Suddenly, a red-haired woman entered the room, her emerald-green eyes filled with concern.
"Lorian, are you awake?" she asked gently, stepping closer.
Mark—now Lorian—felt a rush of conflicting emotions. He was confused, but at the same time, he wasn't. After all, he had read countless isekai novels in his past life. This was just like those stories—where someone wakes up in another world, in another body. But what worried him the most was the state of his new body.
He was a child. A small, fragile, helpless child.
His heart pounded as the woman—who seemed to be his mother—approached the bed. There was warmth in her expression, but also something else. Worry? Sadness? Relief? He couldn't tell.
She reached out and placed her palm on his forehead, her touch soft and soothing.
"Thank goodness… You scared me, my little moon."
Mark—no, Lorian—stiffened at the unfamiliar term of endearment.
'Little moon?'
His mind raced. Who was she? What kind of relationship did they have? Before he could ask, she pulled him into a gentle embrace.
Lorian remained still, unsure of how to respond.
Should he say something? Should he act the way this "Lorian" would?
His lips parted, but before he could speak, the woman suddenly pulled back slightly and examined his face closely, her brows furrowing.
"Lorian… why do you look at me like that?"
Lorian's body tensed.
Crap. She noticed.
She must be this child's mother, Mark—no, Lorian—thought to himself, trying to piece things together.
What do I even say here? What if I mess up?
Taking a deep breath, he forced a casual expression onto his face. "Uh… I just woke up. Still kinda sleepy, I guess. That's why my face looks weird."
The woman—his supposed mother—studied him for a moment before letting out a relieved sigh.
"Oh, thank goodness. I was worried! You never wake up looking so grumpy." She patted his head affectionately before her eyes narrowed slightly. "But… you also looked kinda scared for a second. Did something happen? Wait… don't tell me those kids bullied you again?!"
Lorian blinked.
Wait, what?
"What kids?" he thought, his mind scrambling to keep up. Did the original Lorian get bullied? Am I supposed to hold a grudge against someone?!
Realizing he had taken too long to respond, he quickly shook his head. "N-no! I'm fine. Don't worry about it!"
His mother squinted at him, clearly suspicious. "Hmm… if you say so…" she muttered, still watching him closely.
Lorian felt sweat forming on his back. Crap, she's observant.
Just when he thought she might start interrogating him, her expression suddenly brightened. "Well, if you're fine, then that's all that matters!" She ruffled his hair with a smile. "Your father will be home soon, so let's eat dinner together, alright?"
Lorian nodded hesitantly.
"Sure…" he said, his mind racing.
Father? Oh great. There's a dad in the picture too.
He wasn't even done processing having a new mother, and now he had to deal with a whole new father?! What if this guy was strict? What if he asked a bunch of questions? What if he figured out Lorian wasn't actually his son?!
Lorian's stomach twisted with anxiety.
As if sensing his nervousness, his mother suddenly pinched his cheek lightly.
"You're acting a little weird today, you know?" she teased, giving him a playful pout. "Did you hit your head while sleeping?"
Lorian quickly shook his head. "No, no! I'm just… still waking up!"
His mother laughed. "Alright, alright! Come on, get up. I'll help you wash your face before dinner."
As she turned to leave the room, Lorian let out a small sigh of relief.
Crisis averted. For now.
But one thing was clear—he needed to learn more about this "Lorian" kid before someone realized he wasn't actually him.
A sudden thought entered Lorian's mind.
So now… I have a mother, huh?
The realization settled in as he looked at the woman who had just left his room. It was strange—having a mother again. Someone who fussed over him, worried about him. It felt… warm. But at the same time, it made his situation all the more surreal.
Pushing those thoughts aside, Lorian walked towards the door and pulled it open.
The house was small but incredibly cozy. Everything was neat and tidy, giving off a homely feeling that instantly put him at ease. Right in front of his room was the dining table, set with wooden chairs, and just across from it was the kitchen, where his mother was busy preparing food. The aroma of freshly cooked meat and spices filled the air, making his stomach growl involuntarily.
Guess reincarnation doesn't get rid of hunger, huh?
Just as he was about to take a seat, the main door clicked open.
A tall man with messy blond hair stepped inside, his face lighting up as soon as he spotted Lorian.
"LORIAN, MY SON!!"
Before Lorian could react, the man charged at him at full speed.
What the—?!
Before he knew it, he was engulfed in a bear hug, his face smashed against the man's chest.
"I'M BACK!" the man shouted, squeezing him tightly before— oh no—
He rubbed his beard all over Lorian's face.
Lorian froze. His brain short-circuited.
What. The. Hell. Is. Happening?!
The rough, scratchy sensation of the man's stubble assaulted his cheeks as he struggled to break free.
"H-Hey! S-Stop it! What are you doing?!" Lorian flailed his arms uselessly.
The man only laughed, holding him even tighter. "What's wrong, my boy?! You used to love this when you were little!"
I highly doubt that! Lorian thought in horror.
This was Lorian's dad? He had imagined someone dignified, someone noble and serious—someone who radiated the presence of a strict father figure.
But this… this golden retriever of a man was the complete opposite!
His mother walked out of the kitchen, shaking her head with an amused sigh. "Oh honey, you're back?"
Still trapped in his father's grasp, Lorian desperately sent her a silent plea for help.
She, of course, ignored it.
"The dinner's ready," she added with a smile.
His father finally let go, setting Lorian down with a satisfied grin. "Perfect timing! I've been dreaming about your cooking for weeks!"
Lorian barely had time to process what had just happened before his father grabbed his hand and dragged him toward the dining table.
"Come, come, let's eat!"
Lorian sat down, still stunned.
His mother placed a plate in front of him. The food looked simple—grilled meat, vegetables, and some kind of mashed potatoes—but the aroma was mouthwatering. His father, however, looked at it with a dramatic expression of awe.
"Wife," he gasped, placing a hand over his chest. "Your cooking is a gift from the gods."
She rolled her eyes. "Just eat, you big goof."
His father didn't need to be told twice. He immediately grabbed his fork and began shoveling food into his mouth like a starving beast.
Lorian stared, both fascinated and horrified.
How does he still look handsome while eating like that?!
His mother sighed again, but there was clear affection in her eyes. "Honestly, sometimes I feel like I have two kids instead of one."
His father grinned mid-bite. "That's because I'm young at heart!"
Lorian couldn't help but snort at that.
The meal continued, with his father cracking terrible jokes between bites, his mother shaking her head but smiling nonetheless, and Lorian trying his best to keep up with everything.
It was strange.
Chaotic.
Loud.
But for the first time since waking up in this new world…
It felt like a home.