Wait, What You Mean I Got Reincarnated As A Heroine In Another World?-Chapter 30 - Palindrome

Moments after the storm, I woke up—or rather, was thrown out of a nightmare that had felt all too real.

In front of me stood a nurse—I somehow knew who she was, perhaps because of the time distortion—who had already realized I was awake.

"Good morning, Miss Kairi. How are you feeling? A little better?"

I nodded slowly, then replied,

"Yeah, I'm feeling a bit better. Can I go home now?"

She flinched, as if holding something back.

"Oh... um, not yet, Miss Kairi. You're still in rehabilitation. But if you want to take a walk, that's fine. I'll guide you."

A walk, huh...

Since I was little, I had never truly experienced one.

My fragile body had kept me isolated from the outside world. Not to mention the whispers—about a Nakanarian child who failed to inherit healing magic.

Kairi... maybe her life was easier than mine.

"Alright, Nurse. Please take care of me."

I tried to smile, though it felt foreign on my face.

Maybe the Kairi from before rarely smiled too.

I thought to myself as I slowly got out of bed.

"Ah, Miss! Slowly! Be careful!"

I forced myself up, bracing my body with both hands, still strong enough to manage.

"Miss Kairi, are you sure you can walk?"

"Yes, Nurse. But please stay with me."

I raised my hand, and she gripped it tightly.

My feet touched the floor. It was cold and slick.

That was when the doctor returned.

He opened the door and walked in casually, as if everything was completely normal.

"Oh, Selene? Already recovered?"

"Sorry, Doc. I'm Kairi, not Selene."

"Hahaha, right, sorry, my bad."

His awkward laugh was almost too obvious that it sounded awkward.

"So, are you going for a walk, Kairi?"

"Yes, Doctor. Just want some fresh air. Getting bored in the room."

"Well... in that case, enjoy your walk."

"Nurse, please escort her. I will have other patients to check."

I nodded, and the doctor walked away.

"Let's go, Nurse."

We took the elevator down. As soon as we reached the ground floor, the voices hit me.

"Yeah, that's Dr. Kairi Izumi, the famous pulmonologist, right?"

"Wait, wait—Izumi? That Izumi?"

"Yeah, from the Izumi Group. They own this hospital."

"Whoa, did she bribe her way into becoming a doctor or something?"

"No, from what I've heard, the rumor is that she ran away from home."

"Wow, that's such a shame. Isn't the Izumi Group one of the most respected consortium families in Tokyo?"

"Word is, she rebelled because she didn't want to inherit the family business."

"Ah, just youthful rebellion, maybe."

"Yeah, maybe. Oh, by the way, wanna hear some gossip?"

"What is it, ma'am?"

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"So apparently, she could've gone into any field she wanted. Her grades were perfect, she scored the highest on all her practical exams. She could've easily specialized in something prestigious like cardiology. But instead... she chose pulmonology."

"Wow, that's a real waste. Why would she do that?"

"Rumor has it she didn't want to stand out too much. Becoming a pulmonologist doesn't exactly get you much applause, you know?"

"Yeah, maybe that's it. But it's still weird. I mean, she's from the Izumi family—everyone either respects or fears them."

"Could be psychological pressure. I heard she was basically groomed to be the perfect heir."

"But that's insane! I mean, come on, we're talking about the Izumi Group here! The Izumi Group!"

"Maybe she's just... mentally unstable. You never really know."

"Oh, but wasn't her mentor some famous pulmonologist too?"

"Wait, you mean Dr. Satoko Kazuma? The renowned pulmonologist?"

"Yeah! That's him! Handsome, kind, super popular with the ladies. How the heck did he end up mentoring Kairi? Kinda fishy, don't you think?"

"Now that you mention it, yeah, it does sound odd. Maybe he was forced into it. Maybe he even got paid. You know his situation."

"Yeah, true. It's kinda sad, honestly. Financial desperation can make people do a lot of things."

Such heartless, mindless gossip.

That wasn't who Kairi was.

I clenched my fists under the table, pretending not to hear.

The nurse sitting next to me, who'd been listening the whole time too, whispered with concern,

"Miss, please don't let it get to you. They're always like that—talking nonsense."

I just gave her a faint smile and a quiet nod.

Even as I smiled, my mind raced.

I couldn't stop thinking about everything I'd just heard about Kairi.

And to be honest, for the first time, I truly felt the weight of the pressure she must have been carrying. The kind of pressure that wasn't just heavy, but crushing.

Inside, I reflected. Slowly beginning to understand the burden Kairi carried.

It wasn't just pressure... it was an endless war.

Maybe... this is what it feels like to be Kairi.

The mental weight she bore was heavier than I could have ever imagined. Her coldness... maybe it wasn't a choice, but her only defense.

Ah... I miss her.

"Miss, we've arrived outside."

I nodded softly.

Light flooded my vision. The outside world was so beautiful.

"So this is... the outside," I murmured.

"It's really beautiful, Nurse."

"Miss Kairi, have you never been out here before?"

"Uh, I have. Just... it's been a long time."

I covered up the truth.

Cherry blossoms were in full bloom, their petals floating softly on the breeze. The sky stretched wide. The wind whispered like a lullaby.

"Oh, look at the cherry blossoms, right?"

"Uh... yeah, Nurse."

Kairi's world... was so beautiful.

I thought as I enjoyed the gentle wind.

"Miss Kairi, would you like to rest for a bit? There's an empty bench over there."

The nurse pointed to a worn wooden bench with black iron supports.

I staggered over, then slowly sat down.

Oh right... I need to think.

How could I help Kairi later?

"Yaaawn..." I let out a long yawn.

"Sleepy, Miss? Go ahead and take a nap."

I nodded, and my eyes slowly closed.

Drifting into sleep, heading toward the world of dreams.

Returning to the real world—and saving Kairi before it was too late.

"Oh, I've arrived?"

I murmured as I opened my eyes inside the Void Rifter.

My place, safe and comfortable.

And right in front of me, the opportunity appeared—Kairi and Azalea, deep in conversation. Perfect timing. Almost as if... the universe was on my side.

I had once hidden here too, fooling Kairi. "The best time of my life," I thought.

Only... next time, I should bring a softer pillow and mattress.

Maybe from home? Honestly, I suppose that would be hilarious.

But this wasn't the right time to daydream.

I had to make an act.

The only way... was to kiss her small lips ferociously until she woke up—she was so frustratingly precious, I couldn't help it—well, not too long, or she might die. I didn't want that.

Seriously, how could someone be this annoyingly cute?

I moved closer, using the Void Rifter.

Close enough.

"Don't worry, Kairi. This time, I'll save you... and bring back all our memories."

I grabbed her by the collar. Her body was light, like a doll.

I pulled her into the rifter, taking the first step to reclaim her.