Chapter 4: Devastating News

I eventually calmed down after cursing my heart out at the system

[※Tip:…I did nothing wrong…||||(QwQ)|||]

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'Okay, so first things first. How do I do the mission?'

Although it was clearly stated in the details, I still don't know how I'm gonna proceed with this. 

After all, I'm a complete nobody right now. Even if I wanted to, nobody would listen to my teachings anyway.

Although I have talent and skills, I don't have reputation. 

And reputation is the most important part of becoming and being an idol.

If that's the case, then there is only one path for me.

'Appearing from a survival show.'

Not only would I be able to showcase my skills there, but I would also be able to make a name for myself there. 

'It won't matter whether I get eliminated or not'

What I really need in that show is to help and teach everyone techniques and skills to become an idol that would shine the brightest one day.

Plus, if I take care of everyone that means my chances of completing the mission are 100%.

I sighed out of relief. 

'Now that I have a plan, the mission feels a lot easier than before.'

Just when I was finally relaxing, I heard my phone vibrate.

Surprisingly, it wasn't my parents but my aunt instead

"Aunty?" I said to the phone wondering why she called

[Youngjae!] My aunt shouted nervously and anxiously

[Have you seen the news yet? Your parents-!]

'Ahh…'

I knew this was coming especially when I didn't even do anything to stop my parents from boarding that plane.

Everything went silent at that time. 

I could even hear my own heartbeat beating faster.

'So, this is what it feels like losing your parents for the second time..'

I said sarcastically. Mocking myself for my decision.

I should've honestly expected this.

'My decision wasn't stupid but..'

No. It was a stupid decision.

I should've been a lot more selfish at that time.

Even before. Just after my parents' death, I should've been a lot more selfish.

The will my parents for me, I gave it up to give to my relatives. I should've just taken it and made my life easier but..

[Hoon Youngjae!] 

My aunt shouted in a louder voice distracting me from my original thoughts

"Aunt?"

[I'm so sorry for your loss Youngjae but please listen to me first.] 

My aunt sighed as she continued.

[Youngjae your parents...They've left a will behind regarding whom their belongings will go to. It looks like your other relatives are dying to get their hands on your parents' belongings so..]

'Ah...I remembered this conversation. I remember my aunt telling me this and urging me to claim my right as the successor of my parents' possessions but of course as a rebellious teenager at that time, I refused and told them they could keep it'

Of course, that's not gonna happen in this round.

I clenched my hands into a fist 

'I want…to become a little more selfish this time and experience the joy of my parent's gift one last time'

"I understand Aunty…I'll go claim them."

[Really?] My aunt said happily but there was also a hint of sadness in her eyes.

[I was worried at first. You know how your parents wouldn't want their ownership transferred to your other relatives right? They've always tried to leech off the money in your parents' pocket]

"Thank you for always helping me aunt.." I smiled helplessly

[Oh please! What are relatives for? You and your mom were always close since we were young and…] Her voice trails off.

[Youngjae, have you reconciled with your parents?]

I stayed quiet confirming my aunt's doubts

[I see...] She sighed disappointedly

[Your parents loved you Youngjae]

"I know aunt…I know" My tears started to fall again

"I know…" I mumbled helplessly

[…Don't blame yourself Youngjae. Your parents were always proud of you attempting to become independent…]

"It's not….It's not okay" My tears continued to roll down my cheeks

"I wasn't even able to hear their voices for the last time…" 

I regretted how I only texted them I loved them. 

I should've just called them and told them my sorry. 

Why was I so dumb back then?

Was it because I just regressed and was in a state where I didn't know anything and a small mistake could affect my future?

No that doesn't explain my actions.

I should've stopped them.

Then maybe….just maybe…

[Youngjae!] My aunt snapped me back to reality again

[Youngjae. Repeat after me. 'It's not my fault']

"I-It's…"

".. It's my fault-"

[Not. My. Fault.]

"It's not my fault…." I bit my lip and repeated guiltily.

[Good.] She sighed. Although I still had that look of a guilty puppy, my aunt has accepted this for the time being.

[Youngjae, let me tell you something…Actually, before the flight me and your parents talked on the phone. They were boasting about how you told them that you loved them and even thanked them for their efforts. Honestly, it was annoying but..]

My aunt's voice trailed off making me understand. 

'Ah…aunt must've felt guilty'

"But…it's not your fault aunt-"

[Youngjae. Did you know what I did when I first received the news that your mom and dad died in a plane crash? I immediately wanted to call you. I wanted to say how sorry I was but seeing your complexion I changed it to the topic of your relatives…]

I was silent before saying "I understand Aunt.." 

"However-"

[No Youngjae. It's not your fault so don't blame yourself. That's what your parents probably wanted as well. They've always wanted to see you happy Youngjae.]

"…" I tried to control the tears that were ready to pour out of my eyes again.

[Y-Youngjae…] Seeing my face facing upwards, my aunt sighed and smiled.

[The funeral will be held two days from now. But in the meantime, it looks like your other aunts are interested in the will your parents left behind. I suggest you attend the meeting that will be held tomorrow in the XX Building regarding the ownership of your parent's possessions]

"Mn...I understand Aunt. Thank you for helping me out once again" 

I wiped my tears and sniffed while looking at Aunty. She has dark brown hair just like my mother's and black eyes. She looks a little old but you can still tell that Aunty was a beautiful woman back in her twenties if you look at her.

[I already told you, that's my job as your guardian so stop thanking me]

"Still…" I smiled helplessly 

"Okay.."

[Good…I'll be hanging up now. If you need anything just call me okay?]

"Mn...okay"

I pressed the end call button before slumping down to the ground

'… I never realized moving on from your parent's death is a really hard thing system'

I thought I was already okay…

Seeing how seven years passed after my parents' death, I thought I already accepted that but…

'Going through it all over again is a different experience'

[※Tip: You can do the mission to distract your mind from it]

'How heartless.'

I stood up and wiped the tears in my eyes.

'Alright fine. But wait till I rightfully get the things my parents left behind.'

Although heartless, thankfully the system is not as strict so it let me go.

'If I got one of those systems that give deadlines, I would've been dead …..'