Ten days.
When Rey replayed everything in his head, the progress felt impressive at first glance.
New skills.
Sharper control.
Clear growth.
But the moment he compared himself to the spirits watching over him, that sense of pride crumbled.
It wasn't enough.
Not even close.
With a quiet sigh, he grabbed a towel and headed to the bathroom.
If Jasmine asked, he already had an excuse ready.
Woke up early. Studied. Got sweaty. Simple.
The shower turned on, warm water cascading down his body, washing away dried sweat and lingering fatigue.
Downstairs, Jasmine paused mid-work when she heard the sound.
She climbed up, glanced into Rey's room, and frowned when she saw the bed empty. Her hand reached the bathroom door.
"Son, are you in there?"
"Yes, Mom. Just taking a shower."
"Oh. Alright."
Her footsteps faded as she returned downstairs.
Rey stood still under the water.
It hit him then.
She hadn't said anything.
No smile.
No greeting.
No familiar warmth.
Today was his birthday.
His eighteenth.
Jasmine had never once forgotten it. She was always the first to wish him.
His chest tightened, but his mind tried to stay calm.
'She'll remember before leaving for work.'
He finished his shower and returned to his room, towel draped over his shoulders. After drying his hair, he sat at his desk, staring at his books.
With the exam less than twenty days away, he couldn't afford to slack off.
So he studied.
Two hours passed. Then three.
No interruption.
No knock.
No wishes.
Sunlight streamed through the window when he finally leaned back, rubbing his eyes.
"…I should eat."
He headed downstairs.
Jasmine and Emmy were already at the table, eating as if it were any other morning.
"Good morning," Rey said.
"Morning," they replied in unison.
Nothing else.
Too normal.
Too deliberate.
His eyes drifted to the kitchen counter, where a rolled sheet of paper rested. He pointed at it.
"Mom, what's that over there?"
"—!"
Jasmine suddenly coughed, choking on her food.
"Cough—cough!"
Emmy hurriedly handed her a glass of water.
After a few gulps, Jasmine waved her hand dismissively.
"Oh, that? It's nothing. Just some kitchen items I need to buy."
Her words came out rushed.
"…Okay."
She quickly changed the topic.
"Rey, you haven't gone outside for days. That's not healthy. You should take a walk. Meet your friends."
Her voice dropped slightly at the end.
Rey didn't catch the nuance. He simply nodded.
After breakfast, Emmy rushed off to play. Jasmine left for work soon after.
The house fell quiet.
Rey stood there alone.
So they really forgot.
With a sour mood, he grabbed his phone and messaged James, asking him to meet at their usual spot.
After informing Emmy, he stepped outside.
The door closed behind him far too quickly.
"…Suspicious."
He narrowed his eyes.
"Aiden, do you know something?"
Aiden's voice echoed lazily.
"Kid, don't worry. Whatever's happening won't hurt you. Maybe it'll even be good."
"…That tells me nothing."
Aiden vanished.
Rey sighed and headed toward the meeting spot.
James wasn't there yet.
Minutes passed.
Just as Rey turned to leave, someone came running toward him.
"Wait! Don't go!"
James reached him, panting.
"Sorry, bro. Got delayed."
Rey nodded, but before he could speak, James suddenly lunged forward, ruffling his hair.
"Happy birthday!"
Rey froze.
"…Huh?"
"Didn't expect me to remember, right?" James grinned proudly.
"Oh, please," Rey scoffed. "Your phone reminded you."
James scratched his head and laughed awkwardly.
"Okay, maybe. But still."
Rey smiled faintly.
"…Thanks."
James noticed it instantly.
"Something wrong?"
"Nothing," Rey said. "Just thinking where to go celebrate."
They headed to the old game parlour.
Hours flew by.
Laughter.Shouting.Cursing each other for mistakes.
It felt normal. Good.
After four hours, hunger finally caught up.
"Let's grab something from the convenience store," James suggested.
Rey nodded.
At the store, James instinctively went toward the cheap section.
Rey grabbed his wrist.
"Not today."
"…What?"
"Follow me."
James watched in disbelief as Rey walked straight toward the premium section.
"Bro! Are you insane? These cost over a thousand dragon points each!"
Rey ignored the warning board and picked items casually.
"Pick whatever you want," Rey said.
James stared.
"…You serious?"
Rey showed his phone.
[Balance: 20,487 DP]
James went silent.
"…Since when?"
"Part-time jobs," Rey replied casually.
He didn't mention Jacob's vault.
James laughed nervously and grabbed items without restraint.
They paid nearly seventeen thousand points.
Outside, they sat at one of the tables and started eating.
Premium noodles.Snacks.Cold drinks.
For the first time that day, Rey felt relaxed.
Then—
A shadow fell over the table.
"Ummm… hello."
Both of them looked up.