Is the entirety of Season 3 just a flashback to Sejin’s first life? Don’t get me wrong...

We are not even 4 chapters in (that came out the same day) and you are already sick of the flashback?
I don’t think you can compare this to Eternal Covenant. People missed Ian, bc Brian is (arguably) a different person. Also, the flashback was a little long and tedious at some point. The only overlapping characters were Sol and his twin brother. So it felt like a different story altogether.
The falshback in this story is completely different. It is absolutely essential to the story and the characters are the same. As far as we know the only "different" person is Ido as he remembers their first life.
In order to move on from the cliffhanger in season 2, we need their first life because of the mating bond Seijin is remembering his past memories. The way Ido mistreated him. It will make him understand why Ido is acting the way he is. Why he has feelings for him but still keeps his distance.
I can understand that you are excited , we all want the story as soon as possible and there will be some characters that we won’t see in the flashback but again not the same as eternal covenant. If you feel disconnected emotionally, just imagine the flashback as an extended hiatus and maybe don’t read stories that have more than one timeline.
So please "enjoy" (as far as the flashback is enjoyable) the flashback as it is absolutely necessary for the plot.

Fair enough—I totally get where you’re coming from, and I agree that this flashback is way more integral to the main plot than the one in Eternal Covenant. You’re right—the characters are the same, and we’re learning vital things that will no doubt deepen the emotional weight of the present timeline. And yes, Sejin’s returning memories and Ido’s guilt won’t fully make sense without seeing what actually went down in their first life.

That said, I think my comment came more from a place of yearning than critique. The cliffhanger in Season 2 hit hard, and I was just eager to see how things would unfold after that emotional high point. It’s not that I dislike the flashback—it’s beautifully written and important—I just really miss the tension and dynamic that were building in the present.

So I’ll stick with it and trust the process. If anything, this flashback is probably going to make that eventual reunion in the present even more gut-wrenching—and I’m definitely here for that. Thanks for the thoughtful perspective!

I feel a bit bad now. It’s just that your comment was the first one I read after the first chapters of season 3, so I was a little "annoyed" that someone could already be "sick of it".
I totally understand you though. I am also interested in what way they will resolve the cliffhanger from season 2 and understand the feeling of having to wait for that.
Let’s just hope that the flashback in this story is not as prolonged as the one in Eternal Covenant.

No worries at all—I really appreciate you taking the time to explain your point so thoughtfully! I completely understand where you were coming from, especially after reading those intense first chapters. It’s easy to get defensive about a story we’re passionate about (I’ve been there too!), and honestly, your comment helped me see the flashback in a new light.

You’re absolutely right that this one feels more purposeful than Eternal Covenant’s—especially since the same core characters are involved and everything ties back to the emotional foundation being laid for the present. I think I was just riding the emotional wave from the end of Season 2 and got too eager for closure.

Let’s both hope the flashback arc is well-paced and keeps us emotionally invested. I'm really looking forward to where this all leads—and talking about it with fellow fans like you definitely makes the wait more fun! (人*´∀｀)｡*ﾟ+