Chapter 28 - A Clueless Duck in the House

The four of them head home together. Since they all have the same direction, it is safe to say that they usually go home together whenever class ends.

“Say…” Shac muttered, looking at the three. “Are we all from the same class?”

“Yes.” Qoka nodded. “Why do you ask?”

“I was just wondering about it. Since I forgot most of the things, I was wondering if both Ivan and Evie are in the same class.” he added.

“Yeah. That’s how it normally is.” Ivan joined in. “And just recently, Qoka joined the gang.” he said.

“Oh…” he muttered. “I really don’t remember it. Sorry.”

“It’s fine. You can’t help it.” Qoka responded, her voice sounded sad.

Shac took a glance at her, unsure of what to do. He couldn’t do anything about it, as this was the first time he had seen her, forgetting the fact that she existed before.

“But… If you don’t mind, you could tell me about it tomorrow.” he replied, looking at her. “What do you say?”

Both Ivan and Evie as well turned their head to her, grinning as we all looked at her.

Qoka noticed that all the eyes were on her, she couldn’t help but be pressured. “You don’t need to look at me like that you know?” she murmured. “I’ll do it even if you didn’t ask for it.”

“I see.” Shac smiled, turning his head back to the road.

Maybe I was too worried about it. But, I’m glad she was okay with it. I don’t want to make it awkward for her.

“What a view… In just a day we were able to witness the stages of emotion of Qoka.” Evie muttered.

“Now that you mention it.” Ivan added, taking a peek at her. “You were right about it.”

“…” Qoka remained silent as her face blushed in embarrassment.

“You don’t need to tease her that much.” Shac chimed in. “Just let her rest for the day.” he chuckled softly.

“Hahaha…” Ivan laughed and turned his head back to the road. “I should do that then.”

The four continued walking, bringing an end to the long discussion about Shac losing his memories and the curse that lives in the world, affecting all who came in contact with a cursed duckling.

× × × × × × × × × ×

As he waved goodbye to the others, he finally arrived back at his home after a long day.

I’m finally back in here. He sighed in relief, missing the sight of the house.

He walked to the door and turned the knob, only to realize that it was locked. “What…”

—CLANK

—CLANK CLANK

It is locked? But I don’t remember locking the door whenever I go to school… He thought as he tried to look for the key. He looked for something near the door where the key might be hidden.

He scratched his head in confusion, frowning at the locked door in front of him.

Where did I put the key? He put down his bag and searched inside, removing all the things inside, but he found nothing. Then he tried reaching for his pocket, getting his wallet out.

As he looked inside, he immediately saw the key to the door. “This is where I usually put it?” he muttered, not remembering putting the key inside.

Normally I don’t lock the door in the house. I don’t remember why, but that’s how I usually do it. He paused and stared at the door, feeling uneasy about the situation.

If I remember right…

No, I don’t remember anything about it.

I always went straight to school and didn’t bother to lock the door. That’s how it always has been. He grabbed the key and slid it into the keyhole, opening the door.

The door opened and a familiar sight came into him. He took a deep breath and stared at the dark hallway. “I’m home.” he whispered.

As he went inside, he turned the lights open, lighting up the house. He couldn’t help but smile and be glad that he was able to come back home again despite everything that happened recently.

“Hah…” he let out a sigh again. He walked inside, checking every side of the house, realizing that it looked the same as in the future. “Still the same house huh…”

I’m starting to feel it… The feeling of wanting to sleep after heading straight home from school. He thought as he blinked slowly, feeling the exhaustion in his whole body.

I’ll think about things later. He went straight to his bedroom, jumping to the bed, burying his face in it while stretching his whole body.

“Ah… I miss this bed…” he said, hugging the pillow and the mattress.

I’m glad everything worked out fine today…

I’m… really glad… His vision slowly turned dark as he drifted to sleep.

× × × × × × × × × ×

“shac…”

…

“Shac!”

Hm… He opened his eyes, hearing something from afar.

“Shac!!!”

He immediately rose from the bed, startled by the shout. What? Did someone call me?

He looked around and saw that he was in his room. “A dream?” he muttered, thinking that he might be dreaming again.

He let out a sigh and sat beside the bed. “I wonder what was that about…” he whispered. “I don’t think I recognize that voice. And it doesn’t sound like Ivan.”

Then suddenly,

—KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK!!!

“AHHH!!!” he screamed, surprised by the noise.

“What are you shouting about!?” the guy behind the door shouted. “We are going to have a dinner!”

“A… dinner…?” he muttered, raising an eyebrow.

Who is that? He immediately thought, not recognizing the voice.

I locked the door, right? How come he was able to come inside the house?

“Why aren’t you answering?” the guy behind the door called. “I’m going to eat everything here if you don’t come downstairs.”

What… What is he talking about?

“Are you going to eat or not?” he continued. “Don’t blame me if there’s nothing left for you.”

Shac rushed to the door and opened it. “Don’t do that!” he said, facing a guy he didn’t recognize.

“Finally.” the guy said, turning away. “I was about to eat all of it.”

“Ah…” he muttered. Shac couldn’t say anything else, he was surprised and confused about this stranger in front of him.

Who is this person!?