Chapter 3: After School

I exited the school building with no goal other than going home. The only problem? I didn't know where "home" was, as I still hadn't recovered any memories.

At the front of the school, I turned around, and my breath caught in my throat. Towering Roman-style columns framed the entrance, their sheer size giving the structure a grand and imposing presence. Greek-inspired carvings adorned the walls, each detail adding to its air of history and refinement. Yet, for all its classical elegance, the building embraced modernity. Expansive glass windows mirrored the sky, while smooth marble walkways and polished metal accents created a balance between past and future.

I stood at the edge of the main street, taking in my surroundings. The roads gleamed—polished black with crisp white lines, so flawless they seemed untouched by human hands. The skyline was a seamless blend of eras. Sleek, contemporary buildings towered above, yet each one borrowed from historical influences, weaving a refined and culturally rich atmosphere.

People bustled about, crossing streets, chatting, living their lives. Most wore smiles, their energy light and unburdened. Sure, there were a few who looked frustrated or deep in thought, but none radiated true dissatisfaction. I felt it in the way friends laughed together, workers hurried between tasks, and families leisurely strolled through the streets, enjoying their day.

'At least I transmigrated to a good place!' I thought, feeling a bit more optimistic. The people around me helped ease my unease.

Dudu~

Dudu~

A ringing sound, followed by a subtle vibration, tickled my right leg. Reaching into my khaki pants—specifically my right pocket—I pulled out a phone that looked eerily similar to a certain fruit-branded device. This one, however, had an orange logo. That detail, though, was irrelevant compared to the name on the caller ID.

"Mom?" I answered hesitantly, uncertainty lacing my voice.

"Pfft~ Why do you sound so confused? Of course, it's me!" A cheerful feminine voice rang in my ears. It felt strange—after all, I wasn't really her child—but somehow, just hearing her brought a smile to my face.

"I know~ I know~," I laughed, moving to the side to get out of everyone's way.

"I need you to get groceries on the way home."

"Okay. We actually got off early, so I can go now."

"Really?! Wonderful! Then I'll send over the list and the money. Also, do you know how to get home from there?"

"U-um... No..."

"Hehe~, it's okay. I figured as much."

Ding~

Hearing the notification, I pulled my phone away from my ear and checked the screen.

'So that's the address. Phew~' I sighed in relief and put my phone back to my ear.

"Thanks, Mom! You saved me!"

"I know~ I'm such a good mom, aren't I?"

"Yep!"

"Eh? You didn't hang up?! WHO AR—"

I hung up the phone.

'Time to get groc—'

Ding~

Mom: >:/

'Hahaha~' I liked her message and before putting my phone away, I realized that I didn't even know what I looked like. 

Opening the camera app, I flipped to the front camera—and there I was. My slightly grown-out black hair, slicked back, framed royal blue eyes that exuded an unexpected calm. Even I felt at ease looking into them. Serenity, silence, and an almost unnatural peace reflected back at me. Strange to admit about myself, but that was the feeling they gave me.

'Wow!' I marveled in my appearance since it was very similar to the one I had back on earth except my eyes were green. I got out of my head quick enough though. I did have a task to complete. 

I headed to the crosswalk in front of me and waited for the light to turn green. Fortunately, there was a store right across from the school, so I decided to go there. It was a tall building with a neon green sign labeled "Walstreet." 

Time passed quickly, and I soon made it inside.

'T-There are multiple floors?' I blinked in disbelief. I hadn't even considered that. In my last life, while such places existed, they weren't common where I lived. There was plenty of land, so there was never a need to construct towering stores like this.

This one, however, occupied six out of the ten floors, with the remaining four belonging to another company—"Noble Books & Café."

Or at least, that's what the directory said.

Grabbing my phone, I walked in and pulled out a large buggy. There was no need to rush, but I also didn't want to spend more than two hours in the store!

'Cold stuff… okay, let's get that last. Shelf-temp stuff first!'

The first order of business was getting the items that didn't need to be refrigerated or frozen. The list was pretty long—about 29 items—and I didn't want to grab everything only to realize I had to come back because of a mistake on my part.

"Heyyy, Eizkel!"

'Hmm?'

I turned around at the sound of my name; only a few people even knew it. This voice, in particular, was feminine, and I doubted the previous Eizkel had a girlfriend—or even a girl who was friendly toward him.

'I need to stop insulting the dude...' Shaking my head, I focused on the woman in front of me.

"Long time no see, Katelyn!"

It was Katelyn, dressed in new clothes and looking completely refreshed. She gave off a completely different vibe than she had in class.

"Totally. You're acting like we weren't just in class an hour ago."

Shrugging my shoulders, I leaned on my buggy. "I mean, you look completely different in just an hour, so I don't think you can say that."

"I showered!" She gave me a thumbs-up, a smug smile plastered on her face.

"Haha~, I love the theatrics!"

"Thank you~ Thank you~"

"I don't think it would be wrong to assume you're here to buy something?"

"Oooo, Captain Obvious might be your new nickname."

"N-Absolutely not." I stammered at her horrible joke.

"Relax! But yes, you're right." She put her hands behind her head, which unintentionally emphasized certain parts of her body. I hadn't wanted to be rude earlier in class, but now I couldn't help myself. My eyes traveled downward, taking in every part of her before quickly returning to meet her gaze.

Thankfully, she wasn't paying too much attention to me. When I traced her eyes back, she was reading the aisle signs.

She's beautiful. I'm surprised more people weren't bombarding her in class. Her and Ophi both!