Webtoon: Refund High School

(Y/n)'s POV

Closing my eyes, I allowed the soft breeze to comb through my hair. Taking in a deep breath, I clicked my fingers, a small spark of flame igniting for a brief moment before disappearing.

Careful not to overuse the power within my body, I rhythmically clicked my fingers to a slow beat, secluded by the forest trees that surrounded me. Without the pressure of judgemental onlookers, I felt at peace.

Unexpectedly, I felt the push of someone leaning against my back as they laid their head back on my shoulder. Mook's eyes met my questioning gaze.

"Your scale's have appeared again," he exclaimed.

I looked at my arms, painfully aware of the small, slightly red scaly skin visible beneath my silk shirt. He came around to sit before me, leaning his chin on one hand.

"And I'm guessing my eyes have changed colour?"

"Yeah. The golden orange of your eyes...it's beautiful..." he replied softly.

"*blush* You've seen it plenty of times before."

In my previous life, I was once a girl that could turn into a dragon. My ability to control flames only increased the fear that concealed everyone from the truth. Being an orphan, I could not protect myself against everyone's false accusations...

To my surprise, Mook laid down on my lap as he stared up at my face. A dark blush found its way onto my cheeks, making me curse at myself for not being able to control such a trivial action.

"Mook, what are you doing?"

"I'm cold and you're warm. Let me stay like this for a while," he replied as he closed his eyes.

Letting out a small sigh, I leaned back on my arms and stared up at the vibrantly blue sky. The freedom it held...I wanted it...and Mook held some of that freedom in his hands.

Despite my determination to remain untainted by emotions such as love and friendship for reincarnation and nirvana would separate us, I couldn't help but long for something more between the two of us.

He had undoubtedly stolen my fiery heart. When all was chaos and betrayal, he would be there to block out all the negativity. He stood by me even when everyone turned against me. He...was everything to me.

"Hey (Y/n)?"

"Yeah?"

"T-there's someone I like."

"Oh? Who?"

"...I'll tell you later, but how do you suggest I confess?"

"I-I'm not sure, I'm not good with these things."

"Then how would you like someone to confess to you?"

"Mmm...maybe somewhere private with just a little gift or something."

"I see."

He stood up and held his hand out for me to take. I let him pull me up and trailed slightly behind him as we headed off to class. Aru and the others greeted us as we took our seats.

Ignoring the fact that everyone was staring at my unusual eyes and scaly skin, I sat down without another thought for their staring. Mook cleared his throat, drawing everyone's attention away from me.

~After class~

"Hey (Y/n), I think something big's gonna happen today," exclaimed Sua.

"Like what?"

"A confession! How sweet!"

"Pfft, what mucky stuff to get excited about," Mari commented.

"I'm sure deep down you would like someone to confess to you to," Sehui replied.

"A-as if!"

"Where's Aru?"

"She said Mook wanted to talk to her," said Sehui.

"*gasp* He's going to confess! Come on, let's go see!" Sua yelled excitedly.

I was dragged by the three girls to the exact spot Mook and I had spent our morning. Pain and sorrow gripped my heart, unwilling to let go no matter how much I begged.

Looking past the bushes, I saw Mook hand Aru a blood red rose. The words, "I like you, I want you to be my girlfriend" echoed in my mind until I could no longer hear the squealing and cheering of her friends.

Scrambling to my feet, I stumbled a few steps before swiftly walking away. Tears brimmed my eyes as I ran and ran. That clearing was my secret escape, a place where I shared all my feelings and memories with Mook.

Anger grew in my heart, almost overpowering the sorrow. He was my closest friend, a companion to which I could confide anything and everything...but now that was gone. He loved Aru and I was no one.

"(Y/n), wait up!"

Mari grabbed onto my arm, stopping me in my tracks. Wherever I stepped, the plants had burst into small flames. Shockingly, the fire neither spread nor faded. It just...remained as it was.

"Everyone's worried about you. I told Mook and Aru that you forgot that you had a meeting with the teacher but I'm not sure how long they'll believe that for," she said.

"...Mari, is it always this painful?"

"Huh? I'm not sure. Just think about it this way: you're gonna be reincarnated soon so why bother with a relationship?"

"Why don't you say that to Mook and Aru?"

"Ugh...I'm not good with handling this kind of stuff, but I'm here if you ever need someone to talk to."

"...thank you..."

She let go of my arm. A burn appeared on her hand, but she left hurriedly before I could talk to her about it. My clothes were scorched slightly, flames dancing wildly within my burning body.

I rubbed my arms to rid myself of the cold despite it being so warm. I couldn't let my emotions control me...no matter what. Dropping to my knees, flames spread around me, burning everything in its wake.

"(Y/n)!"

"Don't come near me!"

Mook stopped just short of the raging fire encircling me.

"Control yourself. If you want, you can talk to me about it. I-"

"...do you...even know what happened?"

"No but-"

"I loved you...you were the one keeping me together. Now that's all gone."

"(Y/n), I'm sorry."

"Don't start this."

"(Y/n)..."

"I know, it's unfair how selfishly I'm thinking but what's a girl gonna do when she loses everything? You deserve so much more yet I can't let you go...not now and not ever..."

"...I'm sorry."

"...I can't stop the fire."

"Huh?"

"It's burning me from within."

"W-what are you talking about?"

"It's too hot. I..."

"(Y-(Y/n), what's happening?"

I could hear the worry in his voice. That eased my pain, even if only by a little. Seeing the scales peeling off, I soon came to understand my wretched fate. Without a stable being beside me, I was going to burn.

This was the exact same way I had died in my previous life. My first love failed me, and now I'm reliving the same fate. What a cruel coincidence.

"(Y/n)-"

"...I'm glad...I was able to meet you."

"(Y/n)!"

Darkness overtook my vision before everything went blank.