Aisha's body slumped to the ground, unmoving, after the sudden blow to the back of her head. She lay near the riverbank, the giant leaf she had used to fetch water slipping from her hand and landing in the dirt.
The figure who struck her stood over her in silence. No hesitation. No words.
He knelt, checking if she was still breathing, then carefully lifted her into his arms.
The forest around them was quiet too quiet.
Without looking back, he turned and disappeared into the trees, carrying Aisha with him.
Back near the tree where Miya lay, the wind rustled the leaves above. She stirred faintly, her lips dry and her breathing shallow. Her eyes fluttered open, but she was too weak to move.
"...Aisha?" she murmured, her voice barely audible. But there was no response.
A faint unease crept into the air as if something had shifted.
And Rio... still nowhere to be seen.
When Aisha woke up, her head throbbed with pain. As she slowly opened her eyes, she realized she was lying on the ground and she couldn't move.
Her hands and legs were tightly bound with rope. She struggled to break free, but the ropes were too strong.
"I remember... someone hit me from behind," she whispered, her voice shaky. "And then... brought me here."
Suddenly, she heard footsteps rustling through the grass.
Her heart raced. Fear crept in.
From behind, a shadow emerged.
"Who are you?" Aisha called out, her voice trembling.
A voice echoed in the darkness.
"So… you've finally awakened."
Aisha couldn't see him clearlyhis figure stood shrouded in the shadows behind her.
"Who are you?" she asked, her voice shaky. "Why did you
A voice answered, calm but cold.
"You don't remember me?"
That voice she knew it. Her eyes widened in shock.
"Rio... it's you?"
He stepped into view, confirming her fear.
"Why are you doing this?" Aisha demanded. "We don't have time for this! We should leave now. Miya and I were looking for you!"
Rio stepped closer, his eyes locked on Aisha.
"You still don't understand what I'm saying, do you?" he said coldly. "I asked who am I?"
Aisha blinked, confused. "What are you talking about, Rio? Why are you acting like this?"
Rio's voice hardened. "I asked for answers. Fine. Tell me what's my full name?"
Aisha said, "Please… understand. Miya needs water. She's thirsty she can't even walk properly. I left her there because of that.She will be in danger if we stay too long.Please, untie my hands. Don't act like this… it's scaring me. We don't have time
But Rio interrupted, cold and sharp.
"How many times do I have to tell you?" he said, voice low with anger. "I only want your answer. I don't care about anyone else. Now speak."
She looked at him, startled by the seriousness in his face. He wasn't joking.
"You're... Rio," she said hesitantly. "But I don't know your family name..."
Rio scoffed. "You don't even know that. Fine, forget the name then tell me this: when did we first meet?"
Aisha paused, unsure. In the classroom? The first day of class
"Wrong." His voice rose in anger. "That's not it. You really don't remember anything about me. You don't even know where we truly met."
He stepped even closer, his tone sharp.
"Don't say it was because you were a kid. If you remember even a little about me... then tell me what am I to you?"
Aisha's thoughts spun in confusion.
I've only seen him at school… right? Unless…
Unless he's talking about back then
When I was seven?
But she shook her head slightly.
No… if it was before I came here before I reincarnated I wouldn't know. That life is a blur… I only remember my past life.
Rio studied her face, as if searching for any flicker of recognition.
"You're thinking too much," he growled. "If you don't answer me, I swear—I'll kill you. I don't care if you're from a noble family."
Then Rio untied the rope around her legs and carefully grabbed her by the waist, helping her sit up. Her hands were still bound, but at least now she could move a little.
If you're thinking of running... then you already know what'll happen next.
Aisha stepped back, confused and scared.
"I don't even know you! Don't be silly… And why are you saying such scary things? What did I do in the past that makes you want to kill me? Did you create that portal?"
Rio narrowed his eyes. "That portal? No, I didn't make it. But I did think about it. Guess luck was on my side."
Aisha's voice trembled. "Then why do you want to kill me?"
Rio's tone darkened. "You really want to know? Fine then listen closely."
He took a step closer. "I know you're not Aisha."
Aisha's face shifted.
Rio's hand tightened around a sharp shard of broken glass he found nearby. He pointed it at her neck, eyes filled with pain and rage.
"I knew her since we were kids. I know everything about her. But you? You're not her. So tell me who the hell are you? And where is the real Aisha? What did you do to her?"
Aisha's lips quivered. Tears welled up. "I don't know what you're talking about… I don't know anything!" she cried. "I didn't kill anyone! I'm not lying, please believe me!"
She took a shaky breath.
"I've never told anyone this, but… if you really want to know who I am, then listen. I don't remember anything from before eight years ago. I only know the memories after that."
Rio stared at her in silence as she continued.
"In my past life, my name was Hina. I died… and when I woke up, I was in Aisha's body. I know it sounds crazy, and maybe you won't believe me, but it's the truth. I didn't ask for this. I didn't kill her. I'm not trying to steal anything."
She fell to her knees, trembling.
"I don't know what relationship you had with the real Aisha, but please… don't kill me. If there's something you want, I'll give it to you."
Her voice dropped to a whisper.
"You… you want my body, right? I'm a virgin… if that's what you want, then take it but please don't kill me."
Rio froze, face flushing red.
"W-What the hell are you saying?!" he barked, stepping back. "I never said anything like that! Do you think I'm some kind of pervert?! If I was, I could've done whatever I wanted while you were unconscious. But I didn't and I never would!
How you think that
Aisha looked down, ashamed.
"I… I didn't know. In my past life, my father sold my mother's body for money. I thought… maybe this was the same."