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I woke up to the sound of a familiar alarm, the tone pulling me from the depths of sleep. Sunlight filtered in through the curtains, casting a warm glow across the room. I reached out to silence the noise, a sense of déjà vu creeping over me.

I turned off what was causing the disturbance. I took in my surroundings, recognizing my room again. I was truly back in the past, standing at the threshold of a reality I had long believed was beyond my reach.

Refusing to leave any room for doubt, I pinched myself once more, the sensation a sharp reminder that I was experiencing something undeniably real. The pinch stung, grounding me in the present and dispelling any lingering illusions of an intricate dream.

I turned my attention to my hand, it was an old phone of mine, it was the one that wailed the wake-up alarm, a relic item that was almost forgotten in time. I didn't notice my phone yesterday as so much has happened, not questioning if I had a phone or not. I felt a twinge of nostalgia at the tactile buttons under my fingertips.

I navigated through the interface to check the time and date. It displayed February 11, ****, with the time reading 6:21 a.m. The concrete nature of the information before me only solidified the authenticity of my situation, reminding me that the past was no longer a distant memory but an immediate reality.

Downstairs, the tantalizing scent of a homemade breakfast filled the air, stirring memories deep within me. I followed the aroma, my steps quickening as I entered the kitchen. There she was, standing by the stove, just as I remembered. My heart swelled with a mixture of joy and disbelief as I approached my mother. Without hesitation, I wrapped my arms around her from behind, holding her close.

"Ma, I'm so glad you're still here," I blurted out, my voice choked with emotion.

She turned around her expression a blend of surprise and concern. "What's gotten into you? You've been acting strangely since yesterday."

I couldn't contain the overwhelming rush of sentiment. "I'm just really happy," I managed to say, my voice filled with the weight of everything I felt.

Her smile softened, but a glimmer of skepticism was still present. "Alright, let go of me and go take a shower. I can't cook properly with you clinging onto me like this," she scolded, her words laced with the gentle affection only a mother could possess.

I released my grip, taking in her presence once more before turning to head back upstairs. Each step felt like a reaffirmation of the reality I had yearned for—the opportunity to be with my mother again. I reached my room and glanced at the old phone on the bedside table, its screen now dark. With a deep breath, I made my way to the bathroom, ready to face the day ahead.

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"Ma, I'm going to school now," I called out, ready to start my day.

My mother emerged from the kitchen, her face adorned with a smile. She approached me and opened my bag, placing some food inside. "Here, take this with you. Make sure you have enough to eat during the day."

I appreciated her thoughtfulness. "Want me to send you to school?" she asked, care in her eyes.

I shook my head with a smile. "Thanks, Ma, but I'll walk today. I could use some exercise."

She nodded, her worry only slightly alleviated. "Alright then, have a great day at school."

"Thanks, Ma," I replied, giving her a quick hug before heading out.

Leaving the house, I couldn't help but notice the stark contrast between our modest home and the expansive mansion next door. It was a stark reminder of the changes that had occurred in this new reality.

A big open space for an abandoned garden where grass and weeds grew, now replaced by a massive mansion. This transformation made me question even more intensely who Lian Hu is, and why I don't remember him from my past. One thing for sure is that Lian was not my classmate back then or some kid in my neighborhood.

Lian suddenly emerged from his house, his presence jarring me from my thoughts. I quickly averted my gaze, not eager to engage in any interaction with him. "I'm going to school" His voice reached my ears as he announced his departure from school, and I continued walking, determined to focus on my path.

Reaching the corner of the street, I paused, my heart skipping a beat, as a figure turned around, illuminated by the gentle sunlight. It was Riee, her presence shining like a beacon. Her smile was a welcome sight.

"You're here," she said, her words warming my heart.

A smile tugged at my lips: "Good morning." But my elation was short-lived as someone briskly passed by me—it was Lian. It became evident that Riee's words were meant for him, not me. The fleeting joy dissipated, replaced by disappointment.

"Did you wait long?" Lian inquired, approaching Riee.

"No, I just got here," she replied, her attention now divided between the two of us.

"Then let's go," Lian stated, his posture confident as he began to walk ahead.

However, Riee's gaze lingered on me, a question in her eyes. "Are you coming?" she asked, her voice soft.

My heart skipped a beat once more, taken aback by the unexpected invitation. The realization that she was waiting for me sent a rush of happiness through me. With a nod and a genuine smile, I answered her unspoken question.

We arrived at the school gates, we coincidentally timed it with Chu Zhou's arrival on his bike. "Good morning," Chu Zhou greeted, pulling up alongside us.

"Good morning," Riee replied cheerfully, and I nodded in response. Lian, on the other hand, remained silent.

Chu Zhou's attention shifted to me, his surprise evident. "Hey, how come you three came to school together?" he asked, clearly intrigued.

"Xian lives in the same neighborhood as us," Riee explained.

"He lives just across the street from my house," Lian added.

Chu Zhou looked astonished. "What a big coincidence," he exclaimed, turning to Lian. "Not only did Xian become your new classmate, but now he's your neighbor too."

Lian's response was short and to the point, "Enough chatter, let's head in." He started walking forward, with Riee following closely behind.

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After the first two classes, the school day shifted to the morning exercise session, and the students gathered on the school field. The vast expanse of green stretched out before us, and the sky above was painted with hues of blue and white. It was a refreshing sight, and the cool breeze added to the anticipation of the activity.

Teachers positioned themselves at various points on the field, ready to guide the students through the exercises. The atmosphere buzzed with a mix of energy and camaraderie. As we stood among our peers, I couldn't help but notice the diverse range of personalities and backgrounds represented.

Riee's enthusiasm shone brightly as she interacted with friends and engaged in the warm-up routines. Chu Zhou's friendly nature had him mingling effortlessly with others, a smile ever-present on his face. Lian's demeanor remained composed, displaying a level of detachment as he executed each movement with precision. Engaging in these collective exercises evoked a sense of nostalgia within me. It was both a connection to my past experiences and a newfound engagement with this altered reality.

A hushed murmur rippled through the students. Amid the warm-up routines, a student suddenly staggered and collapsed onto the ground. The atmosphere shifted from energetic to concerned in an instant.

And then, as if to punctuate the trials of the day, a sudden change occurred in the weather. The bright blue sky that had been our backdrop suddenly became obscured by thick, gray clouds. The atmosphere seemed to tense with anticipation as the clouds gathered overhead.

And then, like a sign from the heavens, the rain began to fall. But even amidst the rain, the sun's rays persevered, cutting through the clouds and casting beams of golden light. It was a breathtaking sight—the rain pouring down while the sunlight persisted, creating an otherworldly spectacle.

A sense of urgency swept through the students. The once bustling field has now turned into a scattering of figures seeking shelter from the unexpected rain shower. Chairs were abandoned, and the instructors hurriedly led the students toward the nearest cover—a sudden shift in atmosphere that contrasted the previous activities.

Yet, amidst the commotion of students dispersing and seeking refuge, my attention remained fixated on the phenomenon above. The rain descended gently, creating a symphony of soft patterns that merged with the rustling of leaves in the trees. The sunlight persisted, its rays breaking through the clouds and casting an ethereal glow over the scene. I let the raindrops fall onto my face, embracing them warmly.

Amidst the rush of students and the changing weather, I noticed that I was not alone in my reverie. A figure stood not far from me, still and contemplative, seemingly untouched by the chaos around us. It was Riee, her presence standing out like a beacon of tranquility.

Drawn by an invisible force, I took a step closer to her, the distance between us bridged by a shared appreciation for the extraordinary scene unfolding above. I stood beside her, our gazes met, and in that unspoken moment, I felt a connection that transcended words.

The rain intensified, its rhythm steady and soothing. It created a curtain of silver threads that enveloped us, blurring the boundaries between reality and imagination. The sunlight, a persistent reminder of hope, pierced through the raindrops, casting prisms of color that danced in the air.

In that secluded pocket of the world, it was as if time stood still. Riee and I remained rooted to the spot, two souls captured by the magic of the rain and sunlight. The sound of the rain, the warmth of the sunlight—it was a convergence of elements that defied explanation.

And so, as the rain poured and the sunlight persisted, Riee and I stood together, witnesses to a moment that felt suspended in time. In that fleeting encounter, the world seemed to hold its breath, allowing us to share in the splendor of nature's dance—a dance that brought rain and sunlight together in a harmonious embrace, symbolizing the beauty that can emerge even from unexpected contrasts.

The spell of the moment shattered as swiftly as it had come when a voice pierced through the rain and the sound of droplets hitting the ground. "Riee, what are you doing?" The voice was familiar, an intrusion that tore Riee's attention away from our shared appreciation of nature's beauty. It was Lian, whose presence was demanding and possessive.

In an instant, Lian reached out and took Riee's wrist, his grip firm yet seemingly protective, as if pulling her away from a perilous edge. Their interaction unfolded before me like a scene from a play, each movement laden with its own emotion. And just like that, Riee was led away from where I stood, her form becoming smaller as they moved toward shelter, leaving me alone in the gentle rain.

As they retreated, I couldn't help but feel a pang of longing and uncertainty. The connection that had briefly bound Riee and me dissipated, leaving behind an ache that I couldn't quite understand. It was a feeling both new and familiar, a resonance of emotions that I had yet to decipher.

The rain and sunlight continued their waltz above, a symbol of contrasts merging to create something beautiful. And yet, amid this harmonious spectacle, I remained a solitary figure, caught between past and present, longing and misery.

But in that moment, standing alone in the rain, a newfound determination welled up within me. The sight of Riee being led away, even if it stung, had ignited a fire within me. I was resolute, knowing that this was just the beginning of my journey to reconnect with her.

The obstacles that lay ahead were substantial, each one a hurdle to overcome. But the promise of being near Riee again was enough to fuel my determination, to propel me forward with unwavering resolve.

I knew that this path wouldn't be easy. There were memories to navigate, relationships to understand, and mysteries to unravel. My connection with Riee, once so strong, had faded in this new reality, and I was determined to rekindle it.

I gazed at the raindrops falling around me, I felt a sense of renewal. This rain, a blend of serenity and persistence, seemed to mirror my own emotions. I would face each challenge head-on, ready to break through any barriers in my pursuit of reconnecting with Riee. Regrets from the past wouldn't haunt me this time; I was committed to making the most of this second chance.

The rain continued to cascade down, drenching me but also invigorating my spirit. With every drop that touched my skin, I felt a renewed sense of purpose. This wasn't just about changing the course of history or finding my place in this new reality—it was about rekindling the connection that had once meant everything to me.

The rain gradually ceased its downpour, leaving a sense of serenity in the air. As the last raindrop fell, a burst of colors painted the sky, giving birth to a vibrant rainbow that arched gracefully overhead. It was as if nature itself was providing a canvas for hope and renewal.

I stood there, my gaze fixed on the kaleidoscope of colors above me. The rainbow's radiance against the backdrop of the clearing sky held a kind of magic, a promise that even after the storm, beauty could emerge. It felt as though the universe was sending a message, whispering to me that this was the beginning of something new.

With my heart stirred by this phenomenon, I made a silent vow to myself. As I stared at the rainbow, a determination took root within me. I would face the challenges ahead, no matter how formidable they might be. I would navigate this changed world, rewriting history as I went, ensuring that no regrets would linger behind this time.

"I won't let my past become a sea of regrets," I whispered to the air, my voice carrying my promise to the sky. The rainbow seemed to shine even brighter in response as if acknowledging and embracing my commitment.

And in that moment, with the colors of the rainbow as my witnesses, I felt a renewed sense of purpose. I was no longer just an observer in my own life; I was a participant, ready to shape my fate, mend broken ties, and rediscover the path that led to me here.

With a resolute smile, I turned away and headed back to the school building, ready to face whatever lay ahead, armed with the promise I had made to myself under the colorful arc in the sky.

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End of Chapter