It's fated that one day a cupid and an anti-cupid will join together and share a bond so strong it will create a new power…
Yet I've waited almost half a millennium and nothing has happened. Don't ask me where this guy is…
He should have been begging to be with me centuries ago, The anti-cupid, I mean, Or one of the anti-cupids… but it's not like any of the other cupids have had much luck either.
Do I not stand out enough? I think my fame is abundant, or at least the fame of my-
"Clarissa! Someone leaked news about the new members of Genesis7… should we threaten to sue?"
I can't help but furrow my eyebrows as my train of thought is interrupted. For something so trivial, at that.
"I sent different names to different people, Bea. Just give me the list of names (and I'll know exactly who the little rat is)." If I wasn't seen as so kind I would say that last part out loud.
A screenshot gets sent to my phone. Marcus, Brad, Oliver… hmm. How unfortunate, I was gonna promote her to manager too.
"Send Abby back to the front desk position. She'll know why."
I should add another job listing… but an idea's found its way into my head. I smirk at Bea, which really only looks like a soft smile. After all, if I wasn't cupid I'd definitely be an angel.
"And I'll manage Genesis7. Send me some photos of potential candidates, will you?"
"I'll get the photos to you right away, Clarissa. I'm sure you'll be satisfied."
It doesn't take long for my phone to buzz. I pass on more than a few boys, but this group can only have seven. I should invite the rejects to train under the company at least, to soften the blow.
One boy catches my eye. He looks quiet and mysterious, but maybe that's because he's dressed in all black, including his hair… though I suppose girls will be attracted to his nonchalant vibe. Maybe the universe won't need me to intervene as much again…
Though I already know I'm intervening more than I would with my powers. I don't usually manage the groups I help create, I just help them succeed. I might be questioned for my methods, but I've already decided my next step.
Max Weston. Wouldn't you like a visit from Kassel Music's CEO?
"Bea, get one of the drivers to take me to Leonte's School of Art. I want to… interview one of the candidates myself. I'm sure you can find some of the other executives at Kassel to review the final ten names I wrote down."
I mindlessly look out the window from the passenger seat. Searching, analyzing… for an anti-cupid, not this Max kid. My efforts this time are yet again fruitless as we're already at the university. I step out, huffing.
"Where is he…?"
The boy and the man come to mind, though I get the driver to ask around for the boy. Much to my surprise, Max isn't a complete loner, and someone around here recognizes the name.
"Oh, him? He's weird and annoying, why do you even want to talk to the emo kid?"
"Well, I'll judge him when I see him. Who are you?"
"My name's Jeremiah... are you his mom or something?"
"I'm a recruiter from a music agency, and where is Max right-"
I can already see Jeremiah's eyes lighting up. Hello? I'm not here for you, doofus! You didn't even tell me where to look…
"Well my full name is Jeremiah Henley, and I can play hockey and lacrosse, so I'm definitely fit enough to dance. I bet if I tried hard enough, I could sing, too."
I'm about to decline the so very nice offer when I see his eyes squint, at one boy in particular… Max.
"Look who finally decided to show up…"
"Me?"
The reserved boy points to himself, like a total idiot. Who else am I looking for, a tree? Though I'm not sure why something is calling out to me… so I put out my hand.
'Yes, you. I'm Clarissa of Kassel Music and I'm interested in selecting you to be a part of something special. I can give more details after-"
'No thanks, I'm alright."
… What? Did he not hear my name? The company? This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! This guy really is a total idiot…
"We've produced some of the best artists and groups worldwide, Max. If you sign with Kassel-"
I'm interrupted, once again. This time by the platinum-blonde one, though at least he's eager.
"I'll do it, Miss Clarissa! You have to let me audition, you'll be making a mistake if you don't. A bunch of girls on campus have already fallen for me, so my charming good looks would be lethal if they spread worldwide!"
Miss? He's acting like I was around before the common era! I've already made up my mind before he says that last part… a fake smile plasters onto my face.
"You know what? Your enthusiasm is exactly what this new group will need! I'll give you my card and you can email me later for the details."
I have to hide my smirk. I see Max peeking over, staring at us. His voice is quiet, yet I can hear it just fine, waiting for the words.
"... I've changed my mind."
He must be jealous. I feel my ego boosted, since this time I only needed to utilize my amazing communication skills, and not my powers. I'll have to create more of a friendly rivalry between these two, since it keeps them from stalling.
I'm about to leave when I spot a girl bump into another guy, her books falling onto the ground. It's a classic trope, I know, but it's cute nonetheless. I send roses fluttering around them, yet only those who have the ability can see them. They lock eyes and blush and I know I still have it in me.
A few days pass and we have a list: Max, Jeremiah, Gabriel, Zachary, Asher, Elias, and Luke. They're all young adults except Asher, who's seventeen, so I decided to hold a meeting with all their parents.
"We're here today to discuss the future of Kassel's future boy group, Genesis7. I'm happy to congratulate you and your children on their acceptance. We'll discuss dorm arrangements, training schedules, and…"
I'm direct and firm and people listen to me. I answer their questions, though I'm much less paying attention to them. Max's dad looks younger than the other parents, his brown hair cut in a wolf cut, with baggy clothes that make me wonder what's under them. I'm surprised this guy isn't a pop idol himself.
"If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to my secretary. I will give you all two weeks to get everything sorted between your own families, and then I expect to see the boys settled into the dorms after that."
I wave goodbye to everyone as they leave, still eyeing that attractive father…
"Wanna get ice cream, Dylan?"
I see… he's a chill dad. Max must be lucky, calling him by his first name without repercussions. My curiosity is even more piqued… so I get Bea to search up this Dylan Weston.
Now I'm irritated, because I must've been played. Dylan is a trust fund baby in his thirties, who is likely a friend of Max's, and doesn't even have any children.
At least he's totally single, though.