Darkness.
And then, pain.
Ryo's awareness fluctuated as he felt himself being drawn back, the familiar taste of regression crashing over him like a relentless tide. He no longer panicked when it occurred—death and rebirth were now a sorry routine. The only question was—how far back did he travel this time?
As soon as he opened his eyes, he saw that he was seated at a table. The aroma of freshly cooked food wafted in the air. A silver-haired girl with red eyes sat opposite him, sipping tea daintily, her eyes watching him with a warm smile.
"Good morning," Selena said, setting down her cup. "You slept in late today."
Ryo blinked. Again? I'm here again?
He soon glanced around. The scene was the same as the last time—the academy cafeteria, breakfast before him, and Selena, the Vampire Princess, in front of him. This was the same instant when she had made him her fiancé the previous time.
'At least it's not that far back,' Ryo thought. He had gone back, but not to the start. That was some consolation.
Selena slightly angled her head. "You look far away. Something happen?"
Ryo released a breath, attempting to keep his face impassive. "Just tired."
She smiled understandingly. "You had a bad night. Don't worry, you'll adjust."
Ryo fought off the temptation to ask her what she meant. He kept his attention on his meal. He was starting to realize that Selena was more aware than she showed. He needed to watch himself around her.
As they sat in silence, Ryo remembered everything from his previous regression. The bizarre presence during the history lecture, the purple eyes following him, and the foreboding sense that came with it. Would it repeat? Or had his regression altered the timeline of events?
Selena interrupted him, bringing him back to reality. "You haven't forgotten, have you? You'll be meeting my father soon."
Ryo hardened but covered well. Here it was—the same old conversation again.
"Right. Your father," he replied nonchalantly, inwardly already thinking about a plan.
She looked at him for a moment then smiled. "You look like you're trying to think of an escape. Don't bother. Once my father fixes his sights on you, there's no getting away."
Ryo let out a sigh inside. If he really was stuck with this, at least he should get some more information beforehand for the meeting. Who on earth was her father? What kind of part did she serve here in this academy? And why was she being so pushy about getting him as her fiancé?
For the meantime, he would just have to act.
"Alright. I'll meet him," Ryo replied, consuming the last piece of food on his plate. "But my conditions."
Selena arched an eyebrow, entertained. "We'll see about that."
With breakfast over, Ryo steeled himself for another day at the academy. But this time, with knowledge of his past regression, he would be better prepared.
Or so he hoped.