Chapter 11: Echoes of the Past Part 1

Ronan sat in his chair, rubbing his temples as he looked at Han Seohan with a mix of curiosity and skepticism. "So, what's the plan? How exactly are you going to help me win over Seraphina?"

Han leaned back, crossing his arms. "First, I need to know everything you know about her."

Ronan raised a brow. "Are you sure you even have what it takes? You're a cupid, aren't you? Shouldn't you just shoot an arrow or something and be done with it?"

Han sighed. "That's not how my arrows work. And even if they did, would you really want Seraphina to fall for you just because of magic? Wouldn't you rather win her heart properly?"

Ronan scratched the back of his head. "Hah… I knew trusting you was a mistake." He let out a breath before continuing. "Alright, listen. I'll tell you what I know, but it might not be of much use."

"Just tell me," Han urged.

Ronan leaned back, reminiscing. "When we were kids, she wasn't this tough on herself. She was just like any other girl. She loved visiting the flower fields near our village. She lived with her mother since her father was away at war, but she never seemed lonely. She was always kind, always helpful. And she still is. That's what made me fall in love with her in the first place—"

Before he could finish, a loud knock interrupted them.

"Hey, Ronan! You in there? It's me, George. You coming to drink tonight? Hey! Answer me, I'm coming inside!"

Ronan's eyes widened in panic. He glanced at Han, then rushed toward the door. "No! Don't come in—!"

But it was too late. The door swung open, and in walked a burly man with a confident smirk. George scanned the room, his eyes narrowing at Ronan. "What's with you? You hiding something from me?"

Ronan gulped. "No! Why would I—?"

George squinted, stepping past him. "You sure? Didn't sneak a girl in here to get over Seraphina, did you?"

Ronan nearly choked on his words. "Absolutely not!"

Han, meanwhile, stood right in front of George. He was so close he could have tapped him on the nose—but George didn't react. His gaze passed right through Han as if he wasn't even there.

Ronan noticed it too. He stared, his face frozen in confusion. George was looking around the room, completely unaware of Han's presence.

Han smirked. "Well, this confirms it."

Ronan barely managed to keep his expression neutral. "Uh, yeah. Like I said, there's no one here."

George let out a breath and stretched. "Alright, alright. You're acting weird, but whatever. Come on, let's hit the bar."

Ronan quickly shook his head. "No, I don't think I will. I'm not feeling too well."

George gave him a knowing look. "Hah, figured. That's why you were acting so jumpy. Fine, get some rest. You better not collapse before the big trip."

"Yeah, yeah, I'll be fine," Ronan muttered.

George turned to leave but paused at the doorway. "If it gets worse, go see the priest, alright?"

Ronan nodded hurriedly. "Yeah, I will. Don't worry about me."

With that, George finally stepped outside, closing the door behind him. Ronan waited a few moments before exhaling sharply. He turned to Han, his voice low. "What the hell was that?"

Han grinned. "Guess it's true. Not everyone can see me."

Ronan rubbed his temples. "This is too much to process…"

Han chuckled. "Don't worry. You'll get used to it."

And with that, the strange alliance between the two had begun.