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Ever wonder if cupids also fall in love? Sure, you’ve heard about the god, Cupid, son of Venus, who can make people fall in and out of love. He shots people with his arrow and these subjects are now head over heels with each other; this is a popular legend about falling in love that poets overused till it fell redundant and ineffectual. Relatively, Cupid was viewed to be evil for exploiting his powers and was shooting arrows at random people, this birthed the unrequited love and mortals suffer from this so they primarily blamed Cupid for it.
However, the point is, can Cupid use his own power to himself and to the person he got his eyes on? Can he regulate his own emotions? Does he have enough power to make everyone swoon over him?
Asahi might not be an immortal and omnipotent god like Cupid, but he’s a popular matchmaker/wingman/love doctor in their school. Students regularly come to him for advices and ideas for their love problems. The Japanese male has enough experience to be able to respond, provide, or compromise for that specific troubles.
A proportion of couples in their university was created by Asahi, but just like any other mortals, he’s not perfect. He clarified that he couldn’t solve any unrequited and falling out of love related problems. You can’t just shove yourself to anyone who’s not interested in you nor does not harbor the same feelings with you.
Currently, though Asahi is beyond happy for Doyoung, his best friend, being finally asked out on a date by Junghwan, the younger’s gushy screaming was accumulating Asahi’s irritation. Right when Asahi sat on the school gym’s bleachers, he was terrorized by Doyoung’s screeches, not to mention the occasional slaps against his shoulder while stumbling over his words as he blushed. It’s endearing, okay? Since Asahi knows Doyoung to be as timid and unobtrusive like him publicly, so the younger getting overly frisky was a rare sight.
“D-did Junghwan ask advices from you? I can’t believe it, Sahi! He likes me too, oh my god!” Doyoung exclaimed and covered his still blushing face. “I’m so happy, thank you so much, Sahi,”
“I just told him to be confident with himself and his feelings, he already has a hunch about your feelings, yet he was sometimes unsure because you would avoid him every time he makes a move on you,” Asahi reasoned, his eyes directed at Junghwan who was playing one on one with his cousin, Jaehyuk. The sight of the latter momentarily distracted Asahi, so he needed to retract his eyes from him before he forgets about Doyoung and indulge on admiring the basketball varsity, since that’s what he actually came there for.
“It’s because every time he does so, I would mess things up! W-we almost kissed last week but I suddenly sneezed on his face! He laughed it off and proceed to tell me he was just kidding, I-I was embarrassed and disappointed,” Doyoung’s voice faltered at his last statement and he buried his face against Asahi’s shoulder in embarrassment.
The elder giggled and jokingly baby talked Doyoung which the latter whined about, Asahi suddenly stopped poking fun out of Doyoung when he accidentally landed his gaze at Junghwan and Jaehyuk who was approaching them on the bleachers. “Hey, your soon to be boyfriend is here,”
“What?” Doyoung abruptly sat up straight, wide eyed, as he turned around. Junghwan’s face lit up at the sight of the elder’s flustered and puzzled countenance.
“Anyways, I’m off. My physics class is in thirty and Mr. Ahn will kick me out of his class if I’m late.” Asahi uttered as he scampered to collect his books to his cling. Doyoung hummed and subsequently turned to Junghwan who sat beside him. Asahi was currently panicking. He was pacing while trying to arrange the pile of books on his hold so he didn’t notice Jaehyuk’s presence, causing for him to bump against the elder.
Luckily, he didn’t drop the books but was instead astounded when he eventually landed his gaze on Jaehyuk, his breath hitched realizing the latter’s hand was holding his arm, his clasped hands barely touching Jaehyuk’s chest. Asahi is fully aware it was a reflex but it was the farthest skinship he has ever shared with his long-time crush.
“I’m sorry for touching you but you could’ve tripped yourself if I didn’t catch you.” Jaehyuk sheepishly uttered while taking a step back, scanning Asahi’s surprised countenance. Asahi sensed that Jaehyuk was anticipating for a response so he blinked rapidly and cleared his throat.
Jaehyuk did prevent him from keeling over but he didn’t save Asahi from falling for him. Cliché, but it’s currently the accurate way how to explain the sensation Asahi felt being centimeters close with Jaehyuk. He always admired Jaehyuk from afar, they never really had a proper conversation; they only got to know through Doyoung and Junghwan.
“N-no, it’s fine. Thank you, by the way, J-jaehyuk-ah.” Asahi bit his lower lip while trying his best to maintain their eye contact. Jaehyuk’s name rolled smoothly over his tongue like he has been calling that name numerous times till he just gotten used to it and became a habit in the long run.
Jaehyuk beamed at him and Asahi’s heart automatically sunk at that. Jaehyuk has an exceptional smile that would make everyone who he flashes that smile with swoon over him; to describe it in detail, the corners of his mouth are sharply stretched, it would then display his fangs that definitely adds to his charm. Oh, when he laughs, it even makes everything better and brighter.
“Uh, Sahi?”
“Hmm?” The mere mention of his name has Asahi’s heart somersaulting, a myriad of butterflies was produced and was digging on the pits of his stomach. Love is an extremely strange emotion. It does things to your body out of your will. Small things like hearing the voice of someone you’re in love with elevates your love hormones and now you as much again obsessed with them.
“Can I meet you after dismissals?” Jaehyuk asked, Asahi can see a bit nervousness slightly altering the structure of his smile. “I-I was wondering if you could help me with something.”
The elder’s latter statement raised an enlightenment of his intention upon Asahi even if he hasn’t yet elaborated about it. Students always have one purpose of approaching Asahi. And Jaehyuk is currently included on those number of students.
With a feigned smile, Asahi hummed as an agreement, “Sure! Where do you want us to discuss about it?”
“Here in the gym is fine, let’s meet here at this exact place,”
Jaehyuk’s composure was fluctuating the longer he and Asahi conversed earlier. He could feel his self-control dissolving when he held the younger and behold the eyes he’s been enamored of in that close proximity. Jaehyuk was still enthralled upon Asahi, the interaction they had played vividly in his mind, it was as if on repeat.
The yearning he has for the younger grew as years pass by. The moment Doyoung introduced Asahi to him and Junghwan, he knew he was already captivated by the younger. From then on, he always looked forward to seeing Asahi around the school. Asahi was a mystique. His resting blank face and modest mien is a wonder to Jaehyuk, and he was very interested about what Asahi is like once you get to know him.
Therefore, seeing Asahi smile for the first time was an utter surprise for Jaehyuk. He was beyond delighted seeing the younger’s smiles. Jaehyuk was contented just adoring it, but he was often secretly wishing he should be the reason behind those pretty beams. Weirdly, he loved stealing glances on Asahi and being caught by it. The younger blushing and flustered when he realizes that Jaehyuk was staring at him was endearing. His curiosity altered into fondness.
He just fell in love with Asahi because of the discoveries he found upon him.
“Hey, Jaehyuk!” Asahi’s voice halted the mentioned male’s rumination and he turned to the younger who was discreetly approaching him, waving his hand to greet Jaehyuk. The elder couldn’t help but reflect the same bright smile Asahi was wearing.
“So, how do you want me to help you?” Asahi directly asked as he sat down on the bleachers, Jaehyuk copying his movements.
"Well, t-there’s this guy I like." It felt difficult to maintain the authenticity of Asahi's smile hearing Jaehyuk clearly elaborating his intentions. He can't feel his face but he wanted to slap himself because it was as if the pretty beam he was wearing earlier melted and became an awkward, strained one. "I just wanted to ask if confessing to him right after our game on Friday would be a good plan?”
“Can you describe what he’s like?” Asahi queried, listening attentively.
“Well, he’s usually reserved but he’s kind of out-going if he needs to. He’s very responsive to other people’s needs, he always gives, to be exact. So, I thought of doing something for him, as well.” Jaehyuk’s voice was delicate, dazed as he spoke. I want you to know how special you are to me, Asahi. I know you also wish to have what those other couples you created have, and I’m here to give it to you.
"Hmm, how about his appearance? What does he look like?" Asahi once again prepared himself for another series of Jaehyuk’s adoration for the person he’s in love with. Indeed, unrequited love is the worst.
Jaehyuk’s eyes then diverted on Asahi’s pretty visage, and the elder’s countenance turned vibrant as words rampaged his mind.
"He's gorgeous. He has these round and beautiful eyes that looks like kitten eyes, and it also sparkles every time!"
"His lips are thin, but he has the brightest smile. I also love his laugh, it's so adorable and I sometimes want to squish him, shower him kisses but… I can't. I don't even know if he's interested in me." Jaehyuk’s initial enthusiasm faltered when he realized he’s clueless about Asahi’s perception about him.
Meanwhile, Asahi’s throat dried because of the unceasing jealousy he felt ever since he arrived here. Kisses from Jaehyuk must feel nice. That guy is very lucky to have Jaehyuk as his boyfriend, imagine receiving compliments from him and hear him adoringly tell you that you’re pretty every day, or at least regularly. Imagine being engulfed by those securing arms and kissed by those plump lips with so much passion, delicacy, or even sultry.
“W-well, that confession plan you came up with is perfect, Jaehyuk. But in case he doesn’t feel the same way about you, you can still pursue him. If you’re sincere with your feelings for him, then you should be patient and determined in setting your cap for him. Everyone appreciates effort, trust me.” Asahi flashed Jaehyuk an assuring smile, wanting nothing but to appease the elder’s strain. Although he completely neglected his feelings, he can’t help but be unsettled the whole time because the jealousy was devouring him. It would be rude to turn down Jaehyuk when he’s been very accommodating towards other students and also, it’s not the elder’s fault he’s trapped in one-sided pining.
Nothing hurts more than falling into despair without telling the person you like about your feelings because you don’t want them to feel bad for not harboring the same affection as you. Asahi couldn’t do anything but to only watch his hopes break into fragments. Seems like Jaehyuk was downright smitten for this guy that he made the elder’s usual confident posture melt, this guy might have bewitched Jaehyuk to have that surprising effect on the elder.
Amidst the blaring roars, hoots, and shrieks that blasted the huge hall of the school gym, Asahi was strayed in his own nervousness and rumination, uneasily clasping his hands. It’s been three days since Jaehyuk approached Asahi for his love consultation, though he already knows about the elder’s prospective lover, he still came to the gym and watched the basketball varsities training; eyes especially darted at Jaehyuk. Which was a mistake because Jaehyuk would often glance at him, subsequently smiling while he carried on with his task. It caused Asahi’s heart to flutter, and at the same time shatter, knowing Jaehyuk looks at that guy the same adoring way. Asahi tried to guess who that guy is, he even thought it was Kanemoto Yoshinori, but that male recently just asked advices how to invite Yedam out on a date, so he was immediately crossed out from Asahi’s guess list.
He returned to his consciousness when Doyoung suddenly slapped his shoulder in excitement. Asahi flinched and subsequently winced, his hand rubbing the sharp pain on his shoulder. He also realized the identical reactions from his schoolmates, so he diverted his attention towards the basketball varsities on the court and saw Jaehyuk and his teammates huddling to cheer for the three-point shot Junghwan made. It drew Asahi's interest, so he stood up to focus on watching the game and spare himself from disappointment that his own thoughts brought.
The players went back to their assigned places according to their positions, and Asahi swears, he saw Jaehyuk stole a glimpse from him before he heaved his focus back to the competition. It was the last set of their game, Asahi looked over the scoreboard and saw the contender team's leading with two points. Asahi felt a frisson of excitement and anticipation as he watched the referee blow his whistle and tosses the ball up, Haruto, the team's Center was taller enough than his opponent, so he was quick to tap the ball towards Jaehyuk who was attentively settled on the three-point field goal.
Everyone in the hall was holding their own breaths as they closely watched Jaehyuk momentarily dribble the ball while being blocked by an opponent backcourt. It was the last 15 seconds and he wouldn't make it if he drives his way towards the ring, so he took advantage of where he was currently blocked. He leaped and attempted a three-point shot, but he was knocked to the ground when the opponent simultaneously committed a foul and openly elbowed Jaehyuk. Asahi gasped in concern seeing the elder fell on his back, his face visibly scrunching from the hard collision. Luckily, the ball was successfully shot before the game ended. Jaehyuk's team garnered four points because of that foul and it concluded their triumph over their competitor.
Another series of earsplitting hollers of triumph yielded from the audience grumbled around the vicinity. Jaehyuk's team clustered together on the court to celebrate their victory. Asahi and Doyoung raised their hands, screeching and hooting. "We won!" Doyoung repeatedly screamed.
Suddenly, a voice speaking through the microphone seeped its way among the crowd of deafening hysteria. "Uhm, can I get everyone's attention, please? I want to make an announcement."
It was Jaehyuk's voice, breathing heavily. The noise gradually died down and the audience's attention was retrieved to the basketball varsity holding a microphone and their trophy. Asahi immediately caught onto what Jaehyuk's announcement is about. A lump blocked his throat realizing the elder is all set to proceed with his confession and let everyone know about the person he's pursuing, the guy he's besotted into.
A few murmurs were still infusing the space of the gym but it was enough for Jaehyuk's voice to be heard vividly. Asahi watched the elder heave a sigh before he directed his gaze towards him. The younger slightly raised his eyebrows in surprise, but he soon offered Jaehyuk a thumbs up and an encouraging beam. The elder retorted it before he started walking, headed towards the stairs of the bleachers.
His eyes never left Asahi, as if he was trying to channel a hint of his feelings for the younger through that unyielding, delicate stare. Meanwhile, Asahi was in an accumulating state of turmoil as Jaehyuk paced, he also couldn't retract his own eyes because he was too puzzled to execute any physical movements. The audience was totally immersed by the current occurrence that the gym's expanse got occupied by the silence, they watched Jaehyuk climb up to the bleachers.
Asahi's breath hitched. He managed to slightly twist his neck and scanned the students nearby him, going back to guessing Jaehyuk's crush. When he retrieved his eyes back to Jaehyuk, the elder was now standing in front of him. Asahi was overwhelmingly bewildered, Jaehyuk should really carry on with his plan because the massive attention from these huge number of people that towered Asahi was borderline immobilizing him.
In all honesty, Asahi didn't want to come in the first place. He wouldn't bare watching Jaehyuk and that guy being lovey dovey after the game. He has agonized enough, okay? Besides, the elder had already finished his agenda with Asahi, so he can now take the liberty of acknowledging and validating his feelings. It's best to take his step into pacing his milestones of moving on right after he arrives home before he further turns into a salty, spiteful brat that couldn't tolerate rejection.
"Asahi-ya,” The elder started.
“…students always come to you for love advices. You're popular among our schoolmates, and they would label you as Cupid's human form..." Jaehyuk's rough voice paved Asahi’s way back to his consciousness. He shook his head and pivoted his attention towards the basketball varsity that looked exquisitely attractive.
"...I partly agree, though. But only to the fact that you're as god-like gorgeous as Venus' son. Cupid makes everyone fall in love when they're shot by his arrow..."
"...but what kind of arrows did you shoot that made me so head over heels with you?"
Asahi's heart sunk to the farthest depth, the thoughts in his mind completely blown away. Dumbstruck was an understatement. So, Jaehyuk’s confession was for him? He was the guy Jaehyuk gushed about the other day? He was the guy that had sparkling eyes and bright smile like how Jaehyuk described him to be? Jaehyuk likes him too?
The way Jaehyuk stares at him all the time makes sense to Asahi now; it was lingering and endeared. He was just too preoccupied by his own overthinking that he failed to decipher the meaning behind it. It was one of Jaehyuk’s features that Asahi fell fond with and he thought it was innate, but he now understood the phrase “Eyes never lie”. What his heart felt conveyed evidently and clearly through his eyes.
Jaehyuk hesitantly reached for Asahi’s hand, amidst unsure and nervous that the younger might slip his hand away from his hold; but to his relief, Asahi didn’t. Gasps and murmurs once again emerged from the current center of attention. Seeing the blush that tinted Asahi’s cheeks illuminated Jaehyuk’s hopes, he smiled triumphantly, this one even looked brighter than it did when they were enthroned the winner of the competition.
“I know the attention might be giving you pressure to like me back, but I’m not forcing you to do so, Sahi. Like you said, I can wait for you and pursue you till you like me back. I’m determined to make you mine, so please—”
“I like you too, Jaehyuk-ah.” Asahi regained his composure and man upped didn’t let Jaehyuk elongate his nervousness further and instantly blurted his confession. The elder had his jaw dropped, flabbergasted at a greater extent, but his reflexive response was to engulf Asahi in an embrace as another rounds of hollers from the people surrounding them turned white noises. The younger giggled and wrapped his arms around Jaehyuk’s torso while the elder buried his face on top of Asahi’s head. Their synchronized heartbeats echoed through the hall of their ears, and it’s the only thing that they can currently.
We often create apprehension when we’re oblivious upon a certain circumstance because we avoid getting hurt if our expectations aren’t met. We prepare ourselves from the pain it will cost when it finally happens. Though we can’t blame ourselves from doing that because it unconsciously occurs on our mind, it still isn’t good to overlook and disregard the present. This is what Asahi and Jaehyuk underwent from being oblivious of each other’s yearning.
They failed to notice that there was something different with their facial expression, the way they talk, and look at each other because they were blinded by what they assumed were one-sided love. Even Asahi, who was the school’s popular matchmaker/wingman/love doctor, Cupid’s human form, didn’t catch Jaehyuk’s subtle hints.
Asahi pulled away from the hug and tiptoed, catching Jaehyuk’s lips in a sweet peck. Jaehyuk’s dumbfounded state blasted off the roof, the soft press of Asahi’s lips lingered even when the younger was now bashfully biting his lower lip, his hands fiddling with Jaehyuk’s fingers, and his cheeks were now a bright red. Jaehyuk only imagined these things to happen, his other free hand caressed Asahi’s cheek delicately, and he almost combusted from the exhilarating euphoria he yielded from the confirmation that Asahi was real, that Asahi kissing him was real; Asahi was his first kiss. He could kiss Asahi after this, numerous times, and it will still feel like the first time.
“You won my heart, Jaehyuk-ah, and I wanted to give you a reward.” Asahi stared back at Jaehyuk, the younger’s round eyes heightened Jaehyuk’s dire urge to conceal their lips together. So, he did, he leaned closer as his eyes trailed at Asahi’s features; the younger closed his eyes first, anticipating, and Jaehyuk’s heart skipped a beat at the way Asahi’s eyelashes prettily fell down. Indeed, everything about Asahi was pretty. Their lips finally touched and nothing mattered to Jaehyuk anymore than the feeling of finally being able to do everything he wants with Asahi. He’s finally being able to hug, kiss, and tell Asahi he loves him without any restrictions or reservations. Asahi was finally letting Jaehyuk love him.