Stupid Cupid

13: The Highest Summon

- Bright's POV -

Win and I are currently at a classy restaurant, watching the two humans from a distance. So far, we've been successful in making their first date a disaster. After the popcorn incident at the cinema, Thitipoom's mood seemed to have shifted significantly, but Tay was able to improve it by inviting him to dinner. 

And that's why we're sitting here now, in this fancy restaurant where neither Win nor I have money to pay for our meals. I guess I'll be using my powers again. I just hope the auditing team in Inania isn't keeping tabs on me right now.

Win is scanning the menu, but I know he's using his powers to eavesdrop on the two. "So, what's happening?" I ask Win as I look over the menu myself, trying to choose the least expensive dish to lessen my guilt about using my powers to avoid paying.

"Tawan's talking about—well, more like spouting lies—about a job he doesn't have. He still hasn't told Thitipoom that he's a writer. Tsk, tsk, tsk. A relationship built on lies is bound to fail." Win shakes his head with a serious expression.

Tsk. This guy. Isn't that what he wants? For them to fail? 

"That sounds great, then, doesn't it? It would make your job easier," I reply while calling for the waiter.

I decide on the risotto pasta. Maybe I'll just have a glass of water because I know Win will definitely order desserts, and I just can't bring myself to tell him no. 

"Nah. I just don't get why he can't be honest. What's wrong with being a writer of erotica novels? It's not like it's a crime. Plus, if only he knew that Thitipoom reads erotica too. Tsk, tsk," Win says, turning to the waiter before I can speak. "I'll have a medium-rare steak, alfredo pasta, onion rings as a side dish, and mango juice. Then I'll have your dessert of the day. How about you?" Win looks at me with a smile.

I internally shake my head. Just how big is his appetite?

"I, uh, I'll have the carbonara, then, and a glass of water. Thanks," I say to the server, nodding in acknowledgment.

Once he leaves, I glance at Win, who is scowling at me. "What's wrong?" I ask

"You made me look like your gluttonous boyfriend. I heard the waiter say it," Win replies, but my mind is already racing at the mention of the word boyfriend.

Boyfriends. The server thinks we're boyfriends. Does it mean we're compatible? I wonder what it is about us that gives off that impression. Just thinking about it makes me feel something in my stomach. Is this what they call butterflies? 

If I were human, I'd surely be blushing right now. Thankfully, my skin is naturally cold, so I can conceal my true feelings. 

I look at Win, and I know that whatever he tells me to do now, I think I'd just say yes—no hesitation. 

"They just ordered now, too. Do you think we can cause a little chaos later?"

"No problem," I answer without even blinking.

See? No hesitation.

"I really wish I could be done with this, Bright. This job is kind of taxing. I mean, I'm not built to tear lovers apart!" Win whines and I can't help by pity him.

Of course, when you go against your nature, it will take a toll on you. It will feel draining and tiring, just like how Win is now.

"Don't worry. That's why I'm here, right? To help you get the job done. After this, we can resume our lives like nothing happened," I assure him but suddenly, the last few words tasted bitter in my mouth.

These past few weeks have been better than the last decades we've been together.

I guess I enjoy being needed by Win. I like the fact that I'm being a huge help now.

If we go back to our previous routine, he won't need me anymore.

Unless, of course, I ruin his job. Intentionally, this time.

Which, I won't do ever. I can't do that to him! He enjoys his job really well and the least I want to do to him is get punished just because of my selfishness.

It just saddens me to think that once all of this is over, once we succeed in tearing Tawan and Thitipoom apart, we'll go back to just being... us.

"Hey, hey, hey! Their order is coming, Bright! Get ready!" Win exclaims and suddenly, I realize, I guess as long as he's with me with that smiling face and happy voice, I'd be content with that.

I have to.

I turn my head and face the two humans' direction. I focus on the approaching server.

Just a few steps away from their table, I make the man see a stray step in front of him. Out of panic, he avoided it but made Thitipoom's order—risotto pasta which I would have ordered if not for the amount of Win's order—spill on his head.

The other customers gasp and Tawan suddenly stands to come to Thitipoom's aid.

"I did it," I proudly say to Win as I look at the two.

I turn to him to see his proud reaction but get surprised when I see who's standing beside him.

"Can't escape now, Azrali," the middle-aged beautiful woman sweetly says to me.

She's Win's boss. She found me and Win.

What is she doing here?

"Bright."

I look at Win and see him smiling but I know him through and through—he's scared and I don't like seeing him that way.

But I don't know what to do.

I am powerless against the highest Amos, the Aphros, head of the Bureau of Amarenis, the department in charge of human love affairs.

"I'll be leaving for a while," Win continues, his mouth quivering.

"No," I quietly say to him.

"Let's go, Amos 212299," the woman says. Only Win and I can see him so Win tries to act as normal as possible.

I watch as the Aphros take Win away and leave the restaurant. They cannot teleport from here because the humans have already seen Win.

Just when I thought we were succeeding, the consequences of our actions were catching up on us.

"Come back soon, Win. Come back, please."

***