Chapter Text

Hiatus…? Ch.1

Rumi

“So…How about Tteokbokki? We deserve a little treat after the concert.” Mira suggested the third food item since we got on the elevator.

It had been a couple of weeks after we sealed the Honmon and defeated Gwi-Ma, the girls and I had since gone to the hot springs together, multiple times because Mira & Zoey wanted to make up for “lost time”, and held a couple of concerts in an effort to make sure the Honmon was truly solid against the demons and also because we really missed our fans.

The Honmon seemed solid enough though even if the gold shine had seemed rather subtle when taking place. At first we thought it needed some reinforcement which was part of why we had been working so hard but nothing had changed so we decided that was probably how it was supposed to look like. Especially since we couldn’t ask Celine about it given we were currently no contact.

I shook my head. Not the time, there’s more important things right now.

“Ohh, that sounds so good!” Zoey beamed. “Hmm…I’m kind of craving fried chicken though that store we tried last time was crazy good and they deliver! Ugh! It’s so hard to choose, what’d think, Rumi? You craving anything?” Zoey asked.

“And now I give it to you.” Jinu’s last words rang inside my head.

His soul. He gave me his soul to protect me and now he’s trapped in my sword. He didn’t deserve that, he made mistakes, he might have left his family behind and turned his back on me but he wasn’t evil he didn’t deserve to become a demon nor to become trapped inside my sword. Thinking about it, how had that even happen, anyway? Could I get him out since it’s my sword? Or was he gone? It’s been weeks and I still had no answers and the only person who might know something was still very blocked from my phone.

“Uhh, Rumi? Did you hear me? Is everything, ok?”

Ugh, I don’t want to talk to her but what if she knows something? What if..

“RUMI!” Mira’s voice snapped me back to reality

“Huh!” My head snapped up to find Mira and Zoey with worried eyes staring at me. “Uh, just get everything if we don’t eat it we can store away the leftovers.” I said as carefree as I could, trying as hard as I could to hide the frown that had clearly formed.

Not trying hard enough it seemed because both my friends remained concerned and were just about to open their mouths to say something only to be stopped by the elevator ringing as it reached our floor.

“Oh, look! Our apartment! Let me do the order for you guys, you can go ahead with couch time.” Running out the elevator I pulled out my phone to begin the order, unfortunately not fast enough to beat Mira.

“Whoa, I don’t think so.” she said as she quickly caught up to me and snatched my phone away. “You’re not hiding behind your phone, what’s going on? Are you ok?” she asked worriedly.

“C’mon Mira, nothing’s wrong. I was just distracted back then. Now you said you were hungry so can I get my phone back?” I reached for the phone.

“I don’t believe you.” she said simply. “Zoey!” Mira handed Zoey my phone. “Can you order the food and add in some beer? We might need the extra courage.”

“Sure! On it!” Zoey gave a military salute and gave me a reassuring smile as she typed away.

“Mira I swear nothing is wrong, can we go back to having couch time?” I pleaded.

“I have a feeling you’re keeping things from us again and last time I ignored the feeling I almost lost you both. I’m not taking any chances.” she said shaking her head as she walked towards the couch letting herself drop like a rock on the couch. “It feels so good!” She patted the space next to her. “Come on, sit.”

I sighed, grumbling as I stomped my feet to sit beside her. I sunk into the couch.
I breathed out as I allowed myself to relax into the couch.

“Much Better isn’t it?”

I nodded in response. I was prepared to have Mira drill me with questions but none came for what felt like hours. Either we were waiting on Zoey to come back or she was looking for the right words. After all what happened with the saja boys we had promised to take better care of each other and be more honest but of course that was hard sometimes especially for me. Too many years of secrets would make transparency hard on anyone I’d like to think. Not that it isn’t my fault.

Mira frowned.

Here comes the drilling.

“Rumi, you trust us, right? I mean, you know we are always on your side, right? Even when we..don’t quite get it, right?” Mira asked with no sarcasm or anger in her voice.

“What?!” I was taken aback by the sudden vulnerability of her question. “Of course, I do. I mean I trust you guys with my life.” I replied immediately.

“Then why…” Mira's voice died on the spot as we hear the elevator doors open.

We both looked up to find Zoey with trembling legs standing on our entrance as she balanced bags and food containers in her hands.

“Zoey!” Mira and I yelled in unison jumping to our feet.

“Agh! Hey, you guys I hope I’m not interrupting but..” before she could finish her sentence Mira and I were on her side taking the food from her. “Uff, that was not my best idea. I should have waited for the delivery.” she said, bringing some bags to the table by our couch.

“Waited for delivery?” Mira asked, confused.

“Wait, you went to get all of this just now?!” I asked half amazed and half confused.

“Well, yeah. We are very hungry and you looked like you needed a pick me up fast and delivery said it’ll be an hour or so and we couldn’t do that but I also really wanted to be here so I couldn’t go to our favorite chicken place.” her voice sounded disappointed, but then she shook it off and gave me a big smile. “Oh, well we can go tomorrow! Come sit guys! The food is still hot! ” she said excitedly.

A smile formed on my lips as I shook my head and walked back to my spot.

“Next time just order Zoey we can wait a bit.” Mira said, sounding scolding but with a smile on her lips as she sat between us.

“And let you guys hunger? Never!” she said, opening the first container.

Some beers and most of the food gone later I found myself now sitting on the floor while Zoey laid on her back murmuring about eating too much and Mari opened her third beer.

“Alright, we ate and you had time to think about whatever is in your head so out with it.” Mira said bluntly as ever.

I sighed. I wanted to tell them, I did, but I just didn’t know if I wanted to drag them into another adventure when we had officially begun our hiatus today. That without mentioning the fact that I wasn’t too sure they’ll want to help Jinu.

Zoey sat up holding my gaze with gentle concern as she spoke.

“You don’t have to tell us everything yet we just want to help with whatever’s bothering you and no matter what you say we won’t back away, not this time.” a flash of guilt shined on Zoey’s eyes. “We’ll be there to support you.”

Both Zoey and Mira had since apologized for their reaction to finding out about my patterns at the idol awards but neither of them seemed to have truly forgiven themselves for it, it seemed to some degree they blamed themselves for things going as far as they did with Gwi-Ma. Zoey in particular had been having a hard time with it, making big efforts to make sure I knew she was sorry.

“Thanks Zo” I took a deep breath gathering my thoughts. “I’ve been thinking about Jinu.” I started.

I wasn’t too sure I was ready to talk about this but honestly Mira was right, the last time I pushed them away and I almost got them killed and if I was honest I was going to need help if I wanted to truly free Jinu.

A strange expression crossed Zoey’s face, something between worry and something else I couldn’t quite place. Mira on the other side was transparent as ever.

“Jinu. The stupid demon guy that used your secret against you at the idol awards and almost got us all killed?!”

I had eventually gathered the courage to tell them both about everything that happened between Jinu and me, the secret meetings, the blue cat and bird, Jinu finding out about my patterns, the plan we made together, his betrayal, my crush. They had had a particularly bad response to knowing Jinu knew my secret and proceeded to use it against me at the idol awards after the moment we had shared, Mira and Zoey had cursed him to hell and back for that. A quick reminder of his sacrifice had calmed Zoey a bit but Mira was a whole other thing.

“Mira…” I started only to be interrupted by an angry Mira.

“Yeah, I know he saved your life Rumi but he wouldn’t have had to had he not put it in risk in the first place!” she said angrily.

“Come on, Mira. I know you don’t like him but let’s give Rumi a chance to talk.” Zoey interrupted carefully.

Mira grumbled.

“Thanks, Zo.”

She nodded in response, giving me a small smile.

“I was actually thinking about how he got into my sword, he mentioned something about giving me his soul but I’m not too sure what that means yet.” with a flick of my wrist I appeared my new sword bigger than the other one yet somehow lighter. “He’s in here. He got in here somehow and I just can’t help but to think there must be a way to get him out. To truly free him.” I looked up ready to face Mira’s wrath but what I found instead was concern.

“Rumi, you know that what happened wasn’t your fault, right?” Mira said carefully as if afraid I might break and maybe I was gonna because my lower lip started quivering.

It had to be my fault I was the leader. I called the shots the whole time about my secret, about Jinu, even about the music when we made TakeDown. If I hadn’t kept my patterns a secret or maybe if I had told the girls about them earlier, maybe if we had shown a stronger front we could have convinced Jinu to join us. Maybe he wouldn’t be stuck in my sword.

“I…” I took a deep breath. “It’s not about my guilt. It’s about doing the right thing. We defeated Gwi-Ma. I don't need his strength anymore and he has paid for his mistakes a thousand times over. He doesn’t deserve to spend eternity confined to my sword.” I finished determined.

My patterns flashed.

I was still getting used to them being so big and visible but getting used to them lighting up with strong emotions was definitely something I couldn’t see myself getting used to.

My teammates also seemed to struggle with that particular aspect given how they would always stare at my body when it happened, it still makes me self conscious but I knew better than to think that their love for me could overcome all of our teachings against demons and my patterns glow were a flashy reminder that I was a demon. At least half of one.

Right now though I was most interested in getting my friends to help out.

“So… What do you say? Will you help me free him?” I asked making my best puppy eyes.

Zoey’s eyes showed worry and something that I couldn't quite name yet but nonetheless she smiled wide.

“You got it, Rumi! If it’ll help you sleep better at night I’m 100% down! Let’s rescue your demon boy!” she said excited.

Mira was quiet now, crossing her arms, her eyes staring into space.

“Mira..?” I reached out to touch her shoulder. “I need both of my girls for this. I know you hate demons but this one saved my life. And I’m also half demon, remember? We’re not all bad right?”
I pleaded.

Zoey grabbed her other arm.

“Please, Mira?! Rumi needs us.”she said with her saddest puppy eyes.

Damn it, she was far too good at that for our own good. Knowing my puppy eyes to be not as good as hers I copied.

“Please?”

She sighed

“Ugh, I hate when you guys do that.” A smile crept up her face. “Fine. I’m with you guys. But he’s not living with us once he’s back!”

The excitement taking over I pounced on my girls to give the biggest hug I could muster as I repeated thank you over and over. I still had no idea how to bring him back but I was sure that if there was a way me and my girls would find it.

A couple of beers and a small turtle doc later the girls gave their goodnights and headed for their bedrooms, or at least, Zoey did given Mira had passed out on our couch far too drunk to move to her own room. I didn’t drink much not because I didn’t like it of course, it was more of Celine’s teachings to prevent me from showing my patterns but at some point it had become a habit to not get drunk in front of my friends. One I should probably change as well. I didn’t want to hide anymore. Not from them. Not from them even for small things.
That would take time though and right now my mind was busy enough running through all the ways I could free Jinu, unfortunately I was having a hard time with it. I sighed closing my bedroom door as I pulled my sword from the Honmon.

“Jinu…Can you hear me?” I asked knowing I would get no answer as this was close to the thousandth time I called for him ever since he became my sword.

I laid my hand on the flat side of the sword.

“Jinu…” I started again. “I told the girls about freeing you and they said they’ll help so long as we get you somewhere to live that isn’t here.” I smiled at the memory. I sighed. “I need some guidance though I…I don’t know where to start. I've tried everything I could think of.”

I truly had. I slashed until I couldn’t move, I prayed, I tried to break my sword, I even cut my finger on purpose to try to free him with a “blood ritual” I read online. It didn’t work. He was still stuck and my sword was as sharp and well as ever.

I rested my forehead on the flat side of the blade feeling the tears rolling down my face.

“I don’t know if you can hear me Jinu but if you can. Could you help me? Please?” My sword glowed as if in response to my plea it was as though…

“Golden” echoed in my room, scaring the life out of me and causing me to jump involuntarily.

“Who the hell is calling me this late at night?!” I huff putting my sword on the bed while I pulled my phone out with my other hand.

Unknown. Huh. Weird.

I’am an idol so I probably should know better than to answer and yet for some reason I felt like I should.

I answered and waited in silence for someone to say something.

“Rumi…please can we talk?” Celine’s voice rang, sounding worried and kind of guilty? Nah, Celine wouldn’t regret anything.

I shook my head, more tears welling up in my eyes. “We’ve talked enough.” I answered, hanging up the phone.

I shuddered, silently crying afraid of being heard, just then there was another glint from my sword and I turned just in time to see the light of my sword seemingly pointing to a photo on my wall.

Jinu.

I slowly walked up to the photo taking it in my hands to observe, there was nothing special about it. It was just a picture of Celine and me on the first birthday we spended together after mom passed.

I wiped my tears. A sign. And a good one at that if anyone knew where to start it would be her.

“Jinu, do you think…? Should I call her?” Unsurprisingly I got no verbal answer but I got my sword to glow.

“I’ll take that as yes.”

I wasn’t ready though, not yet.

I couldn’t do it, not alone, luckily I didn’t have to, not this time. They’re definitely going to hate it though.

Chapter Text

Unpopular Ideas

“Absolutely, not!” I declared determined. I truly couldn’t believe Rumi was suggesting this out of all things.

Thankfully for once Zoey was on my side.

“I’m sorry, Rumi, but I don’t think that sounds like a good idea. Can’t we try something else?” Zoey asked unsure.

Rumi’s face was determined but clearly uncomfortable at her own idea.

“She’s the only one alive that might know something, I already tried everything I could without help and nothing has worked. We need help. If Celine knows anything that might be useful I need to hear it otherwise we’re stuck.” Rumi said, frustrated.

“Rumi, she all but referred to you as a monster. Not to mention it’s her fault we never knew about your patterns until it was late enough we got freaked out and almost sent the world to shit.” I expressed, anger boiling inside me as I remember everything Rumi told us about her meeting with Celine.

“And she also doubled down when you went to seek help. Rumi, it was a miracle your shame didn’t swallow you whole I don’t…” Zoey took a deep breath steading herself. “You shouldn’t see her, at least not now. It just feels too soon. You almost..” Zoey’s voice cracked and tears formed in her eyes. “You almost died because of her toxic teachings, Rumi.”

Zoey wasn't a stranger to crying especially with us but that never made it have any less of an effect with Rumi or Me. So I found myself putting my arm around her shoulders as she hid her face on my chest.

“Sorry I shouldn’t be as emotional…” she sob quietly. “...I just…we almost lost you. What if she gets the shame back into your head? What if …” she sob louder this time. “What if it actually consumed you this time?”

Rumi’s face visibly soften at the sight of our best friend quietly sobbing at the thought of losing her.

“Come on, Zo. You know that can’t happen since the Honmon turned Gold.” I reassured her, as I patted her back.

“You don’t know that, none of us do.” Zoey retorted quietly.

It was unlike her to be this pessimistic but she did have a point. We didn’t know if Rumi’s shame could come back or if her patterns could spread any further. They were beautiful sight on Rumi that was for sure especially when they glowed but no amount of beauty was worth her life and I didn’t want to lose her like that.

I’m not strong enough to lose her or Zoey again.

Rumi sighed looking at me in defeat.

“Alright, I won’t go to Celine, at least not yet.” Rumi's eyes dropped to the floor in silent frustration as she pursed her lips frowning.

Ah, I hated seeing her like this. She always made that face when she ran out of ideas for songs except this time she ran out of ideas to save her demon boyfriend which must feel a thousand times worse.

Boyfriend.

Agh, something about that didn’t sit right with me ever since she told us about her crush on Jinu but I supposed that I couldn’t erase years of demon hatred overnight and he had screwed her over enough to deserve my wrath. That is of course what I told myself to ignore how I was feeling. Regardless I would do anything to keep my girls safe and happy even if it meant saving a jerk demon guy that didn’t deserve my friend even if it’s talking to…

“What if we went to see Celine?” I suggested immediately met by a confused stare from Rumi. “Without you, of course. I mean Zoey and I aren’t half demons so there’s not much consequence if she got into our heads besides she has contacted us multiple times to get to you which means she has a reason to agree to meet us.”

Rumi’s confusion was soon replaced by giddiness at the new idea to save Jinu.

“That’s a great plan Mira! You’re a genius!” She yelled hugging me tight and turning to a now recovering Zoey who was wiping her face on her shirt. “What’d you think, Zo? Would that make you feel better? I’ll stay here and you two can go talk to Celine.”

Zoey’s eyes misted with relief.

Zoey nodded afraid her relief would make her cry again.

“You guys!” Rumi pulled Zoey into the hug. “Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!”

“Ah, don’t thank us just yet, we still have to figure out if the witch of your mother figure knows anything at all.”

“Or if she’ll tell us.” Zoey whispered more to herself than to us. “Ah, I’m sure she will though. Don’t worry about it Rumi!.” Zoey said recovering.

Rumi’s frown was back again.

She shook her head.

“Well, let’s hope she does, otherwise I’ll have to talk to her myself.”

Now I was frowning.

“Rumi…” I started only to be stopped by her raised hand.

“Let’s not argue about it now, it hasn’t happened yet and with a little luck it won’t happen at least not soon. Mira, Zoey please set up to meet with Celine as soon as possible and in the meantime I might have to dive into the books. Maybe if we know more about demons and souls it’ll help…?” Her voice trailed into a question at the end clearly unsure of her own suggestion.

“Isn’t there like a trillion books on demons and souls..?” Zoey asked only to be met by Rumi’s groan of frustration.

“Yes, Zo there is. which is why I hadn’t done it.” she sighed. “Whatever, hopefully I can at least get some new ideas to try out.”

“Maybe you can ask Bobby to help you out? I mean it’s harmless enough and you can tell him it’s your new hobby or something.” Zoey said.

“That’s not a bad idea, it'll keep you busy and Bobby makes for good company if you start to spiral or if you need something while researching.” I added.

“Yeah, that sounds good actually. Great idea Zoey.” Rumi smiled at Zoey, making our cute maknae beam with pride. “Let’s get to work then.” As if on cue Zoey’s stomach grumbled. “Ah, right breakfast. Let’s get breakfast first.”

A peaceful breakfast later we all huddled together on the couch with Rumi protectively sitting in the middle as Zoey held the phone with Celine’s number on screen and her finger hovering right above it.

“Ready?” she asked, determined.

Me and Rumi nodded at once.

The phone rang once, twice, then…

“Hello..?” Celine’s voice echoed the room, making Rumi shrink in her spot.

Zoey wrapped her arm around her shoulder to steady her.

“Celine.” I said rougher than intended. “We need to talk. Can we meet?”

“Will Rumi be there…? I need to talk to her, but she doesn’t answer my phone. I think she blocked me.” She asked, sounding tired.

Of course she did, we told her to. You toxic old hag.

I bit my lip to force my mouth shut. Thankfully Zoey jumped in.

“I don’t think that’s a good idea Celine. She’s still very hurt. It wouldn't be good for her to meet you until she’s ready.” Zoey said firm.

“I just want to apologize. I shouldn't have turned away when she was becoming one of them. I should've done more to keep her from becoming like them. Maybe I could’ve stopped her patterns before they spread as far as they did if you just let me talk to her. Maybe we could still revert them back to how it used to be.” She took a deep breath. “If we truly got the Honmon gold then surely she could stop being a demon somehow if…”

I met Rumi’s eyes which were starting to get misty as she shrinked in her spot pulling at her non-existent sleeves in an attempt to hide her patterns.

“Celine! Stop! Shit, do you not hear yourself?!” My barely contained rage lashed out for a split second before being pulled back by Rumi’s hand on my arm and the slow shake of Zoey’s head as she looked at me in disapproval. I took a deep breath in an effort to steady myself. “We won’t tell Rumi about this and we’re definitely not going to take her to you.” I said as calmly as I could manage.

“Then I don’t see a reason to continue this call.” she answered.

Fast as lighting Zoey got up with the phone still in her hands.

“Wait! Wait! We could be convinced!” She blurted out, earning a raised eyebrow from Rumi and a clear frown from me.

“Convinced?” Celine asked intrigued.

“Yes, well.” She looked around the room as if researching for her answer until her eyes rested on Rumi. Her eyes widened and a big smile soon followed. “Rumi trusts us, you know? With her life and all so we could convince her to meet with you.” She finished confident.

I was about to say something when.

“Would you?” Celine asked.

Zoey looked at us worried clearly not fully thinking about her proposal before making it.
I shook my head vigorously only to find Rumi at my side nodding decidedly.

Fuck.

“We would. If you help us with something first.” Zoey asked.

“Consider it done. What is it?” she answered confidently.

Zoey looked around panicked.

Ok, now it was my turn if I knew Celine she would not want to help once we told her the truth so we needed a little time to think about the lie.

“We can’t tell you over the phone!” I took the phone from Zoey. “It’ll be better in person. Can we meet at the usual bbq place?”

“Done, tonight?”

Well, shit. This woman REALLY wanted to talk to Rumi although if it was to talk like she did just now she could forget about it.

“Yes!” Zoey jumped in pulling me from my thoughts. “We would love to do it tonight over dinner.”

I turned slightly to check on Rumi who by all accounts looked fine and was even smiling as she nodded in Zoey’s direction but her patterns looked different, they looked darker and her eye was bright yellow.

Ah, shit.

“Wooo! We got it!” She said as she hung up, her back still turned our way. “Oh my god! I have to call the restaurant now or they won’t have a table!” she picked her phone fast and started dialing as she walked to her room.

Rumi’s literal glow was easy to notice when we defeated Gwi-ma and made up, but those patterns were different from when we saw them the first time and ever since then I hadn’t seen her patterns look so demon-like again. It must be the shame. The one conversation with Celine seemed to have enough power to bring her back to feeling ashamed of herself. Well, that won’t do. Not while I’m sitting right here.

“Sick eye, Ru! Looks damn cool!” I whispered in her ear, making her jump in her place.

“Ah! Mira, God! You scared me…” She smiled in my direction, then as if she finally heard what I said. “Oh, my eye is yellow? I hadn’t realized!” She quickly covered her right eye.

I frowned, putting my hand over hers attempting to remove it from her face.

“Didn’t you hear me? I LOVE your yellow eye, it makes you look hella cool.” I repeated as she lowered her hand slowly.

Rumi’s eyes were no longer yellow now, they had come back to their natural brown and her patterns were now glowing right in front of me. I smiled from ear to ear watching as Rumi literally glowed at the compliment but then my eyes went back from amazement to worry seeing Rumi’s head lower as she looked straight at the floor.

“Rumi? Are you alright?” I asked carefully.

“Ah, I’m fine. Sorry you just said you liked my yellow eyes and they just went back to normal.” A forced laugh came out of her as she avoided my eyes and her glow dimmed.

“I do like your eyes, Rumi, but…” I waited decided to have her look at me so she could see the sincerity in my eyes. She did turn curiosity, getting the best of her as she looked at me expectantly.“I think you look the hottest when your patterns glow.” I said holding her gaze in an attempt to prove I wasn’t lying to make her feel better.

She lowered her head again only this time her glow didn’t dim but rather it went..brighter? and I didn’t remember her ears being this red…OH! She wasn’t ashamed now. She was embarrassed!

Why was she embarrassed though?

Could it be she…? No, don’t even think about it Mira. This is your family. The only family that loves you as you are! You have enough fun around town.

Not Rumi. Not Zoey.

Not them. Never them.

You’ll only ruin it.

“Mira…?” Rumi called, still glowing.

“Yes, Ru?” I answered calmly, ignoring my wandering mind.

She looked my way again and this time I was the one that wanted to look down once I saw her lightly pink skin contrasting beautifully with her glowing patterns. She definitely looked beautiful like that.

Still I kept calm.

“Thank you..for the confidence boost. I really needed it after hearing Celine.” she said with a smile.

“Should I curse her out once when we get what we want?” I asked only half joking.

She laughed for real this time.

“Nah, I still care about her.” Her smile was gone as soon as it came and her patterns came back to normal. “I want to fix things, you know? I’m sure you hate her but she’s basically my mother.” she finished in almost a whisper.

“I get it.” I answered plainly.

Unfortunately that too wasn’t a lie. My parents and brother might hate who I am but deep down I did still care even if I could never admit it to them ever again.

Rumi looked surprised for a second then she smiled in sympathy.

“You would get it.” She leaned on my shoulder as if she was tired despite it being only midday. “If anyone could understand me that’s you and Zo.”

“Hey! Can I join?!” Zoey asked mid jump to the couch laying her head on Rumi’s lap as she handed Rumi a notebook.

“What’s this?”

“Well, since we’re going to be busy with Celine, and you’re a bit of a workaholic, I got you a list with all the libraries in the city that have sections on demons and spirituality.”

“Wait, wait, Zo. ALL of the libraries in the city?” Rumi asked, impressed.

“When did you even have time? She just told us about rescuing Jinu, yesterday?” I asked more scared of her time management skills than impressed by them.

“Me? Oh, no. I’m awesome but not that awesome. I went online this morning and it turns out there’s a lot of crazy people that dedicate their lives to knowing more about demons and they all share resources and libraries with “real” info.” She said pleased with herself. “All I had to do was put it here.” she cutely pointed at the notebook on Rumi’s hands.

“Thank you, Zoey!” Rumi excitedly hugged Zoey while she was still in her lap causing the hug to be more of headlock against Rumi’s stomach than a proper hug.

Once she let go of Zoey though she was bright red though it was hard to tell if it was just the lack of oxygen or the hug.

“Well we got a bit of time so how about snacks?” Rumi stood up, taking her fist and shaking it up in the air. “Snacks! Snacks! Snacks!” She chanted as she walked around the couch towards the elevator.

For a moment Zoey sat there eyes clearly wandering through Rumi’s backside and the patterns showing from her neck to her hands, perhaps if I hadn’t seen it before I would have missed it or confused it for something else but having known Zoey for years I didn’t. Zoey was looking at her with longing, with want, she wanted Rumi but not the way a friend should.

Well, Fuck.

“Come on, guys! Don’t leave me hanging!” Rumi called from the elevator.

Zoey was on her feet quick as ever jumping as she joined in chanting.

I’ll have to talk to Zoey about this and soon. If we were going to free Rumi’s little demon boy we needed to sort ourselves out fast at least before we found ourselves in an uncomfortable unrequited love situation. I had spent long enough hiding my feelings for them. I can't let Zoey do it, at least not before we talk about it. It could break us and she needed to know that. I couldn’t stand it if it did. I can’t lose another family but if there was even the smallest chance those two could be together then...Who am I kidding? If anyone’s straight between us three that would be Rumi.

I will talk to Zoey but for now I would enjoy my time with my two girls.

“Snacks! Snacks! Snacks!” I caught up to them joining their chants as the elevator opened for us.

It’ll be a long night but at least I had my girls with me to help me through it and with a little luck Celine would give me a reason to curse her out in public.

“So what about telling her it’s about a dream you had where demons could hide within objects for a long time?” Zoey suggested.

“Loving the creativity, Zo, but she’ll likely dismiss the hell out of us and call us paranoic.”

Zoey groaned in frustration.

“C’mon! Help me out here Rumi! We only got a few more hours before our meeting and you both have shut down at least seven plans. I’m tireddd!” Zoey whined letting her head fall on the table as she stirred her cold matcha with a pout.

We had finished snacks about three plans ago and had since moved to a coffee shop in search of Zoey’s matcha latte. Her recent favorite drink. That is until she changes it in a couple of days.

Rumi looked at her with sympathy.

“So am I, Zo, but we can’t just give Celine an excuse to avoid our questions. If we tell the truth she won’t help us and if it is too far out from our actual issue we risk not getting anything useful. We need a balance.” Rumi explained taking a sip of her latte.

“This would be much easier if we could just tell the truth to that bitch.” I whispered, drinking my iced coffee.

“MIRA!” Rumi yelled, causing me and Zoey to jump. “What did you say?” she asked not angry surprisingly but rather excited..?

“That she’s a bitch?” I asked, confused.

She shook her head hard.

“Not that! The other thing!” she said.

“That this would be easier if we told the truth?” I asked, still unsure.

“Yes!” She said, excited.

“Wait, I’m confused. We should tell Celine you want to get Jinu out of the sword?” Zoey asked, looking as confused as I felt.

“No, of course not. We can’t tell her we want to save my..” a conflicted expression crossed her face and left it as fast as it came. “..Jinu. But! We CAN tell her the truth, the rest of the truth that doesn’t involve me, Jinu or my sword.”

A smile crept up on me as I realized what she was saying.

“So, like tell her we saw a demon’s spirit possess one of the objects at the Saja boys concert?”

“Yes!” Rumi approved.

“And that we want to get them out because the object became indestructible after being possessed and we don’t want a loose demon going around town..” Zoey joined in.

“But what object would it be if not your sword?”

“I don’t know yet.” Rumi answered.

“Well, it can’t be any of our weapons because she would ask to see them right away.” Zoey explained. “So, maybe something from the concert?” she suggested.

“How about one of the speakers? She wouldn’t be able to ask us to bring it to her and we could claim it’s Rumi who has it locked up so she won’t insist.”

Rumi nodded.

“Yes, that sounds good, there is one more problem though.” Her determination wavered into worry. “Demons can create portals back to their realm so what if she says the demon must be gone from the speaker by now?”

“Well, that won’t be a problem if she saw this as us being worried it’ll happen again..” Zoe answered.

“..so, we can tell her we just want to make sure the demons are not getting better at hiding from us and that we want new ways to kick their ass when inside the objects.” I finished.

Rumi’s eyes lighten up.

“That just might work.” She smiled.

“Good, cause I was getting very tired of planning.” Zoey sighed happily sipping her matcha.

“There’s one more thing actually.” I hated to be the bearer of bad news but I didn’t want Rumi to be unnecessarily hurt if we got nothing from Celine in the end.

“Nooo!” Zoey whined letting her head fall on the table dramatically.

I rolled my eyes amused.

“What is it Mira?” Rumi asked, serious.

“Well, it’s not much of a problem with the plan, I’m just worried you place too many expectations on our meeting with Celine. I just don’t want you to be hurt if this doesn’t go well.”

Rumi’s face relaxed at the words, a smile forming in her lips.

“I won’t, I swear that’s why I’m looking for alternatives. I won’t rely on Celine for this.” She said determined.

I smiled this time.

“Good, cause she’s a bit-”

“Mira!” Rumi scolded with a smile.

“So, we’re done with the plan, ye? Please say yes! I want to talk about something else, that’s not Celine, anything!” Zoey begged.

“Yes, Zo. We’re done. Now you want to show us that new figure you were into?” Rumi asked, changing the topic.

Zoey’s eyes lit up with glee.

“OMG! You guys are gonna love them! They’re called Labubu’s and I already ordered six, one for each of you as well.” Zoey pulled out her phone. “ See I thought this one was so Mira! I hope we get at least one. Oh, and this one is just like Rumi…”

The next few hours were mostly a blur between Zoey’s new obsession, Rumi’s new favorite cooking show and my sharing of the new songs I liked. It was great. It felt like home, my home. It was in moments like this when I was reminded of how much I would be willing to do and give just to keep it like this. Just to keep us together.

Chapter Text

                                                          Toxic Relatives 

“So you know what to tell Celine, right?” Rumi asked for the fifth time.

“Yes, Rumi we know. Jeez, you’re acting like we didn’t just went through the plan with you. It’ll be ok.” Mira rested her hand on Rumi’s shoulder to comfort her. “Zoey and I got this. Now get down with Bobby, he said he got at least ten good titles to show you for your “hobby”.” 

“Yeah, trust us we know what to say and if we need something we’ll text you, alright?” I reassured her, lightly patting her free shoulder.

Rumi nodded, heading to the elevator.

“Alright, wish me luck! Oh, and Zoey?” She turned my way after pressing the button.

“Yes?” 

“Make sure Mira doesn’t curse Celine out in public, we can’t do that kind of scandal.” Mira groaned beside me.

I smiled while saluting Rumi.

“Aye, aye captain! I’ll hold her back as much as I can.” 

Rumi returned the smile.

“Thank you guys. Seriously, this means the world to me.” She said her eyes softened with affection.

“Yeah, yeah we’re the best. Now go, we still have to change to meet Celine.” Mira hurried her, a big smile adorning her perfect model face.

Ugh, not again, me!

Rumi nodded going into the elevator as she adjusted her slightly oversized jacket over her head and pulled her face mask out which effectively covered her patterns and other features.

Shame, she looked so much prettier when she showed her toned body, beautiful purple hair and the patterns made her skin look so much brighter specially when she glowed.

“Zoey.” Mira called, pulling me from my treacherous thoughts.

“Yes!” I straighten up, clearing my throat. “Did you say something?” I ask apologetically.

Worry flashed in Mira’s eyes but it was gone as soon as it came, replaced by a teasing smile.

“That scared of Celine that you’re zoning out?” She teased.

That had not been the case of course but now that she mentioned it, Celine had been the reason we became huntrix. She trained us and she also taught us to hate demons passionately if someone wanted demons gone forever that was Celine. 

“Oh my god, she’ll never help us.” I blurted. “Oh my god, what if she gets the network to stop funding us, Mira?” 

I was starting to spiral a bit. Celine not talking to us was one thing but Celine as an enemy sounded just awful specially for Rumi. She had too much influence with the network.

 Hell, she made Huntrix. We might be the figures but it was her idea and she still had far too much power within the network. 

“Hey, hey relax. I was only teasing.” Mira’s slender hands landed over my shoulders forcing me to look at her. “Celine doesn’t own the whole network, besides even if she made Huntrix we are a success all on our own and the network wouldn’t shut us down when we make them this much money even if Celine wanted that.” She said calmly.

Mira was so close I could see her perfect eyebrows arched in concern and her beautiful lips pursed together as she waited for me to answer. She was a damn vision with her long hair loose and her casual shirt. She looked so perfect.

 I hate seeing her like this.

 I want it to stop. 

 Unfortunately, ever since Gwi-Ma almost took them from me I couldn’t stop thinking about them like this and it was becoming a problem. I was hyper aware of their presence and it was driving me insane.

“Zoey?” Mira asked worried.

“Huh, ah, yeah. You’re right I’m worrying over nothing.” I quickly said ducking under her arms in an effort to escape her eyes and put some much needed distance between us before I somehow gave myself away. “And speaking of Celine we should hurry and change before we’re late. I’ll see you at the elevator in ten!” I ran back to my room sneaking a peek to find a very confused looking Mira standing at the end of the hall.

I closed the door behind me leaning against the door and letting my body drop to the floor as I grabbed my head between my hands. I can’t keep this up, they're going to catch me! They know me way too much! They’re going to know I got a crush on them!

Probably more than a crush too because I couldn’t stop thinking about them when I was alone. I couldn’t stop thinking about Rumi’s beautiful glowing patterns, Mira’s perfect features, and the memory of them swinging their weapons to demons made me blush instantly. And it wasn’t just physical thoughts either. I felt my stupid stomach do flips everytime I heard Rumi’s laugh and the way Mira always played along with my new obsessions made my heart feel as though it would burst. It wasn’t just a crush and I knew it. 

“Aaah! What am I going to do?!” I yelled. I took my hands to my mouth almost immediately but unfortunately the knock on my door told me it was too late.

“Zo? You good?” Mira’s voice called. 

“Yeah…I was just..I can’t think of what to wear to see Celine!” I lied.

I could practically see her comforting smile when she said.

“C’mon, Zo, you know you’ll look great on anything. Besides that wi-Celine doesn’t deserve that many attentions, just wear something comfy.” She reassured me.

I tried to suppress the blush that was creeping up my cheeks at the compliment, failing miserably.

“Y-yeah I’ll do that, thanks Mi.” I tried not to sound as nervous as I felt.

“Alright, remember elevator in ten! So don’t stress.” She said one last time before her steps echoed through the hall farther away from the door.

I let out a breath I didn’t know I was holding.

What am I going to do with my feelings? I had been asking myself that for weeks now and I still had no answer.

I got up from the floor straight towards my closet as I absently chose some clothes to throw on.

When did this happen to begin with? When was it that my feelings changed? I realized a couple weeks ago when Gwi-ma almost split us up, when Rumi almost died. I couldn’t lose her. Or Mira. I didn’t want to let go and I couldn’t either. It broke me to be away from them and when I was this close to losing them forever it hit me. 

I loved them. 

But not like I should, no. Not like they loved me. This was different, but not good different.

This I’ve felt before except the last time I felt it went horribly wrong and it was a single loser dude! Damit, Zoey! Two goddesses lookalike women at the same time?! Couldn’t you be normal, at least in love?!

“Couldn’t I have fallen for anyone other than them? ONE other person that wasn’t them?” I whispered to myself putting on the outfit I picked, a yellow oversized sweater with black long jeans and a green bucket hat. 

The worst of this was that I couldn’t talk about it with anyone because I was too afraid they'd find out. God, I didn’t know how that would go. Would they think I’m weird for liking them both? Or gross? Both?

I certainly felt both. So, why would they feel any different?

A very small part of me still wondered if maybe just maybe they could love me the same way they had so far even if they knew my feelings. Even if they didn’t share them.

Likely, not.

I shook my head attempting to clear my thoughts.

“Well, I won’t fix this tonight so I better get going before Mira kills me for making us late.” 

I ran out of my room stopping dead in my tracks as the Goddess I had for a friend appeared before me standing in front of the elevator mindlessly looking over her phone.

Goddammit it, she’s so pretty!

She wasn’t wearing anything special though and even my love stroked self could admit that, but even still something about her careless posture, her relaxed outfit of baggy jeans and hoodie, or maybe her ponytail with cap and big round glasses, it made me feel like I stood in front of a model.

Well, duh, you idiot! Mira IS a model!

But even so I hadn’t felt like this until recently.

“Zoey!” A relaxed Mira called. “You ready? The car is ready for us.” 

“Sure thing! But who’s driving us?” 

I forgot about that little detail until she mentioned it just now but with Rumi and Bobby gone that left me and Mira as the only options. AKA I’m doomed.

“Well, me. Obviously.” She said confidently.

I made a face.

“Oh, c’mon I’m not that bad of a driver!” Mira said offended.

“Ehh..well, I wouldn’t say bad more like…” I averted my eyes looking for the right word. “..reckless?” 

“Ugh, I crashed the car once!” she defended herself.

“Right…Against a pole..because you tried to pass someone off for “being slow enough to make turtles seem like f1 racers.”” I added.

She sighed and then smirked.

“He was stupid slow and I’d never seen that pole before but fine. Celine can wait a few more minutes. I’ll ask the staff to pick us up.. ” I sighed, relieved. “..IF you let me drive you the next time you need to go somewhere.” she said with a mischievous smile.

“I’ll get started on my testimony.” I said defeated.

Mira laughed.

“Ooh can I keep your lyric notebooks then? Those things are worth gold.” She joked, getting on the elevator.

“Never!” I followed her in. “You can keep my turtle plush collection, though.” 

“I’ll burn it to the ground if you leave it to me.” she joked.

I gasped.

“Monster.” I laughed as I watched my friend pull out her lighter and swing it around slowly as if burning an invisible plush.

Mira followed, laughing hard while she put her lighter back in her pocket.

Mira 's alarm rang.

“Fuck, we’re going to be late.” she cursed.

“Maybe Celine will also be late?” I asked unsure.

“Let’s hope so because this is important for Rumi. We can’t fuck it up.” 

 Any other day I would be the happiest to get to dig in on some nice Korean barbecue, however today my mood was being soured by the fact that one we were having dinner with Celine and two we were already late and I was freaking out about it. Waiting for staff to pick us up had taken more time than I hoped and the traffic ended up not playing in our favor either. 

Once there it was only a second for us to get in, despite it being a popular restaurant it had little business on the weekend at least that’s what the guy on the phone said when I tried to make a reservation only to find they didn’t make them on weekdays since it’s not too busy.

“God, I hope she’s still here.” I said, grabbing onto Mira’s arm for comfort as we walked into the place.

We had chosen the usual spot which wasn’t at all fancy nor in the expensive side of town, we had surprisingly learned about this place from Celine herself who to me and Mira’s surprise was a regular in this place during her time as an idol. We used to come here to celebrate when we were trainees whether it was reaching a weight, singing marks, or a new dance perfected, and Celine used to buy for us all the time. Perhaps that’s why we hadn’t come since we found out about Rumi’s patterns and Celine’s horrible treatment. It just felt like a reminder of Celine’s influence over Rumi and the self hatred she fed for years.

“Calm down, I’m sure she’s..” Mira scanned the tables. “There!” she pointed to a table on the corner of the restaurant with the grill already on and the food mid cooking while a distracted Celine mindlessly flipped over the meat.

I tried to hurry only to be stopped by Mira.

“Don’t act desperate, it'll make it suspicious.” she whispered. 

I nodded following Mira’s lead as we approached the table.

“Is there food left for us?” Mira asked nonchalantly, taking  a seat and motioning for me to sit beside her.

“No “Hello, Celine”? No formalities to your elders? No apologies for being this late? And here I thought I taught you both better.” she said a small smile creeping up on her as she flipped the meat.

She looked relieved?

Instinctively I shrink on my shoulders offering a bow.

“We’re really sorry the traffic was bad and…” a hand on my shoulder stopped me mid sentence.

“Respect is for those who’ve earned it, Zoey.” Mira said plainly. “As for the apology, we're not late enough to need one.”

I nodded uncomfortably catching Celine’s eyes just enough to see the surprise, anger and perhaps pain?

“I would think your parents would consider twenty minutes to be reason enough to stop most business' deals, Mira.” Celine responded, taking a bite of her plate.

Mira’s eyes grew cold as ice when she spoke.

“Are you like my parents, Celine? Will you call this off?” She challenged her.

Oh, uh. That’s bad, Rumi needed our help, we couldn’t come back empty handed.

Celine took a deep breath dropping the chopsticks she was holding.

Please say no, please say no.

“No, fortunately for the both of us, I’m not your parents.” She crossed her arms in front of her. Mira smirked triumphantly. “But I also have no intention of dealing with your rudeness longer than I need to, Mira. So if you want my help you’ll let Zoey do the talking. Now, what exactly is it that you want from me?” She finished.

Mira scowled but nodded all the same.

They both turned my way expectantly.

Well, great, now I’m under pressure. 

“Well, you see it’s kind of like this…” I began explaining everything we had agreed to tell her from the concert to the “hiding” of demons on objects to our worry to defeat and kill all these demons even in hiding.

“So, you’re saying there was no marking at all, no patterns?” Celine asked intrigued but concern flowed in her voice.

“Nothing, no marks, or patterns of any kind. Except for one thing, it seemed to grow larger?” I explained trying to be as ambiguous as possible.

“Bigger?” her brow frowned.

“Is there something you know about that?” Mira who up until this point had limited herself to eat and slowly sip on her beer asked.

“Demons taking cover in objects? No. There is something about that with souls however.” Celine started.

“With souls?” I asked, leaning in.  

“Well, you see we take our strength from the Honmon which is formed by the passion of our fans, the love that’s in their souls and although the Honmon feeds only on what they willingly give, it still exists only because of their souls' energy. As you know the original demon hunters created the weapons with this energy by channeling it through their bodies using their own souls as a conductor but that isn’t something a demon should be able to do. Demons can’t shape their souls or anyone else’s into objects.” Celine took a sip of her own beer.

“And why is that?” I asked curious.

“Because they don’t have a soul.” She stated matter of factly. 

“What do you mean?” Mira asked impatient.

“Well, you see we use the energy given willingly, FREELY and we channel it with our own souls, but Gwi-Mah’s power comes from TAKING IT, all of it, willing or not. And that starts with demons, no demon has a soul so how could they channel the Honmon? And really what soul energy would transfer or turn into said object if they don’t have a soul?” Celine explained.

Mira and I stared at each other in disbelief, we had seen Jinu, a demon, turn into Rumi’s sword, if he was demon he wouldn’t have been able to, at least according to Celine. But we know he was a demon. His patterns proved as much.

Unless, I thought back to what Rumi said when she explained between sobs what Jinu had done. 

“He gave me his soul! He died for me!” She’d sobbed as we comforted her.

His soul, could it be..?

“Could demons recover their souls?” I asked, earning a shocked stare from Mira and a mocking laugh from Celine.

“Ha, it would be easier for dogs to grow wings and learn to fly, I’d say.” She said taking another bite from her food.

“Hypotecatically.” Mira said.

“Sorry?”

“Hypotecatically speaking, would there be any chance? Are there any stories or records of something like that?" She asked leaning in.

A sad smile took over Celine’s face.

“Stories? No, but Miyeong used to swear by it, she used to say they could be saved. That’s why Rumi was born.” She took a big gulp to her drink. “It only got her killed.”

“Rumi 's mother? Didn’t she die of an illness?” I asked.

She scoffed.

“Any illness could have killed her after she gave birth to Rumi. She was weak, all throughout her pregnancy you could see her, you could see the life draining slowly out of her and when she gave birth. It seemed as if she was healing for a moment. She looked as if she would make it but it took too long, her illness set in and took her from m-us…” Her eyes mistied and for a second she looked like she might just cry then and there, but then she cleared her throat.

“So, to answer your question Mira they can’t. They’re soulless monsters.” Her gaze hardened. “All of them, no exception.”

Welp, that was probably as far as we would go with that line of questions but there was still one more thing.

“In theory we could gather more soul energy to make our weapons stronger right? And bigger? Or release it? Once we’re done of course.” I asked, changing the topic.

I was getting awfully close to the truth but while useful all the information so far had done next to nothing to help us find out how to free Jinu.

“In theory, yes that is correct. That art was lost to the Founders, however, why do you ask, are you scared an encounter with Gwi-mah would repeat?” Celine asked curiously.

“I..Umm, yes. I don’t want him to tear us apart again.” Not a lie, but not the truth.

She smiled endearingly enough that it almost made me forget it was partly her fault Rumi was almost consumed by her shame.

Almost.

“I truly believe you guys can handle it if it happens again even without stronger weapons.” she took a deep breath. “But the belief is that you need pure intention that is as free of selfishness as it is filled with passion for a cause.” Celine explained.

“What kind of cause.” Mira asked.

“That is not clear but it has be pure in sentiment, at least that’s what the story says. Perhaps a strong desire to protect someone or something would cut it? But that kind of strong and pure intention has not been seen in centuries. The past hunters used to say you needed a pure heart over everything else to align with your pure intentions but they also never achieved so it’s still nothing more than a guess.”

And just like that we had something that just might help, Rumi.

“Thank you, Celine, really you’ve been a lot of help today.” I bowed, not as much as I should have given she was our mentor and senior but it was far more than Mira was willing to give since she limited herself to stare at the wall while she drank her beer after muttering a thank you.

“It has been my pleasure, Zoey. Really. But we made a deal, remember?” This time she was the one to lean forward expectantly. “When can I meet with Rumi?”

My favorite part of this conversation, yay. Rumi had mentioned she wasn’t against meeting with Celine but she had also made it very clear she wasn’t ready. On top of that we didn’t even talk about that when we discussed the plan. So how in the hell was I going to answer that?

Luckily, or perhaps unfortunately I didn’t have to answer.

“Whenever, Rumi decides she’s ready.” Mira stated coldly.

Celine anger made itself known immediately.

“That wasn’t the deal!” She said, raising her voice.

“The deal was we would talk to Rumi about meeting you, we have, she said she needs more time.” Mira retorted her voice dangerously low.

“No, the deal was you would convince her to talk to me.” Celine hissed.

“We are not forcing her, Celine!” Mira raised her voice, striking the table making me jump.

Celine breathed loudly looking at me.

“Zoey, I hope you have better awareness of YOUR promises.” She said, rubbing her forehead in frustration.

Shit, damn my promise.

“You’ll meet Celine, but she needs time, sorry.” I apologized, shrinking in my seat at the weight of her stare.

She scoffed.

“Unbelievable, fine. I’ll make it happen myself.” Celine got up seemingly set on leaving. 

“What.. do you mean by that?” I asked carefully.

“I tried giving her space, Zoey, but I CAN force her to listen.” As soon as she made a step Mira’s voice rang.

“Do you want her to hate you?!” 

“She already does.” Celine said her eyes were teary and voice defeated.

“No, she doesn’t.” Celine looked at me, hope shining in her eyes. “She wants to fix things with you. That's why she’s avoiding you because she doesn’t feel strong enough to face you, yet.”

“Strong enough?” Celine asked, confused.

“I mean shit I’d need a lot of strength to face my mother if she thought I was a monster.” Mira said angry.

“Monster?” Celine shook her head. “I’ve never thought…She isn’t like them. She’s not one of them. Her patterns aren’t her fault and we can fix them!” 

“One of them? Fix?” I asked, shaking my head, feeling my own anger building up. “You truly don’t hear yourself, do you?! She IS a demon and you can’t change that, but she’s also Rumi. The girl you raised, can’t you let go of this hatred you have for demons?! For her?” Celine was quiet.

“The fact that you’re quiet it’s all we need, to know you’ll only hurt her. You can do whatever you want, Celine, but we’ll do whatever is in our power to protect her from you.” Mira dropped a couple of bills on the table before grabbing my shoulders from behind.

“Let’s go, Zo. We got what we needed.” she whispered.

Celine was still quiet, her gaze fixed on the floor.

“Did she ever fail you on anything?” I asked, my eyes teary. 

“Huh?” Celine held my gaze.

“In over twenty years of her life she never once failed your expectations, she met them all head on.” My tears started to roll.

“Zo, she isn’t worth it.” Mira whispered, rubbing my shoulders.

I shook my head.

“She did everything you wanted and more. And still you can’t bring yourself to love her for who she is.” I swallowed my sobs. “She deserves better than you.” I finished allowing Mira to guide me as we walked out of the restaurant.

“I texted the staff they’ll come get us soon.” Mira said, wrapping her arms around me. “Are you ok?” she asked, rubbing my shoulders.

“Yeah, I just…” I took a deep breath. “Rumi deserves more than her only family seeing her as a monster.”

“Only family? Hey, what are we then?!” she joked.

I laughed.

“You know what I mean.”

“Yeah, I do.” She smiled sympathetically. “She has us, Zo, and she doesn’t have to feel lonely about the shit family either as far as I’m concerned we all have shit families AND they’re actually blood related.” She added.

Not a lie, unfortunately. For very different reasons but Mira and I didn’t exactly come from happy families either. My parents were alive but neglectful from even before the divorce, as for Mira, well, I’ve seen idol agencies with less standards than her parents. Not to mention they were on the run with Celine for the prize of creative but obvious ways to call your kids monsters.

I laughed humorlessly.

“True. On the bright side we got something useful for her, hopefully it’ll be enough to get Jinu out of that sword.” I leaned my head against Mira’s shoulder ignoring the fast beating of my heart at the closeness.

“I hope so.” She rubbed my back as if to warm me up. “Celine will freak once she realizes Rumi is not only a demon but also dating one.”

My brow frowned automatically at the reminder of Rumi’s "relationship".

I shook my head.

“Everything good?” She said, sounding worried.

“Yeah, just…I hope Celine freaks the hell out.” I lied.

“Right…Once we’re home, we have to talk, Zoey. Just the two of us.” Mira said seriously.

“Mmm, about what?” I looked at her curiously.

“I’ll tell you once we’re home.” Mira’s eyes gave nothing away besides concern and that scared me.

I think I knew what she wanted to talk about and I was already dreading it.

Chapter Text

                                                                              JINU..?

“So, how about “Myths and Legends of Korean demons?” Bobby suggested his third book of the night.

“Sounds generic, is there anything a bit more…specific?” I asked, flipping over yet another romance demon book in the section.

“I mean this one says it’s a compilation of folklore so maybe it’ll help you narrow down authors? Or themes? Cultures? Sorry, I’m still confused as to what exactly we are looking for.” Bobby said, putting his book on the useful pile of books that so far ascended to five books in total.

“We’re looking for something on souls and demons. Bonus points if it’s in the same book.” I asked, checking on a “spell” book on the shelf.

“Souls and demons? Aren’t they like known for not having one and taking them?” Bobby asked, checking his own shelf for more books.

I sighed. 

This would be easier if I could explain what exactly I need this for, but that would put the burden of knowledge on Bobby and I wouldn’t do that. Me and the girls could hardly manage the stress of having to keep our guard up at all times to protect ourselves from demons. I wouldn't want Bobby to have to do that as well.

“They are but I’am curious if there’s something else that stories say about them like I don’t know a “Good Demon "?" Bobby faced me with an inquisitive look in his eyes. “For my hobby, you know? I want to know everything.” 

“Man, you girls are so dedicated even with your hobbies! Looking for rare information on admittedly weird topics, for fun! Such hardworkers.” Bobby praised. “And speaking of hard workers. Where are Zoey and Mira? They said they couldn’t come but didn’t say why.” Bobby asked curiously.

I had been trying not to think about it, but the universe wouldn’t cooperate it seemed. Celine and the girls meeting had never caused me as much anxiety as it did tonight, just thinking about Mira and Celine together right now made me anxious. Celine was my most obvious source if I wanted to rescue Jinu but with Mira involved it would be hard to know whether they would actually get to talk before Mira called her a “shit mother” or something like that. As for Zoey I knew she could keep it cordial even if she hated Celine right now but lord knew Zoey didn’t have what it took to calm Mira down if she got pissed off. And that’s without mentioning she’ll be the most likely to run her mouth and tell Celine about Jinu. 

I loved them, I respected them and I trusted them with my life and I was so thankful they’d do this for me in the first place, but Celine was tricky. So, I couldn’t help but feel crazy being unable to help them in any way.

You could have helped them, though, but you didn’t because you are a coward.

Stop, I’m not. I just…I need more time before I’m strong enough to face Celine and my friends are willing to help me get that time. I won’t do things alone like I did with Jinu, I made a promise.

“They went to meet Celine.” I said turning away from the shelf, deciding five books were good enough to start. 

Bobby looked puzzled when his eyes found mine.

“Celine? Without you?” 

Bobby didn’t exactly knew what had gotten down between us and he was also kind enough to avoid asking but as our manager and friend he definitely was aware of the change we all had with Celine ever since the Saja boys disappeared from our lives. So, this being a weird situation for him wasn’t a surprise and he likely would have questions, but I wouldn’t lie to him. At least not about this.

“Yeah, I still need a bit of space from her. C’mon this should be enough books to start.” I grabbed my books and started walking towards  one of the library tables.

“Must have been a pretty strong fight, you two had. If you need anything, let me know ok? She’s technically my boss but I work for you girls. Besides, I do the friendship thing completely off charge! And I’m told, I’m a great listener.” Bobby offered, clearly worried but putting a more upbeat tone on his offer.

I laughed. He smiled.

“Thanks, Bobby. That means a lot to me.” An almost endearing yet somehow protective look settled on his face, I always imagined that’s the kind of look my brother would give me, if I had one.

“So, you read this one, I'll do that one.” I handed him a book from the pile.

About two hours of useless information later, I was starting to lose my mind, and so was Bobby who had recently lost his whole mind to sleep about fifteen minutes earlier. 

“I need a break.” I said, closing the book after marking my place. 

I got up stretching my body readying myself for a small walk when I saw it. Out of the corner of my eye a blue glow coming from the outside of the second floor window.

Derpy!

Just before I ran off after him I heard Bobby move.

“Aww, jeez guess I’m a little tired. Sorry, Rumi.” He said apologetically. “What are you looking at?”

I quickly turned to look at him.

“Nothing. I just think we’re good for now, I can take care of the rest. I’ll take those books home later, you can go home, Bobby, I’ll be fine.”

“Go home? If the girls find out I left you alone outside this late at night, they’ll have my head. I can stay awake as long as we need, I just need some coffee.” He said trying to sound convincing through his clearly heavy eyelids.

I placed my hand on his arm.

“Bobby, it’s fine. I got it. If the girls say anything I’ll explain, I can take care of myself. Go home and rest, please?” I pleaded worried that if he took too long I'd lose the glow that was still coming in from the window.

“Alright, alright. Just be careful, and if you need me to come get you, just call, yeah?” 

“Yes, Bobby, thank y..” Just then a loud sound was heard from the second sounding much like a..pot? “Alright, Bobby! Have a good night, Bye!” Now I was speed walking as fast as I could given I was in a library.

Please be derpy! Please!

Going up the stairs two steps at a time until the end of the stairs where I was met with the mischievous blue tiger I had missed so much.

I let out a breath.

“Derpy!” The glowing blue tiger raised his head from the pot on the floor. “God, I missed you so much.” Before I could get close however, the grumpy bird came over pulling on my clothes.

“Hey! What’s going on with you?” I blink to find Derpy going out through the window with the bird standing on the edge of the window as if they were asking me to follow them.

“Ok…” I said squeezing through the window. As soon as I was outside Derpy started to run with the bird following, not bothering to ask. I ran after them quickly, falling behind immediately due to the tiger being much faster and bigger.

The bird screeched and the tiger U turned coming my way fast, I jumped over him landing myself on his back holding onto him for dear life. 

“Ahhh!” I screamed at the top of my lungs while the tiger quickly returned to his initial direction.

He jumped us up onto the roof.

The second roof in, Derpy started to  pick up his pace which would have been fine if he wasn’t running us into  a wall!

“Wait! Wait! Derpy, no!” I yelled closing my eyes bracing for impact but it never came. Instead the city noises were replaced by the soft noise of the wind shaking the tree leaves.

“What?” I opened my eyes slowly, immediately looking behind to where there should have been a building instead there was only a prairie and a blue portal that was closing behind me. “Where are we? How did we get here?”

Of course, I got no answer. I did however get Derpy to slowly walk us over to what seemed to be an abandoned old temple.

“What is this place?” I asked myself jumping off Derpy's back. 

With a touch to the Honmon I appeared my sword walking carefully towards the temple lightly poking the porch with my sword to test the place before going up and opening the door. Inside there were multiple Sain-geoms, gok-dos and even some shin-kal knives scattered across the floor, old, like a history museum level old.

“What the..?”

 I adventured deeper into the temple into the rooms, it looked like temple but it also seemed to be divided to into rooms there seemed to be three actual rooms dusty as can be but with only a single bed in each of those rooms and one very particular room, a training room it seemed spacious and empty saved for an old dummy in the middle of the room. For some reason that was the room that called me the most to go in and explore, so I did.

I slowly got close to the dummy hearing the floor creak under my weight, touching the dummy I could feel it creak and kind of shake at the mere weight of my hand.

“How old is this place?” I whispered for myself.

Giving a step back to observe the room properly the floor creaked horribly giving out under weight causing me to fall inside hitting my stomach and knees on the fall.

“Damn this old hut!” I cursed rubbing stomach and knees to soothe them.

 “Huh, what is that?” Looking down on the hole I realized it wasn’t just some random hole I made, it was a hiding spot I’d fallen into, one filled with old drawings, old manuscripts and a small box.

“What..?” I grabbed the old drawings, some seemed to be weird patterns, others were of different looking demons, one in particular caught my attention. It was a drawing of a woman who looked strangely familiar, she was wearing a flower dress and had a smile from ear to ear and what seemed to be a necklace with a heart hanging around her neck, she was beautiful. 

Then I found another drawing except this one looked much older with three women standing side by side. Had I not seen the weapons drawn next to them I would have confused them for just another group of friends.

“Oh my god, Hunters.” 

If those were Hunters though and this was their house then the woman…Pulling my phone fast enough to almost make me drop it I unlocked it looking for the one picture I had of my mother the one where she was with the Sunlight Sisters hanging on to Celine’s shoulder with their other group member on the side. 

My eyes grew teary immediately closing in on the drawing, it was her. She looked older than she was in her picture and of course the quality of the picture didn’t help but it was her I was sure.

That still begged the question,however, how is it that me and the girls had never been brought to what seems to have been the past demon hunters hideout.

“Celine.” I murmured, answering my own question.

She must have known this place existed and kept it from us. From me. But why? 

Shaking my questions off I put the drawings down along with the manuscripts to open the small wooden box with a small latch for a lock that was no longer there. Once I opened it I was met with bright gold letters that spelled MIYEON on the inside of the lid. The rest of the box wasn’t too special; it had the heart locket I had seen on the drawing, a ring, and a journal underneath it all, maybe her diary..?

Deciding there wasn’t much point in respecting the privacy of the dead I pulled the journal out of the box, placing the box and the rest of its contents just outside the hole on the floor. A quick jump later I was out of the hiding spot sitting beside the manuscripts and box with my mother’s journal in my hands. I opened the notebook stopping on the first entry;

“Today was supposed to be just another day, our concert went well and we even got an invitation to a popular radio show, but something odd happened when we went out hunting. I met someone, well a demon, the girls always say it's a waste talking to them but this one. He talked to me!

At first I thought he would try taunting me to get an edge while fighting but he was asking for help! He said he gave his soul to Gwi-Mah, that it was a mistake, no more than a trick he fell for. He wants me to help him get his soul back. I was so confused! In all my years as a hunter I had never had any demon ask for help, I don’t think I even heard a demon say more than a curse my way but this one. It, no HE, he is different. And maybe if he is different there might be more like him. Celine will disagree and I know this already but if there is any chance I could help this demon or any other recover his soul I’m willing to give it a try. ” 

So mom knew a demon who wanted to get his soul back and be free of Gwi-Mah’s influence, did she manage it? Maybe she knew more. Maybe what she found could help me release Jinu!

I searched the journal for the next thing that looked useful.

“Today, it was our second try after I found the hiding spot of the elders. It failed, of course. I certainly didn’t expect prayer and a couple of charms to work but I won’t say I’m not disappointed regardless. We have been spending time together trying different things for about two months now, and I have to say I enjoy our time together. He’s a very funny guy and for a demon he’s quite the gentleman. It has unfortunately been difficult for me to find solutions to gain his soul back and doing the research alone has not helped at all. I wish he could help me, he’s a very smart man, I know if he could look over the manuscripts with me he would come up with a thousand plans. It’s too risky, however, with Gwi-Mah having access to his mind he would be immediately alerted and who knows what would happen to him. I..I couldn’t live with myself if he got hurt because of me, but I need help. Maybe it’s time I tell Celine about this. 

I really hope she understands.”

So, Celine knew of demons who weren’t evil and still chose to treat me like a monster? To have me hide my patterns in shame, all these years? Why?

Tears threatened to fall as I closed the journal deciding that was enough of my mother for today. I wanted to read more but knowing that Celine actively kept me in the dark about all of this knowing what I was, hurt far too much, I needed support. I didn’t want to do this alone. I couldn’t and my body was warning me not to, with all the signs it could give, with my patterns glowing dark purple reflecting on the floor and illuminating the mostly dark room which had only the moonlight keeping me from total darkness until a second ago.

I could feel it wasn’t shame like last time, this time it was anger and pain. I was in so much pain at the betrayal this was but also so very angry at Celine’s actions, I had to take a break from reading this, at least for now.

I placed the journal back into the box and picked up the manuscripts, they were written in old Korean so most of them were difficult to understand. To make it worse my phone had no signal in this place so clarifying the grammar and the unfamiliar words was out of the question until I got back home. Luckily, I did find one that was mostly a picture of a sword similar to what mine used to look like with a bigger version drawn next to it with the words selfless, determined, loving and sacrificial on each corner of the sword. 

The words struck a memory for me, one of the first ones I had of our training with Celine years ago.

“Hunters are driven, we follow a strict code. We must be determined to protect, we must be selfless to act, and most importantly we must be willing to sacrifice everything to protect this world from the evil of demons at all times.” Celine’s voice echoed in my head.

Seems like my dear mother figure forgot to tell us we should also be loving to follow in our elders footsteps, not surprised. But what if that is what I’ve been missing to call on Jinu’s soul? After all his sacrifice could be described as selfless, determined, sacrificial AND loving if that gave him his soul back then maybe that’s what I need to free him from my sword.

I got up from the floor dropping the manuscripts as I ran to the outside where Derpy and the bird were still waiting for me.

A light touch to the Honmon and my sword was back on my hand.

“Determined, Selfless, Sacrificial, and loving.” I whispered to myself.

I gave a few slashes with the sword cutting through the air as the sound echoed through the night.

Nothing.

“Well, I guess knowing the full core values isn’t enough.” I said lifting the sword to see my reflection on my face. 

Wait, determination, selflessness, sacrifice, and love. I can’t be undetermined after being this dedicated to save him, this is as selfless as I could be given I could keep a better more powerful sword if he stays trapped, so that leaves me with sacrifice and love. I wasn’t too sure what I could do to prove that, I frankly wasn’t even sure I could use those words with him yet but I did know what sacrifice was.

I had an idea and it better work cause the girls would kill me if it didn’t. 

Not that they could if it went wrong. Damn it, I’m sorry girls but I won’t be able to live with myself if I don’t try everything. 

I love you, Mira. I love you, Zoey.

“Jinu, I hope you know, you were the first one to accept me for who I was, even before I did.” I took my sword pointing it towards my chest and looked at the blue cat and bird. “If this goes wrong please take my body to the girls.” I asked before using all of my strength to drive the sword forward.

I heard a voice screaming my name before a hand fell on top of mine holding it in place hard enough to make it hurt.

“What in the devil are you doing?! Are you insane?!” Jinu stood before me holding my hand in place looking worried and clearly upset at the view.

A shaky breath of relief left my body at the sight of Jinu staying well and alive before me.

“Jinu! You’re back.” I dropped the sword, throwing myself in his arms. 

“I..I guess I am.” He returned the hug. “How? How am I back?” he asked confused, pulling back enough to look at me.

I wiped the tears that were already falling from my eyes.

“A little sacrifice can fix everything.” I laughed.

He laughed with me, holding me by the waist and spinning us around in place.

“You did it, Rumi! You freed me!” He said, happily.

His smile went from ear to ear, wearing the exact same outfit he did the last time I saw him but there were no more patterns. He looked human. He felt human.

Jinu put me down, his smile unwavering.

“We freed you. Look.” I said softly, pulling my phone out to use as a mirror.

“Ha, my patterns, they’re gone. I’m free!” He yelled relieved, for a second his smile disappeared and he closed his eyes taking a step back away from me.

“Jinu..?” I reached for him.

“I can’t hear him.” he whispered. “Rumi, I can’t hear him!” he repeated louder this time, excited. “I’m free! Good God, I’m actually free!” he closed the distance between softly grabbing my cheek as he pulled me closer kissing me.

I kissed him back, and at first it felt good if a bit clumsy but it would be, given it was our first.

That didn’t bother me but something deep down did, even if I couldn’t quite tell what it was, yet. So, I pulled back.

Jinu looked confused and a bit hurt.

“Sorry, I got excited.” He apologized, quickly taking a step back.

I grabbed his hand.

“Don’t apologize, I was just taken aback. Let’s take it slow, at least for now.” I asked, caressing his cheek.

“Yeah, alright. Let 's do that.” Jinu said, his smile returning to his face.

A roar sounded behind us as a blue tiger rushed to meet his newly released master.

“Oof!” Jinu was tackled to the ground. “I missed you, too, Derpy. Where’s Sussie?” Derpy’s response was only to lick him.

The bird flew around him gawking.

I laughed at the scene.

“They missed you, a lot.”

“So did I.” He said softly, then he yawned. “I guess I’m really a human now. You think I could perhaps sleep in that temple over there? I feel incredibly tired.” Jinu asked, signaling the Hunter’s hideout.

Besides the obvious conflict I had with letting a demon, well ex-demon, into the hunter’s hideout I also didn’t want Jinu’s first night as a human to be spent in an old house in the middle of nowhere.

I shook my head.

“Nope, you’re coming with me to my house. You can even sleep in my room!” I said, confidently.

Mira had mentioned she didn’t want him living with us but I’m sure she can make an exception for tonight.

“Your room?” he laughed. “I thought you wanted to take it slow.” he joked.

My face burned.

“I..I didn’t mean it, like that!” I stuttered, shaking my head. 

He laughed harder.

“You’re adorable.” he said.

“And just for that I’m not lending you my room.” I retorted.

“Boo.” he pouted.

“Whatever, I got to get some stuff from the temple. Will you give me a minute?” 

“As you wish, my lady.” he bowed.

“Ugh.” I smiled, shaking my head, unable to decipher if he said that as a joke or because the man is four hundred years old.

I picked my sword up from the floor noticing the size difference, it had gone back to normal, noticeably smaller and yet heavier than it was just a few minutes ago.

“Having second thoughts about freeing me?” He asked genuinely.

I shook my head.

“Just wondering how this all happened to begin with?” I disappeared my sword back into the Honmon.

Jinu shrugged his shoulders.

“Your guess is as good as mine, I was trying to protect you and then BAM. I’m trapped in your sword.”

“Yeah, well it doesn’t matter anymore you’re free.” I stated. 

“I’am.” He agreed.

“I’ll be back.”

Back in the temple I decided to take everything I had found, even if Jinu was free there was no telling on what the elders left on their manuscripts and drawings, if nothing else I didn’t want our history forgotten. As for my mother’s belongings I wanted to read it all, I wanted to keep this part of her with me forever, so I took her necklace and hung it around my neck with her ring hanging just next to the heart. And then I stepped back outside.

“Are you ready, Rumi?” Jinu asked leaning on Derpy.

“Yeah, I think so. For now.” I answered looking back at the temple.

Jinu nodded.

“That’s a beautiful necklace. Did you have that a moment ago?” He asked curiously.

I shook my head.

“I found it here.” I said simply, approaching Derpy and jumping on. “Ready to see my home?” I asked, patting the space behind me.

He jumped behind me.

“Should I be ready to meet your parents?” Catching himself he quickly rephrased. “Grandparents? If I’ll stay in your house, that is, I’d like to be prepared. Maybe we could take them some flowers before going? As a sign of goodwill, of course.” he asked.

“Grandparents living with a kpop star?! Flowers for goodwill? God, you are so old.” I shook my head in disbelief. “Don’t worry there’s no grandparents to worry about, or uncles or brothers who’ll shoot you.C’mon, Derpy you know where I live.”

Derpy took off running in the direction of the temple walls.

“Shoot?” He asked, confused.

“Actually, now that I think about it, you should probably get ready to formally meet the girls, they’ll probably be home by now.”

“Doesn’t sound as bad as a disapproving father.” he mocked.

“Oh, trust me, an angry Mira is much worse than most dads.” I warned.

“Wait, you live with the Huntrix?!” Jinu’s panicked voice was lost the moment we entered the portal.

Chapter Text

                                                                      Mixed Feelings

                                                                              Mira

The ride back home was quiet, awfully quiet. Zoey spent most of the ride fiddling with her hands while I stared out the window thinking and about the different ways I could approach this. It had already been a long and difficult day between planning and Celine, I was exhausted but I also didn’t want to leave this for another day. We needed to talk about Rumi, more specifically about Zoey’s feelings for Rumi. 

Admittedly, I was scared I’ll bring this up too suddenly and risk Zoey shutting down completely but I was even more afraid I’ll ignore it for too long only to wake up one morning to the girls ignoring each other or worse, someone moving out.

I shook my head. I was being dramatic.

But what if I wasn’t? 

I can’t lose them.

“We’re here.” Jin, our company driver, announced.

“Huh, oh, Thank you, Jin!” Zoey snapped her head up, basically running out of the car and into the building.

“Thanks, Jin.” I followed after Zoey.

“Zo, can’t you wait for a second?” I asked, trying to catch up.

“Sorry, Mi, but I’m kind of tired. I don’t want to miss our elevator.” She ran to our private elevator putting the code as our doorman greeted us.

The elevator opened and she ran inside.

“Miss our elevator?! Zoey, it’s an elevator! AND it’s private, what are you even saying?” I caught up with her getting in after her.

Zoey tried getting back down but I hugged her in place.

“Zoey! We have to talk about this!” I lifted her farther back as the doors closed.

“We can talk about this tomorrow, no? Maybe in a month? Never?” Zoey ran her mouth as she struggled in my arms.

As soon as the elevator was fast shut I released her, catching her look of defeat when she realized she was trapped with me.

I took a deep breath.

“Why don’t you want to talk about this with me?” I asked softly.

“Talk about what? You haven’t asked anything, yet.” She played dumb.

“Zoey, I know you know what am talking about. Why can’t you talk to me?” I asked, frustrated.

Her lip quivered as if she was going to cry then she yelled.

“Because I don’t want you to think I’m weird, too!”

My eyes went wide and the elevator opened to our penthouse as if on cue.

Once again Zoey ran outside and I ran after her.

“Zoey, wait! Why would I think it’s weird you like Rumi?!” I grabbed her hand, stopping her.

“Because people don’t..!” Her rant stopped halfway through and she looked at me with multiple emotions flashing through her face; relief, confusion, and also something else I couldn’t place.

“Rumi…? So you don’t..” She murmured, more to herself than to me. 

“I don’t, what?” I asked letting go of her hand. 

She shook her head.

“Nothing! Don’t worry, I have no plans to confess to Rumi.” Zoey said, apparently calm with sadness adorning her voice.

I didn’t like it, not just her sad tone but the way she was so insistent on avoiding the topic only to confess right away. She didn’t seem to be lying but I had a feeling this wasn’t the only secret that she was keeping. And definitely not the only one involving us.

I hate it! I really hate when they hide things that involve us all! 

But one thing at the time.

“You won’t?” I asked curious.

“Of course not! It’s Rumi, I don’t even think she likes girls like that and besides, she still hung up on Jinu.” Zoey's voice grew quiet by the end, clearly upset.

I have to say despite having come to the same conclusion years before Jinu even came into our lives, I disagreed. I wasn’t quite sure why though, maybe it was because one of my loves looked so sad with her resolution or maybe because I thought Zoey was far more deserving of Rumi than me regardless I didn’t like hearing her say that. 

Extremely confusing considering I had initially planned on giving her a thousand reasons why she shouldn’t confess.

“Jinu, it’s still trapped in her sword, you know? If you wanted to make a move, I could help you.” I offered.

Zoey laughed humorlessly, shaking her head.

“No, thank you. The only thing on her mind right now is Jinu and once he’s out, they’ll probably be together, besides I don’t want to ruin our friendship when I already know she doesn’t like girls.” Zoey explained sadly.

I scoffed.

“You are far better than him, and I don’t think Rumi would stop loving you because you got a little crush. If you want to shoot your shot you should, really.” I said as encouragingly as I could. 

I meant every single word I said too, which was again, very confusing considering I was essentially meant to talk her out of confessing and now I was basically talking her into it.

Zoey scoffed.

“I wish it was just a little crush.” Zoey whispered low enough I wondered if I was meant to hear it.

“Zoey.” I approached her slowly wrapping my arms around her while she hid her face on my chest.

“I screwed up, Mira.” She sobbed.

I placed my hand on her head comforting her.

“No, you didn’t. These things happen.” 

Far too fucking often if you ask me.

“Can you keep it between us? Please?” She asked, taking a step back wiping her face on her sleeve.

I wasn’t too sure about keeping yet another unrequired love a secret but if Zoey wanted it to be kept secret then I’ll do everything in my power to make sure it stayed a secret.

“Of course.” I responded with a smile.

Zoey smiled back.

“Should we check if Rumi’s here, yet?” She suggested pointing in the direction of our rooms.

“For your own good I hope she isn’t, we weren’t exactly quiet just now.” I teased.

Zoey softly facepalmed herself.

“Right.”

“Let’s tell her about Celine tomorrow, I’m exhausted.” I suggested.

“Yeah, me too. I wanna go to bed.” She agreed, looking twice as tired as I felt. 

I placed my arm around her shoulders walking us towards the hall. 

“Want some company?” I offered.

It wasn’t an odd thing between us to sleep together, Rumi was the one who used to keep a bit more of a distance but even then ever since we found out about her patterns she had been down for just about everything including slumber parties with us.

I could feel Zoey tense and for a second I thought she might say no but then she let out a breath letting her head rest on my shoulder.

“That sounds nice.”

“Mira..?” I heard Zoey call next to me.

It had been next to impossible for me to fall asleep, my mind was still too active with thoughts of Zoey’s crush, Jinu’s soul, and Celine’s bullshit all running around in my head like a marathon. I couldn’t quite tell how long it’d been since we got to bed but I did know it should have been enough time for Zoey to fall asleep, especially since she had been clinging onto me for a while now.

“Yes, Zo?” I hummed pretending to be half-asleep.

“You’ll always love me, right?” She asked, clinging onto my shirt.

Huh? What kind of question is that?

“Of course!” I answered with no hesitation.

“No matter how weird I get, right?”  Her voice sounded small, not just quiet but vulnerable.

Well, now this was weird, still I answered with no hesitation.

“You could be a ninja turtle for all I care, Zo. You’ll still be my Zoey and I’ll love you all the same. Forever.” 

Zoey chuckled but she didn’t let go of my shirt nor did she look up to meet my eyes instead she took a deep breath as if steadying herself.

“Mira..I..” Bam! A loud noise came from the hall making us both jump into a sitting position . “What was that?!”

“I don’t know.” I ran out of the comforter pulling my weapon out of the Honmon with Zoey following close behind me, knives out and ready.

I slammed the door open pointing my weapon outwards then close to the end of the I heard the door to Rumi’s room push open strong enough to be bounced back. Then I heard a voice yell, a man.

Rumi!

I broke in a sprint with Zoey on my side just as we were about to make it to the room, a blue giant tiger came out of it making me stop dead my arm out in automatic to protect Zoey.

“What the hell is that?!” I asked, holding my weapon out to his neck. 

“Damnit, Derpy! When I said get out I didn’t mean wake the whole apartment up! Bad demon Tiger! Bad!” Rumi came out of her room scolding the giant blue cat that stood in our hallway.

“Rumi?” Zoey called unsure.

Noticing our presence Rumi turned our way.

“Oh, hey, guys! I’m so sorry I woke you up but this cat doesn’t know the difference between my house and my ROOM.” She scolded again.

“So he’s with you?” I asked, still on guard.

“Well, yes. I was hoping they might stay?” Rumi asked with puppy eyes.

Before I was able to answer Zoey disappeared her knives, running to the blue tiger as she screamed.

“We got a new kitty!” She said hugging the giant tiger.

“They?” I asked curious, flicking away my own weapon lowering my guard.

“Yes, they.” Rumi clarified, nervous. “Jinu, could you come out here, please?” 

From behind Rumi, hiding in her room apparently, came Jinu, Rumi’s demon boy toy. Except for one small thing he wasn’t a demon, at least not anymore, he did not have any patterns, he did not feel like a demon either.

But how?

“How?” I asked.

“What was it you said, Rumi? A little sacrifice goes a long way?” Jinu playfully asked Rumi, his voice smooth as when he was singing back with the Saja Boys and just as cocky.

Ugh, they’re together now aren’t they?

Rumi simply nodded.

“Let’s say I tried something a little crazy and it worked.”

Jinu scoffed.

“A little?! This crazy woman was going to stab herself with her own sword!” Jinu claimed in disbelief.

“You what?!” My voice and Zoey’s echoed together.

“You weren’t supposed to tell them that, Jinu.” Rumi scolded, giving Jinu a hard look.

“Someone has got to tell you that was insane and you got to stop doing stuff like this. Even if you freed me.” He responded frustrated.

“I kind of wish I hadn’t now, that way you wouldn’t be snitching on me, right now!” 

“Rumi!” I called anger and worry fighting for who’ll set in. “ What the hell?! You promised us you wouldn’t go doing things on your own again!” Aaand anger won. “What if something happened to you?! Hell, why send us to talk to Celine if you were going to pull this kind of shit?!”

“I know but..” Rumi tried to explain only to be interrupted by Zoey.

“Do you? You realize how we would have felt if something happened to you? Our weapons are made specifically to kill demons! Rumi, you are only half demon! Do you even know what would have happened if the sword actually stabbed you?!” Zoey progressively lost her calm stepping away from the demon tiger as her voice went from disappointed to angry. “Do you ever think about us when you do this kind of stuff? About how maybe we could help so you won’t get hurt?!” Zoey sounded angry but also hurt, very hurt.

“I..I..I found the old hunters hideout and the manuscripts gave me the idea and…I” Her voice drained by the end her patterns growing purple as she avoided our eyes in favor of the floor. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to hurt you, guys. I just..I really wanted to save Jinu. I should have waited to talk to you both, I’m sorry.”

Zoey tackled her, hugging her strongly.

“Please, stop doing that. Please, please. I’m begging you.” She whispered. “We really can’t lose you. Please. We can’t. I can’t.” Her voice broke slightly.

“I know, I’m sorry.” Rumi wrapped her arms around Zoey holding her close. “Mira? Forgive me?” 

Rumi asked, extending one of her hands out to me.

I took a deep breath holding back my own tears before I hugged them both.

“I don’t know how the hell you’re making this up to us, but you are.” I whispered in her ear.

“Sounds fair.” She responded, her patterns gradually coming back to normal.

Jinu cleared his throat.

“So, since you scolded her, she actually seems to be taking YOU seriously unlike me. What about me staying? I could help you guys with the chores.” Jinu offered. “Just while I figure this whole human in the 21st century thing, I promise.”

“When was the last time you did chores?” Zoey asked doubtful.

“Four hundred years ago.” Rumi and Jinu said in unison. 

Rumi took a deep breath.

“I’ll make sure he won’t be a burden on you two, please?” Rumi pleaded.

“Alright, it’s fine right, Mira?” Zoey asked.

“Hmm..” I made a show of thinking.

Truth be told I did not want this dude in my house, I did not trust him and certainly didn’t like him after what he pulled on Rumi back in the idol awards but I knew ever since Rumi mentioned helping him that I would have to get used to him being in the house, given he would obviously have nowhere else to go.

“Please? I want the new Blue Kitty. Can we?” Zoey begged.

“He also has a grumpy bird with a hat.” Rumi mentioned.

“Sussie.” Jinu added 

“Please, Mira?” Rumi pleaded more seriously this time.

“Yeah, ok. They can stay, but only until we figure this thing out.” I said signaling Jinu.

“Did you just call me a thing?” Jinu asked, more amused than offended.

“I definitely did.” I confirmed. “Now,  I don’t know about you guys but I’m tired. We can talk about the manuscripts, the hideout and Celine in the morning. Also, is he sleeping with you?” I asked curious.

I dreaded the answer as much or more than the question itself but someone had to ask and I’d be lying If I wasn’t curious. Rumi had had her experiences of that I was sure but she had never had brought a boy over, it didn’t help that it was sort of an unspoken rule to not bring hookups or lovers over to the apartment, so I’d be damned if I wasn’t curious about how that would go. Even if I was a little hurt by what it meant.

Zoey immediately tensed up beside me and I grabbed her hand to comfort her, to comfort us. 

Jinu and Rumi went bright red immediately.

“Oh, no. I couldn’t, we’re not even married, yet. I would never disrespect her like that, I swear.” Jinu quickly explained putting his hands up, panicked.

Married? Disrespect? HUH?! 

Oh, right, he's like four centuries old.

I snickered.

“Prudes.” I teased, making Zoey chuckle, relaxing beside me.

“Mira!” Rumi yelled. “He’ll stay on the couch for now.” she explained, her ears still bright red.

“Alright, if you say so. Come back to bed, Zo?” 

“Yup, I’m exhausted. You wanna join, Rumi?” Zoey offered with her usual big smile.

Asking Rumi to cuddle with us the whole night right now? After confessing she likes Rumi just a few hours ago? My Zoey is a lot braver than I thought. 

All these years and she still surprises me.

“Nah, I have to get some stuff for Jinu first and then I’ll head to bed.” 

“Your loss, Ru. Night demon boy.” I turned back to Zoey’s room.

“Can the tiger sleep with us?” I heard Zoey ask.

“Don’t even think about it, Zo!” I yelled.

“Aww, alright. Night Rumi, Night Jinu!”

 Next thing I knew Zoey was back on my side stepping back into her turtle plush covered room closing the door behind her.

“You think they’re officially dating, now?” Zoey asked, sounding curious and somewhat sad.

“Considering the man basically just admitted to wanting to marry her, I’d say yes. But I don’t know. Does it bother you?” I asked crawling back into the bed.

Zoey jumped in bed next to me cuddling me right away, laying her head on my chest.

“Yes, no? I’m not sure, yet. I just want her to be happy and he betrayed her the last time she trusted him.” 

She might not have known for sure, but I did. She sounded hurt, very hurt in fact, and that pissed me off.

“So, you don’t like him or you don’t trust him?” I asked, holding her closer.

My heart always beats faster whenever the girls are this close to me but luckily for me one of the  few benefits of having an unrequited love for a long time is that your lovestruck self becomes your regular self.

Which was great because right about now, I really needed to hold her close. Rumi doing something so reckless to save Jinu wasn’t sitting right with me and the fact that she brought him to stay over was sitting even worse.

“Both, I think. You?” She responded.

Me? I really hated Jinu right about now. Not just because he clearly didn’t deserve my best friend but because he was effectively breaking my other best friend’s heart even if he didn’t know. And that’s without mentioning the dumb shit Rumi was apparently willing to do for him. 

“Definitely, both.” I answered honestly.

“He better treat her right.” Zoey mumbled yawning.

“Don’t worry, Zo. We’ll make sure he does.” I answered vaguely, allowing myself to drift off to sleep.

The next morning I woke up roughly to what sounded like a war zone coming from the kitchen.

“Ugh! What the fuck is that?” I groaned, pulling the pillow to cover my ears.

“I want to sleep some more! Make it stop.” Zoey complained, huddling closer to me trying to cover her ears with the blanket.

 The noise didn’t seem to care, however, because it continued with just as much force as it had a second ago.

“If it’s Jinu, I’m going to kill him!” I threw the pillow across the room getting up from the bed.

“Don’t make a mess.” Zoey requested yawning and pulling the remaining pillow over her head.

Putting my glasses on and fixing my hair into a simple ponytail I walked out of the room.

Fuck’s sake, he’s been here less than a day and he’s already this annoying? I’m really gonna need Rumi to find him a place, soon.

As soon as I made it to the kitchen I was met by the blue tiger lazily laying on the floor as he played with a…soccer ball? We don’t even play soccer. Eh, whatever that furry thief can wait.

I shook my head refocusing on my objective, Jinu.

Who was at the moment shuffling through our pots and pantry in search of something, clearly unaware of the noise he was making.

“Rumi, will kill you if she finds her kitchen like this.” I said approaching the kitchen island, making him jump in his place. “Right after I do, of course, for being an inconsiderate ass. You know what time it is?!” I asked angry.

Jinu turned my way.

“About midday? Isn’t it too late to be sleeping?” he asked far too smugly for someone currently crashing my couch.

“Isn’t too soon for you to act like this is your house?” I retorted.

Jinu flinched.

“Right, sorry. I’ll be more careful and I’ll make sure to put this back in it’s place before Rumi comes back.” He promised.

I looked him up and down, doubtful.

“Whatever, what are you even looking for?” I asked, pointing at the mess. “You’re not trying to cook, are you? Making breakfast for Rumi?” I teased.

Jinu blushed.

“Definitely, not.” he denied.

Oh my god. He’s actually trying to do something nice for Rumi. It would be cute if it weren’t for the fact he woke the whole apartment up for this and he seemingly had no idea of how to cook, speaking of apartment. Where is Rumi?

She would be awoken three times over with this much noise, which meant..

“Spare the effort boy toy, she’s probably at the gym and everytime she goes before me and Zoey wake up she brings breakfast with her.” 

“She does?” he asked, disappointed looking at the kitchen.

I would feel bad if he hadn’t woken me up with his mess.

“Yeah, besides if you want advice. Don’t cook for Rumi, not unless you know how to, because she does cook. And very well. You won’t impress Rumi like that if anything she might get mad at you for ruining her kitchen.” I pointed back to the mess behind him.

He followed my finger.

“Noted. How do I impress her then? Any advice on that?” He asked, playing cool but clearly interested.

I smirked.

“Oh, no, I won't give you my best friend like that. If you care, figure it out genius just like you did with her patterns and use it, just like you did with her patterns.” I finished sounding just a bit sharper than I intended.

Jinu didn’t flinch however, instead he straightened up holding my gaze as he said.

“You’ll pull that? Seriously? I didn’t have a choice! I was under Gwi-Mah’s control and there wasn’t much I could actually do. I had already made a deal with him; he had my soul! I wanted to hope but I couldn’t do anything at the time and when I was finally able to. Guess what? I did! I made the choice, I protected Rumi! Even when you two couldn’t. You want me to feel guilty for betraying her? I did, but I made up for it. And she has clearly forgiven me!” He defended himself.

My earlier jab had been my thoughts slipping out but now? Now I was angry.

“Couldn’t do anything? Or wouldn’t? Because if I remember correctly Rumi gave you a chance to do something different to hope for something else for yourself other than being a trapped soul. All you had to do was literally nothing. Freaking Nothing! You just had to let us sing. And what did you do? You used her secret against her! You lowered her guard and backstabbed her! If you think for a second that gets erased just because you put your life on the line once then you haven’t stopped being a selfish asshole.” I let out, allowing my anger to flow.

“I made a mistake! Just like you and Zoey! And I wasn’t the one to raise my weapons against my “bestfriend” of my own free will! Why do you and Zoey get to act normal with Rumi? What makes you so different from me? ” He pointed the words quoting with his hands.

This little..

“Let me make it clear demon boy,” I hissed. “I didn’t attack her and neither did Zoey, we pulled our weapons in what we felt was self-defense at the time. We were confused, hurt, and honestly yes, scared. But we weren’t afraid of her, we were scared of not knowing who Rumi was because every fucking person that was in her life that knew her secret refused to let her trust us and we freaked out. It was a mistake. ” I took a deep breath meeting Jinu’s eyes. “And we have been paying for that deeply ever since. Have you got any idea of how many times we tried to remove the stupid song we created to defeat the Saja boys from streaming? The one that dissed demons? Do you know how many times we tried contacting the higher ups in our agency in secret to keep that song from being streamed again? Calling and meeting them in secret so Rumi wouldn’t feel bad for our guilt! Do you know how many times Zoey woke up screaming for Rumi ever since the fight with Gwi-Mah? Or how about the amount of times Rumi cried in her room because of you? For your stupid sacrifice that could have been avoided had you chosen to not be selfish just a bit earlier! No, you don’t get to act like it’s all fine and good after one good deed.” 

Jinu didn’t retort, instead he averted his gaze, the weight of actions actually seeming to get to him.

“So, what would you have me do? Disappear from Rumi’s life? Would that make it up?” He asked clearly angry but there was sincerity in his voice as if he would do as told.

I took another deep breath attempting to quiet down the anger that was still coursing through me.

“Of course not, don’t be stupid. If Rumi wants you gone that’s her choice to make, not mine, but I won’t let her shield you from the responsibilities of your actions for even a second. If you’ve truly changed, great. Be better. No more asshole moves to make up with “gallant” sacrifices.” I said my voice steadying as my anger died down.

Jinu nodded.

“I suppose I don’t have to ask you if you’ll help me out, to make it up to her that is.” 

“I don’t like you, Jinu, and I definitely don’t trust you..”

“That much is very clear, trust me.” he murmured.

“..but I do want her to be happy. So, I’ll tell you the one thing she wanted was to free you so I don’t think she expects more than you being a decent human being.” Steps were heard from the hallway. “So do more than that, be better than decent and don’t you dare hurt her, cause I’ll make sure you regret it. And trust me, you don’t know how far I’ll go to protect my girls. ” I pointed with a hard stare.

Jinu stood there silent but tense as Zoey walked into the kitchen with us.

“Mira!” Zoey called happily, clearly having avoided our argument with the help of the shower given she had already washed and was currently wearing her jeans and plain t-shirt, still barefaced. She looked cute. As always. “Did you find out what that noise was?”

I stood quiet for a second not wanting to speak before my anger was fully gone from my voice.

 “Hey, Jinu!” She quickly turned from Jinu to me and back. “It’s everything..ok?” she asked carefully.

A small smile settled on my face before I turned to her.

“Sure is, Zo. I was just telling him he should be more careful with the noise and with Rumi’s kitchen. Right, Jinu?” 

Jinu nodded.

“Right.”

Zoey took a quick look around.

“Uff, Rumi will kill you if you don’t clean this mess up before she comes back from getting breakfast. Here let me help you!” Zoey ran to Jinu’s side picking up pots and books between the two of them.

“How did you know? That she’s getting breakfast? Did she text you?” Jinu asked picking another cooking book from the floor.

“Nope, she does this every time she wakes up earlier than us and given you’re still breathing after messing with her kitchen she’s definitely not home.” Zoey explained happily.

Jinu simply nodded.

“I’m gonna go shower. Save me some food if Rumi makes it here while I’m gone.”

“No promises!” Zoey joked.

I walked away in need of some reflection time to deal with the amount of regret I was feeling over everything I had said no more than two minutes ago.

“Stupid, Stupid, Stupid! Goddamn it, can’t I shut my mouth one damned day!” I yelled at myself inside the shower as the water washed away my filth, the soap but unfortunately not my shame. “Fucking hell, he’s been here one day, Mira. One! And I already shoved in his face everything I have against him.” I turned off the shower, walking out.

“Great, you got it off your chest you had been holding it for weeks, I hope it was worth it cause Rumi will definitely hear about it from Jinu and she’ll definitely be pissed off. And she’ll be right! Her stupid boy toy hasn’t even been here a full day and I already made him feel guilty and unwanted here!” I grabbed the towel stepping outside the bathroom and stood in front of my large mirror as I dried my hair.

“Mom’s right, I'm a loose cannon.” I whispered tears threatening to fall.

“Mira! Hurry up or the food will get cold. I got you spicy chicken feet!” Rumi called from the dining room.

“She brought bulgogi, Mi! Hurry before I finish it!” Zoey’s voice called right after.

Right, that’s true, I’am a loose cannon. But as long as I’m THEIR loose cannon.

I can do everything, anything.

And if I have to make good with Jinu for Rumi I’ll try my hardest.

No, I’ll do it. 

For Rumi.

Chapter Text

                                                                      LITTLE DETAILS

                                                                               Zoey

Breakfast had been nice if only a little odd, having Jinu here was weird. I was not used to seeing Rumi this close to anyone besides us. Jinu wasn’t the only guy to ever approach Rumi nor the first one Rumi liked back but he was the first one to have this kind of closeness, to know Rumi, the real Rumi not just the idol. And that combined with the occasional longing eyes of Jinu and the occasional watching of Rumi when she thought he wasn’t looking were making me jealous. Hearing Rumi laugh at something he whispered in her ear just about broke my last nerve. And what little appetite I had left after breakfast.

I opened my mouth to say something, but the universe seemed to be on my side this morning because Mira spoke before I got a chance.

“So, when is he leaving?” Mira asked bluntly. 

Oh, thank god, I don’t have to be the one to ask! Thank you for being you, Mira!

Rumi shoot her a chastising look making Mira flinch as if remembering an unpleasant memory.

“I’m not kicking him out! I just mean this is going to turn into a scandal if anyone finds out he’s living with us he can’t be coming and going out of our apartment.” Mira defended herself.

Oh, yeah that is true. And here I was thinking only of myself.

Focus, Zoey. This isn’t just about you or your jealousy.

Rumi’s gaze softened as she spoke.

“She’s right, unfortunately. It could cause some problems for us, but where would you go? I hadn’t actually thought about it.” 

“Maybe I could stay in the temple?” Jinu suggested.

“Temple?” I asked curious.

“The hunters hideout.” Rumi explained. “But I don’t think that’s a good idea.” 

So, it looks like a temple? Noted, I can’t wait to see it. It sounded exciting, if a little daunting to know the place our predecessors trusted to rest and hide their secrets.

Although, that will likely have to wait, at least until we fully fixed the “Jinu” problem.

“It isn’t, we can’t help him settle if he’s too far away from us.” Mira agreed.

“So, how about we rent him a place nearby?” I suggested.

“That’s a good idea.” Rumi lightened up.

“Except our names would be on the lease or the title, it would take the media and fans a couple of days to know it’s ours and a couple more to start asking why the Saja Boys leader is staying there every night.” Mira countered.

“Right, why don’t we ask Bobby, then? We could just give him the money and he can lease it for us, no?” I suggested.

“That’s actually a perfect idea, Zo.” Rumi complimented forcing me to advert my gaze to avoid going red. “Let’s do a video call, right now.”

“Right now? Jeez, you really want me gone fast.” Jinu said only half joking.

“No, that’s not it. I just…well, we can fix this right now, so why wait?” Rumi explained as if it made all the sense in the world.

Mira snickered.

“Oh, you didn’t know you’re dating a workaholic with zero sense of patience, huh?” Mira joked.

“We’re not dating.” Rumi said very matter of factly as she unlocked her phone.

“We’re not?!” 

“You’re not?!” Jinu’s, Mira’s and my own voice echoed together in surprise, making Rumi drop her phone back on the table.

Rumi’s ears and face went bright red as the weight our stares landed on her.

“Well, no?” She said more of a question than an answer. She looked at Jinu. “You never asked me to go out with you.” She finished confused.

“We kissed! What else would that mean?! I mean I know that was way too fast and honestly kind of improper but I thought it was obvious, I’m serious about you.” Jinu replied, offended as if it was obvious.

Kissed. They kissed. 

Well, there were your chances, Zoey.

As if I ever had any.

“Well, that is clearly a proposal? Might as well have given you a ring, eh? What else could a girl want?” Mira mocked.

“You don’t kiss a lady you don’t wish to marry unless they’re courtesans. How does that not mean anything? We even went on a date once before I disappeared into your sword!” Jinu claimed frustrated. 

Is this guy seriously thinking about marriage after ONE kiss? Oh, boy, he’ll freak when he hears what Mira does with her “friends” when she’s out drinking.

I felt my stomach tying up in knots at the thought of Mira with some guy or girl in a club.

Not the time, Zoey.

“First of all that was not a date, I told you that. Second, it does mean something, it just doesn’t mean we’ll get that serious automatically, gosh that hasn’t been the cause for almost a hu..right. Look nowadays we ask, it doesn't matter what we’ve done with people. If you don’t want a misunderstanding like this one..” Rumi explained calmly signaling between them. “..you ask “hey, do you want to date me?” you never did that. So, I didn’t assumed.” Rumi shrugged her shoulders.

Jinu visibly relaxed.

“Yeah, ok. Should I ask you? Or ask your er..guardian?” Mira and I looked at him like he had grown a second head.

“What do you mean?” Rumi looked just as lost as us.

Jinu's eyes darted around as if questioning he was the only sane one.

“Yeah, I mean. Your parents? Or I guess who ever adopted you? Maybe an uncle..?” His question changed as he looked between us for any semblance of understanding, his voice dying down as he realized he’d found none.

My eyes flew open understatement hitting me as I remembered my period dramas.

“Oh my god! Are you asking for PERMISSION from her parents to “court” her?!” I was frankly taken aback the thought sounded cute but then again it also sounded very…wrong.

Mira snorted but looked rather annoyed.

“What the hell, dude?! You’re dating HER. Her opinion is the only one you should care for.” she scoffed. “As if there weren't enough misogynist assholes in Korea as is. And this one thinks of your propriety, as well.” she complained.

“Hey, relax! I meant no offense I just…I haven’t been here in centuries I just want to do things, right.” Jinu explained. “When I was here, that was right. I’m trying.” Jinu said, sounding just as lost as we did a few minutes ago.

“Well, that’s definitely a bad attempt.” I whispered.

Rumi sighed and lightly put her hand over his shoulder in comfort.

I hate it.

“It’s ok, I know you mean well, it’s sweet you ask.. I know you’re from a different time and it’ll take time to readjust, so I promise, I’ll be patient. Also…Celine is my only “relative” and right now we’re not really on speaking terms.” She took a deep breath. “As for…us. I would love to go out with you just…take it easy, yeah? Things work really differently in the 21st century and dating ISN’T a family matter anymore. And it definitely isn’t just step one to marriage.” Rumi explained her gaze softened as she squeezed his shoulder softly. “We can take it slow. I can show you what dating looks like now.”

Jinu smiled, placing his hand on top of hers.

“Zoey, let go.” Mira whispered in my ear.

I turned quickly to her watching her point to my right hand which was now holding my fork with enough force to whiten my knuckles.

“Ah, yes, of course.” I let go carefully.

Mira looked at me worried.

“So, does that mean we’re dating?” Jinu asked, not letting go of Rumi’s hand.

“Yes, but dating means we’ll get to know each other as a couple. Not that we’ll get married,” she blushed. “at least not soon.”

The knot on my stomach got bigger and had apparently decided to expand to my throat because now it was closing up on me and I wanted to cry.

Mira cleared her throat.

“Ok, well, I’m happy you two cleared things up. Now, will you call Bobby now or should we leave the kitchen so you can make out in peace?” Mira seemed to be teasing but the smile she wore wasn’t reaching her eyes. 

I wasn’t too sure why but she definitely looked off.

Not angry though, if anything her eyes looked sad.

Rumi laughed but her ears were bright red.

“You do know, I’ll get you back for every single teasing comment you make, right, Mi?” Rumi replied.

Mira’s eyes lightened up a bit before she spoke.

“For that I’ll have to date someone first.” Mira replied jokingly and Rumi shook her head with a smile.

“Which won’t be soon, right?! You won’t leave me…yeah?” My panic got the best of me as the words slipped my mouth.

Mira looked at me, surprise and confusion written all over her face.

Her face relaxed and a smile settled on it as she spoke.

“Yes, Zoey. I’m not dating anyone soon. And when I do, I’ll still be right here, I promise.” She reached out and grabbed my hand to comfort me.

I nodded, squeezing her hand back.

“Also..” Rumi closed the distance leaning between Mira and me. “..whatever happens between me and Jinu, it won’t change us, yeah? I’ll still be your Rumi and you my Zoey, ok? He’s just my new boyfriend and you both are my girls.” she whispered affectionately, holding me close by wrapping her arm around my shoulders.

“Yeah, ok.” I nodded. Instantly feeling the tension leave my body.

I never voiced it, not clearly anyways, but Mira and Rumi seemed to know to some degree. That their partners always gave me anxiety, even before I felt something for them it always made me feel uncomfortable like they’ll find someone better and leave. It wasn’t jealousy however, not back then and not now either, at least not entirely, it was fear, my fear of being left behind for someone newer, cooler, perhaps someone more normal, a little more with their own vibe, a little less me.  Afraid, Mira and Rumi will realize how much of a burden I could be and leave me.

Afraid that this all would come crumbling down because a newer, cooler person shows them just what they’re missing out on by being my friend, what they missed by not being with someone more serious, more focused or just a little more normal, just like it happened to my parents. Separated the moment a new, younger, more interesting choice popped up, abandoned me the moment I was too inconvenient for their business or their dates.

It’s stupid, I know. This isn’t a competition against their hookups or dates, and they wouldn’t just replace me, but even so…everytime Mira came back from clubbing drunk and hugged me to sleep or even when Rumi came back from meetings with staff and cuddled with us in the couch as she complained about her day. I felt better, safer. It was like a small reminder that they were different from my parents and wouldn’t just trade me for the next best thing that came their way, like they did to each other, like they did with me.

“Rumi, can you call Bobby now?” Mira asked, her voice and eyes soft.

“Right, let me.” Rumi quickly unlocked her phone back up, quickly finding Bobby’s number and making a video call. 

Rumi stood up still between us.

“Good afternoon, girls!” Bobby popped up on the screen with his bath robe on.

“Hi, Bobby!” The girls and I chanted in unison.

“How can I help my wonderful girls today?” Bobby asked, sounding upbeat.

Rumi shrinked a bit.

“Well, you see we have a bit of a situation here.” Rumi tried to explain.

“Better if you show him.” Mira reached out to flip the camera clearly showing the leader of the Saja Boys hanging out in our dining room in the last outfit he was seen with.

“Mira!”

Bobby screamed.

“Hi.” Jinu awkwardly waved.

“He’s..he’s in your apartment! Why?! Is this a publicity stunt? From who?! Why don’t they tell me these things?! I swear girls, I have nothing to do with this! And you, Saja Boy stay as far from my girls as possible, you hear me?! I’ll go immediately and get him out myself if I have to…Oh my gosh what if someone sees..” Bobby was spiraling with solutions as we tried to get his attention in vain.

“He is very energetic, isn’t he?” Jinu said amused. 

“You have no idea.” Rumi replied.

Rumi made a count to three with her fingers.

“Bobby!” The three of us yelled in unison breaking our dear manager’s trance.

“Yes?” 

“This isn’t a publicity stunt, Jinu needed somewhere to stay so we let him crash for now. He’s having umm…problems with his agency.” Rumi started.

“But he can’t stay here forever or we’ll have an actual scandal with the press and the fans. Also he can’t rent his own apartment because..his..umm..company has most of his money.” Mira continued.

 “So, we need you to get him a place not too far from here in the meantime. We can’t put it on our name, obvs, but we’ll send you the money to do it. Pretty please, Bobby.” I begged as I finished pleading our case.

Bobby stood there dumbfounded for a second before he nodded.

“You got it! I have no idea why pretty boy needs a place or why you girls want to help after all the headaches they gave, but I’m on it! It will take me a couple of weeks to find a place, though. So why don’t you tell him he can stay over with me in the meantime? I do not want the company breathing down my neck over a scandal and besides..” Bobby lowered his voice to an almost whisper. “I don’t trust him with you girls.”

“What was that?” Jinu called.

“Oh, you’re still here? Nothing! Just that Celine will kill me and fire me, in that order, if I let a boy stay in the Huntrix’s apartment! So, I’ll send a driver to pick you up, you’ll stay with me for now! You better hide your face, I won’t let you thrash my girls’ reputation!” His tone switched back to friendly as he addressed us again. “Give me five minutes and the driver will be there.”

“Can you also get him some new clothes, please. It looks like he needs a new wardrobe as well.” Bobby nodded. “Thank you, Bobby. We’ll explain as soon as we can, I promise.” Rumi hung up the phone as we waved our goodbyes in the background.

“So, that’s one thing done.” Rumi exhaled.

“Good so let’s talk about Celine, then. And your recklessness.” Mira brought up.

Oh, boy, this was going to be unpleasant.

Rumi’s patterns dimmed ever so slightly.

“Back up a bit, Celine is your adoptive mother, no?” We nodded at Jinu's question. “And Bobby’s boss?” He asked.

“One of them.” Mira answered.

“An ex demon hunter, Rumi’s mom’s friend who was also a demon hunter AND owns a part of the  company we work for.” I added.

“Talk about nepotism, your whole life is music and demons, huh?” Jinu asked, turning to Rumi who simply shrugged.

“Something like that.” she said.

“And she sounds like she has a lot of power over you, am I wrong?” Jinu asked.

“Nope, Celine is a very influential person in our lives and has probably just about enough influence over Rumi to make her life hell if she wanted to.” I ran my mouth realizing far too late that it was far too pessimistic to be useful right now.

“Zoeyyy” Mira scolded me.

“Sorry! I just..with what she said last night…I think it’s clear, she can do far more than she has so far.” I defended myself.

“What “she said last night”? What did she say?” Rumi asked, turning her gaze from me to Mira and back.

“We made a deal with her, remember? She wanted to see you in exchange for information, she gave us some useful ideas so she wanted to get her pay. But..” Mira started.

“We kind of refused to arrange any meeting with you until you were ready, so she threatened to force you to meet her. We don’t know how she will do that yet or when exactly but we do know she’ll try soon.” I finished.

Rumi sat sighing heavily as her patterns went from glowy to dimmed to dark purple, clearly a sign of her internal turmoil.

“Well, that’s lovely, though I suppose she has been patient enough.” Rumi whispered, wrapping her arms around herself as if to shield herself from the cold except it was still fairly hot inside.

I ran up to her covering her naked arms with mine with a backhug as I laid my head on her shoulder.

“It’s ok, Rumi, we'll protect you. Maybe we could go on vacation to the US and hide there? You guys could meet my dad!” I suggested.

My dad wasn’t exactly the most attentive person but then again that made it even better he could ignore us to hell and back and the girls would get to relax away from Celine and, hopefully maybe, be away from Jinu?

Rumi laughed and shook her head.

“No, it’s fine, Zo. We’ve a lot of things to fix here and unfortunately I do have things to talk to Celine, I want to know why she kept the old hunters’ hideout from us all this time. And I need to know what else she is hiding from me about the old hunter’s, about my mom.” I said.

“Your mom?” Mira asked curiously.

Rumi nodded, taking a deep breath.

“I didn’t just find how to release Jinu, I also found out my mom had met someone like him before, a good demon. Someone who was looking for redemption and wanted my mom’s help, she wrote about it in diary. I haven’t read it all. I wanted some support for that, that is if you guys don’t have plans today?” Rumi asked, her eyes almost begging like a cute kicked puppy.

“Aww, of course! I’m so down! We can stay up all night reading that diary.” I hugged her harder secretly wishing my arms could protect her from any more heartache caused by Celine and her lies.

“We can definitely do that, Rumi.” Mira said softly.

“Yeah, I can stay as well.” Jinu added.

All three of us turned our heads towards him, being reminded of his presence.

“I really appreciate that Jinu but…this is more of a…umm…a family matter?” Rumi said, visibly uncomfortable.

My heart swelled with pride at the sound of Rumi defining us as family to Jinu as opposed to calling us friends.

“I see.” Jinu said looking rather hurt.

I would feel bad if I wasn’t so happy with Rumi’s words and Jinu’s lack of participation in the next few hours of our lives.

“Look at it on the bright side, demon boy, we’ll hang around doing boring family things like checking diaries and you’ll be going to some of the best clothing stores in Seoul, so who’s really winning, eh?” Mira sounded encouraging towards Jinu but her eyes told me she was about as happy with Jinu's exclusion as I was. “And speaking of, your driver is downstairs, Bobby said he’ll meet you at the store.” She finished with her phone in her hands.

“She’s right, you know? You don’t want to know this much about me before our first date.” Aaand just like that my smile was gone. I hugged her tighter when she tried to reach for him, trapping her in a tight bear hug. “Zoeeyy!” she whined. “I’ll make it up to you, ok?” she said.

Jinu nodded hesitantly before heading for the door.

“Oh, and tell Bobby to get you a phone too! I’ll wire him the money!” Rumi yelled.

A few moments later the elevator made a sound and Jinu was gone. And so was Derpy, such a shame I wanted to give him some bellyrubs and play with that ball he so clearly stole.

“So, cuddle and read time?” I suggested finally letting go of Rumi.

“Not just yet, Zoey. I still need to know why on Earth did Rumi hid the Hunters’ hideout from us? Why didn’t you just tell us and call us, would that have been so hard?” Mira accused.

Welp, here we go again.

“I thought you forgave me last night.” Rumi replied.

“I did, I just need to make sure my family isn’t hiding more shit from me because I’ll lose my mind if I keep getting thrown secrets or lies my way.” Mira confessed.

“More?” Rumi looked my way and I panicked, shaking my head.

“She means Jinu and the hideout. I haven’t done anything!” 

Mira said she’d cover for me, she never did say Rumi wouldn’t catch on with Mira’s witty remarks.

Rumi quickly fixed her gaze back on Mira.

“I didn’t know about the Hunters’ hideout, I was looking for clues with Bobby and Derpy appeared with Sussie; they were the ones to guide me there. I swear I wasn’t lying then and I’m not lying now.” Rumi answered.

“Alright” Mira took a deep breath. “Ok, so how did they know about this place?”

“I honestly don’t know, it didn’t seem like Jinu knew anything when I released him so I don’t think he’s related but the tiger and the bird, they knew. They knew where it was and what was on there. That's why they guided me there but I don’t know how they found it.”

“Hmm…that is a demon tiger, no?” I asked.

“I would assume given how he looks.” Rumi responded.

“Well, then maybe at some point he fought our predecessors there OR maybe there’s a specific kind of energy looming in there much like the Honmon’s energy.” I suggested.

“Maybe.” Rumi replied. 

“Well, I’m happy you got what you wanted and I’m glad you made it back to us in one piece after being so reckless, again.” Mira said, relieved. “But there is one more thing about Jinu we should probably fix so you can relax and enjoy your “boyfriend” and actually focus on your mother’s diary.”

“Huh? What would that be?” Rumi asked at a loss.

“Oh, nothing major, just the small little fact that Jinu doesn’t exist, legally speaking at least. Look I know we could afford our own sugar babies but I don’t think he’ll appreciate that. Besides, he's not pretty enough or young enough to be worthy of the title or the money.” Mira explained.

“Shit! You’re right!”

“Don’t they sell like you know false ids? or something? Maybe we could get him one? I’m sure we could afford one.” I asked unsure. 

“Do you know someone who sells that?” 

I shook my head at Rumi’s question.

“You can’t get something like that yourself either, guys. Those things are usually sold by sketchy assholes and worse if they’re real ids from real people.” Mira explained.

“Wait, do YOU know where to buy this?!” I asked both worried and impressed at Mira’s network.

Rumi looked at her, her eyes mirroring my worry.

“I don’t, but I know someone who could get one for us, unfortunately they never charge me money for a favor. Fortunately I know they’ll agree.” Mira rubbed her forehead stressed.

A knot formed in my belly at the ominous phrasing.

“What would it take, then? Who are they?” Rumi asked.

“My parents.” Mira said simply but the weight of those two words hung heavy between us.

“No way.” I said in disbelief. 

“Yes, way. The old man trades in more favors than cash and my mother makes it her business to know what everyone else;s business is. If someone could help us get Jinu to “exist” without any issues that’ll be them.” Mira finished explaining.

“Mira, you don’t have to do it if you don’t want to. We could always find another way, somehow.” Rumi suggested clearly with no alternative choice on hand.

“Relax Rumi, my parents are cold bastards but I can manage them. I already did in fact, after my shower I was thinking about how to help you with Jinu or Celine and I thought this was the one thing I could do for you.” Rumi’s smile went from ear to ear.

I guess whatever happened between her and Jinu earlier today got her to readjust her attitude if only a little, I should ask her about it at some point.  

“It won’t be free, however.” Mira continued.

“You name it and it’s yours!” Rumi replied confidently.

Mira smirked deviously.

“You should be very careful when claiming that, Ru. I just might take you up on it.” Her low teasing voice came out making the hairs on the back of my neck stand as heat spread through my face and that wasn’t even directed to me!

I wasn’t the only one to react either, because I could see Rumi’s ears turning bright red at the teasing tone of our pink goddess-like friend.

It was weird truth be told I don’t think I had ever seen Rumi red at something Mira said but I supposed these were really strange times.

Mira laughed and it sounded so lovely, and free, that I almost felt sorry most people didn’t get to see or hear her like this, relaxed, unrestrained, playful. 

“Relax, guys. I won’t ask you anything weird, Rumi but I do need chaperones. You see, my mother's condition to help me is that I go to this upcoming party to celebrate the company’s anniversary since my brother is too busy with his exams abroad to come back in time. So, I agreed but I told her I wouldn’t go without my girls and she said you can bring Jinu as well if you want, Rumi.” 

“Really? Well, that doesn’t sound too bad for this favor.” Rumi breathed out relieved.

“That’s true with the way you talk about them. I would have sworn their deals involved blood or your first born.” I joked.

“I wouldn’t relax so much if I were you, that was my MOTHER’s condition but my dad’s…Well, I don’t know what he’ll want just yet.” Mira admitted.

“Wait two favors for one? That sounds a bit unfair.” Rumi added.

“That’s not one favor Rumi. Sorting through their network to find me someone useful and telling me their name is one favor, actually getting what I need from them will cost me another. That’s how things work with my parents. “Information has it’s own price, occasionally bigger than what it could make for you” as my mom would put it. And “Not being a man of action is expensive” as my dad would say. Take your pick, either way everything has a price, at least with them.” Mira finished shrugging as if it was just a fact.

Rumi and I looked at each other uncomfortably, we had never seen her need something from her parents and she didn’t like to talk about them much either but we did remember our trainee days the way Mira would always push herself to be the best in every dance, every singing class, and even when we got weighted. I remember how she used to act as if failure wasn’t an option for her, as if there was nothing else for her if she failed. I also remember our breaks, the way Rumi and I would jump up and down excited and Mira would stiffen at the mention of her parents. Her parents were strict, there was no doubt in that, but we also never got to see just how strict or even how their strict behaviour shaped Mira. 

We knew who Mira was and who she had become, but we only knew that since our trainee days, who Mira before that, when all she had was her parents, well, that was a mystery and one I didn’t think I would like to unravel.

“So when is this party? What should we wear?” Rumi tried to change the subject.

“As formal as humanly possible, please. No, suits, my parents are a bit…traditional. And Jinu better get himself fitted in a suit because my parents will throw him out if he looks slightly out of place. I only got him invited because he’s your boyfriend.”

“Aww, Mira. That’s really sweet.” Rumi got up and hugged Mira tightly. “Thank you.”

“Don’t thank me just yet. You still have to meet my parents. And speaking of, the party is in two weeks so we have time but please make sure you’re ready. I’m gonna need you guys to do this.” Mira looked stressed and tired just talking about her parents and it was starting to worry me as well.

“Anything we should know? To get along with them better?” I asked.

Mira smiled.

“It’s ok, Zo. They won’t be watching you or Rumi. Those two will have their eyes on me the whole time. I just need you guys there.” 

“Ok then, let us know if you need anything, we’ll help no matter what.” Rumi offered, still clinging to her .

Mira nodded, still smiling.

 “So, are we ready for cuddles and reading time?” I asked. “I could order some pizza for later.” I offered.”

Mira and Rumi looked at each other before they started to chant.

“Pizza! Pizza! Pizza!” on their way to the couch.

I looked forward to our cuddle/reading but I had a feeling we wouldn’t finish it in a day. Especially if Rumi wanted to take a look at the other hunters’ manuscripts and drawings. That was fine by me however, I could spend my life cuddling with my girls reading dead people’s memoirs and I’ll still be the happiest girl on Earth. It made me happy.

They made me happy by just being near me.

Chapter Text

                                                            To-do list and first dates

                                                                         Rumi

Whoever thought reading dead people’s diaries, shopping for formal clothes for a particularly pretentious party, and looking over apartments for your ex-demon boyfriend all at the same time was easy had absolutely no idea what they were saying. And I know that, because I’m the idiot that said it and the one that thought we should go to the hunters’ hideout to get us back in touch with our hunters’ origins and hopefully find something useful only to come back not just empty handed but with a new mission.

“There’s definitely nothing else here besides dust, Rumi. And those rusty weapons you talked about.” Mira had said deep into the night of our day searching the temple.

“It’s kind of sad, actually. I mean this was a meaningful place for just about every other hunter besides us. Including Celine and your mom, Rumi.” Zoey had said as she arranged the rusted weapons on the old table that creaked under the weight. “Why don’t we fix it? It’s ours now, isn’t it? It’s our turn to take care of it.” Zoey had suggested.

We had agreed to do it but so far all that had come from that was a ton more stress for me and a new remodeling obsession for Zoey who had taken to overlooking design choices for the temple most of which were mostly turned down by Mira who was making sure Zoey wouldn’t turn our hideout into a luxurious pet sanctuary for sea and land animals.

Apartment hunting hadn’t helped with my stress or lack of spare time either as it turned out living in one of the most expensive areas of the country spoiled us for choice, in fact made me sick with it. It started out fairly normal with a great location, clean studio and nice amenities for Jinu, that was until I realized half our company’s executives lived there and there would be no way they wouldn’t recognize me or the girls when we went over. If being found by the fans was bad, being found by our companies higher ups just might actually end our careers. Thankful Bobby had realized as much.

“I’m so sorry, guys!” he bowed down. “I didn’t know! I swear I got a recommendation that this was private and quiet! I didn’t think Mr. Kim and his family lived here!” he apologized.

“It 's ok, Bobby. We’ll just keep looking.” Mira had comforted him.

“Excuse my ignorance but I thought you said women were fully free in the 21st century, Rumi. Why does it matter if you're dating me?” Jinu had asked, curious but also obviously annoyed at the prospect of hiding.

Bobby eyed him with suspicion before shaking his head.

I nodded.

“I said that and it’s mostly true at least in this country. The thing is we are idols and if you had been one for just a little longer you’d know, fans don’t like idols dating and they bring in the money so executives play along.” I explained.

“Obsessive fans and the sasaeng, you mean.” Mira added.

“What’s the difference?” Jinu asked.

“Well, sasaeng and the other obsessive ones, they think we kind of “belong” to them.” Zoey explained. “As in “will you marry me?” but like with a knife pointed at your back while they whisper they’ll kill you if you say no. Although the normal obsessed ones will just burn our albums and stop supporting us.” she added.

“Which is still bad because we need their energy for the Honmon AND we get paid based on how many people we bring in for our concerts, shows and even the fanmeets." Mira finished explaining.

“And being a demon hunter doesn’t pay bills, so we kind of need the money as well.”

“Got it. So we can’t be seen together right? As in, people can’t find out we’re dating, right?” Jinu asked.

I went speechless. I wanted to say we could tell everyone if only because he sounded uncomfortable with hiding but the reality was that; one what the girls had just said was still very much true even if unfortunate and two I wasn’t ready to have more people know about this, not yet. It had been hard enough to tell Bobby and I only just managed because I couldn’t just throw Jinu his way without explaining why we were helping him. He had freaked out but not for the dating part, after all it wasn’t the first time he’d covered for one of us, but because he was a Saja Boy and much like the girls he didn't trust him even if he didn’t know the full truth.

Although,  if he did he would have never let him into his apartment, nevermind helped us get him one, of that I was sure.

“At least for now. Please, I can only handle so many things at once and a scandal is not something I can deal with right now.” I finally said.

Thankfully, Jinu simply nodded not a hint of sadness nor anger in his eyes, just acceptance.

“So, onto the next apartment then?” Bobby asked.

“”Yes, please!” The girls and I answered.

We didn’t find the apartment that day or that week. Unfortunately, living in one of the most expensive neighborhoods also meant most buildings were full with wealthy people with influence, more particularly the kind of people that would know exactly who we were if we ever went to visit and the kind of people that would know how to make it a scandal without leaving a trace, if they wanted to.

“Sorry, we couldn’t find it today either but not to worry. I already have my agent looking at a couple more buildings and specifically requested there need to be no high influence people, just rich nobodies, and high privacy. Might not be as luxurious as what we saw this week though.” Bobby had said at the end of the day.

“It’s fine with me. I’m thankful you guys will go this far for me but I said I was fine staying at the temple.” Jinu said.

“Temple?” Bobby whispered.

“Oh, yeah. We have one now.” Zoey answered.

“Look no offense, dude, but having you in the temple feels awfully disrespectful to the past owners of it and the three of us agree on that, besides being incredibly inconvenient for us since it’s so far.” Mira explained patiently to my surprise.

Jinu looked my way for confirmation and I simply nodded, I wouldn’t lie. And I wouldn’t disrespect my elder hunters, mother, and Celine, even if we weren’t talking right now. That was a sacred place for hunters once and I wouldn’t bring an ex-demon to it, not on purpose at least even if he was my boyfriend. And even If I sounded like a hypocrite given I was a demon as well.

“Alright.” 

“Thank you for understanding.” I said.

“Yeah…thanks for cooperating with us so far.” Mira said with no bite behind her words.

Jinu nodded but averted his gaze.

It was sweet of Mira but also weird, very weird.

Not that I wasn’t thankful Mira was seemingly acting calm around Jinu these past few days but the fact she hadn’t blown up about everything Jinu did to me was starting to freak me out. I forgave him but I knew she hadn’t. The thing is, over these past few days I had noticed Jinu clearly avoiding her whenever we ate together. I mean I wouldn’t expect them to be friends right away but, there was something different in the way he treated Zoey and Mira. He seemed to want to be closer to Zoey and I had caught him talking to her on separate occasions but with Mira he seemed to keep his distance and I had a feeling it wasn’t due to my initial warning.

And so apartment hunting ended for the week with yet another item on the to-do list; figure out what Mira told Jinu to get him to avoid her.

All throughout most of that week we were busy with apartment hunting, hideout adventures, and Jinu’s readjustment to the 21st century and yet somehow the girls and I had found energy to read almost every night. Observing and going over the manuscripts, drawings. Initially I was planning on focusing on my mother’s diary but then Zoey had pulled the drawing that I used to save Jinu right as we began our first actual reading night.

“Isn’t this your sword, Ru?” Zoey had asked, pulling the drawing closer as she leaned on my shoulder.

“Yeah, that’s the hunters’ code, it’s what helped me get Jinu out of the sword.” I replied pointing at the four points individually.

“Four codes?” Mira's low voice softly asked in my ear.

I felt a shiver going down my spine. Damn it, Mira! You can’t just do that! Anybody with a pulse and blood in their veins could get a heart attack!

“Uh..yes, it seems like Celine didn’t give us the lessons she should have been. Not entirely at least.” I answered, angling my neck so that Mira wouldn’t talk to my ear.

“Selfless, determined, loving and sacrificial. I can see most of those applying to what you did with the sword but love? Do you…love him?” Zoey asked, sounding..hurt?

I was sure she sounded hurt but for the life of me I couldn’t think why she would be.

“I don’t know..?” I answered sincerely.

“What do you mean you don’t know?” Mira asked, leaning forward enough to catch my eyes, letting the light bounce off her round glasses. “You freed him with the Hunter’s code so you must have been clear in intention and pure with it according to Celine.”

Mira also sounded off. I couldn’t quite say if hurt was the right word but she certainly didn’t sound happy at the idea of me being in love with Jinu. Couldn’t say I didn’t understand that one, though. 

That is if she was still angry with Jinu, and she likely still was.

“Look all I know is. I thought I had an idea, one that could have gone very wrong and I gave my last words out loud just in case.” I shrugged my shoulders.

Zoey and Mira frowned at the response.

“What were they? May we know?” Zoey asked.

“I said Jinu had been the first one to accept me, the demon me, the real Rumi and I..” Welp, this feels embarrassing. I took a deep breath. “I asked Derpy to take my body to you guys just in case and that I loved you both.” I felt a blush creeping up my neck as my eyes found the floor to avoid my friends’ eyes.

I said I loved you many, many times to the girls but within the context of thinking I might die it felt intimate, private, and just more heavy than the I love you’s I had said before.

I felt myself sandwiched between two pairs of arms.

“Aww, Rumi. That’s so sweet!” Zoey as she hugged my core rubbing her head on my shoulder like a cat.

I wanted to pet her head, badly but the embarrassment had left me unable to move.

“So sweet! Almost give me diabetes right there!” Mira agreed, squeezing my shoulders as she placed her head on top of mine.

“Yeah, well, I do. I love you guys.” I said forcing myself to let go of my embarrassment if only to confirm how much they meant to me.

“We love you too, Rumi. A lot.” Zoey whispered, hiding her face from me as a blush took over face to the tip of her ears.

Why was she being so cute for?! It isn’t like her to get shy over affection, but I’ll be lying if I said it didn’t make it extra special to hear her say that like this.

“We do, Ru. So much.” Mira echoed, her voice low and yet almost choked as if she wanted to cry.

And now I wanted to cry as well.

“You guys better let me go, or you’ll make me cry.” I said hearing my own voice crack by the end of the sentence.

“Now, I want to cry as well.” Zoey’s voice came out small and broken.

“Ok, Zoey let go or we won’t finish a single manuscript tonight.” Mira said, taking a deep breath quickly, cleaning her eyes with her sleeve.

“Alright but…” Zoey sniffled, wiping her tears away. “..can we sleep together today? I..I’d like to hug you guys just a little longer today.” Zoey asked with her puppy eyes.

What wouldn’t I do to not see my cute maknae cry ever again.

I wiped her tears with my thumb as I held her face with my other hand.

“Sure thing, Zoey.” I said with a smile.

Mira cleared her throat, calling our attention.

“Well, I’m going to kill you Rumi.” Mira said, pushing a manuscript with older korean on my face.

“Huh, what’s this?” I asked, taking the manuscript I didn’t understand.

“Don’t know your mother tongue?” Mira asked, teasing.

“I do, but Mira this is old Korean. The grammar is very different and I don’t think I’ve ever seen these words.” I signaled a couple of old words I had never seen.

Zoey peeked.

“Can you understand this, Mira? It looks like gibberish to me.” Zoey claimed.

“You guys seriously don’t understand it?” Mira asked with genuine confusion.

“No? Why would we? This has to be at least over a hundred years old!”

“Well I guess that makes sense, my parents made me learn to read it, my mother said that if you wanted to know something from someone you need to know their language and she made me read old korean to practice understanding versions of it, she also would take me to different regions so I could understand different dialects.” Mira explained taking the manuscript back.

“And you speak what? Four languages?” I added.

We knew Mira’s parents were strict but ever since Mira made the deal with them we had been getting more on them than we did in a decade together. It was fascinating but also daunting.

“Three actually. My broken French doesn’t count."  She said, reading the manuscript.

“I’ll count it!” Zoey disagreed. “Hell, I can barely do Korean and English and it’s my PARENTS’ native languages!” 

“I’m with Zoey, that’s impressive. Even if your parents don’t think so.” 

Mira smiled.

“Thanks, but the woman speaks five languages fluently and two broken ones. I’ve known for a long time I wasn’t going to beat her at that, so let’s get back to reading, yeah?” Mira’s voice sounded defeated but also sad, very sad.

I placed my arm around her shoulder pulling her closer.

“You want to read it for us, Mi?” I asked, allowing her to change the subject.

She leaned her head against my shoulder as she read.

“The hunter’s code is only as useful when defending against demons as the hunter that makes use of it. As with any other skill it must be trained, refined and so that when the time comes, it protects and serves us and not our enemies. To learn to channel the code to pull on the Honmon in cases where our regular weapons fail can take weeks, months or even years but it is possible so  be patient. Patience may not be one of our principles nor part of the code but it will be your greatest ally.” 

“There’s a part at the bottom with ideas to channel the right mindset and intentions to be able to change your weapons size or even the type of weapon it is.” Mira finished. 

“Soo Rumi almost killed herself for no reason, right?” Zoey quickly said in a mix of disappointment and what I could only describe as fear.

Great, Zoey’s disappointed in me for my recklessness and afraid I might kill myself for it. Isn’t that wonderful?

Fuck’s sake I really have to make it up to them, somehow.

“It’ll seem our dear leader only needed a little bit of patience and meditation to rescue her boyfriend, and not a fucking sword to the chest. Who would’ve known?” Mira said ironically.

I shrinked between them.

“I couldn’t read it, ok?!” I defended myself.

“I know, but the internet can and so could I. Look, I’m not coming back to that topic again. Both me and Zoey made our stance more than clear but I’m just saying that it proves our point. You have to be a little more patient in the future and involve us more when you don’t know what to do. We're a team, we might have been together for years now but we can still surprise you, you know? I mean, I did just a minute ago.” Mira said calmly.

I sighed.

“Yeah I know. I promised I’ll do better, and I intend on keeping that promise.” I reassured her. 

“You better.” Zoey remarked.

“Shall we keep going?” I asked.

Mira hummed in agreement, pulling the next scroll.

Most of the other nights were fairly uneventful retellings of the Demon Hunter’s beginnings, some of their battles and even some stories of their bonding as a team, my mom’s diary had mostly been forgotten besides the two entries I had read and shared with the girls of course. It hadn’t been intentional but everytime we had our reading time Mira would start reading the old manuscripts out loud or Zoey’s eye would get caught by some drawing of the old hunters sidetracking the reading in favor of making up stories about our predecessors. 

“Not many useful things from the old ladies, mostly exercises and recommendations against demons, huh?” Mira huffed, throwing the manuscript she was holding in the pile.

“Most of which we already knew as well, I’m a bit disappointed they didn’t pack this up with juicy stories about themselves and their adventures.” Zoey whined. 

“This was for future generations, Zoey. Not a collection of their romance stories or the smut you like to read.” I said organizing the drawing I held into the “read” pile.

“Oh, c’mon! There have been a couple hundred demon hunters, and not one of them fell for their best friend/co-worker? Just business, all the time? I call bullshit. They could not have been that boring.” Zoey claimed laying back on the couch’s arm placing her legs on my and Mira’s lap.

I arched my eyebrow.

“Something to confess, Zo?” I teased. “Cause it sounded a bit specific.”

Mira chuckled beside me.

Zoey went bright red quickly propping herself up with her elbows.

“I don’t mean it like that! I just..your mom couldn’t have been the only with an impossible love…It would be nice to know about the other hunters’ personal lives. If only a little bit.” Zoey spoke quickly, her eyes wandering from mine to the floor to Mira visibly embarrassed.

She was so cute when she got this shy. I sort of wondered why she was shy, though. 

“Hmm, I get that actually. I would like to know what kind of people they were, it’ll be cool to know we’re not the only ones that got along and spent our time together just because we want to, or if there were hunters that hated each other’s guts but dealt with it for the sake of the world. It’ll be nice to know more.” Mira agreed.

“I agree, they likely weren’t perfect but their stories must have been nice.” I added. “Well, at least we have my mom’s diary, it’s not much but it’s one hunter besides Celine who can tell us more about themselves.” 

“Celine shouldn’t even be counted, dude. The woman is a robot; she never even told us anything about herself or the Sunlight sisters. And she spent years with them!” 

“Mira’s right, as far as stories go, I wouldn’t say we know Celine’s. Do you?” Zoey asked relaxing back into the couch, her face still red from the earlier shyness.

Come to think of it, I didn’t think I did either. I had definitely spent a lot more time with Celine than the girls had and yet I knew few things more than they did. And I could probably count them if I tried; I knew Celine loved chess because she taught me to play, she loved gardening for some reason she never told me and got sentimental and evasive when I asked why she liked it, I knew she promised my mother to take of me until her last breath, and that she loved her a lot because every time she spoke of her, her eyes mistied and her voice choked at the memory. But that was it. Maybe a few little details here and there but nothing of substance, nothing that felt REAL.

Everything I knew of Celine could be found out if you just lived with her long enough, and I knew it. Celine was always tight lipped about herself, about my mother, about the Sunlight Sisters, I knew little more than superficial facts even if it hurts to admit.

“I don’t think so. She mostly would avoid my personal questions and always had me running around on training, drills and just about anything she thought would make me a good hunter or singer. I barely had time to do more than superficial questions.” A wave of sadness came over at the remainder I didn't actually know the person I saw as a mother all these years. “I can’t say I know her much better than you guys.” 

“Well, that’s her fault, Ru. You were just a kid.” Mira comforted me.

“Yeah…I know. It still makes me sad that she always seemed to make an effort to keep this..space between us, you know? Maybe she thought as a demon I was too dangerous to fully let her guard down.” Looking up to find my reflection I found myself covered in my, at the moment, dark purple patterns with my eye glowing bright yellow as my friends wrapped their arms around protectively.

“You’re not, you’re our safe space, Rumi.” Zoey whispered.

Mira hummed in agreement.

“Don’t let her spoil your mood, you said you would tell us about your first date with Jinu. So, why don’t tell us now, hm?” Mira encouraged the topic change.

Ah, right, my date with Jinu, that’s true. That’s tomorrow!

“Well, I was thinking it’s been a while since he has been human, and since he never got to be a child because of poverty I thought of taking him to our favorite arcade, and then some street food. What do you guys think?” 

“You’re taking him to our spot?” Zoey asked quietly.

“Uh, well, yeah I thought it’ll be fun, why? Does it sound like a bad idea?!” I asked anxiously, it had been a while since my last date I didn’t want to screw it up.

“I think what Zoey means is that Jinu can barely manage his phone so how would he play in the arcade?” Mira jumped in.

“Yeah! That’s what I meant!” Zoey said averting her eyes.

“That’s part of the fun, no? I can teach him and after that we can grab some food on the street.” 

“Sounds very cute, I think it’ll go great.” Mira said encouragingly but her smile didn’t reach her eyes.

“Yeah, he… he’ll have to be stupid to not like it.” Zoey agreed absently.

I don’t like this, everytime I bring Jinu up they both act like this, I know they don’t like or trust him but it’s driving me crazy.

“So..will you show us the outfit?” Mira asked.

“Oh, yeah! I need some feedback.” I pulled out my phone to show them a bright yellow hoodie and grey sweatpants. “Too casual?” 

“Not for an arcade…but wait is that..Zoey’s hoodie?” Mira asked, pointing at what was indeed Zoey’s yellow hoodie on my body.

“Maybe..” I answered.

“Aww is like you’re taking me to your first date with Jinu.” Zoey thought about it for a second and made a face. “Ugh, nevermind that sounds hella weird.”

We laughed.

“If you’re going with sweatpants, are you planning to challenge him to DDR?” Mira asked.

“Of course! What kind of arcade trip is it without DDR?!” I looked at them expectantly. “Thoughts?”

Mira did that kind of low laugh that drove our fans insane, the same one she did whenever Zoey was being particularly cute and the first time probably ever I felt like I understood why people went crazy for this.

I shook my head. 

I must be losing it.

“It sounds very fun, Rumi.” Mira said genuinely.

“Shame you won’t do it with us, though.” Zoey murmured, realizing just a second later what she had said. “Sorry. I kind of do mean it though. It’s been a while since we’ve done something like that.”

“True, let’s do it after the party we should be a lot more free then.” I suggested.

Zoey hummed looking out the window.

“How about we go to bed, then? I’m kind of tired after all this reading.” Mira suggested.

“Come with me, Zo?” 

“Nah, I kind of want to be alone, right now. I feel a little tired.” She said getting up from the couch. “Night, girls.” I heard her whisper as she headed for her room.

“Is she ok?” I asked my pink haired friend who was looking over Zoey with as much concern as I felt at the time.

“I hope so.” Mira answered quietly.

I really hoped so too.

The next day flew by. One second it was breakfast and the next I was wearing Zoey’s hoodie with my grey sweatpants ready to go on my date. 

“Someone looks ready to have fun! You look great, Rumi! Very cute!” Zoey praised me as she looked me over from the dining table. “My clothes suit you a lot! You should wear them more often. Ohh, you’ll look super hot on my green top, the one with no sleeves that’s a little revealing, what’d you think, Mira?” 

A little? That top barely covered Zoey’s chest, there’s no way! 

Mira nodded.

“Super hot, or maybe my white loose sleeveless shirts? You have a lot more muscle than me, bet the fans would drool over some photos like that!” 

“Hell, I’d drool over some photos like that, please Rumi? We don’t have to post them.” Zoey begged.

I blushed at the idea of Zoey drooling over pictures of me. It felt weird to hear she'd like to see me like that, that much not gross weird though but rather butterflies in my stomach weird.

 Wait, what?

 Okaaay, I might need to spend some time apart from the girls cause lately my thoughts are really, really weird.

“Maybe for your birthday, Zo. I have to go now.” I speed walked towards the elevator.

“I’ll hold you to that!” I heard Zoey yell from the dining room.

“Tell him I’ll kill him if he tries something!” Mira yelled right after.

 A little later I was standing at the front of our building waiting for Jinu to arrive.

“And here I thought we were supposed to be hiding from your crazy fans.” Jinu joked as he walked toward me. “You might be hard to miss with that hoodie.”

Jinu looked nice, a simple white t-shirt with a black jacket, jeans and a cap with shades. I guess, Bobby must have helped him dress for the date, I can imagine him yelling he won’t let him cause any problems with the press for me.

“Well, I shouldn’t be easy to miss for my boyfriend, should I?” I replied, holding my hand out for him to grab.

“It’ll be difficult to not see you when my eyes keep wandering to you.” He responded, taking my hand.

“Aww, so you can be cheesy.” I teased.

“Given the right motivation.” He said nonchalantly. “So, where are we going?”

“You’ll see.” 

A few minutes later we found ourselves in front of my favorite arcade.

“Ta-da! Welcome to my favorite arcane room.” I let go of his hand excitedly pointing at the arcade with both my hands.

“Why so many neon lights?” He covered his eyes over the shades.

“It’s a game room, lots of old school and new games to try! And I can teach you to play them all.”

Jinu smiled, taking one of my hands.

“Alright, show me, then.”

I smiled wide, taking him straight to Mira’s favorite shooter.

“Here, you’ll love this! Mira had the highest score here during trainee days, you should see her go at it, she totally gets in the Zone and she looks so cool while doing it.” I passed my card and handed Jinu one of the toy guns. “Just point and press here when you see a monster.” 

“Mira was one of the best at this, you say? Alright, I bet I can do better.”

“Ha! you’re lucky she’s not here to put you in your place. But don’t worry, I’m not an easy match either.” 

Once the third round wrapped up it was clear he was no better than Mira at the game and not even better than me either as I got a better score at the game than him.

“It was my first game, that’s all.” he claimed as moved on to the second game of the evening.

“Whatever you say, Jinu.” I laughed.

“Hey, can I ask you something?” He stopped me before the second game.

“Sure, what’s up?” I asked, turning to look at him in the eyes.

“I was just wondering, whenever we get whatever it is that Mira’s parents will get so I can “exist” in the country, do you think I could ask Celine to help me into your company?” He asked. “I don’t want to depend on you but I also would like to continue being a musician and if it is anything like it was back in my day I’ll need help and I'd rather not sell my soul for that ever again. At least not literally. I understand if it’s a lot to ask but if it’s just talking to your adoptive mother maybe you could help?”

Celine? Help a demon? The idea was insane. But then again he wasn’t a demon anymore. He was a human, my boyfriend as well. So maybe she’ll be willing, that is if I asked her to. Fuck. I’m gonna have to ask for help from Celine.

I must really owe some Karma if the universe keeps pushing me back to Celine.

“Sure I’ll do it as soon as we’re done with Mira’s parents.” I promised. “Now let’s go on to the next game.”

“Sure thing, this will be my game for sure.” he assured me with a smile.

“Don’t think so, this is Zoey’s game.” I showed him the arcade machine showing Fighters and the display showing two characters beating each other up as the intro played.

“A fighting game? Count me in!” he said confidently.

About an hour later Jinu screamed in frustration as he lost for what felt like the hundredth time.

“Yes! And that’s what you get for being cocky!” I celebrated. “You were so excited too, maybe Zoey could teach you her tricks, I swear I never seen anyone memorise combos like her, she’ll be a great teacher.” 

“Well, at least she’ll agree to hang out with me.” He whined.

And that’s my chance to ask about Mira.

“Has Mira done anything or said anything to you? I’ve noticed you two seem to avoid the hell out of each other.” 

“Oh, no, well..” he scratched his head, clearly uncomfortable.

“I won’t tell her you told me, if you don’t want me to. I know she can be harsh from time to time.”

Jinu sighed.

“Just don’t tell her I told you, ok? She hates me enough as is.” I nodded. “Mira confronted me about what I did back at the idol awards and we had a fight. That 's it.”

I could tell there was more to it but I decided against asking.

“I’m sorry, Jinu. I did expect her to say something at some point, I just didn’t think she'd do that while I was gone.” 

“Well, honestly it was my fault I woke them up accidentally. When she found me she was already mad.” 

“Still, I can ask her to be a little nicer if..” 

Jinu interrupted me.

“Please don’t, she hates me enough, can’t say I blame her either. I was…an ass.” he admitted.

“Jinu, I forgave you. Regardless of how the girls feel about it, this is my choice, and only mine. And I choose to forgive you.” I said, taking my hand to his cheek while holding his gaze.

Jinu leaned down and for a moment our lips touched. It was sweet and far nicer than our first one was, so I leaned into it. 

Once he pulled back though, it sort of hit me again, the feeling that something was…off. Not that I didn’t like Jinu but something didn’t feel quite right. But once again I couldn’t tell what it was, so I shoved the feeling back down.

“Everything, ok?” Jinu asked, letting me know my face had the subtitles on.

I shook my head and took his hand smiling.

“Nope, everything’s perfect.” 

His smile came back.

“Any other game you want to show me?”

“Just one more but first. Let’s get dinner, I’m starving!” 

“Sure thing, I’m dying to see where you’ll take us.”

Chapter Text

                                                                        Club Night

                                                                            Mira

“So, are we rotting away on the couch, today?” I asked stealing popcorn from Zoey’s plate.

“That’s the plan.” Zoey answered with her eyes locked on her documentary of seahorses as she caressed Derpy’s blue fur. I could tell she was not really paying attention though, more like dissociating with background noise.

“You know, I’m down for a couch night but don’t you want to…I don’t know…go outside? I don’t think it’ll do you well to sit here in misery all night. We don’t even have to do anything, maybe just dinner somewhere else?” I suggested. 

I knew, she wasn’t copping with Jinu and Rumi’s date very well, that much had been apparent the second the queen of cuddles had rejected my offer to cuddle last night and I didn’t want to ignore her feeling this down, I knew from my own experience that never lead to anything good.

And if it took me years of wallowing in self pity, alcohol, and occasional meaningless company to be semi-normal about their dating life I didn’t expect Zoey to be fine after one week of seeing Rumi with Jinu. 

“Who’s in misery? I’m fine, why wouldn’t I be fine? My best friend is on a date with a guy she likes very much and could actually have a real relationship with her. Unlike that asshole she dated a few years ago.” She took a deep breath. “I’m perfectly happy with this, thank you very much!” she shoved a handful of popcorn into her mouth.

I arched an eyebrow, her denial was cute but it didn’t make it good for her.

“Ok, so you’re not in love with Rumi anymore?” I played along.

Zoey nodded while humming with her mouth still full.

“So, it doesn’t hurt that she's on a date with “Mr. Nice Demon”, right?”

She nodded again, chewing.

Not going to admit it? Alright, I’ll have to hurt us both then.

“Or that they’ll probably have kissed multiple times by the end of their date?” 

Zoey stopped chewing and swallowed hard, biting her lip.

“Or that she might not come home tonight because she’ll be..?”

“Ok, enough!” Zoey yelled, startling Derpy awake who jumped off the couch walking towards Zoey’s room with Susie flying closely behind. “I got it, ok?! I’m hurt, alright?! You win! It’s painful as hell to think about and I want to be happy for her, I do but…” Her eyes misted.

Honesty, at last.

I placed my hand on her cheek making her fully turn to me and gave her my most comforting smile.

“But you wish it was you.” I finished the sentence for her.

Zoey nodded, allowing her head to fall on my shoulder.

“I don’t like feeling like this.” She sobbed. “I feel selfish, and greedy for wanting more…and…and so stupid for letting myself fall like this after this long of a friendship. You get it?” She sobbed harder, hanging onto my shoulders for support, almost straddling me.

Oh, Zoey, I get it a lot more than you think. In fact, the only reason I’m not having your breakdown right now it’s because I already did, a long time ago and with someone else. Someone who wasn’t very good for me.

“You aren’t any of those things, Zoey. You fell in love with someone who can’t love you back, that wasn’t your fault. Fate is just one hell of a bitch.” I patted her head, holding her close while she calmed down. 

“Mira..I…I’ve been hiding…” her voice got choked up and she returned her head back to my shoulder.

“Shhh, it’s ok, I know why you’ve been hiding your feelings for her, I understand.” Hell, if I didn’t. “I don’t think less of you for it, I love you all the same.”

Zoey shook her head denying.

“You shouldn’t…I’m a fucking coward.” she whispered.

If anyone was a coward in this house that was me, Zoey, holding you in my arms everytime you want comfort but never telling you how much I crave to be with you, to hold you without restrain, without fear you might catch on and recoil in discomfort or even worse…disgust. Every day for the past few years I’ve gotten to snuggle Rumi, to hold her close, to share most of my worries and insecurities and much like I did with you I said nothing. Except, unlike you I never even had the courage to allow myself to be comforted by you, or Rumi, or anyone who actually cared how I felt. No, I threw myself into men, women and just about anyone who’ll shut my brain down if just for a couple of hours.

“Zoey, you aren’t a coward.” I placed my hand under her chin, lifting her head, forcing her to meet my eyes. “To me you are the bravest one out of us three, you know why? Because you confront your feelings.” 

Zoey scoffed.

“I only did because you pressured me.”

I shook my head.

“I blow up when pressured, and so does Rumi, you have seen it. You? You break down, your feelings come rushing to the surface quickly because they're barely hidden.” I caressed her cheek with affection. “You wear your heart on your sleeve in a way Rumi and I could never, and you want to know why? It’s because you are the bravest member of Huntrix.”

I could see stars in Zoey’s eyes but I wasn’t quite sure if it was a reflection or my crazy mind playing with me. I was, however, sure of the distance, how close we were and how much closer Zoey was getting to me. Like she wanted to…

I moved my face to the side effectively shutting down whatever it was Zoey was trying to do.

Maybe I was an idiot for turning down what I’ve been wishing for all these years, but no. She likes Rumi, not me, and I wouldn’t send her down the same destructive path Jia sent on me all those years ago.

I cleared my throat.

“You want to come get some dinner with me? It’ll…it’ll do you..ahem…well to go out for a little while.” I asked, avoiding her eyes as much as possible, unfortunately her voice still carried her disappointment and hurt.

“Uh..yeah, sure. Let’s go.”

Half an hour later we found ourselves walking the night streets of Seoul while we looked for something to eat.

“You sure you’re not cold?” I asked, looking for the tenth time at Zoey’s small white skirt and short sleeve, off-shoulder black shirt with her wavy hair loose around her shoulders. 

“Very sure, does it not look good? You’ve asked me that three times already.” Zoey asked, pulling on her green purse nervously.

Good? I was speechless when she came out of her room and I almost choked on air while trying to speak. No, she was beautiful but that was the problem. She was way too pretty like this and with the moment we shared back home I was having a harder time keeping myself from saying too much.

“No! Not at all, you look beautiful. Just… worried you’ll catch a cold.” I lied.

Zoey relaxed, giving me a smile.

“Well, I’m worried you’ll overheat. Why are you dressed like that? Isn’t it too formal for a regular dinner?” She asked, signaling my outfit which was in fact a formal black suit with the top of my white shirt unbuttoned and my hair fixed into a single ponytail with my glasses on.

“I’ll be fine, I just felt like wearing my suit. It's been a while since I wore it.” That was a lie and I was in fact hot inside this thing but I decided to go with it because I wanted to shut down whatever the hell had happened back on the couch for good. I figured more clothes on and less skin shown would mean less temptation for both of us. Shame she went the opposite route by choosing a sexy outfit.

“You look like my bodyguard.” She teased.

“The best one you’ll ever have.” I responded confidently.

Zoey laughed.

“And the hottest one.” She whispered low enough I was sure I wasn’t meant to hear it. So I pretended not to.

“How about there? I’m hungry.” Zoey asked, pointing to a ramen restaurant.

“Ramen? Sure, but we’ll have to bring Rumi something or she’ll be mad.” 

“Right, I don’t want her pouting and complaining all week.” 

A while later we were done with two very good plates of ramen while we drank and talked about random stuff.

“Just like a cat I’m telling you I just moved an inch and he got pissed off, I woke him up and left!” Zoey explained in disbelief.

“Where to? Rumi’s?” I asked, sipping my beer.

“I don’t know, he teleported to god knows..” Zoey stopped midway noticing a young woman standing beside our table. 

I turned my head following Zoey’s eyes.

“It is, you! I saw you from the outside of the restaurant, Mira. I thought I’ll say hi, I haven’t seen you in forever.” Jess, one of my clubbing “friends”. 

“Hey, uh… yeah I’ve.. been kind of busy lately.”

“Still, you’re so mean! A text would have been nice, you know I never ask for much.” She leaned on the table enough to whisper in my ear, her voice low and raspy. “Besides, we always have a good time when we hang out, no?” She asked suggestively.

I cleared my throat.

“Have I introduced you to Zoey? She’s sort of family to me.” I tried to change the topic. Finding Zoey visibly on guard eyeing the woman up and down suspiciously. “Zoey, this is Jess. A…friend.” I said, unable to find a better word. 

Zoey wasn’t born yesterday however, so her eyes opened wide in surprise and understanding.

“Nice to meet you.” Zoey bowed in greeting.

Jess returned the greeting, quickly returning her eyes to me.

“So, Mira, I’m heading to the nightclub right now with the girls and we’ll be meeting some nice guys over there as well, wanna join?” She asked, placing her hand on top of mine.

“I don’t..” 

“We’ll be happy to go!” Zoey interrupted.

“What?!” 

Absolutely not. That was the last thing Zoey needed today and the last thing I could focus on today, those girls weren’t going there to dance and those guys were only nice for your eyes, I should know.

“Yeah, sounds like fun and you did say you wanted me to go out today.” 

“Zoey, I don’t think this is a good idea. If you don't want to go home yet, maybe we can head to a bar, just the two of us?” 

Jess looked between us both with mischief and amusement.

“Oh, c’mon, Mira. Don’t be like that, Zoey looks like she wants to come with us!” she motioned for Zoey to get up. “Let’s go, girl. If Mira doesn’t want to go she can stay here by herself.” 

Zoey got up with a playful smile on her face.

“Sure, sounds fun!”

I immediately got up grabbing Zoey’s arm to prevent her from leaving.

“Fine! I’ll go!” I pulled my wallet. “Just let me pay for us first.” 

This is a bad idea, I have no idea what possessed Zoey to agree to this but I had to fix it and fast because I knew Jess and the people she hung out with, what clubbing looked like to them and I wanted Zoey far, far away from all that.

Once we got to the nightclub bouncer let us pass without so much of a glance over, they were regulars and so was I, regrettably I never have done a very good job at healthy coping and getting wasted/hooking up with randons had made me a regular. Which wasn’t all bad it meant that the people usually took care of me, it also meant I knew the type of place it was and it was a good one, they catered to rich people mostly but very private ones the type with something to lose if they got caught by the press having too much fun. And so cellphones didn’t work inside the building and the bouncer took everyone’s phones before going in to avoid any pictures being taken.

Zoey looked my way when asked for hers.

“It’s ok, Zo. It’s just the rule here, they’ll give it back when we leave.”

She nodded, handing the phone over.

“Won’t we need it just in case Rumi calls?” she asked once inside.

“Zoey, I don’t mean to be harsh but she’s on a DATE best case scenario for her we won’t hear about her until morning and worse case, well, she can take on demons thrice her size I’m sure she can handle one human guy. If you want to leave though…”

Please say yes. Please say yes.

“No, no. I want to stay. I'll like to know your “friends”.” She said teasing but something lurked underneath, something not so playful. 

“Fine, but stay close, please. Promise?” I asked in a serious tone.

“You’re making it sound like this place is dangerous. As if you didn’t disappear here every few weeks and come back home perfectly ok.” Zoey argued.

Me coming here in the first place was a good sign I wasn’t ok but Zoey didn’t need to know that.

“I just worry about you, that’s it.” 

“Well, stop for a minute and let’s have fun, yeah?” 

I nodded.

“Hey, Zoey, you still tryna convince this one to loosen up?” Jess came over putting her arm around Zoey's shoulders as though they were close.

“Uh..yeah, but she’s still not fully in it.” she replied.

“Leave her be. I’ll tell you a secret, she’s always like this when she walks in but after a couple of drinks let’s just say she becomes the life of the party.” Jess claimed, walking towards the bar dragging Zoey with her.

I followed close behind.

“I’ll take a Somaek, you in Mira?” 

“No. I’ll just do a bottle. One.” I warned.

Jess shrugged.

“Suit yourself. How about you, cutie?” She asked Zoey, poking her cheek playfully.

Is she…?

“Ah..uh..same as Mira.” 

“Sounds like you have similar tastes, I hope that's the case for everything.” Jess’ voice sounded suggestive and full of second intentions while she pointed the last word of her sentence. “You heard the pretty lady, another bottle.” 

This bitch.

“Jess!” I called pissed.

“Yes, Mira?” She responded without taking her arm nor eyes off of Zoey.

“A word?” I grabbed her free hand, forcing her to look at me.

Zoey’s eyes met mine, her eyes went wide in surprise as she recognized both my tone and body language for what they were, anger.

“Sure! Wait for our drinks for us won’t you, darling? And take them over there.” She pointed at the table where her friends were currently drinking. “I suspect this might take a while.” 

Zoey nodded but her eyes were on me, they weren’t concerned however, she looked…sad. 

Once we were far enough to not be heard over the loud music I let go of Jess’ hand, standing right in front of her.

“What the fuck do you think you’re doing?!” I snapped.

“Woah! Language, Ms. Idol.” She joked.

“I’m not in the mood for your jokes, I see what you’re doing or trying to do. Stop it. Zoey isn't one of your toys.” My voice was strong, angry.

“No? Why? Is it because she’s yours?” She teased.

I grabbed her hand. Hard.

“Stay away from her, I won’t ask twice.” I stared deep into her eyes hoping even her tipsy self could see this wasn’t a game to me.

She shook my hand off.

“I didn’t take you for the jealous type, Mira. But either way that’s not your decision to make is it? And if she is with you, why are you both even here? Why didn’t you took her home?” She asked with genuine confusion, rubbing the hand I previously grabbed.

I fell silent.

“Oh my god, it’s her isn’t she?” Jess asked in disbelief. “She’s one of your “impossible loves”, holy shit that’s insane. I wish I could sell it to the press. Your own bandmate, jeez! That’s really unprofessional of you.” she said smiling. “But wait…why is she HERE with you?” Her voice switched to concern.

“Same reason I was here the first time, I’ll say.” 

“Ouch, brokenhearted by someone that’s not you? And you’re comforting her? I both pity and respect you. That sounds awfully painful.”

It should be, and it had in the past but if I had to be honest it isn’t anymore, not this time. If anything I’m disappointed it didn’t work out for Zoey, if I couldn’t have Rumi or Zoey it would have been nice to see them together. At least I know they would take care of each other well.

“It’s not. But I don’t want her here either, I may be a mess but I’ll hate to see Zoey become like me. She deserves better.” I looked over at Zoey who was chatting and drinking with Jess’ friends at their table. “I want her to be happy, not numb. I don’t want to see her lost in casual flings when I know she wants a romance, a REAL romance. So can you please stay away from Zoey?” I stopped demanding, at this point I was begging because I really, really wanted better for Zo.

I didn’t want Jess to be Zoey’s Jia.

“Damn, you really love her, don’t you? But you know, that’s still not your choice to make and so long as she’s single she is kind of free to do whatever she wants.” I huffed, frustrated. Jess’ hands wrapped around my shoulders and she pulled me down till we were just a few inches away from each other. “You know, for someone so convinced your lifestyle is bad you don’t seem to have any interest in changing it yourself. Why?” 

I snickered.

“I only ever loved those two, if not them then I don’t want anyone else. At least, not for a relationship.” I answered.

“Then why not them? Has it ever occurred to you that they could be interested?” 

I laughed, for real this time.

“Interested? In what? A throuple? Don’t be ridiculous.” 

Jess palmed my cheek with a serious look in her eyes.

“You are such a coward, you know that? You like to act as though what you want is beyond what’s reasonable and right, but I’ve seen you down to be with multiple people at once. You act as if those things never happen but partake in them every time you want. Throuples are a thing and I have never seen you bat an eye at a rejection so I know you’re not afraid of a no. You just like to use it as an excuse to avoid your feelings because what you’re really afraid of is losing your little “family”. So much so that you’ve been making yourself miserable for years on the off chance you ruin your relationship with them by confessing.” She took a deep breath. “It’s stupid and you are a coward.” 

“Don’t think I know that? All of that?” 

“Well, that’s the problem isn’t it? You’re aware of your feelings but too much of a coward to act on them.” Jess sighed, kissing me on the lips and immediately releasing me. “You’ll be useless as a girlfriend and so stressful as a real friend, so please don’t ever call me if it’s not about sex. As for Zoey, I’ll stay far away, I promise.”

“Seriously?” At least the unrequested emotional analysis was for something.

“Yes, but you have to remember, this isn’t your choice. It’s your little lamb’s and right now, well she’s surrounded by hungry wolves and she’s sort of looking like she wants to be eaten.” Jess signaled to Zoey who was now on the dance floor with her bottle in her hand.

“Shit!” I ran over to where Zoey was showing everyone off with her dancer moves.

“Zoey!” I called over.

“Oh, hey, Mi. I thought you were busy with Jess.” She acknowledged my presence but never stopped her dance. 

“I’m done, how many have you had?” I asked, concerned looking at the empty soju bottle in her hand.

“Two? Three? Not so sure, there was a somaek in there somewhere.” 

“Somaek? Are you serious?! You’re a lightweight!” I took her hand ready to guide her home.

“C’mon, Mira! I don’t want to go! I want to dance some more!” She attempted to shake my hand off to no avail.

“Is there a problem, girls?” A guy only slightly taller than me came over.

“No, nothing’s wrong, Taeyoung. Mira’s just trying to kill my fun.”

Taeyoung? Who the f..?

“Who the hell are you?” I asked, eyeing him up and down with disdain then it hit me. “You’re one of Jess’ friends.”

“And Zoey’s now, and I don’t think she wants to leave just yet. Right?” He looked over at Zoey.

Zoey shook her head.

“No, I want to dance a little more.”  

“Listen, I appreciate you wanting to defend her but she’s clearly too wasted to be here.” I said letting go of her hand.

“I’m not! If I was, I couldn't do this!” Zoey threw her empty bottle up in the air making a backflip landing straight on her feet catching the bottle back on her hands. “See? I’m fine.” she claimed.

Anybody that didn’t know she was trained to do that asleep would think this must mean she was sober but it didn’t. In fact her form told me she was sloppy but who the hell would believe me if I told them Zoey was essentially a ninja?

The people around us clapped at her spectacle making Zoey do a theatrical bow. Too many eyes and Zoey’s too drunk to not be stubborn. 

Fine, I’ll play nice.

“Alright,” I switched my tone. “but she’s dancing with me. Only me.” I said putting my hand around  her waist, possessively.

Zoey was red but I couldn’t say if it was the alcohol or something else.

“I’m sure Zoey wouldn’t mind one dance with me, isn’t that right?” He looked over at Zoey who looked between us torn between listening to me and not wanting to turn him down.

Zoey pulled me down to whisper in my ear.

“Mira, is it ok if we dance after? We’re together all the time but I rarely get to make new friends and I like him. He’s funny, you should have heard his jokes earlier.” 

I could guess what kind of “friend” he was hoping to be, but I also wouldn’t be able to stop her if she wanted to, so I let down.

“Fine, one dance. Try something funny and you’ll see how much of a bitch I can be when I want to.” I grabbed Zoey’s face between my hands. “Make a sign and I’ll run over. I’ll stay close, I promise.”

Zoey nodded happily.

One hour! I had been shooed for one dance! And now it’s been little over an hour and she still hasn’t left that idiot’s side. 

“And to top it off she hasn’t even looked my way, once! Might as well tell me to go home if you were going to ignore me like this.” I whispered into my glass.

“Should you be drinking that much?” She pointed at my three empty bottles and the somaek in my hand. “I mean a bit ago you were worried for your girl, how are you supposed to take care of her if you’re just as wasted?” Jess sat down beside me at the bar looking a lot drunker than she was an hour ago.

“Does she look like she wants my care, Jess?” I asked, pointing my somaek in her direction downing the rest of the glass.

Zoey was indeed having a blast making use of her years of dance training to make friends and get a little too close to her new “friend”.

“She looks like she is having fun, that’s for sure.” She responded. “But you’re here, depressed AND alone usually you’re only depressed. Want some company? Because it looks to me like you might go home alone. Unless you want to come with me, that is.” She slid her hand over mine rubbing her thumb over hand in an attempt to tempt me.

“I’m not in the mood.” I pulled my hand back.

Jess placed her hand on my thigh but before she had a chance to speak, Zoey’s high pitched voice rang in my ears.

“Mi! There you are! I was looking for you!” She said standing behind my chair wrapping her arms around my shoulders letting her head rest beside mine.

No, she wasn’t.

I’ve been staring at her for an hour. 

I would have noticed.

Jess snickered, pulling her hand away.

“And here she was complaining about being ignored. I told you she couldn’t have forgotten about her girlfriend so easily.” Jess said the word nonchalantly but I noticed the playful glint in her eyes.

“Girlfriend?!” Zoey turned her face my way, disregarding the lack of space between us. “Did you tell her I was your girlfriend?”

“What? Of course, not! I clearly said you were my friend. Like family to me.” I looked at Jess annoyed but found her amused at the reaction.

What is she playing here?

“Family? Oh, great! Even better then you won’t mind if I take Mira away right? I promise I’ll return her to you safe and sound in the morning.” She winked in Zoey’s direction.

Wait, is she trying to make Zoey jealous? That’s ridiculous Zoey is not into…

Before I could finish my thought I felt Zoey’s arms tightening up around me to the point it kind of hurted.

“Zoey?” I raised my head to find her staring Jess straight in the eyes, and boy did she look angry.

“You can’t take her. She came with me and she’s leaving with me.” Zoey said her smile gone, her eyes attempting to bore a hole into her skull.

Jess on her end looked like she was having the time of her life.

“Aww, c’mon you have her all the time. Can’t I get her one night?” Jess asked again, putting her hand on top of mine again. “I’ve always returned her safe and sound. You can ask her if you don’t believe me.”

Zoey was livid and clearly losing her patience because she grabbed Jess’ hand forcibly pulling it away from mine.

“Ow, ow. Jeez, what a strong grip!” She complained, rubbing her hand. “You’re pretty possessive to be just her friend, you know that? Kind of seems like you want her if you ask me.Am I right, cutie? Do you like our handsome Mira?”

“Jess you had your fun I think…”

“Yes.” Zoey cut me off, her voice was quiet but clear.

I must have drank too much, yeah that must be it! I’m hearing things now.

“What was that? I couldn’t hear very well.” Jess tapped her ear signaling her to be louder.

“Zo..?” I turned my head to attempt to catch her eyes but it was in vain since she had decided to hide her face on the crook of my neck.

“I’ve been…I’ve been trying to tell you for a while now.” Her voice was very quiet so much so I was sure no one could hear but me. “Ever since you found out about my crush on Rumi, I’ve been wanting to say that. It might be weird and it’s totally fine if you want to act like you don’t remember this tomorrow but I want you to know. I fell in love with you. It’s not just Rumi for me, it’s..” she swallowed. I could feel her trembling but I wasn’t too sure if it was nerves or fear. “it’s both of you, I want you both. And you don’t have to like me back but could you please not go with her today? Please?” She begged.

Ah, now I’ve done it. I must have given myself an alcoholic coma or maybe I fell and hit my head at the restaurant really hard because this was just about the most realistic dream I ever had. The girls would kill me once I woke up though.

“Can you let go, Zoey?” She did as told, releasing her grip from my shoulders. I stood up immediately finding Zoey’s head down as tears flowed quietly down her face, I grabbed her face wiping the tears off with my thumbs.

“If being in love with us both is weird then I’m just as weird as you, Zo.” I closed my distance, leaving less than an inch between us. “Because I couldn’t imagine loving anyone that’s not you and Rumi.” I kissed her, pouring every feeling I had hidden or stored away for years.

It started chaste enough but I had no patience left in me, if real life made me wait my entire life I wouldn’t wait a second in my dreams, so I deepened the kiss exploring her mouth like I thought of doing a million times before. Then we pulled back for air, Zoey’s arms rested on my hips as she breathed heavily.

“Mira, you taste like alcohol...are you drunk?” She asked worriedly. “Should we go home?”

“Suuure am! Or dead and in heaven because one of the loves of my life loves me back.” I kissed her again, grabbing her neck and waist pulling her flushed against me.

“Ah, Mira.” She moaned when my hand sneaked down to grab her leg pushing her lightly against the bar.

I felt dizzy now and I could feel my head was red but I didn’t care for that or for the bartender calling my name for whatever reason, or Jess’ voice somewhere in the distance. I wanted to have Zoey wherever and however she wanted. But now.

Unfortunately, Zoey did care for whatever the bartender said because she pulled away, face bright red with embarrassment. After exchanging a few words I couldn’t care less for and Zoey bowing down in an apparent apology she took my hand with a smile from ear to ear.

“Let’s  go home.” Zoey tried to pull me towards the exit but I remained glued to the floor. “Is everything ok, Mi?” She asked, confused.

I closed the distance and placed my arms on top of her shoulders leaning down just enough to whisper.

“Can we go somewhere else?” I asked, hearing her breath catch at my words. “Somewhere just the two of us?”  I asked suggestively hoping to god, the universe, or whoever the hell was listening that this was a wet dream not just a happy one.

Zoey lowered her head, her face becoming two shades redder, this time however, I knew it wasn’t the alcohol’s fault.

She gave me a quick kiss on the lips.

“Yeah, let’s go.” She took my hand again, dragging me out of the club to wherever this dream or it’s  version of Zoey wanted to.

I likely would feel guilty tomorrow morning for dreaming this, for touching Zoey even inside this dream but for right now I was happy and I’ll make sure Zoey was happy to have me even if it’s all made up by my alcoholised or comatose mind. 

Chapter Text

                                                            A very drunk first night

                                                                            Zoey

I had no idea how we had made it here, nor when we had paid or even when it was that we opened the door to the room but what I did know was that Mira was out of patience, she wanted me. And even though I was nervous as hell, I wanted her back, I wanted to be with her.

“Mira” I moaned into her mouth when I felt her hand firmly grabbing my upper tight, bringing my leg to her hips, placing one of her legs between mine grinding on me drawing a loud moan out of me. She lowered herself to reach my neck as she held me in place with her free hand and placed small kisses on my neck. 

“Zoey..I want you so bad..please…” She nibbled my earlobe making me gasp. “..let me take care of you. I promise, I’ll be good to you.” Her voice was low, raspy and full of lust but I could feel the affection in her voice.

My voice left me for a moment so instead of replying I brought her back to my lips and kissed her deep, allowing my hands to explore her chest earning a moan of approval. I was encouraged by her reaction and also far too into it to stop. So I pushed off her blazer moving my hands to her shirt while Mira kicked the blazer away. Before I could finish with her buttons Mira pulled my hands inside the now opened shirt tilting my head up so she could kiss me again, sneaking her hands under my skirt pulling on it until it pooled on the floor. Then she grabbed my ass, feeling me up, her hands wandering from my ass to my breasts and back, occasionally going under my shirt to  touch me directly and threatening to go under my underwear every time she got close, always stopping before touching. 

Fuck, she was playing with me. And I loved it. But I needed more.

“Mira..?Can..?Ah..Mhmm..” I called trying to get her attention but her frustratingly teasing touches choked most of my words out. 

Damn it, I sound so needy.

Mira stopped for a second, her hands firmly around my waist, her face just far back enough to look at me.

She looked just as out of breath as I felt, her face bright red with alcohol and lust, still she gave me a comforting smile before asking.

“Do you..want to stop? Because we totally can if you want to!” Mira looked as if she was going to say something more but I quieted her with a kiss.

“Never. But if you don’t stop teasing me soon I’ll lose my mind.” I admitted putting my arms around her shoulders pulling her down slightly to whisper. “Please take care of me, Mir-Mir.”

Mira’s smile went from ear to ear when she pulled me back into a kiss, lifting me up so I could wrap my legs around her hips, biting and sucking my collarbone to the point I was sure I’ll have a mark the next day. I couldn’t care less, I wanted Mira more than anything right now. 

Mira carried me from the doorway to the bed always making sure to be gentle specially when putting me down pushing me gently into bed straddling me while she lifted up my shirt taking my bra with it in one swift motion. I pulled on her shirt, which was still on her body even if only held together by a button, but it didn’t budge.

Mira laughed.

“Let me help you, baby.” She pulled both her shirt and bra off like she’d done with mine, allowing me time to bask in the view of her naked torso. “Something you like, Zo?” Mira smirked playfully and I melted.

I fucking love her cocky side even if it’s annoying sometimes.

“Yeah, you.” I responded grabbing her hips pulling her flushed against me kissing her jaw, her neck going down to her breasts dragging a low moan out of her.

“Zoey…” she held my head in place, throwing her head back grinding against me making me gasp at the feeling. “I love you, Zo.” The words left her lips seemingly unintentionally but I felt the sincerity in them all the same, I left her chest alone working my way up to her face, our height difference playing against me forcing me to talk to her neck.

“I love you too, Mi.” 

Mira took me by the shoulders lightly pushing me back against the bed, it was so sudden that for a second I thought I had somehow ruined the moment but once I looked into her eyes I found nothing more than unrestrained lust and love in her eyes.

Once again her lips were on mine and her hands were working their way down my body making me squirm under her. 

Mira grabbed my jaw, forcing me to meet her eyes.

“You got to tell me if it feels wrong or hurts, promise? ” she asked seriously.

I nodded, my eyes involuntarily looking at the long nails currently poking my cheeks.

Mira chuckled.

“Relax, I’m not using my hands, not tonight.” Mira threw her glasses across the room leaning down kissing and sucking her way down my body.

“Ah!..Mira..” I gripped the bedsheet feeling Mira’s hot breath right where I wanted her, wasting no time taking the one piece of clothing I had left and making herself comfortable between my legs with her hands firmly on my tights keeping them apart as she kissed and sucked on the inside of my tights.

She’s not done playing?!

“Shit! Mira…please..” I begged putting one of my hands on the top of her head guiding her to where I needed her most.

She let me. Moving closer and closer until..

“Ah!” A loud moan escaped my lips at the feeling of Mira’s tongue working my body. 

Mira was thankfully done playing with me and had apparently decided she wanted to make me cum within record time because she wouldn't let up my body for a second, turning me into a mess of whimpers and moans in seconds. In what felt like hours of her touching and licking and sucking we had built up a nice rhythm synchronizing much like we did when we danced together except this one was a sexier and more lustful dance, one we’re every one of her thrusts was met by my hips bucking to meet her, one I wanted to keep going until sunlight started to come in through the windows.

Unfortunately, I was close and I had the feeling Mira knew because her efforts doubled and she took my hand interlacing our fingers while my breathing became more agitated, harsher and…

“Mira!..Fuck!..” 

Mira laid down beside me, her breathing still hard and her face red from the earlier encounter. The satisfied smile on her face went from ear to ear.

She caressed my face fixing my messy hair.

“Did you like it?” It was a simple question but her voice sounded anxious as if she was afraid I’d say no.

I went closer, hugging her under the covers.

“I was a little loud to have hated it, don’t you think?” I joked resting my head on her chest.

“Who 's to say? Maybe my Zoey has a talent for acting.” She replied with a smile, her voice was very clear but I could tell the alcohol still had a hold of her.

“Right, like I didn’t get caught having feelings for Rumi a few weeks after I figured it out.” 

Mira laughed. 

I love her laugh. So much.

“You are a horrible liar.”

I poked her cheek.

“And you? Since when have you been lying, huh? When did you start liking us like that?” 

“Ever since you walked in the door the first time.” She kissed me and for a second I thought it’ll be a sweet kiss but Mira slid her hands down my body pulling me closer softly biting my lower lip.

I moaned, putting my hands around her shoulders pulling her as close as I could manage.

“Mmm, you taste so good. Can I taste again?” Her eyes and the way she shifted to be once again between my legs told me she wasn’t asking for another kiss.

I nodded, out of breath. “Just once more, I'd like to return the favor after. If you want to, of course.”

“I’m all yours” she took my hand kissing the inside of my wrist. “But first I want to tire you out just a little more.”

It wasn’t just once more however. Mira seemed deadset on making me die from exhaustion and she almost succeeded because the last thing I heard before passing out was.

“Just one more, baby. I promise.”

The next morning I was woken up by Mira sitting up beside and whispering to herself what I thought sounded like “Fucking hell, Mira.”

I hugged her back, my voice slightly hoarse from the night before and from being barely awake.

“Mmm, where are you going?” I asked with my eyes still closed.

“I…uh..I’m going to shower.” Mira answered tensely.

“Can’t you stay in bed with me for a little longer?” I asked, tightening my hug.

“Zoey, umm, what happened last night?” Mira asked, pulling my hands off of her and turning to face me.

Shit, no way. Did she forget? I remembered she drank a lot before coming here and when she kissed me in the bar she was definitely wasted. Fuck, did I take advantage of her?! No, calm down you were drunk as well. Shit! I was far more sober than her, though. I should have stopped her. What if she didn’t want that to happen? What if she regrets it? What if..?

“Zoey!” Mira yelled, bringing me out of my spiral. “Come back to me. Are you ok?”

“Huh, sorry. Just…do you seriously not remember?”  I asked her suddenly, very conscious of my lack of clothing pulling on the sheets to cover myself.

Mira looked anxious and almost afraid when talking.

“I do remember what happened. But that’s not really my question.” Mira grabbed her own arm as if to comfort herself. 

Oh, thank god. I don’t think I could handle a drama like twist and explain last night only to deal with weeks of awkwardness right after. 

“So what are you asking?” I was legitimately confused.

“Just…I guess I want to know if last night meant something? Or…” She swallowed looking away. “if I should forget about it.” She finished her voice small and drained.

After everything I said last night?! After everything we did?! Am I crazy for thinking it should be obvious?!

“I said I loved you, Mira. Multiple times.” I said hoping that was all the answer she needed.

It wasn’t.

“People say a lot of things when they’re drunk AND horny.” Mira countered. 

Ok, now I felt crazy.

“So you were drunk and horny when you said you loved me and wanted me.” Tears threatened to fall. 

Mira quickly changed her tone, her earlier anxiousness being replaced by sheer panic as she scrambled to said.

“I don’t mean me! I love you!” Hearing herself raise her voice she shrunk on herself. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to yell.” She took a deep breath before trying again. “I love you, Zoey, and I meant every touch and kiss and..” She blushed. “everything else that I did but I’m saying if it wasn’t like that for you and you were just saying things because you were drunk I get it. I won’t be mad and I’ll forget about it, I’ll never bring it up again.” 

Is she offering me a way out of last night? 

I hugged her resting my head on her chest feeling her heartbeat beat strongly against her chest.

“Mira, I was drunk, not crazy. I wouldn’t have done anything last night if I didn’t genuinely want it. I meant every single word I said last night, and I’ll say it again so you can believe me.” I pulled back, taking her face in my hands. “I love you, Mira. Romantically, and I’ll love to be your girlfriend. If you want to be mine that is.” Mira leaned her head affectionately against my hand.

“I must be dead if you’re saying this.” 

I kissed her softly.

“I promise, you’re not.”

“You promise, you won’t hate me and leave me if we ever break up?” She sounded afraid when making that question, her lip was even quivering. 

“I promise.” I gave her a soft kiss on her forehead. “How could I leave you or Rumi, anyways. Who else would love me besides you two? ” I joked.

Mira smiled, wrapping her arms around my waist.

“A couple million people, I’m sure.” She said placing small kisses on my shoulders making me giggle.

“Hey, you got to promise something too! It’s only fair.” I said, whining.

“Alright, what will it take to be your girlfriend?” Mira asked intrigued.

“How about you promise you won’t go back to that bar alone? Or hang out with your “friends”? Or maybe not hanging out with Jess alone. Ah, shit this is hard.” 

“Zoey.” She caressed my cheek lovingly. “I won’t sleep with anyone else and if you’re serious about dating me, I promise I won’t go to that bar ever again. Not with Jess or with anyone else that asks, I swear.” 

“Not even with Rumi?” I asked, teasing. Mira’s eyes flew open with surprise. I gave her a peck.“ Just kidding! You have my permission if she ever wants to, though. So, long as I can do it too. Unless she marries Jinu before giving us a chance.” 

“Not jealous of Rumi?” She asked with a playful smile.

“Rumi wouldn’t take you from me.” I said confidently. “Besides I’m curious..” I bit my lip. “Nevermind.”

“Nope, you started. So, tell me.” 

“I’m curious to see you two together, I’ve seen the fanarts our fans make of you two and you two look hot together, it’ll be fun to see it live.” I admitted.

“Freak.” She said, laughing. “I can’t believe you’d want to be cucked.”

“Miraaa! It’s not being cucked if we’re both into the same person and I know about it. It’ll be more like some weird open relationship, wait no, cause I don’t want to share you if it’s not with her. A throuple! That’s what it’s called!”

Mira’s eyes light up as if I had just solved a critical issue in her life.

“You’re actually in love with us both, huh?” She asked more to herself than to me.

“Is it weird?” I shrunk a little, questioning if I had said too much. Or said it too soon. 

She had said she loved us both but maybe she meant that as in she couldn’t tell who she loved more..?

“Not at all, just wondering what God I have to thank for giving me not only one of loves but also to have her understand me like I never thought I could be. I never even dared to dream you’ll want the same thing as me.” 

I breathed out, the breath I was holding leaving my body as the relief settled in.

“Well, I do. I don’t think we have enough good karma to get Rumi as well, though.” 

Mira pulled the blanket off of us both, only to pull me onto her lap right after.

“That’s ok, this is already more than I’ve ever dreamed of and..” Her voice dropped seductively. “And I’ll make sure it’s more than you can handle.”

I swallowed hard, my mind running wild at the promises in Mira’s words, and my heart swelled at the thought of Mira thinking me not only good enough to be partner, but good enough to be the only one knowing Rumi would likely never be with us.

“Mira..” I kissed her letting my hands tease her chest creeping lower and lower..

“Hmm..wait a second!” She grabbed my hand.

“What?! You didn’t let me do it last night. I don’t want to be your pillow princess!” I said frustrated.

She laughed.

“And I, don’t want to get cut by your long nails.” She said lifting my hand so I could look at my very long nails.

“Oh, sorry.”

“Besides, I really don’t think we have time..” Mira’s voice was cut off by the sound of my phone going off somewhere in the pool of clothes we had left by the door.

“That’s got to be, Rumi. She must be worried sick.” Mira said lightly pushing me off her lap while she went to find my phone.

“Ooh,  tell her we got a surprise once we’re home, I want to see her face when we tell her we’re dating!” I was excited, truth be told I wasn’t too sure what Rumi’s reaction would be but I was pretty convinced she’ll be happy for us and we had promised no more secrets or lies between us and I intended to uphold that promise.

The light coming from Mira’s smile could easily compete with the sunlight coming through the windows at the time. I hope the idea of being with me always makes her smile like that.

“Hey, Rumi! Sorry, we kind of disappeared, we were just…wait, Jinu?..why do you have..?” Mira’s tone changed from happy to tense in a matter of seconds in response to whatever it was Jinu was telling her then. “What the hell do you mean, hurt?! Fucks sake! You were alone one night! How the fuck did you…” She cut herself off. “You know, what? It doesn’t matter, where is she, Jinu?” Mira sounded beyond furious but her voice was shaking and by the way she was gathering her clothes while on the phone and the way her body seemed to shake even from this distance I could tell, she was scared. But why?

“Ok, we’ll be there in a minute and Jinu? I swear to whoever the fuck is listening, Jinu. If this is somehow your fault I will end you, I promise you.” Mira hung up raising her head to meet my eyes which were red and teary. “We got to go, Zoey. Rumi was hurt by demons.”

A quick change of clothes later, switching our outfits with each other so that my very visibly hickies stayed hidden we called a cab. 

The ride back to the penthouse was hell on Earth. I couldn't stop thinking about Rumi, and how Jinu called dozens of times throughout the night and we just never heard it because we were drunk and exhausted. I felt guilty, what if something happened to her and we couldn’t be there because we were too busy getting drunk and having sex to hear the damn phone at night.

Mira grabbed my hand.

“Zoey, it’s ok. I’m sure, she’s fine.” She wasn’t sure and I could tell by looking at her, she looked terrified.

I understood why as well. I was also scared, we had never gotten this hurt. We had gotten minor injuries here and there ever since becoming hunters. It sort of came with the job but nobody had ever been hurt to the point of unconsciousness and I still wasn’t even sure how or why. We had sealed the Honmon, this shouldn’t be happening, right?

“I hope you’re right.” 

As soon as we got to the penthouse Mira and I rushed up the elevator with Rumi being the only thing in our minds, unfortunately the first thing we found when we got to the place wasn’t Rumi but Jinu.

“Took you both long enou..ugh..” Mira almost immediately pounced on Jinu grabbing him by his shirt shaking him up hard.

“I’m not in the mood for snarky replies, asshole. Where the hell is Rumi?” Mira wasn’t yelling or cursing but her words carry just as much threat and viciousness in them.

“She’s in her room with Celine.” Mira dropped him instantly.

“Celine?” I asked, confused.

“Well, yeah. You weren’t answering so I..”

 I couldn’t be bothered to listen to the rest because my mind was running with all the bad scenarios of Rumi getting over taken by her shame and going full demon thanks to something Celine said.

And it would all be my fault.  

“Rumi!” I yelled swinging the door open to find Celine leaning beside Rumi’s bed pushing her hair back while her patterns remained mostly normal, unchanged.

“Be more quiet, Zoey. You’ll wake her up.” Celine calmly got up.

I wasted no time getting close to Rumi kneeling beside her.

“Rumi? How are you?” I asked lightly brushing over what seemed to be a new bruise on her cheek.

Rumi grunted in pain but she didn’t open her eyes.

“Is she ok?” Mira asked, placing her hand on my back kneeling beside me.

“She’s got at least two broken ribs and a few bruises all over her but she’ll be fine.” Celine answered for me. 

Mira looked tense looking from Rumi to Celine. I put my hand over hers.

“Not now, Mi. Please. She looks like she came to help. Right?” My eyes searched Celine’s looking for any sign of threat in them but I found nothing. If anything she looked worried.

“What happened?” I asked, taking Rumi’s hand.

“According to the boy that’s sitting outside, they were ambushed while they ate and Rumi drew them away from the crowd but she walked right into a trap. She did manage to fight them off according to him but she collapsed right after I’m guessing the adrenaline wore off and her body shut down from the pain and exhaustion. She’ll be fine.” So she said but her eyes wouldn’t leave Rumi. 

I nodded.

“I thought you guys had sealed the Honmon. I was so convinced that it’d be the last we saw of Gwi-Mah.” She said quietly.

“We thought demons were over with, as well.” Mira agreed, checking the bruises on Rumi’s arm. “I guess we were all wrong.”

Celine hummed in agreement.

“May I know how does that boy know about the demons?” Celine asked quietly.

I shook my head.

“Not our story to tell, you can ask Rumi when she wakes up.” 

Celine laughed humorlessly.

“Assuming she’ll talk to me.” 

“You haven’t called on her, why? I mean after being so insistent on seeing her and all that talk about forcing her. I expected you to call on her sooner.” Mira asked, she sounded sort of wary but mostly intrigued.

“I don’t know…I planned on doing so, but then I kept thinking about what you both said. And I guess, I wasn’t ready, I needed time.” 

Well, that’s rich coming from the person that so eagerly wanted to pressure Rumi. But if it keeps Rumi away from bullshit, so be it.

“Bit hypocritical isn’t it? Given you refused to give Rumi that time.” My forward girlfriend said.

Celine didn’t reply.

“Did you promise her mom you'll love her? ” I asked, looking at Celine.

“I did.” Celine answered quietly.

“Then that’s all you really should think about, you promised to take care of her and love her, ALL of her. If you can’t do that, then…” 

“Then you should leave her alone. Conditional love isn’t worth shit to anyone. I should know.” Mira finished my sentence quietly, not taking her eyes off of Rumi’s bruised body.

Celine didn’t respond, instead she walked towards the door, stopping at the door handle.

“I know, you guys are adults so I won’t ask where you were or what you were both doing but I will remind you, you are all a team. You don’t leave a teammate behind, EVER. I taught you all better than that.” Celine sounded disappointed and if I was honest despite our differences her disappointment hurt me.

“We’re really sorry, Celine! We..!” Celine put her palm up stopping me mid sentence, facing me.

“You failed her. Not me.” She pointed at Rumi. “In the amount of time you were both gone and unable to be contacted she could have died and it would have been your fault, both of yours.” She took a deep breath, steadying herself. “That isn’t a small weight to carry, I assure you. Do better.” She ordered.

“It won’t happen again.” Mira responded determinedly but her eyes remained on Rumi.

“I certainly hope so. Take care of Rumi, I have no idea who that boy is to her but I hope she knows what she’s doing bringing a regular human into this. As for my visit here I’ll appreciate it if you didn’t tell her I was here at least until she recovers fully.” Celine opened the door.

“Wait!” I called back one last time

She stopped midway looking back at me.

“What about the Honmon? If it’s not sealed what does that mean for Rumi?” 

Celine briefly looked at Rumi with a mix of worry and sadness in her face.

“I don’t know. I suppose we’ll have to wait and see.” She said, stepping out of the room leaving Mira and I alone with Rumi.

A few minutes later we heard a knock on the door.

“Yes?” I called.

The door opened to reveal Jinu standing in the doorway.

“Can I talk to you for a second, Zoey?” He asked, sounding sort of nervous looking in Mira’s direction.

“Sure, I’ll be right back.” I told Mira squeezing her hand.

“Call me if he says something stupid.” She whispered.

Once outside Jinu relaxed, a small smile formed on his lips.

“What’s up?” I tried to hide the tiredness I felt with an upbeat tone.

Luckily for me Jinu didn’t know me like Mira and Rumi because he said:

“I don’t know how you do that whole happy all the time thing, I swear I never seen you angry unlike your friend.” He joked.

“My friend is protective and saves her anger for those that have proven to be untrustworthy. Like you.” I said frowning. 

He scratched his head uncomfortable.

“Right, sorry, I deserved that. I’ll get to the point, I’m worried about Rumi.” He said.

“Why? Is there something wrong with her?” I asked instinctively looking at her room.

“I’m not too sure actually, I was hoping you could tell me.” He took a deep breath. “She’s the only half-demon I’ve ever known so I’m not too sure if it’s normal but..”

“Jinu, you’re scaring me, what’s going on?” 

“When we were ambushed, Rumi ran the demons off from the space and incidentally fell right into their trap, she pushed me aside to protect me so I’m not too sure about the details. What I do know is that by the time I found her, her patterns were glowing dark purple, her eye was bright yellow and her teeth, she had demon teeth, Zoey. And horns like a demon. If I hadn’t known it was Rumi I would have thought I saw a regular demon.”

Demon teeth? Horns? That’s new. 

But wait a minute, I just saw Rumi, in her room she looked perfectly normal.

“When did she turn back?” 

“When I called on her, she turned to look at me. Her eyes. She looked sort of gone for a second and then she fell unconscious, her patterns returned to normal and the teeth and horns disappeared. Look I don’t know if that’s normal for her but I’m worried.” He looked sincere in his worry.

“Rumi is…new to being a demon even she doesn’t know much about it. But we do know her patterns seem to change in response to her emotions and so does her eye, the teeth and horns, though. That’s new, but I’m not sure if it’s worrying or not to be honest with you. We might have to ask Rumi.”

As if on cue the door swung open and Mira stood right there looking relieved.

“Rumi 's awake, Zo!” 

I ran inside, my heart hurted at the sight of Rumi grunting in pain as she sat up.

“Hey, guys.” She said adjusting herself against the pillows.

“Rumi!” I ran to hug her. “We were so worried, are you ok? We’re so sorry we took so long to get here! We didn’t know!” My eyes mistied.

Rumi wrapped her hands around me.

“Of course, you didn’t. I didn’t know, it would have been a horrible ambush otherwise.” Rumi joked. “And anyways, what do you mean you “took long to get here”? How long did you take? How long was I out for?” She asked, looking at Jinu.

“Around twelve hours I’d say.” He answered.

“Twelve? Why..ow..” Rumi tried to get up only for the pain to bring her back down to the pillows.

“Easy there, you got a few ribs broken.” Mira explained fixing her pillows behind her back.

“Thank you. So, how did I make it back? I remember I took the demons down and then I remember seeing you and bam! I blacked out.” 

“I got Derpy to take you to your room and called..” Mira and I gave Jinu a look hoping he was smart enough to understand. Thankfully he did. “I called Mira and Zoey. I figured you wouldn’t want a hospital.” 

“I didn’t, thank you for that.” Rumi then looked at us. “And thank you guys, for nursing me. Sorry I gave you guys trouble.”

“You don’t have to thank us.” Mira said unable to meet Rumi’s eyes. “Jinu did everything. Like Zoey said, we were too late to help.” I thought I heard her whisper something else but I couldn’t quite catch it.

Rumi nodded.

“Thank you for patching me up and for bringing me home, I’m really sorry our date ended like that. I’ll make it up to you, promise.”

Jinu closed the distance grabbing her hand.

“It wasn’t your fault, so there’s no need to be sorry. Besides, we can always have more dates, I’m just glad you’re ok.” 

“I’m glad you’re ok, too.” She answered, squeezing his hand.

“Rumi, when you fought the demons do you remember growing demon teeth or…horns?” 

“Demon teeth? Horns?” Mira's eyes turned to me with worry.

“No..? Is that something that happened?!” Rumi quickly reached for her phone to check if she still had them.

“Rumi, calm down. You don’t have them anymore but you did, when you fought the demons. Do you know why?” I asked, holding her hands together in her lap to bring her attention back.

“Well, I remember I was on our date and…”

Chapter Text

                                                              Emotional Outburst

                                                                            Rumi

“Corn dog?” I asked, holding up my corn dog for Jinu to bite on.

We had moved on from the arcade and into the street food I loved. 

“What is that supposed to be?” He asked, eyeing my food suspiciously.

“A korean corn dog? Were they not a thing back when you were human?” I asked biting into it.

“I don’t think so? I think I’d remember. Here, give me.” He stepped closer, stealing a bite out of my corn dog. “Holy hell this is great!”

“Right?! Here take it.”I handed the food over. “I’ll go get myself some chicken and some beers for us. Could you grab us a seat there?” I pointed to some tables in the middle of the market.

“More food? You already had rice cakes and mandu. Are you sure you’ll be able to walk home? Or will I have to carry you.” He asked jokingly.

I laughed.

“I’d like to see you try. I don’t think you kept your demon strength after turning back, in fact I bet I could carry you better than you could carry me. Bridal style as well.” I retorted.

His smile disappeared and his eyes darkened.

Did I hit a nerve?

“Is everything ok?” 

Jinu's smile quickly returned to his face.

“Yes, of course! I’m just…thinking. Go get your food, I’ll wait for you over there.” He turned towards the tables walking away from me.

Weird, I’ll ask later.

Once I had my chicken and beers I made my way back to Jinu who had apparently found us a table as I said but had somehow managed to attract a random woman to sit with him, laughing like he just said the funniest thing on Earth.

With the way she laughed, and eyed him up and down while leaning his way I could tell the girl was flirting even before I heard her say anything.

“Ahem. Am I interrupting?” I asked, putting my food on the table.

“Oh, Rumi! Not at all! She’s Jiwoo and she bought us some beers.” He said excitedly pointing at two beers on the table.

“Actually, I was hoping to share it with him.” The woman clarified by taking a sip out of one of the beers. “Are you his friend?”

Well, someone’s confident.

“Oh, well. You brought some as well, you wanna have some chicken, Jiwoo?”

I had to admit the display itself was funny to me, adding in the fact that Jinu was clearly oblivious to her attempts. I wanted to burst out laughing but something about that reaction of mine I didn’t like.

I had very little dating experience in fact there was one time I tried to date as an adult and go past the hand holding stage, it went horribly wrong. The guy was an idol with far too little patience to get to know me before wanting to sleep with me, which didn’t happen anyways because Mira and Zoey caught him cheating on me and took pictures of him. It hurt like hell I won’t lie, but it helped that it never went past kissing, I couldn’t imagine baring the body I hid from my best friends to a guy for the first time only for him to cheat. And that was actually part of the reason I never did it, I felt ashamed of my body and who I was. That had been the last time I tried anything romantic with anyone, until now.

The thing is my dating life, though short-lived and boring as it was for me, had taught me a few things about myself and one of those, is that I was jealous. Not like a criminal case waiting to happen, jealous but like I should be angry or feel possessive watching this girl blatantly flirt with my boyfriend in my face. Especially when he had yet to clarify he was taken, either because he was oblivious or because he enjoyed the attention but I wasn’t angry or jealous. Not even remotely, I didn’t know if it’s a side effect of my growing self-esteem but I couldn’t help but feel like there’s an emotion there that should be present for me but wasn’t.

“I’m actually his girlfriend.” I answered calmly, taking a chicken drum. “You should try, Jinu. Chicken and beer are about the best thing to have at night markets.”

“That, she is.” Jinu answered with a smile. “Ooh, I want a wing!” 

“Oh! I’m so sorry! I didn’t realize you were taken, I’ll leave, excuse me!” The girl bowed down and basically jumped out of her seat to leave.

“Uhh, why’d she leave?” Jinu asked with his mouth full.

“Because she can’t hit on a taken man? Not if she has self respect anyways.” I sipped on my beer.

“Hit on? Was she flirting?” Jinu asked surprised.

“Yeah, how come you didn’t tell her you were taken before I came in, huh? What a boyfriend you are entertaining girls.” I wasn’t mad or jealous but I was pretty sure that what he was expecting so I played along. “Were you hoping to score a date while I was gone?” I teased.

Jinu put his hands up in surrender.

“I swear, I didn’t know! She came and asked me if I had Kakao talk or Line? I don’t know what the hell that even is!” 

Ah, so that’s why she was laughing, she thought he was playing hard to get.

I laughed.

“Jeez, has Bobby not taught you anything about socials?” I asked. “You can’t be a twenty something grandpa, you know? Besides, you'll need to be well versed if you go back to being an idol.”

“Bobby spends half his time figuring out if I’m planning something to tank your career and the rest of the time helping me clean my mess in his apartment. Besides, I had a phone when I was with the Saja boys. It was easier to manage it because I basically just took it from someone else in the industry so it had everything on it.” He said frustrated. “This time I have nothing and starting from zero with everything has been time consuming and to be honest…frustrating.” He said, sounding sad and almost nostalgic for a time when he wasn’t in Zeros.

“Jinu, do you…miss being a demon?” I asked carefully, afraid of his answer.

Jinu shook his head hard.

“No! Oh gods, no! I have never been so at peace in my head, I finally have my body all to myself, I wouldn’t give that up for anything, but…it is difficult. I have nothing and the few people in my life hate me except for you, of course.” He said with a sad smile.

“Oh, Jinu. The girls don’t hate you.” 

Jinu gave me a look.

“Ok, fine, maybe Mira does. But Zoey is giving it a try. She still hangs out with you, and even though Mira doesn’t like you she still put pause to her no contact on her parents to help you. And Bobby has been helping us get you settled back in despite not knowing anything at all.” I tried to encourage him, placing my hand on his lightly rubbing his knuckles.

He sighed.

“Yes, that’s all true and I’m deeply grateful for all of that but none of that is because they care for me, it’s because they love YOU, Rumi. I don’t mean to sound selfish or ungrateful but I wish I had more that was mine, I mean I couldn’t even treat you today! Everything I’m wearing right now was paid for by you!” He explained, frustrated. “I’m sorry I don’t mean to whine, I have it much better than all demons and yet here I am complaining.”

“Hey, it’s ok. Complaining is human. And so is frustration with our situations, I can’t really speed up the party with Mira’s parents but I can talk to Celine about getting you started at the agency. Maybe that way you won’t have to feel so…stuck?” I suggested.

He brought my hand to his face resting his face on it.

“Look at me depending on you once again. Thank you, really. For everything you have done for me, I don’t know what I’ll do without you.”

Jinu closed the distance between us, getting closer and closer…

“What the hell is that?!” I pushed him back as I caught sight of a group of four “humans” with clear purple markings going about the night market.

One of them turned my way, smirking as he went on his way.

“What?! What was it?!” Jinu asked, looking my way surprised.

“Demons.”  I answered jumping out of my chair right away. 

I heard a chair fall on the floor and Jinu grabbed my arm.

“Plural? This isn’t a good idea, Rumi. I wasn’t the only demon with common sense and a working brain, let’s call Mira and Zoey. You need back up.” 

“By the time they get here they’ll be gone, Jinu!” I shook him off, easily sprinting to catch up to the demons that hid in the crowd pulling out my mask to cover my face fully.

Catching sight of the purple markings I found the group of demons with one of them pointing his claws towards the back of a person who was in line at a food stall. Wasting no time I attempted to grab his arm to avoid calling attention but another demon tried his luck with his own claws forcing me to jump backwards. Making the people around scream surprised at the display or maybe scared because of it.

“Rumi!” Jinu caught up with me breathing heavily grabbing my arm. “There’s too many! At least let me help, we’ll take them down together.” He offered but with the way he was breathing I could tell he would only be in my way so I did the only rational thing I could think of.

I kicked the back of his knee causing him to fall on his butt. Then I heard the demons laugh.

“You want us hunter?! Come get us!” One of them yelled running away from the crowd and into the streets.

I can’t let them go! I need to know how they got to this side of the Honmoon!

I ran after them.

I ran for a bit up until the point where there were no more lights apart from the street lights and the light coming out of my sword. Truth be told I could have caught up earlier but I wanted to get them far away enough so that Jinu and the crowd getting food wouldn’t be able to catch us and get involved in any way.

A demon laughed behind me attempting to cut me with his claws only to be parried by me.

I looked around watching as six different demons closed in on me cornering me.

Fuck! 

I wasn’t paying attention and forgot to count them, that must have given them a chance to circle me in.

“Lost hunter?” He asked mockingly.

“Not as lost as you’ll be when I send you all back to hell.” I spit out, rage building inside me at the thought of being outsmarted by a couple of demons.

Since when does it take this little to outsmart me?

Since Jinu became a liability, since he became weak, a normal human, a small voice inside my head that sounded suspiciously like Celine’s said.

No, stop! My life is not decided by you. 

Or your bullshit teachings, not anymore.

I raised my sword just in time to block two demons giving me enough space to get out of the corner they put me in only to be kicked in the back placing me right back where I was.

“Agh!” I winced in pain, recovering right in time to dodge two demons but not fast enough to avoid the other four who kicked me to the ground, making me drop my sword.

“Hey, I got her sword!” One of them said. 

“Well, she’s half a demon so let’s see if she likes being stabbed with it.” Another one said.

Shit, I have to get up now! 

In a sudden rush of adrenaline and rage I managed to push off three, grabbing onto a fourth demons’ ankles using him as support to kick the fifth one back. With the space between us created I jumped over them backing away finally creating the exit I much needed. Except, I wouldn’t let these assholes roam around my city hurting my people.

“You want to run, hunter? Go! Run back to your friend! We'll get to him next. And then we’ll come for you and your friends.” The one holding my sword taunted me.

Tch. One date, one fucking night to be young and enjoy it with Jinu and not only do they threaten him but they have the audacity to talked about Mira and Zoey.

Flicking my wrist I played with the Honmon pulling on its strings to undo my sword making it so that the demon was now baffled holding air, looking confused as the demons watched the sword re-materialize on my hand.

“Don’t talk about them.” I felt anger running hot in my blood. “If any of you have any actual humanity left in you, now would be a good time to let me now.” Instead of answering, the six of them lunged forward kicking and punching.

I raised my sword, catching one of them right in the torso, sending him back to hell and slashing to the side, catching another one splitting him in two. Unfortunately, I was still outnumbered enough to catch blows, the hardest one coming in the form of a kick square in the stomach where a rough CRACK was heard sending me stumbling against the wall of the alleyway where we were.

“UGH!” I cried out hitting the wall hard, holding onto my ribs. I was breathing hard but I managed to hold my sword up keeping my guard up while the demons walked in my direction slowly.

“I guess being a half demon doesn’t make you stronger, thank you for breaking Gwi-mah’s hold on us by the way, once we’re done with you, your soul will be the first one to power our ascension so I can take over the demon realm!” He laughed.

“Wait, you?! What about us?!” One of them said.

“Yeah! Also does she even have a soul?! She’s the part demon hunter, no?” Another one said

“It’s an expression!” The one appearing to lead them claimed. “And we’ll find out soon enough if she has a soul and once we’re done we can go after the tall one with pink hair and the short one with those space buns, and then the rest will be an easy job!” He approached slowly with the other three flanking him.

Mira would be using his body as a punching bag until he apologized for threatening Zoey. 

And Zoey, she would have put a knife between his eyes by now.

The demon screamed out lunging once more right when my sword disappeared as my consciousness threatened to slip past me due to the pain. They punched and kicked and I was sure because I saw it but I couldn’t feel it. 

I could however feel my anger and also something else…sadness that I might never get to see Zoey and Mira again.

I smirked. 

My girls, they must be watching movies at home right now, they’ll be so mad if I die after being reckless again even after I promised not to. Mira, I promised her I would make it up to them. I haven’t done it yet. Zoey wanted us to go back to the arcade together as well. If I die now, I would be breaking three promises at once. No, I can’t die.

Not here, not now.

Mira needs someone to calm her temper when it’s needed and Zoey still needs someone to keep her on track when she gets distracted.

They need their leader.

And I won’t leave them alone again.

I made a promise and I will keep it!

“Can’t you die faster so we can move on to the other?!” A demon snarled at me.

In a burst of purple light I stood straight, the rage coming back up making my whole body shake, I felt my muscles flex and something bothering the sides of my mouth and my forehead but I couldn’t be bothered to check, I was seeing red. And the only ones I cared for were standing right in front of me.

“I told you to not talk about them!” I snarled at them, fury carrying me as I slammed the closest demon against the wall opposite of me with such force I probably would have broken his skull had he been human but instead send him back to the demon realm immediately.

My eyes refocused on them just in time to grab a foot that was directed to my face which I held strongly, swinging his demon body hard against the floor and crushing his neck under my foot making him disappear. The two leftover were kicking my sides in an attempt to gang up on me again. I was still high on rage and whatever sudden strength I had gotten made me turn towards them in swift motion grabbing one by the neck and kicking the one that threatened us making him fall back while the other one struggled in my grasp.

“Stay the fuck! Away! From! My! Girls!” I growled at them, feeling my muscles flex as I snapped the demon’s neck with the hand I held him with.

The last demon shaked in fear watching his last friend disappear back to the demon realm.

“What kind of freak are you?!” he screamed, his eyes big, cowering against the wall.

A smile formed in my lips.

“Wanna run, demon?” I mocked him, punching him, once, twice, three times restraining my force enough to keep him “alive”. 

I was enjoying it, the fear in his eyes, the way I could almost taste his shame at being bested by a singular hunter when he outnumbered me and some other shame that hid behind and I couldn’t help but try to reach for it, try to see it to somehow pull it back out. I wanted him to feel every negative emotion so he would remember not to come near me or my loved ones ever again. 

“What are you doing?! Stop! Please!!” He yelled struggling while I held him in place.

I laughed,  mockingly.

Then I heard a voice calling for me.

Another demon!

In one swift motion I pulled the demon back grabbing onto one of his horns slamming his head hard against the wall causing him to disappear back into the demon realm and stood up to meet my other attacker, except there was no other attacker. It was…Jinu?

He looked out of breath holding his knees while he catched his breath but once he looked up I saw it, the fear in his eyes.

Why is he scared? I got them all…right?

“Oh my god, Rumi! We have to get Zoey and Mira! Quick!”

“Zoey and Mira..?” I called out feeling my vision focused and my body calming. Zoey and Mira,  that’s right they’re waiting for me back home. I have to…I have to tell them, the demons are back. “Take..me..” I felt muscles relax, the pain all of the sudden deciding to show up with ten times more strength than before, my forehead and jaw feeling much lighter than before. My vision was back to blurry and I stumbled walking towards Jinu. “..home.” was the last word that came out of me before I lost consciousness.

“So that was kind of it. I don’t remember much after they beat me into a corner, just flashes of punches and kicks. Both given and received.” I finished my story to my friends who were huddled up around me with Jinu.

“So, no memory of how those horns and teeth came to be?” Mira asked, surprisingly calm given the fact I had just admitted to being a reckless mess, again. 

“Not really.” I shrugged, thanking my stars she wasn’t angry with me.

“How about your feelings? We know it’s connected to it somehow. Did you feel a certain way before you lost sight of yourself?” Zoey being also calmer than I expected her to be, given I broke my promise of caring for myself a little more.

She was more of an open book than Mira at the time however, because I could feel the way she gripped my hand hard as if afraid I’d disappear if she let go and the way her eyes mistied when I looked her way for more than three seconds.

“They threatened you both when I went down, I got mad. I remember being very mad and I remember thinking I had to go back to you both whatever it took.” I answered sincerely.

Mira laughed humorlessly and whispered.

“Not in a box, you reckless nepo baby.” She joked. “We want you alive.”

I laughed, causing Mira’s long face to turn into a much more relaxed one with a beautiful small smile forming on her lips.

“Hey! I’m very alive and besides, a few broken ribs will heal in just a few weeks. Small price to pay for beating the six overly rude demons who dared to threaten my girls and my boyfriend.”

Jinu perked up at the sentence.

“Did they know?!” Jinu asked, panicked. “That…I’m alive that is.”  

“I don’t think so..? I can’t say for sure but I do know they weren’t looking for you. They were looking for us. Huntrix, they want our souls.” 

“Not to be captain obvious, Ru, but they have always wanted our souls.” Mira replied simply.

“Not for Gwi-Mah, not this time. They want our souls individually, as in for themselves. When we defeated Gwi-Mah the last time we thought it ended, but it looks like we just managed to free them from Gwi-Mah’s influence. ” I explained.

Everyone around frowned their faces full of worry at the implications.

“What about the Honmon it’s still there, did it stop working?” Zoey asked.

I shook my head.

“I don’t think so, our weapons work and we aren’t being swarmed by demons like in the dark ages but the openings to the Honmon are back and it seems like the demons are using them to get back into our realm again what I don’t know is why they were specifically after our souls.” 

“You guys are the only thing standing between them and the human souls of this realm. I would say that’s  reason enough.” Jinu responded sitting at the edge of my bed.

“That has always been true, why the targeting, now? Gwi-Mah used to force them but why are they doing it of their own will now?” Zoey asked, soothing herself by lightly rubbing my knuckles with her hand.

She used to do this very often back when we were trainees when she was anxious.

I returned the motion with my free hand hoping it’ll help calm her.

“And what exactly makes them think that without Gwi-Mah’s power they can take us down?” Mira asked, watching Zoey’s hand knowingly and placing her own on the back of Zoey’s neck, rubbing it in an attempt to soothe her.

A faint blush came over Zoey the second Mira’s touch processed in her brain but she didn’t say anything instead she put her free hand on Mira’s thigh while she smiled her way.

It looked sort of…weird. Different somehow even if nothing looked too out of place to their usual touchiness.

“Well, there is a thing, I remember back when I was a demon. I heard a legend about the coming to power of Gwi-Mah, it was said that at some point demons were all on their own, no master or puppeteer pulling the strings becoming demons through their actions losing their souls to their selfishness and greed as opposed to an exchange with Gwi-Mah. They said he came to power by forcing the other demons to obey, torturing them in the demon realm so they’ll fall in line ,that was until he discovered three singers, hunters of demons who managed to learn to harness and use the power of souls to defend themselves.” He looked at us. “Your predecessors, I’m assuming. Maybe these free demons were trying to see if they could rise to power like Gwi-Mah and taking your souls would make it easier.”

“How?” I frowned, bothered at the idea of my friends and I becoming the prime target for a bunch of power hungry demons.

Not that we couldn't take them but I wasn’t happy to be forced to.

“Well, for one you're half demon, I don’t know what that means in terms of value added to your soul but I do know it’s rare, so I wouldn’t doubt some demons must think it’ll grant them extra strength to have it.” I heard Mira huff annoyed and felt Zoey tighten her grip on my hand. “For another, all three of you are hunters so your souls are special, they’re human, yes, for the most part,” Jinu briefly looked at me. “But they’re also in sync with other souls, well enough to harness power from them. If souls differ in strength when consumed then I’ll say you three have the strongest and most sought after souls in the world.” He finished clearly unhappy with his own conclusion.

“And to top it off they get one less obstacle in their way if they succeed, yeah that’ll do it! That’ll be enough to guarantee they won’t leave us alone.” Zoey recognized defeated. “Man, I was enjoying our break from demons!” She whined.

“So, was I.” I agreed. “Any solutions, Jinu? Alternative stories or legends that you heard and could be   helpful?”

He shook his head.

“Unfortunately no, I wasn’t very good at making friends in the demon realm. I learned this way back when I thought I could free myself from Gwi-Mah’s control, the first decades I was under his influence. Sorry, I can’t be more helpful.” He said looking pained at the memory of his trapped self in the demon realm.

I would have taken my hand to reach out to him and comfort him but I felt Zoey’s grip on my hand loosen completely at that moment and for whatever reason I chose to hold hers, it was automatic but still my hand refused to let go when she did.

I was surprised and so was she, but she didn’t brush my hand off.

“You’re kidding, right? Jinu you brought me back home all by yourself without demonic strength or anyone to help you, you did more than enough, I promise.” I assured him getting a smile out of him.

“Not all on my own.” 

I felt Mira and Zoey tense beside me.

“Derpy helped.” He finished his sentence calling the giant blue tiger over to my bed where he chose to sit right at the feet of the bed watching me intently.

“Heh heh, you brought me home? Thanks buddy.” I praised Derpy attempting to push myself forward to pet him only to be stopped by my self appointed nurses.

“Woah, woah, no. How about we don’t go around squeezing the already broken ribs, eh?” Mira said her hand firmly on my shoulder carefully pushing me back against the pillows.

“Hmmf, I just wanted to pet him.” I whined.

Zoey quietly called over Derpy who followed along fully laying on the upper part of my legs. Withing pet reach.

“There.” Zoey petted Derpy 's head. 

“Thanks.” I petted Derpy wondering since when Derpy listened to Zoey.

“So, do demons being back means we’re back to sealing breaches and killing demons at night?” Zoey asked.

“Yes, but it also means we have to be extra careful when alone if they have something to gain out of taking our souls besides peace and all the free will to act on it there’s no telling what they’ll do. We have to keep our guard up.” 

Mira and Zoey nodded.

“Will you be able to go with us to my parents’? I’d rather you rest but I also don’t want to leave you alone while we go.” Mira asked, looking over me with worry.

It was very sweet she cared but I actually felt quite already, I mean still in pain and the ribs were probably going to stay broken a couple of weeks but I could walk it off, especially if it meant supporting Mira.

“I can go!” I said quickly, causing Mira to arch her eyebrow in doubt. “It’s still a week away, c‘mon Mi. I’ll be a lot better by then. And besides, I already chose my dress.” I tried to convince her.

I mean I was going to go no matter what she said but I didn’t want her to worry too much about me.

She smiled softly.

“If I said no, you’ll still be go. And either way I don’t see you resting even if you stayed home.” She said.

She caught me.

“It’s…hard to stay still.” I responded a little ashamed of being read that fast.

Mira laughed.

“Oh, we know. I don’t think I could keep you still if I tied you to the bed.” She joked.

The image of Mira tying to the bed set my face on fire.

And apparently Zoey’s as well because she cleared her throat loudly showing her bright red face.

“Ahem, it’s ok we'll help keep you sane, we can use the time to finish reading your mother’s journal and maybe Jinu can drop by, with Derpy’s help obviously, to keep you company until the party.”

Keep me company, were they planning to keep me locked up until I healed?! 

“How long am I supposed to be locked up, resting here? There’s a lot of things to do and if demons are back then we have to get to work on a new song soon, otherwise we won’t be strong enough to hold them off. And that’s without mentioning the fixing of the hideout which we have to start at some point and the apartment hunting we have yet to find Jinu a place.” 

“She’s not serious, is she?” Jinu asked in disbelief.

“Unfortunately she is, dude.” Mira shook her head frustrated.

“Rumi, you got two broken ribs and enough bruises to make you look like an art piece, an abstract one not the pretty pictures I like. Could you please rest at least one week? For us? No planning, no Huntrix business, no hunting, Mira and I can handle it for one week. Please?” Zoey did her signature puppy eyes holding my hand to her chin.

Damn, her cute puppy eyes.

“Don’t you dare say no, you owe it to us. All of us.” Mira warned her patience was slipping and I could tell by her tone, can’t say I blame her though lately I hadn’t made very good choices.

“Yeah! Please, be reasonable. We can't keep you safe from yourself when you do stuff like this and then reject our care.” Jinu added.

I sighed clearly defeated.

“Fine, I’ll stay home ONE week and then it’s back to business, there’s far too many things that need to get done to..” Zoey’s hug cut me off mid sentence.

“We’ll take care of it, all of it. So please promise you’ll rest and you won’t break your promise this time.” Zoey pleaded in a whisper.

Right, I broke my promise, again. 

I really need to be a better friend and definitely a better leader if I’m breaking promises often enough that Zoey has to make me promise NOT to break them.

I wrapped my hands around her watching as my arms’ patterns went dark purple.

“Alright, I promise, I won’t break my promise this time, Zo. I swear.”