Kaito's heart raced as panic crept in. His hands grasped the soft blanket; it was familiar, yet everything felt wrong. He could hear the sounds in the room, his own footsteps, and his voice echoing back, but there was only darkness in front of him.
He searched his mind, trying to remember the date. Each possible answer was like a shadow, flickering and elusive. If he was right, it meant Ryuk's deal really came true, and everything had changed!
The darkness felt thick around him, wrapping like a heavy fog. Not even a sparkle of light broke through. How could he explore through this strange new reality? And how would he even tell anyone about his blindness?
He shook off the despair; staying cooped up wouldn't help. His fingers brushed against the hanging clothes in the closet, searching. Finally, he pulled out a shirt and slipped it over his head, relying on memory.
Deep down, a flicker of confidence ignited. He had a job, didn't he? But blind? How could he manage that? Questions swirled chaotically in his mind, pressing against him like an invisible weight.
Carefully, he adjusted his shirt and took a deep breath before stepping out of his room. The familiar layout of his home guided him, each step grounded in a memory that felt both comforting and strange.
As he approached the staircase, the rich scent of brewing coffee wafted through the air, pulling him forward. Someone was definitely home—this thought filled him with a mix of hope and apprehension.
Suddenly, soft, warm arms enveloped him in a comforting embrace. "Good morning! Dad, you're awake. Why didn't you call me?" Her voice was bright, cutting through his confusion like sunlight.
A wave of emotion flooded his chest, and he almost choked on his words. "M-Mina...? Is that you?" His voice trembled, the joy and relief mingling with tears.
She pulled back, laughter bubbling in her voice. "Of course, it's me, your daughter. Do you have another child that I don't know about, Dad?" She frowned playfully, her eyes sparkling despite the morning light.
In that instant, Kaito's breath caught, and time seemed to freeze. His daughter… Mina! Her presence was a warm light in the darkness, and she was right here with him!
Doubt tugged at him, so he reached out, his fingers brushing her soft cheek. Yes, it was Mina, real and alive. His heart swelled with joy, knowing his treasured daughter is with him… again!
He could no longer hold back. A wave of emotions crashed over him, and his eyes glistened with tears. Soon, they spilled over, warm and salty, sliding down his cheeks. His throat felt tight, heavy with what he couldn't express.
Holding her close, he buried her face in his chest, the familiar scent calming him. "My sweet child… you are here. I can't believe I'm with you again. I'm so happy. We will never be apart again. I promise you," his voice shook with feeling.
A thin line of snot trickled from his nose, a sign of his overwhelming emotions. Mina giggled, wiggling to break free from his embrace. "Dad! You're overreacting! We're always together. When did we ever separate?"
Kaito froze, absorbing her words. Did Mina really not know what had happened? If he had truly returned to the past, she must not understand how deadly her future was, facing that dangerous boyfriend.
He chastised himself for his foolishness. Of course, Mina didn't know; no one could. This was beyond science, the result of Ryuk's mysterious power. It made sense that others remained unaware they had traveled back in time. He alone carried that knowledge.
Mina gently guided him to a dining chair, her touch steady and reassuring. She seemed to sense his blindness. But how was that possible? Before Ryuk's deal, he had never been blind.
Thoughts raced in Kaito's mind, each one spinning in confusion. He couldn't take on any mission without answers about himself swirling around.
"D-Do you have classes at the university today?" His voice wavered, uncertainty clinging to his words.
He felt the gentle scrape of a chair being pulled, then Mina's hand guiding him into it. "Yes, Dad. That's why I prepared your breakfast and lunch for later at work," she said brightly.
A jolt of surprise shot through him. He still had a job, even blind? But what had changed? Ryuk had left him in the dark on so many things.
"M-My work...? What is my work?" he stammered, the confusion wrapped tightly around him.
Before meeting Ryuk, he had been a real estate agent for the top developer in the country. Decades had passed in that role. Was he still doing that? But how could he sell anything if he's blind? The thought felt impossible.
Mina's eyes grew wide, disbelief flashing across her face. "Dad, what kind of questions is that? It's impossible that you forgot!"
"I just want to know if you really know my j-job," he managed, knowing he wasn't being honest.
She set a plate of breakfast in front of him, the aroma wafting up. "Dad, I don't understand your mood right now. What do you think, I don't know anything about my father? You're an assistant manager at your job, in real estate."
"D-Do you know Takuya? Mori?" he asked, hoping for reassurance. Were they still his colleagues? Hearing he was an assistant manager shocked him, but it made sense. As an assistant manager, he could manage without selling directly, though it still felt daunting.
"You're so weird right now, Dad," Mina said, rolling her eyes. "But of course, I know Mr. Takuya. That old guy drinks a lot." He imagined her frown, lips pressed together in confusion.
The rich scent of waffles and hot coffee filled the air, teasing his senses. He reached out slowly, his hands trembling as he tried to find the food. This was his first time eating without sight, and each movement felt heavy.
He had to gather information from Mina to navigate this situation. Finally feeling the waffles, he took a quick bite, hunger gnawing at him, mixed with the anxiety of Mina's upcoming questions about everything.
The truth sat heavy on his tongue, but he couldn't say it. She wouldn't believe him; it was too unbelievable. Plus, his words could change everything. He had to keep his thoughts clear and be cautious about what he said next.
"Mina… do you remember how I became blind?" he asked, his voice steady despite the uncertainty around him. He felt her presence across the table, the clinking of her fork echoing in his ears.
He needed to uncover how he had lost his sight now. This wasn't how it was before he traveled back.
Annoyance flickered in Mina's voice. "Come on, Dad! I have an exam today. Don't be too annoying! I can't believe your questions!" She huffed, frustration evident.
Kaito's expression hardened, the playful mood slipping away. Now that she was with him, he'd do anything to protect her. After all, not everyone gets a second chance at life.
"Just answer my question, Mina!" he raised his voice, the firmness surprising even him.
Shock flashed across Mina's face, her frown deepening. "What do you mean, Dad? How can I remember how you became blind… if you were already blind before you were born? You are born without vision," she asked, confusion knitting her brow.
A sharp gasp tore from Kaito's lips. So, in this timeline, he was born blind! All this time without sight—how could he possibly recognize anything? It didn't make sense! How could he be successful protecting his daughter?
How could he be familiar with all of this when this was the first time he couldn't see? Panic bubbled up inside him. Oh my goodness!
"What date is it today again?" He asked one more time.
"It's June 01, 2023 today, dad."
He gasped. Mina died on June 07, 2024. So Ryuk gave him exactly one year to prepare before his daughter's death!
"I see…" he whispered, barely able to process the idea.
"Are you sure you're okay, Dad?" Mina asked, her voice laced with concern.
He managed a shaky smile. "Y-Yeah. Of course, I'm okay. I'm glad you know the information about me," he replied, trying to sound convincing.
Mina giggled, her laughter brightening the room as she cleared her plate. "What kind of question is that, Dad? How could I forget about you? You're my father, and I love you," she said with sincerity.
Warmth spread through his heart. Accepting his blindness was difficult, but having his beloved daughter with him filled him with happiness. Nothing could compare to that joy.
"I love you very much too, Mina. You're my precious daughter," he replied, feeling the weight of his emotions in every word.
Mina's smile was contagious, and he could sense her enthusiasm even he can't see her. "Well, we have to go now, Dad. You don't want me to be late for school, and you for work, right?"
Suddenly, it hit him; they were both walking both going to work and school in this new reality. He felt around for his coffee mug, his fingers finding it, and he took a sip, savoring the warmth.
"Let's go," he said, determination rising within him.
Mina slipped on her shoes and grabbed her bag, then placed his work bag in his hands. "Let's go, Dad."
He heard the gate click shut as she led him outside. They climbed into the train, the gentle sway of it calming him. She would be the first to get off, her university stop coming up soon, based on the operator who's talking on the train.
When they reached her station, she wrapped her arms around him tightly. "Be careful, Dad."
"And you too, Mina. Always be safe. Don't talk to strangers. Call me right away if you have any problems, do your best at school." he said, his voice firm but filled with care.
"I will, Dad. See you later," she replied, her voice brightening.
As the train doors closed, Kaito felt nervous. This was his first day as a father who went back to the past, and the price was his eyesight.
What is the first thing to do now?!