Tensions and Tenderness      

Ren hesitated, torn between his pride and the pressing need for help. He had always preferred to solve his own problems and was uncomfortable with the idea of burdening his friends with such a significant amount of money.

However, faced with the reality of their situation, Ren realized that he had little choice but to accept their generosity.

"Ragnar, Isolde . . . I'll repay you both, I promise," Ren said earnestly.

Ragnar rolled his eyes, a smirk on his lips. "Of course you will. I'm not giving this to you. I'm only lending it. And I won't lend it without anything in return. But remember, I'll be charging interest on this, okay?"

"Hold on, Ragnar, can't you cut him some slack? Ren's our friend," Leonel interjected, his voice tinged with disbelief.

Ragnar shrugged, unfazed. "Business is business. I prefer to keep things separate."