[Hi! This is my first work. I'm a newbie, so please don't be too harsh with me.
But I would really like it if you could tell me the things I need to improve, so my work will become more comfortable and enjoyable to read.
I hope you'll enjoy my story!]
Dearil ran through the empty road, surrounded by a dark forest. His lower stomach hurt, but he didn't care.
The only thing that mattered to him now was to run away — or at least hide — from the person who caused this pain.
From Likho.
Not long ago, Likho had called Dearil to the same forest to hang out together. But when they were alone, Likho suddenly stabbed Dearil in his lower stomach with a knife.
Likho was a close friend. They had been in the same high school class for two years, so Dearil never even imagined that going with him could be dangerous.
Dearil's POV:
"Ahhh, fuck! That hurts. How could Likho do this to me? We… we were friends…"
No, forget it. There's no time to think about that now. I need to find a place to hide until someone comes here!
After Likho stabbed me, I somehow managed to escape, but the wound is bleeding a lot.
I cried for help, but no one was in this abandoned forest, so I had no choice — I had to hide.
I looked back and saw Likho. After chasing me for a little while, he stopped. Maybe he lost me in the darkness. I quickly looked around, and even through the shadows, I noticed a small cave.
I ran to the cave as fast as I could and slipped inside.
The cave looked small from the outside, but it was actually big inside. Only a person shorter than 175 cm could enter.
I was 168 cm, so I was able to get in, but Likho was at least 180 cm. Even if he found me, he wouldn't be able to reach me here.
I sat on a large rock inside and looked down at my wound.
"Man, this is not good."
Because of all the running, the bleeding got worse.
Even if Likho doesn't catch me, I'm probably going to die from blood loss…
Why does this always happen to me? Why can't I ever make it past 21? Why do I always die before that age? Why me, damn it?! Why!?
Tears fell down Dearil's face.
He wasn't crying because of the pain.
He was crying because he was tired — tired of dying.
The first time, the day before his 21st birthday, he was pushed off a tall building by a crazy man. He thought he would never wake up again.
But then he woke up — as a baby.
It wasn't reincarnation. He had returned to his own body, just back in time to when he was a baby.
Dearil thought life had given him a second chance. But he was wrong. Very wrong.
In his second life, a week before his 21st birthday, he died of a heart attack in class.
Then he woke up again — as a baby.
In his third life, ten days before his 21st birthday, he died from cancer that was found too late.
And so on. The cycle never ends. Dearil never had the chance to reach 21.
Now, his birthday was in five days, but he was 90% sure he would die from blood loss.
"Shit! Why can't this stop!? I don't want to live anymore! Just let me die! If you won't let me reach 21, then let me die for good!"
Dearil cried hard.
Who was he shouting at?
God?
Himself?
The universe?
His vision started to blur. Everything got dark.
"Ah, fuck…'"BAM.
He tried to stand, but he collapsed, face-first on the cave floor. He shifted slightly so he wouldn't suffocate.
Blood dripped from his wound, from his mouth.
He couldn't speak anymore.
I hate this life. I hate all my past lives, too.
Please… just let me die peacefully.
Without going back to the past.
I'm begging you…
Dearil closed his eyes. He stopped breathing.
——————————
"Honey, look at him! He's so cute!" a woman's voice said.
"Yeah, he really is. But is it okay? He's a boy. He doesn't need to look cute, he needs to look strong," a man's voice said.
"You're right… I guess he'll grow more manly later," the woman answered.
I opened my eyes. Two big faces were smiling at me.
I looked around and immediately understood.
I was in a baby's bed.
I was in the past. Again.
I'm tired of this.
This time, I won't get close to anyone. I won't try to run away from my death. It doesn't change anything anyway.
I'll just live alone. Without anyone.
Yeah, that's the best decision for me.
From now on… I'll live by myself.
…