Between Love and Fate

Chapter 1

As dusk settled, the car came to a gentle stop outside The Golden Chalice Inn. The driver softly called out to the young man dozing in the backseat.
Sebastian Whitfield blinked awake, his long eyelashes fluttering as he took a moment to gather his thoughts. His dream world faded as he opened his eyes, revealing a hint of confusion.
He stretched, unfastening his seatbelt. “Uncle Barnaby, you don’t need to stick around. I’ll be fine.”
The older man moved to open the door for him but hesitated, concern etching his features. “Young master, it’s getting late, and it might be hard to catch a ride. I’d prefer to wait until you’re done.”
Sebastian understood the worry all too well.
Just a week earlier, he had unexpectedly passed away and found himself inhabiting the body of a fictional character—a romantic fool who fell head over heels for a famous actor. This character had spent exorbitantly on fan support, chasing a misguided sense of love as he turned his back on an arranged marriage, even going as far as running away, which ultimately led to a fatal accident.
While the idea of arranged marriages didn’t sit well with him, there was a key point: the “one true love” should be someone who genuinely wanted to build a life together, not simply view him as a bank account.
Sebastian couldn’t shake the feeling that the original character had wasted his life over a celebrity whose affections were hard to gauge.
Now, with no attachment to past obsessions, he was ready to accept his family’s wishes and meet his designated match. This was his way of paying respect to the life he’d taken over.
But his family was clearly skeptical of this sudden change of heart, worried he might backtrack and suffer another mishap.
***
The Golden Chalice Inn stood elegantly under the twilight sky, its welcoming glow casting intricate shadows about the flowers lining the walkway. Sebastian stepped out, smoothing his tailored jacket as he prepared to face the unfamiliar.
He entered, greeted by the bustling sounds of diners and the clinking of glasses. While the ambiance was a far cry from his previous existence as a driven high school student, Sebastian felt a strange thrill bubble within him.
His heart skipped as he glanced around. Would his potential fiancé be here? A subtle anxiety intertwined with anticipation.
He was soon swept into a private room on the third floor, the Noble Suite, where figures awaited. Among them was his match, Elias Ravenswood—a poised man with broad shoulders and a striking silhouette in his tailored suit. At first glance, Sebastian realized he might have found someone who could lift him off his feet.
“When do we get married?” Sebastian blurted, his eagerness spilling out.
Elias, intrigued but composed, raised an eyebrow. “I’ve heard you have someone special?”
Sebastian quickly dismissed it. “No, it’s just celebrity crushes. That hardly counts.”
“Ah,” Elias replied, smirking. “So, a marriage of convenience, then?”
“Let’s call it a practical arrangement, shall we?” Sebastian winked back, playfully imagining the headlines that might ensue.
Their budding connection was quickly put to the test when they were invited to star in a reality show designed for couples and families—a way to spice things up and strengthen bonds.
Elias was the perfect husband candidate—talented in survival skills and nurturing with their adopted child, Sophia Everhart, a remarkably bright girl full of ingenuity. Meanwhile, Sebastian found himself playing the charming yet sheltered son, engaged solely in lighthearted banter and leaving the heavy lifting to his more capable companions.
As they stepped onto the set of “Survival of the Isles,” viewers couldn’t believe their eyes. “How does Sebastian get such a dream husband and a model daughter?” they wondered in the chat.
“Ugh, right? What’s his secret?” echoed another.
“Look at that! They really went all out,” a fan gushed, pressing send on their wishful thinking.
Planted among the audience’s cheers was Steven, an actor from a rival production who had eyed Sebastian with envy. Hearing he and Elias had not only wed but also adopted a child was shocking. “There’s no way. This has to be fake,” he muttered darkly, plotting to expose the truth.
Unbeknownst to Sebastian, Steven stealthily ingratiated himself into their lives on the show, all while plotting to break the newlyweds apart. “Sophia, haven’t you noticed how your dad keeps getting flowers from that actor next door?” she asked innocently. “Maybe he needs help in the love department?”
Elias just chuckled, watching as Sebastian’s face turned a radiant shade of red—his heart racing at the notion.
The next morning, Sebastian was happily roused by Elias, who carried him from their room to breakfast. Sophia darted around, ensuring everything was perfect, from the chair he would sit in to the soft cushions that supported him.
The spectators squealed with delight as they watched the close-knit family dynamic unfold. “Oh my god, this scene is everything!” one fan exclaimed.
Sebastian was taken aback but quickly reminded himself to immerse in the moment. For once, he felt a part of something meaningful, a family he hadn’t known he’d craved.
“Here’s to great beginnings,” he thought as the laughter filled the suite, a symphony of hope and joy surrounding him.
His journey in this new life was one marked by unexpected blessings—love, family, and perhaps, the chance to discover who he really was, all while showing the world just how magical connections could truly be.

Chapter 2

Sebastian Whitfield stepped out of the car with long strides, his expression a confident smirk as he looked back at Uncle Barnaby. “Come on, Uncle Barnaby, you’ve got to give my blind date a chance to show off. What if he wants to take me home?”
Uncle Barnaby was momentarily speechless. By the time he gathered his thoughts, Sebastian had already made his way into The Golden Chalice Inn.
I’m worried he’ll be too eager, Uncle Barnaby thought, internally lamenting the lack of safety in such situations.
Sebastian made his way to The Noble Suite, where the date was set to take place, sticking to his principle of minimal movement—what was the rush with The Ascending Tower waiting?
As he glanced at his reflection in the elevator's shiny surface, he couldn't shake off the feeling of discomfort.
Though he was already twenty-two, he appeared far younger due to the unblemished features of his face—a blend of delicate features, wide-eyed innocence, and a naturally charming smile that painted him as naïve and easily deceived.
No one knew better than Sebastian just how much trouble such looks could attract. His eyes cooled, and he suppressed his smile. The childish charm dimmed significantly, replaced with an air of cold elegance that, intriguingly, seemed to ward off unwanted advances.
Not bad—a little more practice would make it better.
Ding—
The elevator doors opened to reveal two men emerging from The Dungeon Stable. Conversations halted abruptly at the sight of Sebastian.
Unfazed, he stepped inside, prepared to press the button for his floor. But just as he reached for it, one of the men, short and stout, leaned in with a frown. “What are you doing here?”
Sebastian took a small step back, a hint of confusion on his face. Who are you?
The man, wearing a mask, caught him off-guard. The taller figure beside him was completely covered with hat and mask, revealing only his eyes. Unfamiliar with either, Sebastian remained unimpressed.
However, the moment the taller man took off his hat and mask, a smile replaced his frown, and his eyes softened as he looked at Sebastian. “Checking on my schedule again? Missing me already?”
Sebastian’s brow furrowed.
That cheeky smile, that nauseating lilt to his words, and what an overtly self-satisfied remark... could it be that this was the celebrity the original owner had been pursuing?
“Get real,” Sebastian replied, dismissing him with a cold gaze as he pressed the button for his floor. “I have a date.”
Edmund Hawke paused, surprised at Sebastian’s frosty demeanor but brushed it off. “You’re upset. It was my fault cancelling on you at the last minute; did you wait long that day?”
Invasive feelings stirred in Sebastian, his brow knitting together as he stepped aside to distance himself.
“You really are mad,” Edmund ventured closer, leaning against the elevator wall. “I apologize. Please don’t hold a grudge against me, Sebastian.”
He called out Sebastian’s name in that familiar, coddling tone that usually made Sebastian blush and shy away, whispered protests, perhaps even turning rosy-cheeked.
Yet—
“Ah-choo!”
Sebastian sneezed, backing away to cover his nose, looking at him with sheer disgust. “Back off, you smell.”
Edmund froze, quickly straightening up.
The Ascending Tower had reached The Noble Suite just in time. Sebastian sidestepped around him to escape and hurried out as the doors closed behind him.
Edmund turned to his agent Beatrice, who was watching curiously. “Do I smell?”
Beatrice approached, giving him a sniff. “Not at all! Didn’t you just switch to that new fragrance? It’s nice.”
Edmund’s brows furrowed deeper, frustration surfacing. “Then why did he—”
Beatrice shrugged, puzzled. He recognized Sebastian; he was part of the loyal fan group who often showered Edmund with support. Although Beatrice had always cautioned against getting too chummy with fans, Sebastian had provided plenty of backing, making it hard to avoid. It felt reasonable to keep up the connection. Yet today, Sebastian’s distant demeanor was unexpected.
“Who knows? He might be trying to get your attention,” Beatrice suggested, shrugging it off.
As the elevator reached The Upper Keep, she reminded Edmund, “You've got a mission today. Make a great impression in front of the Director's Guild to snag that role. It took a lot to get this opportunity for you…”
If only Sebastian knew what was stirring in Beatrice's mind regarding Edmund, he would surely regret not finishing his earlier remarks.
—Your obnoxiously overwhelming presence is suffocating.
Too much. Too greasy. How could anyone find such a person appealing?
The original Sebastian had once sacrificed his future for this man. After hearing about their arranged meeting getting derailed, he had to stride in and disrupt it, embarrassing the other party to no end, ruining the collaborative efforts of both families.
When Sebastian’s family later faced a crisis, he had no choice but to withhold any requests for assistance from the former betrothed, who lifted no finger to harm him but allowed connections to falter under the ungrateful shadow of their bad blood.
In the end, Sebastian's fortunes dwindled, and the “true love” he once believed in disappeared just as swiftly.
How utterly abhorrent.
After a long moment of collecting himself in the hallway, Sebastian finally felt his anger subside.
Glancing at his watch, he confirmed he wasn't late and knocked on the door to the reserved suite.
A waiter opened the door, and as Sebastian looked inside, he locked eyes with a man in a white shirt sitting at the table. Both men paused, a flash of surprised delight crossing their features.

Chapter 3

Sebastian Whitfield couldn't help but be captivated by the striking figure before him. With a chiseled face that looked like it was carved from jade, deep-set dark eyes, and an impressive tall frame, Elias Ravenswood instantly ignited fireworks in Sebastian's mind. His arms, rolled up to reveal a subtle hint of toned muscle and prominent veins, made the moment feel electric.
Having been single his entire 25 years of life prior to stepping into this world didn't help matters. The societal backdrop he came from had never offered him the freedom to explore romantic relationships like this new reality could. He had a clear vision of his ideal partner, and right now, that ideal was standing right in front of him.
Elias fit the mold perfectly—broad shoulders, a slim waist, and the kind of physique that could easily lift Sebastian without breaking a sweat. His height was probably around six foot three. Dressed impeccably in a crisp white shirt that showcased his powerful build, Elias exuded a blend of refined restraint and raw masculinity. If he wore a well-tailored suit, he would be the epitome of a handsome gentleman—a real catch.
"I could get used to this. When's the wedding?" Sebastian thought, humorously.
"Sebastian Whitfield," Elias called, pulling Sebastian from his thoughts.
His voice was low and magnetic, a stark contrast to the overly dramatic personas of certain Hollywood stars. It was smooth, real, and made Sebastian's heart race.
Sebastian nodded, keeping his composure as he stepped forward to shake Elias's hand. "Nice to meet you."
Elias’s hand engulfed Sebastian’s, warm and dry with a reassuring strength. "Nice to meet you too, Elias Ravenswood," he replied, his eyes never wavering.
In a gentlemanly gesture, Elias came around to pull out a chair for Sebastian. "Please, have a seat. Do you have any dietary restrictions?"
Sebastian made a mental note of Elias’s thoughtfulness, silently giving him a point. "Thanks, I don't eat organ meats, except for beef tripe," he clarified.
Elias took his seat across the table. "How about beef brisket? The local specialty here is amazing; you should try it."
As they settled in, a server approached with a tablet for ordering. Sebastian selected the brisket Elias recommended, alongside a sweet and sour yam dish and a traditional chicken soup. Then he handed the tablet over to Elias. "Got any more recommendations?"
Elias accepted the tablet, raising an eyebrow. "Do you like seafood?"
Sebastian nodded. "I love it."
"Alright then, we'll have some boiled shrimp and spicy crab, plus a vegetable medley," Elias decided confidently.
Sebastian was pleased with Elias's choices and subtly admired the way his long fingers expertly tapped on the screen. Another point for him.
"Would you like some red wine?" Elias asked casually.
Sebastian shook his head. "I just got out of the hospital a few days ago. My folks advised against alcohol for a while."
Elias nodded in understanding and returned the tablet to the server, signaling that they were done ordering. With generous portion sizes at this restaurant, two people would easily have more than enough food.
As their drinks arrived, they exchanged glances, silently drinking from their cups—a tactical pause to ease the tension in the air.
Elias glanced over, his demeanor more relaxed than Sebastian's. "You don't need to be nervous. We're just here to get to know each other."
Sebastian wasn’t particularly burdened, but he felt an undeniable wave of nerves. Meeting someone who fit his fantasies so precisely would rattle anyone, especially after a lifetime of solitude. Oddly enough, the more anxious he felt, the colder his expression became—a reflex developed from years of protective solitude.
He stole a glance at Elias, who was now resting his hands on the table, fingers intertwined. There was a subtle motion of his thumbs rubbing against each other, almost like he was bracing for a significant conversation. Elias didn’t seem much less tense than he felt.
Feeling a wave of relief, Sebastian steadied himself. "Thank you, but let's get to the point. We both know this meeting is about potential marriage, so let’s be upfront—do you want a partner who stays out of your business after we tie the knot, or someone you hope to build a relationship with?"
Elias looked surprised but intrigued.
Five minutes ago, he'd been leaning toward the former—hoping their union would simply allow them both to fulfill familial expectations without interfering in each other's lives, respecting their individual freedoms while just playing the roles of spouse when required.
Yet now, he replied, "If the other person is willing, I prefer the latter."
Sebastian allowed himself a grin as he raised his glass. "What a coincidence! I feel the same."
Elias’s eyebrows lifted in reaction as he clinked glasses with Sebastian, then set his down, casually inquiring, "But I've heard you have someone special in your life?"
Sebastian was not surprised that Elias had heard rumors; after all, the original Sebastian’s fan obsessions were hard to miss. However, that was a relic of the past, an experience that didn’t define him now.
He shrugged it off with a nonchalant grin. "No one special. Just a fanboy phase—does that count as love?"
A little thrill went through him at the thought of a love that was to be built after marriage.
Just then, the server returned with their first dish, and Elias, having confirmed Sebastian's laid-back attitude, didn't press him further about the rumors.
Sebastian took a deep breath as the fragrant brisket hit his senses, igniting an appetite he didn't know he had.
As the meal progressed, it turned out to be an incredibly pleasant experience. Elias was a true gentleman, skillfully peeling shrimp and cracking open crab claws for Sebastian. Each small act of kindness accrued points in Sebastian’s internal scorecard, reminiscent of a video game where you collect treasure and power-ups.
Based on Sebastian's earlier honesty, Elias reciprocated with a revelation of his own: he had adopted a child a few months back.
"If that’s a problem, you're free to decline this alliance," he added.
Sebastian had already been informed by his family that for couples like him and Elias, being gay meant there were no natural heirs. He understood that family dynamics were complex, but he was in too deep to back out now.

Chapter 4

Sebastian Whitfield had always enjoyed a comfortable life. His older sister had a successful position at their family’s company, and he himself was entrenched in a stable, long-term relationship.
Elias Ravenswood, however, was the only child in his family. He didn’t resort to surrogacy to secure an heir like others did. Instead, he took an unconventional route by choosing to adopt a child, which was considered both progressive and respectable in his circles.
“I’ve never taken care of kids before,” said Sebastian, recalling his younger sister, who had passed away years ago. “But I’m open to it.”
Elias relaxed a bit at this. “That’s alright; I’m still figuring things out myself.”
The two men exchanged smiles, a silent agreement binding them once again.
After dinner, Elias offered to drive Sebastian home.
They waited at the entrance of The Golden Chalice Inn for Elias's chauffeur. Sebastian excused himself briefly to use the restroom on the first floor.
Meanwhile, Edmund Hawke was being helped by Agent Beatrice as they descended in the elevator. He needed to catch a late-night flight for work, but he knew that to land his desired role, he had to first indulge Sir Reginald the Director in a drink or two.
As the elevator reached the first floor, Edmund caught a glimpse of Sebastian slipping past him toward a tall man standing outside, who opened the car door for him.
“What? He actually went out with someone?” Edmund frowned at the sight, uncertain of the familiar figure from behind.
Before he could ponder further, a sudden pang of pain seized his stomach, forcing him to divert his attention from Sebastian.
*
Inside the car, Sebastian fastened his seatbelt in the backseat beside Elias.
Surprised, Elias raised an eyebrow. Even though traffic laws insisted on buckling up, it was uncommon for most people to do so in the back seat.
Sebastian noticed Elias's inquisitive look and momentarily paused. “It’s a habit I developed after a minor car accident. My family insisted I always wear a seatbelt.”
Immediately, Elias’s expression turned serious. “Was it bad?”
Sebastian blinked in surprise at his concern. “As you can see, all limbs intact, and I’m eating just fine.”
It was almost as if the body had changed, but the spirit remained unchanged.
After hearing this, Elias fastened his own seatbelt too and nodded approvingly. “Your family’s right. Safety comes first.”
“Exactly,” Sebastian agreed, and they reached another mutual understanding.
The backseat of Elias’s car was spacious and luxurious. After a hearty meal, tiredness began creeping up on Sebastian as he gazed at the passing lights outside, leaning into his seat, adopting a relaxed posture.
Yet in the reflection, he noticed Elias, fully upright—but the way he sat, hands resting on his legs, exuded a seriousness that belied his youth. He looked more like a seasoned bureaucrat than a man under thirty.
Elias, seemingly oblivious to this perception, carefully steered the conversation back to business. “The collaboration between our families is nearing a conclusion. If you’re agreeable, we can schedule an engagement soon, followed by discussions on the wedding date. What do you think?”
Sebastian flashed him a smile. “It’s certainly a possibility, but does Mr. Ravenswood always treat romance like a corporate agreement?”
Elias paused for a moment, caught off guard. Sebastian’s laughter brightened the mood, the corner of his mouth lifting, eyes sparkling playfully.
“Then should we also prepare a resume listing each other's likes and dislikes to deepen our understanding?”
Elias lowered his gaze sheepishly. “I apologize; I’ll work on my approach.”
Sebastian couldn't help but chuckle, his amusement growing. The formality of Elias's apology struck him as oddly charming.
Turning away, Elias could hardly hide his flush of embarrassment.
Taking pity on him, Sebastian suggested brightly, “How about I arrange our next outing then? Sound good?”
“Next outing?” Elias's throat tightened. “Um, sure.”
*
They exchanged contact information before Elias dropped Sebastian at his doorstep, politely bidding farewell.
“Drive safely!” Sebastian waved as Elias’s car pulled away, only to watch his Uncle Barnaby’s vehicle return from down the road.
The family’s maid opened the garden gate, greeting him with a smile. “Welcome back, Young Master. Lord Reginald and Lady Isabelle are waiting for you.”
Not just his parents, but his sister Catherine appeared as well, her face adorned with a facial mask, descending the stairs. “So, Elias Ravenswood accompanied you home.”
Sebastian nodded, accepting the glass of water the maid handed him with a grateful smile. Taking a seat on the living room sofa, he noticed the curious gazes from his family.
“Did it go well?” Lady Isabelle asked with concern.
Sebastian shrugged nonchalantly. “It went alright. We're going to see how things play out.”
“Really?” Lady Isabelle’s surprise flickered across her features. Lord Reginald eyed him skeptically.
Catherine gasped, pulling off her mask. “You’re kidding, right?”
Sebastian raised an innocent eyebrow. “Why would I joke about that?”
His family exchanged uncertain looks. “Maybe it’s worth considering a second thought,” Lady Isabelle suggested hesitantly.
“We’re nearly finalized on our collaboration with the Ravenswoods. Arranged marriages don’t necessarily have to be the outcome,” Lord Reginald added seriously.
Sebastian chuckled silently to himself; he couldn’t blame them for their cautious approach. After all, if it wasn’t for Edmund Hawke’s interference, the initial proposal would have never caused such a rift.
The matchmaking proposition had originally come from Elias Ravenswood’s parents; neither Lord Reginald nor Lady Isabelle had thought about forcing their freshly graduated son into a marriage, especially when their daughter was in a stable relationship.
However, witnessing Sebastian’s fascination with the unreliable celebrity sparked new deliberations among his parents about finding a suitable match with whom they had roots and understanding.
It wasn't that the Whitfields had prejudices against stars; they merely found that Edmund Hawke had a reputation for being too frivolous in relationships.
Yet here was their son, considering an engagement, and they worried if he might be compromising too much for family expectations.
It was evident they loved their children deeply.

Chapter 5

Sebastian Whitfield could sense the concerns of the Whitfield family and explained, “You’re overthinking this. I just think Elias Ravenswood is a decent guy, and I’d like to get to know him better.”
“They’re the ones my parents suggested, and my sister’s in the same class as Elias. Surely, none of you have misjudged him.”
Lady Isabelle Whitfield replied, “Of course not. If he weren’t exceptional, your parents would have turned you down from the start.”
Lord Reginald Whitfield nodded in agreement, “Just trust in your mother’s and my judgment.”
Catherine Whitfield pressed on, “So, you’ve given up on being a fanboy?”
Sebastian Whitfield shrugged, “Yeah, I have.”
Catherine raised an eyebrow, “Really? You can just let that go?”
Sebastian chuckled, “What’s there to hold onto? Being a fan is all about choice—you can follow someone if you like them, or drop them if you don’t. It’s no big deal to switch favorites from day to day.”
Catherine blinked, surprised. “When did you become so fickle? You used to be so loyal.”
Sebastian sighed, “Weren’t you the one who said he isn’t worth it? Isn’t it logical I would stop following him?”
Lady Isabelle Whitfield quickly grasped his hand, “Alright, alright, then moving on is good.”
Lord Reginald Whitfield, though serious in demeanor, was patient with his wife and children. “Don’t blame your sister and me for being concerned. It’s genuinely for your own good.”
Sebastian nodded earnestly. “I understand. After the accident, I’ve realized that family matters most. You guys are the ones truly looking out for me.”
Lost in the haze of “love,” the original Sebastian couldn’t see clearly; meanwhile, the solitary Sebastian was more than grateful for family stepping in.
Lady Isabelle Whitfield's eyes watered as she quickly swiped at her tears, “I’m just glad you understand.”
Reginald embraced her, patting her shoulder, “Alright son, if you’re willing, let’s allow you some time with Elias. We don’t need to worry so much.”
Sebastian stood up, ready to head to his room, “You guys just wait for my good news.”
Lady Isabelle broke into a smile, quickly drying her tears.
Catherine followed Sebastian upstairs. “Are you serious?”
Sebastian, a bit reserved in front of his parents, intended to be more honest with Catherine, “I’m serious! After today, I realized Edmund Hawke isn’t all that, but Elias? He’s actually handsome.”
Catherine was speechless.
Even though she thought Elias was better looking than Edmund, did her brother really have such a shallow perspective?
Before she could respond, Sebastian pulled her into his room, “Sis, you’ve been dating Julian Waters for a while, can you share some dating tips with me? What do couples usually do?”
Catherine frowned, “Elias doesn’t even plan dates.”
Sebastian reflected on the man’s serious demeanor and chuckled, “He might lack that romantic flair. I don’t want every meeting to feel like a formal discussion.”
Catherine felt a tinge of heartache. It seemed her brother was not only superficial but also easily smitten.
They’d just met, and he was already thinking about the other person!
Catherine cautioned, “Have you considered what if one of you starts to develop feelings while the other doesn’t? How would that play out?”
Sebastian rolled his eyes, “Just say you’re worried I’m love-struck.”
Catherine stared in disbelief, “You’re not!”
Sebastian muttered under his breath, “Unlike the original Sebastian, I’m not taking the blame here.”
“If it doesn’t pan out, I’ll just cut my losses,” he stated confidently. “I’m no fool; the world is filled with options, and I won’t struggle to find someone.”
“But don’t worry, I’ll end things amicably if it comes to that. I wouldn’t want to jeopardize our family’s business relations.”
Catherine paused, looking at him with mixed emotions. “How peculiar. You never used to think this much.”
Sebastian’s eyelashes fluttered, and he lowered his gaze. “Getting burned once teaches you to be cautious; if I think ahead, I won’t fall for the same trick again.”
Catherine momentarily ceased, gently ruffling his hair, “Finally growing up, my silly little brother.”
In the end, Catherine shared some dating experiences and emphasized that he should protect himself.
Sebastian noted her advice in his phone when he suddenly noticed an overwhelming number of notifications on both his messaging app and social media. The original Sebastian still had an account in Edmund Hawke’s fan group on the messaging app, and other accounts solely dedicated to fandom had turned him into Edmund’s biggest male fan, boasting over eighty thousand followers.
He opened the messaging app and skimmed through the chat history. The group members were rallying support for chart rankings, organizing “emergency response” missions to counteract negative comments, and mixing in frustrations over unfinished homework.
“…”
No wonder the original Sebastian hardly spoke up in the group.
Despite that, his ability to throw money around helped him maintain his position as a top fan, along with some administrative privileges, including a smaller admin group.
Sebastian switched to his social media account, where posts got inundated with Edmund Hawke support and reflections on fandom.
The original Sebastian's choice of words seemed relatively normal, lacking any cringeworthy phrases like, “You’re my only light” or “I feel for you, brother.” But still, it made Sebastian wince.
He felt the urge to leave those groups and delete both accounts, but upon further thought, he realized those were fragments of the original’s memories that made up part of his teenage years…
In the end, he simply changed his messaging account name from “The Armored Knights” to a period, and altered his social media name to the date he entered this world, planning to log out and switch phones the next day.
Before logging off, he messaged the admin group: “My focus will be shifting to the real world; I won’t be participating in group activities anymore. Feel free to kick me if needed.”
Immediately, a few people in the group asked what was going on, but Sebastian chose not to reply.
One previous admin, who had frequently chatted with the original Sebastian, privately messaged him asking if he was suddenly leaving the fandom and whether he was unfollowing.
Sebastian paused to think and replied, “I’m getting married, so I need to uphold my virtue.”
The other party replied, “Haha.”

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