[Commencing...]
Damien inhaled sharply, eyes closing tightly as the fragmented scenes flooded his mind.
He saw a small Johann sitting quietly beside a large bed, gripping the sheets tightly. His eyes trembled as he gazed helplessly at his mother. She lay there, pale and fragile beneath the thick blankets, each breath like a strained whisper.
"Johann," she murmured softly, her voice barely audible as she slowly reached out. "Come here, darling..."
He moved closer quickly, feeling the coolness of his mother's hands as he took her hands into his own. "Mother..." He held back a sob, shaking fiercely. "You promised to play with me. You promised you wouldn't leave me."
Tears slipped down from his flushed cheeks.
"My brave little boy..." She whispered tenderly. "I'll never leave. I'll always be with you, right here." She weakly touched the center of his chest. "Never forget that."
"Mother..."
She offered a sad, comforting smile, her eyes growing heavy as she struggled to hold his gaze. "I know you'll be alright, Johann. You're stronger than you realize. Remember, you're never alone. Promise me."
Her breathing slowed gradually, her eyes fluttering gently closed as peace settled softly across her delicate features. Johann watched helplessly, heart shattering as her hand slowly slipped from his grasp, falling silently to the bed beside her.
"Mother?"
"Mother... please..."
Johann's small voice echoed painfully in the silence. When no response came, the heavy truth finally settled upon him, crushing and merciless. He buried his face in the blankets beside her, crying brokenly, clutching desperately to the faint warmth that lingered, unable to bear the world he suddenly found himself facing alone.
Then the scene cut to Johann alone in his bedroom.
He spent his days after his mother's death in isolation. His father could not provide comfort that he needed as he was busy almost everyday. And during this time, he started developing anxiety and attachment issues.
At first, he couldn't bear to part with old items.
Then it escalated into hoarding every item he's ever had, even the flowers that had withered in his room, refusing to get it changed.
He felt alone and empty.
That was until he met Damien. He witnessed his gentle smile and felt his warmth. Immediately, he grew attached.
Damien became his world.
His medication.
This grew into an unhealthy obsession for Damien, feelings of control and possession slowly brewing. Over the years, Johann watched as Damien changed slowly from sweet and kind to distant and cold, focused on taking over the Hertz conglomerate. He couldn't reciprocate Johann's obsessive love. Johann silently craved Damien's warmth. And when he could no longer feel it...
Something inside him snapped.
Damien was the reason he survived. He was the one who shaped him. And now he won't even look at him? If he couldn't have his heart, then he'd control Damien's world.
The scene changed once more. But it had solidified. It no longer felt like a jaded film and instead felt real. Damien looked around and found himself inside what looked to be an office. Johann stood before him, older now, filled with desperation.
Damien watched, stunned, as Johann backed him against the wall, movement unexpectedly forceful yet oddly tender as he pressed close.
"Please, Damien..." Johann pleaded, his voice breaking. Then, he leaned in, capturing Damien's lips in a kiss that was gentle and slow.
Damien froze in shock. What? What the hell was happening right now? He tried to move but realize he couldn't. He felt his mouth open all on his own.
"You ruined my business. You ruined me and my family!" He spat out.
"How could I ever love you?"
Johann staggered, as if punched by Damien's words. Then, stepped back, expression closing off, the warmth draining from his eyes. He straightened, turned sharply, and began walking away, voice cold and final as it echoed softly through the silence:
"If I can't have you, no one else can…"
The fragments cracked suddenly and faded, leaving Damien blinking and dazed. He let out a shaky breath, a disbelieving laugh escaping his lips.
"What kind of cliché line was that?" he muttered, shaking his head in disbelief. Then, louder and genuinely bewildered, he added, "What happened to my adorable little Johann?"
Then, he pressed a finger on his lips and shivered.
Wiping his lips with his clothes, he said, "What was that change in POV, system?"
He had never imagined he'd ever kiss with a guy. For goodness sakes, he was straight!
He covered his face with his hand. "I swear I don't swing that way." Yet, apparently, the universe had very different plans. From transmigrating into an entirely unfamiliar world in this weird world setting to suddenly kissing a man—honestly, wasn't he already completely done for?
System: [Answering the host's question, ever since your first completion of the task mission, this system was upgraded. Thanking the host for working hard!]
"Can you downgrade? I don't want to experience these firsthand..."
System: [...]
Damien sighed and waved his hands. "Forget it. Can you open the shop?"
System: [Yes, host.]
A familiar virtual interface materialized in front of him, reminiscent of a shop screen from a video game. The shop was neatly organized into three main categories: items, skills, and attributes. Each category was filled with various objects and enhancements, some practical, others bizarre. He could buy anything in the shop as long as he had enough experience points which were gained through completing missions.
He had already purchased a few useful things since unlocking the shop. His current go-to was a handy special notebook. It appeared ordinary to anyone else, displaying simple diary entries when read by others, but in reality, it concealed the owner's true notes and plans—perfect for safely jotting down his strategies without risk.
Damien browsed through the items he could access. There were practical tools like basic potions and even small protective charms. However, the majority of the items were locked, hidden behind greyed-out icons that indicated further achievements or missions were required to unlock them. The skill category displayed similarly interesting but inaccessible abilities: enhanced charisma, photographic memory, advanced martial arts techniques, and even culinary mastery. Attributes allowed slight boosts to his physical or mental capabilities, each requiring a ton of experience points.
They would probably be unlocked after I find the main mission...
But what was that damn main mission supposed to be?
If missions are assigned through external factors, would he have to wander the world aimlessly to find out?
He sighed again, closing the shop interface and rubbing his temples. This new task was tough. How exactly was he supposed to complete it? Redirect Johann's affection towards someone else? Could that even be possible now that Johann was already attached? Rather than diverting Johann's attention, Damien genuinely wanted to help him—to watch him grow into becoming a healthier and more independent person.
But how?
"Hah!" Damien scoffed, flopping back onto his bed. "I've really been handed a death flag here..."
His thoughts swirling chaotically, Damien pulled out the special notebook, quickly jotting down a few ideas and plans for Johann. Gradually, exhaustion overtook him, his eyelids growing heavier until he fell asleep, the notebook slipping softly from his fingers onto the bed.