It's almost 6:00 P.M. when you unlock the
door to your two bedroom apartment,
the keys jingling in your hand as you turn
the door handle. You find your roommate
sitting down on the couch, hair messed up, controller in
hand while empty take-out containers
and soda-cans littered around them.

"Did you not go for your interview today?"

They turn to face you while muting
the tv.

You throw your backpack next to
them on the ground and let out a small sigh.

"They said they'll let me know of their decision soon but -"

You walk towards the fridge and grab a cool water bottle taking a large sip.

"But? Oh come on, don't leave me with such suspense!"

You let out a small chuckle.

"I, along with a bunch of others found
out later that one of the candidates
was the CEO's kid, so you know what
happens next. Even though you
don't leave the apartment much you've seen
enough dramas with me to understand."

"Okay first of all, Ouch, you really didn't have to say that and-"

They raise a hand to prove a point, their brown eyes
illuminating as they place the controller to the side.

"Second of all you were the one who asked me to sit next to in case you see an emotional,  overly dramatic scene and begin to cry. I, sit next to you with a box of tissues every time."

You scoff. They weren't wrong though.

"There is a good chance you might be the employee that the CEO's kid falls for!"

You roll your eyes. The delusional state your roommate lives in is so.. honestly there isn't even a good word to use. 

[You say in complete denial even though you wish you could get isekai'd.]

"Even if you don't get the job, this might cheer you up!"

They pull out a package from underneath
the hazily thrown blanket on the floor.

Your eyes widen with excitement as
you realize the cover you've been
waiting for has finally arrived!

This is a game. But not just any game;
It's one based off your favorite novel
so you jump in excitement.

"Give it to me!"

You reach out for the package but your roommate pulls it back.

"Try not to pull an all-nighter to
finish the game, it's apparently
50 hours of gameplay so
DON'T EVEN TRY!"

You nod in agreement and take apart
the packaging in a few seconds.

To be honest it isn't the novel that truly
excites you, not the story or the ending
but it's a certain character. For this book
was written with one certain glorious man in it.
The only reason you bought this game in the
first place is because the rumors were that you get to
choose which character you end up with! 

Unlike how the book ended. The ending was horrible...
Well it was good but your favorite did not end up with the main character so-

Your roommate shakes their head and
cleans up the couch for you to sit on
while you hastily pick up the torn shreds
of packaging off the floor. To calm yourself
you read the back of the game cover.

package contents: 1 Play Disc
1 Poster
*+*
𝑬𝑻𝑯𝑬𝑹𝑬𝑨𝑳

Jolts of pain surged throughout my body as he pushed the blade further in.

I fell to my knees, my eyes swelling up with tears and running down my cheeks as he had an evil grin plastered across his face.

" Why? " The word came out as a mere whisper as I continued to stare at him with a blurry vision.

" Isn't is obvious my love-"

He burst into sudden laughter.

" Ah, my apologies dearest, I don't have to lie anymore, so thinking back, I can't help but laugh at it all. "

He brought his hand out cupping my cheek and leaned in closer to my face.

"I can't believe you fell for my lies, did you really think I would fall in love with someone like you silly? Pathetic truly. I made you fall in love with me only to take away everything that once belonged to you. Including-"

He pulled the blade out and pushed my body onto the floor.

"Your life."

I slowly close my eyes as I feel my life fade away.

After everything, he turned out just like the others, although I've never done anything they all hated me from the beginning. What's worse is I've done everything to make them happy but a needless death is all I receive in the end. At least I don't have to suffer anymore... if only I could make things different.... If only I could change the past with all the truth I've learned. I would love to bargain with the stars...for one last chance.

: ethereal is a single player role-playing game, choose your own adventure after being transported back in time to fix your mistakes!
© @hxllsing
✦•┈๑⋅⋯⋅๑┈•✦

You open the case and a piece of paper
falls out; picking it up you see that
the author of the novel has written
out a small note to the players of the game.

"Dear player, thank you for choosing to play Ethereal, when I had initially written the book I did not expect this to garner much attention but now sometimes wonder if I am dreaming when I see the amount of love you've shown my novel such that now it has been turned into a game. It is your turn to change the fate of characters as you please! You have the ability to choose the character you've deemed your favorite, see who you can end up with. I hope all of you can truly enjoy this game! - Ivy"

You carefully place the disc into the
console and launch the game. Being
overwhelmed at the feeling of finally
being able to do something you love,
even if for a few mere moments you
feel the burden of everything weight off
your shoulders as you pick up
the controller and press play.

(this banner took way too much time to make-)
thank you for beginning Ethereal - 𝐢𝐯𝐲