Switch! (Gundham x Fem! Reader) Part 5
Before you knew it, a week had passed. As weird as it was, you were slowly starting to get used to things. Even so, when Sonia announced that she might have found a solution, you immediately agreed to try it.
Boy were you regretting it now.
Sonia handed you a smooth black crystal and a flat white stone with a weird symbol painted on it. She gave the same items to Gundham, who was standing across from you. You noticed that the symbol on Gundham’s stone was slightly different than yours.
You shrugged, assuming it was meant to be that way. Sonia knew what she was doing.
You would later regret not voicing that observation.
From the minute the ritual started something felt off, like something about it just wasn’t right.
You were always a worrier, so you just wrote it off as you overthinking things. It was only natural to be apprehensive after what happened last time.
Sonia began the incantation, but the more she chanted, the more it changed. Your chest began to hurt, growing incessantly until it felt like you were being stabbed.
You tried to say something, but your mouth wouldn’t move. Every time you tried to speak, it felt like the words were being shoved back down your throat, choking you and making your eyes water.
The chanting reached its crescendo, and pain exploded inside you. It felt like you were being ripped apart. Your mouth fell open in a silent scream before everything went black.
You woke up in your bed. For a minute, you wondered if it was all a dream, but as you sat up, you could feel the dull ache in your chest. You groaned, holding a hand against your chest as you breathed through the pain. It was when it subsided that you noticed something.
Your vision was blurry. You blinked several times, but nothing changed.
You touched your face, combed your fingers through your hair, and looked at you hands.
You scrambled out of your bed and into the bathroom. Your reflection stared back at you. You didn’t realize how much you had missed it.
You were back in your body! You were you again. A smile stretched across your face, and you laughed giddily.
You barely heard your bedroom door open before your knees gave out. You sank to the floor at an awkward angle, but you couldn’t bring yourself to care.
You were a bit surprised when Sonia appeared in the doorway, looking extremely worried.
“You’re okay!” She cried, collapsing next to you and hugging you tightly.
“It is all my fault! I should have noticed that I had written your rune incorrectly!”
The symbol on the rock flashed through your mind, and you scratched your cheek embarrassedly. “Actually, I noticed it..”
Sonia gaped at you. “Why did you not tell me?!”
You shrugged helplessly. “I thought you meant for it to be that way!”
You smiled apologetically. “Why don’t we just say we’re even then?” You offered.
Sonia nodded with a relieved smile, and you allowed her to help you up. She helped you brush your hair and chatted happily to you while you brushed your teeth. You really wanted to shower, but Sonia insisted that you eat something.
“You have been asleep for two days.”
You stared incredulously at her. “Two days?!” Your voice cracked, and you started to cough. Sonia rushed out of your bedroom, returning with a glass of water. You downed the whole thing in a few gulps.
“Have I really been out that long?” You rasped, wiping away the water that had dripped down your chin.
Sonia nodded grimly. “We were beginning to wonder if we should take you to the hospital..”
“He is the one who helped carry you home. I hope you will forgive us for letting ourselves in without your permission..”
You just shook your head. “You don’t have to apologize for that. You were just trying to help.” Your insides twisted with guilt. “I’m sorry I caused so much trouble.”
Before Sonia could argue, you heard a knock on your front door.
“Oh, that must be Gundham!” Sonia rushed out of the room, and you hesitated before following after her.
You don’t know who looked more surprised to see you, Gundham or his mother, who was standing beside him.
“You’re awake!” Mrs. Tanaka quickly passed the box she was carrying to Gundham and engulfed you in a hug.
After the initial shock, you hugged her back. You still weren’t used to hugs from anyone other than Hinako, but you found yourself feeling strangely comfortable around Mrs. Tanaka. “Yeah, I just woke up a little while ago.”
Mrs. Tanaka immediately began fussing over you. “How are you feeling? Have you eaten? Are you tired?”
You weren’t used to having so much attention focused on you. It was a bit embarrassing.
“Are you hot? Oh gosh, you don’t have a fever, do you?!”
You waved your hands frantically. “N-No!” You really hated how squeaky your voice came out. “I-I’m just not used to so much attention.” You admitted, scratching your cheek nervously.
“I bet your parents were worried too. Do they know you’re awake?”
You weren’t sure what face you made, but it apparently wasn’t a good one, judging by the way her smile dropped. You dug your nails into your cheek a bit harder than you meant to and winced.
“It, uh, It’s just me and my foster mom. I should go” You pointed awkwardly over your shoulder. You wanted out of this conversation. “Call her.” You didn’t wait for a response before you speed walked back to your room.
Once you were inside and the door was closed, you trudged over to your bed and sat down.
I bet your parents were worried too.
You didn’t remember much about your parents, but one thing always stuck with you.
“I’m sorry but the orphanage is already overcrowded.”
“Take her or we’ll leave her on the street.”
“How can you be so cruel to a child?!”
You shook the memory from your head. Now wasn’t the time. Hinako may not be your biological mother, but she was the only real mother you’d ever had, and Mrs. Tanaka was right. Hinako probably was worried.
She picked up on the second ring.
“(Y/n)?! Where were you?! Are you alright?!”
“Oh thank god..” You could hear the relief in her voice. “I’m so glad you’re okay, sweetie.”
You couldn’t help but smile. “Sorry I worried you. A lot happened in the last few days.”
It took a lot of explaining, but you finally managed to convince her that you really were okay. She still insisted on visiting soon, and you agreed, knowing it would give her peace of mind.
“I’ll see you soon. I love you.”
You hung up and slid your phone into your pocket. You took a minute to just close your eyes and breathe. Your chest still hurt, but it was slowly ebbing.
Mistake. What if they were right?
Your morbid thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door.
You expected it to be either Sonia or Mrs. Tanaka, but you were surprised to find Gundham standing in your doorway.
“I apologize if my mother upset you.”
You smiled, but there was a sad tinge to it. “Don’t worry about it. It just brought back some stuff I don’t like to remember.”
He nodded solemnly. “I am sorry for your loss.”
Loss? Oh. He thinks they died.
For a second, you considered just letting him think that, but you never liked lying.
“They’re not dead. They just didn’t want me.” You couldn’t keep the bitterness out of your voice. “I hear they have two kids now, a girl and a boy.” You tilted your head back, forcing the tears away. Once you were sure they wouldn’t fall, you continued. “They finally got the perfect family they wanted..”
You heard his footsteps, and when you turned to look at him, you were caught off guard by the hand that landed on your head. Gundham looked incredibly awkward, but his words were sincere when he spoke.
For a long moment, you just stared at him, eyes wide and mouth agape, and he began to look more and more embarrassed the longer you gaped at him.
Then, you cracked a smile that slowly turned to a grin as you began to giggle. “I guess your mom was right.”
You just shook your head, eyes shining brightly. “It’s a secret.”
He grumbled about that not being fair, but you just laughed even harder. He crossed his arms over his chest with an irritated huff. “Are you finished?”
“Ye-Yeah.” You choked out through the last of your laughter. You straightened up, your smile softening suddenly. “Hey Gundham?”
To your great amusement, he pulled his scarf up to hide his reddening face. “You are welcome, mortal.”
“(Y/n). Call me (Y/n). We’re friends, after all, aren’t we?”
That seemed to only contribute to the blush spreading across his cheeks.
