MY STUPID CUPID

Her Departure

Chapter 2:

The next morning, I rushed through the hallway, heading straight for the Head Cupid’s office. My heart was pounding. Today was the day.

I wasn’t looking where I was going when—

Thud!

I collided headfirst into someone.

“Oof!”

“I’m so sorry—” I began, then froze.

“Indi?” Clarissa blinked at me. “My clumsy cupid. Where are you going so early this morning?” she teased.

I sighed softly. “Clara… I forgot to tell you something. I’ve been assigned to go down to the human world…”

Her face brightened. “That’s great! You’ve been getting a lot of missions lately.” She smiled proudly.

“…For a year.”

She frowned. “Sorry? I didn’t hear that clearly.”

“I’m going to the human world for a year,” I said quickly. “Today.”

Then I turned and ran.

“What?! And you’re just telling me now?!” she shouted, chasing after me.

She caught up with me near the staircase and pulled me into a tight hug.

“Dummy. I’m going to miss you, Indi… so much.”

That was all it took.

I hugged her back and burst into tears.

“I’m going to miss you more, Clara.”

She laughed softly. “Oh, you’re such a crybaby.” Then she pulled back and looked at me seriously. “Promise me you’ll do well. And don’t get distracted by those good-looking humans, okay?”

I nodded, still crying.

Clarissa was my only and best friend. Thinking about leaving her hurt more than I expected.

“Please tell my parents for me,” I said quietly. “The mission came so suddenly… I didn’t even get the chance.”

She nodded. “I will. I promise.” Then she hugged me again. “And when you come back, you’re telling me everything. Every single detail.”

I laughed through my tears. “Of course I will.”

After we both calmed down, Clarissa walked me to the entrance of the Head Cupid’s office.

“Be safe,” she whispered.

“I will,” I replied.

I took a deep breath and walked inside.

“Greetings, Head,” I said, bowing slightly.

“Indiana,” he smiled warmly. “How was your night? Are you ready for your mission?”

“Yes, sir,” I replied. “I had the whole night to think about it.”

“Good.” He stood and walked toward a glowing screen. “You’ll be infiltrating the human world as a student at Hambridge College. Your task is to get close to both clients and create opportunities for them to bond.”

He turned back to me.

“Everything has been arranged—your accommodation, allowance, and school admission.”

“I understand, sir,” I said. “I’ll try not to disappoint.”

He chuckled softly. “Even if things don’t go perfectly, nothing will happen to you. Just do your best.”

I smiled and nodded.

Soon, I stood in front of the portal—a swirling light that connected the Cupid World to the Human World.

My hands trembled slightly.

I took one last deep breath and looked back at the Head Cupid. He gave me a small, encouraging nod.

Then I exhaled…

And stepped forward.