Cupid's Calling - 1.
The late afternoon sun cast a warm, golden hue over the school courtyard, setting the perfect stage for what was unfolding. The air was thick with the sweet, almost sickeningly saccharine tension typical of high school crushes. A young girl, her eyes sparkling with naive wonder, beamed at the boy walking beside her.
"We're really amazing, aren't we?" she cooed, a soft, lovestruck smile gracing her lips. "We have a lot of things in common."
The boy, equally smitten and rubbing the back of his neck nervously, offered a gentle, confirming smile. "That's true..." he agreed softly. "And I don't think it's a coincidence... Yep..."
As they walked, their hands tentatively brushed against each other before finally, shyly, intertwining. It must be fate! The unspoken, euphoric thought practically radiated from their tightly linked fingers.
High above this touching scene, completely unseen by the mortal world, a winged figure perched lazily on a cloud, watching the spectacle below with an unamused sigh. "Humans..." she muttered, her chin resting heavily in her palm.
The winged girl, possessing long, flowing hair and a quiver full of arrows, let her feathery wings twitch with mild annoyance. "Really are pretty dumb," she stated flatly, observing the swooning teenagers.
With a soft flap of her wings, she hovered closer to the ground, remaining entirely invisible to the couple. "They have such happy faces..." she noted, her tone dripping with sarcastic exasperation. She pointed a small finger down at them. "It's 'cause I struck my arrow at you, okay?"
Let’s get proper introductions out of the way. She puffed out her chest slightly, her large, ethereal eyes gleaming with a mix of pride and irritation.
My name is Yujin, she thought to herself. I'm a cupid. And frankly, humanity owed her a massive thank you for all her hard work behind the scenes. "BE MORE GRATEFUL!" she yelled into the void, though, of course, no one heard her.
Drifting back to a comfortable, lounging position on her little cloud, Yujin let out a long, weary sigh.
To be frank... she mused, lazily resting her head on her hands as she floated in the sky, I don't really care at all about human love. It was all so repetitive, so utterly predictable.
She stared off into the distance, her expression turning slightly contemplative as she watched the humans go about their mundane lives.
Then, why am I here in the human world? she asked herself, a question she had pondered countless times. I've been thinking... for a long time...
It always came back to the job description, a duty passed down to her. My mission is to make humans fall in love, she recalled. It was a mechanical process to her now. She would scour the schoolyards and city streets, waiting to find a target. She would watch patiently for that spark when people exchange glances...
Without hesitation, she would release the bowstring. And I strike an arrow into their heart! The invisible, heart-tipped projectile would fly through the air with a satisfying THUNK, embedding itself seamlessly into the target's chest, leaving a trail of little floating hearts in its wake. The results were always instantaneous. Below her, a boy would suddenly find the courage he never knew he had, bowing his head and shouting, "PLEASE GO OUT WITH ME!" deeply under the arrow's magical influence.
Snapping back to the present moment, Yujin watched the fruits of her latest labor unfold exactly as planned. The girl from earlier gasped, her face flushing a deep, happy crimson.
"I'd be honoured!" the girl replied enthusiastically, squeezing his hand. The boy's face lit up with pure shock and joy. "REALLY!?" he gasped, overjoyed.
Hovering directly over the newly minted couple, Yujin gave herself a highly satisfied nod. "GOOD JOB ME!" she cheered, admiring her handiwork as little imaginary hearts seemed to float around the couple's heads.
However, her triumphant mood was short-lived as cold reality set back in. By the way, she noted internally, her expression flattening into a deadpan stare, I was forced into this by my mom.
Leaving the lovebirds to their sickeningly sweet moment, Yujin took to the sky once more, gliding effortlessly over the suburban walls and rooftops.
I've said it before, but there's been a decline in romance recently... she grumbled to herself, her tiny wings carrying her further down the street. It made her job infinitely harder than it used to be. I need one more to fill in my quota.
Landing softly on a nearby stone wall, Yujin peered over a wire fence, her eyes scanning the quiet street for potential targets.
Hmm, wonder if there's any suitable couples around here... she pondered, adjusting the heavy quiver of arrows on her back. Just as she was surveying the area, a sudden, bright voice shattered the quiet afternoon air, calling out from the human world below.
"Y/N~!"
buzzed with a sweet, nervous energy as the girl approached him, her face alight with a bright, hopeful smile. "Morning!" she chimed, her voice holding a delicate desire to be noticed.
The boy, handsome and incredibly gentle, turned to her with a soft, melodic chuckle. "Haha... That's right..." he replied, his tone warm and inviting.
"Glad to meet you again!!" she beamed back, her heart doing a frantic dance against her ribs. In her mind, a thrilling and tender realization took root. Recently, we've been seeing each other every day, she thought, her eyes tracing the delicate lines of his face and the dark hair falling perfectly across his brow. Her inner voice practically soared, completely overwhelmed by his sheer presence. He's so pretty!!!
Floating invisibly nearby, the tiny cupid, Yujin, observed the boy with a rare glint of genuine appreciation. Her large, ethereal eyes widened as she took in his flawless, refined features. Wow, boys this pretty exist in this world, huh? she mused silently, tilting her head. She leaned closer, analyzing his gentle demeanor. He ain't a sight for sore eyes! she admitted to herself, truly impressed by the human boy's striking looks.
A cherished memory drifted through the girl's mind, a beautiful snapshot of a conversation that had cemented her blooming crush. The scene painted itself vividly in her thoughts, recalling a quiet moment by the school lockers where she had nervously approached him. "I saw the movie you recommended, Y/n!" she had told him, clutching her books tight to her chest with pure anticipation.
His face had lit up with immediate recognition and joy. "Fin? Yeah, it was super interesting!" he had agreed enthusiastically. For a fleeting second, she felt a profound connection, a beautifully shared world blooming gently between them.
However, the bright memory cast a sudden, cold shadow of reality over her present hopes. Watching him laugh so effortlessly in that recollection, a harsh truth had settled deeply into her chest. Well, but he isn't in my league! She had realized the gap between his radiant perfection and her ordinary self felt impossibly vast.
Yujin snapped her attention back to the present, a mischievous smirk pulling at her lips. Such a fitting way to end the day, the celestial cupid decided, seeing the perfect, undeniable opportunity to strike.
Below her, the girl mustered every ounce of courage she possessed, her voice trembling slightly. "Well then... There's an event..." she stammered, looking down at her shoes as a rosy flush dusted her cheeks. "But it's only for couples..."
Yujin wasted no time. "Just leave the rest up to me!" she declared with supreme confidence, drawing back her glowing bowstring with a sharp, magical pull.
The girl finally raised her eyes, meeting his gaze with absolute vulnerability. "If you'd like," she began, the words hanging delicately in the quiet air. "Please can you go with me?!" she blurted out, her true feelings pouring forth in a beautiful rush of pure sincerity.
At that exact moment, the cupid's arrow sliced cleanly through the air and struck the boy directly in the chest, erupting in a magnificent shower of magical hearts.
"Perfect!" Yujin cheered, watching the romantic aura bloom wildly around the boy. And that's my quota for the day! she thought, a triumphant smile gracing her lips. She twirled gracefully in the air, deeply satisfied with her divine handiwork. I'm a prodigy after all! With her task complete, she mentally prepared for her departure. Well! I need to go home quickly to report to mother...
Then, a voice completely devoid of warmth shattered the magical atmosphere.
"Sorry," the boy said softly.
Yujin froze, her confident smile vanishing instantly. "Huh!?" she gasped aloud, entirely bewildered by the impossible rejection unfolding before her eyes.
"You deserve someone better..." Y/n added, his voice carrying a quiet, heavy sorrow. "Actually, a lot of stuff happened back at home, and..." he continued, his tone apologetic but heartbreakingly firm. "I don't really have the luxury of treasuring someone..."
Yujin flew down in an instant, practically hovering right beside his face, her mind racing with sheer panic. W- What? Wake up, idiot! she screamed internally. The sheer impossibility of the situation gnawed at her very being.
"I want you to be happier, Hayoon-ah" he finished softly, staring past the devastated girl.
Did the arrow not pierce him!? Yujin wondered frantically, inspecting his chest where the magical projectile had flawlessly hit its mark.
Tears welled up in the girl's eyes, her grand confession crumbling to dust in the afternoon light. "Y/n..." she whispered, her voice cracking under the unbearable weight of her sudden heartbreak.
Yujin floated silently beside the boy, her eyes fixed on his broad back as he prepared to leave. The magic had hit its target perfectly. The arrow pierced him, I'm sure of it... she reasoned, a deep, unsettling confusion taking root in her celestial heart.
Turning away to hide her flowing tears, the girl forced out a final, shaky farewell. "Well then... I'll be going." She walked down the solitary path, leaving a heavy, mournful "Why..." echoing softly in her wake.
The tiny cupid watched Y/n's shadowed profile, searching desperately for any sign of a lie or a broken spell. But... Yujin pondered, gazing at the boy who had defied the divine, Did it not reach his heart...?
The boy suddenly stopped in his tracks. He turned his head just slightly, casting a glance over his shoulder that sent an unexpected chill through the warm afternoon air. The soft, endlessly gentle aura he had carried only moments before vanished entirely, replaced by a dark, intense gaze that seemed to pierce through the very fabric of the world. Floating above the pavement, Yujin froze in midair. A tiny, nervous bead of sweat formed on her porcelain cheek.
"Hey..." she whispered, her voice barely a breath, completely caught off guard by the drastic shift.
He turned his body fully to face her, his expression devoid of any mortal warmth or typical teenage awkwardness.
"Who are you?" he demanded, his voice slicing cleanly through the quiet street.
The question hung heavily between them. Yujin stared at his cold, unyielding features in pure silence. Her celestial mind struggled to process the impossible. She shifted slightly in the air, her wide eyes carefully tracing his line of vision. He must be looking at a stray cat or a falling leaf behind me, she reasoned desperately to herself, entirely convinced a mortal could not truly see her.
Catching her doubtful, searching gaze, his expression flattened. He locked his dark eyes directly onto hers with absolute, terrifying certainty.
"No, you," he clarified sharply, instantly shattering her fragile denial.
A whirlwind of panic bubbled up fiercely in her chest. Huh? Huh? she thought wildly, her mind racing a million miles a minute. In a desperate attempt to test the boundaries of reality, the tiny cupid swooped down, darting directly into his face. The sudden rush of wind from her wings caused him to flinch back, his dark eyes widening in a brief moment of surprise.
Did I do something wrong? she wondered frantically. The terrifying truth began to sink deep into her bones. The arrow, it did not work...
He recovered quickly, looking at her with a mixture of mild annoyance and stark curiosity. His gaze swept over her floating form with unsettling calm.
"Are you like her friend of hers or something?" he asked, his tone completely flat.
Her divine heart skipped a violent beat. And this guy... she realized, the truth washing over her in a freezing wave.
"She's been following me for some time, so," he continued seamlessly, utterly unfazed by the ethereal wings on her back or the fact that she was levitating inches above the concrete.
The realization hit Yujin with the force of a falling star. Can see me... she concluded, the impossible truth echoing loudly in the quiet chambers of her mind.
He took a deliberate step closer, invading her personal, sacred space. His gaze locked onto hers, seeing right through her celestial disguise.
"Can you tell the girl from before..." he began, leaning in until his face was dangerously close to her own. "...to give up already?"
Yujin stared deeply into his dark eyes, noticing the absolute, chilling absence of the sweet boy from just moments ago. He's completely different from before, she observed, a delicate shiver running down her spine. The enchanting illusion had shattered.
The boy sighed heavily, raising a hand to rub the back of his neck in a gesture of pure, mortal exhaustion.
"It's tiring being followed everyday," he muttered, his voice dripping with an apathetic heaviness. "What is she, a stalker?"
The sheer, unapologetic audacity of his words snapped Yujin completely out of her shock.
"Who..." she stammered, the syllables catching in her throat before her divine temper finally flared into a brilliant, fiery indignation. "Who the hell are you!?" she shrieked, her angelic composure shattering into a thousand glittering pieces.
He looked down at her with deadpan, unwavering sincerity. "I'm just a normal high schooler," he stated, as if discussing the weather.
She floated there, her mind reeling, before she finally found her voice again. "And... you are?" she asked, her tone laced with deep suspicion.
He tilted his head slightly, returning her intense scrutiny with calm calculation. His eyes drifted carefully over her luminous, feathery wings and her intricate, heavenly dress. "Is this a cosplay? How'd you make the wings?" he inquired, his curiosity finally peaking through his icy exterior.
Deeply offended by his mortal insolence, Yujin quickly brandished one of her magical arrows, pointing the plush heart directly at his chest in a desperate show of defense.
"Don't touch a love god like me so freely!" she commanded, her cheeks puffed out in righteous, adorable anger.
He paused, his dark eyes dropping to the heart-tipped arrow. A slow, incredibly mysterious smirk curled the corners of his lips, transforming his face into something dangerously captivating.
"Oh," he breathed out softly into the space between them. "A love god, huh?"
Before she could even register his movement, his hand darted forward. His long, graceful fingers gently but firmly cupped her jaw, his thumb brushing against her soft cheek. A jolt of electric shock coursed through her celestial body as his warm skin made contact with hers.
"Yeah, you just don't look like a cosplayer," he murmured, his voice dropping to a low, incredibly intimate register that made the surrounding air feel impossibly thick.
Yujin froze entirely, her large, ethereal eyes trembling with pure, unadulterated shock at his physical touch. The boundary between heaven and earth seemed to dissolve beneath his fingertips.
She glared back at him, her own realization solidifying into an undeniable, heavy truth. She pulled away slightly, her voice steadying as she laid bare the impossible reality of the boy standing before her.
"You are not human," she declared, her words hanging in the air with absolute certainty. She looked deep into his mesmerizing eyes, the romantic comedy of the afternoon transforming into a profound, enchanting mystery.
"Even though I hit you with a love arrow, you remain unaffected," she continued, her voice shaking with a potent mix of awe, frustration, and a budding, undeniable curiosity. "And you can even see me..."
She pointed a small, trembling finger at him, the invisible threads of destiny suddenly binding them tightly together on that quiet suburban street. "I refuse to believe you're a normal human!" she proclaimed fiercely.
The boy's dark eyes fell slowly to the glowing projectile held tightly in her small hands. "Wow..." he breathed out, his tone dripping with an unsettling mix of fascination and complete nonchalance.
Before Yujin could even register his sudden shift in movement, his hand shot forward. His long, graceful fingers closed firmly around the delicate shaft of her divine weapon with a definitive, startling grab. "So this is a love arrow?" he mused softly, pulling it toward him to study the sparkling craftsmanship.
"WHAT THE HELL!?" Yujin shrieked, her celestial composure completely unravelling as absolute panic flared in her chest. She grabbed the other end of the arrow, digging her heels into the invisible air and pulling back with all her heavenly strength.
"Lemme see, just once," he insisted calmly, his grip utterly unyielding against her frantic, desperate tugging.
"Hey, what the hell are you even doing!?" she cried out, her heart hammering against her ribs. She squeezed her eyes shut, a deep, furious crimson flush spreading rapidly across her pale cheeks as she pulled harder. "DON'T TOUCH THEM!" she commanded, her voice cracking beautifully under the sheer exertion of their tug of war.
Suddenly, the delicate balance broke. Her fingers slipped from the smooth shaft. "AH!" slipped past her parted lips as her momentum threw her completely off guard.
The boy's intense eyes widened a fraction. "HUH?" he gasped, completely caught off guard as gravity and magic took their sudden, terrifying toll.
Time slowed to a complete crawl. Yujin tumbled backward, the world spinning in a dizzying blur of golden afternoon light and suburban scenery. But she did not hit the hard concrete. Strong, mortal arms wrapped securely around her waist, catching her fall with surprising, breathtaking gentleness. She gasped softly, her large eyes flying open to meet his dark, deeply concerned gaze hovering just above hers. For a fleeting second, the entire universe seemed to hold its breath. Then, the impossible happened. The glowing tip of the love arrow, caught squarely between their tangled bodies in the confusion, pressed directly against her own chest. With a brilliant, blinding flash of ethereal light, the magical projectile sank deep into the cupid's heart.
A strange, alien sensation bloomed instantly within her delicate frame. Yujin clutched weakly at the fabric of her dress, her breathing growing ragged and incredibly shallow. What's this throbbing...? she wondered frantically, a trembling hand pressing tightly over her wildly beating heart.
"Ugh... Hey, are you okay?" the boy asked, his voice suddenly sounding miles away as a heavy, intoxicating fever washed entirely over her celestial senses.
It's painful, she thought, the steady, deafening rhythm of her heart echoing loudly in her ears. A deep, agonizing ache spread outward from her chest, a profound heaviness unlike anything a divine being was ever meant to feel. It's hurting me...
The magic took absolute, terrifying hold, sinking deeper into her soul with a heavy, resounding thunk. Hot tears pricked the corners of her eyes as she looked up at the beautiful boy holding her so tenderly. I'm scared...
Her vision began to blur at the edges, the bright, mundane reality of the afternoon fading into a soft, hazy white. As she lay there, cradled safely in the arms of a mortal, a singular, terrifying question floated through her fading consciousness. Am I... Dying?
___
The suburban street melted away entirely, replaced by the endless, pillowy expanse of the heavenly clouds from her distant childhood. The golden light of the celestial realm bathed everything in a warm, deeply nostalgic glow.
"Is that ok, Yujin?" a gentle, incredibly familiar voice echoed through the soft mist.
It was her mother. Yujin could see the elegant sweep of her mother's long hair, her back turned gracefully as she dispensed her maternal wisdom. "You should learn how to love others!" her mother urged, her tone laced with a tender, loving reprimand.
A tiny, much younger version of Yujin sat perched on a fluffy cloud, her arms crossed firmly in adorable, stubborn defiance. She puffed out her little cheeks, looking utterly unimpressed by the grand lecture. "But there is no man who's worthy of me!" the little cupid huffed proudly, her divine ego already vast and unshakeable.
A soft, knowing chuckle resonated beautifully through the clouds. "Hehe... That's right..." her mother conceded affectionately. The older goddess paused, letting a profound silence settle over the heavenly expanse. "But..." she continued, her voice growing incredibly soft, carrying the immense weight of a thousand eternities. "You can live without love..."
The memory zoomed in closely on little Yujin's wide, innocent eyes, perfectly reflecting the boundless, glittering sky above.
"Love is the only thing that'll leave a lasting impact on you..." her mother whispered, the profound words etching themselves permanently into the very fabric of Yujin's eternal being.
But the younger Yujin, completely oblivious to the heavy gravity of the lesson, simply shook her head and smiled. I don't really get it... she had thought back then, dismissing the divine wisdom entirely. "Anyways, let's go play!" she had cheered aloud, darting away quickly into the safety of the clouds.
"Hey, Yujin. Wait!" her mother had called out gently, her voice fading slowly into the glittering, distant light of the past.
___
The world slowly bled back into focus through a narrow slit of light, filtering in from the quiet infirmary windows. What... a dazed voice echoed in the stillness of her mind. Oh, she's awake.
Glimpses of clean, sterile ceiling tiles drifted into her clearing vision. Is this...
Suddenly, a face filled her line of sight, leaning in close with dark, gentle eyes filled with lingering worry. "You ok?" he asked softly. Her large, beautiful eyes blinked open in absolute astonishment, catching the reflection of his steady gaze.
Over on the other side of the room, the atmosphere shifted with the rustle of protective white curtains. "Sorry. Did I startle you?" a voice murmured, followed by the reassuring explanation, "I just called the teacher."
A student sat nearby, watching the unfolding scene with cautious, wide eyes. "You're..." someone began, the sentence trailing off into the quiet hum of the room.
The realization slammed into him like a physical blow, making his breath hitch. The unaffected guy from before...
He raised a hand, scratching the back of his dark hair in sheer disbelief, his expression locking into a tense, baffled grimace. "I don't remember a thing..." A sudden jolt of confusion pulsed through him.
With a soft slide of his chair, he shifted closer to the bedside, his posture softening as he looked down at her with genuine, unfeigned concern. "Are you ok?"
Confusion swirled in the thick air between them. "You lost consciousness so suddenly..." someone urged gently, trying to piece together the bizarre events. "Do you understand yourself? Wait! What are you saying..."
"No... Also..." she stammered, her voice trembling.
Nearby, two students glanced over with curious stares, whispering among themselves. Why are they looking at me... panic began to grip her soul with icy fingers. Humans can't see cupids... I shouldn't be visible... And yet...
She stumbled away, her feet carrying her toward a large mirror reflecting the school hallway. Her reflection stared back, but the sight completely shattered her fragile reality. A sharp, bloodcurdling shriek tore from the very depths of her throat. "NOOOOO!!!"
Panic radiated through her entire being in frantic, blinding waves. No! No! No!!!! She sobbed internally, her hands flying to her head as a frantic rattling filled the space around her. My wings! Where are my wings?!
"You ok?" a gentle voice broke through the deafening roar of her panic. She whipped around, pulling the cloth curtain back with trembling, desperate fingers. You can see me!
The boy stood right there, his expression a steady mix of calm resolve and quiet exasperation. "Don't worry... Just calm down already..." he sighed softly, his hands reaching out to steady her shaking shoulders, grounding her against the swirling storm.
A strange, heavy ache bloomed suddenly in the center of her chest. Uh... What the hell... she thought, clutching the fabric of her uniform as another sharp, unfamiliar throb echoed within her. I don't feel good...
She retreated into herself, pulling her knees tight against her chest as she sat curled up in the quiet shadows of the room. "You're really okay?" someone asked, the voice sounding miles away.
I can be seen, I don't have wings... And this pain I feel in my chest... It all feels so... Human...
The boy watched her carefully, his dark eyes softening with an unreadable, deep affection. "You've calmed down?" he asked, his tone dropping to a soothing whisper.
She turned her face slowly toward the sunlit window, the polished glass reflecting a completely transformed silhouette. "No..." she whispered, the denial tasting like ash on her tongue. "It can't be..."
I refuse to believe this is me... she thought, staring at her soft, entirely human hands in absolute horror. Who's that girl?
Outside in the hallway near the door marked with a strict warning, two ordinary female students walked past, chatting away without a care in the world. "Are they filming something?" one wondered aloud.
With a sudden, violent burst of motion, she threw open the door with a loud slam, the wood echoing sharply against the frame. Her voice cracked, echoing desperately down the empty, sunlit corridor. "Mother!!!" she screamed into the open sky, her heart fracturing completely. "It's me! Yujin!!!"
She rushed to the balcony, gripping the cold iron railing tightly as hot tears streamed down her pale cheeks. She looked out at the vast, uncaring horizon, pouring every ounce of her remaining soul into a final, heartbreaking plea. "Come save me... Please..."
She hoisted herself up, her bare feet finding precarious purchase on the narrow edge of the balcony railing. The wind whipped past her, but she squeezed her eyes shut, forcing a shaky, desperate smile onto her face. It'll be fine... she told herself, gripping the cold metal tightly. I'm sure...
She leaned slightly into the dizzying height, clinging to a single, frantic thread of hope. That's right! This is all a dream! she reasoned wildly. If I just wake up from this dream!
Before she could even shift her weight forward, a hand clamped firmly onto the back of her head. Grab.
Her large eyes flew open in absolute shock. The momentum reversed instantly as she was yanked backward, her feet stumbling onto the solid concrete floor of the balcony. She turned, her breath hitching as she met the deeply unamused gaze of the dark-haired boy.
"This ain't a dream..." she squeaked, her grand, dramatic escape utterly thwarted.
"What are you doing!?" he scolded, pulling her further away from the dangerous ledge. His expression was a mask of cold pragmatism as he delivered a harsh, utterly unsympathetic reprimand. "If you wanna die, do it in a way that doesn't trouble others..."
Yujin recoiled, visibly appalled by his icy demeanor. This guy's a demon! she thought, staring at him in utter disbelief.
She looked at his impassive face, desperately trying to rationalize the sheer absurdity of everything that had happened since she fell from the sky. This is a dream... she pleaded silently with the universe, her mind reeling. It has to be...
Suddenly, he reached out, his hand wrapping securely around her delicate wrist. He pulled her forward, closing the distance between them until she was forced to look directly up into his intense, unwavering eyes.
"This isn't a dream," he stated firmly. He leaned in just a fraction closer, his dark gaze locking completely onto hers, ensuring she grasped the gravity of reality. "Got it?"
As she stared up at him, caught in his steadfast grip, that strange, alien sensation erupted within her chest once more. Thump. Thump. Thump. Her breath caught painfully in her throat. It's that feeling again.
A deafening BA-DUMP echoed in her ears, shaking her to her very core. She looked away from him, her free hand instinctively coming up to clutch the fabric of her shirt over her wildly racing heart.
That's right... The terrifying memory flashed brilliantly in her mind's eye—the dizzying fall, his mortal arms wrapped securely around her waist, and the sudden, blinding impact caught between them. At that time... I got struck by my own arrow in the chest!!
YOU'LL FALL IN LOVE.
The mundane reality of the school balcony seemed to melt away, replaced by the sparkling, ethereal presence of heavenly magic sealing her fate. There, standing face-to-face with the mortal boy who caught her, the ultimate truth of her own weapon aligned entirely against her.
Suddenly, the door to the infirmary slammed open with a loud crash. A girl burst into the room, shouting, "HE'S HERE!" while a dark-haired girl rushed in beside her, urgently asking, "Y/n, ARE YOU ALL RIGHT!?". The girl glared at Yujin with immediate suspicion, demanding, "WHO'S SHE!" and mentally concluding, "SHE'S GETTING HIM CAUGHT UP IN SOME WEIRD STUFF...".
Ignoring the sudden, chaotic intrusion, Y/n simply sighed and stepped forward. With a single, fluid motion, he swept Yujin entirely off her feet, securing her against his chest in a flawless, secure princess carry. A collective gasp echoed down the hallway as a growing crowd of female students swarmed the doorway, their voices pitching into a frenzy of high-pitched squeals.
"Y/n!?" someone shrieked, utterly scandalized.
Without missing a beat, he stared blankly at the mob and decisively announced his exit strategy. "First of all, let's escape!" He tightened his gentle grip on Yujin and loudly provided a highly questionable alibi to the gathered crowd. "You're not feeling well, so let's get home quick!"
___
He carried her all the way to the outer school gates without breaking a single sweat, leaving behind a fading trail of frantic shouts, demands to wait, and desperate pleas for someone to grab him. After clearing a safe distance, he finally set her down on the pavement. Y/n calmly looked back at the distant, frustrated mob, dusting his hands off with a sense of complete satisfaction. "Yeah. They can't come this far."
Beside him, Yujin was a malfunctioning mess. Her cheeks were flushed a brilliant, burning shade of cherry red. She squeezed her eyes shut, desperately trying to gather her wildly chaotic thoughts. Okay, let's calm down for a single second, she rationalized internally, her newly beating heart fluttering frantically against her ribs. If I'm right about this magic, I'm actually...
Her profound, life-altering epiphany was violently derailed by a remarkably casual voice.
"I'm going home," Y/n announced, already turning his back on her and walking away with his hands shoved deep into his pockets.
"HUH!?" Yujin shrieked, her jaw dropping open in utter disbelief at his sheer audacity and absolute nonchalance.
He paused, glancing over his shoulder with a perfectly blank expression. "Something up!?"
That was the absolute breaking point. She exploded, marching right up to him and jabbing an accusing finger directly at his chest. "It's your fault I'm like this right now! Take responsibility!"
Y/n blinked slowly, completely and hopelessly lost in the conversation. "What do you mean by something!?"
They ended up walking together through the quiet neighborhood streets, the late afternoon sun casting long, golden shadows across the pavement. Y/n glanced sideways at his bizarre companion, trying to logically assess her living situation.
"Your home!?" he prompted, speaking slowly as if addressing a highly confused child. "The place where you live."
Yujin tilted her head, blinking up at him in pure, unadulterated innocence. "What's a home?"
Y/n let out a long, suffering sigh, pinching the bridge of his nose. "I don't know. Parents?"
Yujin only looked away, her silence ringing loud and completely unhelpful in the quiet street. Y/n studied her stubborn profile for a moment, the heavy realization finally dawning on him. "You can't go home, huh?" he deduced softly.
Just then, the soft, melodic jingle of a bell pierced the quiet air. A fluffy white cat trotted gracefully past their legs. To Y/n's cynical eyes, it was nothing more than a neighborhood stray. But to Yujin, the creature was practically glowing. A shimmering, ethereal aura of pure celestial magic trailed behind its tail, pulsing with a warm, undeniable power. Her eyes widened as she instantly sensed the familiar, mystical energy radiating from the small feline.
Drawn by the invisible, glittering thread of magic, Yujin eagerly trailed after the cat. The mystical creature led her straight to the front steps of a massive, undeniably luxurious apartment building. As she looked up, the lingering magic washed over the structure, and she realized the impossible, miraculous truth. Her own celestial dwelling had been magically plucked from the heavens and anchored right here, seamlessly disguised within the mortal world.
Throwing her arms out wide with triumphant, genuine joy, she confidently declared to the universe, "I live here!"
Y/n stared at her, his expression flatter than a piece of cardboard. "No," he replied, ruthlessly crushing what he assumed was a massive, spontaneous delusion.
He stepped past her, pulling out a key and opening the heavy glass door himself. "Well, whatever," he muttered, entirely resigned to his bizarre fate. He turned to look at her, immediately pointing out the sheer absurdity of her claim. "You literally just followed a stray cat! That's mathematically impossible." He gestured vaguely toward the lavish lobby. "Also, this is a pretty expensive apartment."
Refusing to accept his mortal ignorance, Yujin stubbornly marched up to the entrance. She dramatically pointed a finger at the polished brass signboard mounted beside the door. The celestial magic had literally bent reality to accommodate her presence, and the elegant engraving proudly displayed the name Ahn.
"Shut up!" she retorted, her chest puffing out with absolute, divine pride as she presented the undeniable proof. "My name's on here too!"
Y/n just stared at the miraculously altered signboard, then back at her, deeply contemplating all the chaotic choices that had led him to this exact moment in time.
Once they were finally inside the spacious room, Y/n bypassed all pleasantries. He walked straight to his bed and collapsed face-first onto the mattress, utterly and completely exhausted by the sheer, reality-bending force of her existence.
Yujin marched right over, planting her hands firmly on her hips. As far as the magic was concerned, this space belonged to her now. "HEY, THIS IS MY ROOM!" she shouted, absolutely committed to her newly established domain.
Without moving a single inch, Y/n buried his face deeper into his pillow. "Just stay quiet..." he groaned into the soft fabric, praying to the heavens for just a single ounce of peace.
As they walked through the neighborhood streets, Y/n tried to assess her living situation. "Your home!? ...the place where you live," he prompted. Yujin blinked at him in utter confusion and asked, "What's a home?" Sighing, Y/n tried to clarify, "I don't know. Parents?" but Yujin only looked away in complete, unhelpful silence. "You can't go home, huh..." Y/n finally deduced.
Just then, a fluffy white cat wearing a collar with a ringing bell trotted past them with a soft "meoww". Yujin initially thought, "it's not like-" before a convenient idea seemed to strike her. She quickly followed the cat to a large apartment building, threw her arms out happily, and confidently declared, "I live here!"
Y/n stared at her with a deadpan expression. "No..." he replied flatly. As he opened the door, he muttered a resigned, "Well, whatever..." He immediately pointed out the sheer absurdity of her claim, stating, "You just followed a cat! That's impossible". He further noted, "Also, this is a pretty expensive apartment. But Yujin stubbornly retorted, pointing at a signboard with ‘Ahn’ written on it. "Shut up! My name's on here too!"
Once inside the room, Y/n immediately collapsed onto his bed, utterly exhausted. Yujin marched right over, shouting, "HEY, THIS IS MY ROOM!" Y/n just closed his eyes and groaned, "Just stay quiet..."
Yujin stared down at him, deeply frustrated by his total lack of urgency. "I can't keep up with this guy's pace..." she thought. She pondered her divine predicament, realizing the flaw in her celestial training: "I know how to use the love arrow... But I was never taught how to remove its effects". Seeking some sort of direction, she hesitantly asked, "By the way... don't tell me..."
Looking up from his pillow, Y/n interrupted her with a blunt question: "Are you really a cupid?" Taken aback, Yujin stammered defensively, "T-THAT'S RIGHT...".
“Really…” Y/n mused lazily, "That's nice... all you have to do is shoot arrows, right? I would be satisfied with just a bow...". Yujin huffed indignantly, "It's not that easy!! Well, I can't really talk...".
Then, Y/n asked a crucial, thought-provoking question: "So, if your love comes true, then will you be able to escape?" This sparked a sudden epiphany for Yujin, who realized with a jolt that otherwise, it would be a massive problem for whoever gets hit by the magic.
"That's right!" she concluded mentally, visualizing her divine weapon. "If I got pierced by an arrow and turned into a human... Then fulfilling my love will make me turn back!" She glanced over at Y/n, who had already fallen fast asleep on the bed, and noted opportunistically, "And also, the current situation is just perfect…” A mischievous, determined grin crept onto her face as she flexed her hand. Because, humans, in the end, are monsters! she plotted.
With her target fast asleep and entirely vulnerable, the perfect opportunity presented itself. A mischievous, determined glint sparked in her large, starry eyes as she crept toward the edge of the bed. Taking a shaky breath, Yujin leaned dangerously close over the resting boy. The quiet intimacy of the sunlit room amplified the wild, frantic beating of her newly human heart.
"Y/n..." she whispered, her voice trembling slightly as she prepared to weave her irresistible trap of affection. She hovered just inches from his face, studying the soft curve of his jaw and the dark lashes resting peacefully against his pale skin. "I'm... really interested in you. I've always wanted to do this..."
"What... do you think about this, Y/n?" she murmured out loud, her voice dripping with practiced, celestial sweetness.
She held her breath, waiting for the undeniable spark of magical destiny to ignite between them, fully expecting him to awaken in a flustered, lovestruck daze.
Instead, a single, dark eye snapped open. His sharp, completely unreadable gaze pinned her instantly in place.
"You're scary," he stated flatly. His voice was utterly devoid of the romantic tension she had so carefully manufactured.
"Huh?" Yujin blinked, her grand, poetic illusion shattering into a million jagged pieces.
Y/n calmly propped himself up on his elbows, observing her flustered retreat with a sense of clinical, detached fascination. "So cupids do really have such emotions," he mused softly to himself, looking at her as if she were a bizarre science experiment. "Wow. So interesting."
Yujin felt a visible vein throb furiously at her temple. She planted her hands firmly on her hips, her celestial pride sustaining a massive, unforgivable blow. "This guy!" she seethed aloud. "Even with such a top-notch beauty in front of your eyes, you're just sitting there doing nothing! It's heartbreaking! And also, don't talk to me like that!!"
But beneath her fiery outburst, a flawless, simple plan took permanent root in her mind. It's settled! She cheered internally, her divine confidence surging back to brilliant life. After all, who wouldn't fall for my beauty? Come on. Fall in love with me!
Y/n sighed a long, exhausted breath. He slipped his hands nonchalantly into his pockets and turned his back to her dramatic display. "Welp, I'm going home," he announced, entirely washing his hands of the chaotic magical mess she had dragged into his afternoon.
Yujin fumed, pointing a trembling finger directly at his retreating back. "You insulted me? A cupid? Don't you dare ever look down on me!" she yelled, puffing her cheeks into a deeply indignant pout. "I feel sorry for you too!"
Y/n paused right at the doorway. "Top-notch...?" he repeated, a hint of dry, infuriating amusement coloring his tone.
"Shut up!" she shrieked, her face burning hotter than a dying star.
He turned his head slowly. The afternoon shadows played beautifully across his striking features as his gaze locked onto hers. "Oh. Right. You..."
Before she could even draw another breath to yell, he closed the distance between them in a single, fluid stride. He leaned down, bringing his face perilously close to hers. The sudden, intense proximity stole the air right out of her lungs.
"Shouldn't say things like that," he whispered softly. His deep voice brushed intimately against her ear, sending a shiver directly down her spine, "so easily."
BA-DUMP.
Her newly human heart slammed violently against her ribs. Her eyes widened to impossible proportions as a furious, unstoppable blush overtook her entire face. She looked up and found him smiling. It was not his usual mask of bored indifference, but a soft, breathtakingly handsome curve of his lips that sent a fresh shockwave through her trembling frame.
"Because you don't know what's going to happen next," he murmured, his dark gaze entirely captivating and dangerously alluring.
"Wha..." she stammered weakly, her bravado melting away in a single, breathless instant.
He pulled back, his quiet amusement lingering in the air as he turned to leave. Yujin stood frozen, clutching her hands into tight fists as a whirlwind of completely alien emotions threatened to consume her. The heavy realization hit her like a bolt of lightning. There is no one who has ever been attractive to me, she thought, staring at his broad back. But. Just once, I'll allow it for you.
The path to her salvation was finally illuminated. If I can make this guy fall for me, there is the chance I can return to normal!
"I'll definitely make you fall in love with me!"
Y/n stopped in his tracks. He glanced over his shoulder, a playful, challenging spark igniting in his eyes. "Will you teach me how a cupid loves?" he asked softly, his curiosity finally piqued.
Yujin held her ground, her heart hammering a frantic rhythm. It looks so interesting, she noted silently, realizing she had finally broken through his impenetrable wall of apathy.
He turned fully toward her, looking utterly devastating as the sunlight caught the gentle sway of his dark hair. "But I definitely won't fall," he promised with an infuriatingly confident smirk.
And so, it began.
The golden afternoon light bathed the world in a warm, romantic glow as they stepped out of the apartment building together.
"Ah, I'm hungry," Y/n complained casually, already walking down the street with his hands buried in his pockets, leaving her behind in the dust.
"Wait for me!" Yujin yelled, rushing forward to catch up to his long strides.
Two entirely different worlds had irreversibly collided. A celestial cupid who doesn't know a thing about real love, and a cynical mortal boy who refuses to show any affection. The stage was perfectly set, the chaotic rules were established, and the curtain finally rose on their grand, inevitable love battle!
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