Chương 1: Prologue
"Fuck this life"
Another day, another shift. If only there were more options for consistency.
Certainly, this is not the best choice for Meiosei. Or, as he thinks to himself,
"I don't really have a choice."
As Meiosei sits at his desk, the hum of fluorescent lights and the clatter of keyboards create a monotonous symphony of office life. He glances at the clock, another hour has ticked away in the slow march of the workday. What once seemed like a welcome change has become suffocating. The routine, initially a relief, now feels like a trap. The tasks, simple and repetitive, which seemed like a blessing, now feel like chains.
This is not the engineering career he envisioned. Instead of engaging in site inspections, construction planning, or designing roads and bridges, he spends nearly nine hours a day, five or six days a week, entangled in work that seems endless and often unmanageable. The salary barely reflects the effort, and the frustration of constant overtime is taking its toll.
In his first month, he found the work appealing, more tasks meant more opportunities for promotion. But now, even with his qualifications, hard work, and years of dedication, he remains stuck in a role that doesn't align with his abilities or ambitions.
He glances at his superior, a former classmate who barely participated in class and often showed up late. This colleague, with an influential background, now occupies a position far above Meiosei's. A stark reminder that connections often outweigh talent and dedication.
Meiosei sighs deeply, feeling the crushing weight of disillusionment. The gap between his dreams and his current reality is painfully apparent. The sense of betrayal by the system and the frustration of being overlooked gnaw at him.
As he gazes at the drab office walls, he recalls his childhood dreams. Engineering was never his ultimate ambition. His true dream was to build a powerful business empire capable of influencing his corrupt country—an aspiration that dwarfs his current role. The contrast between his grand vision and his present reality feels like a cruel joke.
A past filled with missed opportunities and regrets has led him to this point. He feels the sting of wasted potential.
Lost in these thoughts, Meiosei is jolted back to reality by a voice in front of him.
"What are you daydreaming about, Meiosei?"
He turns to see his superior, the same former classmate, standing before him with a gaze that mixes mockery with pity.
"Not daydreaming, just giving my neck a break. Sitting hunched over for hours is quite a pain," Meiosei replies nonchalantly.
"Haha, watching your subordinates slack off is probably more painful," his superior chuckles before strolling away, leaving behind a trail of meaningless tasks.
Meiosei watches as the superior hands out trivial assignments, including the simple chore of organizing documents.
He shakes his head with a wry smile, used to the routine of dismissive leadership.
"Mocking bastard," he mutters under his breath.
As the clock strikes 5 o'clock, Meiosei gathers his belongings, clearly lacking the energy for another round of overtime. He has already accomplished the work typically assigned to two people.
After exchanging a few words with his colleagues, he bids them farewell and wishes them a safe journey home.
Unbeknownst to him, some of his female coworkers glance at his departing figure with a momentary, wistful curiosity.
Through years of experience, Meiosei has cultivated a remarkable patience and an above-average emotional intelligence. Coupled with his natural talent, he possesses a distinct charm that sets him apart.
This unique combination leads his colleagues to wonder why someone with his skills and qualities remains stuck in a role that seems beneath his potential.
Meiosei, either unaware or simply indifferent to his coworkers' lingering gazes, makes his way to his usual spot to wait for his jeepney.
While waiting, he notices a nearby basketball court and watches with a touch of nostalgia as children joyfully play the game.
A wistful smile crosses his face as he murmurs,
"Young, wild, and free."
He yearns for that carefree feeling he once had.
His attention is drawn when a child heading toward the basketball court accidentally bumps into his foot while dribbling, sending the ball rolling toward the highway.
Meiosei's heart races as he watches the child scramble to retrieve it. Fortunately, there's enough distance for the child to recover the ball before any vehicles approach.
However, as the child returns, he trips, sending the ball rolling once more, Meiosei's concern grows.
He shouts, "Oh no, don't pick it up!" as he notices a jeepney speeding towards the child, unnoticed by the kid.
Without a second thought, Meiosei's instincts take over. He bolts toward the child, desperately trying to pull him to safety. His body, unaccustomed to such exertion, betrays him. Overestimating his own physical condition, he stumbles, losing his balance. As he pulls the child away, he realizes too late that he doesn't have the strength or time to avoid the approaching jeepney.
Time seems to slow down.
Memories of his life flood his mind, his proud parents and the subsequent disappointment, friendships marred by betrayal, his unhealthy habits, arrogance, cowardice, past relationships, his ex-girlfriend, his studies, and his career.
Regrets and missed opportunities replay vividly.
He never imagined his life would end like this. Yet, amid the chaos, a surprising sensation emerges,
"What is this feeling? A sense of fulfillment?"
For the first time, he experiences a profound sense of contentment. It's a feeling he had longed for, though he never expected it to come in such a moment.
The screech of brakes and shouts pierce the air as darkness suddenly closes in on him, enveloping his vision.
"Can I wish for a Do-Over?"
— Chương tiếp theo sắp ra mắt — Viết đánh giá