How the hell is someone from this timeline making a popular song from the future, especially "Perfect"? Is it just a coincidence? Or... could he be like me? Wait—he's 15, just like I am... Or, maybe not.
I started heading upstairs, leaving my mom and brother behind. My mom called after me.
"Kleinn, what's wrong? You look a bit surprised a second ago. Do you know that kid?"
I paused for a moment, then quickly responded, "No, Mom. I think I just got a bit of stomach pain again. I need to rest upstairs."
"Should we go to the doctor?" she asked, concern lacing her voice.
"No, Mom, it's fine," I replied.
"But it's been a couple of days now," she pressed.
"It's okay, Mom. It's not as bad as before," I reassured her.
"Alright, get some rest then," she said, her tone softening.
As I started up the stairs, I heard Jack's voice.
"Maybe he's just jealous. He saw a kid his own age who's more talented than him."
"Don't say that, Jack," Mom scolded. "Your brother is also a smart kid. He just hasn't figured out his passion yet. And you're smart, too. I'm proud of both of you."
Jack grinned, "Yeah, but at least I'm good at sports, not just regular stuff."
Mom chuckled, "You're both my pride, no matter what."
"Jack is always being a dick no matter what timeline I'm in," I muttered under my breath. Sighing, I decided to open my computer and look up who this kid was.
What was his name again? Matteo... Matteo something. The 15-year-old Italian boy who wrote 'Perfect.'
How the hell did someone from this timeline make a song from the future? Or is he like me? No, there's no way... is there?
"Matteo Di Stefano..."
So, this kid's been making songs for about a month, and some of them have already hit it big in Italy. He's a pop musician, labeled as a teenage prodigy. He even got invited to perform at Andrea Bocelli's concert.
"Ain't no way, a month?" I muttered, surprised. It's been exactly a month since I returned. Now, I'm 80% sure this kid is also a returner, just like me.
I made up my mind. I'm flying to his next concert to find out for sure. I'll talk to him, no matter what it takes—even if I have to buy a VIP ticket for the fan meeting. With the money I have now, I'll do whatever it takes to find out if he's like me or not.
I've already booked the tickets for his next concert, but it's two months away. I've got time to prepare, but I can't help but feel anxious. I don't want him to get shocked and think I'm some crazed fan or something. I don't want to deal with bodyguards or anything like that, but what should I be preparing for? Money? Or... a gun?
Screw it, I'll hire a bodyguard if I have to, even if they have to look intimidating. I'll pay whatever it takes for my own safety. This could either lead to us becoming allies or... enemies.
I ran my hand through my hair, stressed out. I thought I could conquer this timeline, but it feels like I'm not alone in it. I don't even understand what all this means. I don't regret anything in my past that I feel I need to change... But I'm confused. What does this universe want from me in this timeline?
My phone started ringing, and I picked it up, wondering who it could be. It was my dad.
"Are you okay?" he asked, his voice filled with concern.
"Yeah, Dad, I'm just resting," I replied. "Why are you calling all of a sudden?"
"Mom just texted me that you're having stomach pains again. Are you sure we don't need to go to the hospital? This has been happening a lot lately."
"I'm fine, Dad. Really," I reassured him. "Thank you for worrying, but I feel a bit better now."
I hung up and put my phone down, but my mind was still racing. I opened my music playlist and absentmindedly scrolled through the songs. Perfect. It was Matteo's song, one of the hits from the future. All of Me too? Damn. This kid was really using his power for fame, just like I used my knowledge for money. Sigh. Guess we're not so different.
But I still needed to figure him out. What was I even going to say when we met? "Hi, Matteo. Are you from the future? Me too. Let's team up and conquer the world." Yeah, no way. He'd probably have security throw me out as soon as I mentioned the future. I would be scared too, in his position.
I rubbed my temples. This was all too much to think about. The concert was two months away, and I couldn't keep spiraling. I needed to do something.
I decided to head to the bookstore. It had been a decade since I'd gotten a good grasp on this timeline, and I couldn't remember everything that had happened. Maybe I'd find something useful there.
I stood up, walking out of my room, and made my way down the stairs. As I was about to reach the bottom, my mom called from downstairs.
"Are you feeling better, Klein?" she asked.
"Yeah, I'm fine," I answered, glancing back at her. "I'm going to the bookstore. Need to pick up some books for my exam, and I could use some fresh air."
"Okay, take care," she said.
"I think Klein got motivated after watching a kid his age being a prodigy," Jack said.
"He is a passionate kid. He just hasn't figured out what he's really good at yet," Mom replied.
"Yeah, I'll focus on soccer too after this weekend," Jack added.
"That's good. My kids are passionate. I'm so proud," Mom said.
I walked out the door and down the street toward the bookstore. It felt nostalgic. It had been over a decade since I'd last seen this place. After high school, I moved to another city, and I hadn't had the chance to visit.
Inside the bookstore, I started looking for interesting books—definitely not for my exam, that was just a gimmick. I needed information about the timeline. As I browsed, I heard the doorbell chime as someone walked in. A girl with a cup of coffee in her hand entered, but as she saw me, the coffee slipped from her hand and spilled. She looked surprised.
"Klein...?"