Chapter Text
High above the mortal realm, past the clouds and beyond human sight, the Cupid Department hummed with a quiet efficiency that only centuries of routine could cultivate. Rows upon rows of golden desks stretched across the sky, occupied by diligent cupids tasked with guiding human hearts toward love. Arrows of fate whizzed through the air like shooting stars, carrying the delicate magic of attraction and devotion.
Yang Jungwon, one of the most dedicated cupids in the department, sat at his desk with a deep frown, arms crossed over his chest. In front of him hovered a holographic profile, flickering with the name Park Jongseong (Jay) — in glowing letters. The profile showed various statistics—age, occupation, preferences—along with a collection of memories and moments that defined the mortal's life.
"Third attempt this month," Jungwon muttered, flicking through the memories. "Why won't anything work?"
The scenes played out before him: Jay — who was apparently a guitarist in a band called Daydream — performing on stage, his fingers dancing across guitar strings with practiced precision. Jay laughing with his bandmates during practice. Jay helping a junior musician fix their amplifier setup. Every memory showed someone passionate, caring, and completely oblivious to any romantic advances.
Kim Sunoo, Jungwon's senior by exactly one celestial year, leaned over from his desk. "Still stuck on the guitarist?"
"I don't understand," Jungwon said, gesturing at the profile. "He's perfect on paper. Talented, kind, good-looking—he should have people lining up to date him."
"They do line up," Sunoo pointed out. "He just doesn't notice."
"Or doesn't care," Jungwon added with a sigh. "I've tried everything. Remember when you had Sunghoon's case?"
Sunoo nodded. "Ah yes, the drummer. That was an interesting one."
"I thought maybe..." Jungwon trailed off, remembering his failed attempt to match Jay with Sunghoon. Instead of falling for each other, Jay had somehow ended up playing wingman between Sunghoon and Jake, the band's bassist.
"Some humans are just impossible to match," Sunoo said sympathetically. "Maybe you should just mark him as—"
"Don't say it."
"—a hopeless romantic."
Jungwon shot him a glare. "He's not hopeless. He just hasn't met the right person yet."
"And how many 'right persons' have you sent his way?" Sunoo raised an eyebrow. "Face it, Jungwon. This case is different."
Before Jungwon could respond, Ni-ki, the youngest of their trio, appeared with his usual dramatic flair. "What's this about impossible cases?"
"Jay," both Jungwon and Sunoo said in unison.
Ni-ki's eyes lit up. "Oh, the hot guitarist who doesn't know what love is? That's still going on?"
Jungwon slumped in his chair. "Six months and counting."
"Wow." Ni-ki perched on the edge of Jungwon's desk, ignoring his protests. "That's got to be some kind of record."
"It is," Jungwon admitted. "I've never had a case last this long. Usually, I can figure out what someone wants, what they're looking for. But Jay? It's like he exists in a completely different world."
Ni-ki hummed thoughtfully, watching the memories play out. Jay was on stage again, lost in the music, a small smile playing on his lips as his fingers moved across the fretboard. The crowd was cheering, but Jay seemed to be in his own world.
"Maybe that's the problem," Ni-ki said suddenly.
Jungwon looked up. "What?"
"You're trying to understand him from up here," Ni-ki gestured around them. "But how can you know what he wants when you're just watching from afar?"
Sunoo's eyes widened. "Are you suggesting..."
"Go down to Earth," Ni-ki said, grinning. "Get close to him. Figure out what makes him tick."
Jungwon stared at him. "That's... that's not how we do things."
"Maybe that's exactly why this case is different," Ni-ki pointed out. "Sometimes you need to try something new."
"But—"
"Come on," Ni-ki pressed. "When was the last time you took a field assignment? You're always cooped up here with your reports and statistics."
"Because that's how matchmaking works!" Jungwon protested. "We observe, we analyze, we guide—"
"And how's that working out for you?" Sunoo cut in, a knowing smile on his face.
Jungwon fell silent.
The holographic memories continued to play, showing Jay in quieter moments: teaching a child how to hold a guitar, staying late to help his bandmates practice, laughing at something off-screen. There was something about him that didn't quite fit into Jungwon's usual patterns and calculations.
"Fine," Jungwon said finally. "But I'm doing this properly. No shortcuts, no tricks."
Ni-ki's grin widened. "Of course not. You'll just casually infiltrate his band and—"
"Absolutely not."
"Actually," Sunoo mused, "that's not a bad idea. They are looking for a new keyboardist..."
Jungwon's eyes narrowed. "I don't play keyboard."
"Perfect!" Ni-ki clapped his hands. "You'll be so bad they'll have to find another position for you."
"That's the worst plan I've ever heard."
But even as he said it, Jungwon found himself looking at Jay's profile again. There was something there, something he was missing. And maybe—just maybe—he needed to get closer to see it.
"I'll submit the paperwork tomorrow," he said with a sigh. "But if this goes wrong, I'm blaming both of you."
Sunoo and Ni-ki exchanged triumphant looks.
° 𐐪𐑂 ♡ 𐐪𐑂 ₒ 𐐪𐑂 ♡ 𐐪𐑂 °
Above them, the endless expanse of the Cupid Department continued its eternal dance of love and fate, unaware that one of its most dedicated workers was about to break all the usual rules.
And somewhere on Earth, Park Jongseong— Jay, continued playing his guitar, completely unaware that his life was about to change.