Misunderstanding

Mia looked back and forth between Cid and Fran, unable to form a sentence. Her mind swirled with confusion and disbelief. However, her reverie was interrupted when Cid frowned and asked her in an irritated tone:

— "Why did you scream?"

Mia opened her mouth to respond, but her eyes immediately went back to Fran. Cid followed her gaze, shrugging in exasperation.

— "What are you staring at like that? The wall?" he asked, crossing his arms.

— "The wall?" Mia repeated, surprised.

— "Yeah, the wall," Cid retorted before stepping forward to where Fran was leaning. He placed his hand on the wall, just inches from Fran's face. Fran remained unfazed, arms crossed, a smirk playing on his lips.

Mia swallowed hard and murmured under her breath, as if to herself:

— "He… he doesn't see you?"

Fran, who had heard her perfectly, shook his head slowly with an amused smile. Cid, however, narrowed his eyes.

— "Did you say something?" he asked suspiciously.

Mia snapped back to reality and shook her head quickly.

— "No, nothing… I just thought I heard… someone, but it's probably my imagination. Must be the effects of the medication," she added with a nervous smile.

Cid studied her for a moment, unconvinced. Finally, he sighed.

— "I'll be in the kitchen if you need anything," he said before leaving the room.

As soon as Mia heard the door close, she rushed to lock it. She turned back to Fran, arms crossed, her eyes filled with questions.

— "How is it possible that he can't see you?" she asked in a low voice.

Fran shrugged slightly.

— "First, I'm a Reaper, which means I'm a spirit. And second, I haven't made a pact with Cid. Without a pact, it's impossible for him to see me."

— "Ah… I see," Mia murmured, finally understanding.

A silence settled between them, broken when Fran gave her a piercing look.

— "So, do you like your new life?"

Mia smirked playfully.

— "It's… not bad."

But Fran didn't seem to share her enthusiasm. His tone grew serious.

— "Don't get too attached. In 99 days, you won't be here anymore. This world, this life… all of it will be over."

Mia held his gaze, a defiant glint in her eyes.

— "I already know that. And I'm not getting attached, trust me. On the contrary… I can't wait to leave."

Fran raised an eyebrow but didn't respond immediately. They talked for a few more moments before Fran suddenly straightened up.

— "Well, I have to go. I've got things to do."

Mia stared at him, perplexed.

— "Things to do? Your only job is to reap souls. And you yourself said your next collection isn't for another 100 days."

Fran slowly turned toward her, an amused smile stretching across his lips.

— "Oh, that. I lied."

Mia's eyes widened.

— "You lied to me?!" she shouted before remembering that Cid was still in the house. Lowering her voice, but still furious, she hissed, "How could you do that to me?"

Fran burst into laughter, light and mocking.

— "People die every day, Mia. I'm not going to sit around doing nothing for 100 days."

— "But why not trade my place with someone who actually wants to live? Someone who's already dying?" she snapped.

Fran placed a hand on his chin, pretending to think.

— "Hmm… good question. I suppose I never thought of that," he said with an innocent smile, scratching his head.

Mia felt a surge of rage and lunged at him.

— "You bastard!" she screamed, reaching out to grab him.

But Fran disappeared just before she could touch him. Mia fell heavily onto the bed as his ethereal laughter echoed through the room.

Groaning, she sat up and glared at the empty space.

— "I curse you, Fran! You haven't heard the last of me!"

The silence that followed offered no response. Mia collapsed back onto the bed, exasperated but unable to suppress a small, amused smile. That Reaper was going to drive her insane.