Letters

Damien leaned forward eagerly in the back seat of the car, his eyes wide and bright as Tokyo unfolded around him. Tall skyscrapers shimmered under the afternoon sun, its sleek glass reflecting the sun's rays. Excitement bubbled within him, nearly impossible to contain. Ever since he'd first learned of Fujimori Academy and its location in Japan, he'd dreamed of this exact moment. And now, he's finally witnessing the bustling city with his own eyes, rather than through manga or pictures.

The vehicle smoothly navigated through the lively streets, filled with pedestrians bustling along sidewalks and cars gliding swiftly along polished roads. Damien's gaze darted between sleek modern buildings and charming traditional structures, marvelling at how well they blended together, even though they were so… different.

"We're getting close. Just a few more hours and we'll arrive." Phillipp's calm voice broke through Damien's awed silence. "How are you feeling?"

"Excited," Damien admitted, pressing his nose closer to the tinted window. "It's even more incredible than I imagined."

Phillipp smiled warmly. "I'm glad you're enjoying it."

Damien nodded, heart racing as they neared their destination. 

After arriving, Damien quickly unpacked his belongings into the neatly arranged dorm room. Settling down at the small desk, Damien pulled out a fresh sheet of paper, carefully smoothing it flat.

[April 6th

Lukas, as promised, here is the first letter. Japan is fascinating, far beyond my expectations. I think my time here will be great. Getting used to my new name will take some time, but I know this is for the best.

Your brother,

Yeong Myeong-Ho]

[May 2nd

Dear Damien, couldn't you spare your dear older brother more than a few lines? Unfortunately, using the Hertz name will only hinder your freedom. Though... your Korean name really intrigues me. Maybe I should ask Mother for my Korean name. Also, the house feels quieter without you here. Mother, Father, and Johann frequently mention your absence. Visit us soon, won't you? 

Your eldest brother,

Lukas]

Thinking back to Johann, he couldn't help but smile. Thanks to completing the mission, he could finally see all his stats. Although he didn't know the use of a stat screen, he had a feeling it would be important later on.

[September 17th

Dear Lukas, Japan has begun to feel a littler colder. We're now switching to our winter uniforms. I've made a new friend named Arlo. We actually knew each other all the way back during the first term, but we've only started getting closer. He introduced me to hip-hop dancing at his studio. It was a pleasant experience, minus him laughing at my face due to how stiff I was. But can you blame me? Ballet is completely different from hip-hop. Anyway, how have things progressed at your end?

Sincerely,

Damien]

[January 8th

Damien, nearly a year has passed since your departure. I've been managing, though recent months have grown increasingly demanding as I've begun attending meetings with the branch family leaders. I'm glad you've connected with someone, although picturing you attempting hip-hop does amuse me greatly. Continue your efforts.

Your thoroughly entertained elder brother,

Lukas]

[July 23rd

Dear Lukas, I hope this letter finds you in good spirits. Fujimori Academy continues to surprise me in the most amazing ways. I've been exploring various curriculums, each one broadening my horizons more than I expected. Singing, for example—I had no idea there was an area beyond the opera style I learned at the estate. Here, I've discovered so many interesting genres, each unique in their own way. It seems I've immersed myself deeply in art. Besides singing, I fill my days with dancing, painting, and sculpting. I'm genuinely happy I chose to come here.

Take care and write soon.

Warm regards,

Damien]

[July 30th

Dear Damien, it's always a nice surprise to see your letters—they brighten my day without fail. I'm glad Fujimori Academy is proving to be so enriching to you. Mother often remarks how proud she is of your artistic journey, and even Father has begun to take interest, though he hides it behind that usual stern demeanor of his. Your adventures in various arts sound fantastic. I must admit, I'm particularly curious about your appreciation for diverse singing styles. Perhaps you can share a demonstration next time we meet? Everything is stable here at the estate, though it is quieter without you. Keep sharing your experiences, I look forward to hearing more about them.

Dearest,

Lukas]

Over the years, the letters between him and Lukas became a tradition, writing their growth, achievements, and everyday moments, seamlessly bridging the gap between the present and the future.

Soon, ten years had quietly slipped by.

[May 13th

Lukas, our dear cousin Ella, recently visited Japan and insisted on a rather weird outing. She convinced—no, rather forced—me to cross-dress. Yes, cross-dress. I'm a sixteen-year-old male alpha, and the thought of the family's reaction terrifies me if they discover this incident. So, please keep this a secret. Additionally, she mentioned nearly crashing while you two visited the Savannah. Just thinking about it gives me the shivers. I hope you're well after that. Incidentally, why are we still writing letters when we have phones?

Sincerely confused,

Damien]

[May 30th

Dear Damien, I quite enjoy our tradition of giving letters, don't you? And please do not remind me of Ella. I nearly collapsed the moment I stepped back into the main residence because of her. It seems my memory erased that incident until you mentioned it again... Also, you might want to check Mother's messages. She's been trying to reach you; she wants you to visit halmeoni* and harabeoji* in Korea.

Your eldest brother,

Lukas]

Damien carefully folded Lukas's latest letter and placed it inside his desk drawer, smoothing the edges gently. Picking up his phone and unlocking it, he immediately winced at the barrage of messages his mother sent him.

He had been busy these past few weeks, consumed with an art project deadline, and had not checked his phone.

Mother: [Damien, if you see this, please call back.]

Mother: [I know you've been busy honey, but we should visit your grandparents. It's been well over ten years since they last saw you. Lukas and your father have already made their visits; now, it's just you.]

Mother: [Once you finish your projects and have some free time, let me know. I'll arrange for the private jet to pick you up.]

Korea, huh? That's a place he hadn't visited before. Clearly, the last time that Damien went to Korea was way before he transmigrated. 

He texted his mother back.

Damien: [Sorry, mother. I have been a bit busy but my schedule has loosened up considerably. I'll go to Korea with you.]

Damien sighed deeply, running his fingers through his hair. Despite spending years dealing with luxury, the casual mentions of private jets and spontaneous trips still felt surreal and somewhat uncomfortable. Shaking his head lightly, he quickly packed up a few sets of clothes, getting ready for the trip.

During his fifth year at Fujimori Academy, Phillipp had returned to the main residence and got married, leaving Damien on his own. At first, the solitude felt a bit isolating, yet Damien soon found it unexpectedly liberating. He experienced true independence, free from eyes that watched his every move.

A few hours later, after receiving his mother's message, he sat in the back seat of a car on the way to the airport. Damien's thoughts wandered to his missions—or rather, their unsettling absence. Despite years of waiting, the main missions had yet to appear. And no task missions had appeared either. His system reassured him that it would be alright, but he couldn't help but worry. Ten years had passed with no news. Would he have to keep living as Damien until he died? 

He leaned back, staring blankly out the tinted windows at the passing scenery, anxiety flickering at the edges of his consciousness.

Even the face of my mother has started to become blurry...

Upon arrival at the Fixed Base Operator terminal, Damien swiftly passed through the usual security screenings, accustomed to the routine of thorough yet discreet checks. Soon after, he spotted his mother waiting near the private jet entrance, elegant as always.

"Damien," Yuri greeted warmly, her eyes softening as she approached him with open arms. "You've grown taller since the last time. How have you been?"

Damien smiled genuinely, stepping into his mother's embrace. "Busy, as always. Projects never ending."

She laughed gently, linking her arm through his. "Well, put those worries aside for now. Your grandparents are eager to see you, and it's about time you take a well-deserved break."

As they climbed aboard the sleek jet, Damien felt a quiet sense of anticipation. Perhaps this trip would offer answers to the lingering questions that continued to weigh on him.

…

**Halmeoni: Grandmother

**Harabeoji: Grandfather