Dead!!!!

King's POV

I slowly opened my eyes, blinking away the haze of sleep. The room was dark except for the soft glow of the TV screen, its faint hum the only sound filling the quiet space. I let out a long yawn, stretching my stiff muscles as I shifted upright. My body felt heavy, as if I had been asleep for hours.

Glancing at my watch, I frowned. 10 PM? I sighed, rubbing a hand over my face. Did I really sleep that long? I didn't even remember when I dozed off.

Shaking off the lingering drowsiness, I reached for my phone and turned off the TV, plunging the room into complete darkness. The silence felt almost deafening now. With a tired sigh, I stood up, rolling my shoulders to ease the tension in my muscles.

After locking the door behind me, I stepped outside, the cool night air hitting my skin. The streets were quiet, bathed in the dim glow of streetlights. I made my way to my car, unlocking it with a soft beep before sliding into the driver's seat. As I started the engine, the dashboard lights flickered to life, casting a faint blue hue over the interior.

I gripped the steering wheel, exhaling deeply. Time to go home.

I opened the door and was immediately greeted by the warm, familiar aroma of home-cooked food. My mother stood by the stove, stirring something in a pot, the sound of bubbling broth filling the kitchen.

She turned her head and smiled. "Jerry, you're here... Come eat this. You must be hungry."

I nodded, too tired to argue, and pulled out a chair at the dining table. Sitting down, I inhaled the scent of the food—it smelled comforting, like something I had eaten countless times before.

As she set a steaming bowl in front of me, she sighed. "You know, you should have stayed here in the morning. They were so happy to meet you."

I frowned, picking up my spoon. "And what was I supposed to do?"

She shook her head with a small chuckle. "Ah, boy… You could have talked about something—movies, life, anything."

I let out a quiet sigh, stirring my food. "Mom, sorry… but I'm just not interested in those things."

Mom let out an exasperated sigh, shaking her head. "Ahh, why are you like this, Jerry? Sometimes I think… you're gay!"

I froze, spoon halfway to my mouth, before looking at her in disbelief. "What??" I coughed, nearly choking on my food.

She quickly handed me a glass of water, her expression both amused and serious. "Yes, I mean, look at you! You're 34, still single, and you don't even seem interested in women. What else am I supposed to think?"

I took a sip of water, setting the glass down with a sigh. "Mom, you should think that I'm just not ready for marriage or any relationship yet."

She raised an eyebrow, waiting for more.

I leaned back in my chair. "I mean, if I find a girl I truly love, then, of course, I'll marry her. But until then, what's the rush?"

Mom sighed, crossing her arms. "Yeah, but when?"

"Soon, Mom," I said, hoping to end the conversation.

She scoffed. "I don't believe you… If you like a guy or something, just tell me, okay? I—"

"No, Mom! I like a girl," I interrupted quickly.

Her eyes narrowed with curiosity. "Oh? And who's the girl?"

I opened my mouth to brush it off, but before I could stop myself, the name slipped out. "Y/N, I—" I froze. Oh no… why did I say that?

Her eyes lit up, a wide smile spreading across her face. "I knew it! Tell me about her!"

"No, no, Mom. Forget about that," I tried to backtrack, but it was too late.

"Why? I mean, you just told me you like a girl, and her name is Y/N, right?" She gave me that look—the one that meant she wasn't letting this go.

I let out a heavy sigh, running a hand through my hair. "Mom… it's complicated."

Her expression softened. "You have feelings for her, don't you?"

I hesitated for a moment before finally nodding. "Yes, but—"

Mom reached across the table, placing a gentle hand over mine. Her voice was warm yet firm. "Then you should try, my little Jerry. And if it doesn't work, try again. And again."

I looked at her, unsure what to say.

She smiled, her eyes full of wisdom. "If you put in the effort, no one can say no to you—not even fate. Even God will help you. Nature will guide you. But the most important thing..." She paused, squeezing my hand. "You must respect her feelings. If she says no or doesn't feel the same way, you have to accept it. But baby, Jerry… don't lose hope. If you truly like or love someone, then no one—not the world, not circumstances—can keep you apart."

I just stared at her, feeling as if I had just heard the most beautiful, most romantic words ever spoken—words that perfectly matched my situation.

"I will try, Mom. I promise you… she will be the lady of my life." My voice was steady, filled with determination.

Mom smiled proudly. "That's my boy. But remember," she gave me a pointed look, "don't force her into anything. Love isn't about pressure."

I nodded. "I understand, Mom."

Her eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Good. Now… can I see her?"

I quickly shook my head. "No way."

Mom huffed. "At least show me a picture!"

I sighed, rubbing the back of my neck. "Mom, I don't have any pictures of her."

Her eyes widened. "What?! Then invite her over someday!"

I hesitated for a moment before nodding. "I will, Mom."

Satisfied for now, she let me eat my dinner in peace. The warm food filled me with comfort, but my mind was already elsewhere—on Y/N.

As I finished my meal, I glanced up. "Oh yeah, Mom. Max and I are heading out for some work tonight."

She nodded. "Alright, just be careful."

I gave her a reassuring smile before standing up, ready to head out into the night.

After finishing dinner, I headed to my room, feeling the weight of the day settle on me. A hot shower helped wash away my exhaustion, and after changing into fresh clothes, I made my way to the living room.

Max was already there, waiting for me with a wide grin. "I'm so happy!" he said excitedly.

I simply nodded, sharing his unspoken excitement.

Without wasting any time, we headed out, driving through the quiet streets until we finally reached our destination. Stepping out of the car, we approached the old wooden door, pushing it open. The familiar scent of damp earth and water filled the air.

Without hesitation, we made our way to the pond, the surface of the water shimmering under the faint moonlight. Sharing a knowing glance, we both took a deep breath—

And jumped.

Splash!!!

The cold water enveloped us, sending a shiver down my spine. As I opened my eyes underwater, I could feel something different—something almost unreal.

around—and my heart skipped a beat.

We were in the palace.

A wide smile spread across my face as I took in the familiar grand halls, the golden chandeliers, the intricate carvings on the marble pillars.

Beside me, Max coughed, shaking the water from his hair before grinning. He looked just as thrilled as I was. We got to our feet, our clothes dripping onto the polished floor.

"It worked, King!" Max said, excitement in his voice.

I nodded, still processing the moment. "Yes… we're back."

Just as we were about to move forward, a sudden voice startled us.

"Wh—oh my god!"

We both turned toward the source of the voice. Standing there, eyes wide in shock, was Princess Diana.

Her body swayed slightly, and before she could collapse, Max quickly stepped forward and caught her.

"Hey, we're back," he said with a soft smile.

Princess Diana's shocked expression didn't fade. Her gaze slowly shifted to me, and I could see the emotions swirling in her eyes—disbelief, confusion, fear.

Then, in a trembling voice, she whispered, "You… you're alive, my King?"

I frowned. "Alive?"

She took a step back, shaking her head. "Y-You're dead! Am I… am I seeing a ghost?!"

Max gently patted her cheek, trying to calm her down. "Princess, what are you talking about?"

She pointed directly at me, her voice firm but filled with distress. "He is dead, Commander Xavier!"

Her words sent a chill down my spine. I clenched my fists, my mind racing.

Dead? What the hell was going on?