Bailonz Street 13

If we really had met in the past, it would be something Liam would remember, even after all these years. If meeting eighteen-year-old Liam wasn’t just a dream but reality, then twenty-two-year-old Liam would remember me too.

Liam’s eyes widened, almost popping out. In that instant, I realised it. We had indeed met before.

Yes, I acknowledge it. Liam Moore was incredibly smart, and his memory was exceptional to the point where comparing it to others would be an insult.

His hand braced against the tree, and his eyes, at a similar height, stared deeply into mine as if searching for something. His intense gaze made me turn my eyes away, feeling awkward. Then, he lightly tapped my cheek, as if to make me look at him again. Reluctantly, I met his gaze.

Too close. That thought crossed my mind briefly. Indeed, too close. I could hear his breathing. Liam’s shoulders, clad in a waistcoat, moved slightly with each breath.

I felt like I might lose my mind from his shallow breaths and the sudden proximity of his grey eyes. Damn it, why is Liam always so beautiful?

In his clear, light-coloured eyes, there were fragments like pieces of a star, slowly swirling, glittering patterns. I realised this was proof of his magical power because I had undoubtedly changed.

Finally, Liam’s lips curled into a smirk. It was almost defiant. He gently placed his hand on my (or rather, Dylan’s) cheek, letting out a soft sigh.

“Why on earth can’t you find your way, huh?”

His tone was gentler, and the tension between us had eased. Feeling a surge of frustration, I snapped back.

“You’re the one who threw me into a strange place, you jerk! Pretending you don’t know? I fell out of nowhere and ended up here. Honestly, this is your fault.”

Regardless, Liam seemed amused, resting his chin on his hand and smiling. It was infuriating.

“Seeing Dylan Vermilton’s face all annoyed is kind of refreshing.”

“You have the worst taste, you know?”

“Whatever.”

He adjusted my messy bangs and stepped back. As I wobbled forward on unsteady legs, Liam patted my back.

“Don’t worry. I’m not here to interfere with what you’re trying to do.”

I wondered if I should scold him. Lost in that trivial thought, the handsome man with black hair began to speak.

“But you know…”

I felt uneasy.

The expression on his face was like the one he had before causing trouble, the same one that made Jefferson and Herschel tremble. The look he had when he outwitted Scotland Yard and was thrilled about it…

His eyes sparkled mischievously as they focused on me, making me apprehensive. What on earth is he about to say?

Then, with his arm draped over my shoulder, Liam spoke.

“Isn’t it better to be younger and more vigorous than being thirty?”

“………!!!!!!”

“Your skin is firmer, your body is in better shape, and you have plenty of stamina.”

The flow of the conversation was shocking. I struggled to understand his intent.

“Uh, uh?”

But this young Liam gave me no time to ponder. He seemed determined to pry into my personal details.

“How old are you?”

I hesitated and then mumbled.

“…Thirty-one.”

“Nine years difference. That’s not bad.”

He didn’t specify the subject, but I had an inkling of what he meant. It felt like my head was ringing like a church bell, dazed and dizzy.

“You’re looking for that person…,”

“Stop. Just stop!”

I abruptly pushed against his firm chest. His muscles twitched under my palm. Was he insane?

Liam looked at me, smiling with his eyes narrowed. The hand that had been on my shoulder was now at my waist. As I stumbled back, he caught me firmly.

“Careful.”

“I think you’re the one I need to be careful of.”

Liam laughed silently, seeming satisfied with my response. It was hard to believe this was the same Liam Moore who had been pressing me about my identity just moments ago.

We returned to the boarding house without further conversation. Liam walked beside me, his expression unreadable, while I felt awkward with this younger, more assertive version of him. A thought crossed my mind, one that shouldn’t be true.

‘Is he possibly jealous?’

Of his thirty-year-old self?

But it was such a silly thought that I just shook my head and dismissed it.

＊ ＊ ＊

In the end, I couldn’t return before the exams.

There was no sign of Dylan coming back. What would happen if I went back? Holding back tears, I was studying the law when Liam dropped a bombshell.

“You know there’s a debate exam too, right?”

My jaw dropped.

“What, what did you say?”

A debate? With other students from the same department? Me?

How on earth was I supposed to participate in a debate when I had just managed to grasp a few legal texts? It felt like asking to be executed. The professor would surely see through my lack of knowledge. Probably the students too.

Damn it, I didn’t want to expose my ignorance here. I felt tears welling up.

“What about Dylan?”

Liam, watching my silent outcry with interest, asked. His demeanour had softened since I first arrived in this body, making me somewhat sure. Ah, he’s really only kind to me.

Liam handed me a mirror. Taking it, I looked at my reflection. I hadn’t realised, but my condition had worsened.

I noticed that Dylan Vermilton’s face changed little by little each time I looked in the mirror. Over time, Dylan’s appearance increasingly resembled mine. The once dull golden hair was now tinged with brown, and his pale blue eyes were turning light green, obvious even to me.

‘Damn it.’

With his sharp intuition, Liam must have noticed the incongruity every time he looked at me. He frequently asked about Dylan, ensuring I could notice it too.

After a moment of contemplation, I answered.

“He’s still here, I think.”

“Then it’s even more problematic. It means he’s given up his body to another soul entirely.”

Right. What should I do?

Dylan Vermilton didn’t seem to have much attachment to his life. He seemed indifferent to whether he lived or died, as if he’d just say, ‘Oh, is that so,’ if he died. I couldn’t understand how anyone could be like that.

Liam’s long, thin fingers gently touched my cheek.

“Your face is starting to show. At this rate, others will notice the oddity too.”

“You think things will go back to normal if I leave?”

Liam, silent, held my fingertips. I could see the lingering regret, but he knew too. Two people from different times couldn’t stay together. Liam Moore would have to spend the next few years alone, looking forward to the day we inevitably met again, staring into the foggy London…

“I’ll find a way to send you back.”

Liam murmured. I replied gloomily.

“Let’s find it as soon as possible. I don’t want to embarrass myself across the whole university in Dylan’s place.”

A low chuckle came. The young man, smiling widely, rested his chin on my shoulder.

“You don’t need to be so pessimistic. You’re the smartest person I’ve ever met.”

“Coming from a genius, that’s not comforting at all.”

“It’s all hard work. I wasn’t born smart either.”

I grumbled.

“Herschel doesn’t seem to think so.”

Liam, feeling wronged, jumped up.

“You should believe your godson over your godfather!”

＊ ＊ ＊

It was on my way back from the essay exam, thoroughly beaten. I scratched my head, trying to recall everything, but honestly, I didn’t feel confident about it. To make matters worse, it started to rain. I trudged along, feeling even more miserable under the spring drizzle.

The bullies who tormented Dylan hadn’t been seen for days. I assumed they were too embarrassed after getting beaten by me. Thanks to that, Dylan Vermilton enjoyed a peaceful school life.

But the problem was the constant stares. The admiring looks towards Dylan, who seemed more confident and closer to being an heir. People’s attitudes had changed dramatically, showing how easily opinions could flip.

The rain showed no sign of stopping. I had to get home before it poured harder. I clutched my bag close and hurried along with others who were also running through the rain.

As I neared home, my steps grew lighter. I stopped by a bakery to buy some bread and headed up the stairs.

At that moment, Dylan’s body felt a sense of unease.

“Dylan, what is this?”

The house was in complete disarray.

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