Reincarnated into my favorite videogame

Nari walked briskly down the cobblestone streets toward the guild, her mind swirling with thoughts. Do not become friends with any of your new group members, she reminded herself. After everything that had happened, it was better to keep her distance. She couldn't afford to let emotions get in the way again. Trust was dangerous—especially when she wasn't sure who she could rely on anymore.

But despite her internal resolve, a small part of her ached at the thought. She had grown used to her old group, even if the bond wasn't particularly deep. No, she thought, clenching her fists. It's for the best.

As she approached the guild's entrance, her stomach churned with unease. The sun had barely risen, casting a soft orange hue over the world. Nari took a deep breath before stepping inside.

The guild's attendant greeted her with a polite nod. "Good morning, Nari. You're here for a new group , correct?"

Nari nodded, feeling her nerves tingling. She hoped for a fresh start, for new faces that would ask fewer questions and stay out of her business. Anything but her old group.

However, as she approached the bulletin board where new assignments were posted, her heart sank.

There, standing together and chatting like nothing had changed, were her some old group members—Sarah, Henry, and Leo.

What? Her eyes widened. Why are they here? I thought… She turned back to the attendant, who was shuffling some papers behind the counter. Did something go wrong?

Panic swelled in her chest, and she quickly turned away before they could notice her. She hadn't expected this. She was supposed to be done with them, free from the complications they brought. Without another thought, she made a swift exit, her feet carrying her in the direction of the library.

Maybe it was a mistake, she tried to reassure herself. Maybe they already know she isn't in the group anymore.

The library's quiet, musty air was a welcome change from the bustling guild. Nari slipped inside, her mind racing, trying to shake off the encounter at the guild. The towering shelves of books and the soft light filtering through the high windows made her feel safe. Here, she could focus. Here, she could forget.

Magic… she thought. I need to focus on learning more magic.

She wandered through the aisles of the library, running her fingers over the spines of old tomes as she searched for something—anything—that could help her better understand her growing magic. The nagging feeling of losing control over her magic had been weighing on her mind ever since the fireball incident.

Nari pulled out a book, flipping through its dusty pages, but she couldn't concentrate. Her thoughts kept drifting back to the group. Why were they still assigned together? no they couldn't be she wondered, trying to push the worry aside. They must have been there for a new mission.

But as she stood there, an eerie sensation washed over her. She felt as if someone was watching her. Slowly, she glanced around, but the library appeared empty. No one in sight.

She furrowed her brow and looked back at the book in her hands. I'm just imagining things, she thought, trying to shake off the unease. Focus, Nari. You need to learn control, or…

Just as she settled into her seat and pulled the book closer, a familiar voice broke the silence.

"There you are."

Her heart stopped for a split second. She looked up, and standing in front of her one of the people she wasn't ready to see again, with that same indecipherable look, was Leo.

"Leo?" she stammered, her voice barely audible. "What are you—"

Leo's expression was unreadable as he approached, taking a seat across from her without asking. "Why did the attendant tell us you had left our group?"

Nari's mind raced. Why did he follow me? Her heart pounded in her chest as she tried to come up with an explanation, but words failed her. She didn't expect him to be here, especially not in the library. She thought she had slipped away unnoticed.

"I… I didn't want to cause trouble," she said finally, trying to keep her voice steady.

Leo leaned back in his chair, eyes narrowing slightly. "Trouble? You think leaving the group without a word was the best way to avoid that?"

She wanted to stand up, to teleport away like she had done earlier. But something in his gaze kept her rooted to the spot. He wasn't angry, but there was something else in his expression—concern, maybe even hurt.

"You're avoiding us," he said his expression showing that of sadness. "Avoiding me."

Nari looked away, trying to avoid his intense gaze . "I'm not."

"Yes, you are," Leo insisted. "I saw you leave. You didn't even look at us."

She swallowed hard, not wanting to admit the truth. "It's complicated, Leo. I just… I need to focus on controlling my magic. Being with the group is making it harder."

Leo's expression softened slightly. "Is that what this is about? Your magic?"

Nari nodded. "I don't want anyone to get hurt because of me."

For a moment, there was silence between them, and Nari thought he might let the conversation drop. But then, Leo leaned forward, his voice more level. "Look, I get it. You've got a lot going on, and the magic stuff isn't easy. But running away from us isn't going to make it better."

Nari shook her head, her voice softer. "I'm afraid I'll lose control again."

Leo sighed. "We've all seen what you're capable of, Nari. But that doesn't mean we're afraid of you. You just need to learn how to control it—and you don't have to do that alone."

Nari glanced at him, uncertainty still gnawing at her. "And if I can't control it?"

Leo shrugged. "Then we figure it out. Together."

Nari's heart raced, his words tugging at her decision. She wanted to believe him, to trust that things could go back to how they were before the incident. But the fear of losing control, of hurting someone, was still too strong.

Leo leaned back, staring at her. "You're not a danger to them Nari. you're their friend. they've got your back, no matter what." His expression showing more affection "You don't have to handle this on your own."

Nari hesitated, the conflict bubbling inside her. A part of her wanted to admit he was right, to trust that they could help her. But the other part of her was still scared—scared of what she could do, of what she could become.

But as she looked into Leo's eyes, there was something in his gaze that made her believe he was serious. Slowly, she nodded, though the fear still lingered in her chest.

"Okay," she whispered.

Leo gave her a small nod of approval. "Good. Now, are you ready to come back to the group?"

Nari's heart skipped a beat. She hadn't expected him to ask that, not so soon. But the answer was already in her mind.

"I… I don't know, Leo what if-."

Leo had stood up and had come even closer to her before planting a kiss on her cheek "Think about it," Leo said. "No pressure. But they're waiting for you, whenever you're ready."

With that, he gave her one last look before turning and walking away, leaving Nari sitting there, surprised and flushed.