Chapter 3: The Demon’s Offer

Han Seohan barely had time to catch his breath before the towering, red-skinned demon before him let out a deep chuckle. The sheer presence of the being was suffocating, radiating an aura of pure dominance.

"Now then," the demon said, crossing his massive arms, "let me explain the deal... but first, let me change my appearance before you piss yourself."

Before Seohan could respond, a thick cloud of dark smoke erupted around the demon, swirling like a living entity. The oppressive pressure in the air shifted, and when the smoke finally cleared, Seohan's eyes widened in disbelief.

Standing before him was a strikingly elegant man—tall, lean, and dressed in a dark crimson suit that fit him perfectly. His once monstrous horns had shrunk into small, curved nubs, and his piercing golden eyes now carried an almost mischievous glint. Though his skin retained a faint reddish hue, he now looked more like a mysterious noble than a terrifying demon.

"What?" the demon smirked, running a hand through his neatly styled black hair. "Never seen a handsome demon before?"

Seohan blinked, still in shock. "You… You can just change your appearance like that?"

"Of course," the demon said smugly. "I have standards, you know."

Seohan swallowed hard, still struggling to process everything. "Alright… before you start explaining, I need to ask something."

The demon gestured lazily for him to continue.

"How the hell did a demon like you end up working as a love cupid?" Seohan asked, his voice filled with doubt. "Isn't that supposed to be an angel's job?"

At that, the demon's confident smirk faltered for a split second before he let out a long sigh. "Tch. Those damn angels." He shook his head. "Let's just say… I may have beaten the crap out of some of them."

Seohan stared at him. "...What?"

The demon waved his hand dismissively. "Look, they were making fun of me, alright? Saying things like 'A demon could never understand love' and other nonsense. I might have gone a little overboard in proving them wrong."

"...How overboard?"

"Enough that they went crying to my superior," the demon grumbled. "And now, as punishment, I have to take over one of their duties. That's how I ended up in this ridiculous role." He sighed dramatically before flashing a grin. "But that's where you come in."

Seohan raised an eyebrow. "Me?"

The demon leaned in slightly, golden eyes glinting. "If you take my place and work as a love cupid in my stead for five years, I'll make sure your punishment is forgiven. Not only that, but I'll even arrange for your reincarnation—or, if you do an exceptional job, you might even earn a ticket to heaven."

Seohan's mind reeled. This had to be a joke. "...Wait, wait, wait. Isn't this your punishment? Won't there be consequences if you dump it onto me?"

The demon burst into laughter. "Hah! What can those spoiled angels do? Complain again? Nowhere in the contract does it say I have to personally do the job—it only states that I must ensure the role is fulfilled." He grinned. "So as long as someone does it, there shouldn't be any problems."

Seohan hesitated. This was insane. Him? A love cupid? He had never even been in a relationship before! And yet, the idea of avoiding eternal suffering in hell was... tempting.

The demon watched him with amusement. "So? Are you in, or do you need more convincing?"

Seohan exhaled sharply. His mind screamed at him that this was ridiculous, but what choice did he have? "...Fine. I'll do it."

The demon's grin widened. "Good choice."

With a snap of his fingers, a mist enveloped Seohan, tendrils of golden and red energy swirling around him. His body tingled, and a sudden warmth flooded his senses. Panic set in as the light grew stronger.

"H-Hey! What the hell is happening?!" Seohan shouted.

The demon merely smirked. "Your transformation, of course. Can't have a cupid who looks like he just got hit by a truck."

Before Seohan could protest further, the golden light consumed him entirely.