A dull throbbing pain filled Han Seohan's skull as he slowly regained consciousness. His body felt strangely heavy, like he had been submerged underwater for hours. The last thing he remembered was the blaring horn of the truck, the sickening crunch of bones, and the blurred faces of people surrounding him as his vision darkened. But now… this place was different.
Before he could process anything, a sharp, stinging pain exploded across his cheek.
SLAP!
It was so powerful that his head snapped to the side, his skin burning as if he had been struck with an iron rod.
"Hey! You awake yet, you bastard?" a deep, rumbling voice sneered beside him.
Han Seohan's eyes shot open, and he was greeted by a terrifying sight.
A towering demon stood before him, its skin a deep, blood-red hue that almost glowed under the dim lighting. Thick, black horns curled from its forehead, and its golden eyes gleamed with amusement. The demon's muscular arms were crossed, and a smirk played on its sharp-toothed lips.
Seohan's breath hitched. His body moved before his mind could catch up, and he scrambled backward, his heart hammering in his chest.
"W-WHAT THE HELL?!?!" he screamed.
The demon raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Not awake yet? Want another one?" He lifted his massive hand threateningly.
Seohan immediately shook his head furiously. "N-No need! I'm awake! Fully awake!"
Taking deep breaths to calm himself, he forced himself to speak. "Who… Who are you? Where am I?"
The demon's smirk widened. "You're dead. Welcome to hell."
Seohan froze. His mind refused to process the words at first. "H-Hell? That's impossible! I haven't done anything bad in my life! Why would I—"
The demon's expression darkened as he loomed over Seohan. "Oh? Now you're acting innocent? Have you forgotten already?" His voice dropped into a dangerous growl. "The people you wronged, the ones whose last hope you crushed—do they not matter to you?"
Seohan blinked in confusion. "I—I don't understand. I never hurt anyone!"
The demon scoffed. "You worked at an insurance company, didn't you?"
Seohan hesitated. "Yes, but—"
"And how many people begged for help, only to have their claims rejected?"
Seohan frowned. "That wasn't my fault! I just processed the paperwork! The company makes those decisions, not me!"
The demon let out a dark chuckle. "Maybe so. But in their eyes, you were the one who denied them. Their suffering, their despair—it all leads back to you."
Seohan swallowed hard, feeling a chill creep up his spine. Was that really how it worked? Was he truly to blame?
The demon suddenly grinned. "But! You're in luck. I have a special opportunity for you."
Seohan narrowed his eyes suspiciously. "What kind of opportunity?"
The demon's grin widened. "Simple. Work for me as a Love Cupid for five years, and I'll erase your sins."
Seohan's jaw nearly dropped. "A WHAT?! A Love Cupid? Me?! You've got to be kidding! I've never even been in a relationship! How am I supposed to help others find love?!"
The demon shrugged. "Not my problem. Take the deal or face punishment."
Seohan hesitated. "And if I refuse?"
The demon smirked. "Then go ahead. Try to leave."
Seohan, driven by curiosity and fear, ran toward the nearest entrance. A long line of souls stretched ahead, their faces filled with dread. One by one, they were dragged forward and branded with a searing hot iron, their screams echoing through the air.
His stomach twisted at the sight.
Without thinking, he spun on his heel and sprinted back to the demon.
"Alright! ALRIGHT! I'll listen!" Seohan shouted, panting heavily.
The demon crossed his arms. "Smart choice."
And so, Han Seohan's afterlife took an unexpected turn.