Pink Is the Darkest Color

Introducing "Pink is The Darkest Color," a story inspired by the Webtoon novel "See You in My 19th Life" by Lee Hey/Hye. Prepare to embark on a journey that blends elements from this remarkable work with my own unique twist. Delve into a world where familiar threads intertwine with fresh ideas, as we explore new horizons together. Note: While this story is narrated in English, the majority of its setting and context revolve around the Filipino culture and environment. This part may contain themes and elements that could be distressing or triggering for some individuals, particularly younger audiences. Please proceed with caution and discretion. REINCARNATION. An ageless and ancient concept. It unveils the wondrous notion that when mortal life concludes its earthly symphony, souls embark on a celestial voyage into new realms, leaving their former lives behind as forgotten echoes. The elusive nature of this mystical phenomenon lies in veiled memories, a celestial enchantment that shields past lives from mortal recollection, defying any definitive proof. Interestingly, there is even a peculiar twist that has amused generations across cultures. Among certain beliefs, whispers speak of human souls traversing the karmic journey to inhabit the bodies of animals. Picture this: a king's soul frolicking in the form of a mischievous monkey, or a wise sage finding solace within the essence of a wise old owl. These whimsical notions have sparked joyous conversations around campfires and evoked laughter in the hearts of those pondering the mysteries of the afterlife. However, there exists a fascinating divide. While some firmly embrace the belief that our souls are destined to be reborn, no matter the form, others, the skeptics, swiftly dismiss this notion as mere fantasy. For them, the final act concludes when the curtain falls on this earthly stage, leaving no encore, no sequel – only an end to the tale we once called life. "Gallo, presentati a mia mamma." (Gallo, meet my mom.) Yet, amidst the shadows of uncertainty... a young man stands apart. "Buonasera, signora. Il mio nome è Gallo... Gallo Rossi." (Good evening, madam. My name is Gallo... Gallo Rossi.) The graceful middle-aged woman smiled and tenderly clasped the young man's hand with both of hers. "It's wonderful to meet you at last." Gallo Rossi, a part of a secretive yet formidable mafia syndicate, found himself intricately woven into the fabric of one of Italy's most affluent and influential families, De Luca. Motivated by a singular ambition, he set his sights on seizing their vast fortune, unflinchingly willing to employ any means necessary, regardless of the harm it caused to others. His hands were always tainted with blood, symbolizing the ruthless path he and his clan unhesitatingly walked. They harbored no fear, willing to eliminate anyone who stood in the way of strengthening their grip on power. Fueled by insatiable greed, they embodied malevolence, earning a reputation as the darkest of the dark, even among the most nefarious circles. "Welcome to the family." As he gained their trust day by day, Gallo Rossi also stealthily moved closer to his sinister goal. Captivating Elena Marie, the sole heiress of the De Luca family, became his primary objective. He carefully kept her fascinated with him, paving the way for a future marriage. Once he achieved this, he knew he would possess the power to strike a devastating blow. He will then remove her mother from the equation, granting his family significant access to take over their power, solidifying their control and influence. "Are you not considering marriage yet?" he asked Elena Marie one day, his words a blend of authentic curiosity and a hint of enigma. His patience had been enduring, but now it seemed to be wearing thin, as if his hidden agenda was beginning to push against the limits. Elena Marie just let out a soft laugh. "There you go again. We're still too young for such big decisions." She gently brushed her hand against his cheek. "Is your love for me so strong that you can't wait to marry, huh?" He chuckled in response and took her hand in his, pressing it gently against his cheek. Closing his eyes, he seemed to savor her touch, putting on a facade of emotion as if cherishing the moment. "Yes," he replied softly, "Ti amo così tanto." (I love you that much.) He knew he could endure more. Even after months and months, he felt the weight of the burden he carried, but he was determined to press on. However, the same couldn't be said for his clan. Their patience was wearing thin, and it felt like they could explode at any moment. The tension in the air was palpable as the days dragged on, testing their resolve and putting their plans at risk. Their insatiable greed for power only added to the mounting pressure. "Gallo, che succede?" his father's voice held a peculiar blend of anger and composure as he confronted his son one day. (Gallo, what on earth is happening?) "It's been almost a year, and it feels like nothing is progressing. Are you even sure that this young woman likes you?" "Sto cercando, papà," he responded. (I'm trying, dad.) The weight of disappointment hung heavy in his father's sigh, filling the room with tension. "It's becoming increasingly difficult to trust you," he said, his voice tinged with a mix of frustration and concern. "Tomorrow, we shall proceed with our next move." His brows furrowed in confusion. "Cosa intendi?" (What do you mean?) In an instant, he found himself entrapped, forced to adhere to the plan's intricate design with no room for deviation. The strategy involved luring the De Luca family away from their heavily fortified stronghold, all the while harboring a sinister objective – the elimination of Caterina, their sole mother. As he maneuvered through this perilous course, he also had to wear the facade of being Elena Marie's protector and emotional pillar, concealing his true intentions beneath a carefully crafted mask. But something unexpected came to disrupt. "Amore mio, ti presento Julian, mio fratello." (My love, meet Julian, my brother.) A young innocent soul. "Oh." Struggling to hide his surprise, he shifted his gaze to the backseat, where a little kid they had just picked up sat with damp hair. Though he was aware of her brother's existence, he hadn't foreseen his presence at this specific moment. To his understanding, her brother resided in America, making this their first encounter. The unforeseen addition of her little brother introduced an unexpected layer of complexity, prompting Gallo to reassess his plans. "You've been swimming again, haven't you?" Elena Marie's tone carried a scolding edge as she glanced at her brother in the backseat. She then turned her attention to Gallo, who was seated beside her at the wheel. "He's quite the swimmer." Gallo's eyebrow arched, piquing his curiosity. "Already?" He observed the young boy, who seemed a bit too youthful to be an accomplished swimmer. "Yes!" Elena Marie exclaimed with excitement. She turned to her brother, seeking confirmation, "Isn't that right, baby?" However, the kid remained deeply engrossed in playing with his stuffed toy at the back, oblivious to the conversation. "He even has a girlfriend already," Elena Marie added, a statement that finally managed to capture her little brother's attention. The child's brows furrowed in response, a reaction that brought a chuckle from Gallo. "Really, huh?" Gallo inquired, genuinely intrigued. "Yes," Elena Marie affirmed with a slight pout. "What's her name again? Charlotte?" The kid's continued lack of response prompted a shared chuckle between them. As they continued on their journey, an unsettling feeling settled in Gallo's chest. Despite his ruthlessness, the notion of causing harm to a child remained a boundary he had never crossed. He yearned to halt the plan within his clan, yet he grappled with uncertainty on how to do so. Just as his thoughts swirled, a jarring reality snapped him to attention. The car ahead, transporting Caterina, was abruptly targeted, a gunshot suddenly shattering its wheel. The vehicle veered and spun in disarray, accompanied by the sharp sound of Elena Marie's horrified scream echoing through the air. Bringing his car to a sudden stop, he shut his eyes, striving to gather his thoughts amidst the chaos. After a moment of contemplation, he unsealed the compartment and retrieved a gun. Determined to stay on course with the original plan, he pushed aside the rising unease that threatened to engulf him. Exiting the car, he witnessed Elena Marie already running toward the vehicle that held her mother. In response, Gallo quickly unlatched his car's backseat door where Julian, her younger brother, was seated. He tried to engage the child's attention, but Julian's innocent eyes held an unmistakable fear, as though he was facing such a situation for the very first time. "Julian," he called out, but receiving no response, he swiftly scooped up the child and rushed toward Elena Marie, holding the little boy tightly in his arms. He was about to shout for her name... but in an instant, a piercing screech tore through his mind. The overwhelming sound forced him to release the child and halt in his tracks. He clutched his head tightly, stumbling on the road as pain surged through his head. The agony was unbearable, seemingly triggered by an unknown force, leaving him helpless and dominated by its relentless grip. Amidst the chaos, he could see the little boy's lips moving, forming words of concern, but all he could hear was the incessant screeching sound. His vision began to blur, as if he was being drawn into another dimension, his surroundings fading into an indistinct haze. Then, like an overpowering torrent, a series of visions surged into his mind with an uncanny familiarity. "Ginoo..." Each detail was etched vividly, every emotion palpable, and every moment relived. "Te extrañé..." (I missed you...) It was as though he was immersed in memories that had found a place within his consciousness. "Saeng-il chukha haeyo!" (Happy birthday!) All of the lives he had lived through history. His mind's eye painted vivid scenes: a warrior's stance, sword in hand, defending with fierce determination. He felt the weight of a gun, each shot resonating with the pulse of his country's call. He embraced the roles of brother and dutiful son, the bonds weaving a tapestry of his life's narrative. He visualized the stories he carved, the footprints he left in the sands of time, all while upholding his principles as a man, ensuring his actions never inflicted harm upon others. And in every vision, a recurring pattern resurfaced—his life being cut short, abruptly ending at the youthful age of 25. Perpetually meeting an untimely demise, he found himself entangled in an enigma of countless lives, all cut short before the grip of old age. This recurrent pattern of premature endings had granted him an existence devoid of the experience of growing old. One by one, he vividly remembers how he purposefully distanced himself from others in each lifetime. Driven by a noble yet agonizing intention, he aimed to shield both them and himself from the impending heartache that his eventual departure would undoubtedly bring. And he has always been a man. Whether in the sweeping landscapes of history or the intricate details of various eras, his soul consistently embraced the roles, attributes, and responsibilities that society bestowed upon the masculine identity. From ancient civilizations to modern societies, his presence echoed with a distinct sense of strength and fortitude. It was as if an intricate thread ran through the tapestry of his existence, weaving together a narrative that underscored the profound and unchanging nature of his masculinity. He has always been the protector—a man who protects his community, his woman, and fights relentlessly for justice. And regardless of the twists of fate or the varied vessels his soul might inhabit, he steadfastly held onto the belief that he would forever embody the qualities that had defined him throughout time—an unwaveringly brave, resolute, and masculine presence. "I like you." So why... "I like you, Heather." Why is another man making my heart beat so fast? "Every beat of my heart whispers your name, and every moment spent with you feels like a dream—I'm head over heels for you. I like you so much, Heather. Too damn much." Could it be because I am now in a woman's body? How did this even happen? But she, Heather... She's afraid. She's afraid by the haunting fear that once he uncovers the truth... his heart's whispers will falter, and every shared moment will transform into a haunting nightmare. She's haunted by the thought that his profound affection will shatter, once he learns that she... she's the very source of his deepest suffering. Would his feelings endure once he uncovers the truth that the woman in front him... is the very same individual who ended his mother's life decades ago? His mother, Caterina.