25 Memories Flooding In

Vik embraced Reece without hesitation.

His mind focused on comforting her rather than getting caught up in his own insecurities around girls. He held her gently, caressing her back with a soothing touch while his thoughts raced in different directions.

Reece was taken aback by the sudden embrace, pleasantly surprised and feeling butterflies in her stomach. She instinctively hugged him back, her arms wrapping around him as she processed her emotions.

"Feeling better now?" Vik asked, his hand still gently caressing Reece's back. He couldn't help but notice the pleasant scent of her floral perfume that caught his attention during the embrace.

"Yes... I'm sorry too. I... I was..." Reece began, her voice trailing off.

Vik chuckled, realizing why she was apologizing. He patted her back, breaking the hug and making eye contact with her.

"It's fine. Next time... just ask me," he reassured her, his gaze filled with understanding.

Vik felt uncertain about the situation, questioning whether it was a dream or an illusion in Oasis. However, he could sense that Reece harbored no ill intentions towards him.

Reece took a moment to process Vik's response, her eyes widening in surprise and a blush creeping onto her cheeks. This time, she initiated the hug, drawing herself closer to him. The proximity felt natural and comfortable, especially since Vik had embraced her first.

"I'm so glad. Why... Why were you acting distant with me all this time?" Reece asked in a soft voice, her words barely audible amidst the hug.

Vik realized there was a missing piece of the puzzle, something he wasn't aware of. Seeking clarification, he questioned her.

"Are we not in Oasis?" Vik's confusion mirrored Reece's, and he looked at her with a puzzled expression.

Reece was equally perplexed by Vik's question, attributing it to his peculiar habits and experiments within Oasis.

"How many times did the captain tell you not to experiment so much in Bourgys' Oasis? It seems to have messed with your mind. And why have you been speaking with a subtle Russian accent since you woke up? What's happening?" Reece wondered aloud.

Vik initially didn't grasp Reece's point, but when he looked at her with a bewildered expression, he realized that he had been speaking English while his subconscious mind still clung to the environment of Oasis. His conscious mind was slow to adjust.

Looking into Reece's eyes, Vik observed his reflection within them. However, there was something different, something he couldn't quite place. Drawing Reece closer, he scrutinized his own arms, feeling a sense of detachment from his own body.

"This... this is different," Vik murmured to himself, his shocked expression catching Reece's attention.

Suddenly, Vik stood up and began searching the room, desperately seeking something. Finally, he spotted a mirror above a small wash basin in the corner. Hurrying toward it, he examined his reflection, shaking his head in disbelief before slapping himself and looking again.

'This... this is the person I saw during the crash. What the fuck is happening? Why do I look like him? This... this isn't Oasis. Did the attack affect my mind?' Vik's thoughts raced uncontrollably, his expressions conveying his distress.

Feeling off balance, Vik would have fallen if Reece hadn't embraced him from behind, steadying him.

"Eren, what's wrong? What's troubling you? Tell me," Reece pleaded urgently, holding Vik tightly.

As Reece mentioned the name "Eren," something within Vik's mind triggered, flooding his consciousness with unfamiliar memories. His eyes widened, and he struggled to catch his breath, losing control over his body.

Vik clutched his head with both hands, his body weight leaning on Reece for support. In a desperate attempt to find relief, he uttered, "Fuck... I need to lie down. Help… help me."

Reece understood Vik's plea and quickly assisted him, guiding him back to his bed. She noticed the distress in his expression and his sudden change in language which made him sound like a local thug, but now wasn't the time to address it. With her enhanced strength, she supported his weight and gently laid him down.

"Eren... Eren... don't worry. I'll call someone to check on you, okay?" Reece expressed a mix of concern and panic, ready to seek help.

However, Vik grabbed her wrist, halting her in her tracks. He pleaded with her, his voice urgent.

"No... No, don't call the cops or docs. Don't call anyone. I... I'll be fine. Just let me rest," Vik implored, unaware that there were no police in the Elysian cities. Evading from authorities had always been his second nature.

Reece paused, her worry evident, but she respected Vik's request. She remained by his side, offering her support and a comforting presence during this bewildering ordeal.