Rebirth [BL]

Chapter 2 (Rewritten)

It had been one year and five months since Arius was reincarnated into this unfamiliar world.

And yet... he still couldn't walk.

The realization gnawed at him more than he liked to admit. In his past life, he clearly remembered that babies usually began walking at around twelve months. Some even earlier. But him? He had long passed that point, and still, his legs refused to cooperate the way they should.

It was frustrating. Embarrassing, even.

Why can't I walk yet...?

At this very moment, Arius stood in the middle of his room, supported on both sides by attentive maids. His small hands clutched onto their sleeves as his legs trembled beneath him, weak and unsteady. The soft carpet beneath his feet did little to reassure him... it felt more like a trap waiting for him to fall.

"Careful, Young Master... slowly..." one maid murmured.

With effort, Arius pushed himself upright, his knees wobbling dangerously. His body swayed for a moment

but he didn't fall.

"Arius, you did it! You stood up!" Lilith's voice rang out, filled with unmistakable joy.

Her eyes sparkled, her hands clasped tightly together as if she had been holding her breath this entire time.

I did it...

A small flicker of pride bloomed in Arius's chest.

But now comes the hard part...

Doubt quickly followed.

What if he couldn't walk at all? What if something was wrong with him? What if—

"Young Master, let's try taking a few steps forward," Julia said gently, her voice calm and encouraging, as if she could sense the storm of thoughts inside him.

Arius hesitated.

Then, slowly, he moved one foot forward.

And then...

Thud.

His foot slipped against the carpet. His balance shattered instantly, and his small body fell forward, landing helplessly on the ground.

"Arius...!" Lilith gasped, rushing toward him.

The room tensed. The maids froze, guilt flashing across their faces.

"How about we stop here for today?" Lilith suggested softly, her voice laced with concern as she knelt beside him.

Arius remained still for a moment, staring at the floor.

Stop...?

His fingers curled slightly.

I can't give up here.

Determination burned quietly within him.

Without a word, he pushed himself up again. His movements were slower this time, more careful. He planted his feet firmly, focusing on his balance. His breathing steadied.

One step.

Then another.

Tiny, cautious steps carried him forward, each one a silent battle against gravity and fear. His body wobbled, but he didn't fall.

Ahead of him stood Lilith, her arms slightly open, her expression a mixture of hope and disbelief.

Arius took a deeper breath.

And then—he took a bigger step.

This time, he didn't hesitate.

Step after step, he walked forward, his movements gradually becoming more natural, more confident. The distance between them shrank—