A New Morning, A New Beginning

Cael rubbed his eyes as he walked down the stairs, still lost in his thoughts. His mind wandered back to the scene last night, replaying every detail like a haunting melody. Wait… I never knew what Julls looked like, he suddenly realized. He paused on the last step, gripping the railing as the thought struck him. The novel only described his hair and eye colors. No illustration, no specific details… so how on earth am I supposed to avoid him if I don't even know his face?

The absurdity of the situation made him sigh. He shook his head and muttered under his breath, "Guess I'll figure it out at one of those high-society parties. No point worrying about it now." With a shrug, he pushed the thought aside and walked toward the kitchen, determined not to let it ruin his morning.

"Mom, what's for breakfast today?" he called out, his voice carrying a warmth that surprised even him. It felt natural now to call Mrs. Chang "Mom." She reminded him so much of his mother from his first life as El Johansen—kind, gentle, and always ready with a smile that could melt away any worries.

Mrs. Chang turned to him with a beaming smile. "Today's special is fried rice with fish and some vegetables," she announced, her tone bright and cheerful.

Cael's eyes lit up as he looked at the spread on the dining table. He quickly pulled out a chair and sat down, his stomach growling in anticipation. There was also porridge with eggs—comfort food that instantly brought back memories of his first life. He vividly recalled a family vacation in the Philippines, where they'd started their mornings with this exact meal. It was a taste of home, a link to the life he thought he'd left behind forever.

As he took his first bite, Cael closed his eyes and savored the flavors. Even in this strange, unfamiliar world, there are still pieces of my first life scattered here. At least some things haven't changed. He smiled to himself, the warmth of nostalgia wrapping around him like a comforting blanket.

After breakfast, Cael insisted on helping Mrs. Chang and Jade clean up. The three of them worked seamlessly together, chatting about little things and laughing at inside jokes that only families shared. For the first time in a while, Cael felt a sense of normalcy, a small oasis of peace amidst the chaos of his thoughts.

Once the table was cleared and the dishes were washed, they all sat down together in the living room. Mrs. Chang leaned forward, her expression slightly serious. "Cael, tomorrow is the last day for university enrollment. Have you decided what you want to do?"

Cael nodded, his eyes bright with determination. "Oh, yes. I've decided to enroll in an art university."

Mrs. Chang's face lit up with pride. "Really? That's wonderful, Cael. You have such a creative soul—it's the perfect choice for you." She reached over and gently squeezed his hand. "Leave the required documents to me. I'll make sure everything is ready for tomorrow."

"Thanks, Mom," Cael said with a genuine smile. His chest felt warm, filled with gratitude for her unwavering support.

—The Next Day—

The morning sun painted the sky in hues of orange and pink as Cael stood in front of the full-length mirror in his room, adjusting his shirt. Today marked a new chapter in his life—a fresh start in an unfamiliar world. He took a deep breath and squared his shoulders. You've got this, Cael.

Downstairs, Mrs. Chang had prepared a hearty breakfast, complete with encouraging words and a checklist of everything Cael might need for the day. Jade, ever the supportive brother, offered to drive him to the university. "Are you sure you don't want me to come inside with you?" Jade asked as they pulled up to the campus.

"No, it's fine," Cael replied with a small smile. "I think I need to do this on my own."

Jade nodded, though his protective instincts were evident in the way he lingered in the car. "Alright, but call me if you need anything. And don't forget to text when you're done."

"I will. Thanks, Jade," Cael said before stepping out of the car.

The university campus was bustling with activity. Students and parents filled the registration hall, the air buzzing with excitement and nervous energy. Cael clutched his folder of documents tightly, his palms slightly sweaty. As he navigated the crowd, he couldn't help but feel a mix of anticipation and anxiety. This is it. My first step toward building a new life here.

At the registration desk, a kind-faced staff member greeted him. "Good morning! Are you here to enroll in the art program?"

"Yes, I am," Cael replied, handing over his documents.

The process was surprisingly smooth, and within an hour, everything was finalized. As he left the hall, a sense of accomplishment washed over him. He glanced at the campus buildings, imagining the countless hours he'd spend here honing his craft. For the first time in a long while, the future didn't seem so daunting.

As Cael walked toward the campus gates, a gentle breeze ruffled his hair. He closed his eyes for a moment, letting the sunlight warm his face. This is just the beginning, he thought, a small smile tugging at his lips. I won't let anything hold me back—not my past, not my fears, and certainly not that man from the other night.

His resolve strengthened, Cael headed home, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. But in the back of his mind, a faint, lingering scent teased his senses—a reminder of the danger he narrowly escaped.