Rahina's POV
The next morning, I went to his room again to collect his dishes. I didn't really have a choice, the one assigned to it was still sick.
When I entered, someone else was already there. This must be the person they said takes care of him every morning. He looked a bit older. They were standing far from the table, so I could only see them from a distance. The prince had his back turned, so I couldn't see his face either.
I left shortly after and washed the dishes.
By the way, I heard that in two days, it will already be payday. When I woke up earlier, Lamis told me that Rahina's money which is technically mine now had been used for the doctor and medicine while she was unconscious.
I'm planning to go to the market because I've been craving something. I miss the kind of food from the modern world. I'm not sure what I'll cook yet since I haven't been to the market here. Maybe I'll join them next time when they go buy supplies.
I'm also assigned to sweeping today, so I stayed outside for now. I'll just go back in when it's time for lunch.
♬ When I close my eyes, a gentle shadow approaches from afar
♬ Let's say we've forgotten old stories, let's say we've forgotten the words of our promise
I was singing while sweeping when suddenly—
"Damn it!" Why am I still so jumpy even without coffee here?
What startled me was that there was already a man standing beside me. He was just there, hands behind his back.
"Girl, what are you singing?"
Girl? As in G I R L?
"Hey." I looked him up and down. Well, to be fair, he wasn't bad looking.
"I understand English, girl."
What?!
"Wait, who are you? How do you understand English?" I asked, completely shaken.
"Finally, I found someone I can be friends with." He even clapped his hands in excitement.
"What?" I was still confused.
"Come on, let's move over there. Bring your broom and sweep there instead. Just kidding." He grabbed my hand and led me to the side.
"Yes, girl. I'm reincarnated too. As of now, you're the only one I've discovered who ended up here as well." I had so many questions, but he stopped me so he could answer them one by one.
Honestly, I was overwhelmed. So I'm not alone after all.
"Damn, I thought I was the only one." My eyes started to water as it finally sank in.
"Girl, just a reminder. This stays between us. Keep that mouth of yours shut. People here might think we're weird. By the way, my name here is Tavik. In my past life, I was Charise. I always dreamed of being a man. Then I took my own life when I fell into depression. I thought that once I died, that was it, the end. But when I took my last breath, I breathed again. Only, I wasn't in my old body anymore. I was already here. I was reincarnated here decades ago. This body is twenty years old now. I was seventeen when I died. So technically, I'm thirty seven in total."
I didn't know how to respond to Tavik's story. I felt a mix of emotions. I don't really miss my past life, but I can't deny how comforting it is to finally talk to someone who understands my language, someone who understands who I used to be before I ended up here.
"I've got a lot more stories, girl, but maybe next time. I'm usually around, just observing. For now, I need to go home. I still have lessons to study. Spoiler alert, the prince in there is my cousin. His parents are my aunt and uncle."
"Seriously? Then why are you dressed like that? You don't look rich at all." His outfit looked pretty ordinary, like a cheap imitation of branded clothes.
"It's a long story. You should go back inside for now. It's already lunchtime, go eat." He was practically shooing me away.
"Wait. Can we meet again tomorrow? Maybe we can talk more."
"Okay. It's hard here without phones, but I can give you paper and a pen. Well, not really a pen, more like a quill and ink. I'll show you a spot where you can leave messages if you can't find me."
"Thank you so much. I never thought I'd actually appreciate not having a phone." I laughed.
"I'm used to it, but sometimes it still makes me want to cry." he said with a small laugh.
I waved at him as he walked away. Once he was out of sight, I headed back inside. Time seemed to pass so quickly.
Unbeknownst to Rahina and Tavik, someone was watching them from a distance, frowning in confusion as they listened to their conversation.
While eating, I still couldn't calm my excitement. I finally had someone I could talk to, someone who understood me. Maybe not every day, but even just a few times a week would be enough.
"I wonder why Rahina is smiling so brightly today. Her cheeks are even flushed," said the person beside me. I couldn't remember their name, but I recognized their face. "What could be the reason behind such a sweet smile?"
"It's nothing. Maybe I'm just excited because payday is coming. I already have something in mind that I want to buy," I said as an excuse. But honestly, I was still thinking about my conversation with Tavik. It almost felt like a dream. Maybe it's just my desperation to have someone to talk to, someone I can truly be myself with.
"Ah, yes, that does sound pleasant. Even we have things we wish to buy when the day comes," they replied.
The day passed quickly. I didn't see Tavik again. I don't know when I'll see him next, but for now, I feel at ease knowing that I'm no longer alone. I finally have someone I can be natural with.
Even if he's a man now, it's fine. He said he was a woman in his past life. Maybe he'll respect me as a woman, not as the opposite sex.
…Wait.
Damn it, now I'm confused again.