𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐂𝐈𝐃 | tcf x wmmap

three

The days that followed were a hazy blur, a mix of familiar routines, and bewildering new sensations.

Despite the initial shock of being reborn as a helpless infant, Cale found that it wasn't entirely bad.

He could nap for hours on end, simply gazing aimlessly at his surroundings, free to do nothing without consequence.

The only real frustration came from his underdeveloped muscles, which refused to obey his commands.

It was a weird feeling, knowing exactly what he wanted to do but being unable to make his body cooperate.

But, overall, Cale's new life was surprisingly comfortable. 

He had been reincarnated into an affluent household, a stroke of luck he hadn't anticipated. His "father" and "brother" were exceptionally kind and attentive, a far cry from the neglectful or hostile family dynamics he had read about in countless reborn stories.

Poke. Poke

'He's doing it again.' Cale thought.

"So cute." A young red head murmured, seemingly entranced by Cale's furrowed brow. 

Cale wiggled his face away from the young boy's hands, finding the incessant tapping and fussing increasingly irritating. 

'It's irritating.'

As if sensing Cale's growing irritation, the young boy suddenly apologized. 

"Big Brother Felix is sorry, Cale." It was as if the boy had somehow intuited Cale's mounting frustration.

Cale remained unmoved, his frown still firmly in place. 

This young boy in front of him was his new "brother," Felix. He seemed endlessly fascinated by him. He would coo and fuss over Cale, finding even his slightest frown to be the most adorable thing. 

He treated Cale as the most precious thing in the world, constantly showering him with affection and attention. While Cale found it astonishing at times, the sheer energy and enthusiasm of Felix's care were also exhausting. 

It reminded him of Choi Han, though without the trauma.

At least Choi Han had known when to dial back his concern.

Felix, on the other hand? He was like an overexcited puppy, always eager and affectionate, never giving Cale a moment's respite.

Cale's eyes rolled inwardly as the bubbly optimism of his self-appointed caretaker grated on his frayed nerves. 

Oh, how he wished he could just have a moment of peace and quiet to think through his plans. But alas, the overeager brother would not grant him that luxury.

Not that Cale was complaining, per se–he was, after all, content to simply lay there and observe his surroundings. 

Yet, Felix's presence seemed to disrupt that tranquillity.

Suddenly, a familiar ache welled up in Cale's chest.

'Was this body unwell?'

'Ridiculous.' Cale quickly dismissed the notion. 

He was in a healthy, affluent family with all his needs being met. There was no logical reason for him to be unwell.

"Cale?" Felix asked, peering down at him with those concerned, puppy-dog eyes. 

Cale's frown deepened.

"So cute!" Felix cooed again.

Cale hated it here.

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