo started thinking again. In the entire time he played the game, never once did he ever saw Cale Henituse smile and laugh like this. It was quite the pleasant surprise. Anyone who would have been transmigrated and had their favorite character as their brother would be delighted.
Except, this is Cale Henituse we are talking about… Kimsoo pondered for a bit on how he'll get out of this bed and house to stop the trigger of the tragedy from happening.
He was deep in thought when suddenly the door was pushed open, "We came in because Cale said to look after you, nya!" Kim almost flinched. His eyes immediately landed on the individuals who entered his bedroom.
His eyes shook as he took in the image of one silver haired young girl with her cat ears and cat tail visible, beside her is a red haired young boy with his cat ears and tail visible as well.
Familiars. These two children, Ohn and Hong, are Cale's familiars. They only appeared once when Kimsoo was playing Cale's route but he remembered their faces.
They aren't demons nor is Cale a witch. The Birth of a Hero otome game was a mix of fantasy and romance. It’s a common thing for people to have their own familiar, rare was it for nobles to keep one since they think its bothersome. But in Cale Henituse's case…
"You look pale as usual, but you don't seem to be in pain." Ohn inspected Kim's body with her piercing golden eyes then shrugged her shoulder once she had an overall look, "Well, seems like at least you won't cough up blood or faint until Cale comes back."
Kimsoo's head suddenly felt like it would burst.
'This…this… I'm this weak in this world?' he started to feel annoyed. He really shouldn't have been surprised since apparently the original twin brother of Cale Henituse died when he started to attend the Academy and pushed himself pass his limits but he at least expected he could move around a little bit and maybe with a few stretches here and there he could even walk out of the estate just fine.
'This is a problem.' He thinks seriously. 'If I can't get out of this bed to stop Cale, who else would do it?'
"Kim-nya? Does your head hurt? You're frowning so much!" Kimsoo look towards Hong for a moment before opening his mouth to respond "I'm alright." then he paused for a bit, "What time will Cale come back?"
Ohn and Hong looked towards each other, "You… you're the one who's most aware of what time he gets back from the Academy."
Oops, seems like he made a mistake. Kimsoo immediately replied "Doesn't he stay out for a bit to drink?"
He mentally patted himself. It really was a great thing that he knows a lot about Cale.
"Ah, that's right. I think Cale won't be back until pass 7 o'clock. I vaguely remember hearing that he was invited over to drink with the young master in the neighboring territory."
Kimsoo only nodded his head as his respond.
All familiars have some sort of connection towards their "master", to some it would be able to speak in their mind but in these cats' case, they can vaguely hear Cale's surroundings if they willed. Though that trait of theirs is quite weaker compared to their other trait which was being able to track down where Cale is. That is why they cannot be entirely sure if they heard accurately or not.
It was very uncommon for nobles to keep familiars by their side despite it being somewhat a 'norm' in this world but Cale Henituse have two familiars which he pretty much adopted and trained to be his twin brother's assistants. Hence why in the game, Ohn and Hong only appeared once in Cale's route because they were always by the sickly twin brother's side.
The door opened once more and came inside, was one scary old man with a benign smile whom Kimsoo had read in the fans' reviews, an assassin in disguise. Ron Molran.
"Young master Kim, I have come to deliver your meal." another servant that came with Ron set up the over-bed table then Ron placed a plate full of nutritious vegetable and some meat and a bowl of soup in front of Kim.
"The other young master requested to this Ron to serve you a very healthy breakfast, young master Kim. You were in pain earlier, I heard?" he looked worried with his eyebrows creased but Kimsoo knows enough about this man.
Ron Molran is actually a very cruel and merciless man, he doesn't worry about other people except for his son, Vicross Molran.
Kimsoo didn't look into that scary old servant's eyes, "It wasn't much pain. I was just surprised about something." it was nearly a mumble but he didn't care. He doesn't even know how the twin brother is supposed to act since no one really mentioned it. So he decided he might as well do what he want.
He was about to take the spoon in front of him and proceed to eat when suddenly, Ron placed a teacup in front of him.
Kimsoo stopped to look up at Ron who was smiling at him, "I have served your favorite honey-lemon tea, young master Kim."
'Favorite my ass.' Kimsoo internally groan, 'I hate sour things.' but nonetheless, he thanked Ron then took a sip of the tea. He stops himself from visibly grimacing and finished the tea.
He could feel Ron stare at him for a moment before he bowed, "This Ron will let you have your meal now, young master. Please call me if you have any concern."
'Good. Like this I don't have to worry about a possible assassinate on my own bed.'
Kimsoo started to smile as he eat.
He had his breakfast in utter peace, Ohn and Hong were sitting on the couch and were watching his every move but he didn't mind it at all. If anything, he almost didn't feel their stares so he was at peace. After Kimsoo was done eating, Ohn and Hong were the ones who took his plates and fixated the over-bed table to the side.
They told Kimsoo to rest and to immediately call them if he's in pain. They also informed him that the physician would come check on him later.
He was finally left alone so he had time to think. Kimsoo leaned on the headboard and started to recall the information he knew about the game.
Today is May 5th, and it was also today that the start of the game would happen. It was because the player is a transfer student and everyone found it odd how there could be a transfer student in the Academy in the middle of the first semester.
Kimsoo remember all too well how he tried to chase after a certain redhead just to get his route and failed multiple times then had to do it again and again. He doesn't stop himself from sighing.
It was also this day that Cale would inevitably pick a fight with the special student, Choi Han during their breaktime at school so Kimsoo can't really prevent that one from happening. He remember it clearly, those two fought during breaktime but it didn't breakout to a one-sided fistfight.
It was around night time when it happened. Cale was walking on the street, drunk, then came across Choi Han like the cliché that it is. It was at that moment that Cale got beaten up.
Kimsoo remembered what Ohn has said earlier,
'I think Cale won't be back until pass 7 o'clock. I vaguely remember hearing that he was invited over to drink with the young master in the neighboring territory.'
'Maybe…' he starts to think, 'He got drunk during that time?'
Kimsoo furrowed his eyebrow, he doesn't remember it ever being mentioned that Cale gets drunk easily but there's one information vivid in his mind. Cale Henituse likes to drink but had never once gotten drunk. Maybe because he knows his limits and never pushed beyond it, Kimsoo doesn't know.
Its just that he knew Cale never got drunk but almost every Cale-related reviews he read said that Cale was definitely drunk when he picked a fight with Choi Han that got him beaten up.
'Am I missing something here?'
Kimsoo tries to gather all of the information recorded in his mind related to this event but still couldn't point out the missing variable. He starts to frown.
'I guess I'll have to prevent Cale from meeting Choi Han after he drinks. That's the only thing I know I can prevent from happening.'
Just as he had that thought, he immediately remembered a hidden special event in the game that he read about. The earlier frown slowly changed into a smile.
Fairies. There are many fairies in this world. They were even called guardians, or "Ancient powers" but Kimsoo could care less about what they are called. So long as he can get his hands on a certain fairy that will help him be a little stronger than this.
He hums in satisfaction, 'I'll just need to find the Energy of the Heart first.'
He doesn't even worry on how or where he'd find that fairy. It was written in detailed in the review he read. Kimsoo won't have difficulty acquiring the power that fairy will gift to him. Except…
Kimsoo has a weak body. It would be difficult for him to walk and leave.
'Fuck.' He buried his face in his palm and groan.
Bang-!
"Kim?!"
He instantly sat up.
"Where? Where does it hurt?!"
In front of him, is Count Deruth. The father who will soon disowned his eldest son. Or, was supposed to.
'I won't let it happen.' He made that promise to himself, 'I will absolutely not let it happen.'
"Father."
"Yes? Tell me! Where is it hurting?!"
"I'm fine."
Blink. Count Deruth blink at him. "What?"
"I am alright, father."
Count Deruth looked behind him and seemed to call forth the other man behind him which Kimsoo presumed was the physician. He lets the physician inspect his body, his eyes, his mouth, Kim just did whatever the physician told him to.
Click.
The physician turned off the small flashlight that he used. "There seems to be no abnormality in your son's condition right now. Just maintain his treatment and let him rest."
Before Count Deruth could even speak up, Kimsoo immediately interject at that moment, "Doctor, will it be alright if I try to walk around?"
The physician stared at him while Count Deruth looked at him wide-eye, "Kim, What are you saying? You must not get out of bed! What if you faint again?!"
'How many times have 'I' fainted before I woke up from this world, actually?' he can't help but be curious but knew he'd never find the answer. 'Oh well, I at least don't plan on fainting anymore. So it shouldn't be a problem.'
"Is it possible, doctor? I feel stuffy always staying inside this room. I wish to breathe some fresh air."
'And then I'll catch the fairy that will gift me a stronger and healthier vitality'. Kimsoo stops the corner of his lip from twitching up.
Count Deruth and the physician looked at each other, they seem to contemplate the kind of answer they'd give. At that moment, Ohn and Hong entered the room. Kim immediately added, "Ohn and Hong will accompany me so you do not have to worry."
The two kitten children seemed confuse why they were suddenly brought up but Kimsoo ignored their questioning stares.
Count Deruth looked at him with a doubtful look, "Are you really sure? You know that you will—"
"Father," Count Deruth immediately closed his mouth when Kimsoo called for him, "Trust in your son."
'Put a bit more trust on Cale too, won't you.' he keeps this thought to himself.
Count Deruth seem to be somewhat convinced, "Alright… you may do as you wish." Kimsoo started to smile, "But! You must immediately tell Ohn and Hong when you feel tired and if you feel like you're about faint, understand?"
Kimsoo nodded his head, "I understand father"
"Hmm…" they all turn towards the physician, "Yes, it seem more plausible if the young master do a little bit of exercise. It might help him, just don't do any strenuous activities."
"Yes, doctor."
The two men finally went out of his room after a few more reminders here and there.
Click.
"You're going out, nya?" Hong asked, looking both excited and worried.
"Hmm…" Kimsoo hum in respond then he slowly moved his legs out of the bed that alarmed the kitten siblings and immediately assisted him when he tried to stand. 'This is harder that I thought,' he realized how numb his legs were. 'How long did the original owner of this body stayed in bed?'
"Yes, you two will naturally be with me." Kimsoo was slowly led by the two children towards the couch. They helped him slowly plop down on the sofa.
"Of course we must go with you. If you do something funny we will immediately bring Cale to scold you." Ohn told him before she and Hong turn towards Kimsoo's walk-in closet to get him some clothes to change to.
"That actually sounds like a good idea…" Kim murmured to himself as he place his hand on his chin and starts thinking again. Ohn and Hong heard him and they looked towards each other.
'He's planning something.'
'Right, he's definitely planning something.'
They both smile as they begin to think that Kimsoo was thinking of dragging Cale with him so they could go have their sibling bonding which they had to stop doing since Kimsoo's body grew even weaker than before.
They then helped Kimsoo get dressed. Literally what feels and looks like a Dress.
"Uhm… I think you got the wrong one?" Kimsoo questions as he stares at his reflection. He managed to stand up without help and is now trying to maintain his standing position by putting all of his strength on his feet.
"No, Kim-nya you look good like that!" Hong nodded his head vigorously after saying that to show his enthusiasm.
"You look like that woman."
Kimsoo was about to ask who when suddenly a thought came to his mind, 'Perhaps…?' his eyes shook as he try to indulge the idea.
"…Mother?"
His face had an odd expression, 'Do I really look like 'mother'? wouldn't it be somewhat a painful memory for the Count and Cale if they see me like this?'
But to Ohn and Hong, Kimsoo looked like he was sad because he remembered his mother so they quickly added on,
"You look very beautiful like that, Kim-nya! It really, really suits you!"
"That's right. Kim, here, let me tie your hair up for you."
They quickly but carefully lead Kimsoo back to the couch and Ohn brushed then tied his hair in a low half-pony tail with a black ribbon. Hong, on the other hand, put on Kim's outdoor shoes for him.
'This isn't quite bad.' Kimsoo muses to himself, 'Maybe I'd get to achieve my dream of being a slacker if I stay here?'
He shrugged his shoulder then slowly stood up so he doesn't fall, "Let's go."
***
They successfully arrived somewhere near the front garden before one can reach the main gate of the estate. Kimsoo noticed how there seem to be so many guards and servants around them but he heed them no mind and focused on his walking.
'This is hard.' he thinks with his eyebrows furrowed, the people around him were giving him worried glances every now and then but he couldn't see it. 'But I guess wearing this dress made it more comfortable,' Kimsoo was pretty satisfied with On and Hong's choice of outfit for him. His legs doesn't feel suffocated whenever he took a step because he was wearing a dress.
"Ohn, Hong."
"Nya?"
"Is it possible to go downtown?"
Silence.
"I wanted to see something for a bit. Will that be alright for you two?" He turn to look towards the two children who were staring intently at him.
A minute passed before they replied, "Will you be alright, nya?" Hong asked worriedly. "The doctor said not to overdo it, if we go to town you really might faint."
"Is riding the carriage there won't do?"
They both fell silent again. Kimsoo patiently waited for a reply.
"Y-Young master-nim…" he turn towards the voice that called for him, the servant flinched when their eyes met. Kimsoo tilted his head in confusion, the servant seem to avoid looking him in the eye as he continue speaking, "I-I will go prepare the carriage right away! Please wait a moment!" then the servant rushed towards somewhere.
Kimsoo smiled in satisfaction. 'Oh well, at least I'll get to step out.'
As he smile to himself, the servants who were still glancing at him started to whisper to one another.
"Young master-nim…"
"He really…"
"Won't young master Cale be angry if he finds out that young master Kim went out?"
All the other servants flinched at the other servant's words. "H-hey! Don't jinx it like that! Young master Cale might not know about the sir's short trip if young master Kim comes back before he does!"
"Plus, how can we not let the young master-nim do as he please while he looks exactly like the late Madame?"
They all fell silent. Their gazes towards Kimsoo who was still smiling to himself changed to sadness. "Aigoo, my weak heart cannot take this." the servant who said that pounded on his chest, "Young master Kim looks happy to have his short trip to town, how can we ever hinder our young master-nim from smiling like this again?"
All the servants around him nodded their head. Once the servant that went off to take care of preparing the carriage for Kimsoo came back, they all went back to work while still glancing on Kim as he was assisted inside the carriage.
Once inside, Kimsoo shifted a little to be comfortable on his sit. Then he looked out the window as he try to think about his plan again.
Ohn and Hong, who were sitting on the opposite seat of Kimsoo, looked towards each other.
'He seems excited.'
'Right? I haven't seen him like this before.'
They were the only ones with Kimsoo inside the carriage since Cale trusted his twin brother to them, so naturally they would go wherever Kimsoo would be. Both of them had a smile plaster on their lips as they silently watch Kimsoo who seemed deep in thought while having a small smile and an excited glint in his eyes.
A little while later, they arrived right outside the entrance of the town. There were many people around but not crowded enough to make Kimsoo uncomfortable. His companions however…
"Too many people, nya!"
"Kim, will this be alright?" the two kitten children looked up at him with concern. Kimsoo nodded his head, "Its fine, they won't be a bother since you two are here with me." he looked forward to see how many people are there passing by, so he missed the way the two children looked at him.
"Young master-nim," the driver of the carriage stepped out and bowed towards them, "Where shall I meet you after this?"
"Ah," he can't let this guy stay here and find out about the thing he's plotting, "Its alright, you may return to the estate."
"Young master—!"
Kimsoo gave him a reassuring smile that instantly shut the driver up because he felt like he's seeing the first lady Henituse, "Just come meet me here again sometime before 7."
The driver blinked, "…Excuse me? No wait, young master-nim you'll be staying here for that long?" he looked worried.
Kimsoo pointed towards the two children who were looking back and fort at them, "I have them here with me. I'll take my time looking around town. After all, I haven't gone out of the mansion for a long while." he put on a sad smile on his face to get the driver to accept his excuse.
The driver seemed to get teary-eyed.
'What the-?'
"Young master Kim," he sniffed while looking at Kimsoo with a very sad and determined look, "Please do as you wish!" he quickly added on, "But please do not do anything that will make you faint! I will immediately come here if something happens!"
Kimsoo just waved his hand dismissively. He was getting tired of dealing with this man. Luckily, the driver immediately complied.
Kimsoo looked towards Ohn and Hong who was looking at him with an oddly determined gaze as well, 'What's with them?' he decided not to question it anymore then opened his mouth to ask,
"Do you have some place in your mind that we should visit?"
Their face instantly brightened. "There is! There is!" "Its good for relaxation, you won't have to worry about possibly fainting!"
Kimsoo decided to indulge these children for a bit before he starts making a move for his plan.
After visiting 3 places he was lead to by the two children, Kim decided to start his first step: Distract the children then quietly leave and go to the location where the fairy is.
This time, it was Kimsoo who lead the two children towards a bakery on the street he found. On and Hong were giving him doubtful looks, "Are you sure this is fine, nya?"
"Hm?"
"I don't think Cale would like it if you eat food from outside."
"It's not for me."
"Huh?" the two of them were looking at Kimsoo in confusion. However, Kimsoo didn't look at them and instead spoke towards the vendor, "Please serve these two whatever they pick," he gave the money he got from Count Deruth earlier to the vendor as payment.
"Huh? Kim, you don't have to do that!"
"That's right! We're not craving anything!"
"Oh, so you don't want it?" silence. Kimsoo started to smile, "Too bad I already paid for it."
He didn't miss the way the siblings' tails were slowly moving side to side. He hums in satisfaction. "Choose whatever you want." the cat children's eyes instantly sparkled.
When they were busy choosing which one they want, Kimsoo slowly turned to walk away. He made sure he was moving fast and stealthily so he doesn't get caught by the two and they won't immediately find him.
Kimsoo walked around that area for a little bit so they won't be able to follow his scent then he begun walking towards his destination. The secret place where he'll find the fairy.
"Thank you very much! Kim, let's—" Ohn stopped when she turned around and didn't see Kimsoo behind her. She felt a tug on her sleeve, "Noona…" Hong was looking at her with his eyes trembling.
Ohn took her sibling's hand in hers then turned towards the vendor, "Ahjussi! Did you see where that person who was with us went to?" she tries to calm herself but can't help but let out the urgency flow through her words.
"Huh?" the vendor looked confuse, "Wasn't she here just a moment ago?"
The vendor thinks Kimsoo was a woman but neither of the two children corrected him. Ohn quickly bowed towards him then began walking while pulling Hong behind her. They tried to follow Kimsoo's scent that they could still smell but soon enough they realized they were just walking in circles.
"Noona… I can't smell Kim-nya anymore."
She quickly turned towards her brother, "Track Cale, Now. We need to go to him." Hong nodded his head then closed his eyes, he begun tracking Cale's location. Ohn closed her eyes as well then turned on her other ability, she tried to listen to Cale's surrounding.
She could hear a lot of different noises. It seems like Cale is somewhere crowded but she can't hear proper sentences so she couldn't tell if Cale was still in the Academy or not.
"Noona," Ohn looked towards her brother at his calling. "Where is he?"
"He's near the outskirt of the territory. It seems like Cale-nya is on his way to that young master he'll be drinking with."
Ohn nodded her head then they both immediately shift to their cat forms without caring about the food they bought and if other people would see them shifting. They ran towards the direction of where they believed Cale would be.
They ran passed through people's feet in a rush, since they were in their cat forms it wasn't too difficult for them. They ran, and ran until they both caught a scent of their master and quickened their move.
"Cale!"
Cale halt to a stop when he heard his familiars' voice. He turned around and saw Ohn and Hong in their cat forms running towards him. His eyebrows furrowed at this strange development, "Huh? What are you two doing here?"
The two finally arrived in front of him but both of them had a look of urgency in their faces which started to make Cale nervous.
"Kim-nya is missing!"
Cale's heart sank.
"...What?"
"We went to town together because he said he felt stuffy staying in his room all the time then when he bought us food he suddenly disappeared!"
Cale crouch down so he could properly face his familiars, "Did you try to follow his scent?"
The two nodded their head, "But we were only walking in circles. It seems like he didn't want us to find him."
Cale's eyebrows were furrowed deeply while he's gritting his teeth. He then picked Hong up then talked to Ohn, "Bring me where you last caught his trail."
"Huh? But aren't you going to go meet with that young master?" the question came from Hong.
He shook his head then stood up, "This is more important." Cale then called out to the other, "Ohn."
"I got it."
Ohn started to guide Cale to where they last knew Kimsoo was, as both of them rush pass the people around them.
***
"Damn it," he cursed loudly. Kimsoo stopped walking for a bit and tried to regulate his breathing with his chest feeling extremely tight. 'I knew it was going to be hard, but fuck this is way harder that I thought.'
His legs feel wobble, his feet felt a bit too numb for his liking. Kimsoo couldn't move as much as earlier because he felt like he was going to fall down if he took even a single step forward.
"I can't waste time like this…" he forced his feet to move as he holds onto the rock wall to his side, slowly climbing up the small hill in one corner of the plaza. He made sure his every step was careful so he wouldn't trip.
Each step made him feel out of breathe even though it wasn't really hard for other people. It was because his body in this world is way too weak than normal.
'I need to quickly find that fairy so I don't have to constantly suffer from this weak body.'
With that thought, his movement started to quicken but it only made his chest feel tighter than earlier. Kimsoo cursed under his breathe and decided to stay still for another moment.
"I really might faint like this," he laughs airily at himself. "Shit. I really shouldn't have brush off their worries earlier…" He was starting to regret his decision, but then he quickly shook the thought away.
'No, I was right by choosing of doing this alone.' He read it on the review that the only way for you to find a fairy is by being alone. On the fairy that will gift him the Energy of the Heart's case, he needed to suffer quite a bit.
'Am I not suffering enough?' Kimsoo felt annoyed that the fairy hasn't shown itself to him yet, 'Do I seriously need to reach the top of this hill before I get to see the fairy?'
He doesn't think he could make it all the way up there without fainting. Right now, he's already on the verge of falling down. Kimsoo's knees were shaking too much and he could barely feel his legs now.
'This hill isn't even that tall,' he cursed under his breath again. Kimsoo realized yet again how frail he really is in this world. If he had his original body, he probably wouldn't even break a sweat while climbing this small hill.
Too bad over here, he's a sickly and feeble young master that is the twin brother of Cale Henituse.
He curse under his breath one more time but for a different reason compared to earlier, 'I really need to quickly go back. Ohn and Hong might have told Cale already. I'm sure that punk is throwing a fit by now.'
Kimsoo started to move again but when he stepped forward, he stepped on a rock that slide down and Kimsoo lose his balance.
'Shit!' he was almost facing the ground when suddenly his body started floating. A confused exclamation left his lips.
"Huh?"
He looked around to see who was making his body float like this but he didn't see anyone. Then his body slowly moved up towards the top of the hill.
Kimsoo blinked his eyes in surprise, "…the fairy."
He didn't see it, but he was sure it was the fairy that was helping him. Kimsoo started to smile when he was gently placed on the grassy field of the hill. Around him, were a bunch of small stone towers.
Kimsoo knew he was at the right place because of the small stone towers. He also knew what he needed to do once he was placed down on the field.
He was about to move and collect stones so he could get started when he heard a crying voice in his mind,
—I, I didn't like pain! Sob!
'Yeah me too.'
After confirming that it was the fairy's voice, he started to move.
—I was weak, no, I was the weakest! I was always afraid of getting hurt!
'Right now, I'm also the weakest that's why I need your power.'
Kimsoo silently listened to the crying voice of the fairy as he crouch down and started to build his own stone tower.
—Because of that, because of that I created a power that would prevent me from getting hurt!
Kimsoo started to smile when he heard those words.
—And like that, I was naturally the last one to die!
'Wait, what the hell is this guy suddenly talking about?' Kimsoo felt goosebumps all over his body when he heard the fairy say the word Die.
—All because I was selfish and didn't want to be in pain!
"Haaa…" Kimsoo let out a sigh then he brush his hair away from his face and continued to place stone after stone. He decided not to pay too much attention on this guy's voice.
—Sob, brother! Sister! I am so sorry! Because of my own fear I let every one of you die and selfishly lived on my own, sob!
"Until when is this guy going to cry?" Kimsoo was getting annoyed. He was almost done with his stone tower but the fairy was still sobbing.
—Sob! I'm so sorry! I hated myself for creating such power! I-
"Hey fairy." He cut off the words of the guy who seem like he just wanted to cry his sorrow away, "If you don't like that power then give it to me."
He didn't get any response. Kimsoo clicked his tongue, "You might hate it but there are people out there who needs it." 'Like me.' he didn't said those last two words out loud.
"So hurry up and hand it over instead of crying about something you can't change." Kimsoo slowly stood up and crossed his arm. Earlier he wasn't able to see it but now he could see a faint light in front of him that seem to be listening to what he was saying.
"Who cares about being selfish? Surviving is the best."
—That… that extremely rude demeanor!
"Ha?!"
—Ahem, ahem, I'm sorry. Its just that… you reminded me of my brother… ah! Brother, sob! Brother!
'I don't care.' Kimsoo facepalmed, "Stop crying damn it."
—And that profane language of yours reminds me of my sister! Sob, sob, I miss my sister so much!
"Ah goddamn it…" He had to listen to the fairy cry for almost 20 minutes before the fairy finally stopped sobbing annoyingly.
—huh…?
'What? what is it? If you cry one more time…'
—You… you have already built a stone tower… I see, so your wish is to get stronger right?
'Not really, I just want to have more vitality so I don't need to constantly suffer,' Kimsoo didn't say that out loud and instead, "Yes, so hand over your power so I can live in peace."
—aha, ahahaha! I see, you really are an interesting person. Now all you need to do is destroy that stone tower you built-
"Are you crazy?!" Kimsoo couldn't stop himself from shouting. It took him quite a bit of time and effort to make a good looking tower compared to these tacky towers around him. He frowned at the fairy's words but instantly brighten when he heard the next words.
—And then you will get a gift from me for listening to my cries. Ah, my siblings! Sob!
Kimsoo didn't hesitate to kick the stone tower he built because he didn't want to hear the fairy's crying anymore. A small light came out from the now destroyed stone tower and slowly enveloped his body.
He felt his heart beating fast, and energy seem to flow from his limbs towards his heart.
Now, his chest no longer felt tight and his body doesn't feel as heavy as before. Kimsoo tried to move his feet around and its no longer numb. He starts to smile.
"Haaa…" he let out a deep breathe and raised his arms to feel the wind passing by him. "This is much better."
Kimsoo turned around towards the fairy, "Hey, thanks for this." the faint light that's slowly turning fainter and fainter moved up and down like it was nodding its head. He bid the fairy goodbye and watched as the light disappear before he turned around and walked down the hill.
As he starts to walk, he didn't feel the need to grab onto the stone fall to balance himself since his body was in a much better condition than before. The smile on his face never waver as he took out his pocket watch to see the time.
It was almost 6 o'clock and he needed to hurry to where Cale was supposed to "coincidentally" meet Choi Han and prevent those two from fighting, or better yet, prevent his brother from seeing that guy.
But Kimsoo had made one mistake.
He was busy trying to make Ohn and Hong confuse about his scent and may or may not have lost his way… somehow, and he doesn't know the direction of the alley where Cale and Choi Han fought. It was never really specified in the game which alley it was and all alleys kind of looked the same.
Kimsoo cursed under his breathe.
For starters, he decided to go back where he knew he went to. Kimsoo looked around him as he walks towards the town he, Ohn and Hong were earlier. He was trying to see if those children had caught his scent and decided he'd run and hide from them…. Only until he makes sure Choi Han won't beat Cale to a pulp.
He continued to walk around and look side to side, being extremely cautious of having to see the redhead and silver-haired kitten familiars.
Kim was so busy glancing on every side as he walk that he didn't even notice someone standing in front of him until he bump into that someone's chest. He hit his head pretty hard that made him a little bit dizzy. If he hadn't acquired the Energy of the Heart before this, he probably would've fainted. Luckily, he only felt a bit of pain but not totally immune from it.
"I'm sor—huh?" he was about to apologize to the person he bump into but when he looked up, Kimsoo was met with deep obsidian-colored eyes staring back at him. His heart jumped for a bit at that moment.
'Choi Han…'
There's no mistaking it. This guy is Choi Han, the one who will get into an argument with Cale in one of these alleys around town. Also the same "Love interest" who replaced Cale from his supposed character route.
"Are you alright?"
Kimsoo heard the young man speak with an almost stoic voice but his eyebrows were slightly furrowed. As if he was concern about him.
Kimsoo quickly looked down, "Oh… I'm fine, just…" he took a step back so he was no longer invading the guy's personal space when he noticed that Choi Han actually had his hand place on his back.
His brain short-circuit.
"Kimsoo!"
Kimsoo flinched at the furious voice he heard behind him. He immediately pushed himself away from Choi Han's arms and turned around.
He saw Hong, who was in Cale's arm jumped down and the three rushed towards him. Kimsoo didn't want to look at Cale's face because he could already feel the latter's emotions from this far away.
"Hyung-nim…"
Suddenly, Cale pulled his arm and then stood in front of him. Blocking Choi Han's view of the other.
"You…" He growled towards the black haired man who was staring blankly at him. "What the hell did you do to my brother?!"
Kimsoo was about to open his mouth to tell Cale to calm down and reach his brother's shoulder but Ohn and Hong changed to their human formed and shouted in worry, "Kim! Your nose is bleeding!"
"Huh?" His hand immediately landed on his nose and when he saw his hand, there really was blood on it.
The Energy of the Heart was still slowly being absorbed into his body and hadn't been fully accepted into his system yet. Although he wasn't in too much pain after bumping into Choi Han that could result in him fainting, a nosebleed was inevitable.
Kimsoo looked up and saw that Cale was looking at the blood dripping from his nose with a dangerous look on his eyes. Kimsoo started to panic but before he could even talk to his brother, Cale was already clutching his fist on Choi Han's collar.
"Choi Han!" Cale snarled loudly, "I can tolerate you disrespecting me all you want but you dare put your filthy hands on my brother?! Huh?! You would touch an innocent person all because you hate me?!"
Kimsoo saw Choi Han's eyebrow twitch in annoyance. 'Oh no,' he panics even more, 'No I must prevent it from happening—!'
Without thinking, He stepped forward "Cale—" but he didn't see his foot tripped on a small stone that he didn't see.
'Again?!'
"Kim!" On and Hong simultaneously shouted. They were able to quickly support Kimsoo so he didn't fall face-first on the ground.
"Cale-nya! We need to quickly get Kim-nya home!" Hong exclaimed worriedly.
Cale quickly crouch down in front of him, "Get on my back."
"But—"
"Kim!" he flinched at his brother's shout. "I told you to stay still in your room until I get back! But you didn't! You just really had to be stubborn and come here! You even escaped from Ohn and Hong! Listen to me just this once!"
Kimsoo felt bad making Cale feel this angry but he was still hesitant in getting on Cale's back. That's because…
"Cale you can't carry Kim in your back," Ohn said with a worried look on her face, "We all know you can't carry your brother. You can't handle his weight because both of you are weak."
"What am I supposed to do then?!"
"Cale, please calm dow—"
"Too late. I don't know how to calm down!"
Kimsoo guiltily looked down to his feet.
His heart was hurting because he made Cale, his favorite character, feel like this. It wasn't his intention to make Cale feel this way, but this was the result of his actions. Although reluctantly, he slowly moved to follow his brother's order but all of a sudden Kimsoo felt himself being carried by a pair of strong arms that made him yelp in surprise.
Kimsoo instinctively grabbed on that person's neck. He looked up and stared at the lad's face with widened eyes.
"What the fuck do you think you're doing?!" Cale looked furious as he continue to shout towards Choi Han who was still looking at him emotionlessly. Choi Han ignored Cale and instead turned towards the cat children who were looking at him in surprise.
"Where to?"
"You—"
"Cale, this isn't the time to get angry. We need to get Kim back immediately."
Cale looked like he was having a hard time sorting out his emotions and was gritting his teeth so hard. Kimsoo was about to reach his hand out towards his brother but Cale already marched forward.
"Follow behind me. If you drop my brother while I'm not looking, I'm going to kill you." he uttered each and every word towards Choi Han with venom.
They followed suit behind the eldest Henituse with Ohn and Hong beside Choi Han who kept glancing between Cale's back and Kimsoo who was being carried in the black haired young man's arms.
Their footsteps were in a hurry but Choi Han's every step was careful and Kimsoo didn't even feel uncomfortable the whole time that he almost fell asleep.
"Cale-nya! Kim-nya is about to faint!"
Kimsoo instantly opened his eyes and saw Hong who was looking worriedly at him. They started moving quicker than earlier.
He hurriedly open his mouth to say it wasn't the case, "Cale I'm not—"
"Shut up!" Kimsoo instantly shut his mouth. Cale doesn't even turn to look at him.
"You've been telling me you were fine this morning! Stop lying to me!"
Kimsoo's hands felt cold at the sudden thought that popped up to his mind, 'Does Cale think I'm lying?'
He wanted to tell his brother that he really was telling the truth. Kimsoo didn't like the idea nor the possibility of getting hated by Cale who hated liars the most when he never once uttered a single lie to his face since Kimsoo woke up in this world.
But he was also afraid of riling Cale up even more so all he could do was let his hand that was trying to reach his brother's back to fall weakly on his side. Kim ignored the stares he was getting from the other three and instead, let his head hang low.
Soon enough, they arrived at the entrance of the town where Kimsoo told the driver to meet with him again later when picking him up.
Choi Han gently let Kimsoo on his feet. Their eyes met at that moment and Kimsoo subconsciously shuddered when he saw how dark the latter's eyes really were.
Cale clicked his tongue when he noticed his brother shuddering. He then took off his coat then placed it on Kim's shoulder.
Ohn was holding Kimsoo's right hand while Hong on his left, Cale (gently) pushing him from behind to get him on the carriage but for some reason, Kimsoo wanted to look at Choi Han's face a little longer. He felt like there was something he needed to confirm. That there was something he was supposed to see but hadn't seen it on the latter's face.
When Kimsoo turned around he saw that Choi Han was about to leave, he couldn't stop himself from shouting, "Wait!"
All of them stopped moving, except, Choi Han who halt and turn to look towards Kimsoo.
His mind went blank again at that moment.
'Its void.' he finally realized what was missing. Choi Han's eyes were void.
"Thank you… Choi Han…?" he purposely made it sound like he was unsure.
He saw the latter blink at him. Kimsoo smiled at that, knowing that the latter was focusing on his words. "Thank you, for your help…"
"…"
Choi Han's expressionless expression didn't change even after hearing what he said. Cale, seeing this, let out an annoyed sigh and wondered why was Kimsoo bothering himself with that guy anyway.
"Haaa… Enough and just get on." Kimsoo followed Cale's order without looking back this time.