Liang Zheng trudged off the football field, his embarrassment still fresh. He couldn't shake the feeling of being an imposter.
"How did Kim Liang become so bad at football?" Tae-Oh whispered to Min-Jae.
"Maybe his absence affected his game," Min-Jae replied.
Liang Zheng's ears burned. He hated being the center of attention.
How did Kim Liang's life become so complicated?
Why did he have to be stuck in this body?
Liang Zheng's frustration boiled over.
Liang Zheng trudged off the field, the weight of his deceit bearing down on him. Every step felt like a betrayal, every glance a reminder of his stolen identity. He had taken Kim Liang's place, but the camaraderie and acceptance that came with it felt hollow.
On the rooftop, he found solace in the solitude, but it was short-lived. Yoon Ah, Kim Liang's girlfriend, appeared, her concern etched on her face.
"Oppa, why are you ignoring me? You're not answering my calls or messages. I was worried," she said, her voice trembling. "Did I offend you? I'm sorry."
Liang Zheng's mask of indifference cracked, but he couldn't afford to show weakness. He shrugged, feigning nonchalance. "Just busy, that's all."
Yoon Ah's eyes searched his, seeking reassurance. Liang Zheng's heart ached; he couldn't bear to meet her gaze. This girl, who looked uncannily like his sister Queen Mei, deserved better than his lies.
As he turned to leave, Yoon Ah's words cut deep: "I thought we had something real, Oppa. Don't push me away."
In the locker room, Liang Zheng encountered Jian Yu, Jin Yu, and other students. Jian Yu's piercing gaze locked onto him, and Liang Zheng sensed his mind being probed.
As he changed into his school uniform, Liang Zheng couldn't help but think: How can Queen Mei be Kim Liang's girlfriend, with a different name? Why does she look exactly like my sister?
Liang Zheng's anxiety spiked, fearing his secrets were unraveling, threatening to expose his true identity.
"Jian Yu, what's wrong?" Jin Yu asked, noticing his brother's frozen expression.
Jian Yu's response was delayed, his mind reeling from the revelation. He saw the turmoil within Liang Zheng, the anguish of living a lie.
As he stomped out of the locker room, nearly colliding with Jian Yu.
"Hey, Kim Liang, wait up," Jian Yu said, falling into step beside him.
Liang Zheng slowed, unsure what to say.
"I know you're struggling," Jian Yu said gently. "But we can work through it together."
Liang Zheng's eyes widened. "You'd help me?"
Jian Yu nodded. "Of course. We're classmates, aren't we?"
Liang Zheng felt a surge of gratitude toward Jian Yu.
Maybe, just maybe, he could find a way to fit in.
After school, Jian Yu and Jin Yu met Liang Zheng on the football field.
"Okay, let's start with basics," Jian Yu said, demonstrating a kick.
Liang Zheng tried, but his coordination was off.
Jin Yu chuckled. "Don't worry, Kim Liang! We'll get you pro in no time!"
As they practiced, Liang Zheng began to relax.
For the first time, he felt like he belonged.
But as the sun dipped below the horizon, Liang Zheng's anxiety returned.
What if someone discovered his true identity? Would Jian Yu still help him?
The uncertainty lingered.
Days passed, and the trio's bond grew stronger. Jian Yu found himself inexplicably drawn to Kim Liang, or rather, Liang Zheng. He couldn't explain why, but every moment near Liang Zheng felt like a magnetic pull.
As they spent more time together, Jian Yu's curiosity intensified. He began to sneak glimpses into Liang Zheng's mind, uncovering fragments of his thoughts.
At first, Jian Yu discovered Liang Zheng's struggles to maintain his fake identity. He sensed the weight of his secrets, the fear of being discovered.
But as Jian Yu delved deeper, he stumbled upon something unthinkable:
Liang Zheng wasn't just impersonating Kim Liang; he was hiding a royal upbringing. A prince, forced to flee his kingdom.
Jian Yu's mind reeled. Why was Kim Liang hiding this? What had driven him to abandon his royal life?
Kim Liang," Jian Yu said, his voice barely above a whisper.
Liang Zheng's eyes narrowed, sensing Jian Yu's unease.
"What is it, Jian Yu?" he asked, cautious.
Jian Yu hesitated, unsure how to confront Kim Liang. But he knew he had to uncover the truth.
Unbeknownst to both Jian Yu and Liang Zheng, their lives had intersected centuries ago, in 1745, in Qing City.
Jian Yu, then a skilled warrior, had protected a young Prince Liang Zheng during a tumultuous rebellion. Liang Zheng's memories of that era were shrouded in mystery, hidden even from himself.
Now, in the present, Jian Yu and Liang Zheng stood together, their bond growing stronger with each passing day. Yet, neither realized their connection spanned centuries.
As Jian Yu continued to probe Liang Zheng's thoughts, he discovered fragments of their shared past:
A fleeting glimpse of a moonlit night, with the scent of jasmine and smoke
A whispered promise of protection, sealed with a golden phoenix emblem
A glimpse of a young prince's smile, full of hope and trust
Jian Yu's mind reeled. How did these memories resonate within him? Why did Kim Liang's presence feel like home?
Liang Zheng, sensing Jian Yu's turmoil, felt an inexplicable pang of recognition.
"Jian Yu, what's wrong?" Liang Zheng asked, concern etched on his face.
Jian Yu's eyes locked onto Liang Zheng's. "I...I don't know," he stammered. "But I feel like I've known you before."
Liang Zheng's expression mirrored Jian Yu's confusion.
Their eyes held a silent understanding: their connection went far beyond coincidence.
As they stood there, the past and present converged, whispering secrets to each other.
"Kim Liang," Jian Yu said, his voice low and measured, "we need to talk."
Liang Zheng's heart sank. His carefully constructed facade was crumbling.
Jian Yu's tears fell like unannounced rain, streaming down his face as he approached Liang Zheng. Each step felt heavy, weighted by the secrets he'd uncovered. His eyes locked onto Liang Zheng's, and he saw the turmoil within.
Liang Zheng, traumatized by Jian Yu's sudden emotional display, recoiled. "Why...why are you crying?" he stuttered.
Jian Yu's face contorted in anguish. Without a word, he wrapped his arms around Liang Zheng, pulling him into a tight embrace.
"Liang Zheng," Jian Yu whispered, his voice trembling.
Liang Zheng's initial resistance melted as Jian Yu's warmth enveloped him. No one had held him like this since...since his transmigrated.The familiarity was both comforting and devastating.
Jian Yu's tears soaked into Liang Zheng's shoulder, a silent testament to the depth of his emotions. Liang Zheng's own eyes stung, but he fought back tears.
"Why are you crying?" Liang Zheng repeated, his voice barely audible.
Jian Yu pulled back, his eyes red-rimmed. "You're not who you say you are, are you?" he asked, his voice laced with empathy.
Liang Zheng's heart skipped a beat. How did Jian Yu know?
Jian pulled him back to his embrace and whispered his name again, Liang Zheng's entire world froze. The soft, gentle tone sent shivers down his spine. He recoiled from the embrace, eyes wide with shock and fear.
Jian Yu's face, inches from his, held a deep sadness and longing. Liang Zheng's mind reeled, struggling to comprehend.
"Who...who are you?" Liang Zheng stuttered, retreating further.
Jian Yu's arms enveloped him once more, holding him close. "I'm Jian Yu," he whispered, his breath warm against Liang Zheng's ear.
Liang Zheng's eyes welled up with tears, confusion and terror swirling within. This stranger knew him, knew his name. How?
Jian Yu's grip tightened. "Liang Zheng, my love," he whispered, voice trembling. "I thought I'd never see you again."
The words cracked Liang Zheng's fragile control. Tears streamed down his face as he stood there, frozen and helpless.
Why did you leave me, That was not what we promise.
Liang Zheng's mind was a whirlwind of questions, but his voice caught in his throat. He felt like he was drowning in Jian Yu's words.
As the tears flowed, Liang Zheng's defenses crumbled. Jian Yu, held him with a familiarity that shook his very core.