A Chance To Rewrite It All - Chapter 0- Rebirth

What lies beyond everything? What happens when you achieve all your dreams and earn as much as you ever dreamt of?

I can say one thing about it, and that is, if no one stands beside you who can share your happiness, then all achievements seem futile. No, I swear.

I have met many people—friends, lovers, co-workers, employees; however, all of them always remained outside a certain boundary I created long ago. They all were connected to me because for some reason, whether professional or personal. However, when I return home, all that waits for me is silence and loneliness.

I had several girlfriends but never found one to whom I could get married. They all had their qualities, but somehow, I never met…someone like ‘her’. Was I actually trying to find someone like ‘her’ in them? Maybe it was me who was at fault then?

Taking out my phone I searched for the name ‘Shirakawa’ and found the email she sent me two years ago.

The invitation to her marriage.

I was…conflicted at that point and didn’t know if she still loved me so I never replied to her mail other than a congrats. And after that, I never had any contact with her.

…life is that complicated for me…or maybe I actually made it complicated for the sake of those problems which I exaggerated in my head.

No, really. When I look back, I used to sympathize with myself a lot, thinking I was the only one who was going through such a life crisis and no one could understand my problems.

Deep down, I have always been an emo kid.

Now, where do I stand? In my high-end office situated in the heart of Tokyo, I stood near the window and looked down at the illuminating city underneath.

It felt like I might be overthinking again, but my current intrusive thoughts said that I should jump off and end this loser-like life.

But naturally, killing oneself needs guts and I don’t have much left.

That’s why after packing my stuff, I exited the office and took the elevator down to the basement.

My driver was waiting for me with the car door open.

I nodded to him before taking the backseat. Once he entered I told him, “Home.”

He began driving and I just started browsing the files which the HR department chief submitted.

After working for several years as a software engineer and app developer, I started my own company and now it is one of the leading companies that develops software and provides services in the IT sector.

I did what was fun for me and made money out of it.

“It seems you had a long day, sir. You look unusually tired.” My driver, Hajime-san, almost daily makes some small talk to keep me company.

Taking off my classes I massaged my temples and replied, “Just some bothersome clients. Want to help them in building something borderline illegal.”

Conversing with the man helped me feel a little better. And soon we reached home.

Once I exited the car, I told him, “Take a few days off. I am going on a long vacation.”

He smiled in contentment before he drove away.

Unbuttoning my blazer I entered the mansion where I live…which remained completely empty. I don’t let any maid or servant stay here especially when I return.

….it reminds me of my mother. And I don’t want to feel guilty every single day when I return.

However, today, someone was waiting for me.

“Don’t move and close the door!” It was a young man who was trembling uncontrollably even though he was pointing a gun at me.

I slowly closed the door and asked him, “If you are here to rob me you could have…wait, it’s your first time, right?”

I could tell from the way he was fidgeting and sweating that it was his first time threatening someone. Maybe he was holding a gun for the first time as well.

But how did he enter this place? Ah, he is not alone.

“Shut up! Do as I say or you are dead.” He spat, trying to sound intimidating; however, from my angle, he looked nothing but pitiful.

Blond hair and a lip piercing. The boy seemed in his late teenage years … maybe in his third year of high school? Forced by the situation, he took the decision that he knew could change his life for the worse.

Based on when he entered my house, if I didn’t turn off the alarm from my phone, the police would immediately get notified that I was getting attacked.

“Tell me, son, are you here because of some debt you took?”

“How do you…” For a moment, his hold on the gun loosened up as he parted his eyes wide.

“Because I have been through that stage, “I never moved from my spot or he would have taken a hasty decision, rather I spoke with my hands completely up and body unmoving,

“Piled up debt, parents’ problems, can’t do a shit about my situation despite having the determination…that’s why I know what you are going through.”

“No…you don’t.” Suddenly, he spoke, his eyes filled with tears, as he shouted, “No, you don’t! You don’t know a shit about me! Not you, not anyone!”

I heaved a sigh. This kid was troubled; I could see that from his tears. Being pushed to that point where crime only seems to be the route…yeah, I know how it feels.

Wiping his eyes he again said, “Come on now! Give me everything you have!”

He said, and I told him something depressing, “I don’t have much cash, but I can give you my card and the pin.”

“Heyyy! Have you taken me for a fool-” He stopped talking as the sound of a police siren began blaring.

My eyes widened as I turned to look behind me and in the next moment,

**SHOT**

Something hit my head, and in the next moment, my vision went blank.

….
…
..
.

“Ah!” I suddenly got up, feeling my back drenched and sweat trickling down my head.

I touched my forehead where the bullet collided….and found there was nothing but sweat there.

‘…was I imagining things?’ It was highly unlikely that I would feel something so vivid in my dream…or was I in a dream right now?

**KNOCK**

Suddenly, someone knocked on the door, making me aware that I was somewhere familiar, but I shouldn’t be there.

However, much to my shock, the moment the person on the other side spoke, every other thought I had in my mind, just vanished,

“Ryuu! Get up and eat breakfast!”

….Mom?

******

A/N:- Goddamn, rebirth once again?