~~Three Months Later, Heaven~~

“SHE DID WHAT?!”

Ye-ji’s voice rang out throughout the vast rose garden, causing many to glance at the fuming newcomer. Awkwardly averting his gaze, God fiddled with his hands, hoping that the archangel Gabriel would quickly come to his aid. He should have known that Heeyoon’s parents still held a grudge against him despite his previous explanation of the situation… But why did they tell Ye-ji of all people?!

Ye-ji, Heeyoon’s best friend since college, glowered at the divine being and sighed in irritation. How could that girl leave so abruptly?! Well, maybe this was to be expected… Heeyoon had always been an avid fan of the handsome actor. 

“Uh, well–”

“Shhhh! Don’t say a single word. I’ll be back.” Ye-ji threatened, placing her index finger on God’s lips and staring at him with daggers in her eyes. Gulping, God hesitantly nodded, backing away from Ye-ji’s presence. 

Ye-ji glanced behind God and sheepishly smiled at Heeyoon’s parents, who were waiting to speak with God. Then, with a slight sigh, she side-eyed the pouting deity and scoffed in annoyance. This good-for-nothing fool! Brushing past the stupefied Creator, Ye-ji gnawed the inside of her cheek as she weighed her options. No matter how hard she thought it through, there was only one thing she could do… but would they consent to it? 

“Ye-ji-ah! We’re over here!” 

Flinching, Ye-ji turned around as a wide smile bloomed on her lips. She ran towards her family with her arms wide open but skidded to an abrupt stop. Her mother’s stern eyes glared at Ye-ji with concern.

“What’s going on? Why were you talking to God like that?! Is that how I taught you to treat your elders?!” 

Rolling her eyes, Ye-ji didn’t answer, opting to turn to her sister to explain the situation. There was no point in discussing her “rude” behavior towards God; her mother revered God with the utmost respect. Sure, he created the universe in seven days, but he was stupid and reckless to send Heeyoon off to earth without a second thought! 

Before Ye-ji could even utter a single word to her sister, their mother interrupted as she tried to hug her youngest daughter again. 

“Moooom, you’re smothering me! Can you stop? People are looking!!!” 

Ignoring Ye-ji’s protests, her mother hugged her tightly, “Let them look; it’s been a long time since I’ve seen you.”

Ye-ji groaned but sheepishly smiled at her mother’s excitement to see her again. Hugging her mom back just as tightly, Ye-ji felt a sudden pang of guilt wash over her. She had always longed to reunite with her family, yet… Reluctantly stepping away from her mother’s loving embrace, Ye-ji awkwardly glanced away. If only Heeyoon hadn’t run after that old geezer…! Seriously, was Song Yoo even worth an extra life? They were in paradise, for Pete’s sake!

“Mom… I have something to tell you. I think I’m going to have to leave–”

“WHAT?! Why? You just got here! No! I won’t allow it–”

“But mooom…! Heeyoon is in trouble! I need to help bring her back! She’s so gullible and naive… What if some creep lures her into a dangerous situation with the promise of cake?! You know that’s happened before!”

Falling silent, Ye-ji’s mom gazed at her daughter before glancing back at Heeyoon’s dad, who was now yelling at the frazzled creator. She had heard rumors that a young child had been reincarnated as soon as she arrived. Who would have thought that child to be Heeyoon? Turning her attention back to her daughter, Ye-ji’s mother let out a sigh, contemplating the situation carefully… and just as Ye-ji expected, the interrogation began.

“Is it safe? Did God permit you to go?”

“Well, I didn’t exactly–”

“Who are you going with? When will you get back? Where exactly are you going?”

Feeling overwhelmed, Ye-ji scowled in frustration. Why did she have to be questioned like this? It wasn’t like she made Heeyoon leave! If anything, it was God’s fault! Glancing over at God, she watched the divine being begging for forgiveness as Heeyoon’s father glowered at him in disappointment. Hmph, serves him right! What did he expect would happen?! Wait a minute… Why didn’t I think of that before??? Since God was the one to create this mess in the first place, shouldn’t he be the one to answer her mother’s questions and be interrogated? 

“Mom, I’ll be right back, okay? I know someone who can answer all of your questions!”

Not waiting for her mother to respond, Ye-ji ran toward God, eager to implement her plan. Skidding to a stop, she tugged on God’s tunic before whispering into the deity’s ear. The divine creator, who had regarded Ye-ji so fearfully, widened his eyes in surprise. What an interesting suggestion! Masking his devious smile, he plodded after the excited 89-year-old (who appeared to be a robust 17-year-old). 

Ye-ji triumphantly waved, dragging God with her while her dumbstruck family gawked at the unseemly sight. Dismayed at her daughter’s behavior, Ye-ji’s mother began yelling at her to have more respect– even apologizing to that lousy old man! In disbelief, Ye-ji side glanced at the gloating being. The nerve of this stupid coot…! Could her mother stop idolizing this mindless deity? Nudging God, she motioned for him to explain Heeyoon’s rescue plan. 

“A-Ahem. Your daughter here suggested–”

“AHEM.” 

God paused, glancing down at the irate young teen as she subtly shook her head. Then, sighing, the divine creator offered a sheepish smile to Ye-ji’s mother. 

“Er– I mean, I suggested to your daughter about going back down to retrieve Heeyoon… Of course, with your family’s consent. If she succeeds in this mission, I will reward Ye-ji handsomely for her efforts. Maybe… I can promote her as an angel if she so chooses?” God hesitantly added, wary of Ye-ji’s and her mother’s deadpanned expressions.

“...What exactly will my daughter do? How will she bring back Heeyoon? Also, is Heeyoon safe?”

“I’m afraid I cannot tell you anything more about this situation than Ye-ji told you. However, I assure you, your daughter will be safe. I promise she won’t be down there for too long.”

“... You’re sure Ye-ji and Heeyoon will both return safely?”

“Yes. I’m sure.”

“... I don’t know–”

“Please, mom??? If you were Heeyoon’s parents, wouldn’t you want her to be back by your side? I promise that I’ll stay safe and bring her back asap!”

Ye-ji’s mother bit her lower lip as she caressed her youngest daughter’s hair. She had been waiting to see her precious daughter again, yet this child was so eager to leave. Her heart tightened with worry and frustration as she gazed at Ye-ji’s earnest dark brown eyes. Why was she so adamant about leaving? From God’s behavior, it didn’t seem Heeyoon was in immediate danger, but how could she win against her daughter? Reluctantly, she nodded her head, finally giving Ye-ji her approval.

“Thank you!!! I promise that I’ll stay safe!” 

“You better come back soon.” Ye-ji’s sister commented, giving her younger sister a heartfelt hug.

“I will~ Bye, everyone!” Giving her family members one last hug, Ye-ji trailed after God, waving goodbye until she couldn’t see them anymore.

~~~

Glancing down at Ye-ji, God shook his head, amused that the two best friends were so alike yet different. One was constantly getting herself into trouble due to her naivety, while the other always ran after the first to keep her in check. Honestly, humans were so not what he had expected them to be like.

“Are you sure about this?”

“Yup. That silly girl probably won’t be able to survive for too long.”

“Hmm. You do realize that she’s not that naive and dumb to get in any serious trouble–”

“... She ran off to get reincarnated because of Song Yoo! I’d say that’s pretty naive and stupid. Who knows what else she’s doing down there! I already know she will mistake every handsome guy for Song Yoo.”

God pursed his lips as the corners of his mouth lifted into an amused smile. Ha, she did know Heeyoon well. Maybe it wasn’t a bad idea for Heeyoon to have some assistance while she was down there. In a matter of minutes, the pair reached the elevators for reincarnation. 

“Now, do you have any questions before you get on?”

“... Did you ask Heeyoon this same question?”

“Er–”

“Nevermind. Uhh. I have a ton, but I’ll ask about the most important one. How the HECK am I going to find this girl?! You said she reincarnated as a boy, right? Does she at least have the same features that she had before?”

“Mmm. Yes and no. By the time you meet, you probably won’t recognize each other.”

“Then how am I supposed to know who to look for?! Are you kidding me?! At least show me what she looks like now!” Ye-ji protested while God ushered her into the elevator.

“Well, that’s the true part of the test, isn’t it? Even if you don’t recognize her, you’ll know one way or another. Now, off you go! Oh!” God exclaimed as he placed his hand on the button for reincarnation, “Just so you know, you’ll also be reborn as a man too… So, best of luck!”

“WHAT–”

The metal doors clanged shut, and the lift immediately plummeted beneath Heaven’s white, fluffy clouds. With a smirk, God let out a content sigh,

“Now, time for some popcorn!”

**NOTE: This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.**