Whispers of Destiny

Chapter 13: The Nudge of Fate

The light breeze stirred the petals of the flowers as Soraichi stepped into the Immortal World. The air here was fresher, crisper, infused with a strange serenity—a stark contrast to the bustling mortal world he often dealt with. In this space, time seemed to slow down, allowing Soraichi a brief moment to breathe and think.

His gaze settled on Nien, who was kneeling by a bed of vibrant blossoms, gently watering them with a grace that suggested he was part of the landscape itself. The contrast between Nien's stunning figure—his sharp nose, broad shoulders, and tall frame—and the delicate flowers around him couldn't have been more striking. With his appearance, any mortal who crossed his path might have mistaken him for a celebrity or a god.

Soraichi approached, tilting his head slightly. "You know, it's a little weird seeing you in such a calm setting. I almost expect you to break into a heroic pose or something."

Nien didn't look up immediately, continuing his task of watering the flowers. Only after a long pause did he acknowledge Soraichi's presence with a subtle shift of his posture. 

"Did you come for something, or did you just want to interrupt my flower care ritual?"

Soraichi rolled his eyes with a grin. "Always so dramatic, Nien. I need your help with something. Kaede's still stumbling around, and I need you to give her a nudge—an important one this time."

Nien stood up, brushing the soil from his hands and turning to face Soraichi. His usual stoic demeanor never wavered, but there was a flicker of curiosity in his eyes. "Kaede is still confused, I see. So, what exactly do you want me to do?"

Soraichi sighed, running a hand through his hair. 

"She's under the mistaken belief that Dahyun is the one she needs to protect. I need you to guide her... subtly. And no cosmic riddles this time—something clear, but not too obvious."

Nien gave a small, knowing smile, one that barely touched his eyes. 

"I can do that. When am I to begin?"

"Now," Soraichi said, gesturing towards the shimmering gateway that led back to the mortal realm. "She's at the café again. Approach her carefully and drop the hint. Just let her know that Dahyun's not the one, but someone else—someone close to her."

With a nod, Nien straightened and began to step toward the gateway, his steps measured and silent.

As Nien walked across campus, he spotted Zhou Xinyu, a student with a sharp eye. The moment she saw him, her expression shifted to clear interest.

"Oh, hello there," she said, her voice playful and warm. "I don't think I've seen you around before. Are you new?"

Nien nodded, trying to keep his distance. "Yeah, just transferred."

She grinned mischievously. "Well, I'm sure you've been noticed." Her eyes scanned him openly. "Tall, handsome... sharp nose, broad shoulders... I'd remember you." She moved closer, testing how he'd react.