Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“ Do you have any idea what will happen once the hunters seal the Honmoon ?”

The demon king’s voice boomed over the gathered denizens of the demon realm below him, his fiery form flickering with pure outrage. None of them dared to speak. Some cowered and trembled in fear, some wept.

Gwi-Ma’s voice seemed to rumble through their very beings, in their chests, their bodies, their minds.

Many of them avoided looking at the demon king, not wanting to face his wrath. Gwi-Ma was silent for a moment.

“ You .”

A force yanked one of the demons from the fray, dragging her up the long staircase and depositing her in front of the inferno. The flames cast an eerie glow over her form.

“... Yes, Gwi-Ma?” she said quietly, the slightest waver in her voice.

“ You understand humans, ” he murmured. The demon nodded, not getting off her knees, not daring to defy the demon king after he’d singled her out like this.

“I… I do.”

“ Good. ” The demon’s eyes lowered to the ground, not looking at Gwi-Ma, fear gripping at her chest.

“Wh… what is it that you wish for me to do?” she asked slowly.

“ I want you...," the demon king murmured, "to go into the human realm next .” She stood up.

“But-”

The demon's expression shifted. Her eyes widened, the words stuck in her throat.

The voices in her head grew louder, louder, louder.

                                                “Look at what you did to them.”

                                                                                                                             “They will never be the same.”

              “Look into their eyes. See what you did. What they are, now that you’re done with them.”

                                                                                                                                                                                    “A fate worse than death.”

Like a silk noose around her neck. Soft, smooth, cold, and utterly deadly. She felt like she couldn’t breathe, couldn’t think, couldn’t act. Her hands pressed to her ears, a futile attempt to keep out the words that were already clawing through her mind. She wasn't sure if she screamed. She couldn't even hear herself over the voices.

“Look at what you did.”

She gasped, finding herself back on her knees, knowing that the voices had been intentionally turned up. She squeezed her eyes shut.

“ Yes? ” Gwi-Ma crooned.

“... I…,” she hesitated.

“ I can offer you something that you want. That you need. ” Gwi-Ma’s voice wrapped around her like a snake around its prey. “ I can take them all away. Those pesky voices in your head. Those memories that haunt you so. ”

In an instant, the voices went silent. Or, at least, as close to silent as they’ve ever been. A brief, cruel taste of what she could have if she succeeded, and what she would lose if she failed. It was within her reach, dangling over her head. She stared up at Gwi-Ma, her breathing ragged.

The demon king laughed. “ I’ve got your attention now. ”

“I-I…” She swallowed hard. “I’ll go up to the human realm.”

“ That’s good. ”

“I’ll… I’ll need some… allies. Some resources.” Her hands trembled. “I know what we have to do. We have to strike where they won’t expect us to.”

“ And how do you propose we do that? ”

“We use music. The same way they do. I’ll… I’ll need a group… I need idols.”

“ Idols…? ” Gwi-Ma burst out laughing, shaking the ground, his flames flaring up. The gathered demons slowly joined in. “ You’re proposing a demon idol group? I’ve overestimated you. ”

“No,” she said. Her voice was more even. “How do the hunters power the Honmoon? With their fans. They make music that unites people, that brings them hope. They get into their hearts. And if we target their fans with music of our own…”

“... I see, ” Gwi-Ma said after a moment, his laughter slowly fading. “ What makes you think that will work ?”

“Humans are always, always searching for someone to look to,” the demon murmured. “If we take that away from the hunters, then the Honmoon is weak.”

“ Hm .” The demon braced herself, waiting to be struck down or devoured for her foolishness. “ Fine. I’ll let you try out your little plan. ”

Her shoulders slumped in relief.

“ And if it succeeds, then I will wash your memories away. ”

The voices grew a bit, as if eager to be heard one last time. Her eyes widened.

"If it fails..."

“I’ll do it,” she said, desperation seeping into her voice, crawling towards the inferno like a worshipper on her knees. "I'll do it! I promise!" The voices quieted back down again. She gasped for air, hands clenching on the cold stone below her.

Gwi-Ma chuckled, seeming to revel in her obedience. “ Then you have my word. ”

Chapter Text

You had little hope for these boys.

Poor little demons who had no idea how to act human after hundreds of years trapped in the demon realm.

“Backs straight!” you barked. “And stop picking at your clothes!”

One of the boys looked at you like a kicked puppy.

“Don't give me that. You have to act normally. No, charming- No! Perfect. You have to look… perfect.” You brushed a hand through the bluish hair, adjusting it in a curtain over his eyes. “Stunning. ‘Mystery’.” ‘Mystery’ didn't seem to like the name, but he accepted it anyway, just as they all did. You went down the line of boys, adjusting their clothes, their hair, their shoes, their jewelry. Jinu, the one who seemed to be the most... intelligent out of the group, smirked a bit.

“You're acting like a mother.”

“Quit that. I need this plan to work.” You hesitated. “ We need this plan to work. We'll all be free! Don't you get it?” The demons gave her looks ranging from slight annoyance to reluctant acceptance. “Just… as we practiced. It will work. I know it will.”

You had no idea how you convinced these demons to go along with the plan. But unsurprisingly, a promise of respite from the endless voices in their heads had gotten them on board very quickly. Of course, you hadn’t exactly asked Gwi-Ma to quiet the voices in their heads… But you hoped that when he saw how well your plan worked, he might be a little more open to hearing you out. A part of you felt guilty for roping them into this after Gwi-Ma had forced you to come up here and deal with the hunters, but you knew your plan would work. You knew how humans worked.

“Come on… it’s almost noon.” You straightened your own back, holding the papers and everything you needed to be a good manager to your chest. “Heads held high.”

You grinned back at your perfect boy band.

“It’s time for the Saja Boys to debut.”

Rumi had little hope for these tonics.

The doctor–if you could call him that–seemed like a total sham, but she'd try it. She'd try anything to get her voice back to normal, even if Zoey's outlandish ideas were her only hope right now.

“Let's just… get out of here before we get recognized,” she said to Mira and Zoey, adjusting her grip on her box. She did not want to be caught dead with this box of tonics like some old lady who fell for a scam. Bobby would have a heart attack if he saw what people might say about HUNTR/X after that.

Mira hummed, tucking her hands in her pockets, her expression just as unreadable as ever. “Sounds good to me.”

“Yeah,” Zoey chirped, “before fans find us.” The three of them saw a few shadows at the end of the alleyway, slowly growing bigger. Zoey yelped. “Ah-! They found us!”

The three of them bumped into each other awkwardly as they tried to find a hiding spot, panicking amongst themselves. Mira cowered behind Rumi. Zoey behind Mira. Rumi pulled her hood over her head, making sure her braid was fully tucked in, before yanking the hoodie strings, tightening it around her face.

Yeah… Real subtle.

That's when the group of people rounded the corner.

“Oh… wow,” Zoey breathed, peering out to look at them. Mira was also peeking out, her lips parting at the sight.

There were five… beautiful men. It looked like someone had pumped some plastic into a mold and then opened it up to reveal these men. Shiny, muscular, in some cases, and lean in others. Stunning. It was almost baffling how perfect they looked. Mira and Zoey were entranced. Rumi less so. She rolled her eyes, slightly grossed out by her friends’ reactions to the confusingly perfect boys.

But then you followed after them.

Perfect hair that framed your face like a dream, flowing in the breeze that Rumi wasn't even sure was there before. Clear, smooth skin. Clothing that hugged your body perfectly, straddling the line between casual and dressy. Soft-looking lips. Intense eyes.

Flawless.

Maddeningly so.

“Uh,” Rumi grunted, rather eloquently.

You stared at Rumi. Tried not to. Failed. It was difficult. Her eyes were just so dark, her face so…

You clenched your jaw, trying to hide it. Your eyes locked on Rumi's. Rumi could feel the pink dusting on her face already. Her hands tightened on the box as she watched you walk by with your pretty boy brigade.

Rumi felt the bump on her shoulder. Felt herself falling, her box flying out of her hands. It happened so suddenly, yet felt so slow at the same time. Rumi landed hard on the ground, feeling several papers flutter onto her chest.

You looked down at her, bending over slightly, your hand held out.

Oh.

Rumi's hand reached up.

You picked up the papers, aligning them neatly. Then, you straightened up, brushing off your chest as if being in contact with Rumi's body had dirtied your clothing. Rumi's hand was still in the air.

Oh.

You held the papers to your chest, fixing Rumi with a neutral look. Indifferent. Almost a bit smug.

“Hm,” you hummed, staring down at Rumi the way someone might look down at a rodent they nearly stepped on. With a hint of disgust and surprise, a look that screamed, “wow, I didn’t realize there was a creature right there.” Rumi felt that hum in her chest. She blinked a few times, feeling the rose-coloured film over the whole situation abruptly shatter. You cocked a brow.

“Um…,” Rumi started, her face burning. “Sorry, I wasn't watching where I was-”

“I can see that,” you said, your voice soft, sweet, melodic, and cold. You smiled at Rumi before delivering a scathing, saccharine, “Watch yourself, hm?”

You smirked as she slowly blinked—stupid hunter . Rumi's eyes widened as you turned to walk away, motioning with your head for your boys to follow.

You smiled at the guys. “We don’t have all day to waste on insignificant matters.”

You were just laying it on thick at this point, but a part of you wanted to get under the hunters’ skin, and you knew it was working. A little too well. Rumi’s brain fully caught up with the situation, and she gaped at your back as your hips swayed, almost mocking her.

“Wh- Hey!” Rumi sputtered, scrambling to her feet with the help of a scowling Zoey and Mira. “Watch myself? You- Wha-? Wait-! Watch yourself ! Ugh!” She threw her hands up in the air, flustered and peeved.

“Ugh,” Mira echoed simply, her face a mask of disgust.

“‘Watch yourself’?” Rumi repeated as she bent down with the others, scooping up all the stupid tonic pouches from the ground to put them back in the box. She chucked one of them into the box with a loud thump , imagining the floppy pouch as that infuriating woman who just looked at her as if she were gum stuck under her heel.  “Who does she think she is?”

Zoey pouted, squishing a pouch before dropping it into the box. “And those guys, too. Ugh, they didn’t even try to apologize for that woman! Totally not hot anymore.”

Then they heard music. Rumi frowned at her box, then glanced up.

“What is that?” she asked, slowly rising with the box in her arms. The three of them exchanged a glance, slowly approaching the source of the music, a small square at the end of the alley they were in. They peered around the corner.

“What…?” Mira muttered as they saw the cloud of pink smoke billowing up, concealing… something.

And then they heard the singing. Male voices, smooth, perfectly harmonizing. The smoke was clearing, and there they were.

Those perfectly sculpted guys, dancing and singing. A crowd was beginning to form, some people curious, others already sold.

“They're a boy band?” Rumi hissed, her eyes narrowing. She started walking towards them. Zoey and Mira followed. They all glanced around, making sure no one could recognize them. As the boy band kept performing and more and more people started wandering over, Rumi’s eyes landed on a flash in the crowd.

It was you.

Flickering in and out of the audience with so much ease, as if the fact that the audience was nearly shoulder to shoulder was just a suggestion. You walked around with a sweet little smile and an even sweeter voice.

“They’re called the Saja Boys, and you,” you said to a group of teenage girls, offering them a cheap little wristband, “can be some of their first fans!”

The group of girls squealed and started fighting over the wristband as if a trigger had been set off in their heads.

“The Saja Boys,” you said to a couple. “Aren’t they great?” The couple looked at the boys, nodding vigorously in agreement. Rumi’s eyes narrowed as you darted around the crowd, speaking sweetly to them, making them pay attention to the boy band. How were you doing that…? It was like… like you were speaking directly into their minds.

“How is she doing that?” Rumi whispered, nudging Zoey and Mira and making them look over at you.

“I don’t know,” Mira muttered. “But this whole thing is… weird.” Zoey was trying to keep herself from smiling and dancing to the music. Rumi shot her a look.

That’s when they saw it.

As the Saja Boys were singing and dancing, a flash of… something appeared on their skin.

Patterns... and suddenly, it all made sense.

“They’re demons,” the three of them hissed in unison. It explained it. The way people seemed to be drawn in so easily. The way you seemed to be able to say a handful of words to the audience members and get them hooked.

“They’re good,” Zoey said with a bit of a pout. “Damnit.”

“They’re incredible,” Rumi agreed begrudgingly. “But why? Why a demon boy band?”

“We need to kill them,” Mira muttered, beginning to walk forward. “A demon’s a demon.”

Rumi’s hand shot out, gripping Mira’s shoulder. “Not here. Not out in the open.”

“But all these people are in danger!” Mira protested.

Zoey examined the boy band, frowning a bit. “Well… they don’t look like they’re hurting anyone…?”

"Yet," Mira and Rumi snapped.

Rumi’s eyes tracked you as you flitted around the crowd like the world’s most manipulative hummingbird, whispering in the audience members’ ears, your words and expressions and body language dripping with charm and charisma.

“She’s… showing them off?” Rumi murmured.

“She’s their manager,” Mira said after a moment. “Isn’t she? She’s... advertising them.” Rumi’s eyes widened. Demons… in the human realm, forming a boy band, grabbing people’s attention like this-

“They’re coming for the fans,” she said. Her voice grew more urgent. “They’re coming for the fans! We have to stop them!”

Your eyes flickered over to HUNTR/X as if you heard exactly what Rumi had said over the music. Your smile turned into a grin as you saw them beginning to push through the audience, and you strutted through the crowd, hands lightly brushing the audience members’ shoulders.

And as if following a command, they stayed firmly in place, acting as obstacles to slow the hunters down as the song was beginning to wind down.

“That’s it for now,” the leader of the Saja Boys said, flashing that winning smile.

“Join the pride,” one of the other boys said, his shirt lifting slightly to show off his toned stomach.

“The Saja Boys love you!” the five of them said in unison, showing off hearts with their fingers.

In a flash of pink smoke, they disappeared. Rumi’s eyes darted around, searching for you. You smiled at her before vanishing in the same way. The audience was buzzing with excitement as they slowly dispersed, raving about how catchy the song was, how hot the boys were, how great they were at dancing…

“Damnit,” Rumi muttered, her hands clenched into tight fists. Mira and Zoey appeared at her sides, wearing similar scowls.

“Those demons are brazen,” Mira said, her tone clipped.

Rumi’s eyes narrowed. “They are.”

“What are we supposed to do?” Zoey asked, looking to Rumi for an answer.

Rumi stared at the spot you were standing, watching a wisp of pink smoke float up into the sky. She scowled.

“We’re going to kill them."

Chapter Text

You adjusted your clothing, hand clenching around the ridiculous little device that you’d been struggling to pick up on since you bought it earlier in the week. You still weren’t used to how bright it was. Or how quickly the little images changed behind the glass.

And how did it know where you were touching it?

The hunters’ manager should be here… you had sent him a message that bewildered both you and the Saja Boys with how quickly it was delivered to him. He said he had about half an hour to talk and seemed eager to meet with you.

You crossed your arms, foot tapping against the ground.

“Ah, sorry for being late!” You glanced back, finding a short, frazzled-looking man behind you. His hair was slightly ruffled, as if he ran his hands through it often. Considering how stressed he looked, you were surprised he hadn’t pulled all his hair out. You gave a pleasant smile.

“Bobby-ssi,” you said sweetly, offering a bow. “It’s so nice to meet you in person. Thank you for putting the time aside for me.”

“It was no trouble at all!” he reassured you, though with his tone of voice, he sounded like he really needed this half-hour to do work.

Or maybe go find a corner to cry in.

“So, you’re the manager of the Saja Boys, then?” he asked, adjusting his blazer. “Let’s walk. I’m going to visit the girls, and you can come meet them.”

You tried not to smile too widely.

“The girls? I’d be honoured to meet the hunt- ah, HUNTR/X.” You cleared your throat. “Sorry, I’ve been all over the place lately. My boys have been really blowing up recently, and it’s been a mess to keep up with it.”


“I can see that,” Bobby said, leading you down the sidewalk. “Would you like a quick drink? It’s quite hot out.”

“Oh, no, no. I’m pretty cold most of the time.” You smiled sweetly.

Butter him up.

“I’m honoured,” you said slowly. “HUNTR/X is one of, if not the biggest, idol group in the world, and you wanted to meet with me?”

“Well, social media never lies,” Bobby said. “And your group is really blowing up all the sites. They’ll be big soon, I already know.”

“You really think so, Bobby-ssi?” you asked innocently. Maybe if you batted your eyelashes hard enough, he’d give in to any collab you suggested.

“I know so,” he confirmed. “I’ve been in this business a long time.”

“Ah, that makes sense. You’re so well-versed.” You gave a slight laugh. “This is my first time managing an idol group.”

“I can tell. You’re so young… You look just a little older than my girls.” You bit back a full-blown laugh.

Well, yes,” you said. “A few years.”

A few hundred. But who’s counting?

“So, what did you want to meet about?” Bobby asked. You took a breath.

“Well, Bobby-ssi,” you said. “I’ve managed to nab a slot for my boys in that one variety show… Ah, ‘Play Games With Us’, I think it was?”

“Wow! You sure work fast.” Your eye twitched.

Straight to business… straight to business, now. “I have my ways.”

“And did you need advice?”

“I need…” You exhaled. “I would like to have your girls on as guests. Even for five minutes. Surprise guests. I think it would really boost my group, but also yours.”

“Hmm…,” Bobby ruminated. “A surprise HUNTR/X appearance, then?”

You nodded eagerly. “Yes, that would be… I mean, it would be truly incredible.” You swallowed. “No pressure… of course. I completely understand if they’re too busy.”

Bobby kept walking. You followed close behind.

“I truly did not mean to offend you,” you said with an apologetic nod of your head. “I just… I’ve been reaching out to other groups, not just HUNTR/X.”

That seemed to get his attention.

“You’ve…” He stared at you. “Asked other groups to make guest appearances?”

“Yes,” you said. “You were the first to reach out. And since you’re so… good at marketing your girls, so good at managing them, I believe HUNTR/X was the right choice. Unless… I receive other offers.”

That seemed to flip a switch in Bobby’s head. You knew it would. You’d even injected a little bit of your demonic persuasiveness into it, just to make him consider the idea more. You hadn’t asked any other idol groups, but you knew Bobby would respond to you more if you claimed you had. He would never pass up the opportunity to give his girls more publicity.

“I suppose… a short guest appearance can’t hurt,” he said finally.

“That’s a great idea, Bobby-ssi,” you agreed sweetly, as if he’d suggested it in the first place. “Beneficial for all parties involved. We can finalize it after we talk to the girls about it?”

“Yes, that sounds great…,” Bobby murmured. You grinned.

“You’re so smart, coming up with all that. Thank you for being so wise.” You could practically see the words flowing through his head. Humans were so susceptible to your words. It would wear off soon.

It was way better than before you learned to control it.

The voices murmured in your ear.

You twitched. Not right now… not now… “Bobby-ssi! You said you’d introduce me to your group?”

“Oh, that’s right, of course,” he said. He pointed at the tall, sleek building up ahead, with HUNTR/X’s logo at the very top.

How… self-centred of the hunters. Though you supposed they had the money.

“They live in that building. I’ll sign you in as a guest. We have very strict security measures, as you can imagine. Bag searches and a few metal detectors for guests.”

“Of course, of course,” you said with a smile. “I wouldn’t want to be of any danger to your girls.”

“They’ll be thrilled to meet you!” Bobby exclaimed excitedly, leading you inside. He scanned a card at the security desk, did some paperwork, and clipped a guest tag to your shirt. “The Saja Boys have been all over. I’m sure my girls will be thrilled to get to know the person managing them.

After a lot of security–honestly, it felt like a royal palace and not a simple living space–the two of you stepped into the elevator. Bobby hit a button, swiftly shooting the elevator up. You hummed softly, looking out the window overlooking the city.

“When did they move in here?” you asked.

“They moved in shortly before they debuted,” Bobby explained. “Rumi–the lead singer–her mother was a Sunlight Sister, and was raised by another one. Her name is Celine.”

“Ah, of course,” you said. “I’ve heard of them.”

Every demon has.

“Lots of money then, hm?” you remarked. “What with all the album sales from two generations of hunt… of… very popular girl groups.”

“Oh, definitely,” he said with a smile. “Lots of funding from Celine. I guess she raised Rumi to be a K-pop idol.”

“Mm,” you hummed. “Her voice is quite powerful. I suppose it comes from that… training.”

The elevator dinged. You tensed. Surely, the hunters wouldn’t be so brazen as to attack you with their very human, very oblivious manager with you.

Right?

“Girls!” Bobby called out.

“Hi, Bobby!” came a chorus of voices.

Play it cool.

The black haired one appeared first. You could tell she wanted to either run, summon her weapons, or scream.

“Hi, Zoey,” Bobby said. “Will you get Mira and Rumi? I have to talk to you three.” Zoey slowly nodded.

“I’ll go get them…,” she said tightly, her smile stretching painfully wide. She darted back down the hallway. You could practically hear them panicking.

The three of them strode into the living room, looking tense.

Bobby beamed. “This is the Saja Boys’ manager, girls.” The girls managed tight smiles.

“It’s so nice to finally meet you,” you said, as if you hadn’t had that run-in with them a few days ago. “You guys are some of the best vocalists, dancers, rappers, performers, I’ve ever seen!”

“Uh-huh,” the leader said shortly. Bobby cleared his throat.

“This is Rumi, Mira, and Zoey,” he said. You nodded.

“It’s a pleasure.” You clasped your hands together. “I’m so excited to work with you three!”

“What?” Mira demanded, her eyes flickering over to Bobby for an explanation.

“Ah…,” Bobby hesitated. “Well, girls, as you know, the Saja Boys have been gaining popularity so quickly, and their manager asked if-”

“Your manager suggested that you come on as guests when my boys go on for a variety show!” you cut in cheerfully.

You were sure you were about to get a blade rammed through your throat.

“Oh… that’s… great,” Rumi said, trying to hold her smile.

“Isn’t it so exciting?” you said. “We’re all going to get a lot of publicity from this.”

They could sense the subtle challenge in your voice, the slight threat. Zoey swallowed hard. Mira’s eyes narrowed. Rumi…

… looked like she wanted to beat you to pulp.

“My boys cannot wait to work with you,” you said. “Truly.”

Rumi took a breath. “And… we’re excited to work with them.”

Your eyes narrowed at her, still keeping that smile on your face. You had challenged her. She had challenged you right back.

“I’m glad,” you said, your voice saccharine. “We’re going to have a lot of fun together… I just know it…”

Rumi slowly stepped closer. It looked like she wanted to get Bobby away from you as soon as possible. You simply smiled and watched her with a cool expression, not backing down.

“So much fun,” she said, eyes locked on you. Your grin grew.

“Glad you think so…” You watched her as she circled like a lioness, slowly reaching Bobby’s side. You tilted your head. “I suppose I should get going.”

“Oh, really? We’d love for you to stay.” Mira’s voice was dripping with sarcasm. You gave a soft laugh.

“Maybe some other time.” You smiled. "Your manager and I will finalize your guest appearance soon."

You turned to walk back to the elevator, bumping Rumi’s shoulder.

And because you couldn’t resist, you added, “Oh… watch yourself.”

The elevator doors slid shut behind you, leaving the hunters with their poor little manager.

Rumi nearly tore through the elevator doors to throw you through the window. She took a deep, deep breath, then turned to Bobby.

“Bobby,” she said carefully. “Did she approach you, or was it the other way around?”

“Oh, she found my contact info,” Bobby said cheerfully. “Isn’t she so capable? She said this is her first time managing an idol group!”

Mira’s eye twitched as she watched the elevator light signal that the car had reached the first floor. “That’s just…” She looked like she was forcing the words out. It looked painful. “That’s just swell.”

How had you found that information? Why were you doing this? Rumi steered Bobby to the elevator as well, hitting the down button for him.

“Don’t you have a meeting with-”

“Ah!” Bobby yelped, his normal panicky demeanor back in full force. “The brand deal! Yes! I’ll be back here tomorrow with an update on that and the variety show- take care of yourself, girls! Drink water and stay indoors, it’s too hot to go outside- Agh, they’re calling me! Talk to you soon!”

The elevator dinged right on time, and Bobby darted inside, already taking the call. The doors slid shut. Rumi slowly turned to the others. The room seemed to explode.

“Okay, seriously, what the fuck?” Mira blurted out, throwing her hands up. Zoey was pacing a bit.

“She knows where we live now!” she said, waving her arms. “What is she doing-? What is she planning? I don’t know what to-”

“It’s fine!” Rumi interjected. “It’s… this is perfect…”

Mira and Zoey slowly turned to Rumi as if she had grown a second head.

“What?” they both yelled. Rumi put her hands out.

“I know she’s planning something,” she said carefully. She put her hand to her chin. “But nothing is stopping us from doing the same.”

Mira and Zoey exchanged a glance. “So…,” Mira said slowly. “Do we do something at the variety show?”

“Yes,” Rumi said with a smile. “We do something at the variety show. We’ve been on every damn one under the sun. We know the backstage areas, little nooks and crannies. We could sabotage them, or even just-”

“Kill them,” the three said at the same time, coming to the same conclusion. They suddenly looked a lot less panicked. Mira was even smirking.

“They’ll gain a popularity boost after the variety show,” Mira muttered. “But it won’t matter if they’ve been sent back to the demon realm.”

“Yeah…,” Zoey murmured. Her voice slowly rose. “Yeah… Yeah! It’ll be perfect!”

The three of them had that determination in their eyes now, as if imagining those demons at the end of their blades.

Rumi could practically see your face as she pointed her sword at you.

“We’d better be ready for it,” Rumi said, her jaw set.

Mira and Zoey exchanged a smirk.

“Ready as we’ll ever be.”

Chapter Text

It was funny to watch. You had to admit it.

Maybe that was why stupid humans liked these shows.

Bobby had gotten the girls to agree to having a more active role in the show today. You weren’t sure how he did it, but it sure was hilarious seeing your enemies stumble around like fools. The hosts were tormenting your poor boys and the hunters with endless games designed to embarrass them, essentially. Your guys might kill you for this, and the hunters definitely would if given the chance.

You grinned up at the screen, standing at Bobby’s side as the two of you watched the spectacle.

You winced as Rumi face planted into a mat, trying not to laugh aloud when she lifted her face, her long braid a mess.

Stupid hunter.

Bobby was obsessively watching his little device, monitoring whatever numbers were on it. You peered over his shoulder, trying to decipher them. You were a manager too, and even if you had no damn idea what they meant, you had to learn.

“Ooh,” you said cheerfully. “Those, uh, hearts sure are high.”

“They sure are!” Bobby replied happily. “We’re blowing up. Both bands.”

You grinned wide. “How many people have seen it?”

Bobby then went on a dizzying rant about millions of people, about viewership, engagement, and… whatever else. You smiled, trying to act like you had a clue what he was saying.

“... That’s… really great,” you said finally.

You really needed to learn all of this when you had the chance.

The Saja Boys’ segment was finally over, and the two groups walked off stage, walking towards you and Bobby. Rumi, Mira, and Zoey looked like they wanted to paint the walls with your insides.

You smiled. “That was a really good show, girls!”

Rumi promptly stomped on Mira’s shoe to stop her from screaming at you.

“It was so fun!” Rumi said cheerfully as Mira grabbed her foot, cursing under her breath. “Thank you for inviting us.” She bowed. And with a sharp glare at Mira and Zoey, got her bandmates to bow, too. You bowed as well.

“Thank you for agreeing to it,” you crooned. You giggled happily. “Bobby-ssi, I believe you wanted to talk to-”

“Yes,” Bobby cut you off. “I was going to talk to the execs, girls. You and the Saja Boys can get acquainted! Maybe you can all go get some drinks or something.”

The nine of you stared at each other.

“That’d be fun,” Romance said, breaking the silence.

Bobby hurried off, mumbling nervously under his breath as he tried to smooth back a particularly stubborn lock of hair.

The tension in the air was palpable. You hummed, turning away to lead your boys further backstage.

Rumi, Mira, and Zoey exchanged uneasy glances. Their hands lowered to their sides, ready to summon their weapons from the Honmoon.

The click of their heels felt like reflections of their heartbeats. Your eyes darted to Jinu and Abby, who were behind you. They could sense your gaze on them, and you knew they were grinning.

Rumi swallowed hard, looking at Mira and Zoey with a slight nod.

“So…,” you said. The hunters were behind you and the boys.

They froze, the soft strings of the Honmoon already swirling around their hands, forming their weapons.

“You've got us all figured out, haven't you?” you asked slowly, smiling over your shoulder at the hunters, eyes flashing golden. Rumi's eyes narrowed.

Well, no more beating around the bush. No more pleasantries or secret plots to backstab these demons.

“What are you doing,” she demanded, raising her sword, “stealing our fans?”

“Hm.” You turned to face the girls fully. Your hand came up to rest on your hip as you exchanged glances with your boys.

“We asked you a question!” Zoey growled, her knives fanned out in either hand. Your smile only widened.

“I'm not here to fight you, you know,” you said, putting a hand to your chest, as if offended that they’d suggest such a thing. “My boys aren't, either. Isn't that right?”

The Saja Boys smiled smugly and nodded.

“Not us,” Jinu said innocently.

Your smirk melted into a full-on grin.

“Mmhmm…” You were already standing by the door. You lazily pointed up. “But they are.”

The hunters scowled before they looked up, eyes widening as they saw the tangled mess of demons hiding in the shadows of the catwalks above, eyes glowing.

You addressed them. “Have your fun with them,” you called up. “I don't care what you do to them… but as soon as they're gone… feast.”

There seemed to be a moment of stillness.

That's when the demons started to drop down from the ceiling. Snarling, clawing, and climbing over each other to reach the hunters, dragging themselves across the floor in an undulating unit of talons and dark bodies.

Rumi, Mira, and Zoey took a familiar triangular formation, their weapons held up. Mira cursed as she rammed her gok-do through the nearest demon, slamming it against the floor and wrenching the blade out of its disintegrating body.

“Those damn demons!” she hissed, whipping around to cover Zoey's back as the rapper quickly flicked a series of blades at the nearest trio of demons.

Rumi slashed through a few of the demons, her teeth gritting together.

“Have fun!” you called out, running to the exit with the boys.

Rumi's anger flared.

That's it.

She chucked her sword. It spun rapidly, sticking in the wall beside the door, narrowly missing your side.

“Rumi!” Mira called out, probably about to tell her not to be stupid, but Rumi wasn’t listening. You jumped back from the doorway, your exit abruptly cut off. Rumi launched herself over, yanking her sword out and whirling on you.

You froze for a split second before running in the opposite direction, towards the only hope you had now.

You jumped up the ladder, taking it two rungs at a time, not even bothering to look back, knowing Rumi was climbing up after you like a deranged spider monkey. You dragged yourself onto the catwalk, stumbling to your feet and teleporting to the next catwalk over.

Rumi pulled herself up the ladder, seeing you on the other side. Her scowl deepened. She could throw her sword again, but she might hit one of the lights or the wires hanging haphazardly in her way, and then her sword would fall, and she’d be unarmed, and…

Rumi yelled.

She clambered onto the railing, launching herself up and over. You had no time to react before she was in the air above you, her sword raised.

You barely had time to duck away before she slammed it down, drawing a loud clang from the blade hitting the railing.

“Hey- Hey!” you said.

“You little-!” Rumi swung her sword again. You dodged it, slamming your hand down against her arm, sending the tip of the sword down against the grates.

You thrust your knee against her stomach, sending her backwards. She slammed against the railing, falling to her knees. You grinned, fingers curling and darkening into claws.

Too easy…

You jumped, slashing your claws against her arm just as she kicked you in the stomach. You flew backwards and hit the grate, vision going black, air knocked out of your chest. A pained groan escaped your lips, hand holding your stomach.

A knee rammed harshly against your chest, holding you down and knocking out the rest of the air from your lungs. The glow of the sword was visible behind your eyelids. Your hands shot up, gripping the hunter's wrists, holding the blade away from your jugular as your eyes snapped open.

“... You're…,” you started, teeth gritted tight, trying not to show how threatened you were feeling. You let out a strangled laugh. “You're pretty strong, aren't you? Stronger than you look…”

Rumi pressed harder.

Your grip tightened as the sword neared your throat. A strained laugh escaped you.

“Hey, e-easy there…,” you grunted. She panted hard, her lips pulled back in a snarl. Her eyes were blazing with rage, darkening with each second. Your gaze flickered across her form, trying to find a weak point that you could break.

The sword dipped, the edge nearly grazing your throat.

That's when your gaze landed on the tear you had left in her jacket sleeve.

“What…?” you murmured. She followed your line of sight.

It was like a switch had been flicked. She stumbled back, seeming almost conflicted on whether to keep fighting you or run away. Her chest rose and fell unevenly, her breathing coming out ragged as her hand gripped the tear. Her eyes darted around, like a wild animal caught in a snare. Distressed, panicked, scared.

Vulnerable.

Her patterns were visible. And you knew what that meant.

“A hunter… who's part… demon?” you said slowly. Her eyes flashed with fear, her sword dropping to her side.

“Rumi?”

“Rumi!”

Rumi whipped around, hearing her friends calling for her, clambering up the ladder to reach the catwalks, kicking the demons down, and killing as many as they could.

“Rumi, we need you!” Zoey yelled. They were almost up on the catwalk. Rumi’s heart rate spiked, her eyes wide, hand gripping onto her arm to hide her patterns. She was frozen, glued to the spot, and you knew she wasn’t about to do anything.

No.

Not like this.

You launched yourself at her.

Rumi nearly ran her sword straight through your stomach as you slammed her down against the catwalk. You pinned her wrist down, pulling your free hand up and tearing your sleeve with your teeth. The hunter was too distracted to see what you were doing, her panic clouding her judgement.

Your eyes fixed on her face, seeing her wide, frantic eyes, her lips parted as she panted raggedly.

Her breath was warm.

Her heart was pounding against your chest.

Her skin felt like it was searing against yours.

A few strands of deep violet hair fell over her flushed face.

You pulled the ragged sleeve over her arm, yanking the ends and tying them together.

“Rumi!” Mira yelled, her blade pointed at you as she kicked a demon down the ladder. You snarled, rolling off of Rumi and holding your side as if Rumi had hit you away from her. And without a trace, you teleported away.

Rumi rolled over onto her hands and knees, getting up. Her hand clutched at her arm, her expression flickering with surprise as she saw the rag tied around her arm. She hurried over to her friends, helping them to fight off the rest of the demons.

Every slash, every thrust of her sword, every kick of a demon, her heart pounded.

What was that for?

Why did you do that?

She slammed her sword down, and with the help of the others, the Honmoon’s tears were repaired. At least temporarily. They panted, slowly straightening up.

“Are you okay?” Zoey asked, reaching for Rumi’s arm. Rumi instinctively jerked her arm away.

“I’m fine,” she said quickly. Her eyes landed on the cloth again. “I just… that… that damn demon manager lady got me real good.” She managed a weak laugh. “I’m fine…”

“Are you sure…?” Mira asked, raising an eyebrow. Rumi waved it off.

“Let’s just… head back down.” She walked over to the ladder. “Bobby’s probably waiting for us.”

As she climbed down, her mind was racing. She could remember how you had slammed her down, how you’d stared down at her with those scarily intense eyes, with your hair falling over your face… and then, for some reason, helped her.

Covered up her patterns.

She swallowed hard, landing on the floor below.

She made a mental note to ask Bobby to take her jacket for repairs.

… What a strange demon.

You stumbled along side streets and alleyways, panting softly as her face swam across your vision. The fear, the confusion, the…

Maybe that was a stupid idea.

If her friends saw her like that, the hunters would have been torn apart. You should have just left her how she was… frozen in place, clutching her arm, trying in vain to hide the patterns that marred her skin. It would have been one less problem to deal with later, breaking them apart.

But you'd never seen another human with demon patterns before. And she was a hunter? How did that even happen?

As you tripped over a curb, you fell and found yourself on the ground before Gwi-Ma, transported back to the demon realm.

You looked up at the flames, seeing a few human souls slowly begin to sink into them. You gasped softly, eyes reflecting the flickering lights.

“It's working,” you said as you slowly stood up, trying not to let your desperation show. “Can’t you see? I said it would work.”

Gwi-Ma chuckled. “I see that. ‘The Saja Boys’... quite clever. Did you come up with that yourself?”

“Well, they helped. A bit. We tailored them to draw in as many humans as I could. Sink our claws into them.” You straightened up, staring at Gwi-Ma with a slightly smug look on your face. Your best attempt at one, at least. “Let me keep working, and soon, you'll be feasting. I promise.”

“That hunter.” You tensed up at the words. “She bears my mark, doesn't she?”

Before you could speak, another voice behind you spoke up.

“Yes,” Jinu said. You glanced back, seeing the boys gathered in a semi-circle around you. They must have been dragged back down when you were. “And you saw them. Didn't you?”

Everyone turned to face you.

“... I… yes…,” you said hesitantly, glancing at Jinu with a questioning look. “I did see them. She has demon patterns.”

“I don’t have any control over her,” Gwi-Ma mused. “But it’s a good sign… she has shame.”

You thought back to the way the hunter had completely frozen up, her eyes wide, unable to act, to speak.

“She does,” you said slowly.

“And she’ll figure out what it is,” Jinu cut in again. His hand landed on your shoulder. “The hunter showed vulnerability to her. Even just for a moment.”

You wanted to scream at him. What was he doing, making promises for you that you weren’t sure that you could even fulfill? How were you supposed to figure out that hunter’s shame if all the hunter wanted to do was cut you up?

“Hm…,” Gwi-Ma rumbled. “Vulnerability is a good sign.”

“Yes, but-” You stopped, hesitating, feeling that tingle in the base of your skull like the voices were on the verge of clawing their way out again. “... Yeah… it is a good sign.”

“We can use it,” Jinu said.

“We… can,” you muttered. “To drive a wedge between them.”

“That’s it…,” Gwi-Ma crooned. “I knew I taught you well.”

You didn’t look up. “You did. Once I find out her insecurities… then…” You looked back at the Saja Boys.

“Then she’ll use them,” Jinu finished. “To tear the hunters apart.”

You could feel the boys all staring at you. You could feel all of the demons staring at you, waiting for you to confirm.

“We… We will tear the hunters apart,” you said finally. You raised your voice, loud enough for the demons to hear, using the honeyed voice that Gwi-Ma had gifted to you. “We’ll tear them apart for good.”

Chapter Text

“Follow the cat,” you'd written on the note. Maybe she'd know it was you. Maybe she wouldn't be sure who sent that damn cat. But you were determined to meet with her, and you had a feeling her curiosity would win out over her caution.

You'd hoped that a cute cat would be enough to entice the hunter, but… You couldn't be too sure.

You heard a soft “mrrp” and looked down, finding the aforementioned cat rubbing up against your leg. He was more like a tiger cub, but with swirls of blue and black in his coat. You had no idea why he had come to you all those years ago in the demon realm. A bumbling, tiny little ball of fuzz, rubbing up against you despite you pushing him away each time until you finally caved. He was a sweet companion, and you had to admit it. You bent down, gently scratching his head, seeing that the note you had tied to his collar was gone.

“Hm,” you hummed softly. “You found our friend, did you?”

The cub let out a little sound of contentment, something between a squeaky little growl and a meow, closing his wide, golden eyes. You sighed quietly.

“Guess she didn’t wanna meet with me, huh?” you muttered. The cub pushed his head up into your hand, demanding more attention, the bell on his collar jingling softly. “I don’t blame her. But at least I’ve got you, buddy. Hm?”

You weren’t even sure how you sensed it, but it was almost like a presence behind you.

You ducked, a few strands of hair being sliced by the glowing blade. You whipped around, finding the hunter behind you, lifting her sword for another swing. You fell backwards.

“Wait- wait, wait, wait, wait!” you yelped, scrambling back.

“What do you want?” she hissed, slamming her sword down, right between your feet. She raised her sword again. You rolled out of the way, watching the blade stick into the roof with a loud thunk.

“I wanna talk!” you said quickly, stumbling to your feet.

“Talk?” Rumi demanded, yanking frustratedly on her sword, which was embedded in the wood. “You wanna- ugh- talk?”

“About your patterns!” you insisted. The hunter let out an irritated grunt, trying to pull her sword out. You watched her for a moment, glancing down at your tiger cub, who had settled with a soft purr, licking his paw. You looked back at the hunter, who was still trying to get her sword out of the roof. “... Um… unless you’re… preoccupied there?” You managed a weak laugh.

She ripped her sword out, taking a few wood chips with it and drawing back to swing.

Your smile dropped.

“You should be dead by now!” she yelled, swinging her sword at your throat just as you disappeared in a flash of pink, appearing on a nearby roof’s edge. She leaped up, pointing her sword at your chest, backing you up. Your hands went up as your heels reached the edge of the roof.

“Hey- hey, I could have told your friends about your patterns, but I didn’t, did I?” you said. Her sword tip dipped ever so slightly. You took advantage of it, transporting yourself behind her. “Did I?”

She whipped around. “That’s not-”

“Not what?” you said.

“That's not…,” she repeated, but she didn't seem to have a good argument.

You tucked your hands in your pockets. “I’m right, aren’t I? You’re a demon girl, hiding in the human realm… as a hunter, no less.”

“I’m not a demon,” she snapped. You cocked a brow.

“Yeah?” you asked, stepping closer. “Then how did you get those patterns, hunter?”

“Don't,” she warned. You hummed quietly. She was interesting, that's for sure. Denying her demonic heritage… It was fascinating. You understood how it felt. “That's none of your business.”

“I know how it feels,” you said.

“Demons don't feel,” she hissed, her sword still pointed at you.

“I know how it feels,” you repeated.

“Demons don't feel,” she growled again.

“... You truly believe that?” you asked slowly, walking closer. “You truly believe that demons don't feel. That we're just mindless monsters.” She didn't reply. Nor did she lower her sword. You scoffed. “Feeling is all we do. Our emotions are how Gwi-Ma controls us. Through our shame, our failures, our misery. They’re our shackles.”

“Your… shackles…,” the hunter repeated, uncertainty flickering through her gaze.

“Yes,” you confirmed. “Our shame is how Gwi-Ma controls us. These patterns… they symbolize that shame.”

You rolled up your sleeves, showing Rumi the patterns on your skin. They seemed darker than hers, almost… angrier.

“... They…” Rumi hesitated. You stepped closer.

“Gwi-Ma gets into our heads. All of us. And when you give in to that voice in your ear…” You trailed off. “You turn out like this.”

Rumi's expression softened ever so slightly at that. As if she could sense there was something deeper than she assumed about you.

“You gave in to Gwi-Ma's voice, didn't you? Listened to him…” You nodded.

“Hundreds of years ago, I heard him speak to me for the first time.” You let out a bitter laugh. “And now? Now, I'm his slave. Made to do his bidding.”

“What did he tell you?” Rumi asked. You paused, the voices slowly beginning to rise like the tide on a beach. Your gaze darted down.

“He just-” For a moment, the voices were loud, louder than before, and your eyes flickered, hands squeezing into fists. Then, the voices subsided, just a bit. But they were still there, like a distant scream. “... He… offered me a better way of living. And I listened.”

Rumi stared at you. “That's really what happened?”

The voices seemed to chide you for being so vague. For not telling the whole truth. You tried to shake it off.

“He offered me a better life, and I took it,” you said firmly. “What else was I supposed to do? I had no choice. I couldn't live like…”

                                                      “You are a plague on this family.'"

                        “A mistake.”

                                                                                                                                                                                                     “A monster.”

“You have been since the day you were-”

Your eyes squeezed shut as a few particularly insistent whispers managed to worm through.

“... Like that…” You slowly met Rumi's eyes. “You have to understand, I couldn't live the way I was living. I just couldn't. We couldn't.”

Her gaze was still wary. But her sword had lowered almost entirely to the roof. “We?”

Sensing your distress, your cub slowly climbed up onto your shoulder, rubbing against your cheek. You took a breath, stroking his head.

“My… family,” you said, voice going quiet. “I asked Gwi-Ma to... change… me. For them. And when I finally got taken down to the demon realm, they lost me.”

The voices rose and fell, like waves crashing on a beach. The whole truth was sitting right there, but a part of you didn't want to say it. Didn't want this… this hunter, this sworn enemy, to understand how vulnerable your heart was. To understand what you did.

Rumi's brows creased.

“Oh.” You took it as a good sign. She was receptive to your words, even just a bit. You slowly stepped closer, remaining cautious of the sharp blade still in her hand.

“These marks… They are a reminder of my shame. Of my failures.” You stepped even closer. “So are yours. A reminder of a shame of your own.” Rumi's expression wavered.

“... You don't know me,” she said quietly. "You don't know what I feel." You sighed softly.

“I do.” You reached out, hand lightly resting against her shoulder. “More than you'll ever know.”

And for a moment, Rumi's expression softened.

“I am the only one who will ever understand what it's like,” you murmured. “The only one… Demon… or human.”

Rumi's eyes were fixed on your hand on her shoulder. For a beat, she didn't say anything.

And then the tip of the sword slowly rose, aiming at the hollow of your throat.

“I'm not like you,” she said, her voice steely and cold. But you could sense the slightest waver.

Your hands slowly went up in surrender. “It's okay. I was in denial like you are.”

“I'm not in denial!”

“I'll be here when you're ready to face the truth.”

You turned your back to her, ready to leave. Rumi nearly did it. Slammed her sword straight through your back, ramming it deep into your body and ending it. Ending this scheme to weaken the Honmoon.

Ending you.

But she hesitated. And in the time that she took to step forward and slice, you had already disappeared.

“... Damnit,” she said quietly. She kicked at the roof, her anger beginning to boil over. “Damnit… Damnit! Ugh!”

You were gone. And for the first time in a very, very long time, Rumi had hesitated to kill a demon. She frustratedly scrubbed her face.