Returner Fantasy-Chapter 26: Re: 12 Years In The Past (Prologue)

Disclaimer – The image used for the new book cover is not mine, nor are the new concept designs for the characters.

Notice – This story is currently undergoing revision. The previous Chapters will be deleted shortly after the new ones begin uploading.

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[The RETURNER FANTASY system has been granted to you in response to your dying wish]

[Initiating regression in 3... 2... 1...]

That was the voice Jeff heard in the final moments of his life—just before death claimed him. Or at least, that's how he remembers it, now that he's woken up twelve years in the past.

Back to the moment when he still had a chance to change everything he thought had gone wrong.

Forget the incurable disease. Forget the mystery of how he regressed. Forget even the holographic screen flashing in the corner of his vision.

What matters now is the quest he's on—and the girl he's running toward.

She had stayed by his side even when he had nothing. She forgave him for the foolishness that had torn them apart.

She was there in his final moments, when regret overwhelmed him for never telling her how he truly felt.

This time, he wouldn't make the same mistake. This time, he'd protect her—no matter what. Even if it cost him his life... or someone else's.

The timer began with a ten-minute countdown.

Though the walk to her apartment usually took thirty minutes, Jeff made it in eight—running with everything he had, lungs burning, drenched in sweat, pounding on the door as he shouted her name.

"Please open the door, Jess!"

"Oh my, I'm glad you came after all, Jeff," her aunt said, surprised.

"Aunty, where is Jess?"

"In her room, past the living area."

Jeff didn't stop to respond. He rushed past her, heart racing, eyes on the countdown as it ticked under ten seconds.

Without knocking, he threw open the door to Jess's room.

Jess stood in nothing but white undergarments, her fair skin and long black hair glowing in the soft light. In her hands, she held a white lingerie slip dress she was about to put on.

"Eh~..."

Her startled gasp and flushed cheeks stunned Jeff into silence. She was beautiful—slender and radiant in her vulnerability.

"What are you doing, you perv...?"

Ignoring her protest, Jeff stepped forward, took her hands in his, and said the words he'd always wanted to say—before the countdown hit zero.

"Jess, marry me and become mine!"

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[RETURNER FANTASY SYSTEM]

[Quest 1 – Propose to Jess (Completed)]

[Reward – Rights to Become a Returner]

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Jess stood frozen—shocked and embarrassed at being seen like this. But even as her mind raced with questions, her attention caught a small, suspicious sound.

Why had Jeff, the guy who had ignored her for four years, suddenly proposed to her?

Was that even a proposal? It wasn't a question—it was more like an order.

When did he become taller than her?

Why was he breathing so hard, drenched in sweat?

And what was this... intoxicating scent coming from him?

Before she could answer any of it, she heard the unmistakable sound of her door clicking shut behind Jeff.

Panic set in.

Jess shoved Jeff aside and rushed to the door. She twisted the knob with all her strength, but it wouldn't budge—even though the lock was only on her side.

"Mom! Don't play around—open the door!" she yelled. ƒгeeweɓn૦vel.com

But there was no answer—only faint giggling on the other side.

—Bam!—

Jeff cornered her with a kabedon, slamming his hands against the door on either side of her.

Still reeling from shock, Jess slowly turned to face him.

"What the heck are you doing, you perv?!"

It was her best attempt to fall back into her tsundere shell—sharp words and a glare meant to hide her flustered heart.

But Jeff didn't care. In fact, that side of her was one of the things he had come to love.

Still catching his breath, he looked her in the eyes.

"I'm proposing to you..."

"You call that a proposal? Besides, you don't even have a ring."

It was a weak excuse, but it landed like a punch to Jeff's gut. He looked down in frustration—only to see something glinting at his feet.

A small, shimmering object slid through the gap beneath the door and landed between them.

A ring.

Jeff knelt, picked it up, and gently took her left hand. Slipping the ring onto her finger, he said again—softly, but with determination:

"Marry me and become mine, Jess."

Jess stood in stunned silence. Her face was red, her eyes glistening. Confusion clouded her mind, leaving her unable to respond.

So Jeff didn't wait. He stood—and kissed her, claiming her answer.

Neither of them knew how long it lasted.

But when Jess came to her senses, her fist found Jeff's gut in a sharp blow, sending him to his knees again.

"Explain yourself. Right now, Jeff!"