Reborn to Redeem.

Reincarnation, rebirth, transmigration - whatever you want to call it!

 

“Saito-kun!” The class erupted into cheers as soon as he stepped through the door. His heart swelled with warmth and a broad smile stretched across his face. It was a feeling he'd never grow tired of, being welcomed with such enthusiasm every day. He scanned the sea of faces, trying to identify each individual voice and expression, but it was all a blur of excitement. He chuckled and waved a hand in greeting, acknowledging the group as a whole.

“Hey guys!” he said, his voice barely audible over the commotion. He began walking towards his seat, but before he could take more than a few steps, he was swarmed by half of his classmates. He laughed, feeling their energy as they hugged him and patted him on the back.

(…..over the railing, he briefly wondered if he was going to do it this time then disregarded the thought, because it didn't really matter to him right now.)

(…nothing needed to matter to him… wandered elsewhere; to the what-ifs of his life…)

“Did you read this week’s Shounen Jump yet?” asked Ryota, bouncing up and down with excitement.

(Would he be worth something… this godforsaken curse …passed onto someone stronger than him?)

Saito shook his head. “No, not yet. But I heard it was super good! Don't spoil it for me!” he said, a playful smile spreading across his face.

(…if he was born under a different star… different universe, in some other existence where he was not simply “useless”…)

Ryota chuckled. “I won't spoil it, I promise. You’ve got to read it though. The fight scenes are  amazing! ”

(…a life where he didn't have to hide his scars and wounds and pretend to be okay when he wasn't…)

Saito's eyes lit up. “I can't wait! I'll definitely read it as soon as I get home.”

As Hikaru, Ryota’s girlfriend, groaned at all the manga talk and Ryota jokingly grabbed his chest, pretending to be deeply hurt. “You hurt me, babe!" he exclaimed, feigning hurt feelings.

“You guys are nerds.” she declared, watching Ryota ‘cry’ with glee.

Saito laughed at their playful banter, feeling grateful for friends who shared his interests and passions. “Come on, Hikaru, don't knock it till you try it. You might actually like it,” he said, teasingly.

Hikaru rolled her eyes, but a small smile tugged at the corner of her mouth. “I highly doubt it, but  maybe  someday I'll give it a shot,” she replied, begrudgingly admitting that her friends might be onto something.

(….life where he didn't have to constantly fight to prove himself… acknowledged.)