Webtoon: Refund High School

(Y/n)'s POV

Passing days, endless cycles, a lack of excitement. Despite this, I saw no reason to create new memories, I saw no reason to make the most of 'today'. There was nothing driving me forward except...the desire to reincarnate as someone different.

"Hey (Y/n)," Aru greeted cheerfully.

I glanced in her direction, giving the smallest of nods to acknowledge her presence. She frowned, apparently unsatisfied with my unenthusiastic reply.

Bracing myself for her lecture, I let my mind wander into my world of dreams. Although she stood in front of me, her mouth moving in rapid motion, I couldn't hear her.

This ability of mine was something special, something that belonged to me. Along with this peculiarity, I could also read other's minds...but I wasn't a monster. I was human or so I'd like to believe I was one.

"(Y/n), are you even listening to me?" she asked, slightly annoyed.

"Of course I am."

"Drop the sarcasm."

"But I can't physically drop a characteristic, can I?"

"Ugh."

Why is she always like this? I try to cheer her up but she never seems to change. I want her to enjoy her life at Refund High. I won't stop trying till she does, Aru thought.

Anger rose in my throat, but I refused to show it. Who did she think she was to change me? Why does my enjoyment concern her so much? My mind and body were my own, not anyone else's.

"Let's talk later, okay?" she said before going to her seat.

I didn't bother giving her an answer. She would come to me regardless of what answer I had prepared. Soon enough, the homeroom teacher entered, a casual grin on his face as he greeted us.

~After class~

The sun shone down on me as I stood leaning against the fence that surrounded the rooftop. A sandwich in hand, I watched the students down below, happily walking and talking with not a care in the world.

Was I...so devoid of emotion in my past life? Why did I...even bother living like this? I needed reincarnation. I needed a new path. I...hated myself.

A crackle of thunder startled me from my thoughts as heavy rain poured down on everything, drenching everything in a sea of sorrow. That was when the sea serpent I had come to familiarise myself with flew to the rooftop.

He wound his body around mine, resting his head on the floor as I huddled closer to the warmth he emitted from his gentle touch.

To be honest, I did not know who he was nor where he came from. We just...happened to meet here one rainy afternoon, much like this one. That day, I had treasured forever in my heart.

Neither of us spoke. We didn't need to. I had rarely heard him speak, but I knew he could. Despite myself being a quiet person, I felt like I could talk for hours nonstop with him by my side.

The door burst open as Aru and her friends came through, their expression suddenly turning to one of fear as they cast their eyes on the sea serpent. I immediately hopped up and over his body and grabbed her arm before she could alert the teachers.

"Don't."

"B-but he's..." Aru started.

"I said don't."

"Why should she listen to you? You've never listened to her before," Mari commented.

"G-guys, I'm scared," exclaimed Sehui as she stared at the sea serpent.

"He's not dangerous."

"(Y/n), come inside. We can talk inside," said Aru.

"No."

"Please?"

"Do I need to repeat myself?"

"...why are you always like this?..."

"What?"

"Why are you always rejecting my friendship?!"

I let go of her arm, taking a few steps back until he nudged me with his head.

"And why...are you always trying to change me? My body has nothing to do with you."

"But I just wanted to help."

"I didn't ask for your help nor do I need it."

"Everyone needs help, some just don't want to admit it."

"Oh? Are you trying to act like a heroine or something? Because the idea of Refund High's 'goddess' has gotten to your head?"

"I've had enough of you! You're pathetic, cruel and emotionless! You're selfish and careless! I don't get how you're still coping!"

She stopped herself before she could say more. Tears brimmed my eyes but I refused to let them fall. Her words...were true...yet why did I feel so heartbroken by this unwavering truth?

"I-I didn't-"

"Forget it. Now I know your true feelings...well, not that I didn't know them before."

"What? You mean you peeked into my mind?"

"So what if I did? You had no problem getting into my business."

"...you're so cruel..."

I turned around then, hopping on the sea serpent's back as he took off into the stormy sky. Once we had gotten a considerable distance away, I started crying.

I gripped his hair as my tears fell. I let my fears loose...I've had enough of my damned personality. He flew around in the air before landing as soon as the rain had cleared away.

What a surprisingly short storm. I wished it had lasted longer. I wish it had lasted for eternity. I hated this. I hated...this...

The creature was suddenly engulfed in a bright light as he transformed. In his place stood a boy. In his place...was Mook. My body froze, unable to move, unable to do anything, as he strode towards me and pulled me into a hug.

"I'm sorry I never told you who I was. I'm sorry all I could ever do was watch. I'm sorry I didn't help you sooner," he apologised, sorrow laced in between in words.

"Mook..."

"I'm sorry...(Y/n)."

"You have nothing to apologise for. You don't seem to realise, do you? Other than my desire to reincarnate, being with you helped me through it. I enjoyed the time I spent with you. I loved every moment of it. You helped me, although it would've been better if you told me your identity sooner."

He simply said nothing and stared into my (e/c) eyes. I gasped as he leaned in and placed his lips upon mine. My heart raced, millions of emotions coursing through my body as he deepened the kiss and bit my lower lip.

My knees weakened as I gave way in his arms. His sturdy arms kept me steady as I searched his eyes for a hint of some sort. Since when had he started to like me?...

"(Y/n), it may sound strange to you but I've fallen in love with you. I slowly got to know you as you talked to me and I soon realised that I liked you. I won't ask you for an answer. You don't even have to give me one. All I want is to be by your side, if you will allow it."