Chapter 11 Between You And I

Hageo stretched and let out a loud yawn. "By the way, Father Cedric, I think I need to get some rest. We should check what's under the chapel tomorrow. I sense something hiding beneath it... something important."

"Sure, sure," Father Cedric replied, nodding. He turned and called out, "Samuel! Get over here. I think the sisters prepared a room for us. Don't sleep on the grass, or you'll wake up with rashes!" Hageo chuckled, his laughter echoing in the quiet night.

"Fine," Samuel grumbled, brushing off his clothes as he trudged over.

Cedric yawned again\, but his drowsiness was interrupted by a soft giggle. He turned to see Mother Superior—no\, *Celine*—standing there\, her youthful form now revealed. "You're sleepy too\, I see\," she teased\, her eyes sparkling with amusement. Cedric blinked in surprise. "You're here... I mean\, *really* here. So\, this is your true form?" Celine laughed lightly. "What\, did you think I'd stay an old woman forever? Only a kiss of true love could return me to my original form\," she joked\, her tone playful. Cedric's eyes widened. "Wait\, so *this* is your true form? You're not... human?" "Well\, our kind doesn't age like regular humans\," Celine explained\, her voice softening. "But I still consider myself human in many ways. I'm no different from the Arian brothers\, really. I just use my powers to disguise myself as an old lady when needed."

"Oh, I see," Cedric said, his voice tinged with awe. "It seems you and Hageo are becoming friends. Maybe that's why Symphony chose you as its new wielder—it sensed you two would get along."- Celine Cedric nodded thoughtfully.

"I suppose so. I have a deep respect for him, even if our beliefs differ."

Celine smiled, her gaze warm. "That's good to hear." She hesitated for a moment, then added, "And... I'm sorry if I misled you while I was disguised as Mother Superior." Cedric shook his head. "No, I'm the one who should apologize. I didn't treat you well back then."

Celine reached out and gently took his arm. "It's okay. It was part of my job, after all." For a moment, they stood in silence, the air between them charged with unspoken emotions. Cedric leaned in, as if to kiss her, but Celine placed a hand on his chest, stopping him. "Hey, don't be too hasty," she said softly. "Let's make sure our feelings are true. For now, let's just treasure what we have." Cedric nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "You're right." Together, they turned their gaze to the night sky, the stars twinkling above as they stood side by side on the balcony, their bond growing stronger with each passing moment.

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Meanwhile, Elena tiptoed quietly toward the room where Samuel and Hageo were sleeping. The hallway was dimly lit, and her heart raced as she reached for the door handle. She gently pushed it open, only to be met with the unexpected sight of Hageo standing right in front of her, arms crossed and an eyebrow raised.

"Sorry! Are you two still asleep?" Elena whispered, her voice tinged with embarrassment. Hageo's stern gaze softened slightly as he studied her. "You wanna go out with Samuel, don't you?" he asked, his tone direct but not unkind

Elena's cheeks flushed. "I was hoping to invite both of you, actually. The town's night market is happening, and I thought it would be fun to go together. You know, to relax and enjoy ourselves for a change." Hageo sighed and rubbed the back of his neck. "Hays... nah, I'll pass," he said, clearing his throat. "But you can take Samuel. Just give me a second." He closed the door gently, leaving Elena standing awkwardly in the hallway.

Inside the room, Hageo walked over to Samuel, who was sprawled on the bed, snoring softly. He nudged him with his foot. "Hey, oaf! Wake up. Elena's here asking for a date." Samuel bolted upright, his eyes wide. "A date?!" he squealed, his voice cracking like a teenager's. Hageo smacked him lightly on the back of the head. "Idiot, don't scream! You're the man here. Act like it."

Samuel groaned, rubbing his head. "Fine, fine..." He stumbled out of bed, quickly smoothing his hair and straightening his clothes before opening the door. Elena was still waiting, her hands clasped nervously in front of her. When Samuel appeared, she gave him a shy smile. "Sorry to wake you up. I was wondering if you'd like to go to the night market with me?" Samuel's face turned red, but he managed to nod. "Uh, yeah. Sure."

As the two of them walked down the hallway, Hageo leaned against the doorframe, watching them go. Just before they turned the corner, he slipped out the door and gave Samuel a thumbs-up, his usual gruff demeanor replaced by a rare, encouraging smile. Samuel glanced back, catching Hageo's gesture. For a moment, his nervousness faded, replaced by a flicker of optimism. He nodded slightly, then turned his attention back to Elena as they stepped out into the lively night market. --

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