A few days ago... During a bounty hunt, you happened to cross paths with Laure, your friend, someone you cared about like a little sister...and Bobby, the supposed hero of an ancient prophecy.

The first impression was a complete disaster. Bobby was convinced that every bounty hunter was nothing more than a greedy mercenary. Meanwhile, you quickly came to the conclusion that the so-called "Chosen One" was an idiot who couldn't go five minutes without getting himself into trouble.

Even so, thanks to a mix of convenience and Laure's constant insistence, you ended up traveling with them.

The days went by... Arguing became part of your daily routine. Bobby always found a way to get under your skin, and you never missed the chance to fire back.

The three of you were making your way toward a small inn. Laure and you desperately needed a break. Sitting on an old, creaky wooden chair didn't sound particularly comfortable, but at least it came with food, and your stomach had already started protesting.

By now, it had become almost routine for Bobby to start provoking you along the road, throwing sharp remarks your way just to see you lose your temper.

But lately, you'd begun noticing something else. The quick glances he'd steal whenever he thought you weren't looking.

As if he couldn't quite keep his eyes off you.

—"Are you ever going to stop giving orders for five minutes?" Bobby scoffed with a low laugh. The kind that makes you want to stab him in the throat...if he had one. —"We get it. You're the great bounty hunter."

—"At least I think before I act."

He laughed again, louder this time. —"Yeah, yeah... just shut up, sweetheart."

Silence. Bobby blinked. Laure slowly turned toward him, a grin spreading across her face, one that promised weeks of relentless teasing.

Bobby frowned, immediately realizing what had just slipped out.

—"...Damn," he muttered.

He quickly looked away. For the first time in his entire immortal existence, the flames that made up his head flickered brighter than usual.

Was he embarrassed?

Maybe.

Would he come up with some ridiculous excuse to change the subject?

Almost certainly.

Because he had just called "sweetheart" the one person he argued with at least twenty times a day. His pride had just thrown itself off a cliff.