Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

There are 8.2 billion people in the world. Most of them are destined for something greater, some for worse, while some are greater than destiny itself and chooses their own paths. Somehow, no one can be greater than love. It controls, consumes, destroys, and creates. And in the present microcosm of the Earth, humans are bound and fated by love. Whether by family, by friendship, by romance, or by chance. The red strings of fate will always find their ways to bring together the best pairings to bloom the new generations of successful lovers. Sometimes, fate doesn’t need to intervene, because humans fall in love too easily on their own anyway.

Unfortunately, Zhou Anxin is not a part of the human race. Inside the pink-flushed, floral, and glimmering halls of Eros Akademia, Anxin was taught that love is an operation and not a natural emotion. At least, not for Cupidelles like them. As a trainee and a rookie, he learns about the divine equations of a successful match: Fate + Timing + Magic = Love. At times, he does wonder whether there is anything magical about love at all, especially when it’s all calculated by bows, arrows, and aims.

How do the gods above decide which are the fixed targets who are perfect soulmates for eternity?

Despite the diligence in curiosity and inquiry, you can’t really say that Anxin is an exceptional matchmaker. He can’t do well in his current archery training in preparation for his first trial assignment for a male-to-male couple. Not that he has any problems with it, but he does have worries and piled up guilt on whomever is lucky enough to be victims of his poor matchmaking skills.

“You got this, Anxin-ie!” Kangmin, a senior Cupidelle in his team, pats him on the back. Even with the nonstop teasing and cackling of the older male over Anxin’s failed releases and shoots during practice, he is always the first to send a warm smile and words of encouragement for the younger ones just trying their best to succeed.

As usual, Anxin smiles back with a faint blush, his dimple popping out. “Thanks, hyung. I’ll show you my improvement!”

Anxin prepares his stance, holds the bow with the left and arrow on the right, stretches, measures the 18 meters distance from the target dummy before letting go only for the arrow to be swept by a strong gush of wind halfway through, making Anxin curse and Kangmin laugh out loud.

“What the hell?! That wasn’t fair!” Anxin throws his equipment on the ground out of frustration while Kangmin was holding onto his stomach from gagging too much.

“Help me, Eros! Hahahahaha! That was epic!”

Anxin’s face turns furiously red and although he’s no stranger to humiliation in front of his friends, it’s even worse that his fellow trainee, Chen Kaiwen, was there to see it all happen. He is Kangmin’s number one complicit when it comes to bullying the rage out of Anxin until he walks away.

“Bro, you’re gonna make your targets divorce and make ex lovers reunite at this point. Tch. Tch.” Kaiwen teases and Anxin was holding himself back from leaving a smack on his face.

He then lets out a deep sigh as his shoulders fall into a crouch. “Why do I have to be a Cupidelle? Can’t I just become a human and fall in love, too?” he questions with all of his immortal sanity. 

Kangmin steps closer beside him and loops an arm around his shoulders. “You’ll get it right soon. You’ve only been training for 2 months. Maybe it will get better once you do your assignment.”

Kaiwen gets on Anxin’s side until the lean boy feels himself being squished by his two companions. “Yeah, bro. I don’t think you’d want to be human either with all the shit they have to go through just to find true love. Trust me, it hurts just watching.”

Anxin may be the most hopeless romantic Cupidelle in all the divine lands, but he can’t help but argue to himself that Kaiwen has a point.

Assignment 0-24: Kim Geonwoo + Lee Sangwon

“Great. Two pretty boys finding love in each other. Nyenyenyenye…” Anxin makes incomprehensible, mocking noises to himself as he re-reads the profile of his two targets. He learns that they are both the same age and even studying in the same university, which makes it easier for Anxin’s whole matchmaking process. Geonwoo is a third year Political Science student, while Sangwon is a Korean Literature major. It appears that both are single right now, but they haven’t really met nor are they aware of each other’s existence. There isn’t anything much about their personality traits aside from Kim Geonwoo being a soft-hearted, well-disciplined, and friendly individual. Lee Sangwon is popular for his shy demeanor combined with a dorky side.

“Seems like a great start to a BL drama.” Anxin says to himself before turning the lampshade off and putting aside the files.

As he goes to bed, he prays to Eros that he gets better tomorrow. He has to be better. With a 70% success rate at least, or the biggest success he will achieve is none other than banishment.

“Assignment 0-24: Kim Geonwoo and Lee Sangwon. Objective: Successfully shoot each of them with the Arrows of Attraction. Simple, right? Can you recite to me the basic arrows in the Vault of Bonds.” requested his veteran mentor, Zhang Jiahao, his yellowish white halo and sleek wings glowing and fluttering differently today. Anxin wonders if it’s because Professor Kim Junseo is coming back from his trip.

Nonetheless, his focus is on the solo mission. He clears his throat and clutches on his gears like an anxious intern. “White for attraction, pink for affection, and red for passion. Never shall a Cupidelle ever proceed to the next step without successfully completing the previous.” he recites sternly like an army boy.

Jiahao looks at Anxin with furrowed brows, with skepticism, with a bad feeling. “Good. I don’t want you coming back only to be reported with failure.”

And with that, Anxin has been dismissed. He enters the mortal world in a spatial blink, finding himself sitting atop a fluffy, floating cloud. The sunlight casts over his halo and wings, making them appear golden. He has never felt more godsent and it’s driving his dormant cockiness as he stares over the crowd of people. 

“How am I supposed to see and shoot from this range?” He complains to himself and as if the cloud had a mind of its own, it slowly makes a descend and continues to move until it stopped where Anxin could familiarize his target from afar. The target is standing up talking to two other men with his arms crossed. Anxin wanted to personally thank him for making it easier to strike his back because that’s the target point. All he had to do was shoot his back from at least an 18-meter distance. The first person to target is always the older one. Geonwoo is a few months older than Lee Sangwon.

As Anxin observes for a few more seconds to make sure the target won’t move from his place, he notices he’s much taller… and more attractive in person, too, even with Anxin’s messed up eyesight. He can tell when someone is terrifyingly handsome. He is terrified how a human can look more angelic than actual angels like him. “Wow, that Lee Sangwon has this all to himself? Good for him.” 

Before Anxin gets distracted and accidentally aims the invisible arrow on Geonwoo’s neck or his head, he gets himself ready. He wouldn’t want to face the consequences of that.

“Phew, give me some power here cloudy…” Anxin pats the floating cloud and gets himself ready. He takes an arrow from his quiver. He stabilizes his stance, his angle, his grip, his aim—and he prays to Eros for all the luck in the world.

When he realizes all of a sudden, the arrow he was currently preparing to shoot was a glowing yellow. Not a mild one, but a strong and bright yellow. “Isn’t it supposed to be white?” he questions himself at the last minute and figures it must be the trick of the sun. 

“Whatever,” 

And shoot.

TAT!

Anxin can’t help but look away first, then open his eyes. He sees a bullseye. Steady, straight to the point.

There it was, at the center of the target’s back.

Anxin can’t help but scream and rejoice, standing up and raising his arms up high like he won a gold medal.

“HA! You see that Yoo Kangmin?! I did it on my first assignment! I’m gonna be the number one matchmaker—AHHHHHHH!”

PLAP!

“O-oww…”

What the hell was that…?

“Are you okay?”

Anxin slowly opens his eyes. His vision was quite blurry and his head felt heavy. Did somebody punch him? Why does his back and his ass hurt? Was he bleeding?

“What…” Anxin has somehow forgotten that he was in the midst of an assignment. But who is this man suddenly touching his shoulders and caressing the back of his head?

“Hey, can you hear me?” A hand was waving in front of him, trying to check his consciousness.

Anxin absent-mindedly nods and groans. “Ugh, what happened…” 

“You kinda fell? Tripped? I don’t know. I only saw when I heard a loud noise, luckily, you’re not bleeding anywhere, it seems…”

The person had a strangely soft and concerned voice. It wasn’t familiar and Anxin had never heard this voice back in the academy. After scratching his eyes to regain a clear vision, that’s when it dawned on him.

“Are you sure you’re okay? Want me to take you to the clinic or a hospital?”

Anxin has never had dreams this vivid before. Because how can this be? This person has no wings, no halo, and he’s wearing denim pants and a white shirt with a flannel over it.

He smells like flowers. Peonies with a hint of musk in them.

Cupidelles don’t smell like this.

“Y-you…” Anxin points out with wide eyes, staring at the man like he was a ghost.

“You can see me?” He points to him and at himself very dramatically.

This time, it was the other guy’s turn for his face to crumple in confusion. “Uhm, yes?”

“A-and… You can touch me?!” Anxin questions dumbfoundedly, making a reference to the intense tactility of the human male’s hand on his shoulders.

“I don’t understand—”

Before Anxin panics even more, he gets up with all his strength and runs away from wherever the hell he was. He needed to get out. This is beyond his understanding. Did something go wrong? He shot him perfectly. How did he fall from the sky? How can a human see him? Touch him? 

As Anxin was running and running without a destination, he doesn’t notice himself gradually vanishing into stardust and being transported back to where he belongs.

On the other hand, a confused Kim Geonwoo scratches the back of his head, having no idea of what just happened. But he smiles from amusement.

“What happened, hyung?” Sanghyeon asked, not letting the grin on the older’s face slip pass. “Smiling to yourself again. What are you hiding?”

Geonwoo chuckles and shakes his head. “Nothing. Just saw a weird boy earlier.”

“Who?” It was Woojin’s turn to ask.

He shrugs to himself. “I-I don’t know. I was helping him but then he ran away. He looked at me like I was an alien or something.”

“Because you are,” Sanghyeon teases while sticking a tongue out. Geonwoo could only roll his eyes, used to their antics.

“He was cute. I hope I see him again…”

Geonwoo starts gazing from a distance, redness rising up his cheeks. Woojin and Sanghyeon look at each other with suspicion. What was suddenly happening to their hyung?

“You’re so weird. You’re suddenly calling strangers cute, yet you can’t even accept confessions from the prettiest girls at school.” Sanghyeon says.

But Geonwoo didn’t seem to hear it. He felt like he was in trance, like a chill went up his spine and his heartbeats had started speeding up twice as normal when he turned around to help that cute, brown-haired, fox-eyed boy on the ground.

He knows the feeling is irrational. And he doesn’t know if it’s attraction, hilarity, curiosity, shock, or a peculiar experience he’ll never forget.

One thing’s for sure.

Inside of Geonwoo, there was a burning urge to see him again.

Chapter Text

Like every other supernatural tale, Anxin wakes up back in Amoraeon, in his dorm room. He still feels the throbbing on his back and the wings he momentarily lost after that whole field disaster during his assignment. It wasn’t supposed to happen. What if it was all a dream?

The poor Cupidelle was left wondering whether his mission was a success or not.

“ZHOU ANXIN!”

Anxin mentally facepalms when the door of his solo dorm was bursted open by his two infamous companions, Chen Kaiwen and Yoo Kangmin. He knows they’re here to pester him again, but he also has an intuition regarding a forlorn announcement he wasn’t informed about yet.

“Dude, have you seen the academy news scroll?” Without warning nor permission, Kangmin invades Anxin’s space and bed, squeezing close against his side and tapping his Love Watch, which auto-projected midair an interface of The Eros Akademia Archives newspage. He stares at the blindingly bright screen and reads a headline: “Rookie Cupidelle’s First Assignment Disaster, Targets are Reported with Decreasing Affinity Status”

In the Name of Eros! Is this about him? What the fuck?!

“Yes, it’s about you. You’re lucky not many people know you were the only Cupidelle with an assignment yesterday.” Kangmin answers like he just read Anxin’s mind.

This time, Anxin physically facepalms himself—not that Kaiwen was already doing it for him by aggressively hitting his back while aggressively laughing at his face until Anxin swore he can smell grilled cheese sandwich emanating from his mouth.

“Aigoo, it’s okay, Xin-ie~ At least they kept you anonymous. It would’ve been epic to watch a recording of it, though.” Kangmin tries to assure him, but it only makes Anxin extra more anxious now that he knows Sir Hao will be replaying his assignment recording to point out every mistake in detail. He was already dreading the moment.

“What exactly happened?” Kaiwen addressed the elephant in the room to which Anxin has no answer to at all. The two boys looked at the stricken Cupidelle curiously.

Anxin sighs and looks away. “I-I have no idea… I perfectly shot the target, then I fell from the cloud and landed on my back? My halo and wings were gone, and Geon—a human could see and touch me! I ran away panicking and POOF! I woke up here…” Anxin’s storytelling was far more confusing and vague than the situation itself.

“Why did it say that their affinity status decreased? Surely, you must have missed something.” “Woah, what do humans feel like? Do they smell?” “You can get penalized if something worse happens.” “I’m gonna be supporting Zhou Anxin’s mortal era for sure.”

The two went back and forth leaving questions and comments, placing Anxin on a hot seat that just left him meek and humiliated, and hapless. 

But nothing can beat the interrogation montage with his current mentor, Mr. Zhang Jiahao, who is now giving a full-on lecture to a dumbfounded Anxin after calling him for a “professional meeting” in the consultation room with just the two of them.

“Do you have any idea what this can do to you if it reaches the Higher Angels? You can get your halo and wings removed. Worse, you can descend to mortality for the rest of your life! I told you over and over to recheck everything you do before acting impulsively…”

Anxin shrinks into his seat, unable to look at Sir Hao’s fiery eyes. He knows the mentor is just concerned about him, but in Anxin’s defense, he never had anything to do with the misplaced arrows with the quiver given to him. Although, yes, it was still his responsibility to check, how exactly could he figure out right away that the white arrow was actually yellow? He wasn’t even aware that yellow arrows existed?!

“Haaa…” He hears Jiahao sigh deeply, an indicator that he was done with scolding.

“I will find a way to figure this out. Do you remember who handed you the quiver?”

“Uh… It was Sun Hengyu? I think that’s his name. The one equipment staff who always wears a blue shirt.” Anxin answers and a demented idea popped into his mind. “Sir Hao, wait! What if—what if I was sabotaged?!” he even gasps dramatically.

Jiahao looked at the kid like he regretted 123 years of his life. “What kind of nonsense is that? What could anyone possibly gain from sabotaging you? I’m certain it was just a careless mistake. That yellow arrow is supposed to be a secret, unregistered prototype. It is not meant for testing nor actual use. The fact that you shot the target with it means there could be greater damage that is… irreversible. However, if there is a way to cure or break that spell, then you will be informed right away, so that you can complete the assignment without the interference of the Higher Angels.”

Anxin’s head tilted after hearing some words that stood out. “Spell? Cure? Cure what exactly?” This was the moment Anxin realized Jiahao hadn't told him what the yellow arrow actually did. 

Jiahao pauses in silence for quite a while, like he was contemplating on saying anything. Telling it to Anxin who shouldn’t be involved in executive matters is a risky move. However, he is already connected to whatever catastrophe is bound to transpire.

“The Arrow of Devotion,”

Anxin’s eyes widened by the name. Devotion? What could possibly differentiate that from attraction, affection, or passion?

“Basically, it was created so that anyone who is shot by the yellow arrow harbors deep devotion of love and care towards a person.”

“Okay… so I skipped a lot of steps there, then? Can’t the magic like… fade by itself?” Anxin questions.

“I’m not sure. I’m not well-acquainted with this arrow nor about the improvements they made on it. What you used could have been a failed one, that is why apart from a possible irreversible damage… this fated couple might never find their true love in each other and will suffer for the rest of their lives by choosing the wrong partner, affecting broken bonds and relationships of other humans…”

If what Anxin just heard wasn’t already disastrous enough, the next one was an uninterrupted jet flight to damnation.

“...and the target of the Arrow of Devotion will forever devote themselves to the shooter of said arrow.”

Anxin blinks, then processes the explanation.

He then turns to Jiahao with eyes turning into wide circles. “What do you mean?! Why would an arrow be made for a human to fall for a Cupidelle? That—That defeats the entire mission and vision of Eros Akademia!”

For once, Anxin felt like he was the most rational angel on the heavens of love. Rather than being upset at his mistake, he was now excruciated by the concept of an arrow that meddles with fated love.

“I was skeptical of it, too, honestly…” Jiahao says. “I believe their initial objective was to strengthen the bonds between targets, but then it turned into some kind of weapon for mortal-to-divine interaction.”

“I’m so lost here, Sir Hao-ge…” he huffs.

“I can’t explain it well either, but I need you to promise me that what we talked about here stays in here, okay?”

Anxin bites his bottom lip frantically. “But… What am I supposed to do? Does that mean I’m going to be reassigned to another couple? Or will I be put on-hold until it’s all fixed?”

Jiahao turns to the projector screen to rewind the video again, back to the scene where Anxin fell from the clouds and interacted with the target. “From what the footage shows me, it seems that when you cross the mortal world, you will turn human… or demi-human. Which is why I need you to complete some very simple corrective tasks. Surely, I can trust you with this.”

While it was gratifying to hear from Sir Hao that he was given utmost trust, Zhou Anxin didn’t know if he could trust himself.

Even when the day came that he was materialized into the mortal world yet again, it felt awfully funny to walk without wings. Anxin felt very light, as if he was a feather ready to be blown away by any moment. The human world didn’t look like fog, nor sparkles, nor pinks and golds and ivory. It didn’t smell like fresh roses and strawberries. It was the kind of smell from wilted plants and that of murky soil, or that smell when he passes by mechanical factories with smoke spreading across the air all the way into his nostrils.

He had to get used to it. Because today, he is Jo An Shin, a human Korean male university student from the Department of Music in Sarang University. It took roughly two days of crash course on anthropology and human psychology to understand the basics of how humans function and live their lives, which is not that different from Amoraeon citizens unless you consider the environment and the infusion of magic.

But when Anxin materialized into the mortal world earlier to test Jiahao’s theory, he definitely felt the most vulnerable and out of place he’d ever been.

Sure, he was wearing a normal shirt, pants, rubber shoes, glasses, and a purple backpack. He was even made a fake ID and prayed to God he was registered into the student roster to avoid any suspicious entry in certain campus grounds. But all this doesn’t change the fact that Anxin is a Cupidelle in disguise who was only here to accomplish a few things:

# 1: Enter the mortal realm and come back to Amoraeon no later than 12:00 AM in human time.

# 2: Blend in as a human and pretend to be a student at Sarang University.  

# 3: Investigate the effects of the yellow arrow by interacting with both targets.

# 4: Fulfill the assignment by manually matchmaking the fated couple.

Very simple, like Zhang Jiahao said. 

“You got this, Anxin-ah…” he murmurs to himself, adjusts his black thick-framed glasses and makes his stroll around the campus grounds, anxiously clutching on the straps of his purple bag and not knowing where to start. There is no way he could forget the mesmerizing face that is Kim Geonwoo, but for Lee Sangwon—Anxin has never seen his actual form yet. Only in the pictures that seem like the Cupidelle Association had been stolen from random online forums.

While searching for his targets like some lousy assassin, Anxin observed two things. One: humans were loud, and two: they were very interactive. Not that Anxin is a quiet nor closed-off person, but things were kept more peaceful and restrained in the realm he lives in, but this one seemed like every person has a world of their own that they let each other cross over. 

Along the the dead leaves sweeping off the ground from the rustling wind, every corner Anxin whips his head towards, there were pairs, groups, individuals stuck to their devices talking to someone, those with noses glued to their textbooks, and those who whose faces could merge into one by how close they were. It reminded Anxin of his brotherly skinship with his Kangmin-hyung, but it was different knowing that these humans do not decide who will be the ones to truly hold them in future time.

It took some time of reflection and introspection as Anxin doubts this solo mission and his thoughts on the yellow arrow that set him up for this. Thank Eros when he finally spots none other than Kim Geonwoo… by a vending machine or something. He was also sipping into a can of something. Even from a distance, Anxin could bask on his perfect proportions and was reminded of the way he smelled. It was similar to the florescent waft of Eros Akademia, but it was more… earthy? He’s not sure.

Anxin also remembers that he’s sort of a giant. He has broad shoulders. Tall—taller than Anxin for sure. His hair was neatly styled, he was dressed simply, shirt ironed properly, and he had that faint glow that Anxin would have mistaken him for an Archon.

He suddenly remembers what Jiahao told him after breaking down his tasks: “And for Eros’ sake, don’t make him fall for you further.”

That’s not something he can really control, but if there was one thing Anxin was good at, it was that he can become friends with others quite naturally. 

Well, in this case, that might have been contradicting because the human named Kim Geonwoo is currently glancing at Anxin from his side while drinking from his coffee, making Anxin flinch like he had been caught stalking him creepily.

“Uh…” Anxin opens his mouth with the purpose of saying something, but the man starts walking closer towards him, making Anxin step back a little out of surprise.

Suddenly, he was covered by the tall shadow of the man, staring down on him with a half-smile. “You’re that weird boy from last time.” He points at Anxin, making the shorter boy curse inside as flashbacks of how his panicked and reckless interaction with him went down last time.

Oh no, it shouldn’t turn out like that. Anxin must make him think that he is a normal human being.

“Yes, sorry… Uh… I am Jo An Shin. You can call me Anshin or Shin…” Anxin introduces himself with a wide smile, convinced that it sounded natural.

Geonwoo stares at him blankly for a few seconds before looking away, pursing his lips like he was holding himself back from laughing. This was when Anxin noticed the subtle dint on his left cheek. It’s nowhere near as protruding as his own dimple, but they accessorized Geonwoo’s face so perfectly.

This was a cue for Anxin that he had to say something else. “Oh! A-about last time… You see, I was uh… I was doing some method acting…” he says out of nowhere, probably coming from the supernatural romance dramas he had consumed that were produced by humans. He rambled on about how he was acting for a class project where he plays the role of a god turned mortal.

“So,” Geonwoo starts with a husky voice that captures Anxin’s full attention. “I’ve never really seen you around here. Are you new?”

“Uhm, yes… I’m a transfer freshman student. I’m a music major who specializes in piano…” he answers with his rehearsed scripted lines in mind. He wasn’t supposed to be this nervous, but now that the real deal was in front of him, it was another level of anxiety Anxin couldn't afford to screw up.

“Okay, Mr. Shin from the music department, why were you staring at me earlier?” Geonwoo leans forward to level his head with Anxin’s, the soft and polite smile suddenly turning smug.

“Uh…” Anxin can’t help but look around. Why is he so close? Is this the effect of the arrow? Or is he naturally just like this?

“I w-want to get to know you!” Anxin chirps out of nowhere. Not like it wasn’t part of the plan, but to put it simply, he was skipping some steps again. He had to knock himself back into reality that he was here as a matchmaker and not to match himself into friendships with overly handsome human species.

“Oh.” Geonwoo himself was somewhere in between surprised and confused with the way his smile falters and his eyes lit up. “I don’t see why not? What made you want to become friends?”

Anxin suddenly felt like he was in a job interview that determined the state of his non-existent financial status. “S-so…” he stutters from the result of not being fluent enough with his language and also a question he did not prepare himself for. “Because a friend of mine said they like you and you seem nice, so I want to be friends?” 

Wow. That was the most natural response ever. Totally believable.

Geonwoo straightens his back again and chuckles at Anxin like he was the most amusing thing he had encountered all day. “I would like that. Can we exchange numbers, then?”

Anxin short-circuits. Did he even bring his fake human mobile phone right now?

“KakaoTalk? Or Instagram?” Geonwoo added. Anxin grimaces again.

“You don’t have to if you don’t want to, but I have class in a while, so I’d like it if we can just discuss how and when we can hang out over text.”

Anxin never expected this person to be this straightforward. It was easier for him because if Anxin would be bridging him to Lee Sangwon, Geonwoo would be great at accepting spontaneous friendships and taking the lead. But the only problem is… Wasn’t he supposed to be devoted to Anxin right now? What if this escalates his feelings? What if he assumes Anxin is making a move? He did offer only a friendship implicitly, but still, what if things go wrong? Is this the right move?

While Anxin forgets to reply out of dazing, he hears Geonwoo’s heavy sigh and hands Anxin a small piece of paper. “Here’s my calling card. That’s for my modelling sideline, but you can contact me there when you need to. I have to head to class soon.” Geonwoo flattens his lips to a polite smile again before reaching his hand forward and placing an unexpected, gentle pat on Anxin’s head, causing him to freeze.

“Kim Geonwoo. Don’t forget my name, okay?”

Those were the last words of exchange before Geonwoo walked off, leaving Anxin stunned.

Although Anxin is disguised as a student, he’s not allowed to enter any classes nor interact with too many people so as not to blow up his cover. There is one thing left he should do for the day and that is to find Lee Sangwon. He’s already secured a friendship…? He guesses—with Kim Geonwoo. All he had to do was give them a happily-ever-after before the yellow arrow situation is solved and he can go back to completing his matchmaking process without mistakes.

There was another mistake he wasn’t ready for yet again.

Is that him?

“Hi!” Anxin waves his hand out of nowhere with an embarrassingly high-pitched voice that makes more than three people stare at his direction. He was standing in the middle of a coffee shop looking right at who he assumed to be Lee Sangwon, a book in his hand, alone and seated nearby a window. The confused boy looks around wondering if Anxin was greeting him, because if it wasn’t obvious already—Sangwon doesn’t know who this dude is.

“Oh, sorry…” Anxin shuts his mouth and shuffles his feet towards Sangwon’s table. It definitely looked like he didn’t want to be bothered right now, which Anxin felt sorry for. He can’t back out now, though.

Now that he’s face-to-face with him in real life, Anxin fazes as Sangwon’s confused doe eyes look up at him through overgrown bangs. He was wearing a cozy hoodie that complemented the serene aura surrounding him. He had sharp features, but it was better to call him pretty than handsome. It’s the kind of sexless beauty Anxin hears about himself when his appearance is praised, and it only makes him thrilled how good of a visual match his assignments were.

“Uhm, may I help you?” Sangwon breaks the ice.

“Oh, uh… Can I sit here?” Anxin shamelessly points at the vacant seat in front of Sangwon.

The other man furrows his bleached brows. “Well, my boyfriend is coming to sit here… I’m not sure when exactly he’ll arrive, but at any moment he will.” he explains which made Anxin spiral.

It is no surprise that he has a boyfriend. But…

HE HAS A BOYFRIEND?! WHAT THE HELL? SINCE WHEN?

“Is that profile outdated? What the hell…”

“What?” Sangwon probes.

Anxin didn’t mean for his mumble to be heard. He shook his head and laughed woodenly. “N-nothing… I was gonna talk to you about a survey, I apologize for interrupting…” Just as Anxin was about to take off, Sangwon invited him back.

“It’s alright! My boyfriend and I can do the survey together.” he says softly and smiles. This was evidence that he wasn’t lying about having a boyfriend. Surely, that boyfriend isn’t Kim Geonwoo because he’s supposed to be in class or something right now.

“Uhm, okay… Thanks… You don’t have to. May I just ask your boyfriend’s name—I mean what are your names, so I can get back to you next time?” Anxin just made up some bullshit just so he can get away from this double trouble and report back to Jiahao immediately about what to do with this disastrous matchmaking plan that branched out into many plot twists.

“Lee Sangwon, Korean Literature major. My boyfriend’s name is Lee Leo, a Music major.” 

Anxin nods to mimic a mental note-taking, suddenly feeling the weight of the purple bag on his bag.  “G-great. Thank you very much, Sangwon-ssi… See you!” Anxin made an offhand finger gun gesture at him before checking on his magical Love Watch on his left wrist as he walked out of the coffee shop. The transition from the aroma of brewed coffee inside and the polluted air outside is a testament to how utterly doomed Anxin is.

Assignment 0-24 Stats: Kim Geonwoo + Lee Sangwon — Affinity 20%

How did it happen so fast? Did the universe hate him this much?!

Anxin was expecting a call from Jiahao the rest of the day. He was going round and round for hours sitting on almost every bench the campus has and staring at every book cover in the library. The snacks he had saved in his bulky bag that were in store for a couple days have vanished and are in the process of digesting in his stomach.

Stress eating shouldn’t be an option right now, but he can’t just go back without any progress. It’s 5:00 PM and while the surroundings were filled, Anxin felt incredibly empty and lonely. It’s only natural. Nobody really knows him here. He’s not human. He’s sentient, but he’s not meant to be here. 

He’s not even sure if he belongs in Amoraeon either. Because how can a Cupidelle be cursed with this much misfortune in a single time span?

Anxin sighs and feels thirsty all of a sudden. He was about to go grab his tumbler, but Zeus had something else planned and gave him a water droplet on his left cheek. Then on his eyelids, his nose, his shirt, until they came falling all at once on the concrete floors. “Wow, thanks for that…” He held himself back from raising a middle finger to the sky and went to quickly go under a shaded place just by a small entrance of the campus. He watches some people hurry and dash their ways towards inside and cover themselves with an umbrella or any placeholder of it. 

Anxin reaches behind his backpack trying to grab an umbrella instead of water. As soon as he feels it, he takes it out. 

He attempts to open it up, but then he realizes it’s his first time ever using an umbrella. It doesn’t really rain in Amoraeon, nor is there a sun to blind their eyes and scorch their skins.

“How do you open this?” It seemed like a folded up umbrella that looked small for some reason, with a black canopy and metal ribs. If Anxin tries to play around it any further, he’s going to destroy it. It only increased his frustration.

“Damn, can you cooperate with me here?” he demands from the inanimate object and wriggles it around like it would work itself out.

Suddenly, a mysterious hand curves around the handle of the umbrella, making Anxin flinch as their fingers slowly brush against each other.

He watches the hand press a button on the center of the button that Anxin unintentionally ignored. The umbrella came spreading out, swung upwards until its giant sleeves shielded the two men standing close to one another.

“Why didn’t you call or text me?”

There was a faint sound. Anxin wasn’t sure if it’s the rhythm of the raindrops following the mystery man’s question, or if it’s the titillated voices in his head, or the sound of his own heartbeats that never expected to see him again so soon.

“Jo Anshin, you said you wanted to be friends. I’m hurt…” Anxin can hear the sulk in his voice as he looks up at the taller man, but there was a strange sparkle in his eyes along with his teasing smile.

Anxin probably looks stupid in front of him, but the latter cannot be more amused. “You seemed to have trouble opening an umbrella.”  

Anxin finally retreats from zoning out and answers Geonwoo with a resounding “Uh…” again.

“I-it’s my first time using it in this universe—I mean in this university. It’s uh, a gift, I use a different kind of umbrella, haha…” He tried his very best not to appear uneducated. It could be better that way so that Geonwoo would be turned off by him? But he doubts. The power of Cupid’s arrows should never be underestimated.

He hears Geonwoo chuckle before verbalizing something that Anxin wishes isn’t directed to him at the present timeline: “You’re cute,”

This man should not be underestimated either.

Anxin looks away, debating on whether to get his umbrella back or let him hold it. What was he here for anyway? He has time to spare, time to investigate and figure out who Kim Geonwoo is and what is his attachment to that damn arrow.

At the same time, Anxin doesn’t want to know anything at all. Because what if it gets worse and he just ends up hurting him?

Okay, maybe he was overreacting. He was only called cute. It’s not like he’s trying to marry him or anything. Anxin’s staple compliment is being cute after all. That’s his popular image amongst his peers: cute, clumsy, funny, good-looking, kind.

Why would humans see him any different?

“Are you okay? How did your classes go?” Geonwoo seemed to notice Anxin’s concerning silence. It wasn’t this bad earlier, but the dim, rainy atmosphere seemed to swallow him.

Anxin nods and tries to be professional. “Y-yeah, thanks. I’m just tired, I guess…”

Geonwoo smiles in response and gives the umbrella back to Anxin, letting him mindlessly hold it. “Unfortunately, I can’t catch up with you anytime soon since I have a bunch of readings to make up for. You have my number, so I’ll text you back when I’m less busy. Is that an okay arrangement?”

The arrangement sounded like they were either business partners or on a casual dating stage, which Anxin found quite hilarious. Though he has to be considerate since Geonwoo is a Political Science student and Anxin heard it’s a very heavy program. Lucky for him, he’s stuck with a life-deciding task rather than academic responsibilities that will make his brain explode.

“Okay, sure. Good luck with your studies…” Anxin didn’t mean to say that robotically, but somehow it made Geonwoo laugh the hardest he ever did during their whole interactions.

“Okay, Anshin-ssi… Get home safe. And see you around.” With that, Geonwoo opens his own umbrella as his back faces Anxin.

Before he takes a step into the puddled ground, he says something again that made Anxin slip without any causal wetness beneath his footing: “Also, save my name as Geonwoo-hyung, okay? I’ll leave you on read if you don’t.”

That was when Anxin had another rumination of how he’s incredibly, utterly, mega, ultra doomed. More than the doom of The Titans in the battle against The Olympians themselves.

Anxin was back in his dorm. His hair and clothes were slightly wet and he can still smell lingering petrichor on himself, a marker that his pseudo-humanity was indeed real.

He couldn’t reward himself today at all, not when he didn’t know what to write in his daily report log to submit for his nosy mentor Jiahao. 

Dear Sir Hao-ge,

I found out that Lee Sangwon is taken and Kim Geonwoo is a flirt|

 

Backspace. Delete.

“Ugh!” He leans against his wings and watches its glow flickering.

Anxin couldn’t feel any more miserable.

Though, he must admit… the slight brush on Geonwoo’s fingers on his earlier felt electrifyingly comforting.

He wonders if it will stop at that. Because if fate can work on humans, surely, fate also has its own motives on Anxin's impending doom.

Chapter Text

Anxin wakes up to the beeping of his Love Watch. A heart-shaped screen projection appears as he taps it over, showing the status and other sub stats of his assignment:

!Error Code 23 — Assignment 0-24 Invalid!

Target Links Redirecting…

“Huh? What’s this again?” Anxin rubs his eyes and reaches for his glasses on the bedside table.

Kim Geonwoo + Unidentified Entity 

Affinity 40%

He wasn’t anymore shocked to see that the details have changed. Later on, he would have to discuss this Jiahao in the consultation room again. 

He slips off his bed without any fix, does his morning routine and checks if his halo and wings are still intact.  If there’s one thing Anxin couldn’t lose, then that’s his own identity as a citizen of Amoraeon.

When he finally entered the consultation room, his left eye twitched upon sighting Jiahao next to a familiar man. The one with black hair, a simple and handsome face, and the slightly jacked faculty member of Eros Akademia, who has been chasing after his mentor for a while now.

Their heads slowly turned toward Anxin who was standing there silently. Jiahao seemed to step away a little and give them space, sliding his laptop over in front of him.

“Anxin, how have you been?” Junseo asked with a smile.

The junior Cupidelle politely smiled back and bowed. “I’ve been good, Sir Junseo. What are you doing here?”

Junseo opens his mouth to respond, but Jiahao suddenly speaks for him, arms crossed like he was the boss in the room. “He’s here because we’re investigating the case together. I already read your report, but we just need to clarify some things. Let’s sit down.” He gestures to both of them to sit while scrolling something on the touchpad of his laptop.

Jiahao proceeds with the rationale and objectives of the meeting while sipping on his tea. He wastes no time to focus the discussion on Anxin.

Junseo gives Anxin a cardinal look that makes him purse his lips. “Anxin-ie, can you give highlights of your encounter with your two targets?”

He sighs and recalls the incidents to them: “Well, the two biggest problems are: Lee Sangwon has a boyfriend and Kim Geonwoo was shot by the wrong arrow.”

Jiahao follows up, “And he doesn’t seem to show any feelings towards you?”

Anxin hums in thought due to the question’s complexity. He was only in the mortal world for less than a day after all. If he could calculate, he would have spent approximately five minutes interacting with Kim Geonwoo. There’s not much to deduce about any feelings. “I’d have to see what his natural personality is like to make a conclusion, because while he is quite… Uh, cheeky and proactive? He hasn’t really said or shown much apart from basic human kindness and agreeing to be friends with me.”

“You should be careful initiating a type of relationship or else he might get the wrong idea.” Jiahao warns and Anxin feels a thump in his chest like he had just done the total opposite of what was said.

He awkwardly chuckles and gives them a reassuring thumbs up. “Of course! But I have to at least appear likeable so he could trust me, right?”

“That’s true, but make sure you don’t show any signs of interest.”

Anxin does a salute pose. “Got it, ge!”

Jiahao sighs and types something on the laptop while speaking. “At the moment, we are trying to retrieve other prototypes of the yellow arrow from the vaults, but we’re in need of a permit request from The Council of Fate. Hence, all you have to do for now is continue to bring your targets closer and most importantly, to redirect Kim Geonwoo’s feelings towards Lee Sangwon. Distract him. This is an imperative order.”

Anxin finds it a bit stupefying how they’re ordering him to continue with such a dictatorial and manipulative way of puppeteering real human emotions. Sure, matching soulmates together with arrows is another thing, but having to go down there, pretend to be a human, and contrive a whole persona to try and bring together two people while the other one currently has their own love life made Anxin’s wings slump in conscience.

He tries to sell his point. “But… Lee Sangwon currently has a boyfriend… Is this really the right time for matchmakers to interfere?”

Jiahao immediately dismisses the question. “Regardless if he is in a stable relationship now, the real problem lies on Kim Geonwoo. The longer we disregard the effect of the yellow arrow, the worse his emotions may get. He could stay attached to you for eternity.”

Anxin turns speechless. He couldn’t argue with it now that he was reminded of the bigger consequences. “Right… I-I’m just confused why there was such an arrow in the first place.”

Jiahao looks away after seeing Anxin’s dejected expression. He knows this isn’t an easy task, but there was no one else who could do it aside from him. “We promise to make sense of things very soon. But, please, for the sake of the mortal world and our world, don’t let your curious soul cross any lines. We have to take this seriously and professionally.”

“And that includes your personal involvement, Anxin-ie. You have to tell us if you feel anything strange, too.” Junseo says, puzzling Anxin even more.

With knitted eyebrows, Anxin inquires: “If I feel anything strange? Why would I?”

“Because we’re uncertain if the yellow arrow has an effect on the shooter, too. If it has an effect on you.”

What Junseo said stayed in Anxin’s mind for the rest of the meeting. Once they were dismissed, there was plenty of time for Anxin to prepare before traveling back to the mortal world.

In front of the golden and hazy gates of the academy, he flaps his wings open, knees bent before he takes off. His feet were no longer on the ground and he used his wings to control his flight. Anxin flies up and away, hoping to abscond from the mishaps and mayhems plaguing his mind.

After an hour of flying around atop Eros Akademia to clear his mind and also work out his wing muscles, Anxin was back in his dorm sitting on his bed and staring at the purple backpack he carried into Earth. Right next to him, Kaiwen was yelling and murmuring to himself with a tablet in his hands, probably playing some manmade game.

The smiley boy glances at Anxin’s rather loud silence, sitting up and brushing off the shedded feathers on Anxin’s back. “What’s up with the feathers? You look like a little pigeon.”

Anxin doesn’t answer. He wasn’t paying attention. All he had in his mind was the taxating mission he had to complete or else all of Amoraeon and the human world would be in shambles. Zhou Anxin isn’t a Cupidelle, but the coming of the apocalypse himself.

Kaiwen claps his hands thunderously in front of Anxin’s face. “Gaia to Zhou Anxin! What the hell are you so quiet for?”

Anxin frowns at him and slaps his hands away. “Nothing,” he answers with an annoyed tone. Kaiwen still manages to loop an arm around Anxin as comfort.

“Hmm… You know you can tell me, right? Hao-ge also told me about it and said to look after you. So, don’t go all sad boy on me now, you punk!” He then ruffles the boy’s brown hair affectionately.

Anxin finally looks at him, in need of some clarity. “What do you mean he told you? He was the one who told me to keep it confidential…”

“I’m his favorite. Of course, he’ll tell me. Plus, that fallen angel scene of yours was epic.”

Anxin’s irritation turns to humiliation as he knew exactly what Kaiwen meant by a fallen angel scene. If only he didn’t respect his Hao-ge so much, then he would have been thrashing his office around for his own justice.

"He showed that, too?!”

“Yes. What did you say again? You can s-see me? T-touch me? You’re such a comedian, bro!” Kaiwen mocks him like he wasn’t trying to comfort Anxin a few seconds ago.

“I hate you.” Anxin pouts and puts away Kaiwen’s arm that was around him.

“No, you don’t. So, give me the tea~” The latter pokes Anxin’s shoulder repeatedly until he gives in with a long sigh.

“Aish! Fine! I think I’m screwed, okay?! One of my targets already has a boyfriend, and the other one—well, he’s attached to me or something because of a wrong arrow I shot. And I haven’t even figured out what the effect is.”

Kaiwen scratches his head. “And the effect being…?”

Anxin lazily shrugs. “Nothing really. He’s just a nice and good-looking person and—” And he stops before he could say anything else that would put him in the hot seat again. Though Kaiwen had caught on and gave a big grin to signal the relentless teasing he will be putting Anxin through.

“Ooh~ And you have a crush on him?”

Anxin’s eyebrows furrow as his shoulders lift up in bemusement, hands wide open in a questioning stance. “What the hell? No! How did you reach that conclusion?”

Kaiwen taps his fingers on his chin, humming in delight before practically diving his head onto Anxin’s lap. “Okay. Answer this, Romeo. Does your heart beat fast when you see him or when you’re with each other?”

Anxin doesn’t know what to say. He has an answer, but admitting it would only put him on the spot even more. But not answering wouldn’t save his face either. Second by second, his cheeks start heating up with rose pink tints.

“Do you feel tongue-tied, nervous, and like you have so much to say, but can’t say anything at all?” Kaiwen continues.

“Do you feel like you have to put up a good front and not mess up anything when he’s around?” And he continues.

“Would you be okay with kissing him?”

Anxin finally erupts. “What kind of question is that?!”

“A legit one, bro!” He gently punches Anxin’s arm.

“You’re questioning me as if you’re some expert on romance and dating!”

“Because I am!” Kaiwen proudly says, making Anxin snicker.

“Yeah, right. Didn’t Masato break up with you?” It was Anxin’s turn to cruelly question him. 

“No! We’re good—we’re just distant is all…” It was very much like Kaiwen to give such an answer like this.

Anxin heaves at him, pushes Kaiwen’s head off his legs as he gets off his bed. “Whatever. Get out because I have to leave in a while. And don’t tell this to Kangmin-hyung.” He gives his friend a threatening glare.

“I don’t have to. He’s been looking for you since yesterday. I just told him you were kidnapped.”

“Chen Kaiwen, I will give you 10 seconds to get out of my room before I choke you with my halo…”

Kaiwen backs off and hugs himself as a teasing overreaction. “Woah! Listen, I love you, too, but not to that extent!”

“OUT!”

Back in Sarang University…

As the intergalactic portal dissolves behind Anxin, he wonders if anyone else around just saw him appear into thin air in the university gardens. Luckily, these academic humans give zero fucks about each other and were too focused on their own businesses, unlike the matchmakers above who enjoy the thrill of meddling with both human connection and division.

As he walks around to find his targets, he doesn’t forget to bring in the mobile phone this time. Amoraeon is more advanced in technology than humans could ever know, which is why Anxin didn’t have much trouble acquainting himself with the functions of a modern touchscreen phone. Yesterday night, he already saved Geonwoo's number (or probably his business number from the calling card) in the messaging app. He wasn’t sure if the signal could reach his world, therefore, he was only able to text him right now.

He clicks on the saved name, Geonwoo-hyung, and types up a message.

Anxin: 

Geonwoo hyung! It’s me, Jo An Shin from yesterday 😀! Are you free today? Would you like to hang out?_

Sent.

Of course, Anxin doesn’t expect a reply right away. He waits, and then waits. And ten minutes came. No read receipt or seen.

“He’s probably busy…” He walks down the third floor hallways, while looking down on his phone anxiously. Anxin only stops when he hears muffled musical sounds not so far away. He turns his head to search for the origin. Anxin peeks in on the window of the large door. There it was in a closed room where three boys huddled in harmony. One was singing, a blond-haired boy was playing a piano, and another with an acoustic guitar. He doesn’t know what song they’re rehearsing, but it was good to the ears. A label beside the door captures Anxin’s eyes as it reads: Music Room.

Anxin flails around and reminisces memories of his younger and more adventurous self that held a burning passion for the arts. Back when he was unafraid to belt his heart out with that clear, saccharine voice he possessed that would make angels cry. Or back when his fingers would press on piano chords to produce melodies that only he can understand.

But it wasn’t possible right now. Because Anxin’s voice wasn’t made for singing, but for relaying obedience. And his hands weren’t made for instrumentation, but for bows and arrows.

"Hey, stalker! Want to play something?” Anxin was so lost in his own sentiments that he didn’t realize a taller man with a commanding vocal tone had opened the door and stood in front of him. Anxin’s eyes zero in on the man’s ID. His name was—thank Eros for such a coincidence—Lee Leo.

“I—Uh…” Anxin couldn’t count how many times he was going to stutter in front of humans.

“Are you a music student?” Leo opens the door wider to let Anxin inside. 

The “music student” in question steps inside like he was a caught spy. “Y-yes! My name is Jo An Shin.” This is the part where Anxin’s acting skills were put to the test. 

Leo smiles at Anxin warmly, and the two others wave their hands with a casual “Hi,” for Anxin like they knew each other for years.

“That’s a weird name for a Korean, but welcome!” The blond man who played the piano gets up and pulls Anxin in for a hug.

Later, he learns that they were all music majors. Lee Leo is a fourth year student who was singing earlier. Kang Woojin, another freshman who plays guitar. And the friendly blond who had a terrifyingly sweet visual is a second year playing the piano. Another thing Anxin observed was that they were all incredibly tall.

“Sorry, we’re kind of working on a piece arrangement right now.” Haneum says. If anything, Anxin should be the sorry one for creeping on them earlier.

Anxin assumes they were probably practicing for a class or event performance. “It’s all good!”

“You seem like the piano prodigy type. Do you play?”

Anxin was expecting more questions and suspicions about his real identity because this is their first time interacting with Anxin who is not allowed to extend his mission by attending the same classes. Though it would have been fun, there was absolutely no way Anxin plans on committing to a double life.

Anxin thinks of a believable response, something that isn’t far from the truth. “Oh, I do… But it’s been a while, so I’m kind of rusty. I’m uh…I’m here to re-learn piano.”

“Cute. You should join some of our sessions in the future.” Haneum suggests. For some reason, he was reminded of Geonwoo who was very friendly with him right off the bat.

Leo then sidelined with another invitation. “Actually, we’re having a get-together this weekend. Want to join? It’s a nice opportunity for freshmen to get to know other freshmen and seniors.”

Was Leo a gift from the gods? Anxin knows he’s supposed to be his target’s lover, but he can’t help but be grateful that he was giving an opportunity for Anxin to break them up in the future.

“Really? I’d love that!” 

Anxin doesn’t know what he got himself into.

After some small talk with Woojin and the two hyungs, Anxin has never felt prouder of himself for blending in so naturally with his fellow music majors. He couldn’t really relate with the mentions of course subjects and professors, but their congenial attitude towards Anxin made it feel like he was really part of them.

He isn’t able to be with them for that long. Once feeling the buzz of his phone in the pockets of his black sweatpants, he almost leaps in joy when seeing the notification preview. 

Geonwoo-hyung:

hi anshin~ I’m only free right now, i’m sorry i was busy earlier

will you be free right now?

i’m at the garden benches

Anxin:

Yes, I'm free! 🙂🙂🙂 I’ll go there in a sec!

Anxin wastes no time and hurries over to the gardens. There was only one problem. 

Sarang University is basically a garden field with perhaps one-hundred benches. He might have to check which exact side of the field and bench he was at.

He walks around, eyes squinting as he scans the faces of the people sitting on the benches currently nearby. 

That’s when a familiar voice calling his name tumbles in his ears.

“Anshin?”

He faces the owner and looks him up and down.

He looked more dashing than yesterday. He was wearing a blue, long-sleeved shirt, beige trousers, and brown leather shoes that looked like they were poured with a whole bottle of shoe polish. The watch around his wrist was also a show-stealer. It was a smart casual look that had no business in making Anxin’s legs feel like jelly. It didn’t help that  he had that soft baby powder-esque smell like he was a laundry detergent endorser.

“Oh, hello…” was all he could afford to say.

Geonwoo smiles faintly and looks Anxin up and down as well. “You look nice.” 

He has to be joking because Anxin was wearing a paired black hoodie and sweatpants and his black thick-framed glasses that totally fits in with the love matchmaker theme.

“No, you look nicer—” Oops. Anxin wasn’t supposed to compliment him. No signs of interest, remember?

Geonwoo lets out what sounds like a giggle and brushes away a strand of his hair. “Haha, thanks. I made sure to look extra cool today. I have to keep up the cool and reliable sunbae image.”

What he said earned a hearty laugh from Anxin, making him cover his mouth as he didn’t want his snaggle tooth to make a cameo. He diverts the topic with a question, “Well, uh… Until when are you free?”

Geonwoo checks his watch. “I have class in 3 hours. These kinds of vacant schedules are the worst. Usually, I go back to my dorm and study, but it doesn’t hurt to have spare time to get to know each other.”

Guilt swirls around inside Anxin’s breakfast-void stomach from the idea of someone making time just for Anxin to be secretly plotting against a big factor of their fated lives.

“Oh, wow… You don’t really have to, but thank you.” The younger one smiles sincerely.

“It’s my pleasure.”

A breeze of wind passes through Anxin’s unkempt hair amidst the few seconds of silence between them. He had to break the ice somehow. “So, uhm, hyung?” he calls for his attention.

“Yes, Anshin?”

“Would you like to get some tea?”

“Tea?” Geonwoo raises a brow from slight confusion.

Anxin nods in return with the assumption that tea is the go-to and day-to-day beverage of choice for the average stressed college students. “Yes… Uh, I was planning to have a tea party, but my friends are busy at the moment…” Anxin lied. He has no friends.

Geonwoo doesn’t know what to answer. His eyes blink a few times before responding monotonously. “Oh. That sounds lovely… I’ve never really been to a tea party.”

“Mhm. It’s been a while for me, too.”

Geonwoo winds up with another question. “Just to be clear… Are we talking about hot herbal tea or… boba tea? Chai?”

Anxin understood the question, but there was a term he couldn’t really comprehend. Such as boba tea.

“Like… Tea in a teacup? Chamomile, Earl Grey, Green Tea… Ginger…” He goes on to list them.

Geonwoo smiles in understanding. “Is that so? I didn’t peg you as the type to enjoy tea…” 

Anxin was surprised by himself, too. He used to have the notion of associating tea with the older citizens, but tea was a staple in their world, so he learned to adapt to the ways of a prim and proper Cupidelle who frequently holds and attends tea ceremonies. “Why? Tea is basically water!” In their world, for sure. Anxin stays oblivious to this.

Geonwoo chuckles. “Did you live in the UK or something? Anyway, I know a good spot. They have traditional Korean tea there and other pastries. We can go right now since it’s only a few steps from here.”

“Uh… Now?”

“Yes. Now.” Geonwoo asserts to which Anxin hesitates.

“Wait… I don’t uh…” He didn’t know how to explain it to him. Anxin’s face flushes red in embarrassment.

“Mhm?”

He sighs and drops the bomb, “I don't have money on me right now.”

Great. Not only was Anxin a weird kid who didn’t know how to use an automatic umbrella, but he was also broke.

He hears Geonwoo let out a small cackle as he shakes his head. “I don’t see why that’s a problem. I’ll pay for everything.”

Anxin was taken back. “What? But I’m the one who invited you—”

“And I’m the one who suggested the place. Let your hyung handle it.”

Anxin was amazed with his fervor and generosity.

“No, hyung! At least… At least let me repay you next time?”

“You can repay me by spending time with me. Now, come on.”

🫖 Haneul Tea House 🍵

In the end, Anxin was now sitting down on an aged dark wood floor, greeted with the smell of chrysanthemum, roasted barley, sandalwood, grassy aroma. The warmth of the tea fogs the low tables of the customers. Anxin’s eyes explore the ancient design of the tea house interior like he was a character playing a role in a historical K-drama. Every nook is a testament of the delicateness and sereneness of the place that Anxin was convinced he and Geonwoo had travelled back in time.

“The weather’s nice for this kind of thing, isn’t it?” Geonwoo asks, blowing on his tiny teacup that looked like they would fall anytime from his enormous hand. The mist blurs Anxin’s sight of Geonwoo’s lips which had upturned corners. 

“It is.” He looks down on his own orders, then back to the other quiet tables where people wore traditional looking clothes that perfectly fit the overall vibe of the tea house.

Geonwoo seemed to notice Anxin’s wandering eyes as he himself was only staring at the boy’s face from across their table the whole time. “Do you want to rent a Hanbok, too? For the full experience?” he asks.

Anxin darts back to him, shaking his head shyly. “No need! Maybe we can do it next time…”

“Next time, huh?”

Anxin wanted to slap himself for saying something suggestive again. “Mhm. Uhm, this tea tastes nice. What is it?” He pivots the subject to his tea drink which was well-deserving of recognition. 

“Cinnamon with some honey. It has a spicy kick on the throat, but it’s supposed to be that way.” Geonwoo answers like he had visited this place several times in the past centuries.

Anxin takes a whiff of the tea’s scent. “It smells really good. With the chocolate bread is even better!” He also praises Geonwoo’s suggested pastry. Their soft and salty-sweet chocolate buns are an automatic favorite of Anxin. He wasn’t supposed to be enjoying it this much, but hey, if he was going to be mortal for some time, why not enjoy it with good food?

“Hehe, do you like chocolate?” Geonwoo rests his arm on the table with his chin on his palm, his gaze boring into Anxin’s every move like it would physically hurt him if he turned elsewhere.

Anxin nods. “Mhm, I like a lot of sweet treats. I usually smuggle them in my bag.” He points out his infamous purple bag.

“No wonder it’s that bulky…”

“So, uhm… What about you? What do you like, hyung?” Anxin questions, slowly building up their conversation towards the meat of his whole plan.

Geonwoo lightens up from Anxin’s sudden interest. “Me? Nowadays, I like to work out… Just to keep that model built going. I also used to play a lot of sports.”

Oh, right… He’s a part-time model. It’s already a given with his incredible face card and proportion. He knows how to dress nicely… and... did Anxin hear that right? He also plays sports? This guy had a lot of time in his hands.

But Geonwoo doesn’t stop there. “Aside from university stuff, I spend my time with music. I sometimes dance, sing, and play instruments…”

Out of excitement, Anxin immediately comments: “Oh? Me, too! What do you play?”

He was a simple kid who gets hyped from the idea of finding commonality with someone.

“I play the piano. We should play together sometime.” Genwoo’s smile slowly starts reaching his ears.

“Oh, alright…” Anxin ignores the warmth crawling on his skin. He’s not sure if it’s caused by drinking tea, or caused by the blinding and tender smile Geonwoo was giving him. At that moment, he sees his Love Watch flickering with an on and off glow. That was an indicator for something.

Anxin tries not to think about it and takes a few bites of his chocolate bread before moving onto his next daring question. The sweet flavors dancing on his tastebuds gave him a sugar high rush, now even more anxious of the current flow of their conversation.

“What about a crush?”

That question alone was enough to shake up Geonwoo’s composure. “We’re on the crush talk stage now, I see… Why are you curious about that?” He grins and the teasing tone chimes in Anxin’s ears, distracting him momentarily from his original objective in asking the question in the first place.

“I just think it’s impossible for someone like you to be single, you know.” 

Geonwoo sips on his tea before answering. “I’m really focused on studies right now and I don’t think about dating much. Besides, there are more important and fascinating things in life.”

Of course he’s interested in other things, Anxin thinks. Besides, he’s a model, an athlete, an aspiring diplomat, and probably a secret K-pop idol trainee planning to join a traumatic survival show, too.

“Like what?” Anxin still asks.

“Like you.” he answers smoothly like he’d been waiting to get it off his tongue.

Anxin wishes he stops right there. Don’t say anything else. Don’t. Not with that unwavering stare and smile on your face…

Geonwoo adds salt to Anxin’s internal wounds by leaning in. “I find you very fascinating since you came out of nowhere like that. It’s not every day a cute guy with glasses and a distracting dimple asks to be your friend. But, here I am having tea time and discussing crushes with you.”

Anxin fucked up.

“So… You don’t have a crush, then?” He awkwardly breaks eye contact and sips on his now cold cinnamon tea.

The older of the two shrugs and gives a coy smile. “I won’t tell you that.”

Why was he being secretive now? After giving a smooth explanation on how he finds Anxin so fascinating?

Anxin held back a groan. “Why? Well—Can I just ask you another question?” Geonwoo doesn’t know yet, but Anxin isn’t the type to give up.

“Ask ahead.”

“What’s your type?”

Geonwoo then seeks for clarification. “Uhh… My type? As in… for a partner?” 

“Yeah! Do you like them cute or sexy? Quiet? Loud? Boy? Girl…?” Maybe Anxin was going too fast, but he didn’t care. He had to know just so he could give Jiahao a positive note that Sangwon is Geonwoo’s ideal type and that they’ll fall in love and get married and Anxin never sees them again.

“I don’t really think about it either. When I like someone, I just do. Probably because of the way they make me feel. I have to say I’m leaning towards cute people, though…” he says while consistently ogling the inquisitive boy in front of him who finished up all the chocolate bread.

“I have a lot of cute friends! I think you’d get along with them.” Anxin says excitedly.

Geonwoo grimaces like he had been insulted. “Are you trying to match me with your friends?”

Anxin realizes he wasn’t being discreet and that Kim Geonwoo isn’t a stupid person.

He quickly makes damage control, voice breaking a little: “No! Not like that! I just think it’d be nice that we get to know each other’s friends.”

“Mhm. You think so?” 

“Of course! They’re a lot more fascinating than me.”

“I wouldn’t want to introduce you to my friends, though.” Geonwoo’s smile comes back, but Anxin was a little bothered by his statement.

“Why not? Do you think they won’t like me?”

Geonwoo shakes his head. “No. I think they’ll like you way too much.”

Anxin exhales, straightens his back to finally land the final question on the table. “So, you like cute people… Let’s say you have this person you really like. You really want to be with them, but they’re dating someone. What would you do?”

He gives him some time to think, anticipating a favorable answer that would prevent Anxin from personally judging him. Geonwoo hums and looks up at the ceiling, thinking deeply.

“I have no plans on being a homewrecker. If it’s an intense kind of love, I’d probably wait for as long as I could, but sometimes, people just fall in love with the wrong person and at the wrong time. Regardless, I see no reason to interfere with anyone’s relationship. If they’re happy, then I’m happy.”

The walls suddenly felt like they were getting smaller and smaller around them. The suffocating feeling of guilt was eating Anxin… because Kim Geonwoo isn’t even capable of stealing his one true love from someone else, so how could Anxin possibly try and push them to do so?

He gulps hard, clearing the uneasiness flaming on the back of his throat. “That’s… nice of you. Your future partner would be so lucky.”

Contrary to Anxin’s gloom, Geonwoo reacts with a shy smile. “Yes. And that future partner better not be with one of the friends you’re trying to hit me up with.”

“Whaaa… My friends are very nice, though!”

“That’s not the issue. I’m just interested in someone else.”

Okay. He’s interested in someone else. Anxin prays it’s not him.

“What about you? Do you have a crush?” Geonwoo asks with a look that places Anxin in grave danger.

He had no choice but to lie. “Uhm, I have this girl I like back at home…”

Geonwoo suddenly turns quiet, his response taking much longer than usual. “Back where? I don’t think you’ve told me where you’re actually from.”

“From… Shanghai, China…” Anxin looks away with imposter syndrome.

“Really? Woah… So did you transfer from China to here?”

“…yes.”

“Are you here alone? Do you miss your home?” 

There’s nothing to miss because Anxin never really left.

“I’m alone, but… I wouldn’t say I particularly miss anything. It’s refreshing to be somewhere else. I guess it feels more freeing.” 

“Mhm. You should let me tour you around Seoul, then. And if I ever get the chance to go to China, you should tour me. I can speak some Mandarin.”

This was another turning point in the conversation that made Anxin deeply fascinated by Kim Geonwoo as well. Unsurprisingly, Anxin is indeed well-versed in Mandarin.

“Really? Can I hear it?”

“Ehem… 你好！我是金建宇.” 

Anxin couldn’t hold himself back from sneering, facing down, pursing his lips as his dimple popped out. “Pft…”

“Why? Was it bad?”

It’s not perfect, pronunciation is slightly off, but Anxin nods in agreement and amusement.  “It’s actually good! You’re Chinese now!”

And the rest of their tea party was filled with laughter that even the waiters had to come up to their tables to request their silence.

Back in Amoraeon...

In the Eros Akademia library, open 24/7, Anxin had his laptop on the table and a phone in hand. The one he used as a human. He found out he could deliver messages from here after attempting to message Geonwoo in which he responded back. 

Geonwoo-hyung:

shouldn’t you be sleeping now? 

He lost track of the time on Earth and realized it was about 1:00 AM in Seoul, South Korea. The thought of waking up Geonwoo with his late text gives him nausea. 

“Who’s this Geonwoo-hyung?”

Anxin doesn’t really get startled, but this time he does. Kangmin was peeking over Anxin’s shoulder and definitely saw his message log with Geonwoo… with a human-coded mobile phone of all things.

“Uh… No one!” Anxin hides the phone behind his wings, making him more suspicious.

Kangmin doesn’t fall for it. “Is that your human target?”

Anxin doesn’t answer. What is the appropriate answer even?

“Mhm… You’re keeping a lot of secrets from me. Don’t tell me you’re in some secret love affair with a human.”

“I’m not! This is for my remedial mission.” he corrects him.

“Okay, but just remember who you are. You’re not here to catch feelings. You’re here to shoot.” Kangmin forms a gun gesture with his hand and swings it up to enact him shooting at Anxin’s chest.

Anxin just rolls his eyes and closes his laptop. “Yeah, yeah…”

Kangmin pulls the seat beside Anxin and caresses the back of his beloved dongsaeng’s head. “Aigoo… You must’ve been feeling down because of your failed assignment.”

“I don’t think I just failed. I made a disaster.” Anxin emphasizes.

“It happens. Just don’t let it control you. I know you can do it.” As always, Kangmin gives a reassuring smile that provides Anxin with strength.

“Thanks, hyung…”

Kangmin then places a quick and playful peck on Anxin’s cheek, causing his wings to flutter a little. “Keep your arrows straight next time, baby Cupid.”

The next day…

“Geonwoo-hyung—” It took roughly three minutes when Anxin just landed on Earth adjusting to the vanishing of his halo and wings, when Geonwoo sent a text message asking where he was and in the speed of Usain Bolt, he had snatched Anxin’s hand away, dragging him towards a place far from the gardens.

“Where are we going?”

“Just follow me.”

Anxin learns that Geonwoo was definitely the show and not tell type. It took a moment for Anxin to realize he was being led to an open space. One without neighbors, and one with a clear view of what’s above and below.

“Tada! This is my secret sanctuary.” Geonwoo stretches out his arms reminding Anxin of his own outstretched wingspan. Anxin looks outward, the sky is wide and endless wherein pink, cerulean, and tangerine streaks bleed into the horizon. Anxin wonders if he was having a panoramic view of his own city, because it definitely felt like he was being watched by the gods from there.

Anxin follows Geonwoo forward to the railings serving as a safety net for dwellers. The air was brisk and industrial, especially as Anxin looks down on a clear-cut view of the streets. People and cars turned tiny in his perception, and the honking of vehicles mixed in with the soft humming sound of the secluded rooftop makes Anxin feel that he is very much alive as a human.

“Pretty, right?” Geonwoo asks, his elbows and his back resting against the railings.

“Yes…” There was no other answer to it.

When Anxin doesn’t realize he’s smiling, Geonwoo pokes on Anxin’s dimple with his pointer finger. Anxin turns to face him as Geonwoo puts his hand away.

“What was that for?”

Geonwoo only laughs, slightly embarrassed. “It’s right there. How can I not?”

Anxin pokes him, too. On his cheek. Geonwoo freezes.

“And… what was that for?”

Anxin shrugs, pouting. “If you can do it, then I should, too.”

It takes a while for the momentum of their dialogue to backpedal. From where they are standing, it wasn’t a place for talking after all, but to breathe and remind themselves of how insignificant they are in the eye of the world.

At least, that’s what Anxin gets from this.

“Why did you bring me here, hyung?” he opens up.

“I just wanted to share a secret spot…”

“Not so secret now, I guess.” Anxin bluntly teases.

“Haha… I trust you won’t tell anyone anyway.”

But will he trust Anxin after knowing who he truly is?

“I go here when life feels too much. Too loud.” Geonwoo adds. Anxin can’t help but admire Geonwoo’s picture-perfect profile under the sunlight. He looked golden, but all of what he said proved his ubiquitous humanity.

“Like an escape route?”

“Yeah, something like that. Here, I can be free and at peace with only myself.” Geonwoo says something that Anxin expected. 

“I should get going, then.” he jokes and acts like he’s going to walk away. Geonwoo pulls him back, a careful grip around Anxin’s arm. Anxin returns next to him as they both laugh.

“You’re so silly, Shin-ah…” Geonwoo was starting to regret not ever assuming Anxin is another menacing youngster in his life. 

“Does anyone else know about this place?” Anxin asks.

“I guess, but I don’t see many people going here when I do. Right now, it’s just you and me.”

“Are you okay with me invading your private time?” Anxin asks again, genuinely not wanting to be intrusive.

“I want you to.”

Thump. Thud. Beep. Lub. Dub. Dug. Ba-doom. All of the dramatic sonic interpretations of a pulsating heart. Because Anxin has gone wild.

He doesn’t show it, though. He’s mastered the art of fake nonchalance. Aside from being a great pretender and matchmaker, he also can’t have any strong feelings and attachment towards any human.

Luckily, Geonwoo notices Anxin’s lack of response. So he scoffs and asks him something else, “What do you do when everything is too much?”

“Usually, I sleep and eat…” It was another attempt not to make the mood too cinematic, but Anxin didn’t lie this time.

Geonwoo laughs out loud.

“If not, I just fly away.” In a literal sense. 

Geonwoo understands it metaphorically. “Flight response, huh?”

Anxin nods. He felt the wind breeze enter into his flesh. Kaiwen’s question not so long ago replays in his head.

“Do you feel tongue-tied, nervous, and like you have so much to say, but can’t say anything at all?”

“But, Anshin-ah. If things get too much, don’t hesitate to fly towards me.”

There was a loud screaming and a painful pounding against Anxin’s ribcage that he couldn't decipher and had yet to feel for the eighteen years of his life. But his tongue remained static and numb, overwhelmed by the bursting flavors bubbling in his mouth that he unwillingly swallowed down.

The rooftop dream (or nightmare) ended when Geonwoo had to leave for class. There was no promise of when to see each other again for the day or the next, but Anxin was definitely strolling further and further away from his divine plans here. Which is why he locked himself in, searching for his other target that happened to be sitting alone on a bench, a book on his lap.

“Sangwon-hyung!” Anxin was panting as he skips towards him.

“Do I know you?” 

Well, that didn’t start off as planned.

“Uh…”

Sangwon’s eyes light up and he stands from his seat to level with Anxin. “Oh, you’re that guy last time. Are you here for the survey?”

Right. The survey. How could Anxin forget his own load of bull…

“Oh, I wanted to tell you about Leo-hyung… We bumped into each other last time. I’m also from the Music department, so yes…” 

Sangwon nods unsuspectingly. “Is that so? Are you going to the party this weekend, then?”

Party? Like, a tea party? Or a disco party? Anxin wasn’t well acquainted with what kind of party it was going to be. He was oriented of many different ones by Jiahao.

Nonetheless, he nods and answers. “Yes. He invited me with a few others.”

Sangwon smiles sweetly and looks down, like he imagined a scenario in his head and laughs at himself without caring if anyone sees. Anxin knows this kind of expression well. It’s the kind you make when you’re in love. “That’s cool. He always likes bringing in new kids. You’re a freshman, right?”

“I am! Thank you for treating me kindly, hyungs…” Anxin bows down in courtesy and gratitude.

Sangwon places a hand on Anxin’s shoulder, tapping it with fondness. “No need for thanks. See you around, uh… What’s your name?”

He brings his fake ID upward in front of him. “An Shin. Jo An Shin.” Anxin's dimpled smile makes him appear legitimate.

Sangwon looked like he had to second guess before spewing words out. “Alright! See you, An God! And make sure to invite your other friends, too.”

And that was it. Anxin was finally making progress.

Time moves so fast in the human world that Anxin didn’t realize the moon had risen already. He was about to go find an empty spot where he could vanish without CCTV cameras or people in sight, but then sees Geonwoo walking out of the door entrance with someone.

“Geonwoo-hyung…?” Anxin couldn’t stop himself from calling his name and waving.

Geonwoo looked a bit startled. He stared at the boy beside him, then back at Anxin.

“H-hey, Anshin! Ah, this is my annoying cousin, Sanghyeon. He’s also a freshman like you.” Geonwoo’s hand gestures at the said cousin. What Anxin noticed was the lovely smile on his face and his pale skin that glowed in the dark.

“Hello…” Anxin gives Sanghyeon a polite bow. The latter does the same. When they finally stare at each other like they were trying to figure each other out, Sanghyeon’s mouth opens up in realization.

“Anshin? Ooh! Is this the cute guy you keep talking about—”

Geonwoo shoots up a hand to cover his cousin’s mouth. Anxin stood there, pretending he didn’t hear anything.

Geonwoo attempts to drown out Sanghyeon’s muffled words. “Haha… Sanghyeon really likes talking. We’re gonna eat dinner together, actually. Would you like to come?”

“Oh, I wouldn’t want to—”

When Sanghyeon was finally out of Geonwoo’s grasp, he jumped in excitement. “It’s fine, Anshin-ssi! Hyung will treat us. Right, hyung?~” He elbows Geonwoo teasingly.

The eldest of the three sinks his forehead onto his palm in disbelief. “I don’t really have a choice.”

Sanghyeon does a shameless hee-hee and goes straight to Anxin’s side, linking their arms together. For some reason, Anxin was totally into it. “What are we waiting for, then? Oh, Anshin-ssi, make sure to get anything you like…” Sanghyeon continued to chatter while they walked to their undecided food place.

Sanghyeon kept rambling on and on that even Anxin was at a loss for words and he’s quite competitive when it comes to who can prolong a conversation the best. Only Kaiwen and Kangmin could really keep up with him, hence why they were so close.

He also learns that Sanghyeon is a Communications major and that he was close friends with Woojin who turns out is also Geonwoo’s mutual friend. However, why did his assignment dictate that Geonwoo doesn’t know who Sangwon is when there are many dots connecting them?

The trio found themselves sitting at the outdoor tables of a cost-effective convenience store. It was quiet and it was only them in the early evening, with their own cups of instant ramen and shared gimbap. The parasol above was definitely convenient if it ever rains around this time again.

“Hyung, when are you going back to the dance club?” Sanghyeon asks as he mixes the gimbap in his ramen soup. Anxin even copies this newfound method of eating.

“I don’t have plans. I’m already graduating next school year.”

Sanghyeon scowls at him. “Why did you leave when I just joined, then? You hate me!”

“If that’s what makes you sleep at night.” Geonwoo answers like he had dealt with Sanghyeon’s antics for a hundred years.

Sanghyeon then turns to Anxin after Geonwoo’s disinterest. “You should see Geonwoo-hyung’s dance videos. He’s really good! He sings well, too! Don’t you think he’s so cool?!”

Geonwoo’s chopsticks slipped out from his hand. Anxin didn’t want to add up to the shame he knows Geonwoo is feeling right now. He knows the feeling all too well, but if he were close friends with them, he’d probably be on Sanghyeon’s side.

“Yeah, I can’t believe a person can have all the talent in the world…” Anxin compliments him. He looks away before the crimson on Geonwoo’s ears becomes visible.

“I’d really appreciate it if you don’t show him any of my videos, Sanghyeon…”

“Why are you being shy now, hyung? Don’t be lame in front of Anshin!”

“Ugh…”

Anxin felt quite full today. With the food, the progress, and being a spectator of a familial bond that reminded him and the people he cares about back home.

An hour and a half passed by. When Sanghyeon went to take the restroom, Geonwoo and Anxin helped each other throw the trash and clean the tables.

“Sorry, he can be too much…” Geonwoo snorts.

Anxin laughs and shakes his head. “Nah, trust me. I’m probably worse than him.”

“I wouldn’t hate that, though. I guess we have a longer way to go before you can be fully playful with me.”

Anxin gives him a challenging look. “You wouldn’t want to play with me, you know? I’m quite the devil.”

“With the face of an angel? Sounds like heaven to me.”

Before Anxin could even react to Geonwoo’s obvious flirtation, he shoots up a question: “I forgot to ask, but how’s school lately? You said you have that acting performance.”

It’s a question that Anxin relates to his present circumstance, and so the answering part came out quite easy. “Ah… I-it’s going fine…” 

“I can’t wait to see you act one day, then. Maybe if I do, then you’ll have a reason to see some of my performance skills, too.” He winks, Anxin’s gaze softening before he looks away.

Unbeknownst to Geonwoo, Anxin has been acting in plain sight the entire time.

When Sanghyeon comes back, Anxin insists that they could leave without the need to walk with him to where he is. A supposed “dorm” somewhere walkable to the university. 

The cousins surprisingly had separate dorms, so Sanghyeon was the first to head his way out as Geonwoo could just follow after. Anxin waits for the both of them to part from him.

Left alone, Geonwoo suddenly takes Anxin’s hand, giving it a soft squeeze that electrocutes Anxin rather than comfort him.

“Can I still see you tomorrow?”

Anxin’s voice is small and honey-like, “Yeah.”

Anxin, don’t fall for it. None of that is real. He only wants to see you because of the arrow’s effect.

Anxin carries this thought like a ton of weight added on his wings as he lays himself back in his private dorm room. He wonders what it was like to sleep straight on your back without feeling the crack on these added limbs crafted by gods. He wonders if there would ever be a possibility for him to wake up with someone by your side, smiling, and seizing every moment to see you and be with you knowing there will be a time where they couldn’t because of mortality. Because of death.

Anxin wonders if the purpose of ceasing is for these fated souls to live out a legacy of love that runs the cyclical providence of the universe.

But if there’s no end to celestial beings like Zhou Anxin, when exactly could he get rid of this ache gnawing at his heart that’s slowly eating him? Because it feels too human and it feels like imprisonment to where your prized labor is your legacy.

Anxin quickly awakens from his slumber, grabbing his phone from beneath his pillow. There’s just one more thing he forgot to do.

Anxin:

Hyung

Are you up?

Geonwoo-hyung:

good eve :)) what’s up?

There’s this party that my sunbaes invited me to this weekend Saturday night.

Would you like to come?

is it exclusive to your department?

Nope! It’s open to all it says.

sounds fun! but i’m only going if you’re going

Great! Please bring Sanghyeon with you.

nopeee

Wae? Why not?

just causeeee but i’m not sure if i’ll be able to stay late

will probably leave early

That’s okay!

mhmm you sound so excited

Of course! I want to meet new friends 😀

And I want you to meet my friends!

Typing…

Nothing. Anxin wondered why he stopped.

But a few minutes came…

TING!

Geonwoo-hyung:

Oh

well

i’m looking forward to it

Okay! See you tomorrow, hyung! 

And good luck with your modelling gig!

good night ♥️🍞

If there was one impermanent thing in Anxin’s life, it’s this. It’s the text messages with Kim Geonwoo he will be forced to delete and never speak of again while the human recipient lives out a life full of love and meaning that Anxin curated for him. For that life to end someday.

And it sounded better than bows and arrows. It’s everything nice.

Chapter Text

Irio-hyung:

you better wear the sweater i gave you! Oh, and put on some nice makeup. It’s kind of like the theme for the party

The text message from Leo was drilled in the back of Anxin’s mind. He had exchanged numbers with him since their first encounter, and Anxin was quite surprised by how much more energetic the senior college student is that Anxin could almost hear his voice through the screen. He was contemplating on what to do with the party—on how he could get Geonwoo and Sangwon to love each other. Okay, maybe loving each other was too fast, but still, it was an opportunity too good to waste. He’s not there to have fun. He had done his research in order not to make a fool of himself and found out that the kind of party he was invited to was one where the purpose is to go wild and intoxicate oneself. Sure socializing is still at the core, but Anxin couldn’t be more excited and curious. He was growing tired of the usual garden settings adorned with fine cloth, ribbons, pastels, gold, and glitter after all. And instead of cupcake towers and teapots, he’d be dealing with beer bottles and a bowl of nachos. But that’s what he usually saw in the movies. He’s not sure how Korean college students like their parties.

“Anxin, are you listening?”

Anxin blinks the moment Junseo’s voice drops firmly. He forgot that the kind of party he was attending at present is one that involves serious discussions regarding his sacred mission.

He scratches the back of his head apologetically. “Sorry, I just have a lot in my mind right now.”

It was only he and Junseo in the meeting room this morning since Jiahao had other matters to attend to, being a higher-ranked Cupidelle himself. Anxin always questioned how Junseo was always there to be his representative, even when he didn’t have much time on his hands. Perhaps he was also just as curious about this case. Apparently, the case was so interesting that they are still insisting on hiding it from the authorities when it should have been resolved by them long ago. Maybe Anxin was being too idealistic about it, since it doesn’t seem right how someone like him plays a major role in the mending process when he has little to no knowledge of what exactly the grave oversights were. He’s not even confident that their plans would work in the long run because so far, all he’s getting from the mission is slowly becoming more comfortable in human skin.

Junseo continues his lecture: “The Arrow of Devotion was an experiment issued by the council. Centuries ago, the angels were eager to explore the mechanics of love and loyalty that surpass the limits of fate. Hence, additional arrows were created in order to amplify soulmate bonds that can never be severed by time or circumstance.”

Anxin’s heart pangs anxiously from the constant explanation of how severe the consequences of that yellow arrow were. “Is it… curable?” he asks like he doesn’t know the answer yet.

“We don’t know yet. Based on your report, the yellow arrow hasn’t had much effect on Kim Geonwoo.” Junseo pauses to take a look at Anxin’s printed reports, flipping through them to retrieve something useful. “However, everything is still under provision, so you’re not allowed to proceed with using a bow and arrow anytime soon. That includes Lee Sangwon. Shooting him with the white arrow right now can cause more damage, since the rule is to shoot whoever is older first.”

Of course. Not until Kim Geonwoo is shot by the white arrow, Anxin can’t proceed to targeting Sangwon. It irked Anxin just from thinking about making Leo’s boyfriend fall in love with someone he came to understand personally. Anxin knows it’s unforgivable when he’s pretending to be a friend, but it was his job. Or else their lives would get ruined even more.

“What about Geonwoo-hyu—What about Kim Geonwoo? Is he not allowed to be re-targeted?”

“You will have to continue your investigation and report to see if his attachment grows, weakens, or changes from the yellow arrow. At the same time, continue leading him to Lee Sangwon as if you’re a human wingman. If you shoot him with the right arrow without caution, things might worsen.”

Anxin could only nod since he thought the same thing.

“Also, Anxin-ie,” Junseo follows up. “The effect may or may not be one-sided. If you start feeling emotional dependency, attachment, or longing, do report immediately.”

How exactly can Anxin know that? Cupidelles weren’t taught to have extreme emotions and neither were they functioned with such. But Anxin didn’t want to ask him that and he didn’t want to stay in this meeting any longer. “Understood…” After all, how could Anxin tell his two advisors that every time he steps in Geonwoo’s range, something strange inside him is being stirred?

The night of the awaited party came with a strident bang in Anxin’s ears. It was a larger party than expected with this two-story rented Airbnb that had a pool outside. Everywhere he looked, people were in groups of two or more, chattering, dancing, eating, taking pictures, holding onto red plastic cups. Some were even kissing and hugging each other in which Anxin wasn’t used to apart from the occasional hand-holding he sees on campus. Something inside Anxin had deduced that these people aren’t exactly fated pairs, though. Nothing in this current atmosphere screamed anything romantic especially with how intense and junky the music sounded. It made Anxin want to throw his fists up and do a little hyped dance, but he decided to wear a lowkey image for the night and not some attention-seeking freshman who nobody actually knows.

Geonwoo-hyung:

are you there already?

Anxin:

Yes, hyung! I’m currently looking for my friends, but I’m standing near the couch just beside the entrance.

Geonwoo-hyung:

don’t go around without me pls

That was the last message Anxin read before his shoulders were suddenly held captive by a robust arm. He turns to look at the taller, blond, and doll-faced man by the name Jang Haneum. His bright hair and fair complexion was glowing under the lights that Anxin couldn't help but sip soda from the red cup Leo gave him just so that he could hide an expressive reaction.

“Anshin-ie! You came!” He ruffles Anxin’s hair that he spent almost an hour styling in Leo’s dorm. Haneum stops for a while to eye Anxin from top to bottom, not stopping himself from commenting on his appearance. “But… I didn’t know you dressed so emo.” 

Anxin was dressed in a black and red striped sweater paired with black denim jeans. His brown hair was styled in a way that his bangs had slight waves up front. He’d put on some light foundation, lip tint, and a faint eyeliner wing just to emphasize his cat-shaped eyes. The silver piercings on both sides of his ears and the silver necklace added flare to his outfit. It looked more like he was a stylish Kpop idol on schedule that got lost in Jackson Wang’s party.

Leo suddenly comes in between them, also with a red cup in hand. “Hey, I handed him those clothes. My style is fantastic, okay?”

Haneum and Leo briefly talked to each other, then mentioned something about a written report they need to pass Monday next week.

"Where’s Sangwon-hyung?” Haneum then asks and Anxin mentally thanks him for the important question he had yet to ask.

Just when Leo was about to answer, Sangwon arrived, an arm around Leo’s waist as he leaned forward to kiss the cheek of his taller boyfriend. Leo reacted like it was a natural occurrence and kissed him back. “Hey, babe. Have you met Anshin?”

Anxin awkwardly waves his hand at Sangwon, his dimple popping out from a flat smile.

Sangwon puts his hands in the pockets of his jacket. “Yeah. It was a strange first meeting, too, if I remember.”

“Honestly, same.” Leo says, referring to that moment where Anxin was creepily watching them in the music room.

Sangwon chuckles and goes to Anxin just to pat his shoulder. “Enjoy the party tonight, An God.”

How fun would it be to answer Sangwon with a: ‘Yes. I’ll have a fun time making you and Kim Geonwoo meet since you’re actually soulmates. Therefore, you should break up with Leo to make things easier for us.’

It’s never that easy.

Some minutes passed by when Anxin and Haneum finally claimed a spot on the couch. He was about to text Geonwoo again out of worry that he was taking quite some time to say he’s arrived. Because he wasn’t wearing his glasses or any contacts, Anxin was squinting his eyes, turning and arching his neck every time someone entered the door.

“Who are you looking for, Shin-ie?” Haneum taps his shoulder.

“Uhm, my friend…”

Because fate was deciding to be messy, a second after Anxin’s response, Kim Geonwoo, looking dashing as always and earning glances from random people in the background, was now standing in front of Haneum and Anxin’s seat.

“Yo, Geonu! I didn’t know you were gonna be here!” Haneum chimes and jumps up from the couch to give Geonwoo a hug. Anxin stares at them, finding out so unquestionably that these two knew each other before him. What are the odds? Sarang University is indeed a small place.

“Jang Haneum… Anshin-ah?” His voice bubbled with confusion that left Anxin in shambles. He also stood up to bow at him for a respectful greeting.

“What’s with the look?” Haneum asks Geonwoo. Anxin almost gasps at the style Geonwoo went for today. His hair was parted in the middle, leaving a few strands to cover up his forehead. He was wearing a prominent white top that looked so tight it hugged the muscles on his stomach and chest perfectly. Over the white was a cropped leather jacket matching the wide-legged black jeans, showing off Geonwoo’s tall proportions. It was insanely greedy, and Anxin had become increasingly thirsty that he finished his whole soda cup.

“You know Anshin?” It took a second for Anxin to find out that Geonwoo had completely ignored Haneum’s question and proceeded with his own.

As proof of closeness, Haneum rubs Anxin’s nape gently and smiles at the younger one. “Of course.” He looks back at Geonwoo. “And… What are you doing at this kind of party, hyung? I thought you were over it.”

Anxin doesn’t let Geonwoo answer just so no misunderstanding might arise. “Ah, I invited hyung…” He looks to avoid confronting the rather tense scene. He’s not sure why it is that way.

It was only Haneum who conveyed genuine amusement in all of this. “Well, what a coincidence. We’re all best friends here!”

The night was still young at present. Geonwoo and Haneum never left Anxin’s side even when they got themselves some small dinner. But when Haneum went to talk to his other friends, and Geonwoo was pulled in by a group of girls from his department, Anxin was left alone in a corner. He hasn’t drunk anything weird, just one full cup of soda, but the lights and the music were starting to blind him and make his head turn all woozy. He walks his way into a large kitchen where Leo told him the water dispenser was at. He takes a clean cup and gets himself warm water to freshen up and get away from the noise and crowded hall for a while. He realizes he wasn’t alone there.

“You’re quieter than expected,” Sangwon starts, sipping something from his red cup while leaning against a counter like a male lead in a drama.

Anxin shyly laughs and faces down. “Oh… I’m not used to these kinds of parties.”

His second target hums and lifts his cup to shake and stir the ice in it. “Do you even drink?”

“Not… really…” he answers truthfully.

Sangwon and Anxin’s heads whip toward the open entrance of the kitchen after Anxin’s name was mentioned by a deep, familiar voice. “Anshin? Where did you go all of a sudden? I was looking for you.”

He just keeps popping out of nowhere.

“I needed some water, hyung.” Anxin simply responds. He looks down on his water-filled cup and an invisible light bulb switches on beside his head. His gaze darts back and forth between the two men. “Oh! Geonwoo-hyung… This is Sangwon-hyung…”

Sangwon smiles and bows at Geonwoo. “Hi,”

Geonwoo does the same, without any mark of enthusiasm in his reply: “Hello. Nice to meet you.”

Anxin was too naive to even assume that their conversation would naturally continue from there. He takes the lead in doing so, “Uhh… Also, both of you are the same age. So, I hope you get along.”

Geonwoo nods at Anxin before walking up beside him and thankfully hitting Sangwon with a question. “Are you one of Haneum’s friends, Sangwon-ssi?”

The latter shrugs. “We’re not too close. But he is close with my boyfriend, Leo.”

“Yeah, I’ve heard about Leo. Haneum told me he’s a great singer.” Anxin flinches when he’d wrap an arm around Anxin’s dainty shoulders, well they’re actually quite broad, it’s just that this man was a giant. But he makes sure his weight doesn’t fall on Anxin at all. “While my Anshin here is a great pianist,” he smiles at Anxin like he’d seen him play piano since he went out of the womb.

Anxin was somewhere in between spitting out and choking on the water warmed up in his mouth. He swallowed slowly and immediately went to check on Sangwon’s reaction, who was just smiling softly.

“You haven’t even heard me play…” Anxin says suspiciously, wondering what he’s playing at. What the hell is my Anxin?! What was the reason?

“I don’t need to.”

Anxin tries to navigate control of the conversation to center it around the both of them. “Sangwon-hyung, Leo-hyung said you’re a DJ.”

Sangwon looks to the side cockily, “Sometimes.”

“Are you gonna DJ for this party, then?” Geonwoo asks and Anxin observes the slight spark of curiosity in his eyes.

“In a while, yes. Just waiting for the mood to kick in.” Sangwon says and this gets Anxin a bit more invested than he should. His targets are surprisingly very talented people with good looks as well. No wonder they were matched. They’d make a great power couple.

Yet, Anxin’s stomach twists at the idea of that.

“Can I request a song?” Geonwoo asks.

“Sure. The vibes tonight will be romantic and energetic.”

When Anxin decides that the timing was right, he slowly slips Geonwoo’s arm off him and excuses himself from the two. “Uh… I’ll leave you guys for a while, I have to go to the restroom. Just continue your talk, hehe…”

Anxin walks out before the possibility of Sangwon and Geonwoo halting their conversation happens. He pretends to look for the restroom, but is then caught in the arms of another hyung who now seemed too excited for his own good. “Anshin-ie! We’ve been looking for you! Want some?” Haneum brings the cup close to Anxin. He could smell something sweet and fruity, but also something sharp and pungent that Anxin’s nostrils begged for him not to consume.

“No thanks, hyung…” He politely pushes the cup away as the blond male presses Anxin’s back closer to his chest. Anxin realizes the smell of the alcohol was all over Haneum as well.

The older one droops his face closer enough for his breath to tickle Anxin’s ear. “Find anyone cute tonight? There were many freshmen who came. Are you close with any of them already?”

Anxin can’t exactly say he’s close with any other person here aside from them. He has been looking for Woojin who was in the same age range as him. He also wanted to get closer to Sanghyeon after they exchanged contacts and were chatting nonstop. But they aren’t here for some reason.

“Not really. I still need to put myself out there, I guess.” Anxin just says.

Haneum once again takes a habit of rubbing Anxin’s head like he does with others. “Cute,”

“Truth or Dare with Spin the Bottle, everyone! Gather up!” Someone suddenly screams. Haneum doesn’t hesitate to grip Anxin’s wrist and pull them towards the circle being formed in the center of the living room by the couches.

His heart thrummed fast when he found himself sitting down in between Haneum and Leo, with Leo having Sangwon beside him. Anxin pins his gaze away after seeing Geonwoo squeezing himself in the circle and sitting parallel to him, a grin spreading across his face.

It was a group of like eleven people mixed in with a few girls that didn’t look like they were at any normal headspace to play the game.

A wine bottle was placed down on the center of the circle. It spun around and Anxin started closing on his fists out of nervousness. He wasn’t new to this game, but playing such a game that breaches someone’s private lives and potentially humiliates them was making Anxin feel sick.

The bottle spun around for a few seconds before stopping. The neck and ring of the bottle pointed to someone who currently had all eyes on him.

“Junil, truth or dare?” the spinner asked the guy who sat beside Haneum.

“Truth.”

“What a coward.” Haneum side comments.

“Just ask a question.”

Anxin hears Leo’s voice step up beside him. “Is it true that your first kiss was with Haneum?”

“What the hell…” The crowd cheers and whistles while Junil looks unbelievably flustered. 

Being the nosy kid that he is, Anxin observes Haneum’s smug face and tries to decipher the relationship between these two. 

“What kind of question is that?!” Junil rages.

“A very good one.” Leo interjects.

Junil groans apprehensively. “Fine. Yes. But that was just… curiosity. We were 16, okay?!”

The game continued on and on after. It was filled with fun, laughter, and a budding sweetness because most questions and dares were related to either someone’s crush, dating life, or giving an intimate display of affection towards someone else in the room. Anxin had caught on quickly to their version of this game and he was lucky that fate was on his side tonight because he hasn’t been a victim or an active participant. Rather, a mere spectator. He looks to his right and catches Sangwon shyly laughing at something Leo whispered to him, evoking a fluttering feeling inside Anxin’s chest.

“Okay, Leo-hyung. Truth or dare?” Haneum, the current spinner, asks Leo who was chosen by the bottle for the first time.

He straightens his back and retorts confidently, “Dare! You know me~”

The rest of the group cheers. 

“Kiss your favorite person in the room for 10 seconds. On the lips.”

And they cheer again. For the whole time Anxin spent being quiet and avoiding how Geonwoo has been stealing glances at him from time to time during the whole game, they suddenly make brief eye contact. Anxin wanted to hide his face in his hands, now realizing the game was starting to step into dangerous territory.

“Eh?!” Leo’s confident demeanor turns hesitant.

“Sounds more like a reward than a punishment…” someone comments.

It looked like Leo wanted to protest, but he still managed to close his distance with Sangwon, his favorite person. The other people around start filming the event as Leo slides his hands up Sangwon’s neck, pulling him in to close the gap between their lips.

“10!” They shout in unison like watching a basketball match in its final countdown.

“9!” Anxin looks away from them, overwhelmed by the jeers.

“8!” A second felt like a minute.

“...3 ….2 … 1! WOOHOO!”

Leo and Sangwon’s lips part with strings of wetness. Both their ears and cheeks glowed bright red and they giggled at each other like they didn’t want the kiss to end.

“Get your own room already!”

Anxin feels that his face was hotter than both Sangwon’s and Leo’s combined.

The heat rushing and crawling all over his body didn’t stop, because if he wasn’t already embarrassed at his target seeing his other target make out with his boyfriend, then lo and behold, the bottle was finally pointed at him. He’s kinda doomed.

At first, it was crickets. They were probably wondering who the hell is this Wasian-looking boy. Anxin can’t blame anyone in particular. Out of needing comfort, his eyes shoot up to Geonwoo’s, whom he perceived was giving Anxin a supportive smile.

“Okay! Your turn, newbie.” Leo rubs Anxin’s back.

Anxin doesn't even think before answering, “Uh… Dare.” he made everyone clap their hands without hesitation.

“This is a bold one, guys! Does anyone have a dare?”

“Ask a chick out.”

“Drink this cup in one gulp!”

Leo intervenes on them. “You guys are such losers, what the fuck? Don’t scare him.”

"Here’s an easy one.” Haneum starts, grabbing the wine bottle. “I dare you to kiss the cheek of…”

Did Anxin hear that right? Kiss?  

As soon as he heard the next words spewing out of Haneum’s mouth, he caught Geonwoo’s face glowering.

“...whoever this bottle lands at after the spin.” Dear Zeus…

While it was awkward to be put on the spot surrounded by an audience to which more than half of them are complete strangers and others he’s only known for a few days, Anxin was relieved that the dare didn’t feel too extreme. Kissing someone on the cheek was a no-brainer for him, since he’s been showered with such affection all his life by his close ones.

Anxin shrugs. “Doesn’t sound so bad…”

“That’s the spirit!”

As Haneum spins the bottle, Anxin doesn’t forget to peek at Geonwoo. The boy was now looking down at his fingers, fiddling with them and showing clear disinterest in the game.

“Look at that! My dare, my gift.” Anxin stares down at the previously spinning bottle. It wasn’t part of Haneum’s scheme for sure, but he smirks at a clueless Anxin who was now being cheered on to kiss his seatmate’s cheek.

“Come on, Anshin.” Haneum smiles widely and taps a finger on his cheek.

Anxin decided to make it quick and wasted no time. He lunges forward, hands slightly gripping on Haneum’s shoulders to balance himself, lifting up to plant a fast and gentle peck on his cheek.

“Aww!” Everyone reacted as if Anxin was a baby taking his first steps. Everyone was in awe, except one person.

Anxin pulls away from Haneum, back to his quiet position and forces his face not to show any color.

“I think he enjoyed that way too much.” He doesn’t know who said it, but they were probably referring to Haneum who was covering his face from smiling so hard.

“You two are so cute.” Junil alleges.

Haneum immediately returns to his normal state and hugs Junil from the side. “Don’t be too jealous, darling~”

The game commences. When the bottle stops, the whole circle has never been as attentive as they are now, “Yes! Geonwoo, finally.”

“Truth.” he says with such strong conviction that Anxin wonders if he’s himself right now.

“Man, you’re so boring.”

“Geonwoo, who do you think is the prettiest person in this circle? Apart from yourself, of course.” Haneum was the one who initiated the question. No one else seemed to protest, so he took a small breath and directed his gaze towards someone he’d had his eyes on the entire time.

“For me, it’s Anshin-ie.”

It was a mix of laughter and unexplainable chants from the audience. The other half were wondering on who the hell “Anshin-ie” was until Haneum elbows Anxin teasingly and the boy could only cover his smile from sheer embarrassment.

“Why not me?” Some girl says.

“He is really pretty, damn.” Some guy says.

“I said what I said.” Geonwoo holds his hands up like he was defending his innocence from a cop. “He’s the prettiest here.”

And the game continues. They played an hour more until everyone in the circle got their turn. Anxin checks on his phone and sees that he has four hours left until midnight. 

After the game, Anxin goes outside to follow Geonwoo. He was leaning against a wall with a red cup in hand. He must have chosen this place because there was no one around. Anxin can’t help but interrogate him.

“Hey, hyung… Are you alright?” He walks beside him and presses his back against the wall, too.

“Mhm.” The soft and apathetic hum had Anxin more concerned. A few seconds in, Geonwoo puts his cup down on the ground. He was reeking off the same smell Haneum had earlier. Anxin begins to wonder if Geonwoo felt uncomfortable or possibly jealous with whatever went on earlier, but Geonwoo turns his body to the side, facing Anxin closely, arms crossed. “So, pretty boy, who do you think was the prettiest back there?”

Anxin sniffles. “I’m not answering that. Game’s over.”

He pokes on Anxin’s cheek again, a habit he had developed over the past few days after their first mild physical interaction on the rooftop. “Don’t be such a killjoy now…”

Anxin sighs. “Well, don’t you think Sangwon-hyung is pretty? He has that androgynous look.”

Geonwoo blinks at him like he wasn’t sure whether to agree. “Yeah. He fits well with Leo. They seem to have a good relationship…”

The last thing Anxin needed to hear was Geonwoo being so approving of his soulmate’s lovely relationship. He can’t possibly do anything about that except divert the topic. “What did you and Sangwon-hyung talk about?”

“Why are you curious? Do you like him?”

Anxin looks at him disparagingly. “Sangwon-hyung?! No! I barely know him!”

“Right… You like that one girl from China, whatever.” Anxin chooses to ignore whatever Geonwoo just said because he can’t believe he still remembers his blatant lie. “Sangwon and I didn’t talk much. Just stuff about music and how we both got to know you. You have a strange record of meeting people randomly, it seems.” he explains and that leaves Anxin in a more conflicting predicament.

“Anshin-ie, do you think I’m pretty, too..?” Geonwoo must be an expert at throwing Anxin off guard. He feels much worse, but also more assured by the spell Geonwoo was under.

“I wouldn’t say so… You’re more like…” he tries to think of the most appropriate answer.

“What? Hot? Sexy?”

With the way he looks right now, he’s like an aphrodisiac waiting to take effect. “Now, that’s too much.” Anxin jokes.

“I’m kidding.”

“You’re very handsome, hyung. You’re a model after all.” he couldn’t help but say the truth, not returning his gaze.

“Do you like handsome guys?”

The inner edges of Anxin’s eyebrows knit closer. “I don’t know, hyung. Do you?”

“I do like myself. But I like you more.”

Anxin should’ve known better than to provoke this flirtatious colloquy, because if all that staring and talking weren’t enough, Geonwoo finds the need to grab Anxin by his face. His large hands covered the whole of both sides of Anxin’s head, his cheeks now hidden beneath Geonwoo’s reddish (and a bit icy) palms. Gently, he turns Anxin’s head to face his. “Do you like guys like Haneum?”

“What…” Anxin’s voice wavers and so does his eyes with no idea where to look.

But Geonwoo knew exactly who the apple of his eyes was tonight. “You kissed him so easily just like that. You probably kissed so many people.” Geonwoo’s accusation made his heart drop. Anxin wanted to push him away and run away. He felt stuck. The thrumming of his heartbeat reverberated through his ears and he swore he could feel tremors on his legs that he might fall down in front of Geonwoo due to how weak and mushy his touch made him feel. Was this the yellow arrow’s working? Or his human heart? Or worse, was this just no other than a natural response you get when you’re drawn to someone?

Whatever the hell came over Anxin after that, he finally locks his eyes with Geonwoo’s. “Do you want a kiss, too?” What a great way to run.

Geonwoo’s gaze lowers down on Anxin’s lips. “If I say yes, would you?”

Anxin slowly removes Geonwoo’s hands off his face only for Geonwoo to tighten his hold on his cheeks, swiftly moving from Anxin’s side to steadying his body in front of him. Geonwoo was so close that Anxin had to look up and had nowhere to put his hands but on Geonwoo’s chest because he was getting cornered against the wall. Anxin stops himself from letting out a whimper. “H-hyung, you’re…”

“My pretty Anshin-ie…” Geonwoo presses their foreheads together, all while holding Anxin’s face. It was the perfect angle for him, not too bent forward, not too low. It’s like he knew this would make Anxin’s heart race. Anxin doesn’t dare pull his vision upwards or he would thaw from Geonwoo’s heat. “Why do you look so pretty today?” His breath was hot and Anxin inhaled the scent of his musky perfume and the malty drink. He doesn’t know what he was drinking at all, but assumes it was enough to make Geonwoo’s voice groggy and his movements sluggish.

Anxin swallowed hard and begged all the angels and gods he could name in his head not to let Geonwoo notice how badly he was trembling. “Stop saying weird things like that…”

“Why?”

“Because you’re just under the arrow’s spell.”

Geonwoo’s head tilts. “The arrow’s what?”

“Nothing. I said you smell.”

“Do I? Do you hate it?” His face starts leaning closer.

“No, just…”  Anxin groans. “Don’t call me pretty anymore.” He didn’t mean for his tone to come off harsh, but he had to make a straight point.

Geonwoo sighs and backs away, surrendering to the memo. “Alright. What should I call you?”

“Nothing. Go focus on someone else, such as prettier boys like Sangwon-hyung, maybe. You’re the same age, he’s nice and cute and he’s good at DJing…” Anxin stops as he hears Geonwoo’s sarcastic laugh.

The older man raises a brow. “So I should be closer to him just because you told me so?”

“I-I’m just saying you shouldn’t keep playing around with me.” Anxin probably thinks he’s sounding reasonable, but it only fuels Geonwoo’s insistence. 

“I’m not playing with you.” Geonwoo contends, now looking at Anxin a lot more seriously.

“You’re drunk…” was all Anxin could afford as an excuse.

“I’m okay, I’m not wasted. Why don’t you believe me?” he mutters weakly.

Anxin’s voice almost breaks, like he was squeaking: “I never said that.” He pauses his words to clear his throat. “You’re just kind and sweet. You don’t mean any of that.”

“Who are you to dictate what I mean and don’t mean?” The rasp and rawness in Geonwoo’s voice makes an entrance. And he’s right, but also wrong. Anxin wished he could make him understand. But his own throat was tight and closed, and he was frozen in spot for it would kill him to continue this exchange any longer.

Geonwoo’s sigh breaks the silence. He bends down to take his cup from the ground. “You know, I came to this party for you…” 

Anxin feels the world spinning without any intoxicating influence in his system.

“I guess I made a mistake.”

Anxin doesn’t know what to feel when he watches Geonwoo’s back walk away from him and enter the house. He distracted himself by strolling around and observing the people in the pool. His head was filled with Geonwoo and how he couldn’t deny the high stakes at play anymore if he refuses to do his job right.

That’s when the notification sound from his phone cuts off his laments. He checks the message and doesn’t understand why, but his feet start trudging inside the house.

Irio-hyung:

Anshinieee! 

you’re friends with geonwoo right

well he’s passed out on the couch right now and haneum already left with junil earlier

so

do you happen to know where he lives so he can get home?

No. Anxin does not know where Geonwoo lives, but he tries to find him in the sea of people. He was stepping on junk food wrappers, littered cups, and glass shards from beer bottles due to Chronos knows what. It doesn’t stop him from frantically searching for Geonwoo.

He was back to the place where he entered the first time. There was Geonwoo, with an unfamiliar guy holding him by his waist, Geonwoo’s arm resting on his shoulder, then the guy lifted him up so effortlessly. His eyes were closed and he seemed to be murmuring something. Maybe it was better that way because Anxin knows for sure he can’t carry a big, drunk man all on his own. 

“Hey, Anshin.” Leo appears behind him. “Do you know what happened to Geonwoo? He started drinking a lot and passed out…”

Anxin shakes his head. He’s never going to tell anyone his possible involvement. Not that he’s sure he was involved, but all the clues were laid out and Anxin isn’t as stupid as he seems.

“Who’s that with him?” Axin asks instead, staring as the guy supports Geonwoo’s limp body as they leave.

“He said he’s Xin Long, Geonwoo’s best friend.”

There was nothing new when Anxin came back to Amoraeon. He was able to remember going back from the party thanks to the beeping of his Love Watch that reminded him of his Cinderella rule. He didn’t get any proper rest from overthinking, but at least there was good news when he came to the consultation room to meet with Junseo and Jiahao again… for them to introduce very helpful leads.

The fourth man in the room introduced himself as Sun Heng Yu. Anxin knows him as their designated equipment officer. “I owe you all an apology. Due to my incompetence in rechecking the inventory, Mr. Zhou had drawn the wrong arrow, which caused restlessness in both realms. As an atonement for my mistake, I have retrieved useful information to help you with this case.”

Jiahao then presents a short video on the projection screen. It was so blurry that even with Anxin’s glasses on, he still had to change seats just to get a better view. There was a mysterious individual, his face can’t be shown and it was almost like a shadow hidden beneath the thick black cloak. He was seen attempting to open a locked vault door. He was able to do so, his head swinging side to side, looking for any witness. Then he quickly enters inside. The footage ends after that.

Hengyu explains it to them more: “As seen in the footage, an unidentified individual was seen breaking into the vaults. Many equipment were reported stolen. It’s possible that the quiver you received has been tampered with. Only authorized personnel can enter the vaults, so it’s highly likely we’re dealing with a traitor. Unfortunately, that is all the footage I’m able to access… The security team said there’s nothing else to give and they are currently on their way to report this to the enforcement.”

“Wait, you haven’t found the guy?” Anxin asks concerningly.

Hengyu responds with a “no,” leaving Anxin skeptical of how slow they were all moving. According to Junseo and Jiahao, it seems they can no longer keep this from the authorities; hence, Anxin might have to face them very soon and they will have to decide for whatever is an applicable termination for Anxin in this field of matchmaking. He wasn’t scared for himself, but worried for everyone else directly and indirectly involved.

“As you can see, this has now shifted into a criminal matter, and we need you to be more careful. We’re thinking of sending in a companion for your safety—”

“NO!” Anxin cuts Jiahao off, accidentally slamming his hands on the table and screaming. They look at him with shocked faces. “I mean… Please, let me handle it alone. Cupidelles don’t just undergo shooting training after all. I can protect myself.”

“But Anxin… Protecting yourself as a human is different.”

“Just trust me, ge.” Anxin croaked.

The meeting ends with the conclusion that Anxin can continue his investigation very quietly. He was warned that his ability to turn human might wane unexpectedly, so he always needs to check his condition in both bodies.

Currently, he was in Kangmin’s room, the two watching some cheesy soap opera drama. Anxin’s head was resting on Kangmin’s shoulder as he asked: “Kangmin-hyung, have you ever been in love?”

Kangmin’s shoulder twitches a bit, making Anxin lift his head. “So suddenly?”

He pouts. “I’m curious.”

The hyung sighs. “I guess I do seem like the lover boy type. Well, I’ve had crushes here and there, but I haven’t thought about being in a serious relationship with angels, no.”

Anxin only fakes a nod, not entirely convinced that someone like Kangmin has never been in such situations. In turn, the older headlocks Anxin and rubs his knuckles on his crown. “Aigoo! Is Anxin-ie in love? You traitor! Who is it? Is it that Fang Mei Lin girl?”

Anxin squeals and pushes him off. “Hyung, that was a long time ago! She’s not even in the academy anymore.”

Kangmin shrugs. “I’d be very sad if you suddenly go and date someone, you know.”

Anxin found this utterly ridiculous. Kangmin was the type to definitely be possessive over his friends, but Anxin never took it seriously. It wasn’t possible to only have each other forever, and he knows Kangmin will be the number one supporter of his happiness. “We’re going to live for eternity, you know. We’re going to have to date and marry someone sooner or later, hyung.”

“Look at you being all grown up and wise.” Kangmin flicks his forehead.

“Oww! There was nothing of that sort about what I said. It’s just common sense.”

“It’s not! I don’t see dating as a necessity anyway. Because I’m satisfied just having the two of us for the rest of time. Why would I think of falling in love when I have my Anxin-ie who loves me so much? You’re all mine, okay?” Kangmin tackles Anxin down the bed until his whining overpowers the audio of the television.

“You’re so weird, hyung! Get off me!”

“Come on! You love me verivery much, too!”

“I hate you!”

It is currently Sunday in the human world. Meaning, no classes for college students. And out of all Anxin’s quandaries, he was worried about a certain someone still not texting him back.

Yesterday 11:00 PM

Anxin:

Hai, Geonwoo-hyung…

I heard that you left with a friend earlier.

Can you text me if you’re alright? We were worried about you.

Seen

Anxin undeniably felt hurt about getting ignored for the first time. His text messages were only flooded by Sanghyeon sending him about thirsty TikTok videos and memes every hour. On the other hand, there was Leo-hyung sending him different concert announcement updates of his favorite artists. He’s been inviting Anxin to come, but Anxin had two unfortunate things on his plate: (1) he is broke; and (2) he shouldn’t get too close with these humans.

He was scrolling through his messages mindlessly when a new message from Sanghyeon came up, urging him to get up from his bed.

Today 9:00 AM

Sanghyeonie 🐈😹:

Anshin hyunggggggg

gw hyung said he’s sick and he’s ignoring my calls and messages

Can u check on him? Ik he’ll respond if it’s u

pleaseee i’ll give u the address

im sorry if im asking a huge favor but i cant go rn due to urgent matters 🙁

Anxin immediately replies that he’s free. He makes sure to get the money that Jiahao provided him before throwing himself in jogging pants and a sweater. After summoning the portal and entering in the world where he can die if he’s not careful, he presses the Google Maps address that Sanghyeon sent. It took time for Anxin to understand how it works, getting lost a few times and taking a break to go to a pharmacy store to buy medicine. He also bought two packs of soup powder along with it. 

When he checks that he is getting nearer to the destination, Anxin looks for the building’s name just to make sure he’s not stepping into the wrong person’s home and embarrassing himself. Once he was sure, he entered and took an elevator to the floor according to the details Sanghyeon gave. Gripping the plastic bag in his hand, he lets out a deep sigh before heading face-to-face with the dorm room number. He clicks on the doorbell and waits.

When there was no answer, Anxin took his phone out and started calling Geonwoo. He pressed his ear against the door to try and hear any faint sounds of a phone ringing, but suddenly fell forward, immediately regaining balance, when the door was opened.

He looks up, seeing Geonwoo wrapped with a blanket around him, his eyes swollen and hair all disheveled. “What are you doing here?” His voice sounded sleepy, kind of drunken.

Anxin swallows hard, questioning himself if he was finally ready to face him again after yesterday. “Sanghyeon told me that you’re sick…”

Geonwoo shuts his eyes and huffs into his blanket helplessly. “Aish, that kid…” he mumbles with frustration.

“Can I come in?” Anxin was still shameless enough to ask. Nobody dares question what he’s doing right now or else he might get sick, too.

“You look terrible.” Anxin comments as Geonwoo closes the door, then he goes up to press the back of his hand against Geonwoo’s neck to check his temperature, making the taller man swerve. Geonwoo looks away and buries himself in the blanket more. “I’m a grown man, you know. I don’t need you to play nurse for me.”

“I’m not. Just think of this as your rest day and let your capable dongsaeng handle things.”

Anxin sits him down on his bed and doesn't even ask permission from him before he turns on the stove in Geonwoo’s mini kitchen. It was quite spacious and had enough room for two people to live in. It’s a surprise that he solos the place.

“Is your head okay?” Anxin asks as he pours the soup powder into the hot water, stirring it in the pot. 

“A little.” Geonwoo responds, watching the invader in his kitchen curiously. 

After Anxin makes the soup into its desired texture, he prepares it in a bowl and heads toward the bedside table. He takes a small seat he found from the side, then sits on it beside Geonwoo’s bed. He places the hot bowl on the table, with a spoon and one blister strip of a tablet. “Take this medicine after you eat... and lie down after.” He points at the things he readied for him.

To Anxin’s surprise, Geonwoo gives him a rather strong glare. “Don’t boss me around.”

But Anxin was stronger than him. “Why are you acting stubborn?”

Geonwoo rolls his eyes. “Bold of you to call me stubborn.”

“Just eat.”

“Feed me. I can’t move.”

“Oh, dear…”

This was going to be a long and hard day. It’s no one’s fault but Anxin’s. 

Anxin was stalling around his dorm as Geonwoo devoured the soup in less than three minutes. Geonwoo suddenly spoke up about getting hot and slipped the blanket off himself, revealing himself in a black tank top that almost made Anxin screech, eyes boring into his toned biceps. He’s definitely a builder and Anxin could not get over how even his physique is a gift from the gods. Anxin was probably the greatest fuck up to ever happen in his life because how can someone like him truly fall for Anxin? 

Anxin coughs to grab his attention. “Haneum-hyung said you drank so much… What happened?”

“Ah…” Geonwoo avoids his gaze. “Nothing.”

“It’s not nothing. You caught a fever right after that.” Anxin crosses his arms.

Geonwoo just sighs and opens the blister pack Anxin left on the bedside table. “It’s because someone I like was pushing me away and I got angry.” He swallows down the pill with water before continuing. “I know. So reckless.”

“Do you need anything else?” Anxin asks, taking the initiative to clean up his empty bowl.

“Are you leaving?”

“It seems like you didn’t want me here anyway.”

“No, wait… I… I’m sorry.” He grabs Anxin’s wrist before he can turn around. They were so cold that Anxin thought he had played with ice. “Please, stay.”

How could Anxin resist that? When he said it so weakly? When his pleading eyes are glinting at Anxin?

No matter how much Anxin needed to leave and not let himself sink deeper into this world, his heart betrayed him. “Then, rest. I’ll stay until you fall asleep.”

“What if I don’t get better when I wake up?”

“I can always come back.” That was a punch to his gut. What came over him to say that? There’s no reason for Anxin to come back. He’s doing this for his assignment. Nothing else.

Geonwoo gets swayed by Anxin’s demand and lays down on his bed, getting under the covers and snuggling up to it. “Anshin,” he whispers lowly.

He then squirms on his bed like a giant worm in order to move backwards, leaving space on the left side of his bed. “Come here.” He pats the empty space, and Anxin wishes he were deaf that moment.

Anxin looks to the side like there was someone else in the room to help him. “Where?”

He also looks around the room, mocking Anxin’s attempt to hide his flusteredness. “Where else? Here on the bed… Beside me…” It was more of a requesting tone with demanding words.

Relax, Anxin. There’s no meaning to it. He’s sick. He needs affection from someone.

Anxin hesitantly steps closer and climbs on the bed, pulling the covers up for himself.

Geonwoo couldn’t hide the smirk on his face. He won the lottery. “You’re surprisingly obedient…”

Anxin glares at him when he finally lays himself down, then turns to lay his side the other way where his back facing Geonwoo. “And you’re surprisingly a baby when you’re sick.” he tells him and he could hear him chuckle from behind.

The silence melted into the air, and Anxin had to heave out a heavy sigh from the idea of them suddenly lying down on the same bed.

Then, Geonwoo’s voice suddenly wipes out the silence. “Can I… hold you…?”

Aphrodite, help this man.

“Yeah,” Fuck. Why did Anxin say that?

It didn’t take much before Anxin begs himself to calm down when Geonwoo gets closer and wraps his bare arm around Anxin’s waist. Geonwoo doesn’t grip him tighter, doesn’t pull him closer. He takes it on himself to move and press his own chest closer to Anxin enough to feel the fabric of his sweater and the floral scent emanating from him.

The feeling of his hot breath on Anxin’s neck lingered unstoppably. Anxin wanted to turn around and see what kind of face he was making. Was he sleeping? Smiling? Panicking like Anxin was?

“Mhm.” Anxin suddenly feels Geonwoo’s body coil, making him bend his knees and push his legs upward to give him a better hold. “So warm…”

“So clingy…” Anxin rebuttals to get the nerves off him.

“Don’t act like you hate hugging.”

“I don’t. I cuddle with my hyungs all the time—” Anxin says on purpose.

“Hyungs…? You mean older siblings?”

Anxin wonders if he should lie, but it adds nothing to the story. “I have a hyung who is very clingy to me. But we’re not related.”

Anxin doesn’t know what it was in the sudden silence of when Geonwoo doesn’t respond right away. He hears a beeping sound… of pounding and drumming. He’s not sure if it’s Geonwoo’s or his own. “And that hyung is… from China?” he then asks.

“Uh, yeah…” Anxin shifts slightly. “He taught me Korean, actually.” 

Anxin looks down at Geonwoo’s hand now curled into a fist around his sweater. “He didn’t teach you very well.”

“Hey!” He lightly hits him from behind. “I’m quite good! I’m improving…”

Geonwoo laughs, but there was an obvious agony in his voice, “It’s kinda sad you just cuddle with anyone, though.”

“Why? Have you never done this with someone else?”

Silence again.

Anxin does something he knows will get him to answer. He rolls himself to the other side, the bed creaking beneath them, as he now faces Geonwoo who has his eyes automatically pinned at Anxin’s face. “Ya, answer me.” Anxin hits his chest again, even dropping his formal tone when speaking to the elder.

Geonwoo puts on a sneer, his eyes never leaving Anxin’s as if it were a competition to see who can hold it the longest. “I can’t. I’m sick.”

Anxin loses by looking away and scoffing. “By the way, who was that guy who took you last night?”

Geonwoo looks up at the ceiling, trying to decipher the question. “Xin Long?”

The familiar name rang a bell. “Yes…?” Anxin contemplates on whether he wants to listen to whoever this Xinlong dude is.

Geonwoo smiles as the arm wrapped around Anxin’s waist moves up so that he can place his hand behind Anxin’s head, giving his hair a soft caress before he moves his fingers to rub against Anxin’s ear, playing with his lobe piercing. Geonwoo pretends not to see the way Anxin’s eyes flicker and how he trembles from the touch. “He’s a good friend of mine. I met him when I was still in the university’s dance club. But I didn’t renew my membership this year since I had to focus on my modelling job.”

“I-I see…” Anxin swears he’s not distracted, but then the same hand on his ear starts running down his back, causing him to arch up a bit. “Hyung—”

“I think you’d get along. He’s also Chinese.”

Anxin didn’t know how to react to that statement. It’s not every day he gets tingly against soft bed sheets due to a Korean man’s affection while they talk about their Chinese friend. “Perhaps,”

Geonwoo’s hand finally stops with whatever magic he was doing to Anxin’s wingless spine. “And this cuddly hyung of yours; what’s his name?” He stares so hard at Anxin that anyone would assume he was inspecting every micro-hair and pore on his face.

Anxin tumbles, “Uh… Kangmin.”

Geonwoo snorts. “Sounds like a jerk.”

“Hey!” Anxin was about to fight him for insulting his beloved Kangmin-hyung. He doesn’t even know him. “But, eh, he kinda is.” What a turn of events!

“Is he more handsome than me?” The smugness on Geonwoo’s face and voice never left.

Anxin shrugs. “He’s the cute type, while you’re the handsome type. And he’s shorter than me.”

“I guess I win.” Geonwoo sticks a tongue out teasingly.

Anxin has had enough and rolled to the other side again, his back now pressed closer against Geonwoo’s chest. “Shut up and sleep.”

“Anshin-ie,” he calls softly, sending Anxin into a frenzy.

“Yes, hyung?”

“Promise me you’ll stay.”

Anxin swallows back the throbbing pain before closing his eyes. “Promise.”

Sorry, Geonwoo. But he can’t promise you anything.

Monday morning arrived too soon at Sarang University. 

“Anshin!” There he was. With that innocent smile and vibrant energy that Anxin doubted if his fever yesterday was even real. He was wearing a light blue shirt over a white top. This is the most handsome, yet simplest, that Anxin had seen him.

“You’re here early, hyung.” He bows down to him.

“I was hoping to run into you.” Geonwoo then raises his hand in front of Anxin with a sealed brown paper bag. “Here. Choco bread!” 

Anxin took it without hesitation and smiled brightly at Geonwoo without thinking too much of showing his dimple and snaggle tooth. “Aye, thanks!” he happily chirps.

The generous hyung smiles in contentment. “I was thinking we go—”

“Geonwoo! Anshin!”

Anxin stiffens when he hears and sees familiar voices and faces walking towards them.

“You two on your way to class?” Leo asks.

“Come with us for breakfast. Leo-hyung’s treat.” Sangwon adds.

Leo pinches Sangwon’s cheek playfully. “Wow. Just because I’m the oldest, really?”

Sangwon gives a warm smile, a smile plastered on his face that shows up only when Leo’s around or when his name is mentioned. “You still owe me something, you know.”

He doesn’t know if this is a good thing or a bad thing, but Geonwoo agrees to go.

The four of them shared a table in a local coffee shop near the university, the one where Anxin first miraculously saw and met Sangwon. He was also delighted to be treated with an unfamiliar invention. Iced coffee.

“When did you two meet?” Geonwoo asks. Anxin was just there, eating his choco bread and sipping on the straw of the delicious drink Leo picked out for him.

Leo then answers, “Around middle school. Then we became a couple in high school. I confessed first only because he was too shy.”

Sangwon’s face crumples into shame as he palpably blushes. “T-that’s not true! I asked you out through a note.”

“How cute of you, babe.” Leo teases him.

“H-how about you, Geonwoo? Dating anyone? Like that guy who picked you up from the party?” Sangwon asks and Anxin almost chokes on his food.

“Oh, nah.” Geonwoo glances at Anxin for an unknown reason. “Xinlong is just a good friend.”

That sounds fucking suspicious, Anxin thinks or maybe he’s delusional.

"Yeah. Your type is Anshin, right?”

That was another blow that made Anxin regret joining. The iced coffee was too good for this kind of humiliation. Geonwoo sips on his own drink, neither denying nor confirming Leo’s statement. 

“Leo-hyung!” Sangwon tries to make damage control, but Leo doesn’t stop.

“What? I just remembered he said Anshin is pretty—” Leo proclaims as if the two people involved aren’t in front of then and sitting beside each other right now.

Anxin doesn’t notice Geonwoo gawking at his adorable, animated reactions. He was biting onto his straw anxiously, thinking of how perfect the dynamic is between Leo and Sangwon. 

“Uh, anyways. I’m doing a gig for a rave party next Saturday night again. You guys can come if you want…”

Sangwon’s voice starts fading in Anxin’s auricular senses. Sangwon is so soft and earnest. Geonwoo is so kind and warm. They’re like two missing puzzle pieces to a perfect picture. They’re good together. 

And yet…

Every time he can feel Geonwoo’s eyes on him—and not on Sangwon—he can’t help but think otherwise. What if the two of them were fated for this all along?

The sun began to set as Geonwoo tugs at Anxin’s sleeve. “Psst. Come with me.”

And Anxin finds himself at the rooftop sanctuary with Geonwoo. The wind whirls against their hair while standing side by side against the railings.

“It’s funny…” Geonwoo starts. “I go here to remind myself how small we are,” 

Anxin anticipates whatever words area about to come out of him to effortlessly pull on Anxin’s heartstrings. “But when I’m with you, everything gets bigger.”

Anxin’s breath hitches. “What do you mean?”

Geonwoo looks down at the city below, gripping on the railing. “An overwhelming feeling? Something heavy, scary, but for some reason… I want it to consume me.” The words fall out of him like a masterful poem.

Anxin shouldn’t, but he asks something in order to scratch his itch. “Hyung, can I ask you something?”

“What is it?”

Anxin licks his lips before speaking. “What do you feel about me?”

Geonwoo turns to look at Anxin with the sudden question ringing in his ears. “You mean… in general? As a friend?”

“Just—like as a person… Do you like me? How do I make you feel?” The questions kept topping each other in a hurry. He doesn't give himself time to breathe.

Geonwoo looks down like he was too shy to say anything despite all the bold advances he had made. “I’d love to be honest, but I don’t think you’d be ready to hear it.”

“No!” Anxin objects. “I… I want to know…”

Geonwoo flashes him a worried look. “Shin-ah, do you ask this to everyone you make friends with?”

“Y-yeah! It’s an important question. Like life and death!”

“Mhm, I won’t tell you then…”

“Hyung!” It was his turn to tug at Geonwoo’s blue sleeve. “Please…” 

The sparkle in Anxin’s eyes had transformed him into a kitten inside Geonwoo’s imagination. “Don’t look at me like that…”

“PLEASE!” he meowed violently. Geonwoo snaps out of the imagination fast.

“O-okay! Jeez, uhm…”

Geonwoo doesn’t know where to start. He’s not doing a good job at hiding it at all, of how much he adores the younger. But having to confess his feelings aloud gave him a chill, with collywobbles that made him want to vomit. “I don’t know.” He really doesn’t. How could he explain that he was drawn to Anxin the moment he saw him lying on the ground that one sunny day? 

Still, he swallows down his pride and confusion to give him an answer that he needed. “You’re a very cute dongsaeng and you’re really weird sometimes. Like it’s your first time living. For some reason, I still find you very endearing. I can’t explain why, because I’ve only known you for a week, but I’m fond of you… I want to see you every day… Like I might not be normal if I don’t…”

Anxin wanted to burn in Hephaestus’ fire. So, it’s true. The effect of the yellow arrow has taken over Geonwoo. 

And Anxin fears he might have made it worse.

“What? You never felt that way before?” Geonwoo asks him just to deflect, because Anxin had panic etched all over his face.

“It’s not that, it’s just… Ugh, never mind. Thanks for telling me, hyung.” He has officially banned himself from ever asking such questions again.

But Geonwoo isn’t letting it happen. “It’s your turn to tell me.”

Anxin turns to listen closely to his continuation: “About how you feel, too.”

Anxin’s lips part. His mouth gaping open like he wanted to say something to ruin himself. But how could he? How could he tell him that his heart aches from this whole lie? How could he tell him that his body melts every time he smiles and touches him? How could he tell him that his halo and wings involuntarily glowed the brightest whenever he thought about him in Amoraeon, where mortals didn’t belong? How could he tell him that he threw away all his responsibilities yesterday after finding out he was sick? 

How could he…

“I can’t…”

“What do you mean? You’re very confusing.” Geonwoo murmured. “Sometimes you’re so open, then you go back to being secretive.”

The silence was long and heavy. Anxin felt sorry because he had to disappoint him again in a place where he felt most peaceful. Anxin is a disaster wherever he goes. He’s not cut out to be human. Not even as a cupid.

“What?” Geonwoo’s voice softened, the breeze was louder. “Just tell me that you don’t feel anything and I’ll stop.”

Anxin feels his eyes start to sting. “Hyung, it’s just…”

“I get it. Let’s not talk about it anymore.”

The dreadful atmosphere penetrated into the once tranquil air of the rooftop.

Geonwoo doesn’t stay quiet when he sees the boy’s sullen face. Something he’d never worn before. “Anshin?” He tries to grab for his hand, but Anxin backs away.

“Sorry, hyung…” Anxin fixes his posture. “I really have to go…”

“Wait! Where are you going?”

He made an exit through the door and took hasty steps on the metal staircase. He wondered if Geonwoo was chasing after him because he yelled Anxin’s name like he was afraid he might not come back.

“Anshin!”

As Anxin runs to prepare himself back to his world, his vision blurs when his Love Watch glows a haunting dark red and beeps like a siren.

Kim Geonwoo + Zhou Anxin = Affinity 75%

It’s the biggest jump ever recorded.

And Anxin is the biggest fool to ever operate as a matchmaker.

Chapter Text

The bistro courtyards of Eros Akademia were brimming with elegance and serenity. The air was light and the misty surroundings were somewhere in between opaque pink to an ivory color. At one table in the center, four angels, dressed in black trousers and princely white shirts, were enjoying their sweet pastries and rich teas, the porcelain plates and teacups caught under golden light through the crystal windows of the antique academy. One of these angels is a cupid-born heavenly being by the name Zhou Anxin, who despite being raised with etiquette all his life, can’t seem to figure out how it’s bad manners to be looking down on his human mobile phone in the middle of a luncheon with his cohorts.

He stares down at the blue light screen, thumbs twitching from the indecisiveness to text back or just ignore the message he had left on read for the past six hours in human time.

Geonwoo-hyung:

anshinie?

are you absent today?

did i say something wrong yesterday why haven’t you been texting back

i really want to see you… 

i’m sorry if i’m being selfish

 

‘No, hyung… The only one who’s being selfish is me.’ Anxin badly wanted to say this. He decides to put away his phone and get his mind off things by focusing on those in front of him instead.

“It has been very gloomy in Amoraeon lately.” Anxin finally looks up from Kangmin’s comment. Anxin has noticed it himself, too. Maybe it has to do with being in sync with the mortal world, but even in this time of the year, it doesn’t always feel that way. It’s not really about the appearance of the setting, but the atmosphere it gives. There is some foreboding and mysterious ambience taking place and his Kangmin-hyung, who is usually bright and positive, is the first to point it out.

“I wonder why…” Jiahao says, his gaze directed on the ground. It has been like that for the past thirty minutes they’ve been together. He finally had a day-off and decided to take the group out for a small treat. During these times, their professional relationship is stashed aside to enjoy the original familial bond they have built all over the years.

“Anxin-ie,” Kangmin rubs Anxin’s right shoulder. “Why are you not touching your food?”

The younger shrugs and was stabbing his fork on the pasta mindlessly. “I got sick of Amoraeon food.”

“Why? Were you eating other food somewhere? Did you go to the Underworld?” After Kangmin’s question, Jiahao, Kaiwen, and Anxin all shared an unspoken glance to each other.

It was when Kangmin excused himself to go to the restroom when Kaiwen began being nosy. “Bro,” He pokes Anxin’s dimpled cheek that causes him to sigh. “Is it true that you’ve been linked to the human?”

Anxin’s eyes widened and he turned around to check if Kangmin was nearby before going back to shushing the troublesome Kaiwen. “Oi! Stay quiet!” He really can’t believe Kaiwen would just question that to him. Anxin even glares at Jiahao, busy sipping on his tea. He wanted to curse at the eldest in the table for even telling a thing to Kaiwen in the first place

Kaiwen just grimaces at him. “Says the loud one.”

Anxin forces himself to chew his meal. He wasn’t having a good appetite. Maybe because his palette has grown accustomed to that of the human world after a week of being spoiled with food by Geonwoo and Leo, or maybe he just wasn’t feeling like himself because he was forced to act like someone else for this rather long period of time. It was draining him, but it was his own doings that provoked these complications.

“Speaking of—Anxin, how’s your human doing exactly?” Kaiwen asks again, making Anxin want to throw the pasta at his face.

“What do you mean my human?”

“Lol, do you really think I wouldn’t notice how much of a lovesick fool you are already? Hao-ge, did you know—MMPH!” Before he could let out another word, Anxin had gone over Kaiwen’s side and covered his mouth.

They both hear a gruff from Jiahao who was now shooting dagger eyes at them. “Can you two just eat quietly? You’re embarrassing me in public.”

Anxin takes his hand away before Kaiwen could even think of biting or licking his palm. “What’s wrong, Hao-ge?” Anxin asks after noticing that Jiahao has had his eyes on the ground alarmingly.

“Is this normal? The floor has cracks.” He pointed out the small fissure on the concrete beneath their table.

Anxin shrugs. “Maybe it’s an earthquake?”

“How can this world possibly have earthquakes? We live on top of clouds, goofy!” Kaiwen looks at Anxin annoyingly as if he was the dumbest child ever.

Jiahao adds to the teasing fire: “Xin-ah, did you spend that much time on earth and forgot where you’re really from?”

Anxin’s face starts heating up. “No!”

“Oh, he so did! And he’s even in love with a human! Tell me, did you kiss already?” Kaiwen manages to top off badgering by making kissing gestures with his hands.

Anxin’s halo starts flickering intensely and his voice squeaks from defensiveness. “How can we possibly do that? I only knew him for a week!”

Kaiwen laughs at him. “That’s kinda what happens when you matchmake someone.”

“We weren’t made to match! I’m already making him not fall for me more.” Anxin wasn’t sure why he just lied. Because from what he can remember, their affinity has reached up to 75% from the last stats. It hasn’t gone up nor gone down but interacting with Kim Geonwoo is getting risky both for the Love Watch and for Anxin’s unexplainable feelings.

“What’s the progress with that, by the way? Are you feeling anything for him, too?” Jiahao inquires like they were suddenly transported back into the consultation room for a daily meeting and progress report.

“No! Not at all, ge!” Anxin’s eyes stretched out, and anyone could tell that he was frantic about something. “But it seems he has indeed developed feelings for me… Said something like he wants to see me every day and he might not feel normal if he doesn’t.” Anxin was glad there’s no divine recording of his time on earth unlike his first say on the job as a Cupidelle, or else they would have found out how pathetic he acted when Kim Geonwoo managed to make him crumble from what he said on the rooftop.

Jiahao wasn’t done with the questions unfortunately. “So, he didn’t go on his knees to tell you he loves you and wants to marry you?”

Anxin looked at him weirdly. “Now, why would anyone do that?”

Jiahao replies with something that zaps Anxin in the chest, “It’s possible. It’s an arrow for devotion after all.” 

Kaiwen sits up straight and opens up his palms like he was about to present a speech to Jiahao and Anxin. “Crazy theory, but what if he actually just likes you and the yellow arrow was nothing all along?”

Crazy theory, indeed. Anxin looks at him dumbfoundedly. Even Jiahao was concerned with his delusions and paranoia.

“Then, what would explain his sudden mortality? There is a special process to turning into human when you enter the mortal world,” Jiahao explains before continuing. “Somehow, Anxin automatically transforms into one when he enters. The yellow arrow is connecting him to that place because of the human target.”

“Why are we calling him human target? His name is Kim Geonwoo.” Anxin interposes, expressing his distaste with using operational terms for someone he came to know about deeper than himself.

Jiahao and Kaiwen shot him indifferent glares.

“Why are you concerned?”

“It’s just… Can we treat humans as not just some assignments?” Anxin miserably sighs.

“But they are just assignments, Xin. There’s nothing more to it.” Anxin just kept quiet. He never expected Jiahao to be this cold and submissive to the matchmaking industry.

“I’m back! What were you guys talking about?” Kangmin pulls his seat besides Anxin again and smiles at them questioningly.

Kaiwen was there to gladly mitigate their secretive discussion. “About me and Masato getting back together. Hurray!”

“How did you even win him back?” Jiahao negates, unable to believe that whatever push-and-pull situationship Kaiwen and Masato have was still ongoing longer than anyone could have predicted.

“By being handsome and crazy? Duh!”

“I have a question, guys…” Anxin suddenly butts in, all eyes on him.

Kangmin acknowledges him. “What is it, curious cat?”

“Well, we’ve learned in the academy that fated pairs can break apart even after matchmaking, right?” Anxin scratches on his chin before continuing: “Is it possible that they separate ways and fall in love with others?”

“I would say it’s pretty rare for that to happen. Besides, fated pairs are often redetermined and reassigned, too, depending on the gods.” Kangmin answers, being the top student that he is.

“So, they’re basically just making a dating sim out of humans, then?” Kaiwen asks a question that Anxin had in mind as well. “What’s the point of playing cupid if they could just break up anyway?”

“Because the bond remains even if the love changes its form,” Jiahao straightens his back and fills in his explanation with familiar gestures. “Even if soulmates part and never get back together for their entire life, the thread of fate stays. Which is why every successful and long-lasting affinity counts. Love is what strengthens Amoraeon. If too many threads fray, we are weakened.”

‘Love is what strengthens Amoraeon.’

That sentence was stuck in Anxin's mind. It was never about the quest for human connection and eternal happiness; it was about the survival of their world. Of them.

No wonder they’re forcing him to hurry his mission.

“Don’t worry about it. As long as we do our part, the pairs will always find their way back to each other.” Jiahao assures them, his tone a mix of gentleness and worry.

Because Anxin needed to scrape it off his tongue, he had to ask again: “Has there ever been a time when a pair fails to connect even after following the perfect steps of matchmaking?” He searches into Jiahao’s deep eyes for any clear answer. “What happens then?”

“I don’t know. It’s never happened as far as records say.” As expected, the response was minimal.

Kangmin then scoffs and puts an arm around Anxin. “If you’re that curious, let’s go to The Archives together later.”

No one at the table objected to the idea.

Later that evening, the ensorcelled corridors of Eros Akademia were almost empty. Anxin doesn’t remember when was the last time he has been inside the institution with this much silence and darkness, but it was thrilling. Anxin and Kangmin, with linked arms, walked slowly into the endless shelves of The Archives, a section in the library where occult and abandoned texts in Amoraeon history are stored. It is not forbidden, but some parts definitely hide secret passages that no one can access except the licensed keepers themselves.

When they start hearing their own footsteps and their flashlights start flickering, Anxin feels Kangmin gripping tighter onto his sleeve. “Hyung, stop pulling my shirt…” he nags at the shorter, older, and frightened angel.

“I’m scared. It’s so dark.” Anxin holds back his laughter upon looking at his hyung’s slight trembling. Why did he even decide to come with him?

“Are we even allowed to be in here?” Anxin asked.

Kangmin shrugs and looks around hysterically, just anticipating for anything to pop out. “I don’t know. It’s open, so why not?”

Just then, when Anxin wasn’t watching his steps, he bumps himself against the shelves, causing a loud thud of a fallen book with a thick cover.

“WHAT IN THE HADES IS THAT?!” Kangmin lets go of Anxin and screeches.

Anxin blinks emotionlessly and sets the flashlight towards the book on the dusty floor. “It’s a book that fell. And don’t shout.” he even reminds his hyung. Anyone could still be inside having quiet time for themselves, but the lights were out, and they had no idea where exactly the switch was located in the expanse of this atheneum.

“Why did it fall exactly?!” Kangmin had his hand placed flat on his pounding chest.

Anxin gives a nonchalant shrug just to tease him.

“You know what? I’m just gonna stay here. You go ahead and search the far end or whatever.”

“This grown ass man…” Anxin shakes his head in disbelief and decides to part ways with his supposed study partner just to find the labels for anything that relates to Failed Matchmaking. He continues his search.

History of Cupids. Red Strings of Fate. Patron Archons through the Centuries. Guides to Matchmaking.

He didn’t know how many dirty tome spines he had brushed over with his fingertips trying to find something.

Suddenly…

Clomp. Clomp. Clomp.

Anxin feels his wings twitch, and he spins around his flashlight trying to sharpen his hunter skills from hearing footsteps. “Hyung, are you there?” he silently calls.

Anxin should’ve raised the alarms in his head, but he was brave enough to go over the other aisles. “Hey!” When he lifts the flashlight, a shadowy figure flashes and vanishes in the speed of light years. “Stop right there!” Without thinking, Anxin chases the figure, remembering its black cloak and hood.

“Shit…” Anxin realizes he was running around with no direction. It was easy to find his way back, but he also couldn’t risk getting himself in danger trying to chase after a possible hallucination or a serious threat to weaker-class angels like himself. He wipes the sweat off his forehead and darts back closer to the entrance, his breath staggering.

“Kangmin-hyung! Yoo Kangmin?” His shout echoes with a rustling sound behind him.

“Didn’t you just tell me not to shout earlier?” Anxin sighs in relief, falling down on his knees.

“Did you see anything?”

Kangmin’s eyes widened, clearly spooked out. “See what?”

“Someone just ran… and disappeared. Someone wearing a cloak.” Anxin tries to visualize it for him.

Kangmin makes a face that’s somewhere in between disgusted and horrified. “You’re scaring me, what the fuck…”

A superstition his mother used to tell him when he was little passed by Anxin’s mind. “Is it the Phantom of Eros Akademia they’re talking about?” 

Kangmin pokes him on the stomach. “There is no such thing…”

“We have to get out of here.” Anxin grips Kangmin’s hand. “I have to tell Jiahao and Junseo!”

And so he immediately contacted both trusted seniors. A short meeting was then called the morning after.

“Thank you for reporting, Xin-ie…” Junseo, with a softness for Anxin that always shows, pats the back of the younger’s head for comfort.

Jiahao clasps his hands together and opens up a haunting discourse. “It’s strange that they’re now secretly roaming around the academy, too. What could they possibly want?”

“Do you think they know us?” Anxin asks curiously.

“Possibly, with the knowledge they have of the vaults and the arrows. And how they manage to enter the academy even with heavy security.”

“Have you spoken to the higher-ups? What did they say?” Anxin doesn’t know much about the internal workings of the governance they have regarding cupids, but he was still on the fence of whether they were moving at all. If this was really a situation that would give birth to mischief in Amoraeon, then they should have heard something back from them by now. 

“The investigation is being done privately. They don’t want to cause panic among citizens.” Jiahao explains and this enlarges Anxin’s doubts. “We’re not sure how dangerous the criminal is.”

“Why? Did they do something else…?” he asks suspiciously and his mind rolls with barbaric scenarios.

Junseo was the one to answer when Jiahao was busy with something on his laptop. “We can’t tell you much, Anxin. Just make sure to keep doing your task until your divinity gets back.”

Right. If he continues being human every time he enters the mortal world, he can no longer work as a Cupidelle and he might be stripped of that status.

“We’re not allowed to disclose too many details… As much as possible, we don’t want you involved at all.” Junseo highlights their protection over Anxin since he’s still just a trainee after all and shouldn’t be carrying a duty up to that extent.

He starts to deepen his thinking, though. Because how strange is it that this rogue in a cloak tampered with the arrows and Anxin happened to be caught in it? How strange it is that they were in The Archives the exact same time Anxin was there?

“Is the cloaked figure possibly out for me?” What came out of Anxin’s mouth surprised both Junseo and Jiahao. They remain calm, nonetheless.

“We can’t say.” Jiahao’s face turns pale. “Just continue your task because we can’t risk delay. If the council ever asks for you, at least you can be backed up by the equipment officer and your attempts in fixing things.”

Anxin gapes at them with watery eyes. “What if I can’t fix anything? What if I’m making things worse?” His pessimism starts taking over like a parasite.

“What do you mean?”

“I—” Anxin stands up, fists curled and shoulders slouched down. The consultation room was suddenly charged with a depressing aura as Anxin’s voice sounded less and less colorful. “I can’t do this anymore… Sangwon loves someone else, and Geonwoo—”

Jiahao chooses to ignore everything Anxin said and cuts him off. “It’s a 75% affinity after a few days.” He uses the Love Watch’s status details against Anxin. “That doesn’t just happen. And have you seen yourself, Xin? Your halo is dimming, and your wings are shrinking…” And now, Jiahao argues something that Anxin himself was ignoring.

“What happens is unpredictable. If you can’t get him to connect with Sangwon, fine, just make sure he doesn’t connect with you.” Jiahao addresses just to make things easier for Anxin who has definitely been physically and emotionally strained from it all.

Then there was silence. Anxin always hated rotting in silence, so he plucked up the courage to ask: “Don’t you think they deserve a real choice? Is there a way to that?”

“Anxin, we’re Cupidelles.” Jiahao completely slams the possibility down. “Love doesn’t have the luxury of choice. If affinities start failing because of this one error that remains unfixed, then we can never descend again, and we will be trapped here as Amoraeon starts collapsing into oblivion.”

Anxin wasn’t able to admit how the vision of that scared him more than possibly dying as a human. He wasn’t ready to put this world and its inhabitants in danger. But he also doesn’t want to intervene with humans and their emotions anymore.

Why couldn’t there be a middle ground? There has to be something.

“Cracks are starting to form in Amoraeon’s core, Anxin…”

This was the moment when Anxin’s heart started beating louder than ever before. “What…?”

“Do you understand how crucial this is?”

Anxin knows all too well. It means no more bridges. No more inter-realm travels. And possibly, no more Amoraeon.

Anxin nods feebly. “I… I understand.”

“Will you still be able to continue your task?”

He’ll be able to. But he won’t be able to do it well.

“I’ll try…”

He did try. For the next few days. It was Wednesday at Sarang University when he deliberately ignored his calls, tried not to run into him on campus by hiding in empty classrooms and following Leo around. His feet had grown immobile and his purple bag felt like they now carried the same weight of his angel wings.

He tried not to make a connection with him, but Geonwoo’s persistence for connection took form in a 5’10” tall boy who was now skipping happily towards Anxin under broad daylight.

“Anshin-hyung!” The wide smile and energetic voice were very difficult to ignore.

“Uh oh…” he mutters under his breath, immediately wearing a panicked smile, “H-hi, Sanghyeon-ie!” Great. It had to be his cousin of all people.

Sanghyeon links his arm with Anxin’s and starts leading him towards the unknown. “How are you? Ugh, I’m so stressed with studies. I have an exam later…” He then squeezes out a laughter that sounded oddly malicious. “Can you treat me to something?” Anxin’s eyes flicked downwards, ignoring Sanghyeon’s pout and hopeful gaze. 

He slides his hands in the pockets of his pants and pulls them out, showing himself taking out air. “I’m broke, sorry.”

Sanghyeon groans and unlinks their arms. “Fine. I can just ask Woojin.”

Anxin blinks at him. “Oh, Sanghyeon. You and Woojin are friends, too, right?”

Sanghyeon nods. “Yep! We went to high school together. He’s also close to Geonwoo-hyung.”

Sarang University really is damn small. Geonwoo and Sangwon were conveniently connected. Is Anxin even needed to bring them together? 

Anxin clears his throat and talks to Sanghyeon before he could think of something silly. “How is he, by the way?”

Sanghyeon shrugs. “I don’t know. He seems busy with his modelling sideline.”

Anxin doesn’t know which spot in the university they were in from walking and chatting mindlessly, but Sanghyeon suddenly stops in front of Anxin, gripping his shoulders excitedly. “Oh! Let’s ask Xinlong-hyung, instead?”

The name rang in his ears. Xinlong. Of course. Of course, Sanghyeon knows him. And of course he was destined to meet him today as well.

“Wait—”

Before Anxin could agree to disagree, he was being dragged away by the few months' younger boy to wherever this guy was.

Anxin doesn’t know how Sanghyeon knew the exact schedule of Xinlong’s class right now, but they were standing outside of a classroom with Xinlong in front of them who just got out of his lecture. Anxin later finds out that his full name is He Xin Long. He was a tad bit shorter than Anxin and Sanghyeon, but he looked intimidating. With his sharp features and striking monolids, Anxin had the impression of absolutely wanting to break down this guy’s character. He had brown hair that was slightly lighter and faded than his. If he saw him out in the streets with one glance, he would have assumed this was a guy in his late twenties with a nine-to-five job, but fascinatingly, he is just a year older than Anxin and he’s in his second year.

Anxin politely bows at him. “Hello… I’m Jo An Shin…”

“He’s also Chinese!” Sanghyeon loudly interjects, making Xinlong jump. Anxin could already figure out that he was the quiet, but skittish type. A large contrast to his own persona.

“I can see that.” Xinlong locks eyes with Anxin as if they’ve been meaning to meet each other from the day they were born. “Nice to meet you, Anshin-ah…” He bows down and Anxin can’t help but be amazed at how deep his voice was. Anxin wished his own vocals weren’t soft and sugary, but they added to his charm anyway.

“Hyung, can you treat us to lunch, please?” Sanghyeon kept on chiming. Xinlong responded to him with calmness, probably used to the maknae’s energetic bursts.

“Where do you guys want to go?” Xinlong asks, now letting Sanghyeon cling to him. 

“Hot pot!”

Anxin raises a brow. “Isn’t hot pot expensive?”

Sanghyeon dismisses him by something he found so funny. “Nah, hyung is rich anyway.”

Xinlong seems done with him, too, “Why do you say that so casually?”

“I’m starving, let’s go!”

All three then went outside together. Sanghyeon’s new recruit was fortunately more than happy to treat them. Anxin found himself thinking whether he was lucky or whether he was a leech.

Once they got themselves a spot inside a not-so-crowded hot pot place, the three men busied themselves with chattering as they watched their broths simmer.

“Weather’s nice today.” Xinlong says and Anxin turns to watch the pouring rain outside. The sound of light tapping against the windows was something Anxin wanted to hear for hours. It was a nice diversion from the usual chaos he was in. It reminded him of the rainy night when he fumbled opening an umbrella, and Geonwoo helped him.

“It’s been raining a lot. By the way, taste my sauce! It’s so good!” Sanghyeon tells them, dipping the fried dumplings in his original sauce mixture.

Anxin chuckles just by watching them, then he turns his attention to the eldest of the three. “Xinlong-hyung, what’s your major?”

Xinlong rested down his chopsticks. “Oh, I major in Practical Dance.”

So, basically, all the people he had contact with so far in this realm are talented people, all very handsome and charismatic, and were either good at music and dance. It really sounds like fate playing a joke on him. How could these people be stuck with someone as clumsy and conniving as Anxin?

The riveted cat boy just nods. “Oh, yeah. Geonwoo-hyung told me you were in the dance club together…”

Sanghyeon interjects after swallowing his mandu, “They were, but hyung left, so it’s just me and Xinlong-hyung now.”

“What’s your relationship with Geonwoo-hyung, by the way?” Xinlong suddenly asks, almost making Anxin spit out his drink.

“Oh, wow!” Sanghyeon exclaims out of excitement and intrigue.

Anxin stares down at the boiling broth wondering if he should sink his head in it instead. The last thing he wanted was Geonwoo’s supposed best friend to interrogate him about whatever relationship they had. “Uh… We’re friends. I only knew him a week ago…” He acted normal but badly wanted to spring away.

“I just remembered last Saturday, Haneum called me to come pick him up because he got drunk.” Xinlong stated. “On the way home, he kept murmuring someone’s name in his sleep. I’m sure it’s yours.” 

Okay, that was an unexpected follow up. Thank Eros Geonwoo wasn’t here to hear his own friend throwing him under the bus like that. Again, Anxin wonders why Xinlong would say this to him. What was the reason? And why did it make Anxin’s lips almost stutter into a smile?

“He was probably dreaming of smooching you.” Sanghyeon jokingly comments, making Anxin hiss at him.

“What the hell, Sanghyeon?”

“Maybe he just likes you. Never seen him act that way before.” Xinlong says. This only made Anxin greedy to hear more. He thought of whether Geonwoo liked him enough to mention him to people Anxin don’t know, or if he was really on his mind that Saturday night after frustrating him.

Despite all that, Anxin finds it appropriate to deny such allegations. “Nah! He’s just taking care of me because I’m new. You two are way closer to him.”

“You’re so dense and in denial! You’re blushing right now!” If only Xinlong wasn’t around, Anxin would have dipped Sanghyeon’s head in the broth by now. But he also didn’t seem wrong. Anxin was indeed feeling his face heat up intensely.

“I’m not! I-I already have someone I like…”

“Liar…”

“Sanghyeon, stop teasing him.” Xinlong scolds.

“But it’s fun!”

“Keep eating or I’ll eat all your food!” Anxin warns.

Soon enough, the three of them laughed and chattered over campus crushes, exam anxiety, and sliced raw meat. Anxin was grateful for this encounter, but when it hits him again that he can’t belong with these people, he holds back his joy.

“Let’s take a selca!” Sanghyeon motioned for them to look up at the camera. Their quick group photo session ends and they leave the place right after. Sanghyeon first went ahead in order to have ample time in preparing for his exam. Xinlong and Anxin watch their youngest run recklessly on the wet pavement towards the university building. 

“Do you have an umbrella, Anshin?” Anxin stops dozing off upon hearing Xinlong’s deep voice. He immediately shakes his head no, forgetting to bring an umbrella with him since he wasn’t planning on staying too long anyway.

“It’s okay, we can walk back together.” Xinlong offered and he was able to return to Amoraeon without any wet clothes and hair, and with a full stomach at that.

But being back doesn’t mean unruffled. A few hours after the hot pot date with Xinlong and Sanghyeon, he receives a text message from someone he was supposed to run away from.

Geonwoo-hyung:

i heard you went to hotpot with xinlong and sanghyeon

you guys looked so cute in the pic!

but why aren’t you messaging back? This is making me sad :((

i’ll have to search for the whole campus just so we can talk

don’t think you can escape from me

Anxin curses against his phone, wishing he didn’t feel this soft and guilty for not texting back. Why was he being an asshole anyway? He could try crippling their connection without Anxin being a mean girl.

Anxin:

Hyung! I’m sorry, I’ve just been busy.

I had an emergency last time that’s why I suddenly left.

Hope you’re doing okay.

im okay but

Are you okay?

Don’t worry about me!

Hot pot was so good it erased all my worries.

can i see you today then?

Anxin stops mid-typing, processing Geonwoo’s message, tempted to pluck the feathers of his wings for whatever excuse he had to respond with.

Anxin:

Sorry, hyung. I have things to do.

Then, Thursday flies by on a whim. Human Anxin was about to go look for Leo, when a familiar voice calling his name so eagerly urged him to turn around.

“Anshin-ah!” Seeing him again felt like a tight clench in the chest. Maybe if he pretended not to see him, he would go away. So Anxin was ready to turn on his heel when Geonwoo grabbed his wrist. He was really serious about not letting him escape.

“Wait! Are you trying to run away again?” It hurts to see his face looking downcasted. Anxin knew he was purposefully hurting him but was too much of a coward to say anything.

“What’s wrong, really? Is it because of what I said back at the rooftop?”

Anxin himself was surprised by the straightforward confrontation. Surely, things needed to be talked about, but he never willingly put himself in situations where it was so serious to the point of irritating him.

He heaves a sigh and looks away, like he always does, when he can’t bear to let Geonwoo see through the faults in his eyes. “Kind of…”

The slight rustling of the wind passes by in between them. Geonwoo releases Anxin’s wrist and lowers his head. “I’m sorry. I should’ve known you’d feel so uncomfortable…”

“No, hyung!” Anxin immediately shoots his head up, looking at him apologetically. “I was just surprised…”

“I get it. I’d be surprised, too.” Geonwoo just chuckles to himself, studying Anxin’s nervous expression. Maybe he shouldn’t have been so honest with what he said last time. He wasn’t being subtle with his actions either, but the confirmation of his fondness towards him perhaps is what made Anxin pull away. Still, he can’t just let him go when their friendship hasn’t even marinated for that long. “But I mean everything I said. I want to see you more. Can I?”

“Yes, but I’m busy today… See you!”

“See… you…?” And just like that, the cat was running away again. Geonwoo doesn’t know how to remove the yearning feeling growing inside of him. It was going to be a long discussion with himself if he should also play hard to get or be so whimsical that Anxin would have no choice but to fall within Geonwoo’s grasp. 

Anxin was definitely an open book, but something in him was also mysterious. He needed to unravel those hidden pages.

Which is why on the next day, Friday, Anxin was made sure that he will be able to get caged with Geonwoo for a heart-to-heart. He was sitting on a bench under a shed, waiting for the rain to stop in the dead of night. His text conversation with Leo earlier had him questioning life decisions.

Irio-hyung:

Anshinie! are you coming this saturday?

haneum and junil will be there

oh! Is geonwoo still coming too?

Anxin:

Hi hyung!

I’m not sure if Geonwoo-hyung will come

But I will go 😀😀😀

 

Just when he thought about contacting Geonwoo, his nose catches a frequent scent of musk and flowers. 

“Anshin~ Jo An Shin~” The teasing voice paired with the dimpled smile and his crescent-shaped eyes was on a mission to make Anxin hyperventilate on the spot.

“Hyung…” His own voice grows small when the man sits next to him, with just a few inches gap.

“You’re impossible to find.” Geonwoo closes his umbrella and shakes off the excess dew. “I heard you’ve been hanging out with Leo-hyung a lot.”

Anxin looks away, watching the strangers pass by in front of them. “Yeah,”

“It’s funny, I don’t think I’ve ever seen you study. You’re always just talking to people.” Geonwoo points out another strange thing about Anxin, but missing the nervous gulp from the younger boy. “What’s in that purple bag of yours, anyway?” He reaches for the hook of Anxin’s bag and tries to lift it. It was surprisingly light from how big it was, like it would fit his whole study table materials.
“Just… stuff…” 

Geonwoo chuckles again from Anxin’s endearing secrecy, but he doesn’t pry. He can’t get enough of how innocent he looks no matter what he’s doing. “It’s cute.”

“Thank you.” Anxin responds dryly.

Geonwoo sighs and leans his back comfortably against the bench. “I know things have been awkward between us, but I want you to know that I’m here if you’re feeling down.” he reminds Anxin for comfort, letting it know that his intentions aren’t for pure entertainment of his own giddy feelings. “And weren’t you the one who said you wanted to be friends with me?” he spools back, remembering Anxin’s very words on that very day. How Anxin wanted to be friends because a “friend of his” liked Geonwoo or something. It was an obvious mask, but Geonwoo wasn’t sure how long he was letting Anxin wear it. 

“Yes. I’m sorry for… ignoring you.” Anxin was adding so little to soothe Geonwoo’s unease, but he respects what he had to say next. “I just need time to think.”

“About what?” The answer was obvious.

“About how you feel about me…”

The pitter-patter of the rain droplets was in sync with two beating hearts. The downpour beared witness to it, but both hearts were too focused on relaxing themselves.

Geonwoo was the first one to give in to the tension. “I’m not even sure what I feel about you, too, you know?” He stares down on the redness of his palms. “It’s the first time I ever felt this way.”

He expected Anxin to turn away or become timider and passive than he already was, but strangely, he attempts to make the conversation lighter. “You’re telling me you never had a crush?”

Geonwoo’s face crumples into embarrassment. He was a man in his early twenties and has had his fair share of romantic experiences that were youthful and unserious. To be accused of such a thing was hurting his pride. His face flushes in deep red and he fights the urge to tackle Anxin down for eliciting bigger waves in his heart. “I-I have! But I never said I have a crush on you…”

Which was true, Geonwoo has never explicitly said anything to warrant that kind of comparative conclusion. 

“It should stay that way, then.” Anxin deadpans and Geonwoo scoots closer beside him, clearing the gap on their seats. 

He pokes at Anxin’s side, and he doesn’t wince an inch. “Anshin? Why do you sound against it?” Geonwoo frets. “You’re acting strange… Can we talk this out? My heart feels heavy when you’re like this to me.”

Anxin gently pushes Geonwoo’s hand away that was squeezing on his waist. “I’ve always been like this, hyung…”

“Alright…” Geonwoo sighs in defeat. “I won’t push it.”

“Hyung,” Anxin purrs through the sound of drizzling rain, “Are you coming to the party Sangwon-hyung invited us to?” He was finally able to ask him just a day before the event. Honestly, Anxin almost forgot about it and initially thought of making an excuse not to come, but if it was an opportunity to wash away their affinity, he wouldn’t mind the risk. No matter if Jiahao objects to his impulsive plans.

“Do you want me there?” Geonwoo asks softly, eyes secured on Anxin’s.

“Yeah, I also told Xinlong to come.”

Geonwoo blankly stares at nothing for a while, going through mental gymnastics when Anxin mentions inviting Xinlong. He then lets out a full-sounding laugh that penetrated through the rain. “I’m confused with the idea of you and Xinlong in a club party. That sounds hilarious. I’m looking forward to it~”

“Hey!” Anxin lightly hits his thigh, making Geonwoo fake a dramatic scowl. “I know how to party!”

Geonwoo gives him a side eye. “What a lie…”

Anxin shrugs. “You just don’t know me that well.”

"Then, let me know you. All of you.”

Anxin doesn't know what just happened. Out of the pink, Geonwoo’s hand was on top of Anxin’s that he had been resting on his own lap. He takes in the time to feel how warm and soft they were, how their hands were of equal size, but Geonwoo’s touch had the ability to make Anxin feel small. 

He quietly slips his hand out and glares at his current seatmate.

Geonwoo pretends not to notice the redness on Anxin’s ears. “Hehe~ So cute when you get flustered.” He removes his hand and boops Anxin’s nose.

“And why do you keep flirting with me?”

Geonwoo wheezes, “You call that flirting? You surely don’t know me that well either.” He raises his brows at Anxin as if hinting something sinister.

“I don’t think I want to anymore.” Anxin sticks a tongue out, teasing him back.

Geonwoo acts like he had been shot in the heart, sobbing dramatically. “Ah… That kinda hurts…”

“You should go home, hyung.” Anxin shoos him away, making his tone vague on whether he’s being sarcastic or not.

“Pushing me away again?”

“I’m not! The rain might get worse if you don’t leave.”

If Anxin were in Geonwoo’s position, he’d definitely think of himself as a girlfriend with mood swings because Anxin swears he doesn’t understand nor believe what he is even saying anymore.

“I don’t mind.” Geonwoo grips on his black leather tote bag, smiling earnestly at Anxin. “I’ll stay here as long as I can with you.”

Anxin blinks at him. Because, why? Why do you need to?

“Fine.” Anxin stands up and clutches the straps of his backpack, playing charades of him leaving. “I’ll go, then.”

Geonwoo slightly panics, immediately getting up and pulling Anxin down to sit again. “Woah, wait! Such a feisty kitty…” He even follows up with a question, “Has anyone ever told you that you’re like a cat?”

Anxin sighs as if he were sick of living. “All the time! My hyungs dote on me a lot.”

Geonwoo arches a brow. “You mean… That Kangmin-hyung of yours?”

Anxin was surprised when he heard him say Kangmin’s name, then he starts recalling events from the past week. How could he forget talking about his real connections in Amoraeon so carelessly to him? “I’m surprised you remember that.” Anxin mumbles.

“How could I forget the day when we were snuggling so sweetly in my bed?”

Anxin’s shame rises up to a hundred percent. “Shut up, hyung!” He draws down the hood of his jacket to hide his flushed face.

Without being surprised, Anxin feels a person’s head now rested on his shoulder. “I wonder when we can replicate that moment again.” Geonwoo asks, nuzzling against Anxin’s neck. 

“Never. I won’t even come to you if you’re sick again!” Anxin whines.

“Really?” Geonwoo attempts to hold his hand again. “You seemed so adamant about taking care of me last time, though.”

Anxin rolls his eyes, letting Geonwoo play with his slender fingers. “Only because Sanghyeon asked me a favor.”

“Okay,” Geonwoo pulls away from Anxin’s shoulder and sits up straight. He takes off Anxin’s hoodie without warning, his doll-like face drawing Geonwoo in again. “So…” He begins with a smirk, then the next step was to lean forward, and the last was to lift his one hand up and brush his fingers against Anxin’s earlobes, pressing lightly on his piercings. “If I ask Sanghyeon to tell you to kiss me, would you do it?”

That was just unfair and unjust. Anxin hates the strong effect it had on him.

“Why do you keep wanting to kiss me…” he contends.

Geonwoo takes one more glance down towards Anxin’s lips, before scrunching his nose, squeezing at Anxin’s ears then patting the top of his head. “You’re so cute.” He lets go before his primal instincts take over and eats Anxin’s head whole out of cuteness aggression. “All jokes aside, I would never kiss you if you didn’t want to.”

“Do you know how to?” Anxin asks like he was trying to challenge Geonwoo, but immediately counters with another one, “Have you ever kissed anyone?”

Geonwoo answers in one second, “I haven’t. Not on the lips, romantically, at least.”

Anxin snickers skeptically. “Liar.”

Geonwoo didn’t care about proving himself. It didn’t matter what Anxin thinks is true, but he definitely had to know the truth about him. “How about you, Mr. Party King and Mr. Kissing Expert?” he returns the grand slam question.

Anxin sizes himself up in defense, both hands on his waist. “Wah! I’m friendly, but I’m not a playboy, hyung!”

“Yes, you are.” Geonwoo’s voice drops low. “You’re the one who seduced me to kiss you last time.”

“Seduced?!” Anxin lets out a perturbed gasp. “I-I was fooling around!” Which was hypocritical for him to say because the last time they had this kind of conversation, Anxin was the one who brought up kissing and even scolded Geonwoo for “playing around” with him.

“So, all of this is just fooling around for you?”

Anxin tried to examine what kind of expression on Geonwoo’s face right now. Is he hopeful? Dejected? Confused? 

His eyes flickered where he could no longer make eye contact again. “Of course, not… You are a very sincere friend to me.”

Geonwoo sighs and lays back on the bench. It feels like they have been talking for an hour, but the rain was still pouring down quite heavily. “Am I your favorite hyung here? How many hyungs do you know? Are they treating you well?”

Anxin gestures for him to slow down. “This sounds like a fast talk interview.”

Geonwoo pouts. “Now I kinda don’t want you going to that club party.”

“Why?”

He quickly taps below Anxin’s chin to make an obvious point. “Because you’re too pretty. Many people will hit on you.”

Anxin was unsure if Geonwoo was just projecting on him. “You’re saying that as if people don’t hit on you all the time.”

“How would you even know that?”

Anxin shrugs. “Sanghyeon told me. Plus, the girls were all over you that Saturday night.”

“Oh, so you were paying attention to my surroundings, huh?” he remarks conceitedly, making Anxin give up.

“What are you trying to get out of this—”

Beep. Beep. Beep.

Both Geonwoo and Anxin’s gaze turned to the blinking light on Anxin’s Love Watch, which was now a light pink. Anxin has no idea how Geonwoo was able to hear it, too, but it seems like he does.

“What’s that?” Geonwoo steps closer to Anxin but he raises his hands to stop him.

He hectically stands up and covers the watch, attempting to shut it off. “Uh… Uh… Nothing!”

“Bros,” As Anxin successfully managed to turn off the watch, Xinlong, holding an umbrella under the rain, was now in front of the shed and the bench they were sitting at. “Are you good?” He gives the both of them an absurd look.

“Oh, Xinlong-hyung…” Anxin fixes his stance and bows politely at him.

“Hey.” Geonwoo takes his things and walks beside Xinlong, immediately looping an arm around the shorter man. It was something Geonwoo naturally does and Anxin has seen him being affectionate to Sanghyeon, too, so he didn’t mind. But this time, he had to look away from seeing the two of them together. Anxin wishes the feelings would go away.

“I was waiting for you, actually. Let’s go back together?” Geonwoo smiles at Xinlong. Anxin suddenly remembers when Xinlong and him met last Wednesday, revealing that he and Geonwoo. live in the same dormitory. 

“Yeah, sure. What about you, Anshin? Where do you live?” Xinlong asks and Anxin was close to exposing himself.

“Uhm.” He scratches the back of his head trying to think of some nonsense to say. “A little bit far from here. I can go alone.” He beams at them reassuringly and gives an awkward thumbs up.

“You know how to open umbrellas this time, right?” Geonwoo flashes him an unforgettable smile. Anxin didn’t forget to bring an umbrella this time around, luckily.

He nods, “Mhm.”

“Bye, Anshin!”

“Bye, Anshin-ie! See you tomorrow!”

When they turn around, sharing one umbrella together with their backs facing Anxin, the boy who was now left alone on the bench thought of how much better it would be if Geonwoo ended up happy with a true friend he cherishes and trusts. Because Anxin can’t do that for him. Geonwoo can’t fall for him further. And he can’t fall for Geonwoo.

But when he finally checks the Love Watch…

Kim Geonwoo + Zhou Anxin = 80% Affinity

He needed to be disliked somehow.

So when Saturday night came again, officially serving as an anniversary for Geonwoo and Anxin’s first lover’s (sort of) quarrel, he stood by the VIP table reserved by Sangwon for him, Leo, Junil, Haneum, and other people who may come. Specifically, Geonwoo and Xinlong who were still nowhere to be found.

“Aye! Aye! Aye!” Anxin watches the crowd already hyped up for the opening set. They already arrived early, which was 9 PM, according to Haneum, and everything felt overstimulating for Anxin. Strobes of neon blue, violet, red, and green lights illuminated the place filled with swaying and sweaty bodies that collided on the dance floor. It was crowded and hot, and they were in a more secluded area thankfully.

Anxin’s brain was buffering while processing this unholy noise and sight in his mind. He has seen this type of setting in movies before, but the real deal was different. It was much louder, sharper, and harder to digest. He clutches his can of soda when Leo approaches him.

Leo grips on one of Anxin’s shoulders and massages him a bit. “Relax, buddy. You want to drink?” He offers the cocktail glass to him.

Anxin’s voice thins out, shaking his head, “No…”

Leo nods at him proudly. “Yeah, that’s good. I don’t really like drinking either.”

It hasn’t been twenty minutes since the bass and the synths began to rise, almost shaking the venue and busting out Anxin’s eardrums. More people were shouting out lyrics and grinding on the floor. Anxin has no idea whether to be scared or laugh out loud.

When Sangwon’s prime set finally came, and he was in all black, wearing dark shades and headphones around his neck, half of the audience gasped at the pretty boy playing sonic master by the booth above the stage.

His tracks start off quite tame, slow, like a pop version of classical ballroom that Anxin was used to during banquet festivities. Haneum and Junil had pulled him towards the dance floor, his wide eyes watching the two slightly intoxicated boys who reeked of liquor and perfume move to the rhythm.

“Anshin-ah, you good? You look so lost.” Haneum whispers in his ear.

“This is an insanely loud party!” Anxin replies loudly to overpower the sound.

“It’s the best club in Itaewon!” Haneum shouts back.

“Why are we shouting?!” Anxin shouts back again.

“Guys!” Hyper Leo comes up to them, sliding in between Haneum and Anxin to wrap an arm around their shoulders. “My Sangwon-ie is killing it, right?!” 

Anxin watches Leo’s wide smile and the sparkle in his eyes when he looks up at Sangwon DJing it out at the deck. Sangwon was twisting over the vinyls and he seemed to gaze down at their direction, making eye contact with Leo, causing his whipped partner to give him a flying kiss, making Sangwon fall back and giggle.

Amongst the sea of hot and enticing people, they were all definitely just background characters to their love story. Anxin has witnessed it in a way that he can’t question anymore. 

So, that’s what true love looks like?

He smiled to himself and started following his hyung’s dances. He wasn’t aware he looked kinda silly tapping his feet and wiggling his arms around, offbeat, too.

“Why are you dancing like that?” Haneum questions him like he was a judge in a criminal case.

Anxin pouts at him for ruining his fun. “How am I supposed to dance?”

“Aww, you really are still a baby, huh?” Haneum teases. “Like this!” The tall man with dyed blond hair started rocking his head back and forth intensely. Anxin wondered if his brain would fog up if he did this, so he actually followed his steps and they started trolling each other.

“That’s not it, Haneum… Stop teaching him weird dances.” Even Junil was weirded the fuck out that he had to stop dancing, not wanting to be seen associated with whoever these people are.

“What’s with the get-up, by the way? You look like you’re attending a baseball match instead.” Haneum comments on Anxin’s white sleeves that he layered with a black basebell jersey. There was nothing bold about tonight. Just him in his usual fashion and un-styled hair. 

“You’re still pretty, don’t worry.” The elder pinches his cheeks.

After roughly ten minutes of half-hyping up Sangwon, and the squad half-babying Anxin, they get back together in their VIP lounge to rest for a bit and re-energize.

“We’re just gonna get drinks, okay? Stay here.” Haneum and Junil then leave together. Leo was all around the place with his other friends whom he invited.

Anxin was the only one left to guard their table, so he stayed there quietly, checking his phone for any updates on Geonwoo or Xinlong.

“Hey there, pretty thing~” 

Anxin looks up at the owner of the sweet voice. He wasn’t wearing any contacts or glasses again, so the neon haze was blurring out his vision. He stands up to get a better look at the man to confirm if what he said was directed to Anxin.

It was a taller guy, probably six feet tall. He had long red hair tied in a ponytail, smokey eye makeup and glitter on his cheekbones. He was wearing a cropped top and paired it with baggy jeans. He looked beautiful, but definitely way older than Anxin. The man was grinning and looking at Anxin, undoubtedly. “Hey~” The stranger tries to catch Anxin’s attention again.

Anxin cluelessly bows his head to greet them. “Hello, do you need anything?”

“Want to dance? Or drink? It’s on me.” The man extends his hand to him.

Anxin froze and started looking around, but no one else was coming near their spot. “What do you mean?”

“Don’t be sitting there alone now…” Before Anxin could respond, the man had gripped on Anxin’s waist, causing him to flinch.

“Oh, woah, uh…” He feels heat rushing up his neck and ears, but also a sick twisted feeling  in his stomach when the stranger starts leaning closer, causing Anxin to back away.

“I’m not alone… I’m with my friends.” he clears up, earning a hum from the guy.

The red-haired man lowers his head down, whispering in Anxin’s ear, “Your friends wouldn’t mind me stealing you away for a bit, right?”

Anxin stood steadily and didn't see the devious smirk on the man’s face when he spoke hesitantly. “Uhm…”

“Do you come here often?” he asks, fingers digging into Anxin’s small waist harder.

Anxin looks up at him, eyes fluttering magnetically. “It’s my first time here actually…”

“Oh, newbie, huh?” A wicked smile forms on the mysterious man’s face. “Do you like dancing?”

Anxin shrugs. “A bit.” He was thinking of where to place his hands because he usually doesn’t have strangers going up to him and pressing their bodies together this close. Was he flirting? Trying to get Anxin to dance?

Anxin’s shoulders felt too heavy, too nervous, too shy to respond properly.

He hears the man chuckle. “You’re so pretty~ Are you a foreigner?”

“Sometimes,” Anxin turns his gaze away, suddenly feeling awkward.

“You’re so funny~ What’s your name—”

A rigid yank on Anxin’s wrist was enough to pull him away from the stranger’s grasp. He finds his back slammed against a broad figure. When Anxin looks up, the man holding his wrist captive wasn’t the warm, smiley, and approachable sunbae who greets you in the university corridors.

This rendition of Kim Geonwoo looked like he shouldn’t be messed with. “Who are you? Do you know him?” His voice was low, threatening, boring holes into the red-haired guy’s face who immediately steps backwards from them.

“No, dude. I was just—”

Geonwoo cages his arms around Anxin, completely swallowing him against his larger frame. “He’s with me.”  Anxin wasn’t expecting next words to come out of him, “Fuck off.”

The man frowns and glances at Anxin one last time before looking away, his voice inaudible to them. “Alright, sorry… Could’ve just told me he had a boyfriend…”

Anxin pulls away from Geonwoo’s grip, a shocked expression still bruising his face. “Hyung, you didn’t have to be rude…” He gulps hard knowing this would spark a disapproving response from him.

“You shouldn’t be dancing with random strangers in a club of all places.” Geonwoo says calmly and sits down on the velvety sofa, taking a drink for himself.

“He said he wanted to dance.” Anxin simply answers, just to spite him.

Geonwoo gave him a sharp look, reminiscent of that time in the house party when Anxin frustrated him by actively pushing him away. “He obviously didn’t want to just dance. Are you stupid?” 

Anxin parts his lip from another shock. And so did Geonwoo.

“Sorry…” He swallows hard. “I didn’t mean to say that.”

Anxin doesn’t know anymore. He was torn between sitting beside him or latching onto any excuse to get away such as going to the bathroom. He really wanted to fight the culprit behind whoever is making Geonwoo enter into his shenanigans at the wrong time. Always.

Geonwoo scans Anxin up and down, wondering why he was just standing there, static, like a pole. He had to say something to erase the suffocating tension. “Anshin, if you wanted to dance, why not dance with me?”

Anxin’s throat tightens. “I’m fine. You can dance with, uh… Xinlong. Where is he?”

“Anshin—” 

“Yo, Geonu-hyung!” Haneum’s voice cuts through the longing stares between Anxin and Haneum. He sat beside Geonwoo and draped an arm around him. They were back with some drinks and bottles, but Anxin continued to stand like the universe had forbidden him from ever sitting down again.

“Why are you always so handsome? I’m jealous.” Haneum rambles on about Geonwoo’s face.

A few seconds later, Leo was back to them again. Haneum stands up and pulls Anxin with him to the dance floor again. The rest of them watch as Haneum terrorizes the kid with his burst of energy and drunk uncle tendencies. “Anshin-ie, let’s dance!”

At present, Geonwoo looks down on his drink, wondering why he bothered to even shield Anxin in the first place. He told himself repeatedly that he was here to socialize with his new friends and not cling to the younger one, but he can’t stop himself from letting Anxin’s passivity sour his mood.

“Haneum has a strange attachment to Anshin.” Junil comments when he could’ve just burned Geonwoo alive. His eyes find Haneum and Anxin in the crowd, smiling heartily at each other, with Haneum hugging Anxin as they jump around. He’s unable to fathom what kind of dance they were doing, but that level of vibrance that Anxin never displayed around anyone else made Geonwoo insecure. 

“He finds him cute. Like his adopted son or something.” Leo says. Geonwoo finds it obvious that Leo thinks of Anxin as a precious dongsaeng, too. But Geonwoo wonders if there’s someone else, aside from himself, that thinks way differently.

“You dance like that with your adopted son?” Geonwoo asks after taking a full shot of smooth whiskey.

Leo and Junil snorted at him.

“I didn’t know Kim Geonwoo was the jealous type~” Leo pokes at him teasingly.

Geonwoo blushes, tries to keep his cool. “I’m not…”

Leo grabs his shoulders and starts shaking him off, as if shaking the bad spirits off of Geonwoo that has been bringing him down from opening up about his true feelings. “You’re totally into him! You two would look great.”

Geonwoo shakes his head in anguish. “He doesn’t seem to think the same.”

As Geonwoo sighs despairingly, he takes his phone out, daring himself to send a rash text message to his chat log with Anxin. He doesn’t bother checking if Anxin would take out his phone and read it in the middle of dancing with Haneum. He leaves the lounge and goes outside for a bit to get some fresh air.

Geonwoo-hyung:

so you’re okay dancing with other people just not with me?

Anxin:

Hyung, don’t be upset

Haneum hyung just wanted me to have fun

Geonwoo knew he didn’t have the right to be upset. But how could he not when Anxin commits to a claim and totally cancels him out? Was he being too forward? Too possessive? Too into him? Would Anxin care if he did the same things?

Geonwoo-hyung:

yeah you’re right

i’ll go have fun with someone else too

Back at the dance floor, Anxin was reading through the last text Geonwoo sent. He was holding onto Haneum who seemed like he was about to pass out from overdancing. He angrily puts his phone in his pockets. ‘That was such a petty response!’ Anxin wanted to blurt that out loud. He didn’t want to ruin the night just because of this, so he let it pass.

That’s when he hears a surge of the notification bell in his pockets. His phone kept buzzing, so he took it out.

Unknown Number:

ZHOU ANXIN!!!!

This is your favorite hyung in the universe!

I’m human today. Did you know that? Kekekekeke

Why are you so late with this mission?

Where are you?

It’s time to go back.

Anxin almost kissed his phone from how close he put it against his face just to check if he was reading the right things. Genuinely, how could all this happen in one night? “Kangmin-hyung…?”

“Are you okay, Shin-ie?” Haneum asks as they get back to the lounge. Leo was nowhere to be found again and Junil was nearly passed out on the sofa. Anxin doesn’t realize that even Geonwoo wasn’t around.

Anxin scratches his head. “Uhm, I think I need to go home. My uh, my brother’s calling for me.”

Haneum looks at Anxin through his heavy eyelids, fighting back the effects of the alcohol and blinding lights. “Wait, you have a brother?”

Anxin doesn’t answer and just looks for his bag. He stops for a while, when he looks over the bar counter from a distance. There was Geonwoo… and Xinlong… conversing with big smiles on their faces and looking at each other like they hung the stars.

Haneum stands up and grabs Anxin’s hand. “Why are you leaving alone? I’ll follow you out.”

Anxin pulls away from him gently. “It’s fine, hyung! I’ll see you. Thanks for taking care of me tonight!” He bows down at him.

Haneum decides to let it go, patting Anxin’s head instead. “Text us when you get home, then?”

Anxin nods and he leaves the club without a trace. While walking along the crowded and busy pathway, he calls the unknown number. What greeted him was a familiar voice he definitely didn’t expect to have a phone call with while he was human.

“Kangmin-hyung?”

[“Anxin!”] The static voice from the phone was obvious and familiar.

Anxin gulps, stopping his tracks. “How did you get my number?”

[“I have my ways. And where are you? I will literally fly over there.”] Even through electronics, Anxin could feel Kangmin's presence. He definitely wasn't bluffing.

Anxin looks around. That’s when he realized that he didn’t know where to go since he literally just took a cab going here from the university thanks to Leo’s guidance.

“May I know why you’re suddenly calling me? And why are you a human today?”

[“It’s for my own assignment, I’ll tell you later. Where are you?”]

When they meet up at some spot in the outskirts of Itaewon just near the club he was in, Anxin was rehearsing an explanation he wrote in his head in order to make sense of things for Kangmin, too.

“Anxin!” As he hears the voice, he turns to the side, seeing Kangmin without his halo and wings food for the very first time. He was wearing a white shirt and grey sweatpants. He looked way too casual to be an angel from a different realm.

“Hyung…”

“Woah, you look weird in human form.” was Kangmin’s first words after seeing Anxin. “How about me? Much more handsome, right?”

Anxin rolls his eyes at his cockiness. “You’re still short and ugly.”

Kangmin sticks his tongue out at him. “Yeah, keep saying that until Pistis believes you.”

Anxin feels unsettled. “Why are you here? How did you know…”

Kangmin nods and places his hands in the pockets of his sweatpants. “Oh, I know. You’re not exactly the best at hiding things. I bribed Kaiwen and Jiahao to tell me.”

Anxin purses his lips before getting the courage to say something to him. “You’re not mad?”

Kangmin shrugs, “Is there something I should be mad about?” 

“No…” Anxin answers, hoping that it stays that way. 

“I do find it strange that you’re still here late at night.” Kangmin plays the role of inspector this time, but Anxin was fortunately ready to deliver his made-up line: “My two targets were in the same place earlier, so I had to be there…”

Kangmin, too smart to be convinced, grins up at Anxin. “You had to be there or you wanted to be there with someone?”

Anxin knew he made the wrong decision by calling Kangmin’s number. He should’ve just went back to Amoraeon by himself without ever having to meet him here. And Anxin should’ve chosen a meeting spot further from that club.

If he assumed no one from his friend group back in there would have followed him out, he was wrong.

“Anshin!” 

Anxin freezes. Geonwoo, at first, oblivious to Kangmin’s presence, turns Anxin around by grabbing on his arm.

“Why are you out here? Haneum said you were heading home…” Geonwoo asks, voice dripping with concern.

Astounded wasn’t the right word to describe what Anxin was feeling right now. “Ah… I was…”

He was utterly, mega, and ultra doomed. The gods really have it out for him.

Kangmin finally scoffs as the two divert their attention to him. “Excuse me, who are you?”

Geonwoo and Kangmin do a staredown. Anxin was tapping on his heels, screaming at himself to run away once and for all. Being in between them was like a representation of the two worlds Anxin has caught himself meandering back and forth like a steady swing.

“I could ask the same thing.” Geonwoo observes Kangmin. He was significantly shorter, and if he was looking for a fight, no doubt that Geonwoo would claim victory with one move.

Anxin steps in between them before anything dramatic happens. “Ah, so—”

“I’m Kangmin.” Kangmin suddenly speaks and takes Anxin’s other arm in his grip. “I just need to take my lost cat home with me. He ran off for some reason.”

“Wait, hyung…”

Geonwoo backs off, surprisingly, letting go of his hold on Anxin’s other arm. “Okay. Where is that home exactly? Can I come with both of you? It’s late after all—”

“Why do you need to come?” Kangmin steps forward in front of Anxin. “Who’s this tall dude, Anxin-ie?”

Tension cracks in the polluted air. Anxin felt obligated to clear it out. He loops arms with Kangmin and whispers to him. “Hyung, he’s my friend from school. Let’s just go. Sorry, Geonwoo-hyung, I’ll just text you…”

Geonwoo doesn’t say anything else, quietly watching as Anxin’s back faces him and his figure gets smaller as he drifts further and further from his frozen spot. Anxin doesn’t even spare him another look.

He figures out that he was in deep trouble with that strange boy.

“Hey, did you find Anshin?” Xinlong asks when Geonwoo returns to their VIP lounge area.

Geonwoo pouts and shakes his head. “He left with someone.”

“Who?”

Geonwoo bitterly smiles. “Some cheeky bastard.”

“Don’t you find it kinda strange?” Xinlong brings up.

“Find what strange?”

“Anshin.”

Geonwoo shoots Xinlong a defiant look. “What’s so strange about him?” Of course, Anxin has some strangeness about him, but it’s not to the point where he can even talk about it to people who barely know him, such as Xinlong. Well, he'd take it lightly because Xinlong has powerful intuitions after all. People would mistake him for a clairvoyant.

“He appeared out of nowhere and asked to be friends with you. Suddenly, you’re so smitten by him?” Xinlong explains.

Geonwoo just laughs because if there’s anyone strange in the conversation, it was himself. It’s his own fault for why he’s so smitten. “Why are you talking about him as if he’s hexing me?”

Xinlong shrugs. “What if he did? Isn’t it scary?”

“Have you seen him? There’s nothing scary about him!”

Xinlong lightly punches his best friend’s arm. “I have the feeling you would jump off a bridge if he told you to.”

“Hey… I’m not that down bad. He’s just cute, okay?”

“He is,” Xinlong agreed. “But he’s not interested in you.”

Geonwoo’s heart sank. He knows there’s some layer of falseness in Xinlong’s statement, but somehow, it does feel a little one-sided when it comes to Anxin. “Nothing hurts in trying…”

Geonwoo reflects on his action plan deeply even as he gets home. He enjoyed the time he spent earlier in the company of friends he knew for a long time and others he was just warming up to. This time, he behaved himself and did not let his emotions control his drinking tonight.

The exhaustion took over, though, and he was groaning on his bed, his body feeling too heavy to do anything in order to remove the aching in his head. He wanted to just pass out without washing up, but then, heard an exciting sound from his phone.

TING!

He rolls to his side, opening the text message. Geonwoo automatically smiles ear-to-ear upon seeing the nickname of the messenger.

Today 1:30 AM

Xin-Ge 😾:

Hyung, is the party over?

He immediately types up a reply within seconds, not even thinking about playing hard to get.

Geonwoo:

yeah 🙂

i’m home safe

Go to sleep!

why arent you asleep?

Busy with that kangmin hyung?

I can’t sleep

Have some work to do still

on a sunday early morning?

what kind of work?

the one where you put a spell on me haha

What spell?

to make me fall in love with you

I don’t need to put a spell on you for that to happen 😛

ㅋㅋㅋ

so you’re okay with that possibility?

I never said that

Geonwoo could not deny to himself anymore that he was very much in the trenches. It wasn’t even because Anxin had an adorable and sweet nature, but because even if he was the meanest person in the world, Geonwoo would still lose it for him.

Geonwoo:

hey

about earlier

Typing…

He stops himself, his logic trailing back when he realizes he shouldn’t send what he was typing.

Geonwoo:

i think i was acting out of jealousy|

Backspace. Delete.

Geonwoo:

nvm

anshin ah!

Are you Cupid?

Xin-Ge 😾:

What?

Hyung?

How did you know that?

Geonwoo was giggling and gagging to himself. Anxin didn’t really give the best reply, but it wouldn’t kill the fun.

Geonwoo:

because you just shot my heart and made me fall for you

Xin-Ge 😾:

Typing…

Geonwoo’s smile drops into a frown when Anxin stops typing. He waited for a few minutes, but nothing.

Geonwoo:

daebak

was my pickup line that lame for you to leave me on read?

Perhaps it was. Because Anxin only replies after thirty minutes and what Geonwoo did for the rest of the time was stare up at the ceiling in regret and embarrassment. He should have been used to it by now. Anxin was an expert at making him wait and making him desperate.

2:00 AM

Geonwoo:

Anshiniee? 🥲

okay fine

i will stop flirting with you

if i could

are you free tomorrow? want to come to one of my shoots?

Seen

Geonwoo felt pathetic that he was always the one doubling and doubling text messages just to get any interaction with him. Even just a crumb. It could be an emoji reaction, a cold thumbs up, or a very boring text, but it would be enough to get rid of the restlessness in him. At the same time, Anxin did say he was working on something. What could he be so busy about? What could he be doing with that Kangmin-hyung of his? Were they also cuddling in the same bed as they did? Is he able to feel the warmth of Anxin’s body, too? The softness of his ears? The curve of his waist? Or was he also spiralling every time Anxin’s big, sparkling eyes looked at him? 

Maybe Xinlong was right when he said Geonwoo has been hexed. Or hypnotized. But he really doesn’t know because he has never felt this strongly for someone before in a span of two weeks.

He was deep in the trenches. He almost falls off his bed when his phone buzzes.

“Fucking finally…” Geonwoo wasn’t a fan of swearing, but he was so happy that he resorted to profanity.

2:10 AM

Xin-Ge 😾:

Hyung

There’s something important I have to tell you

Tomorrow

The message prompted a bigger reaction out of Geonwoo after all. He wanted to wait until tomorrow to figure out if this “important” thing was leaning good or bad that Anxin needed it to be said to him tomorrow.

Geonwoo:

that’s kinda making me nervous but okay

The nervousness doesn’t die there.

When the next day came, or a few hours after 2:00 AM on the same day, Geonwoo realized it was his first time being nervous on set. Not because of the work he was doing nor being the center of attraction.

But because of one thing. One person.

During his break, Anxin had dragged him outside. The air was crisp and warm. He watches the sunlight shimmer over Anxin’s eyes.

He was ready for something important. Regardless, whatever Anxin would say is very important to him anyway.

But the words that escaped from the angelic being before him left Geonwoo hem and haw.

“Hyung, I’m not actually human.”

Chapter Text

Long ago, before the red strings of fated pairs reached to tethered billions, there was once a revered Archon who defied Amoraeon’s decree. Given the name Li Zi Hao, he was a Cupidelle with unparalleled grace, confidence, and zeal for matchmaking and studying mortal emotions. He has mounted one of the first and most harmonious matches in history, forging his path to stewardship in the highest class, an Archon of Affinity. His devotion to duty and order was like no other, until one day he was sent to Earth as a human being for comprehensive research on the human psyche and human relationships. 

Zi Hao also built himself a name in the mortal world—Zihao the Musician—with his gentleness, precision, and exuberance in playing the right keys and chords. He had earned the admiration of several mankind. 

Then the unexpected meeting with a mortal changed the trajectory of Zi Hao’s divine and mortal life forever. Xue Su Ren, an enchanting ballet dancer, had touched something inside Zi Hao that could never be forgotten. Maybe it was the way Su Ren’s body lines moved, or the way he gazed at the audience like he was casting a spell, or the way he spoke to Zi Hao not as someone in a higher caliber, but as a human who can see through him. That, deep down, even angels can fall. 

And when angels fall, they fall harder than any mortal could.

Zi Hao continued to walk the Earth disguised as a traveler. He traded his wings, halo, and divine magic for a greater chance at love that he might never experience again. Zi Hao and Su Ren’s love bloomed in secret, yet in pure bliss.

But when the Higher Angels finally saw Zi Hao’s deception, they mercilessly assigned Zi Hao as the cupid to Su Ren and his fated lover: an unknown woman. When Zi Hao refused out of promise and dedication, the council shattered his halo, tore off his wings, and stripped him of his divinity. He has not descended on Earth since then. He can no longer see his true lover, Su Ren.

He was banished into prisonward, used as a servant and a cupidsmith. But during years of exile, Zi Hao escaped and has never been seen again.

No one knew what became of him after. Only a note that still haunts the halls of Eros Akademia and imperils The Council of Fate: 

“Love shan’t be dictated by fate, but bound to choice.”

“Anxin-ie?”

Anxin jolted awake upon hearing a soft voice calling his name and a gentle hand on his shoulder. His eyes clear out to find himself in the middle of the study tables in the library, with lights already off. Looking up, Junseo blinks at him with wonder.

“Oh, Sir Junseo…” He stretches his arms and back, rubbing his eyes as well.

Junseo just smiled and took a seat beside him, putting down his gadgets and folders. “Junseo-hyung is fine.” 

Anxin contemplates saying something, rubbing his lips together in a thin line. “Uhm, Junseo-hyung, can I tell you something?”

“Is this something that requires the presence of Hao?”

Anxin shook his head. “Not really, it’s just…” He breathes heavily and stares down on his fidgeting fingers resting on the desk. “I think something’s wrong with me.”

Junseo pauses, then looks at Anxin like he got it all figured out. “Is this because of Kim Geonwoo?”

The younger cupid was embarrassed to admit it. However, it entailed a crucial discussion. Whether Anxin liked it or not, he had to tell someone. “Yeah,”

Anxin hears his senior hum, probably thinking of something to respond with that wouldn’t sound too judgemental towards him. “I guess the yellow arrow is more powerful than we thought,” Junseo rubs his back with understanding. “But I promise you once we can undo or destroy it, those feelings will fade.”

Fade. The word cuts sharper than a knife.

“Right, of course.”

Anxin buried his face in a pillow that night with Kaiwen jumping up and down on his creaking bed excitedly while playing some video game again. Earlier, he went straight to the library to do some research after the club party, but ended up falling asleep with zero progress. Now, Kaiwen was hanging around in his room when Kangmin decided to ghost Anxin during their return together, claiming that he “broke a rule by keeping in touch with these humans on his own will.” to which Anxin neither confirmed nor denied. Thankfully, Kangmin isn’t able to see the invisible signs above his head labelling him as guilty.

He has also been debating with himself on whether he should reply to Geonwoo’s message.

anshin ah!

Are you Cupid?

because you just shot my heart and made me fall for you

Admittedly, he panicked, thinking Geonwoo has been some secret detective all along who had uncovered Anxin’s secrets, but that would’ve been impossible just by seeing how whipped (and sometimes helpless) he gets with Anxin.

“Xin-ah,” Kaiwen’s hand reaches to Anxin’s arm as he turns him around. “You look so down. You miss your human?”

Anxin groans hard and hits him with the pillow jokingly. “Please stop saying that, ugh…”

Just when Anxin thought he’d hear another nonsense out of Kaiwen’s mouth to piss him off, he was struck with something that made his halo and wings pulse.

“You know, there’s no cosmic law that says anything about telling your identity to a human.”

Anxin became silent.

It’s not that he hasn’t thought of it before, but the idea of revealing his true self to someone didn’t seem so ideal. Because what would it add to the narrative apart from embarrassing himself to human beings who aren’t conscious of divine existence?

“Even if I told them, would it make sense?” He turns his head to Kaiwen, brimming with faith.

Kaiwen only shrugs. “Just try. Tell him the truth and ask him to help you.”

Anxin sighs for like the tenth time in the span of ten minutes. A bunch of probable scenarios started overrunning in his mind that he might just explode. “What if he thinks I’m crazy? Or let’s say he does believe me, but he’ll hate me for it…”

“That’s the only consequence.” Kaiwen points out. “But why? Would you care if he hates you?”

Could Anxin even provide a proper explanation for that? There’s no logic nor emotion behind it. The only verity is that: “The yellow arrow is making me care…” he simply answers.

“Anxin, do you care about me? About Kangmin-hyung? Hao-ge?”

Anxin’s brows furrow close to each other. Why was Kaiwen suddenly asking this?

“Yeah.”

“Is it similar to what you feel for Geonwoo?”

He can’t just answer that on the spot because he himself doesn’t know. He’s felt “like,” before and he’s not new to affection, crushes, or fondness. But if we’re talking about the kind of care that makes you upset seeing them with someone else, the kind of care that you’ll bend the rules in order not to hurt them, or the kind of care where you feel like the days get slower but your heart beats too much and too fast with this person—no—it wasn’t the same care. But indeed, he cared about Geonwoo. He cared about Leo, about Sangwon, Haneum, Sanghyeon, Woojin, even Xinlong and Junil. He cared about the people that simply made him feel seen and welcomed even though he was just there in transience.

“Yeah…” Anxin answers softly.

Kaiwen grins widely and boops on Anxin’s nose. “Then, maybe it’s really just you. Not magic.”

Anxin’s eyes widened in shock, like Kaiwen just preached the most insane realization ever before he took it back.

“It’s a crazy theory, okay?! I’m not saying that’s the case. Nothing has been confirmed, so maybe just—”

Anxin laughs. “I get it, but that sounds scarier.”

“But it can also feel the greatest,”

And with that, Anxin decided to text Geonwoo, to meet Geonwoo in a while, promising to come with him to his shoot… and to finally confess his sins.

Geonwoo was wearing an oversized grey hoodie, smiling beside Anxin the whole time that his dimples seemed like they were having a faceoff with Anxin’s who remained with a blank expression throughout. Must be the lack of sleep since they literally stopped texting at 3 AM earlier. They met each other on campus at about 7 AM and Geonwoo had led him to the train station for an hour ride to the set venue.

“You didn’t get much sleep, too, huh?” Geonwoo nudges him. Somehow, just hearing his voice and smelling that musky perfume welling from his clothes have given him the energy to last a few more hours for the rest of the day.

“I had stuff to do, but I took a small nap.” he answers, then wonders why Geonwoo insisted on coming to that party last night when he had a schedule by the next day. Sure, it’s for his friends—and obviously to be with him—but Anxin felt guilty that he sacrificed his sleep and time for someone actively tricking him. Regardless, he still appeared fresh and well-put together. What kind of person is he when he models? Anxin can’t wait to find out.

When they finally got in, they stood by the sides with handrails to leave the seats for whoever needs them more. Geonwoo was awfully quiet. Well, not like there was much to say to each other at this point. 

Anxin had a rough idea on how human trains work as it looked quite similar to what’s in Amoraeon when traveling to different cities. But being in this particular train felt intimate. Especially because more people started coming in at every stop that Anxin had to press himself against the closed windows with Geonwoo’s chest just inches from him. He had let go of the handrails, blindly staring at Geonwoo’s hand that had been gripping on one too tightly his veins might pop out.

“Hyung,” Anxin calls out, his breath almost tangled with Geonwoo’s. “You’re too close…” he says, not as a complaint, but as a warning to the heat rising up his own cheeks and the part of him that’s ready to snap and take Geonwoo closer into his arms.

“S-sorry, it’s quite crowded behind…”

Maybe Anxin was being too selfish because he only thought about what this was doing to himself. As he finally looks up, getting a whiff of Geonwoo’s scent again, the man before him is frozen like ice. It was very obvious that he was trying not to make eye contact with Anxin as well since their faces were so close and one wrong move, Anxin’s lips might graze his neck.

Neither of the two listened to the small chattering or the announcer voice in the background. For Anxin, it was impossible to not hear the drumming of his own heartbeats. He wanted to combust right then and there because whatever this proximity planned, it wasn’t good for his mind and body. 

But, Anxin still did the unthinkable. He slowly inches his head forward until his chin was on Geonwoo’s shoulder, their soft and blushing ears brushing against each other. If anyone were to look at them right now, they’d assume they were either extra affectionate men who are friends or lovers.

“Shin-ah…” Anxin only catches a second of Geonwoo’s shaky voice before overhearing murmurs from a group of girls on the seats next to where they were standing.

“Look at that tall guy. Isn’t he handsome?”

“Should we go up to him?”

“Is he a model? Kpop idol?”

Anxin’s face turned bitter. They were obviously talking about the one and only Kim Geonwoo. Well, sure, Anxin is also tall and handsome, but if you see a boy like him burying their face onto the neck of another said tall and handsome guy, would you really gossip about him?

Perhaps, yes, because when Anxin suddenly loops his arms around Geonwoo’s waist, basically seeking his warmth, comfort, scent, and his attention—without much conscious decision—the girls had turned their gazes away.

“Hmph…” Anxin whimpers and only squeezes his body tighter, not giving a damn about the other passengers gawking at them curiously and awkwardly.

“A-anshin?” There’s a slight crack in Geonwoo’s whisper. His hand tightened around the handrail as if it was a command for Anxin to squeeze as harder if he wanted to, and a command for himself not to reciprocate anything or else he might malfunction. He didn’t dare move his head, his other arm, nor his feet. His frame was just hovering the shorter male, with Geonwoo hallucinating cat ears and a tail on him.

It stayed like that for a few more minutes, even when the people behind them started disappearing one by one, leaving them more space.

Geonwoo swallows hard. “Y-you can let go now…” 

The orange kitten shook his head. “No.” 

He only let go when they finally arrived at their destination. Geonwoo was the happiest, smiling idiot in all of his youthful years. Anxin really must be some sorcerer because of how easily he gets Geonwoo to trip over nothing.

Geonwoo grabs onto Anxin’s hand and pulls him aside as soon as they exit the train. “What was that?” he acted inconvenienced, but deep down, he was ready to go on his knees and propose to this troublesome Chinese man.

Anxin pouts, looking confused, placing his hands in the pockets of his pants. “What was what?”

Geonwoo chewed on his lip in shame. His ego was so hurt that Anxin was able to do something so boldly in the public eye. Even Geonwoo himself could never think of it. “Y-you were clinging to me!”

Anxin shrugs nonchalantly. “It’s so that we can save some space.”

“You’re so…” Geonwoo’s jaw tightens. He clenches his fists, then sighs. “Do you have any idea what you do to me? I thought I was going insane…”

“Oh, please.” Anxin pushes his glasses up and turns his back on him. “We did worse things, hyung.”

Geonwoo was one hundred times more confused now. “Worse things? We haven't even kissed yet.”

“Okay, just shut up. As promised… I’m gonna treat you to brunch.” Anxin grabs Geonwoo’s hand and they both feel something static. It hurt both of them for a bit, but neither let go. Because the warmth of each other’s hand was worth the pain.

“Oh, you finally have money? Where’d it come from?” Geonwoo teases.

“Uh…”

“From that Kangmin-hyung? I honestly thought he was from China last time you brought him up.”

Anxin made up something to say, “He actually just got here for vacation…”

“In autumn? That’s weird.”

Despite how weird Anxin was being, he simply held onto his hand the whole time as Geonwoo walked them to a small diner nearby.

They found their seats quickly and didn’t need to wait that long to receive their orders. 

Geonwoo was definitely enjoying his own steaming bowl of spicy Korean rice cakes at this point since it hadn't been five minutes when he’d finished half of it. “Ahhh!~ Nothing beats Gungmul Tteokbokki…”

Anxin just watches him with amusement, steadily eating his own bowl.

“You seem to handle your spices really well, too.” Geonwoo comments.

Anxin hums and nods. “Mhm! I love spicy Korean food!”

“Do you know how to cook?”

Anxin swallows before answering, “I can cook some stuff. Chinese dishes that my mom taught me.”

He hasn’t cooked anything on his own in a while, but he pretty much enjoys it and would often cook for Jiahao, Kaiwen, and Kangmin back at home.

Geonwoo reaches for Anxin’s reddening ear and smiles fondly. “Cook for me sometime, okay?”

Anxin ignores the way the simple touch made his heart twitch. “Sure, but you buy me the ingredients.”

“Anything for Anshin-ie’s cooking!” The excitement shone in Geonwoo’s expressive eyes and Anxin felt the guilt climbing up his chest again.

“Hyung, when’s your birthday?” he asks in between bites.

“April 11th. What about you?”

Anxin doesn’t hesitate to reveal the truth. “Christmas.”

“Christmas?”

“Yes,”

Geonwoo drops his chopsticks out of interest. “Oh! Now wonder you’re Anshin…”

Anxin flashes a cheesy smile. “Sangwon-hyung calls me An God.” And wouldn’t it be funny because he’s a divine being born on Christmas after all?

“Your birthday is like 2 months away! Can’t wait for that dual celebration!”

Anxin’s heart stutters from what Geonwoo said. The possibility of that celebration never coming was making him both laugh and cry. “What if I’m not here at that time?”

Geonwoo glances up at Anxin. It was a kind of look that didn’t need explanation. There was sadness in this small silence, but it felt so heavy, pressing and weighing on Anxin.

“Why? Will you go to China?”

Anxin clears his throat, eyes pinned on his now empty bowl of tteokbokki. “No, just… What if I never come back?”

He didn’t know why he had said that. It wasn’t in his plan to decay the mood so early.

Geonwoo seemed to have caught on with what Anxin wanted to say but was still stupendously confused. “By any chance, is this the important thing you have to say to me?”

“No…” Anxin sighs and wipes off his mouth. “I’m sorry. I’ll explain later. I don’t want this to distract you from your work.” He gives Geonwoo an apologetic, yet somber smile.

The latter responds hopefully, “Anshin-ie, I’ll be fine.” 

Would he still be fine if Anxin tells him the whole truth later? Could Anxin make him promise that?

“But I’ll wait for what you have to say.”

They waited for an hour before arriving at the studio for the photoshoot. It was filled with chitter-chatter, sounds of camera flashes, and then came a lady who walked towards them.

“Hey, Geonwoo-ssi! Nice seeing you again! Looking good!” The lady pats Geonwoo’s arm and Anxin couldn’t help but follow Geonwoo as he bows to her.

“Hello, sunbae-nim… I hope you’ve been well.”

The lady’s gaze then turns to Anxin, who just stood there nervous. “Who’s this pretty boy?”

Anxin looked first at Geonwoo, wondering if he’ll introduce Anxin in his stead.

“Geonwoo-ssi’s boyfriend?” she follows up, making Geonwoo scoff and blush.

“No! Ah… My friend from school… He’s just here for moral support, hehe…” Geonwoo loops his arm around Anxin’s shoulders, pulling him close. This doesn’t really make it any better when it comes to calming him down amidst the other staff approaching them all of a sudden.

“Nice to meet you all… I’m Jo An Shin.”

“Aww, so cute!”

“Make yourself comfortable, An Shin!”

Geonwoo assures him that the shoot won’t take too long and he could play games at the back if he was bored. He was left alone on a single couch by himself since Geonwoo needed to change his clothes and have his hair and makeup done. He wonders how nice it would have been if things were this simple between them. If he wasn’t a Cupidelle, or if Geonwoo wasn’t human. How nice would it have been if their two worlds could acknowledge each other and collide like it’s the norm one day? How nice would it have been if Anxin never shot the wrong arrow?

“Woah…”

When Geonwoo suddenly appears with the cream white background, Anxin immediately understands the concept of the shoot.

He was wearing a neatly ironed white shirt tucked in black slacks. His hair was parted in the middle, showing off his forehead entirely. His face was an asset, so of course they had to highlight that. But what made Anxin melt was the way Geonwoo politely smiled at the staff, yet stood there with so much confidence. He was given a red rose as a prop and the director briefed him with the different poses he had to do.

While Anxin watches the numerous takes, he doesn’t even notice himself taking out his own phone and snapping a few pictures for himself like a proud stage mom. It’s a mystery how Geonwoo could act so shy and flustered with him earlier in the train but transforms into this charming heartthrob in front of many people and cameras.

“Geonwoo-ssi! Smile!”

Anxin peeks at the monitor in front to watch Geonwoo’s gaze smoldering at the camera. His jawline is sharp and magnetic.

When his lips line up to a smirk, Anxin swears that, just for a second, he wasn’t posing for the lends, but for him.

“It’s a crime to look that good…” He sighs and gets back to his seat before he could do anything stupid.

Moments later…

“Anshin-ie~” The cheerful, but manly voice waltzed up to him. “How have I done so far?” Geonwoo shyly runs through his styled hair, looking expectantly at Anxin.

Anxin gets up from his seat and gives him two thumbs up. “Very good! So handsome!” 

“You should be a model, too!”

Anxin shoots him a puzzled look. “Of what?”

“Like a private model. Only for me~” Geonwoo squeezes both of Anxin’s ears again, causing his knees to go weak.

Anxin’s face also starts burning. “Stop flirting!” But he doesn’t do anything about Geonwoo’s hands on his sensitive ears.

“Hey, you’re the one who flirted with me first, remember?” He brazenly smiles.

“Mhm. Fine…” Anxin gives in. That’s when Geonwoo pulls out something and shows it to Anxin, sparking his curiosity.

“Here,” It was a small printed out picture of Geonwoo. It looked polished and professional like it shouldn’t be stored somewhere cheap. “It’s a photocard from my previous campaigns. A small souvenir for you…”

Anxin doesn’t know why, but he found himself smiling widely. “Do you have a pen?”

“Pen? Ah…” Geonwoo walks to the monitor area to get something. Conveniently, he came back with a black ink pen.

Anxin scribbles some stuff on the back of the photocard. He shows it to Geonwoo, who immediately recognizes what looks like Anxin’s signature written messily all over the empty space. Then, at the front, he wrote something in Hangul that would definitely keep Geonwoo up at night.

‘안신거’

“Anxin’s?”

“Yup.” Anxin takes back the photo. “It’s all mine.”

Geonwoo chuckles at him. “If you’re putting your signature there, then shouldn’t it be mine?”

“Nope. Mine.”

“Alright.” Geonwoo pokes at his dimple. “I’m all yours~”

Between their shared shy smiles, Geonwoo speaks up again about something that’s been bothering him since the day started. “Hey, that important thing you have to tell me. You can say it now.” He looks around to see if there were any signs of privacy disruption.

If Geonwoo felt nervous, then Anxin was even more.

“Hyung, I don’t think it’s the right time to tell you now, really.”

Geonwoo tries to be more persistent. “It’s a long break. I’m not sure if I’ll be able to be with you after this since my parents are looking for me.”

Anxin was hesitating. He was holding on to Geonwoo’s photocard before putting it in his pocket and grabbing Geonwoo’s hand. “Come with me, then…”

The air was crisp and warm when Anxin had dragged him outside. Anxin watches the sunlight glimmer over Geonwoo’s eyes. Maybe it’s the way he could easily read people since he was young, or maybe it’s the way he knew Geonwoo enough to guess his thoughts and feelings, or maybe it was the working of the yellow arrow eminently attaching them together.

“You look beautiful…” Anxin didn’t know how to respond to that. His throat felt dry and his heart was hammering loudly like a rainstorm was happening inside of him.

“Hyung, can you promise not to freak out when I tell you this…” He looks down on the ground, hands trembling. The only natural forces protecting them from the awkward silence was the rustling of the leaves and the breeze of wind making Anxin want to fly away with it.

“I promise.”

“Hyung,” Anxin takes a deep breath. “I’m not actually human…”

Too many echoes were jumping at each other in Anxin’s head. He had listed out the different ways his confession would turn out, and one of them did happen.

But he wasn’t ready to hear Geonwoo’s innocent laughter. “Pfft. Yeah, ‘cause you’re a cat. A very angelic one~”

How badly Anxin wishes he could smile from the teasing and romancing.

Anxin fists his hands and repeats himself more sternly. “Hyung, I’m not joking… I’m… I’m not who you think I am. I’m not joking…”

“Okay…” Geonwoo shakes his head, dazed and confused. “What are you, if not human?” he asks and Anxin wants to break down from hearing his staggered breath.

“I’m what you call a Cupidelle… We’re matchmaking angels from a heavenly realm. And I’m on a mission here, as a human, to fix my errors because…” Anxin’s voice cracks. He couldn’t continue and he couldn’t even look at him straight.

He gulps hard before resuming. “Because I accidentally paired you with me, instead of your fated soulmate…”

Geonwoo takes a slow step back, eyes hardening, the glimmer in them has faded. “Shin-ah… Is this a prank?”

“No, hyung—” Anxin takes a step forward, but Geonwoo backs away some more.

“You say a bunch of weird things, but this is just… very weird. I don’t know if you want me to laugh or be scared. Or… be happy? Is this your way of confessing to someone—”

“No!” Anxin stops him from any misinterpretations. He should be more patient because it’s not easy for someone like him to understand, but Anxin didn’t want to lie anymore. “We’re not supposed to match! Because I’m not human like you! Do you believe me or not?”

“I don’t know.” Geonwoo shrugs. “You look very human to me…”

Anxin bites onto his lip out of frustration. In the nick of time, he sees and hears his Love Watch glowing and beeping faintly. “See this, hyung? This is a Love Watch. It tracks our affinities. And right now, we are basically doomed if we don’t get you and Sangwon—”

“Sangwon?” Geonwoo looks swindled. “Are you saying Sangwon, the one we both know, is my fated soulmate or whatever?”

Geonwoo said the words right out of Anxin’s mouth. He felt stuck and he felt the weight of the whole world teetering on his shoulder blades. 

“Yeah… and I… I made a big mistake by shooting you with the wrong arrow.” Anxin felt like the flame in his throat was growing and growing bigger, impossible to wash out.

When he could finally look up at Geonwoo, with slight teary eyes, the taller man could only laugh sarcastically. “Alright, cut the cameras. You’re a great actor! Is this a practice skit—”

“Hyung…” Anxin grabs on his hand, rubbing it sympathetically. “Please,”

For the first time ever, Geonwoo pulls his hand away. “Why are you saying these things?” His voice trembled like a leaf in a hurricane. “Are you making fun of me? Do you want to make me upset? Want me to turn away from you?”

“That’s not—”

“Joke’s over, Anshin. I get it now.”

Anxin catches Geonwoo’s hand again before he turns his body around, preparing to leave. “Hyung, wait… I needed to tell you the truth instead of hurting you more…”

Anxin knew it was too late to make him understand. It’s no one’s fault but his. He ruined it. And now, Geonwoo might never want to face him again.

With harsh force, Geonwoo retrieves his hand. “You’ve done enough of messing me up. Just go.”

“Okay… I’m sorry… I’m really sorry…”

Anxin was left there under the typhoon of his ruses and woes. It was the first time that he had used the portal to go back so early in his world again.

He was engraved with an alarming decrease in the status of his Love Watch.

Kim Geonwoo + Zhou Anxin = 60% Affinity

Naturally, he should be happy that it went that way. But all he was left with was the feeling of misery.

The days whipped by quicker than expected. They were fast, mainly because Anxin hasn’t teleported to Earth in these three days. He refused to make contact with anyone, even with Leo and Sanghyeon who have been texting him constantly. He shouldn’t make them worry, but there was nothing he could do anymore. He thought that maybe, if he and Geonwoo were out of sight and out of mind from each other, then the affinity would continue decreasing by itself and he didn’t have to worry about the arrow.

But the worry turned into reckless resolve.

Once the coast was clear, Anxin sneaked out of his dorm, donned in a facemask and a cap, completely covering his face and hair. He made his way into the academy, trespassing into the Eroma Laboratorium.

How did he do it? Simple. He stole Jiahao’s ID from his office a while ago, with the elder usually leaving his things behind without bothering to lock the doors.

He had tapped on the verification machine near the entrance with the ID. Anxin’s heart was pounding loudly as he looked around for any patrollers or active CCTVs. As far as he knows, there aren’t any cameras inside, so the only disadvantage is if he could get caught outside. That being said, he had to explain things to an angry Jiahao-ge by then.

When the scanner glows green and makes a beeping sound, the door slides open. He quickly gets inside with his head down low. He’d only been here once when the academy toured them and explained the processes into creating and storing arrows.

The lab looked hummed with magical currents. It had simple white walls, different from the romantic sketch of Eros Akademia. Transparent tubes suspended in the air were lined up, containing the designated arrows: White (Arrow of Attraction), Pink (Arrow of Affection), and Red (Arrow of Passion). And Anxin realized he had never shot any of them yet. A part of him didn’t want to anymore.

It was thankfully empty and he deliberately chose this timing knowing it’s when the authorized workers go out for supper. Anxin carefully looks around, careful not to touch anything, careful not to leave any traces of himself behind.

“Yellow arrow… yellow arrow…” he whispers to himself.

“What was Jiahao’s update on the kid? Did the yellow arrow take effect?” Anxin flinches upon hearing a feminine voice that definitely didn’t belong to his or anyone he knew.

He quickly looked for a place, then hid behind a cabinet before he was spotted.

“It seems that the arrow had formed some devotion from the human over the matchmaker.” says another voice, a manly one.

“Good. Just need some reinforcement.”

Anxin tried to make out what he was hearing. He silently takes out his phone and starts voice recording the conversation between the two adults in white lab coats.

“How about the kid? Should we just erase his memories or bring him to trial first?”

Kid? Were they referring to Anxin? 

And… What memories?

“The council hasn’t decided, but I don’t think they’ll get rid of him. They will probably use him as a test subject for the yellow arrow.”

What. The. Fuck?

Anxin looked down on his phone to make sure he was recording everything.

The man and the lady had thankfully left the lab afterwards since they seemed to just come in to get their things.

Not wanting to take further risk, Anxin exits the lab and walks back to the academy without looking suspicious.

He wasn’t the suspicious one this time around. Because as he walked along the academy, he squinted his eyes when he saw a shadowy movement by the upper windows of the building.

Anxin knows he should avoid it, or maybe call for help even when no one is around. It was dark and silent, and he didn’t have whatever magic it takes to shield or counter any rogues.

Yet, he screamed: “Hey, stop!”

And he runs. He runs towards the cloaked figure climbing down from the windows. His movements are fast and quiet like the last time Anxin had chased him in The Archives. This could be a different suspect, but he didn’t care. He ran after it once they reached the ground.

“Stop there!” Anxin squeals, sprinting with all his might until his legs wear out and his lungs burn.

He extends his arms and takes a dangerous leap forward, his body landing hard onto the figure. Their bodies roll over each other before Anxin flaps his wings and uses force to tackle them down, trapping them in a straddle.

“I don’t want to hurt you! I need your help!” Anxin tried to dodge and fight off the rogue’s squirming and attempted to push Anxin off, but Anxin was quick enough to grab onto its hood.

The figure freezes and so does Anxin.

“What the fuck…” Anxin can’t help but curse when he sees a pink-haired… normal looking man.

A man. No halo. No wings.

Where is he from? He couldn't be from Amoraeon if so.

“Wait—”

Anxin didn’t anticipate an attack on him. He feels a burst of shockwave in his body when a ripple of black energy sends him flying off. His back slams against the hard concrete. His feathers scatter all over the ground and he groans before a walloping pain sears through him like Cronus’ Scythe. “Ngh…” Anxin’s body curls on the ground and he stays there for a long while, chasing his breath and wondering if he could still live to breathe another day.

Thanks to his unwavering resolve, he got up on his own and proceeded to Junseo’s quarters.

He meant to only report it to Junseo and Jiahao, but Kangmin and Kaiwen came rushing in the consultation room when they heard of Anxin’s injuries. His wings were now bandaged and the small cuts on his arm and the bruise on his stomach were given special healing.

“Anxin?!” The door flew open, Jiahao’s hysteric face greeted the rest of them. “What happened?” He goes to Anxin and his jaw drops from the miserable sight of him.

“His stupid ass saw the cloaked figure and chased it…” Kangmin said.

“Oh, and he also broke into the Eroma Lab.” Kaiwen added.

Anxin mentally covers his ears when Jiahao opens his mouth. The man rarely raises his voice at anyone. This time, it’s reasonable that he does. “What in Eros’ name did you just do? You could’ve been seriously hurt! How will it get through your brain that this situation is bigger than you are?!”

“Everyone, listen.” Junseo coughs to grab their attention. He walks up to Jiahao and pats his shoulder to soothe him. “Do you know the story of the first Cupidelle to fall in love with a mortal?”

It was only silence. Anxin could barely think properly.

“Suspicions have been raised…” Junseo taps on the table. “That he has returned and that he is the one causing chaos.”

That statement alone should have emitted loud gasps, but all their eyes were blazing fervently as if they were leading a meeting for a rebellion.

“For what? Is it revenge?” Kangmin asks.

“Most likely,”

“Why take this much time to do it?” Kaien asks, too.

“We don’t know…”

Jiahao sighs and turns to Anxin. “Anxin, we also realized something that might free you from this case.”

Anxin finally hearkens attentively.

“When the first Cupidelle fell in love with a mortal, the mortal was matchmade with their pair. When they kissed, the mortal was rid of all the memories about their Cupidelle lover.”

What Junseo said gave Anxin a flashback of hundreds of stories he heard about fallen and banished cupids. A Cupidelle, who developed a heart for a mortal, had their halo and wings castrated and they were imprisoned. Only to escape and never be seen again.

The description is very much fitting to the figure he almost caught earlier.

But no one knew what happened to the said Cupidelle’s lover.

“So, true love’s kiss…” Kangmin mumbles.

“How is that the same situation as mine?” Anxin inquires suspiciously.

It seemed like Jiahao knew Anxin would object in some way because they haven’t really given him anything to be assured with yet. “If a kiss between soulmates can cut off their connection with the divine, you will have to make the same thing happen between Geonwoo and Sangwon.”

At this point, Anxin didn’t know what was fractured. His wings or his heart? Because it all hurts the same and the idea of forcing two people he cared about to seal an intimate act of love when their connection hasn’t even been fixed by Anxin yet. Suddenly, he was supposed to skip ten steps upwards and completely wipe out his existence from them with a true love’s kiss.

How could he…?

“Will my memories also be erased?” Anxin shivered.

“I’m afraid it only works for humans.”

It wouldn’t matter in the end. Whether it be Anxin’s memories or just his feelings, it’s for the better. Perchance.

“I’ll make them kiss as soon as possible.”

He meant what he said this time. If he was going to be a bad guy and try to manipulate Geonwoo and Sangwon to prevent cracks in both their worlds, he had to—or Amoraeon’s core might be the first to rupture and eradicate him.

So, he sent a daring text message to Kim Geonwoo who hasn’t reached out to him since then.

Anxin:

Geonwoo-hyung, it’s been a few days. Have you been well?

I’m afraid that saying things here on text might get tracked by them, so I’ll say it in person.

One last time, please meet me. 

I know that it’s hard to trust me right now… but I promise I’ll make it make sense.

You don’t have to forgive me after all this. I just want you to know that I’m doing it for the better.

He puts his phone away. His human phone with Geonwoo’s photocard inside the clear phone case.

It took a full day for Anxin to recover his body and his mentality. No read or seen receipt and no response from Geonwoo still. He tried his luck the whole time with Sanghyeon and Haneum, but all he got was: “He said he’s been busy.” “Geonwoo-hyung hasn’t been feeling well.”

Even when dusk peaked, Anxin was waiting mindlessly by the garden bench under the shade. The rain started pouring again, like a big “Fuck you!” to Anxin for being a terrible Cupidelle, a terrible mortal, and a terrible friend.

When hope seemed to fade, came a brown-haired beauty sent by the angels who were probably on Anxin’s side. He looks up and locks eyes with the sharp, yet fiery gaze of He Xin Long. Every time Anxin sees him, he always has an umbrella in hand under the rainwater.

“Anshin?”

“Xinlong! Thank, Ero—God!” He stands up and approaches him closer, enough where the shade can still shield him.

“You okay?” Xinlong asked the approaching boy softly.

“I… Do you know where Geonwoo-hyung is?” 

The rain seemed to get stronger and louder after Anxin’s question.

Xinlong sighs and pats Anxin’s shoulder. “To be honest, he doesn't want to see you right now…”

Anxin had already expected that, but it hurts even more that he heard it from Geonwoo’s best friend of all people. “I understand, but it’s something really important…”

Xinlong looks down on his watch before smiling at Anxin. “His class will end in a few minutes, I believe.”

Anxin clasps his hands together and smiles back, his snaggle tooth winking a small hi to Xinlong. “Okay, thank you…”

“By the way, Anshin…”

“Mhm?”

“Geonwoo-hyung he… He may look tough, but he’s actually a sensitive person.” Xinlong gives Anxin a look, like he was passing on a cardinal responsibility that only the two of them know. “Please, don’t hurt him…”

Anxin gulps. This will be the last time he’ll hurt him, because the rest of time will be dedicated to his eternal happiness.

“I really… I really don’t intend to.” Anxin’s shoulders crouched down. That was a whole lie. He has intentions, but he hoodwinks himself into believing they are valid.

“Good.”

Just like that, Xinlong went his way and Anxin waited.

He didn’t count how long. He was scanning the face of every passer until he could turn blind behind his glasses.

That’s when he showed up. A tall figure walking along the pavement.

Anxin’s feet started carrying him straight forward. He didn’t even notice that he’s soaked himself in the rain.

“Hyung!” He shouts.

The person looks back and Anxin becomes painfully aware of how much he missed those eyes after not seeing them for the past few days.

“Hyung, wait!” He dashes faster when Geonwoo only walks forward like he didn’t hear him.

But Anxin had been an expert chaser thanks to that rogue Cupidelle. He had caught up without slipping on the wet ground, grabbing Geonwoo’s hand and turning him around with surprising strength. “I said wait!”

“What do you want?!” he bellows with the roaring thunder up the clouds.

Anxin was caught off guard. He had never seen such an irritated look on his face nor such a frightening tone of voice. The only thing Anxin could think of doing was holding his hand again, wishing he wouldn’t pull away. “Talk to me… Do you really plan on ignoring me for the rest of your life?”

Geonwoo watches the rain cascade on Anxin’s hair, on his face, his nerdy glasses, and his clothes. He should probably step closer and bring him under the umbrella, too, but he stays stern. “You said you’re not from here. What do I have to do with you?”

Anxin takes his glasses off to see more clearly. “The fate of our worlds rests in my hands—and yours. Yours and Sangwon’s.”

Geonwoo pulls his hand back from Anxin’s hold and turns around again to walk away. “I have no plans on getting involved with whatever bullshit you and your world have.”

But Anxin was quick enough to step in front of him, making him back off. It was surprising to have Geonwoo this harsh and vulgar, but he wasn’t going to let himself be intimidated.

“Please, listen to me…” Anxin’s chest rises up and down. Maybe it was from the pressure of the rain and all the running, or the erratic pounding of his heart having to confront Geonwoo like this.

“I don’t have much time left. After everything is fixed, what we feel—will all be gone. You’ll no longer see me again and you will be with your one true love.” he said it straight to the point, cutting to the chase. There was no need to stall even if Geonwoo still wasn't convinced by him.

Geonwoo tests Anxin’s gaze, seeing if he’d break first. “You’re extremely sure that Sangwon is my one true love?” His voice sounds mocking.

Anxin immediately counterargues, “The spell of the arrow can be broken with true love’s kiss—”

“Nonsense!” Geonwoo bolts out, realizing Anxin was still stuck in some Disney fairytale monologue. But in the deepest part of himself, it made sense and Anxin was being truthful.

“Go home, Anshin… Wherever you’re from…”

“Hyung! Ya, Kim Geonwoo!” Anxin grabs onto Geonwoo’s black shirt to stop him. 

Geonwoo’s grip on the umbrella handle tightens as he groans in frustration. “Fine. What happens if I kiss him?”

The rain filled the silence in Anxin’s sudden pause. He was thinking. Second-guessing if he would be able to pull the words out of himself. 

If Geonwoo were to believe him and agree, would this really be the last time they can come to terms with each other?

“We will no longer be bound to each other…” Anxin’s voice quivered. “All your memories of me will be erased and I will continue my life as a cupid…”

Anxin sees the raindrops trembling on his hands. He didn’t know if he was feeling cold or hollow inside, but the void needed to be filled. The silence and the unspoken grief between them were deafening.

“None of this is real, then?” Geonwoo’s voice drops into something low and monotonous.

Anxin squeezes his eyes. Was he crying? Or is it just the rain? Whichever it was, it made his eyes sting so bad. “I don’t know…” And it made his voice crack for sure.

“If you don’t know, then why are you asking me to do such a cruel thing?” 

How badly Anxin wanted to know the answer to that, too, Geonwoo…

“It’s the only way…”

“So everything we did so far… That was part of… some mission?”

Anxin could be whacked into concussion or hit by a bus for all he cared about right now. Because there’s no way he could bring himself to answer him with a lie. For the sake of the mission, he had to say that it really was just a mission for him. But even the skies know the truth.

“Please, answer me, Anshin.”

Anxin’s gaze flicks up and he takes a deep breath. “I can’t lie to you, hyung…” He feels a sudden lump in his throat. “Because I’m not supposed to feel like this. It’s against my duty and my nature… My heart is aching right now. Every time I see you or when I’m with you, it feels so real and I feel like I want to become more human. I feel like a mess, but I feel so alive. And I… I care about you so much… I don’t want to ruin things for you… And maybe it’s because of the arrow, but I…” Anxin didn’t notice that he was sobbing in between. 

When was the last time he cried? Maybe a year ago when he was sent to his senior year for boarding school and had to say goodbye to his parents. Or maybe the last time he cried so hard and almost hyperventilated was when Jiahao moved out of the city for his advanced studies. 

This was his first time to feel the raw pang and the salty and earthy flavors of his own tears and the rain slipping on his tongue, forcing him to drink more to remove the fire in his voicebox.

Anxin sniffs and wipes off his face. “All I know is that I want you to be happy… I’m scared. I don’t know what to do, but it’s my duty to… to break us apart…”

“Do you want us to be broken?” It was probably the best time to stop, because every follow up question just digs deeper and bigger holes in him.

“I don’t know… I was made to feel this way. I have to stop it…”

“What happens if we don’t stop it?”

Anxin hesitates. He shouldn’t be telling this much, but they were already here. Under the saturnine rain, acquiescing to the spirits of secrecy. “I might… cease to exist. Both as an angel and a human.”

When Anxin expected a worse reaction, he saw Geonwoo’s feet step forward. The rain had stopped pouring all over him. He looks up to Geonwoo mere inches in front, the umbrella above them.

“Even if it isn’t real, I still want you to receive my feelings… I don’t care if it’s fake. I don’t care what you are. I only want you, right now, Anshin…”

There was an intense and earsplitting beat produced by one of Anxin’s human organs. How could Geonwoo still have the shame to say all of that after every drop of ridiculous lore imagined? Was he messing with Anxin, too? For revenge? To cope with himself?

“Will you do me a favor and kiss Sangwon?” Two can play that game. Anxin needed to win him over.

Geonwoo chuckles and shakes his head. “I don’t want to. And I don’t want him as my true love…”

Anxin looks at him, wondering if he's gone madder than Heracles. “That’s not for you to decide. You shouldn’t underestimate our power…”

“Yeah, you’re right.” Geonwoo holds back a chortle. “I don’t even know why I’m stuck here trying to listen to you. You definitely have me bewitched…” 

“Hyung, I’m really sorry…” Anxin admits defeat. He had no idea what else to say, or what else to be other than sorry.

"Can you at least tell me something real? Anything that you really want? Anything you choose for yourself…”

Anxin speculated if Geonwoo was provoking him with something self-serving. Or it was a ploy for Anxin to reconsider if everything he said to Geonwoo was a hoax.

“We aren’t taught to choose…” he simply answers what has been injected in him.

“And yet, you’re choosing to reveal yourself to me…”

He’s right. Anxin was hyperaware of the choices he made. The only thing he regretted was obeying the law.

“I’m doing it to save us…”

“You’re a bad matchmaker, Anshin.” Geonwoo reiterates what Anxin has been saying to himself since this whole catastrophe started. “But it’s funny, because that only makes me fall for you harder…”

A loud beep and a glowing red from Anxin’s Love Watch gathers their attention. Anxin taps on it to project the interface. He steals a glance at Geonwoo who could definitely see it, too.

Stats Processing…

Identifying Pairs…

!Stats Activated!

 

Kim Geonwoo + Zhou Anxin =  90% Affinity 

Anxin’s eyes widened. “90%... Shit…”

“What happens if it reaches 100?” Geonwoo asks. And it’s weird because a few days ago he was telling Anxin to fuck off for being a troll.

“It’s not supposed to…” He sighs in disbelief.

“I want it to.” Geonwoo says, now a smiling menace to Anxin’s potentially collapsing society.

“Anshin-ie… Don’t you want it, too?”

Anxin looks up at him through the water dewdrops on his lashes. 

It was strange—the next thing he did—wrapping his arms around Geonwoo’s waist and tip-toeing.

Whether he was under the yellow arrow’s trance, he knew he could stop himself from doing it, but he chooses to this time, very much and admittingly so. Geonwoo asked what he wanted and this was it, closing the gaps between their lips. 

Anxin doesn’t know how to kiss. He has never done so. It was so quiet, so soft, so scary, and so juvenile. It tastes so sweet and addicting, with a kablooey of all the flavors Anxin knew and didn’t: caramel candy, vanilla ice cream, strawberries, cinnamon tea, chocolate, sweet bread, liquor, the tteokbokki they had for brunch in the diner—it all laps and mixes and dances on his tongue and he can’t pull away. He squeezes tight onto Geonwoo’s shirt, on the sides of his waist and whimpers through the loud rain. His eyes were closed the whole time, so he didn't get to witness the panic in Geonwoo’s eyes, the way he dropped the umbrella, nor the intense redness of his face and neck.

It wasn’t even a proper kiss. It was a drawn-out smack and slam on the lips, but it had both of them drooling.

Anxin only releases himself from Geonwoo when he feels himself almost faint from embarrassment.

A string of saliva drips down his chin, unnoticeably due to the rain. He was panting, lips slightly puffed from the illusion of that flabbergasting kiss. Boldly, he asks, “Does that answer it?” to a stunned and gridlocked Kim Geonwoo.

Zhou An Xin is the biggest fraud.

The real rogue Cupidelle was actually himself after all.

For the past three days, Kim Geonwoo never expected he’d skip a schedule.

For him, there is beauty and relevance in grace, discipline, and being grounded. Sure, he was blessed with the resources to keep things on track and surrounded himself with the right people to keep a healthy mindset. But lately, an enigma entered into his life: a naive, adorable, clumsy, yet diligent, strongheaded, and free-spirited Zhou Anxin.

He was quite the paradox when he first ran away from Geonwoo like he was scared to be seen and felt. When Anxin told him that it was for acting, he never felt more impressed and stoked. 

Maybe Geonwoo should have believed him the first time Anxin revealed himself to be something as mind-blowing like an angel cupid who was assigned to match him with Lee Sangwon. 

It took a huge toll on Geonwoo, enough to break his sleeping pattern and for him to procrastinate on work that required heavy inspiration.

What was inspiring about Anxin? Is it his blunt honesty or the way he clearly struggles into control and conventions? Or was it the way he looked at Geonwoo like he always has to think before acting, but also acts so impulsively? Or maybe the way he listens and makes you feel like he wants to enter into your world while staring at you with the most beautiful pair of eyes?

His face itself was enough to suspect his humanity, but what Geonwoo liked about Anxin wasn’t just the mystery and the magic radiating off of him, but by the light and comfortable presence in his flaws, dorkiness, and authenticity that pulled Geonwoo out of a rigorous routine.

Geonwoo avoided treating people for food too much. He avoided sharing his world on the rooftop. He avoided letting people into his home. He avoided parties. He avoided drinking. He avoided getting sick. He avoided avoiding people when conflict arises. 

Though, he had avoided Anxin for the past three days. There was no sight of him even when Geonwoo would walk along the gardens or the hallways to the music room. No wonder Anxin always felt fleeting. And it’s what drives Geonwoo crazier. It’s out of his bounds and there was no need to cross it, but there was an urgency in him that’s just screaming: “I need to get him before he disappears.” 

The disappearing part could now be explained, but he refuses to make sense of it. It couldn’t be true. How could angels just become human and interact with him? Was this all just a dream?

Because if it was, Geonwoo never wanted to wake up.

“Anshin? He’s a very adorable kid. Very kind.” Sangwon even said one time when Geonwoo asked him what he thought about Anxin. “He said he admires my relationship with Leo.” Sangwon went to yap about more things and left Geonwoo with a big question mark.

If it’s true that he and Sangwon were fated, according to Anxin, why has he never broken apart Sangwon and Leo? Or he has been trying to but nothing was working, perhaps?

It could be because of empathy and respect for strong and established relationships, but couldn’t they be smarter and more strategic than that?

Geonwoo laughs. Maybe cupids can mess up, too. He couldn't even imagine what kind of difficulty Anxin was living. They weren’t very opposites of each other after all. It’s all about conformity and excellence.

Geonwoo was proud of himself that both order and chaos could co-exist in his world. The contradiction is so thrilling. And it’s exactly what Anxin is. He feared that he could never find anyone like him anymore.

Xinlong had told him to communicate properly and be more honest with his feelings for Anxin, but how could he when he was fed with ideas that none of it was real?

“Does that answer it?”

Geonwoo felt like he was slapped by a thousand hands. The feeling of Anxin’s soft, saccharine lips lingered on his like he had had been marked and owned for good. Anxin started something again that he couldn’t dare finish. And Geonwoo can’t stop himself anymore. Or rather, he chooses to succumb to the very truth that Zhou An Xin or Jo An Shin or whoever this pseudo-living thing on his planet was, has drained the restraint out of him. If this was limerence, lust, attraction, fondness, or love—whatever in heavens it was, felt incredible.

Geonwoo steals Anxin’s lips before Anxin could call him out for just standing stupid. He shut his eyes the whole time as he cupped Anxin’s face and submitted his lips onto his. It was so soft that he took a small bite, smirking against his mouth when Anxin whimpered so sweetly. His body responded by pressing them closer together, so tight and close that Geonwoo could feel Anxin’s pulsating chest with his own sensational ones. Electric shivers run down Geonwoo’s spine as he adds movement to it, sucking and licking desperately, Anxin’s big eyes flickering open when he realizes Geonwoo could start eating him out.

Just when Geonwoo’s tongue tries to slither in to explore the warmth inside of the shorter boy, Anxin gasps, releasing his grip from Geonwoo’s waist and shoves him off. Geonwoo was able to balance himself to not tumble down.

“Ah… H-hyung…” Geonwoo’s face falls when he sees Anxin wipe his mouth off. Shit. What was it? Was he too rough? Did he do bad? Did his breath smell?

“Slow down…” 

Geonwoo doesn’t realize he is drooling. He closes his mouth and looks away, hit by reality. He covers his face and muffles his voice, chattering breathlessly into his palms. “I’m sorry… I got so excited a-and…”

Anxin, who acts like nothing had happened again, picked up the umbrella and uselessly hovered it above them. “We’re soaked… What if we get sick?”

Geonwoo cackles. “Angels like you can get sick?”

It was a harmless joke before a harmful consideration: “I’ll do it. I’ll kiss him.” he casually says to Anxin with his signature blank stare.

“But if it doesn’t work, I’ll battle fate for you.”

They agreed not to think anymore and Geonwoo invites Anxin into his dorm again so they could dry off. 

“You can wear this…” He walks up to Anxin and hands him a white T-shirt and sleep shorts that he thinks would fit him. “You can shower first, if you do shower—” 

Geonwoo wanted to slap himself. Anxin always smells amazing! He’s baby powder and sweet pheromones in the brisk of fall. Of course, they shower! Surely, angel anatomy isn’t all that different from humans if Anxin knew exactly how to function like one. It’s a scary thought to have Anxin as one giant eye ball with wings surrounding him.

“Thanks…” While it was awkward, he waited until Anxin was done in the bathroom so he could also proceed.

When Anxin stepped out, looking ridiculously cute for his own good, in Geonwoo’s clothes that hang loosely on his shoulders, Geonwoo had to pinch himself in order not to pounce on him then and there. His breath hitches. “Okay, make yourself at home. I’ll go…” There was no reason for Geonwoo to be skittish in his own dwelling, but it was nighttime and they were two men alone in one place with a single bed. They just kissed each other earlier, too, which could mean nothing.

Geonwoo brushes it off and refreshes himself with a hot shower. He can’t get ahead of himself again. He’s a man and yes, he’s had good sex, but why is that something he’d even want to do with Anxin first thing after telling him he was down to the plan of kissing Sangwon?

Oh, Geonwoo should just end himself. 

Geonwoo finally steps out of the shower after twenty minutes. It was longer than usual so he hoped Anxin wouldn’t ask whatever he was doing in there, because he might flush himself in the toilet bowl.

“Anshin—Is that your real name?” Geonwoo opens up, drying his hair with a towel and watching Anxin stir a teaspoon into a mug. Geonwoo also made himself comfortable, sitting cross-legged by the edge of his bed in his favorite black tank top and sleep pajamas.

“Yeah, it’s just a Korean version. My real name is spelled in Chin—” Anxin pauses when he turns to look at Geonwoo. He was holding two mugs in both hands and had to scream at himself not to get clumsy again and break things that aren’t his. Anxin never knew what being feral was like, because if he had the kind of imagination to rip that top off of Geonwoo, he could certainly match the older’s freak. But no, all he could think about was squeezing his fingers into those beefy biceps or possibly sinking his teeth into them. It was very unfair. Anxin should probably hit the gym, too.

“So, what happened? What kind of mistake did you make?” Geonwoo asked after taking the mug poured with hot chocolate and marshmallows that Anxin made. Anxin pulled a chair beside the bed to sit across from him.

He blows into his mug before answering with something easy to digest, “I was supposed to shoot you with an arrow of attraction—then, it was too late to realize I shot a different arrow that made you, well, fall for me…”

Geonwoo nods. “Sounds like you.”

“It was my first day!” Anxin espouses, glaring at him. It must be a touchy subject, so Geonwoo lets it go.

"So, you haven’t shot Sangwon yet?” he asks, wishing to understand the rules more.

“No… It’ll ruin the process and besides…” Anxin sighs. “He’s so happy and in love with Leo-hyung…”

Geonwoo catches a glint in Anxin’s eyes. He didn’t seem like someone with the heart to interfere with innocent lovers. Now, Geonwoo wanted to understand why he had to help him do so.

“I really can’t imagine being together with him…” Geonwoo states, sipping a bit of his hot cup of chocolate. “I can imagine it very clearly with you, though.”

“You’ll learn to see it soon enough.”

Geonwoo chooses to ignore what Anxin said. “What’s your world like?” he brings up another question.

“It’s beautiful… It’s calm, romantic, and clean. But we’re very strict and ambitious there. Pretty much like a corporate heaven.” Geonwoo tries to imagine what he described. It sounds pretty much straight out of a fantasy book or Greek mythology. How was a Chinese man able to be part of a universe like that?

“Corporate and heaven in the same sentence is sending me…” Geonwoo quips.

Anxin also can’t help but laugh softly. “I don’t know. I think you’d much rather be here than up there. At least you’re allowed to feel things here…” The laugh turns despondent, though.

“Says the one designed to manipulate my feelings for someone else…”

Anxin lightly kicks his feet at him. “You know what I mean.”

Geonwoo puts down his mug, looking straight into Anxin’s cat eyes. “Then, explain to me: why is it that a non-human like you understands me better than anyone? Why is it that you feel much more impermanent than me who can literally die today or tomorrow?”

“Are you afraid of me disappearing, hyung?” Anxin responds with a question that has an obvious answer already.

“Yes. Are you?” without any stutter.

“No,” Anxin also puts down his mug. “I’m afraid that I can never get to be with you like this again before we disappear from each other…”

Geonwoo had to gulp hard and grip on the bed sheets behind him because his heart was pumping out loud and it almost hurt. “Whatever you shot me with… must be so strong.” Geonwoo asserts. “Because I really want to gobble you up right about now…”

Anxin pretends to easily hold the hunger in Geonwoo’s steady gaze. “You’re a beast…”

“I’m not. It’s your fault why I’m like this, remember?” he teases him some more, as if being handsome and semi-shirtless wasn’t enough.

“But, hey, Anxin…”

Anxin looks away and ignores him.

Geonwoo lowers his voice, “Xin-Ge…”

That must have surprised Anxin because he finally looks again, confused and amused. “Mhm?”

Geonwoo tries not to grin too widely before he uncrosses his legs and sits on the edge with his knees apart and feet flat on the ground. “Can you sit on my lap?” He gestures shamelessly, patting on his thighs.

Anxin looked down on where he patted as if he didn’t know where his lap was. His face crumples into a mix of irritation and bashfulness. “N-no!”

‘It’s too cute… I might just pull you here myself…’

Geonwoo giggles. “Can I sit on your lap, then?” Now, he points at Anxin’s lap. He’s not opposed to his own idea at all. I mean, Anxin’s legs were visibly dainty and could definitely hold some weight. It wouldn't hurt to try.

“Ugh…” When Anxin finally groans and abandons his seat to climb himself up onto Geonwoo’s lap, straddling his waist with legs on his sides, Geonwoo could only stare up in dazzlement. He could feel the heat rising up his face and his legs twitching when Anxin’s body pressed on him. He felt light like a feather that he couldn’t dare hold him. He might slip away again. Geonwoo doesn’t want that.

But Anxin takes it upon himself to carelessly and audaciously hug Geonwoo by the neck in that position, playing with his hair. Geonwoo starts to melt. He wondered if Anxin knew what he was doing. Where did he learn this from? Why was he so calm? Should he kiss him again? Oh, wow, Anxin really is an angel—so beautiful—but Geonwoo felt out of breath. He looked like an idiot just staring and admiring the true god that Anxin is.

"Anxin-ie…” He buries himself and moans into Anxin’s neck, treating his natural scent like oxygen. His hand slides up to Anxin’s back, the other hand caresses his ear. Geonwoo was more vulnerable now than the last time he was sick and cuddled him for comfort. Now, it was for his own sick and twisted desires. Or maybe it wasn’t. It was the arrow’s wanting.

Could he really blame himself?

“Hmph. So warm…” Geonwoo continues to nuzzle into him. He closes his eyes, finally caging Anxin deeper into his arms. He hugs his waist tightly, too afraid that he could be snatched by anything more supernatural than him.

“So clingy…” Anxin deadpans, but with a faint smile plastered on his face hidden from Geonwoo’s sight.

Their cup of supposed hot chocolate milk had become cold.

“Can we at least pretend it’s real for a while?” Geonwoo whispers in his ear. “Before you go?” He can't help him but want to make it real. He can't help but fall into the delusion of an angel and a human being together. If he had been fated with Anxin instead, just how much of Anxin could he unearth and treasure like pearls? Is he allowed to be in his world, too? How could Anxin be in deep trouble in his world and in Geonwoo's? Can't he just stay here? They care about each other, so why not? What's going on in his mind right now?

Anxin didn’t have anything. He's not thinking. Maybe just for now, he’d choose to defy fate instead of his heart. “Okay,”

“Can you stay the night?” Geonwoo asks, head clouded with Anxin. And Anxin in his arms. And kissing Anxin. And Anxin on his lap.

“I can’t. Curfew.”

Dang.

“Curfew?” Geonwoo turns his head to look at his face, which didn’t seem to be shedding any lies. “Okay, Mr. Cinderella.”

Anxin pokes into Geonwoo’s cheeks, on both his dimples, with one fingertip on both sides of his handsome face. “It’s Mr. Beauty. Because you’re still the beast.” he teases.

Geonwoo grips onto his T-shirt that Anxin was wearing. “You should be careful before that side of me really unleashes.”

“I can take it.”

Oh, yeah?

Provoked, yet unwarned, Geonwoo held the back of Anxin’s head gently before rolling them over the bed to lie down. He places Anxin on the sheets, flat on his back. And Geonwoo, being the beast that he is, goes on top of him, slipping himself between Anxin’s legs. He hasn’t decided whether to pin him down, cradle him into his arms again, or tie him up to keep him from saying goodbye. One thing’s for sure: he had never seen a being so ethereal beneath him. He wondered if this was what he looked like even as an angel, because it’s definitely a disgrace to whatever depictions writers and angelologists have out there. 

When Anxin finally flinches and avoids Geonwoo’s razor-sharp gaze, Geonwoo takes this as a sign to lean down, their hot breaths touching. No rain to interrupt this time, just the soft whirring of the air conditioner. “Can I kiss you again?”

Geonwoo waits for an answer. It was the longest five seconds of his life, but the fastest record for the ticking of his abnormal heart. His eyes were burning into Anxin’s. His heart was ready to fly open.

“Yes.”

In that night, Geonwoo and Anxin discovered a similarity between them that is both awful and beautiful: playing pretend.

Chapter Text

“Anxin,”

Kangmin’s darkened expression and figure leaning against the wall with arms crossed were the first things that greeted Anxin as soon as he got out of his shower.

“H-hyung…” He looks around gingerly while drying his hair with a white towel. “What are you doing here?” Anxin gulps, his memories of what happened earlier with Geonwoo still fresh in mind: the rain confession, the kiss, the lap sitting.

When Kangmin backs from the wall to step forward, slowly, towards Anxin’s taller frame, Anxin feels his breath hitch.

“You’re hiding something, aren’t you?” Kangmin cocks an eyebrow up at him.

Anxin is a sneaky cat. He learned to lie his way through things, and he certainly learned to be very fickle with his closest friends the most. There was clenching in his heart and his brain was steaming from the guilt, and also the burden of having to keep these things for himself. Yet, Anxin was reluctant to trust anyone with it because he couldn’t trust himself either. What was he supposed to say to Kangmin? ‘Hyung, I have a thing going on with a human and I might get banished like The Rogue Cupidelle…’

Absolutely not.

“It’s just been weird to me is all… having to be on earth for that long of a time.” He wasn’t necessarily lying about what he said either. This earns a rather unsatisfied hum from Kangmin who distances from Anxin finally.

Before Kangmin turns to hold the door open and leave Anxin’s dorm room, he beseeches: “I know it feels like there are things we can’t say to each other, but I’m really worried for you. Please tell me anything. I can’t stand not seeing your halo light up anymore…”

And he leaves.

Anxin looks for the mirror to check on himself; to check on his true angelic form he had neglected in the name of this mission.

His wings had gotten significantly smaller. His halo is completely dimmed out.

Fuck. There’s something seriously wrong now.

Anxin grows more wary. What if it’s because of the affinity? Or the fact that he spilled all of the beans to Geonwoo and the fact that neither of them cared anymore?

It can’t be like this. Anxin had to care. 

After a while of contemplating in his room, Anxin was called in by Jiahao and Junseo. They find themselves in the middle of The Archives, only with the lights now on so it was less creepier than whatever transpired when he went in with Kangmin last time. He was carrying a pile of different books and tomes where dust had traveled up into his nostrils causing him to sneeze relentlessly. He was walking behind Junseo and Jiahao as they walked along the shelves. Anxin felt like he was a kid of two parents with the task of carrying groceries while his mom and dad looked around for which items to buy.

“And then he couldn’t open the portal anymore…” Anxin hears Jiahao say. He got confused because he wasn’t paying attention to their conversation at all, mostly for the reason that both of them were speaking in incredibly low and soft voices to each other.

Anxin groans. “Are you two going to make out or help me carry some of these books at least?”

They both turned to the youngest and grabbed books of their own to balance the labor. “Phew. Thanks.” Anxin was able to relax his shoulder muscles now.

When all is well, they walk back to the library and find their seats. Anxin was initially called in for a brief lecture and a study session about some rules and regulations if ever he would be summoned by The Council of Fate anytime soon for his misdeeds. He was already prepared to face the repercussions but hoped he would complete his mission first before his divine judgement takes place.

“Okay,” Junseo sighs, reading out some words from a random page in one of the books. “The council is permitted to erase one’s memories of their earthly endeavors, which includes their matchmaking process or descent as a human for whichever reason…”

Anxin already knew about that law. He was still unsure if it’s a loss or gain. He heard it back in the laboratory when he sneaked in. It was only when he sent the recordings to Jiahao and Junseo were they able to fully think about preparing Anxin for the legal and higher court. At only eighteen, Anxin was definitely getting himself into some deep shit and he blames a particular pink-haired citizen in hiding. It was strange that they haven’t come for Anxin yet. Not that he wanted him to, but if he really was a villain, wouldn’t that mean they had to get rid of whoever tries dismantling their wicked plans?

Most of all, what are the armed forces doing about him? What dark power does he possess for them to fear him?

Where has he been all this time? What has he been doing? Does it have to do with the arrows?

“Anxin, have you found a way to make your targets kiss each other?” Jiahao, ever so calm yet stern, makes eye contact with a jittery Anxin.

“Uh…” Anxin stammers, clearly in a tizzy about having to lie straight to their expectant faces. “Yeah, actually… Just waiting for the right time…” Hell, no! What right time? He has no plan at all!

All Anxin could think about at that moment was the feeling of Geonwoo’s lips on his and how they made out for almost an hour in his bed 'till both their lips were swollen. How was he supposed to tell them that what he did was the complete opposite of the plan? Could Anxin just morph into Sangwon? He was crashing out just from thinking about a “plan,” and was dreading the imagination of Geonwoo kissing someone else—his one true love of all human beings!

“If it works, then it works.” Junseo shrugs.

“And if it doesn’t?” Anxin asks.

“The process will take longer, and we would have to go back to the original plan or catch the culprit once and for all.”

Anxin was fighting with a bigger fire than he imagined. Not only were things completely uncertain, but Amoraeon’s core has been fracturing amidst this cat-and-mouse chase over an arrow tamperer. All his life, he had never been put in situations where even his own life was at risk. He’s immortal after all.

But somehow, Anxin would much prefer dying than being left with a broken heart.

Anxin wonders what heartbreak might feel like soon, because without dilly-dallying, he was sent back to Sarang University for more progress with his task. Jiahao had mandated that he would not leave Earth without decreasing his affinity status with Geonwoo and seeing to it that they—his original assignments—would have to kiss.

Which was plain stupid in Anxin’s mind because if they wanted the affinity to decrease, wouldn’t it be better to not be in close proximity with Geonwoo? At the same time, it was his own fault for telling Geonwoo the truth about himself and Geonwoo, like he was shot with another arrow, only became more attached to Anxin since then.

Whether it was because of Anxin’s confession or their shared intimacy that feels too real as just some “two star-crossed idiots trapped under a spell,” it was highly unlikely for Geonwoo (and even Anxin) to get rid of their feelings unless the magic can be reversed.

TING!

The notification sound from his phone startled Anxin a bit. He takes it out from his pocket, a glimpse of Geonwoo’s photocard with Anxin’s signature is shown at the back inside his phone case, and Anxin couldn’t resist but hurry his way to the request.

Geonwoo-hyung:

Anxin-ah

you here?

come by my dorm

I miss you

Anxin, engrossed and with no brain cell left, found himself standing before Geonwoo’s dorm room number, 301, again. It was only last night, or a few hours ago in Amoraeon time, when he was inside and had to wash off Geonwoo’s smell from himself and to calm down every part of his body, tempting him to go further.

As he rings the doorbell, the door swings open, and he catches sight of Geonwoo in a wrinkled white T-shirt and grey pants. His disheveled hair and bare morning face made Anxin’s eyes twitch in delight. He was entirely sure this wasn’t the yellow arrow’s doing. Kim Geonwoo is just insanely handsome, and no one can even compare to him if you ask Anxin.

“What’s this? You actually missed me too…” Geonwoo’s lips curve into a smirk, leaning against the door frame, where he looked down at Anxin, who had forgotten every letter of the alphabet by now. Anxin clears his throat and looks away.

“Hyung, I need to discuss things with you about the plan…” It was already hurting him to say it. The aching couldn’t stop Anxin from biting the inside of his cheeks to stop himself from tearing up. This wasn’t the right time to be sentimental, but he also didn’t have the energy to be his usual vibrant self.

When he looked up at Geonwoo again, eyes heavy, Geonwoo’s smirk had dropped into a faint smile. They made a silly promise to play pretend for a while, but they had to make room for what they agreed upon. Knowing Geonwoo cared about Anxin to an extent that he was willing to believe him and help restore the damages in their worlds was enough to convince anyone that Geonwoo’s match is the luckiest and happiest to ever be. 

“Yeah, of course.” Geonwoo’s tone was full of disdain, opening the door wider for Anxin to step in.

Anxin first takes off his shoes and sets them aside. He then sees Geonwoo quietly washing some dishes in the sink. When his eyes drift towards the bed, Anxin’s face starts heating up again, throat all thirsty. “Did you eat breakfast yet, hyung?” Anxin breaks the dead air. After a few seconds, no answer. This was unlike Geonwoo. He thought maybe because they had grown awkward with all the revelations and happenings from yesterday, but didn’t Geonwoo want him to come here because he missed Anxin? Or was he going to give the cold treatment again because of the damn kiss he had to conspire with Sangwon?

Anxin puts his purple backpack down on an empty chair, opening his mouth to repeat his question again, when Geonwoo suddenly trots forward in front of Anxin, closing the gaps between their chests and their lips.

“Mmmph!” A whimper escapes as Anxin melts into Geonwoo’s grasp, the softness and heat of his lips and the way he holds Anxin’s face with both hands, makes Anxin dizzy for Geonwoo, more afraid to let him go. The tension crept its way into Anxin’s chest, which he reciprocated by staying still and gripping the sides of Geonwoo’s waist. It was only when Geonwoo trudged forward, moving his lips in a rhythm and pressing harder, that Anxin realized that he was already backed up against the wall. 

Wait, he wanted to say, but was too enticed, drowning too deeply into the passionate kiss that burned him alive. His legs start wobbling and his grip on Geonwoo becomes weak after a couple more mouthfuls of whimpers purring out of him, quite embarrassingly so, with Geonwoo too busy, too needy, eyes closed, and treating Anxin as his savior of famine. Anxin could feel Geonwoo’s heartbeat, and his own, in sync with the way Geonwoo starts rolling his body up against Anxin while savoring his lips.

“Ha…” The soft heave from Geonwoo and the heavy panting from Anxin filled the sunlit room, lips now all moist and slick as drool dripped down on Anxin’s chin. The sight of his flushed cheeks widened the nasty grin on Geonwoo’s face, licking his lips before releasing Anxin from his grip. “To answer your question,” He sighs one more time, “I just did.” and he smirks.

Screw you through heaven and hell, Kim Geonwoo!

Anxin was left stunned and shivering as the older male turned to continue whatever he did in the kitchen sink. Anxin swallows hard and wipes off his lips, closing his legs when he feels that criminal heat pooling in between. He had to pinch himself to snap out of it. “D-do you have anything else to do today?” he inquires instead, wanting to move on to his main objective of even meeting him. He needed to focus, but all Anxin could think about now was how many people did Geonwoo even kiss to make a fool out of Anxin with expertise? Or were kisses really that good that he instantly folded?

It stunned Anxin even more as he realized… that Geonwoo was indeed his first kiss ever. And Anxin himself was the initiator that rainy night. He should blame himself. He was stupid from the very beginning, and the yellow arrow had no influence in it.

“Not really. Is there anything you want to do?” Geonwoo asks in return.

Anxin shakes his head. “Apart from needing an important discussion with you, not really.”

Geonwoo had gotten back to sitting on the edge of his bed while Anxin remained standing against the very wall where his lips got ravaged. Anxin blinks at a silently smiling Geonwoo. They both looked stupid. “Uh, but is there anything you want to do?” Anxin scratches his head, unable to direct where this conversation should even start or head towards.

“Mhm…” Geonwoo hums deeply, grabbing one of his pillows and hugging it against his chest. “I want to do a lot of things. All of them involve you.”

He said it so casually that Anxin couldn’t help but snort.

“Like what?”

“Like…” Geonwoo looks up at the ceiling, thinking, and Anxin doesn’t miss the light pink shading his cheeks as well. “...going on dates with you… eating at a fancy restaurant, watching movies, cooking together, witnessing the first fall of snow, sleeping with you in bed while cuddling and your cute face being the first thing I see in the morning…” As he spoke, he buried his face against the pillow, making Anxin incredibly and ridiculously whipped. And… sore inside. His heart was about to pop out.

Then, Geonwoo chuckles to himself. “I don’t know. I don’t think it’s possible anymore, but it’s nice to think about.” Despite the dismay in his voice, Geonwoo still shows a sincere smile to Anxin.

“I want to do it too, hyung.” Anxin doesn’t audit his own response anymore. “I… really want to…” His fists curled and he stared down on the floor in agony. 

“Anxin,” Geonwoo calls softly. His name slipping out of Geonwoo’s voice sounded different this time, rawer, corrected, and loving. “Do cupids dream?”

Anxin couldn’t provide a concrete answer right away. If it wasn’t already obvious, they were very similar to humans, just some anatomical and supernatural additions. From Anxin’s research, they dream the same way, where things get vivid, but once you wake up you completely forget about it unless you record them down or aside from a few instances of a dream being so powerful it stays in the cabinets of your mind. If Anxin were to rummage inside, he’d remember very odd dreams, then there’s nightmares. The one that stuck with him was a dream of Kaiwen turning into a werewolf, eating him and Kangmin alive. Other dreams consisted of random shit, like cats, unicorns, people from his past life suddenly appearing, and a mixture of hypothetical conversations, hyperrealistic sequences, and death. For someone made to be immortal, Anxin thinks and dreams of death quite a lot.

He’s had dreams about Geonwoo, too, one that happened recently and something he can never tell anyone.

“I’ve had strange dreams. Honestly, I feel like they could really happen, though. I once had a dream where I was battling an army of scary-looking, haunted dolls. It was so cool! Can’t remember how it ended, but I’m sure I won.” Anxin shrugs smugly, unaware Geonwoo has been judging him for a dream that he never chose to take place.

“I think I’ve had stranger dreams than you,” Geonwoo says, not really as a competitor, but someone conscious of unlocking his trove. “I think if you knew about all the things I was thinking and dreaming, you’d get scared of me.”

Puzzled, Anxin tilts his head at him. “Cupids aren’t mind-readers, so you’re safe…” he jokes around first. “But it’s not wrong to have strange dreams. It doesn’t determine who you are.”

“Oh, but it does.” Geonwoo contradicts. “Did you know? Dreams sometimes reveal a lot hidden in you, like your fears and repressed desires. You can never control it and it’s not real, but it makes you feel something.”

Anxin found Geonwoo’s words all too familiar. Control, not real, but it makes you feel something…

Something like this? Like their connection? Out of their control but controlled at the same time. It’s false, but it feels too real. Anxin doesn’t know what it really is, but it’s something. Something dangerous yet pleasing.

“I guess it does.” Anxin could only answer minimally.

“Have you ever dreamed about me?” Geonwoo officially asks the million-dollar question, keeping Anxin on edge and making the crux of his belly churn. There was always the option to lie, but he had given all of himself to Geonwoo already. His secrets, his real name, his true words, true feelings, his lips… Anxin knew that they were both indulging each other in pretense, haphazardly, so why should he keep it in any longer, when the sensation of Geonwoo’s lips was still lingering and fluttering on his?

“I did…” Anxin rasped. Geonwoo’s gaze turns even more curious.

“When?”

“The last time I slept.” Anxin was getting dizzy from the blurry memory of it. He had thought that the dream would fade itself into the vacuum after a while, but being in the presence of Geonwoo himself had only made the phantasm worse. It was a wild cognition—of Geonwoo naked, Anxin’s beetroot skin, Geonwoo on top of him, Anxin wrapped around his body. How could he not dream of that after they kissed like they only had each other in the world to hold?

“Okay…” Geonwoo laughs softly, pushing Anxin back to his appropriate senses. The way Geonwoo runs his fingers through his hair was so handsome and charming, effortlessly seducing a now frozen Anxin. “I’m assuming it’s at least a cute and happy dream?” 

Anxin had to think about it. In retrospect, of course, it’s something that makes one happy. Not particularly cute. Anxin wasn’t a stranger to those things, especially if you grew up as a curious boy also surrounded by a bunch of curious men. If Anxin were to answer, it’s an explosive feeling, a dream beyond joy, but a dream that ends in trist. You wake up and the vision is gone, because it was never real.

“I wouldn’t say so.” Anxin doesn’t know how long they had to keep dragging this dream talk out. They should’ve been discussing way more important things like five minutes ago. “You’ll make fun of me for it if you find out…” He stands on guard, clasping both hands together behind his back. Geonwoo looks up at him from where he’s seated. The way Anxin was avoiding his gaze and acting all shy was enough for Geonwoo to decode what he meant, and that lit up fireworks inside him. 

“No,” Geonwoo sets aside the pillow he had been embracing. “Trust me, I dreamt of worse things. I don’t think you’d be ready to hear them.”

“What do you mean? You treat me as if I’m a baby…” Anxin starts grumping.

Geonwoo jeers, completely enamored, “Because you are!”

“If I’m a baby, then you should stop kissing me.” Anxin hisses, then adds, “Pervert!”

Geonwoo acts shocked, mocking him for being a hypocrite. “Hey, you kissed me first, remember?” Again and again, Geonwoo never fails to remind Anxin of his own rashness. He stands up, dashes forward to Anxin, and grabs him by his hand. As his eyes pierce into Anxin’s morbid gaze, he holds his hand up and places a soft kiss on the back of it, lips supple on Anxin’s hand, like a full-pledged devotee, and the devoted subject flinches. “You like kissing me, right?” That mellow voice deepens Anxin’s proclivities. “Is this what we do in your dream?”

Anxin should punch him in the stomach, or slap the cheeky smile off his face, or even cut off his juicy, plump lips that have been yearning for Anxin, staring and yelling at him, take it, until Anxin forgets he has his own face. 

“We can’t do the things I dreamed about…” The reply had a double meaning. 

Anxin takes back his hand and turns around to walk away, only for Geonwoo to grab him by his waist as Anxin’s back lands against his chest. Before Anxin could escape, the gentleman’s arms wrapped around him, caging him again, not too tight, but enough to prick against Anxin’s fragile waist. “Hey!” Anxin scowls at him, playing pretend again—pretending to dislike it.

“Anxin-ah, Anxin-ie…” His breath and lips touch Anxin’s ear, making him groan, legs trembling as he feels like falling against Geonwoo’s frame. “Would you hate me if you knew the things I wanted to do to you…” 

Anxin was focused on keeping himself clean inside, keeping it textbook proper, keeping the lines uncrossed, but Kim Geonwoo works even harder to make sure Anxin doesn’t fulfill any of those things. His strong hand had slipped under Anxin’s sweater, fingers warm and soft, and Anxin was breathless, a shivering mess; Geonwoo took advantage of this by groping against Anxin’s lower belly, with ease and gentleness. 

“Hyung…” Anxin whimpers, his eyes closing for a bit, his mouth gaped open. “I-if you do this…” He gulps hard. “This mission is going to be a lot harder…” He doesn’t know how he managed to spew an excuse out of himself when Geonwoo starts rubbing circles around his bare skin, causing Anxin to spiral.

“Why?” He breathes against his ear again. “Just think of this as a dream… because we’re going to forget each other after this, won’t we?” Suddenly, Anxin feels teeth sinking into his ear.

Anxin gasps, “That’s only you!” He grips onto Geonwoo’s arm, which had the same hand that had been caressing him. “I’ll remember all of this and…”

“And what? Feel disgusted? Hurt?” Geonwoo was giving Anxin a hard time with all these questions that Anxin himself can’t contradict anymore, especially when he had convinced Geonwoo that they were manipulated into this… into holding each other and feeling something.

“Hngh!” Anxin groans out loud, in a manner that he never expected he would ever hear coming out of himself. He felt embarrassed; something inside him flips and swirls, doing gymnastics that translates into a form of quivering. Anyone could tell he was falling apart, and it was Geonwoo’s mission to make it better—or worse—as he slid his hand up higher until he could feel the warmth of Anxin’s chest, then a small brush against his little nub that felt hard to the touch. Oh. My. Eros.

“What are you doing…” Anxin whines, and when Geonwoo grabs Anxin’s chin with his other hand to turn his face so that he could see his expression in room daylight, he starts combusting. Anxin, so pretty and red, face crumpled in shame with light tears in his eyes, making them shine. He wanted to kiss him, the other half wanting to ruin him completely just so he could feel the ways in which Geonwoo was suffering from whatever rule they had to follow. And Geonwoo was no rulebreaker, yet he was completely losing this war of all the years building himself to discipline and order and perfection and responsibility. 

How could any of that matter, with Anxin, trembling prettily against him? 

He didn’t care anymore, he felt greedy, lips trailing from Anxin’s ear all the way down to his neck. When Anxin lets out these cute, little squeaks, Geonwoo only sucks the same spot on his neck harder, marking him red. Would the bruise appear in his angel form, too? He hoped so, just so he could show those matchmaking fuckers that Anxin was his wherever he went.

“Hyung…” When Anxin starts getting weaker, his upper body almost falls with Geonwoo’s arms getting loose. He was able to balance himself with the wall in front of them, palms pressed against the hard surface, letting Geonwoo continue his aggression all over his neck. “I feel so hot, hyung…” Hot wasn’t the right term, but scorching. It was to a feverish degree where he just wanted to lie down and get rid of all his defenses with whatever the latter planned to attack him with. 

“Kim Geonwoo,” Anxin calls him, brazen and appetent, as soon as Geonwoo’s lips pull away from his neck. He can’t feel nor count how many marks Geonwoo left there, but his whole body had been throbbing. Anxin takes Geonwoo’s hand that had cozied itself inside his sweater, sliding it down, from his chest towards the nether of his abdominal region. “You better not back down from those dreams of yours…” The words finally wrestle themselves out of Anxin, his guts swelling in shame, in arousal, in need and want. Anxin guides Geonwoo’s hand lower until he feels it flinch when it reaches the dent in the center of his pants.

“Anxin,” Geonwoo finally speaks, but lets his hand stay there. The feeling of his hand smothered in between Anxin’s hand and Anxin’s hard-on was enough for all the nerves in his system to relapse. “If you think this is what happens in my dreams, you’ve totally misread me…” he whispers, low and teasing. But he wasn’t about to deny Anxin’s request. This definitely happened. But worse things also did. This was the tip of the iceberg. And Geonwoo will commit all arson to take a lick of it.

“Let’s see how angels like you break down from pleasure, yeah?”

And with that, Geonwoo doesn’t hold back from caressing and fondling him in the same position. Anxin’s sounds were so encouraging, and it took less than a minute for him to finish with whatever black magic Geonwoo performed on his sensitive body.

“Fuck…” was Anxin’s last word before he collapsed completely against Geonwoo’s chest, and Geonwoo had to hold him up with more strength. He watches Anxin chase his breath, mouth wide open, face glowing bright red. Geonwoo wanted to take his lips again, and he didn’t want to ignore the painful stiffness inside his own pants either, but pushing it too far might overwhelm the younger. He was satisfied just touching Anxin.

“我喜欢你, Xin-ge…” Geonwoo cradles him and nuzzles against his neck, smiling in a rhapsody that he knows will flee soon. “I like you so much…” He holds Anxin tighter, pressing his arousal against him, his voice at its most vulnerable, his ribcage pounding against Anxin’s back. There was no point in keeping silent. But Anxin does, stay quiet.

After washing up and making sure another round of that diabolical incident doesn’t happen again. If fate decides it should, it’s only a matter of time to figure out who among them will break it.

“Anxin,” Geonwoo calls him softly, with the younger too busy to figure out how to tuck himself into one of Geonwoo’s smaller pants that he needed to borrow for obvious reasons. “I have something I want to give you…” Like an excited puppy, Geonwoo pats the seat on the bed next to him. Anxin gives up on tightening the pants and lets them loose, where the waistband of his red Supreme boxers is visible. Luckily, his long sweater could cover it up. It’s a fashion statement nowadays, so it shouldn’t be a bother to anyone if it shows.

“What is it, hyung? You better not kiss me again.” Anxin tells him as he sits.

Geonwoo reached for something in the drawer of his bedside table. It was a small pink box. Anxin already had an idea what it was. He’s seen it in movies. He’s seen it in the presents his dad would give to his mom. He’s received a couple of them, too. But never from a human.

“I don’t know if you’ll like it, but…” Geonwoo sets the box down on his lap, opening it slowly. The first thing Anxin noticed was the color. Gold color, then the elegant quality, and then the long length of chains. When Geonwoo gestures for him to take a closer look, Anxin takes the jewelry out of the box, studying its parts. The pendant was the eyecatcher. There was a circle with detailed wings surrounding it. Inside the circle was a heart designed with an arrow. Inside the heart were carefully carved initials in silver: G + A.

“Hyung,” Anxin doesn’t know how to start. He wanted to tell him that he can’t take it with him. He wanted to tell him that he didn’t have to. He wanted to tell him that he’s being ridiculous right now. He wanted to tell him this is wrong.

“Thank you.” Anxin smiles. “I’ll wear it now.” He hands Geonwoo the necklace and turns himself around.

Geonwoo chuckles and circles his arms around Anxin, then loops the necklace on, struggling a little with the clasp before fully wearing it on him. “Okay, done.”

Anxin faces him again, looking down at the necklace and holding the pendant with a warm smile. “I like it, hyung,” he mutters. “But I don’t have anything to give you…”

Geonwoo shuts him down quick. “You’re not inclined to and I’m giving it to you because I’m grateful…” His eyes lower down before he continues. “...even if you’re not from here and even if what’s between us shouldn’t be happening, you’ve become a huge part of my life in such a short period of time...”

Their eyes meet again. Anxin’s tenure breaks.

“And I really don’t care if it’s not real.”

This was the one time and Anxin’s heartbeat rose up to an unhealthy level. It came with the beeping of the Love Watch. This was the one time Anxin didn't check it.

Because he didn’t care anymore either.

They both decided to leave Geonwoo’s dorm and have their lunch outside. The lunch was ramen and tea. They were back in the traditional Haneul Tea House during their second day of friendship. Anxin breathes the aroma of his cinnamon honey tea, enough to soothe him and stop him from crashing out in the inevitable conversation he was about to have with Kim Geonwoo, cross-legged in front of him with the low, wooden table between them. He seemed calm about it, never forgetting his etiquette.

“He has another gig this weekend, I saw on his Instagram.” He said and took a sip of his tea.

Anxin blinks. Insta…what now?

“I’m planning to attend and just go up to kiss him. At least, a peck. Tell him it’s stupid dare. If he hates me afterwards, I guess it’s up to your matchmaking to fix it. And for Leo-hyung… I guess our friendship wasn’t meant to last.”

The way Geonwoo laid out his plan made absolute sense and was definitely an easy way to win, but what Anxin was worried about wasn’t the kiss, but how Geonwoo was able to treat it all too casually. He knows Geonwoo was just basing it on Anxin’s explanation of fate, but it’s alarming that Geonwoo accepted it much quicker than Anxin ever did.

“Right. I don’t have to be there, then.” Anxin deadpans, churlishly, and focuses on his food to flood down the irritation inside of him. “That’s a good plan. I hope it works.” 

Did he really hope for that?

“Anxin…” Geonwoo places his hand on top of Anxin’s resting one. “Believe me. I don’t want it to work.”

If only Anxin could splash the tea he was drinking on Geonwoo to stop him from saying anything else that would repulse him, he could, but he listens to what else he has to say.

“But I know that if it doesn’t, it will only mean bad things for you. So, I’d much rather give in to fate and have you continue your life,” he says with a smile, with crescent-shaped eyes glimmering, with emotion and understanding that Cupidelles like him would kill for.

Anxin was ashamed of himself. If Geonwoo were a cupid, he’d do a much better job at this task. It was meant to be that way after all. Just a task. But it ended up consuming Anxin to a point where it’s more like he is the one unable to let go.                                                                                 

“Anyway,” Geonwoo taps on Anxin’s hand before pulling away to hold his chopsticks to devour the ramen before it gets cold. “There’s this rooftop bazaar happening tonight. I have no classes today, so it would be nice to take you there before, you know…” He hints at Anxin. “And there will be band music, lots of food, mini booths, and the view from the rooftop…”

“Sounds fun,” Anxin tried to sound lively. “Is this in the university?”

“No.” Geonwoo smiles. “Somewhere further and higher. Like heaven.”

Anxin smiles back.

“I wonder, is there a way humans can go to your world?” Geonwoo asks.

“No. Not that I know of… unless you’re a demi-god of some sort.” he answers.

“Is there a way to become one?”

“It’s… inherited. You can’t just become one but be one.” Anxin tried to explain to him. “If a god and a mortal consummate, then you’re simply a demi-god.”

“Oh,” Geonwoo nods and realizes he has to learn more about their lore than he expected. It’s quite fascinating to know that such things are real. “So, are cupids and humans allowed to consummate—”

“No. And it’s never happened nor will it ever happen, I believe.” Anxin was confident in his answer.

Geonwoo pouts. “Yeah, but imagine you and I had a baby—”

Anxin almost chokes on his tea. He looks around to see if anyone could hear them before shooting daggers at him. “That is still not fucking happening… in what world will it even be possible…” Anxin kept his voice soft and low, looking stressed about how hysterical Geonwoo was being. 

“Can you not be so grumpy all the time?” Geonwoo tilts Anxin’s chin up, then cackles. “Don’t you think it’s nice, though? You with a baby bump~” He then pokes Anxin’s dimple. 

“If anyone’s getting pregnant between us, it’s you.” Anxin bluntly states and takes a bite of his ramen noodle.

“Whatever you say, angel.”

Anxin couldn’t stop himself from blushing anymore.

The rest of the time they spent before heading to the rooftop place Geonwoo suggested, they strolled around a nearby free park, fed some birds, gushed over the cats and dogs that walked by, and took pictures of each other. Anxin wonders if he would also be automatically erased by the system even with those photos taken because wouldn’t it be weird to see a random person in your phone gallery if your memories of them were gone?

Most importantly, if sealing a kiss between Geonwoo and Sangwon would erase Anxin, would it be the same for everyone else who knew him?

Well, it wasn’t his problem to think about since he wouldn’t be in contact with them anymore after everything.

And it hurts Anxin to say goodbye just like that.

As the golden disc in the sky stretches into fiery reds and oranges along the horizon, Geonwoo had taken Anxin to their final destination before the sun could whisper goodbye and sink into the ocean. Anxin realized Geonwoo didn’t just lead him to a random rooftop, but to a high skyscraper. From there, a larger view of Seoul City blesses his eyes. The riot of lights, vehicles, tall buildings, and tiny people spread across the eventide perimeter. Anxin steps back from the railings from the fear of suddenly falling. He tugs at Geonwoo’s blue shirt. “You like rooftops a lot, don’t you?” 

The flurry of air careens through Geonwoo’s hair. He always had a kind look to him, one that sets Anxin’s stomach ablaze and clamps up his throat. Every time he smiles, dimples appearing, Anxin feels like vanishing. Someone like him doesn’t deserve to be a voyeur of this beauty. Yet, it’s impossible to look away.

“I do. I like them even more now when I’m with you.”

There’s sugar in everything he says. Anxin mentally lashes himself, calls to mind that this isn’t real, this isn’t real. He’s just saying that because of your mistake.

It’s the greatest mistake he has ever made.

“Hyung,” Anxin stops himself from staring. “Should we check the food stalls? Kinda hungry.” he requested.

At the front center of the expansive rooftop place, there was a stage with a bazaar of booths and vendors filling the sidelines. Tables and chairs decorated the rest of the space. Since it was a free, public event, it was mostly crowded, and they had to squeeze their way in just to have small glimpses of the several booths lined up. Other vendors sold cute items, collectibles, and souvenirs. The foods and drinks were separate, near the stage where the booming sound system blasts into people’s ears. Anxin takes particular interest in an enclosed unit with black cloth surrounding it and a curtain in front. He hears the sound of snapshots, reminiscent of what he had heard back in Geonwoo’s photoshoot. There was a queue of people seemingly waiting for their turn to go inside. That’s when Anxin notices a certain blond who stood out.

“Haneum-hyung?” he mumbles. Haneum turns his head to Geonwoo and Anxin. He tapped at the people next to him, they were all tall and dark-haired. “Aye, Geonwoo-hyung! Anshin-ie!”

Anxin waves hello at the smiles from Woojin and Sanghyeon. Geonwoo didn’t mention anything about them also coming, so it could’ve been a major coincidence. Still, it was nice seeing them again.

“Come with us! It’s our turn next.” Sanghyeon invites both of them over. Without second thought, Anxin was now in the waiting line with the group. He also notices that it wasn’t just Sanghyeon, Woojin, and Haneum. Sanghyeon had been talking to another pretty guy in front of him. He had a face sculpted by gods that Anxin wouldn’t even think he’s from here.

“Anshin-hyung, this is Liyu-hyung. From the art department. I think only the two of you haven’t met yet.”

When Liyu smiles widely and offers a hand to Anxin, he doesn’t hesitate to shake it. “Libu-hyung…?” He tries to correct his pronunciation. Liyu chuckles at him.

“Lipwoo. Libu. Liyu. All the same.”

“He’s Taiwanese!” Sanghyeon mentions, and that earns a fascinated nod from Anxin.

“Where is Anshin-ssi from?” Liyu asks.

Not from here, definitely.

Anxin glances at Geonwoo for a second, giving each other guileful looks. “I’m from Shanghai, China.” 

“Two foreign baddies in our group, that’s what I like~” Haneum intervenes and puts an arm around Liyu and Anxin side by side. Liyu puts his arm away, looking annoyed.

“You’re flirting again just because Junil isn’t here.”

Haneum shrugs. “Not my fault. That guy is always MIA for some reason.”

“Guys, it’s our turn.” Geonwoo signals them, and they go into the photobooth to take their group pictures. It was a simple four-cut with two sets. Each of them received copies, and Geonwoo, as usual, handles the costs.

Anxin takes a long time adoring the photos with Sanghyeon’s big smile, Woojin’s warm eyes, Haneum’s playful poses, Liyu’s friendly gaze, and Geonwoo’s picture perfect face. Anxin thought he also blended in pretty well, especially with the last shot of them pointing finger guns at each other. This was the first time he ever felt like keeping photographs. You don’t usually have to think about it in Amoraeon where everything is timeless. But here, time is fleeting. This night will end soon and Anxin hasn’t even completed any of Jiahao’s directives yet. He can’t even get himself to look at his watch. What use is the affinity if this connection feels too good to be fake?

“Woojin, we have to get ready backstage,” Haneum calls for Woojin’s attention. Anxin has only recently been informed that they will perform as a duo later. It was strange not having Leo in the mix, but Anxin reckons he was busy with his own classes for the day.

When their designated musicians left, Anxin was left with Liyu and Sanghyeon in their shared table. Geonwoo excused himself to the comfort room for a while. 

As Anxin watches Sanghyeon’s friskiness towards Liyu, who fondly receives them, he is reminded of his bickering with Kangmin, and even Jiahao, for that matter. How blessed Anxin was to be surrounded by good individuals wherever the place was.

“Anshin,” Liyu suddenly calls. “Nice necklace.” He pointed at his own chest to hint at the one Anxin was wearing. Immediately, Anxin's face flashes, and he grabs the pendant, hiding it with his clutched hand.

“Oh, thank you…”

“Can I see?” Sanghyeon doesn’t think before grabbing Anxin’s wrist to pull it off of the main charm of the accessory. They both stare at it, silent in their seats. He was sure the necklace wasn’t the only thing they noticed, but also the glaring bite marks on his neck. And they were obviously not from any insect, but possessive bruises from a territorial beast of a man.

Anxin doesn’t know whether to run away into the portal or just not give a fuck.

“I have a genuine question, if that’s okay with you—”

“Are you and Geonwoo-hyung dat—”

“Hey!” Anxin covers Sanghyeon’s mouth. He gives him a glare of warning. “Keep quiet.”

Sanghyeon nods, and Anxin slowly releases. “It’s a gift of gratitude. We’re not together or anything.”

“You might as well be.” Sanghyeon teases.

“Geonwoo-hyung has changed a little recently. He seems to be more guarded, but now, more carefree. Perhaps it has something to do with you.” Liyu adds to the tempest.

“What do you mean?”

“He’s obviously into you. I know Geonwoo-hyung well, and he’s never like this with the people he was crushing on. He was never this devoted. What more if you knew each other longer than this?” Sanghyeon says and chews on his potato chips.

“Well, it’s quite obvious that you like him back, at least.” Anxin wasn’t expecting a tease from Liyu, too. Even if he were to debunk their allegations, the truth is showing itself brightly, and Anxin fears it might alert the heavens and punish him for it.

“Geonwoo-hyung is…”

“Hyung is what?”

The palm of his hand rests on the back of Anxin’s shoulder. His sweater makes the skin-to-skin contact indirect, but Anxin swore he felt the warmth, and the electric bolts wired to taze him in place.

“We were talking about the cute necklace Anshin-hyung is wearing.” Sanghyeon really has zero filter.

“I just gifted it to him earlier.” Geonwoo sits beside Anxin and he traces the pendant of the necklace with his fingertip, his gaze slowly traveling up to meet Anxin’s, with a grin that waggles his character. “Pretty, right?”

They didn’t talk much to each other after that, just a brief discussion about how things were going for college students like them. Anxin’s replies were full of lies, but somehow they felt like he really lived them. How nice it would have been to really enter into an academy of your dreams and passions rather than a heartless, calculated matchmaking school?

He had a taste of what it’s like, in a way, enough to sedate existential conundrums.

“Look, it’s them!”

The big screen shows Woojin and Haneum’s faces, handsome and glowing. Anxin watches Liyu and Sanghyeon pull out their phones to record. Anxin looks at Geonwoo by his side, who was doing the exact same thing. He remains sitting there, using the strength of his visual and auditory perceptions to capture the moment.

“This original song is titled Sugar High,” Woojin's unique voice echoes into the microphone, gliding one strum over his guitar strings for a warm-up. “Please, enjoy!”

The acoustic sounds riddle the crowd. Sanghyeon’s cheers were the loudest, and Anxin was sure the people at the table next to them had been giving him judgy glares since earlier. 

“Those are my friends!!!” Sanghyeon shouts again, and Anxin laughs, wondering if he should join the fun.

Anxin stands up, then raises his finger guns to support Sanghyeon’s hype. “Haneum and Woojin, let’s go!!!!!!!” 

The group giggles at him. Anxin was having the time of his life in the pre-chorus. It was supposed to be a dreamy and romantic song, but they treated it like rave music. Because Haneum and Woojin deserved those hollers anyway.

Anxin sneaks a glance at Geonwoo, who was already smiling at him, and he wished nothing more than to be stuck in this dream forever.

As the night slowly comes to an end, with the last live band performing on stage, with their clementine melodies branding a sentimental mood for the evening air, Anxin and Geonwoo find themselves against the railings again. 

“Anxin, what do you think is sexy about me?” he asks out of nowhere, Anxin’s face glowering sourly.

“Nothing. You’re just cute.” When he thought this would result in a sullen Geonwoo, he was mistaken yet again. Geonwoo only beams brighter.

“Okay! I guess I’ll be cute now. Meow~” he purrs at Anxin who bites onto his lip to stop himself from exploding into laughter. When Geonwoo starts singing the lyrics to Sugar High, he gives in and holds onto his stomach, his other hand on the metal railing, with his boisterous laughter thankfully not grabbing too much attention.

“Is that supposed to be a laugh of admiration?” Geonwoo asks, now embarrassed by his aegyo display that no one forced him to do, like literally.

Anxin wipes off the tears from his eyes. “Yes. Yes. Very cutie!” He gives two thumbs up, and they chuckle together when they hear actual meowing.

Their eyes fell on the floor, a fluffy orange cat with its tiny paws walked on the ground near where they stood. It had striking tabby patterns and bronze eyes with big, dark pupils. “Anxin-ie!” Geonwoo pokes him, then points at the cat. “It’s your twin.”

Anxin knew better than to approach and pet a random animal without caution, so he just watched it from there, smiling cheek-to-cheek. “It’s so cute.” He turns his head to Geonwoo. “Do you own cats, hyung?”

“I did. If I’m able to put a collar on you, then, maybe I do.” he teases and Anxin lightly hits him. 

“You can’t own me.” Anxin purports, his hand automatically grabbing the pendant on his gifted necklace. “But one can dream.”

“Hmm,” Geonwoo hums softly. Suddenly, he steps forward and seizes both of Anxin’s hands, pulling them close together. Anxin’s hands now rested on both sides of his shoulders, with Geonwoo politely holding his waist. “It’s a nice song. Dance.”

♪Take my hand…♪

“Hyung,” Anxin couldn’t protest because Geonwoo started guiding their bodies to sway left and right. Anxin feels soft fur against his ankles, realizing the cat has been twirling around their feet, rubbing itself on them for affection.

♪Take my whole life too…♪

“Anxin-ie,” Soft and delectable, Geonwoo was too hypnotic. Too good to not be true. His grip on Anxin’s waist tightens as his warm breath lightly dabs on Anxin’s lips. A staredown commences between them, Anxin slides his hands closer to the back of Geonwoo, until his hands close themselves around his neck. It was the perfect time to press their foreheads together, Geonwoo leaned in first.

♪For I can’t help…♪

Geonwoo didn’t need to say anything. His eyes are saying everything all at once. But still, his mouth gapes open slightly, voice low and hoarse, "Can't we just pretend forever?”

♪Falling in love with you…♪

Say yes, Anxin. 

Yes, we can for now.

Say no, Anxin.

No, this has to end.

Fuck the divine order.

Anxin angles his face to the side, hauling himself up to seal their lips together instead. Anxin didn’t know rhythm before, but he does know, thanks to Geonwoo. He smushes their lips harder, their hips synchronized with Anxin’s sweet militance over Geonwoo, who embraces Anxin, chest-to-chest, lips-to-lips; Anxin closes his eyes, eager to slip his tongue inside. Their dancing stops, replaced with the cadence of their ardent snogging.

The orange cat meowed in the background with the music swelling, as if they were the audience to this stage play. No one can know the conclusion.

Anxin’s watch starts honking loudly. But he was busy brushing his fingers against Geonwoo’s nape, their kiss twinkling with the moonlight. 

Just then, Anxin’s body started dissolving into stardust. With one flicker, he was gone, and Geonwoo jumps when he realizes he was holding air. The faint scent of posy roses lingered where Anxin once stood. Geonwoo was left alone, with the curious whimper from the stray cat, wondering where the other went.

Anxin collapses onto a marble floor.

“Fuck…” He groans and tries flailing his wings around, half-fractured from the fall of the surprise teleportation. He slaps his palm against his forehead, wondering if he had gotten a concussion with the ringing in his ears and the panging in his head.

“Anxin,” It was Jiahao, kneeling beside him and helping him up.

“The council has summoned you.”

What?

“They want to talk with you. Right now.”