Whispers of Destiny

Chapter 7: Letters and Light

The warm afternoon sun bathed the park in a golden hue, where Kaede and Mayu sat cross-legged on the grass, eagerly awaiting their meeting with Seoyeon. Kaede was fidgeting, her heart racing with anticipation about the letter she'd received. Mayu, on the other hand, exuded an air of calm, her eyes focused on the entrance to the park.

"Are you sure he'll come?" Kaede asked, nervously glancing at her watch for the third time.

Mayu shrugged, a knowing smile on her lips. "He's pretty punctual when it comes to delivering important messages."

Just then, a figure in sharp mortal attire approached. Seoyeon looked stylish in a casual yet polished outfit—a fitted navy jacket over a crisp white shirt and tailored jeans. His hair fell just above his eyes, giving him a laid-back yet undeniably charismatic appearance.

"Sorry to keep you waiting," he said with a grin, his presence instantly calming Kaede's jittery nerves.

"I had to dodge a few people who seemed convinced I was a celebrity."

Kaede chuckled, "I wouldn't be surprised! You look like you just walked off a magazine cover."

Seoyeon waved her compliment away with a laugh. "Flattery will get you everywhere. Now, let's get to the point."

He pulled out two letters from his pocket, one addressed to Kaede and the other to Mayu. "These letters contain the details of your assignments. Kaede, you first."

Kaede's heart raced as she reached for the letter, her hands shaking slightly. She opened it, reading aloud:

"To find the one you need to protect, look for the light that's often unchecked. In laughter and chaos, they are found, a guardian spirit who roams the ground."

"What does that even mean?" Kaede mused, her brow furrowed in confusion.

"It sounds like a riddle."

"Exactly! It's meant to guide you, but it seems you're stuck in a cosmic game of charades," Seoyeon replied with a smirk.

"Good luck deciphering it!"

Mayu snickered, "Maybe she needs a detective hat to solve this mystery."

"Very funny," Kaede shot back, rolling her eyes, but she couldn't help but smile.

"What about you, Mayu? What's in your letter?"

Mayu opened her letter, a satisfied grin spreading across her face as she read:

"Congratulations! You are assigned to protect Yooyeon."

"I already knew that," Mayu said, her tone confident.

"It's pretty hard to miss the giant 'Protect Me' sign floating above his head."

"Exactly!" Seoyeon said, nodding.

"And he definitely fits the criteria. Just... don't let his cold exterior fool you. There's more to him than meets the eye."

Kaede looked between them, a glimmer of hope sparking in her eyes.

"So, you're saying I'm just supposed to guess who I'm protecting based on some cryptic message?"

"Pretty much," Seoyeon replied, leaning back on his hands.

"But knowing Kaede, I have faith you'll figure it out. Just remember to look for the light."

"Right," Kaede said, half-sarcastic and half-serious. "Because that's so helpful."