The Reincarnation

Chapter 1: The Reincarnation

(Today’s the day! Finally getting that promotion!)

(Five years working at this animation studio... I’ve been waiting for this moment forever. Me, Haruko Rumi—a pretty skilled animator. People even say my work stands out.)

(And now, with the old lead animator gone... I’m next in line. Easy win.)

Rumi hummed a little tune as she walked to the studio, completely lost in her thoughts.

(Man, it’s gonna be so weird sitting in the lead chair. I wonder if it’ll spin...)

She stepped onto the street without really paying attention.

BAM.

A car slammed into her. A drunk driver. And just like that—

She died. Tragic.

Somewhere in the void...

“Poor little soul, I shall send you to a world filled with happiness.”

“But Master, isn’t giving her that role kind of mean?”

“Shut up. What do you know? If you feel so strongly about it, go with her.”

“B-but—”

“No buts. You’ll stay with her until she gets a happy ending or whatever. No exceptions.”

(Huh... Where am I?)

“Haruko-sama! You’re finally awake!”

(Who’s she?)

The maid smiled sweetly. “I’ll bring some water. Please rest for a bit, Haruko-sama.”

Once the maid left, Rumi sat up, still groggy, and shuffled over to the mirror.

When she saw her reflection, her sleepy eyes went wide.

“Whoa... I look exactly like that character from my favorite novel!”

She blinked at herself, tilting her head.

“This is kinda awesome... Is this what happens when you die? I'd die like, a hundred more times if this is the reward.”

Her excitement faded as realization hit.

“Wait a second...”

“WHY DO I LOOK EXACTLY LIKE THE VILLAINESS?!”

Her voice echoed in the room.

(I know we have the same name but... Of all people... why her?)p

“The villainess is the worst character! She’s a total pain who makes life miserable for the MC and ends up with the most horrible ending ever!”

She groaned, flopping dramatically onto the bed.

“I wouldn’t even mind being a background character... but why do I have to be the one who ruins everything?”

(Why do I have to be a cat? This is such a pain...)

A small white cat with eyes of blue perched on the windowsill, lazily flicking its tail.

(Oh. She’s awake. Looks like she’s processing... badly.)

“Oi. What’s the big deal? Is being a villainess really that bad? The story hasn’t even started yet.”

“AAAH! A TALKING CAT!”

The cat flattened its ears in annoyance. “Could you not scream? My ears are fragile, you know.”

Rumi blinked, tilting her head in confusion. “I didn’t know cats could talk.”

“They can’t. I’m just special.”

The cat hopped down from the window, its tail curling smugly. “Name’s Kuru. And I’m not just a talking cat—I can hack life.”

“Huh. That sounds cool.” She tapped her chin thoughtfully. “Can you, uh... hack me into a background character?”

Kuru rolled his eyes. “Nope. That’s out of my control. But I can help you change the storyline.”

“The storyline?”

Kuru gave her a deadpan look. “You do know this novel, right? It’s your favorite.”

“Yeah. The main character meets this cool girl, and the villainess—who’s me—gets jealous and causes all sorts of trouble. Then she gets punished with, like, the worst ending ever.”

Kuru sighed. “That was... a terrible summary. But whatever. Here’s the deal: You’re not gonna be the villainess.”

Rumi’s head tilted again. “Wait... I’m not?”

“Nope. You’re going to be the girl the MC falls in love with.”

Her eyes widened in disbelief. “Wait—what?!”

...----------------...

...TO BE CONTINUED...

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