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Chapter Text

The sound of coins hitting his little box was almost music to his ears.

Almost... because he knew most of those coins were fake.

Still, he had no choice. He strummed his father's bipa, singing the old Joseon lullabies his mother sang him as a baby, needing to make at least a few yang to get some semblance of food.

Since his father died in the war, he was forced to make the hard decisions. Unfortunately for him, he didn't have much skills. He had a hard time finding a job, thus forcing him on the streets, singing for meagre change.

He couldn't find it in himself to resort to stealing. His two only friends had become thieves, but of course they got caught when they robbed the wrong person. He didn't know what happened to them, except that they were dragged away.

A figure approached him, almost ghostly. He didn't mind much, but did give a weak smile. Hopefully that was worth a few yang? The figure had a hood over their head, but based on the fabrics this person wore, he must be of a certain rank. Not royalty, definitely not, but at some degree of comfort.

Yet for some reason was sneaking around with a hood over their head.

The figure dropped a piece of paper into his box, gave a curt nod, and walked off.

Jinu snorted. He never got paper bills, and when he did they were almost always counterfeits. The mysterious figure had given him a ten yang bill. Generous.

Not that he knew it was ten yang. He couldn't read.

When the sun was a little over the horizon, Jinu packed up his things - or rather just his bipa and box - and trotted back to his home. He lived with his mother and sister in a little slum area outside the capital, a long 60-80 minute walk. Despite demons lurking the general area, it was still safer to make the journey home while the sun was out.

Along the way, he stopped by a food stall to purchase dinner. His mistake was being a regular at this stall.

Trust should not have been given so freely. Once the shopkeeper realised Jinu did not know how much he was giving, he started scamming the poor man.

Like today. Jinu emptied the box at the counter, which totalled eleven yang including the paper bill. A whole fish was two yang and a small bag of rice was three yang. He could buy two fish and two small bags of rice with change of one yang... if the shopkeeper was actually a trustworthy man.

"This is two yang." The Shopkeeper shrugged, throwing the eleven yang into his own box. He handed Jinu a fish that had sat at the bottom of his fish pile.

It wasn't enough to feed his family of three, but there wasn't a choice.

And that was how it was, day in and day out.

Except that mysterious figure had started to make frequent returns to his little performances every few days. He had never seen the face under the hood, but he was grateful for the bills and coins he would drop into his box. He tried speaking to the man a couple times, but the figure would just shrug and dip.

And that brought him to today.

No coins sat in his box, and no mysterious hooded figure had approached. The sun was already a little across the horizon, soon it would be dipping. Sometimes, on slow days he would get home a little after sun down. It was unsafe, but what could he do? No money, no fish.

He hesitantly picked up his box and bipa. It was shaping up to be another no food night tonight. But perhaps he could sneak into the back of the kitchens of Gyeongbokgung palace, where they disposed rubbish. It wasn't a particularly smart idea, as the palace was obviously heavily guarded, but it had been three days without food.

It's not like it would be the first time. He had done this before with two friends mentioned previously, but those guys were no longer around. And compared to Jinu, they were the experts on that kind of stuff.

He also knew this meant he wouldn't go home tonight. The journey would be far too dangerous. He'd be sleeping outside the palace gates.

He set his bipa and box next to a tree, where he planned to sleep that night. As the sun dipped, he slid into the palace grounds.

Finding the kitchens was easy, especially because dinner was soon. He just followed his nose. Soon, he was scavenging through leftover food left alone at the back of the kitchens.

He needed to be quick, if he got caught...

Well, he didn't want to think about that.

He found a small sack that he filled with fruit peels, overcooked meats, and other food items he could find. But oh, his stomach grumbled. And he couldn't-

"Hello?"

Jinu's back straightened.

"Who are you?"

He was afraid to turn and face whoever had just caught him. He imagined this woman speaking, with an entire army behind her, ready to execute his poor soul for being in the wrong place.

"I was just... cleaning." Jinu responded hoarsely. A very clear lie.

"Don't lie to me." She responded, "you're not supposed to be here either."

"And this food should be in stomachs but here it is." Jinu snapped. Well... he's already dead, might as well.

There was a silence in the air.

"Leave the sack." She said softly.

Jinu chuckled, "why would I do that, princess? You're not going to eat trash."

"I'm not a princess," she snorted, "and you shouldn't be eating disposed waste."

"You shouldn't be disposing good food."

"That's not my call."

"Really?" Jinu's voice was rising. He thought of the slums, of his family. They were starving, and here this girl was engorging on food that could feel a six large families. And not just that, oh no. They were disposing excess instead of feeding it to those who needed it. "Why not do something about it?"

He still had his back to her, he learned this trick from his friends. If caught, never let them see your face. That way, escape would be easier.

"It's not like I can." She responded, "look, I'll give you proper food okay? Just ... drop the rotting sack."

Against his own judgement, Jinu peeked over his shoulder. If she looked away, he could run off. But if she made a scene, he would never escape.

She was looking directly at him. She made a sharp inhale when he looked back at her, a flicker of recognition in her eyes.

"You-?" She stammered.

Jinu laughed sarcastically, fully facing her now, "something wrong, princess?"

She cleared her throat, "no. Just... drop the sack. I'll get you food. Stay outside the wall, I'll find you in an hour."

Jinu still didn't drop the sack, not sure if he could trust this woman. A trap most likely.

"You don't trust me." The woman whispered.

"Obviously." Jinu said, "why would I?"

"Look, you're going to have to. And the longer we talk here, the more likely someone will see us." She said, "you can trust me."

She took a step forward, Jinu watched her. He didn't have anywhere else to run, so he let her approach until she was face to face with him. She lifted her hands and removed the hair piece from the bun on her head, hair cascading into a tight braid.

And to his surprise, she took his hand.

His dirty hand.

Jinu had never been touched gently by anyone other than his own mother and sister, and most of all someone who was clearly in a higher social standing than he. His mind went blank. The dirt on his hand stained her delicate, porcelain fingers. His nails were crooked and had dirt under them. Hers were well maintained, and trimmed. She closed the hair piece around his fingers.

"I'm choosing to trust you." She said, "this was my mother's. When I come to you later, I'll give you food and you give this back to me."

He could easily run off with this hair accessory. It would feed his family for years. The only issue was, he didn't know who this girl was. If she was a princess? The accessory would definitely be recognised.

"I'll see you later, but you should really go now." She whispered.

Jinu nodded absently, "okay. Fine." He dropped the sack of rotting food.

She gave him a small smile, hands still covered in dirt, and slight dirt stains on her skirt from standing close, but she didn't seem disgusted at all.

He looked at the accessory in his hands. Solid gold probably, with gemstones all over. He wondered how pretty his mother or sister would look with it on.

Two hours had passed. Jinu was lying down next to his bipa next to the wall of the palace. His stomach grumbled.

He knew it was a trap.

He tapped the golden accessory in his pocket, wondering how much he can sell it for. He had to be smart about it though, else he'd be caught.

Jinu sat up, groaning.

"Ugh... she wants to meet and she's late?"

He scratched his nape. Suddenly, right next to him, was the hooded figure. The scream that left his body was unholy.

The mysterious figure jumped at him and covered his mouth. "Shhh!"

It registered all at once.

It was her this entire time.

She lifted the hood over her head, dropping it on her shoulders. Her long, dark hair was still braided.

"Are you trying to kill me?" Jinu exhaled, and the girl laughed.

She laughed.

It made Jinu feel a little lighter. He cracked a smile.

"Nothing like that." She smiled, sitting in front of him. She produced a sack of food tied to her back.

It was the first time Jinu had tasted real, authentic palace food. Well... that wasn't out of the trash. He ate the food humbly, like he was afraid of eating too much. The girl observed him.

"I thought you would inhale everything honestly," she said.

"Sorry princess, I might be poor but I have manners." Jinu said.

"That's not-" she stammered, "sorry."

Jinu was surprised. No one, especially not higher class citizens, apologised to someone like him.

"What?"

"Nothing." He said quickly.

She narrowed her eyes at him, but said nothing.

"Why are you helping me?"

She blushed, "I-... you look like you need it. When I saw you on the streets... you looked very miserable."

"Thanks."

"Sorry." She said sheepishly.

"So you sneak out of palace grounds then?" He asked genuinely.

She nodded, "it's suffocating in there. I'm not a princess, but my father is a general. My mother was a former concubine. We live on palace grounds, but there are rules."

"I'm still calling you princess," he said with a toothy grin.

She smiled at him. "Your choice."

She handed him an extra sack with more food. For the road, or your family, she had said. Then turned to leave.

"Wait." Jinu called after her, "your... your hair piece."

She laughed, "right. I forgot about that."

Jinu pursed his lips. She probably didn't mean anything by that, but he wondered what it would be like to be so comfortable that you forget you own expensive things.

She put the accessory in one of her pockets. "Thank you."

Another surprise. Once again, someone of her social ranking thanking him? Unheard of.

"I should be thanking you, princess." He grinned, then his voice dropped in seriousness, "but really, thank you."

She smiled at him, "I'm happy to help you -?"

"Jinu." He said, filling in the blank.

"Jinu." She responded, "I'll see you around, Jinu."

"Wait!" He grabbed her wrist, then quickly released it, "sorry... I..."

She laughed, "you don't have to be careful around me, Jinu. I'm not an actual princess."

Jinu smiled sheepishly, "it's just... no one here is like you."

"Well," she said, "people are people, regardless of social status."

And Jinu knew he was treading dangerous territory.

"What... what's your name?"

She smiled at him.

"Rumi."

Chapter Text

The voices come to him that night.

And Jinu wakes up in a cold sweat. The sun was overhead, and he needed to get home.

He didn't work that day, he didn't need to. His mother didn't ask where he got the food from, just that it filled their bellies.

For the first time in a long time, they went to sleep full.

And like all good things, it came to and end.

Jinu made the trek back to the capital with his bipa and box, wondering if he would see her again. No, he really shouldn't hope. But if she came with more food, he wouldn't complain.

He didn't see her again.

He kept his eye out for a hooded figure. But she never came. A day became two, then three. The days were started to get shorter. The cool air was turning leaves a shade of brown.

Soon, frost would fall, and then another thing he'd have to worry about. He couldn't really work - if you considered this work - during snow season. People mainly stayed indoors, it wasn't worth making the trek into the capital. They survived by eating snow and what little they managed to stockpile. A lot of kids from the slums didn't survive winter.

He wondered about Rumi. What was winter like in the palace?

you can't help them, but I can help you

Oh he was definitely losing his mind.

He wasn't prepared for what he faced back home.

His mother had a bad cough that started a week previously. None of them thought anything of it, until today. She coughed and hacked until red splotches were on her palm.

I can help you. Why does Rumi get to live a life of luxury when you don't? You deserve it.

How badly was he losing his mind that he was starting to have a conversation with the voice in his head?

"And what?" Jinu snapped, "she didn't choose it, like I didn't choose this. What do you want?"

to help you

"Fine, whatever." Jinu said, "help me then."

Oh he was losing his mind. He laughed a little at himself, wondering how badly this was going. He thought about Rumi, what she would say if she saw him like this.

That was when the carriage appeared.

"You." The man said, "you play the bipa on the street?"

Jinu nodded.

"You've been invited to the palace. Come with me, now."

Jinu silently thanked whatever voice or god or thing was watching over him. "I only have my bipa and my family."

The guard rolled his eyes, "I said come now."

The carriage was bigger than their house, and definitely more comfortable. His sister cooed at the countryside as they moved into the capital, the journey only taking twenty minutes, as opposed to his regular sixty minute walk.

They exited the carriage onto the steps of the palace.

"Who plays the bipa?" The guard at the gate asked.

"Me."

The guard eyed his sister and mother, "and who are these?"

"My family."

"Can they play?"

"No."

No one had told him the invitation was just for him.

•

Rumi couldn't stop thinking about the bipa player.

Unfortunately the past few days have been really busy for her. She had to accompany her father to meetings with other generals and high ranking officials. She was told it was so she could learn.

But she wasn't dumb. She knew what this really was.

It was to parade her around so these officials could make an offer of marriage. She was, after all, a general's daughter. High value, second only to the emperor's daughters. If she was lucky, she'd be snapped up by a prince or an official's son. Worst case scenario, someone her father's age would make an offer.

The part she hated the most? She had absolutely no say.

So she looked forward to today, a free day. She hoped Jinu would be at his usual spot at the marketplace. Maybe she can bring a bag of bread.

"You're looking chipper."

"I'm just excited to have a day to myself." Rumi responded.

The other girl scoffed, "oh please, you climb the wall all the time."

"You would too, Mira."

The other girl, Mira, pursed her lips. It was true. She was jealous that Rumi could make escapades and not get caught. People rarely looked for her anyway. Mira, on the other hand, was a princess. Specifically, an ongju, the emperor's daughter with a concubine. Not in line for the throne in any way, but still an extremely valuable asset. She could wander around palace grounds as she liked, but since an incident that involved two boys, she now had eyes on her at all times.

A while back, Mira had caught two boys stealing from the palace. She had let them off, but they kept coming back. Not to steal anything, they swore, but to talk to her. She told Rumi, who teased her mercilessly. Mira would sneak out and she would talk with the boys for hours, they flirted, and kissed. She didn't have to be prim and proper around them.

Rumi had only ever met the boys once, and they were definitely fun to be around, but she had that unmistakable feeling of being a third wheel.

And then Rumi found out the boys had stolen something from someone. The wrong someone. Mira insisted that they were framed. And that was the last they ever saw of the boys. Mira didn't leave her room for a week.

She just felt bad she never knew their actual names. The boys were secretive like that, but she had a feeling Mira was on a close enough level that she knew.

"The Jangakwon managed to snatch a new batch of people arriving today," Mira said. "I wonder who those sorry souls could be."

Rumi shrugged, "it's not like they have a choice."

"Right." Mira said. "And a bunch of emissaries coming in after as well. You have to be there."

Rumi's nose crinkled. Another display for prominent bachelors. Of course. She was very grateful she had Mira, who has scared off every man who tried to get to know her. It shouldn't matter much, but Mira discovered that if she started talking about sex, the men would see her as used goods. Not wife material.

Not the most ideal thing, but it got the men to stay away from her. At least for now.

A lot of the men would report this, but Mira played her part extremely well. The sweet princess? Talk about nasty things? How dare they!

"Miss Rumi," the maid entered, "your father has called for you."

Rumi groaned, "okay thank you."

The maid bowed and exited.

"No escape today, I guess." Rumi muttered, removing her boy clothes and preparing her hanbok.

Mira laughed, "we're in this together."

•

The screams haunted him.

How stupid he was to think his family was welcome here. And how stupid he was to bring them! He had argued that he would not go without them, only to be greeted with the end of a sword. Refuse? Death to him and his family.

He had no choice.

The servants had washed him and given him brand new clothes, but he felt extremely dirty.

you betrayed them

"I did not!" Jinu hissed, "you tricked me!"

I only said you could live a life of luxury, I did not say they would join you

The sinister laughter echoed in his ear as he took his place in the throne room. There would be a bunch of important people in this room today, and they all demanded excellent live entertainment.

He plucked at the strings of his bipa as the ladies and gentlemen slowly filled the room. They laughed, they rubbed elbows, but none of them seemed to pay him any attention.

He felt more invisible than when he was on the streets.

•

Mira stood motionlessly as the servant girls dressed her.

Today was an important day, she was told. So important, that the Jangakwon hired new akgwan . Well, hired isn't the correct word. Those people were essentially slaves.

She remembered a conversation she had with her mother about those people. It was just the way things are.

Didn't mean she liked it.

Mira was the only child the emperor had with her mother. Her mother used to be one of the emperor's favourite concubines, and was the emperor's eldest daughter and second born, only younger than the crowned prince. Because of this, she found herself the emperor's favourite illegitimate child.

A dangerous favour to have as a concubine's daughter.

The queen managed to birth a daughter, who she expected would take Mira's place as the favourite daughter, but that was not the case. Mira was smart, even smarter than the crowned prince. Whisperings started that she could easily be a great emperor. That is, if she was born male.

Still, intelligence was a great asset, and as the emperor's daughter, she could be a valuable pawn for arranged marriages.

Then she fell out of favour with the emperor, all because her crowned brother and sister could not handle the comparisons with the 'whore's child.' It soon became dangerous, bickering with the crowned prince and princess, in fact she was aware the only reason she hadn't been poisoned yet was because she was born female.

The empress had slapped Mira and her mother after one such fight, screaming that they should really know their place in the palace. Her mother was sent somewhere, she didn't know. And since then, people avoided Mira.

She was soon separated from her other half siblings to prevent her from influencing them. And then one day, she was introduced to the general's daughter, Rumi. It was obvious they were hoping Rumi's soft nature would influence Mira to be more feminine, and Mira's more spikey personality would influence Rumi to come out of her shell. Balance each other out was the term.

"Beautiful," the maidservant said, adding flowers to her hair. "Perhaps today's the day you will find a husband?"

She snorted, toying with the rock on her desk. One of her boys had given it to her, right before he fearlessly went in and planted a kiss on her lips.

If it were anyone else, someone of his low class status could have easily been sentenced to death for kissing a princess, especially without her permission. But Mira, she liked him.

And that was the problem.

She was sure it was the crowned prince that tattled somehow, or the princess. Someone had to. She remembered how smug they looked in the weeks after her boys were dragged away, how they revelled in her depressive state.

And it was horrible that she never actually knew their names. They had given her strange names, insisting they were never given names and had to name themselves. She didn't quite believe it, but she didn't press.

'You guys had to name yourselves and you chose Abby and Romance?' Mira had snorted. 'Couldn't you have chosen actual, proper names?'

'We could, but where's the fun in that, princess?'

She met with Rumi outside the throne room, where the Jangakwon were preparing for the afternoon's festivities. Other servants were rushing in and out of the throne room. The emissaries would arrive in an hour, some of them were already in Joseon.

They enterer the throne room to take their places, hand in hand with Rumi. She felt Rumi flinch. Her eyes darted to the girl, who was staring at the Jangakwon .

"What is it?" Mira whispered.

"Remember the bipa player I told you about?" Rumi hissed.

Mira's eyes widened, "don't tell me-?"

"He's here."

Mira's eyes scanned the Jangakwon . All of the members had their eyes on the floor or on their instruments, except one, who had equally surprised eyes. "Rumi, I'm so sorry."

"He shouldn't be here." Rumi hissed, "how did they find him?"

"He plays at a marketplace, if he's as good as you say he is, it was only a matter of time." Mira said under her breath.

"Hey, stop staring at the princess."

Jinu blinked and looked at the drummer next to him, "what?"

"The princess. We're not allowed to look at them. She's not the actual princess, but she's still the emperor's daughter."

"Who?"

"Just don't look at people!" The Jangakwon member hissed, smacking the back of his head.

The festivities went on without a hitch, and later than evening Jinu retreated to his quarters. It was a nice bed. He had eaten to his heart's content, and for once he wasn't going to sleep on the floor.

Except... he was here... while his sister and mother were on the streets of Joseon.

you left them

The image of his sister and mother haunted his mind. He sank onto his bed, wondering if he could escape. Or throw himself off a cliff. But would the guards come looking to punish his family for his insolence? He made the mistake of bringing them to the palace, the guards knew what they looked like.

A knock on his window broke his train of thought. He wiped the tears and snot off his face, wondering who could be knocking. And at his window of all places.

He opened the window, no one was there. Must be a loose tree branch or-

A hooded figure popped up from under the window, and Jinu had to hold himself from screaming. His heart leaped into his throat.

"Stop doing that!" He hissed.

"Sorry," Rumi whispered, "can I come in?"

Jinu controlled his breathing, nodding. Rumi slipped into his quarters through the window.

"What are you doing here?" Rumi whispered, "why are you here?"

"The guards came for me," Jinu explained. "I must be really good at the bipa."

He grinned at her, but Rumi saw the truth behind his eyes.

"Jinu," Rumi said, "I can help you escape."

Jinu's smile disappeared, "what?"

"Tonight. It has to be tonight. They won't care much, but I can sneak you out. And then you can find your family and leave, where no one can find you." Rumi said, "it's risky, but it's better than being trapped here. And you have to leave tonight, the longer you stay, the more they'll notice."

"I don't have a family." Jinu lied.

Rumi was surprised, "you- don't? I thought-"

"You thought wrong." Jinu said flatly, "I don't have anything to go to outside of these walls."

"Oh..." Rumi said, "I'm... sorry to hear that."

"And I don't need your help anymore, Rumi." Jinu said, "thanks... but I'm good here."

Rumi nodded, "oh... okay. Good to know, I guess."

Rumi gave a small bow, and slipped out through the window. Jinu hurriedly closed it, afraid of breaking down. Then... heat started to build in his chest.

"What the-" Jinu rasped. He loosened his robes, but the heat was pooling around his heart. He ripped the robes off in front of a mirror.

A small, glowing, yellow web circled over his heart. It wasn't painful, but it was unpleasant. What the hell is that? It looked like the patterns he would see on demons, but on a smaller scale.

His sister's face flashed in his mind, and at the same time the pattern flashed.

Oh he was definitely losing his mind.

"I'll forget about this in the morning." Jinu told himself.

Chapter Text

Mira didn't know exactly what happened when Rumi snuck out to speak to Jinu, but she knew it wasn't great.

Either way, they weren't really allowed to speak to each other, even if they did encounter each other on palace grounds. For someone of Jinu's status, he would be required to give a respectful bow. The recipient of that bow was free to acknowledge or ignore as they so please.

It had been a week since Jinu had joined the royal court. She saw him during lunchtimes, playing live music with the rest of the Jangakwon . He tended to keep to himself, even among the group. He also seemed to be very sensitive to touch, based on Mira's observations.

With how many children the emperor had, he strangely encouraged family lunches. Well, family that excluded him and his actual legal family. It was always his many concubines and their children with him. His legitimate children with the queen though, they were free to join the lunches as they pleased. The crowned prince would sometimes check on them, but never actually joined. Mira saw him a couple times peeking through a window or from a doorway. No, he wasn't really checking on them , he was checking on him . Despite Mira being better than the crowned prince at literally everything, she would never be a threat to the throne due to her being female. The biggest threat would be their younger half brother, from another concubine. The queen had tried and failed to produce a spare male heir, while one of the emperor's newer concubines produced a healthy baby boy. Mira never really paid attention to the child, but he seemed incredibly intelligent too. Ten years old, and yet already in advanced education with their tutors. He grew up quickly. An excellent spare, should the queen be unable to produce another.
The queen hated the child so much that she never bothered to learn the child's name, calling him 'the baby' or 'whore's baby.' The concubine who birthed him vanished suddenly a week after his birth. Mira would never say aloud what she thought about that entire situation.

She was expected to nurse the baby, as the eldest daughter and blood relative to the spare, but she refused. The maidservants fulfilled those duties.

This furthered her fall from favour with the emperor.

"Mistress Mira." Mira's thoughts were interrupted by a servant boy.

"Yes?"

"The emperor and empress have requested for you."

Strange.

She wiped the food off her chin, the servant trying hard not to look judgemental. "Right now?"

"Yes, mistress."

Mira followed the servant to the throne room. She hadn't spoken to her father in a long time, so she wondered what this was all about.

"Mira."

"Father." She bowed, and then gave the queen a respectful bow.

"I have received great offers for your hand in marriage," the emperor began. A knot formed in Mira's stomach. "And you are getting older, I believe it is time to decide."

"Respectfully-"

"I tell you, you spoil that brat." The queen hissed, and then cleared her throat. "This is your duty to your father."

"Yes," the emperor said, absently. Mira could tell, the man didn't really care what she thought. "Mira, you are excellent, and intelligent, but perhaps too intelligent. The tutors should not have allowed that. We have selected the best option out of all the offers given. It would be a great partnership as well between Joseon and the Qing dynasty.

Do you understand?"

No room to speak.

"Yes, father."

"The emissaries will arrive in three months. We'll have you prepared for an excellent wedding. Understood?"

"Yes, father."

"Good. Dismissed."

Mira held herself together until she exited the throne room, where she found the crowned prince standing behind a plant.

"What do you want?" Mira hissed.

The prince smirked, "this is a great favour for you, sister, unless you prefer poor street rats, like that bipa playing loser."

Mira froze, "what?"

"I see how you two stare at each other."

"No?"

The prince laughed, "should I tip someone off? Like I did those two little shits you like to hang out with?

Yeah, that's right. I knew. I saw you sneaking out, meeting with those rats. Ugh, how are we even blood related? Well, a whore's kid is a whore's kid, am I right?"

He gave her a toothy grin, while Mira was just stuck on the spot.

"Mira, Mira, Mira," he tsked, "for all your intelligence, you would choose dirt poor shits over actual diplomats? I did you a favour, dear sister."

"I-" rage started to burn in her gut, "I knew it was you."

The prince laughed, "sure. Well, enjoy your last three months. I won't be missing you."

"What did you do to them?" Mira hissed.

"Oh, you know... just the classic hyong ." He winked, making a slicing gesture across his neck with his thumb, then he laughed.

Before she could even think about it, her hand was raised, and a loud noise echoed down the hall. A red hand print found itself on the price's cheek. The prince was shocked, no one dared lay a hand on him.

"Oh you'll pay for that." He hissed, "MOTHERRRR!"

She would deal with the consequences later, brisk walking away from her brother. His laugh echoing in her mind.

I can help you

Mira whipped her head around. Oh, now she was hearing things. Great.

She locked herself in her room, the tears falling down her face. She needed to get out, somehow.

Maybe Rumi can help. They could escape together. Rumi has always mentioned how she didn't like the life at the palace. Perhaps they could run, flee to a place where no one knew them, like Nippon. Start a new life. No rules, no crowns, no walls.

She had nothing else here.

She exhaled slowly, fiddling with the stone in her palm.

Or was there no escape?

She tied a rope to the ceiling.

Chapter Text

Rumi was sitting by the palace pond, soaking in the sun.

Jinu was seated on a platform a good distance away, with a couple other Jangakwon.

He was staring.

"Jinu." One of the members said, "she's the general's daughter. Not going to happen."

"What? I didn't say anything." Jinu said too quickly, "her? Rumi? She's not even my type!"

He said that a little too loudly, so loud that the wind carried his voice. Rumi looked up from the pond, giving him a stink eye.

The other Jangakwon wanted to slap him. They all looked down, with the one next to him grabbing his head and forcing him to look down.

"You never look them in the eye!" One of them hissed. "And you never call them by their names either!"

"I swear, you're trying to get us killed." Another muttered.

"Listen boy," another said, "whatever you have with her, it's never going to happen. We're slaves, even if she liked you, do you think her father, the general, would allow that? She would lose her status with you."

On the other side of the pond, Rumi glared at the men, but specifically Jinu. How dare he?

"Rumi."

Rumi turned. Her father stood behind her, she didn't even notice him approach.

"Father." Rumi stood and gave a polite bow, then she noticed the expression on his face. It looked like he had something to say. "What is it?"

"Your friend, the princess," the general began, "she was to be betrothed to a Qing general."

That didn't sound good.

"When?" Rumi asked, "she never told me this?"

"Because she was betrothed last night." The general continued, "she didn't take it very well."

Rumi laughed, "sounds like her."

"This is serious, Rumi."

"Yes, father." Rumi answered.

"Your friend she... she ran away." He said.

Rumi furrowed her brow. That didn't sound like Mira at all. Not the running away part, but the fact that she didn't at least say goodbye.

"And that leaves the general," he continued, "we've promised him a bride, and he is arriving in three months expecting one."

The puzzle pieces clicked.

"It's me, isn't it."

The general looked at her gently, "listen, I know this is not ideal for you, but our hands are tied. The other princesses are either already betrothed or not of age yet. I tried, but there isn't much I can do."

"It's okay." Rumi sighed, "thank you, father."

"I knew you'd understand." The general smiled, patting Rumi. "A sense of duty, that's how you know you're my girl. And your beauty, that's how you know you're your mother's girl."

The general gave Rumi a gentle kiss on the head, "well, now I have a wedding to prepare. My daughter is getting married!"

Rumi laughed.

On the other side of the pond, the men all stared at Jinu.

None of them heard what was discussed, except for the last bit that the general shouted.

"I told you so."

Rumi watched as her father walked back to the palace, a little swing in his step. He was clearly excited.

Rumi turned to look at the Jangakwon, who all looked down.

Except for one.

Jinu met her eyes, he gave her a small, forced smile. Rumi returned it, and shrugged.

He didn't understand why it hurt.

she would never love someone like you

you betrayed your own family

Images of his sister and mother flashed in his mind. He froze, then he stood and ran back to his quarters.

Jinu didn't know what was happening.

The voice in his head was getting louder, and the swirls on his chest were spreading. He didn't know who to go to, what doctor would see he had demon patterns? Did this even happen?

The knock on his window took him out of his thoughts.

"Jinu?"

"What do you want?"

"Are you okay? You bolted."

"I'm okay, and I told you, I don't need your help."

There was silence, and then

"Okay." Rumi said weakly. "Just... I don't think Mira ran away."

Jinu looked at the window.

"She wouldn't do something so reckless. Well, I mean she would, but without telling me. I'm sorry, I just... I don't have anyone else but Mira."

She exhaled shakily, "thank you." Then she turned and walked back to the palace. Jinu peeked from the window, watching her walk away.

•

Later that evening, Rumi sat in her chambers when a slow knock disturbed her.

"Who's there?"

"You wanted kimchi, mistress?" The voice behind the door answered.

"No?" Rumi answered, in fact she hated kimchi.

"No, I'm sure you asked for kimchi, princess ."

Rumi jumped from her seat. "Jinu?" She rushed to open the door.

It was him, holding a plate of kimchi.

Rumi grabbed him and pulled him into her room, checking if anyone saw, then bolted her door.

"Kimchi?" Jinu said sheepishly.

"I hate kimchi." Rumi answered.

"Oh, well what do you like then?"

"Bokssam." Rumi answered.

Jinu grinned, "I'll get that next time then."

Rumi smiled, and they stood there awkwardly for a moment.

Jinu set the plate down, and suddenly he found himself in a hug. "I thought you hated me."

His mind went blank. No one ever hugged him except his family. "I'm sorry."

"And I'm everyone's type." She snarked.

Jinu laughed, "of course. Who could say no to the general's daughter?"

Rumi blushed, "you."

He froze, "sorry."

They stood in more silence.

"So," Jinu said, "engaged."

Rumi sighed, "I don't have a choice. It's my duty. And I can't run, my father will be punished."

"So what are you going to do?"

"Nothing." Rumi said, "there's nothing I can do. In three months, I'll be shipped overseas. I'll never see my father or anyone else ever again."

Jinu pressed his lips, "but your father is a great general, right? Maybe they won't."

"And if they do?" Rumi responded, "I can't do that to him. I don't have a choice."

"Then, I guess that makes two of us."

Rumi looked up at him, "yeah, I guess so."

Jinu took the plate of kimchi and began eating it, "hey if you don't want it."

She laughed, "go ahead."

"Let's get you that bokssam." Jinu said, finishing the kimchi. "Come on."

Jinu offered his hand, and Rumi hesitated.

"Come on," he grinned, "do you trust me?"

Rumi looked in his eyes, they were full of mischief. "Yes."

The duo snuck out of her room and made their way to the kitchens. Everything was cleaned and arranged.

"Well that tracks." Rumi sighed, "no bokssam here."

Jinu chuckled, taking out some ingredients, "that's where you're wrong, princess. I'll make it."

Rumi watched as Jinu sliced and diced and cooked and rolled. His mother had taught him how to cook, and the bokssam recipe he knew was taught to him by his father. Soon, they had a fresh helping.

"Let's see if this is any good." Rumi teased. She bit into it. "Oh this is great. Why are you not a chef?"

"The chefs here need jobs," Jinu teased, "can't take that from them."

Rumi laughed.

They cleaned up and snuck back into Rumi's place. They ate the bokssam while talking about themselves.

"You never learned how to read?"

"I did for a time," Jinu admitted, "but after my father died, I had to step up."

"I'm sorry to hear." Rumi said, then she perked. "I can teach you."

"Oh no."

"Yes! C'mon!" Rumi said, "I'll be your private tutor, paid in bokssam."

Jinu laughed, "alright teacher Rumi."

Rumi taught Jinu a little bit, then they decided Jinu really needed to get back.

"Will you come back?" Rumi asked, as he put on his servant disguise.

"Of course, can't miss a lesson with teacher Rumi." Jinu winked, "and I'll hold onto this, I'll give it back to you when we meet."

Rumi was shocked to see him holding her mother's hair accessory. She glanced at her table, where it sat earlier.

"You swiped it!"

"Borrowed." Jinu corrected, "I'll see you soon, princess."

It was dangerous, what they were doing, but they couldn't help themselves. Jinu would sneak into the kitchen first, prepare a quick dish, then served it to Rumi, who taught him how to read. He learned surprisingly fast, and soon could write slowly. Rumi ended up hiding her mother's hair piece once she got it back, which ended with Jinu swiping a different jewellery piece.

"You're crazy." Rumi laughed.

Neither of them talked about the impending wedding, but it was breathing down their necks. Jinu's stomach twisted every time he overheard preparation talk, and they were rehearsing a piece for the emissaries' arrival, then for the local wedding and send off.

A week before the emissaries' arrival, Jinu snuck into Rumi's room with a platter of bokssam.

"I'll miss this." Rumi whispered, chewing carefully.

"You'll have to visit then." Jinu gave a small smile.

Rumi sighed, "of course."

But she knew that was close to impossible.

"Are you afraid?" Jinu asked.

Rumi looked at him, "obviously. What if he's ugly."

Jinu laughed, "can't be me."

Rumi laughed, then she sighed.

"Hey, you'll be okay. I know you will."

Rumi pursed her lips, "I don't know."

Jinu put the empty plate on the table, "how about a stroll?"

"At this hour?"

"For old time's sake?" Jinu suggested.

Rumi smiled, "of course."

She changed into her hooded disguise, and they snuck out. They climbed the walls, trees, ducked in bushes when guards patrolled.

It was Rumi's last few nights of freedom.

Or a semblance of it anyway.

She looked at Jinu, who looked absolutely gorgeous in the moonlight.

"What is it?"

Rumi blushed.

"Rumi?"

"I- I-" Rumi stammered, then she exhaled, straightened her back, looked him straight in the eye, and planted a kiss on his lips.

Jinu's mind was completely wiped of any coherent thought.

Meanwhile, Rumi was blushing wildly.

They made their way back to Rumi's chambers in complete silence, both with a distinct rose tint to their faces.

Jinu grabbed the hair accessory again, held it up for Rumi to see, and then placed in his pocket, "I'll see you again."

"Wait." Rumi grabbed his arm, "please."

"Yeah princess?"

"I love you."

Jinu was dumbstruck. For the second time in less than an hour, his mind was wiped of any coherent thoughts.

"I just... wanted you to know. I wish things were different." Rumi whispered.

"Run away with me then?" Jinu suggested. But they both knew that was impossible. Both their families would be punished.

Rumi smiled weakly, "maybe I will. We could sail away from here."

"We'd get married, have two children." Jinu added.

"A boy that looks like me, and a girl that looks like you." Rumi whispered.

It was a fleeting dream. The two of them stood there, staring into each other's eyes, neither one moving.

There were rules, and Jinu had broken so many of them.

And yet he was about to break the biggest one.

He pulled her in for a kiss.

It was a chaste kiss, no movement, and no touches other than a gentle pull at the waist or neck, but it said a lot of unspoken words.

"Rumi?"

They jumped away from each other. Rumi pointed to the chest at the foot of her bed.

"Can I come in?"

"Wait a moment!" Rumi shouted as she closed the heavy wooden chest over Jinu. She looked in the mirror, breathed, and opened the door. "Father?"

"I'll be gone for a month." The general whispered, "demon activity has hit a high. We've been assigned to protect villages."

"A month," Rumi whispered, "but... I'll be gone in a week."

"I know." The general's voice cracked, "but duty calls. I'm sorry."

"It's not your fault." Rumi swallowed, "they need you."

The general gave her a strong hug. "No matter what happens, you are General Ryu's daughter, show them what you're made of."

Rumi gave him a weak smile, "yes father."

"I'll always be proud of you, Rumi."

Rumi stared at her father as he walked away, and then:

"My first stop is just outside the capital." He said, turning around, "a slum area. Depending on how bad it is, I can maybe come back here in a week."

"I'll see you then." Rumi called out, then she closed the door.

She was shocked to see Jinu standing in the opened chest. His eyes were glowing yellow, which was strange because they were brown.

"Jinu?"

"A slum area outside the capital." Jinu repeated, voice getting deeper.

you can't save them

you are weak

selfish

you abandoned them

"Stop!" Jinu grabbed at his head, wanting the voices to stop, but they wouldn't. Rumi was caught off guard, and she had never seen this happen before. Jinu's hands were darkening, coming to tips.

"Jinu?"

"STOP!" His voice was completely different now. The patterns started to weave all over his body.

Rumi had seen these patterns before, but not on someone she knew.

With all the ruckus, the general kicked down her door, and eyes locked onto Jinu.

"Demon! Stay away from my daughter!"

Jinu snarled, his skin flashed purple. Rumi was full terrified now.

And then...

Jinu...

The patterns on his body flashed red, and he screamed. His body was suddenly pulled.

And then, nothing. Like he was never there.

Chapter Text

Modern Day

Mira woke up in a cold sweat.

It had been five months since the Namsan incident, and five months since she started having the same recurring nightmare.

It started a good dream actually, she would be sitting on a rooftop with two boys. She never saw their faces in the dream. Then, a month or so down the line, the dream changed. Instead of the happy laughter she had with them, the dream would suddenly shift, and she found herself running down an old hallway, a male voice echoing all around her saying 'they're dead, because of you.' Then, she'd find herself in a bedroom. Throw things into a bag, and then spot an ornamental rope. She'd tie it to the ceiling, and then...

She shook herself.

Despite all her personal struggles, she had never once been suicidal. She did toy with disappearing forever, but never actually actively killing herself.

She wiped the sweat from her brow and got up, approaching the mini fridge in her room. She popped open a bottle of water, downing it all in a few gulps. She threw the empty bottle in the bin, and stepped onto her balcony.

The cool autumn air was refreshing, especially after a nightmare.

"Can't sleep?"

Her back straightened. "Didn't I tell you to stop sneaking onto my balcony?"

Romance gave her a toothy grin, "and yet you haven't banished me yet."

Mira rolled her eyes, "stalker."

"I might be, but you like the attention."

She snorted.

Romance cleared his throat, smile fading, "same nightmare?"

Mira nodded.

Three months after the Namsan incident, the Saja Boys managed to come back to the human side of the Honmoon, one by one. At the moment, only Abby was still missing, which made sense because he was the one who was actually banished. Romance was the first one to actually come back, because he and Baby were the only ones who weren't sent back in the first place.

He spent that time watching Mira, up until he got caught. Mira almost killed him on the spot, but somehow he managed to convince her that he wasn't bad, and he wanted another chance.

And he was, strangely, drawn to her. She wasn't the type of girl he had to impress, because she wasn't. His flirtations didn't work on her.

"Is today the day you'll tell me what it's about?"

"No."

Romance shrugged, "worth a shot." He carefully approached Mira, who kept her eyes on him. Soon, he was right next to her.

"Get any closer and I'll send you back."

He chuckled, "you say that all the time and yet here I am."

He really wanted to give her a hug, but she didn't seem like the hug type. And heck, she might punch him for it.

Which might be worth it, but he didn't want to overstep. He was already pushing it by watching her sleep, which he had consent for anyway. He also wasn't there the entire night, rather he would teleport onto the balcony at around 1 am, which was around an hour before Mira would start having the nightmare and wake up.

He told himself he was just there to wake her up if she couldn't wake herself up, and that was what Mira convinced herself too.

He was close enough that she felt the heat radiate off him, but she didn't dare look up at him. She was afraid.

Of what, she didn't know.

"Mira."

"What?" she snapped.

"Have you told anyone?"

Mira started at the lights of the city, unable to form words. She hadn't.

"Hey," he tapped his finger on the back of her hand, "have you?"

Mira sighed, watching the movement of his hands, til he rested his hand on top of hers. "Smooth."

He chuckled, "what can I say?" Then he sighed, "Mira, I'm serious. Have you talked to anyone?"

Mira shook her head.

"Don't you think it would help if you did?"

"It doesn't matter, it's just a dream."

"A dream that keeps you up at night." Romance answered, "every night it's either you wake up sweaty, startled, or shouting."

Mira whipped her head in his direction "It. Doesn't. Matter." Mira hissed, "so save it, demon."

Romance stepped back a little, surprised and a little aroused. His face had been just an inch from hers. "Okay, okay, I won't bring it up again."

They stood there again in silence.

"I killed myself."

Romance looked at her, eyes wide, "what?"

"In the dream," she said, not looking at him. "I don't know... at the end of it I just... I wake up because-"

She gets cut off when Romance grips her arm. She didn't even notice her voice started to shake.

And before she could think about it, she pushed herself into his chest. He was taken aback, but returned the hug, stroking her hair. He had to hold himself back from smiling to himself.

"Hey, you're okay." He said, gently. "Have you ever had those thoughts?"

"No."

"That's good," he said, "do you have any idea why you're having this dream?"

"No."

"Okay." He said.

They stayed like that for a moment, until Mira pulled herself away. She wiped her face with her hand.

"Ew, never do that again. That never happened." She walked past him, back into her room.

"Seriously?" Romance wanted to laugh, "you hugged me!"

"That never happened." She repeated, sitting on her bed.

Romance stood on the balcony, he had never actually entered her room, only ever standing on the balcony looking in. Out of respect for her, of course. "Sure Mira."

"Shut up Rome."

Romance chuckled, "alright, alright."

"I'm going back to sleep." She rolled under the duvet, back to him.

"I'll be here then. Goodnight."

There was a beat, and then Mira sat up, looking at him. He was still standing at the sliding door.

"Do you want to sleep too?" Mira said quickly, almost hoping he didn't catch what she was saying.

"Demons don't need sleep."

"Right." Mira muttered.

"Are you asking me to come into bed with you?"

"Shut up." Mira snapped, "make a decision before I change my mind."

Romance laughed, "alright, if you say so."

He stepped into her room, leaving his shoes on the balcony. "Do you have a thing against outside clothes or do you have anything I can change into?"

Mira groaned, and then pointed at the drawers. "There should be sweatpants in the third drawer."

Romance pulled the drawer. He did find the sweatpants, but right next to the bras. The heat pooled in his face, but he said nothing. He cleared his throat, grabbed the pants quickly, and shut the drawer. He moved toward her private bathroom, changing into the sweatpants.

Oh he didn't have a shirt.

Mira realised this when he exited the bathroom in nothing but the sweatpants. The band of his boxers peeked over the sweats. Heat pooled in her cheeks.

"Don't!" Mira shouted before Romance could say anything cheeky, "don't say anything!"

"I wasn't going to." Romance said, which was clearly a lie.

He climbed into her bed, the mattress sinking under his weight.

"Don't try anything." Mira warned.

"Your call." Romance answered.

They stared at each other, the duvet up to their shoulders.

"Roman?" Mira said softly.

"Yeah?"

"If the nightmares come back-" she began.

"That was our deal, princess." Romance grinned.

Mira exhaled shakily, "right."

Silence.

"You think-"

"You want to cuddle, don't you?"

Mira glared at him.

"Am I wrong?" Romance asked, with no hint of teasing.

He was genuinely asking.

When Mira didn't answer, he moved slowly toward her side of the bed. She didn't say anything, just watched him. He laid his arm by her head, checking if she was okay with this.

She answered by lifting her head, and he slipped his arm under. His other arm found itself on her waist. Her hands found themselves on his bare chest, before the outer hand wrapped itself around him. For a demon, he was actually warm. She had expected his body to be cold, not corpse cold but definitely not warm.

Romance didn't need to sleep, by all means. He was a demon, but if Mira needed some semblance of comfort, he was ready to give it to her.

Soon, Mira's breathing steadied. Even. She had fallen asleep.

In his arms.

Chapter Text

400 Years Ago

Romance wanted to see her again.

He knew it was risky, and he knew it could cost him his life, but for her? Worth it.

He had been sentence to be beheaded with his best friend for stealing from the crowned prince, though they swore up and down they didn't. Why would they? They were in love with the prince's half sister.

His best friend was taken for slaughter first, which bought him time to escape. He spent weeks in hiding, making sure no one would find him, but he couldn't get close enough to Gyeongbokgung palace. It also looked like Mira wasn't sneaking out anymore. He just needed to see her one last time, let her know he's okay, alive.

So he kept watch.

I can help you

Damn, the strange voice in his head was getting stronger. Sometimes, he felt like he was having a conversation with it. Was he finally losing his mind?

A couple months into waiting, looking for an opening, he finally found it. He stole an emissary's uniform and wore it into the palace, face partially covered.

He needed to see her.

At the throne room, he kept mostly to himself. He didn't want to be spoken to, lest someone figure out he wasn't an actual foreign diplomat. He knew nothing of the sort, which would make even small talk disastrous. His eyes scanned the room, watching, waiting.

His eyes landed on the bipa player in the live entertainment.

No one really knew he and Abby were friends with Jinu, and there was no way people would know that. The three of them grew up in the same slum, but he and Abby were in a league of their own. Jinu always wanted to do the right thing, make an honest living. It's why they never really saw eye to eye, but they were friends.

Maybe it was him staring too hard at Jinu, or the fact that the emissaries who shared his uniform had no idea who he was. The same night, he found himself in another cell, awaiting execution.

A few days passed, and he found himself with a visitor.

"Wow, I feel absolutely honoured that the crowned prince himself has decided to visit scum like me." Romance said sarcastically.

"Figured I could take one last look at the man who corrupted my sister before I have his head cut." The price snarked, "hey, maybe I'll have your head given to her as a wedding present."

Romance rolled his eyes, "didn't know the royal family participated in family activities."

The disgust that registered in the prince's eyes was worth it. Romance found himself cackling.

"I'll have you idiot know," the prince said with venom, "that if she were not my sister, I would never so much as breathe in her direction."

"Your loss." Romance grinned.

The prince's lip curled, then he smirked, "oh, but to the reason I came here. Mira is engaged."

Romance's head whipped to face the prince, who was giving an extremely smug expression.

"A Qing general, excellent match. Rich, handsome, well built, excellent family history and career. He'll keep her under control." The prince explained slowly, like he believed Romance did not have the intelligence to comprehend - that or he just enjoyed dragging it out.

Romance crossed his arms and looked away, ignoring the pounding in his chest, "why are you telling me this? I don't care about royal activities."

"You should have known my sister would never be with you," he said, the tone unmistakable in his voice, "you were just the poor boy she enjoyed. A plaything. Hell, look at you, with a face like that? Not even the slaves will look your way."

Romance's lip twitched.

"Anyway, I think I'll keep you alive until the exchange." He smirked, "have your beheading done at the pier while she's shipped off. That way, the last thing you'll see is her sailing off with her husband. Poetic, is it not?"

Romance lunged at him, but the prince was just out of reach. He didn't even flinch.

"Your friend had the looks, but it's too bad he's skinny and malnourished," the prince said, "how unfortunate your friend didn't have any fight in him."

"Don't." Romance warned.

The prince chuckled and turned to leave, guards trailing behind him, "you abandoned your friend to the chop and now you want to act like you care? Please, you're hilarious."

The prince nodded at the prison guards, who stood watch. Romance realised there were more guards now than before.

Escape was hopeless. He sank onto his knees, forcing himself not to cry. He didn't want these guards telling the prince about that.

I can help you

"What do you want?" Romance hissed under his breath, looking at the guards to make sure he wasn't overheard.

I don't need anything from you, I just want to help

"Oh I'm losing it." Romance scoffed aloud, which earned him some strange looks from the guards.

I can help you get to her, she's in her chambers, waiting. She misses you

A flash suddenly hit his mind. He saw Mira at her desk, playing with the stone he and Abby got for her.

look around you, you cannot escape, this is your only chance

Romance exhaled shakily. He had nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Right?

"And I can leave with her?" Romance whispered softly.

anything you want

Romance gave one last look, eyes darting around the cell.

"Fine. Help me."

The flash was instant. Romance doubled over, the patterns quickly spread all over his body. It was not like Jinu, who made a deal to enter the palace. This? Romance did not realise he made a deal to actually become a demon.

The guards saw the glowing patterns, the sudden claws, and the change in body. Romance was frail and malnourished, and now suddenly he had muscle. When the pain from the sudden transformation subsided, he glanced at his audience of guards with those yellow serpentine eyes.

He also did not realise that every deal comes with a price. The voice in his head had charged him without him knowing.

The price was his memories.

And now, Romance stood outside his cell, surrounded by bloodied bodies, with no recollection as to how or who or what.

Romance

His patterns glowed instantly, and then he was gone.

•

Modern Day

Jinu didn't know how long he could keep it together.

Back in the demon realm, when he first developed the boy band idea, he set off to find the perfect members of his troupe.

He didn't realise he'd run into old friends.

Or rather, old friends in their previous lives.

He ran into Abby first, who had made a deal with Gwi Ma for strength - perfect for one of the numerous tropes he had researched for the boy band. It was quite a contrast from his previous incarnation, who was skinny, frail, and malnourished.

He met Romance a couple months after. He didn't recognise him at first, but eventually realised it was his old friend when Gwi Ma let it slip. Unlike Abby, who could remember bits of his human life, but not any names and faces, Romance remembered absolutely nothing.

He decided it would be best for everyone if the human lives they lived remained in the past, so he didn't tell them anything.

He tried to convince himself it was purely a coincidence that Rumi and Mira had the same names as Rumi the General's daughter and Mira the princess. He tried to keep those memories suppressed, as he did when he recruited Abby and Romance.

But now, as he listened to Rumi tell him about how she believes Romance and Mira are dating, his eye starts to twitch. He knew the entire reason Romance became a demon was to see her.

He should be happy, but he was more concerned that this meant his friend might be willing to do something impulsive and destructive for Mira.

"Jinu?" Rumi placed a hand on his, "are you okay?"

Jinu nodded absently, popping a skittle into his mouth, "this is just... news."

"You bet," Rumi said, "I thought Mira hated him."

"Well, Abby hasn't come back yet." Jinu joked, "so we'll see."

Rumi laughed.

In Mira's room, Romance had been staring at Mira's sleeping form the past few hours. She had fallen asleep facing him, one arm between them on his chest and the other thrown over his waist. He had one arm under her head and the other on her hip.

He didn't dare move.

Mira stirred slightly, the hand on his chest slowly dragged downward. Heat followed where her palm slid lower. Romance swallowed the lump forming in his throat as her hand stopping just on his stomach. Her eyes fluttered open, and he expected her to roll her eyes at him.

But she suddenly gave him a soft smile. "Good morning."

"Oh," his heart leaped, "good morning, Mira."

The confused tone was not missed. Mira's brow raised, "what?"

"Nothing, it's just... I'm not used to this side of you."

Mira chuckled, "don't get used to it."

I'd love to though, Romance thought, biting back the response. Mira noticed the furrowed expression on his face and laughed again, hands moving to his shoulders, then around his neck. She had him in an embrace.

"Slept well?" Romance forced himself to ask, trying to ignore the feelings.

"Did you?"

"I don't need sleep, remember?"

Mira remembered the conversation the night previously, "right..." she buried her face in his chest, hoping he didn't see the heat pooling in her cheeks. It didn't help that she had his chest right in her face. "Sorry."

"It's fine. I chose this." Romance stroked her hair.

"You could have left the tv on or something?" Mira said.

"That would have disturbed your sleep."

"I can sleep through anything." Mira declared, "so what did you do? You didn't get bored?"

"No." Romance answered simply.

And then Mira seemed to wake up fully. Her eyes widened as she realised the position she put herself in, pulling back from him. Romance could see the gears clicking in her head as she shot up and cleared her throat.

"What is it?"

"Nothing." Mira answered quickly, "just get dressed and get out of here."

And there it is.

Romance pursed his lips, but said nothing. He got out of bed, moving to the dresser where he had neatly set his clothes. He tried to pretend he didn't notice Mira was watching.

"Is this going to be a frequent thing?" He muttered.

"What are you-?" Mira started, but Romance looked back at her. The mixed expression of pain, confusion, and anger cut her off.

"This. Soft one moment, then unavailable the next." Romance said, "look, I can handle the whiplash, I understand you have the whole 'emotionally unavailable' thing going on, but you can at least make it clear to me if you actually want me around."

Mira's mouth was suddenly dry.

"I'll leave you alone if that's what you want." Romance continued, "I'll stop flirting, stop everything, whatever this is, but only if you say so."

Mira looked at the ground.

"So just tell me."

She really didn't want this to stop, whatever this is. But she was also afraid. Her rough exterior constantly pushed people away, and yet this demon with pink hair was scaling her walls no problem.

She also had a sinking feeling that he would get hurt. She didn't know how, but there was a feeling in her soul that told her it would not end well.

But she was afraid to let him know that.

"You say that now," Mira whispered, "but one day, you'll get tired of me."

"I would never."

Mira's eyes snapped up to meet his, "everyone says that, and yet the day always comes."

"Rumi and Zoey don't get tired of you." Romance pointed out.

"That's different."

"I can be different."

Mira scoffed and looked away, "just... just go."

"Mira."

"I said go! Leave!" Mira said harshly.

Romance wanted to say more, but he couldn't find the words to. He quietly finished getting dressed, stepped onto the balcony, and disappeared.

In the kitchen, Jinu was preparing kimbap while Rumi sat by the counter. While Rumi had some basic knowledge in the kitchen, Jinu was an excellent cook. At least, for traditional dishes.

The Saja boys had decided to keep a low profile after the incident. While they did enjoy the music, it was never really them to be a boy band. Jinu ended up finding work as a music producer - or rather, Huntr/x's personal producer. Once he learned how, he was excellent at mixing tracks.

"You know," Jinu said, "back in my day, we knew this as bokssam."

"So you had 400 years to perfect your kimbap recipe." Rumi said, "no wonder it's delicious."

Jinu's cheeks tinted pink, "well... there are differences but... it's pretty much the same. Just modernised."

He added the finishing garnish onto the dish and served the plate.

"You know," Jinu was careful, glancing at Rumi to see her reaction, "I knew someone who loved bokssam as much as you do."

Rumi raised an eyebrow, mouth still full of kimbap, "is this the part where you tell me about an ex?"

Jinu went red in the face, "no! Umm... she wasn't..." he scratched his nape, "forget I said anything."

Rumi's eyes narrowed at him. She didn't know who she was, but she didn't like the feeling that it gave her.

"Is that kimbap?" Zoey had just walked out of her room, following her nose to the kitchen.

"Yeah, you want some?" Jinu offered, then served another plate when Zoey nodded.

"Oh you make the best kimbap!" Zoey stuffed the food into her mouth.

"400 years of practise." Jinu winked, adding more to Rumi's plate. He planted a kiss on Rumi's forehead.

The butterflies hit Zoey. "Eeee you're so cute togetherrrr!"

Rumi giggled, the tint in her cheeks unmistakable.

"How's Baby?"

Zoey's brows furrowed. Baby had become a faceless rapper, releasing mixtapes under a pseudonym. He didn't want his face in the public eye, but his flow was unmistakable. People knew it was Baby from the Saja Boys.

And he got on Zoey's nerves.

It was like he existed just to torment her. He knew about her crush on Mystery, and constantly poked her for it. Whenever she was mixing a demo for a new song, he would suddenly be at the studio to record his own music. Just last night he texted her photos of himself eating her hamburger ramyeon flavour, with scathing reviews on how nasty it tasted.

"He's still annoying." Zoey grumbled into the kimbap. Jinu and Rumi glanced at each other.

"Are you going to the gathering tonight?" Jinu asked.

There was going to be a small artist gathering in Seoul. Everyone was invited, but it was mainly a party for rappers. It was styled to be like one of those underground rap battles in California. Zoey was really excited, as she had started rapping in one of those places. Celine had discovered her after coming across a blurry, badly filmed video recording of her rap battling a 6'5" grown man into tears, then came across her YouTube channel where she covered Eminem, Nicki Minaj, and other great rappers.

"Yeah," Zoey said, "it's a great break from everything... well most things."

Despite the theme being California's underground rap scene, she knew Korean rappers didn't go as aggressive as Americans did, so she didn't know what to expect.

Jinu served another helping of kimbap onto the girls' plates. He liked Zoey, she had a charm to her. She was also the one person who didn't give him an existential crisis. She was the only one he couldn't really align with anyone from his life 400 years ago.

"I've leave some for Mira." Jinu said, "unless you girls aren't."

"No promises." Rumi chortled, eyeing the tupperware he stored the kimbap in.

"You snooze, you lose." Zoey added.

Jinu laughed, "alright then."

"Thank you." Rumi said, eyes wide and adoring. Jinu gave her a sheepish grin, tapping her chin.

"Ughhhh..." Zoey groaned, "you guys are so cute!"

Chapter Text

Modern Day

Zoey entered the warehouse. The decor did call back to the rap battles she had back in California, but it wasn't exactly that. It looked more like a party with a warehouse rap battle theme than an underground rap gathering.

The guest list was extensive. A great mix of rappers, mixers, producers, artists, big names in the industry. The stage was the only area that was being streamed on the internet, where a handful of small rappers were currently facing off... and was that Megan Thee Stallion across the room?

The night was a bit boring for Zoey's taste. It wasn't at all like the gatherings she was used to, but it was fine. She made some small talk with a few guests, some expressed interest in featuring her in future tracks. The freestylers on the stage faded into background noise. She wrote her name on the list of possible challengers for fun, but no one wanted to go up against her.

"We got a new contender on the stage!" The emcee announced, "what's your name?"

"Yellow cap." The hooded, masked figure said. Zoey recognised the voice.

The emcee looked at him, "yellow cap? Are you sure?"

The masked rapper glared at him.

"Alright then," he shrugged, "now who are you facing off against?"

"Let's spice things up a bit," the masked rapper said, "Zoey."

The spotlight immediately found her, eyes wide like a deer in headlights.

"Are you sure?" The emcee asked, "that's Huntr/x's rapper."

"I didn't stutter, did I?"

The crowd oooed at this.

"Alright then! Zoey from Huntr/x! Do you accept Yellow Cap's challenge?"

Zoey's eyes narrowed at the faded blue hair from under the masked rapper's cap and hood, "let's do it."

She walked onto the stage, all eyes were on them now. The beat started, and the rap battle started. Yellow Cap went first, and then Zoey. They went back and forth, but it confirmed what Zoey already knew.

Zoey stared into his eyes, then she got closer, hissing under her breath. "I know exactly who you are, Baby."

The masked rapper chuckled, "what gave it away." He pulled off his hood, mask, and cap, revealing the faded blue hair and dark roots growing. Jaws dropped on the floor, people's phones came out, the live stream suddenly got an influx of viewers. Baby Saja had not been seen in public since Namsan.

"It's Baby from the former Saja Boys!" The emcee screeched, "up against Zoey of Huntr/x!"

And then the beat started again.

"It's Huntr/x, we legit
Ain't no Sajas in my crib
Kitty go purr, kitty go hiss
Why are you still on my dick?"

Baby raised a brow, a smirk forming on his lips as Zoey freestyled.

Back at the Huntr/x tower, Rumi and Jinu were curled up on the couch watching a movie when Rumi's phone rang. Mira sat on the other end of the couch, effectively third wheeling.

"Hello?"

"Rumi!" Bobby screeched, "look at the livestream of the rapper gathering."

"Did something happen to Zoey?" Rumi asked, Jinu already changing the television settings.

"That depends," Bobby answered, "the thing is I don't know how fans will react to this."

"Is that Baby?" Jinu said.

"Heard that Drake and Abby got the same doctor, make a wish
And I never mess with Romance, look like tummy laxatives"

"Oh she's spitting fire." Mira said approvingly, head bobbing to the beat.

"Mystery need listerine, and Baby need a bib" Zoey said, pressing that last part. Baby chuckled, and threw his hands up in mock surrender.

"But she's effectively just fighting him." Bobby said with concern, "I don't know how this will go."

"Calling up my Bobby like
Baby where you been?
Rumi, that's my roomie
If you cross her, you get hit
Dial up Mira, that's my mummy
She a baddie, take a pic!"

"Sick." Mira said, "if people hate on this, that's on them."

"Why didn't she mention me?" Jinu mumbled, almost offended.

"You're upset she didn't diss you?" Rumi laughed.

"Pull up with my girls
Ready set here we go
Hide n' go seek
You can try
Atta ho"

"I feel like Baby is enjoying this." Rumi said.

Mira choked on her drink, noticing, "oh you're right! Look at him! He's enjoying this!"

"He really likes getting under her skin, doesn't he?" Jinu observed.

"Zoey is a bit oblivious," Mira pointed out, "but it's very clear from the look on his face."

"Bobby, I don't think this will be an issue." Rumi said, "I think you'll have to deal with dating rumours."

"Not only that," Mira added, "Baby looks like he wants to eat her."

Jinu choked.

"Pop you like a soda
Smelly Saja odaaa
I don't even bothaaa
i just go and slaughtaaa"

The smirk on Baby's face was unmistakable, and Zoey realised she had fallen into another one of his ragebaiting traps. She was declared the winner of the rap battle, but the damage was done.

The damage being numerous ship comments left on the livestream, the chemistry and tension was undeniable.

Zoey's face went red and she rushed off the stage, trying to make it look like she wasn't fleeing. Her phone was blowing up in her pocket as she made her way to her car, almost falling into the driver's seat. She locked the doors and screamed.

She was grateful for the tinted windows.

"Stupid Saja Boy!" She screamed.

"You made that very clear that I smell."

Zoey shrieked as Baby materialised in her backseat. "What the f- why can't you just leave me alone?!"

She waited for the snarky response, but there wasn't any. The smugness on his face was replaced with something else. Something she didn't quite know.

"Was that too much?" Baby asked, his voice almost a whisper.

"You think?!" Zoey hissed, "why are you so annoying?!"

Baby shuffled uncomfortably while Zoey tried to calm herself down.

"What do you want?" Zoey mumbled.

"I'm sorry." Baby muttered, "I was just having a little fun-"

"At my expense?" Zoey hissed, "what is your issue? Why are you always trying to get under my skin?"

Baby swallowed, "I-"

He really didn't have an answer.

Baby slid into the passenger seat, then gently put a hand on Zoey's shoulder, which earned him a glare, "that wasn't my intention, and you did really good back there."

"Yeah? Now I've effectively cancelled Huntr/x for dissing the Saja Boys. Thanks for that." Zoey sneered.

Baby chuckled, "actually, that's not the case."

Zoey looked confused until he showed her the comments on the livestream, the heat started pooling in her cheeks. "YOU-" she punched his shoulder, "was this all part of your stupid plan?! What are you, a toddler?!"

"Ow..." Baby rubbed his shoulder.

"You're literally crazy." Zoey crossed her arms, looking outside the window.

"Hey, I'm sorry." Baby said, with more sincerity.

"Ugh, whatever. You probably enjoy this crash out." Zoey's hand moved to the door.

Baby grabbed the door handle, over her own hand, forcing the door shut. "Wait stop."

"What-" Zoey began to say, then realised the position they were in.

His face was an inch from hers.

Both of them swallowed as heat pooled in their faces. Both their eyes flickered down to the other's lips, daring each other, but Zoey used her free hand to push Baby's shoulder, "what is your problem?!"

Baby caught her hand and pulled her in. Before she could protest, his lips were on hers, and it was anything but gentle. Baby kissed her like he had been holding back forever.

Zoey didn't like how much she liked it. And she especially did not like how the heat moved from her face to her gut.

Baby broke the kiss after realising she wasn't kissing him back. She looked stunned, almost frozen.

"I- I'm sorry." Baby stammered, "I shouldn't have done that."

Zoey threw a hair tie at him, "couldn't you have just asked me out like a normal person?!"

Baby looked stunned.

Then...

They both broke into laughter.

After the laughter died down, Baby brushed his fingers on Zoey's hand, seeing if she would allow him to hold it. She did.

"I'm sorry." Baby said, "genuinely. I didn't... I just don't know how this works. And I thought you liked Mystery."

Zoey faced him, "he rejected me."

Baby's eyes flew wide, "he what?"

Zoey nodded, "mm hmm... I asked him out. He said no."

"Wow, okay he's dumb for that." Baby said, "but that's a good thing I guess."

"Why?"

Baby tapped her chin, "because now I can do this."

And he planted another kiss on her lips, and this time she reciprocated.

The smut is here:
https://archiveofourown.info/works/69625921

•

400 Years Ago

It had been years since her brother was taken to the palace. She was grateful, at least, because a few months after he left, the attacks started.

Demons, with their patterns. They never really attacked whole settlements and large groups before, only ever attacking individuals, people who were lost and wandering alone at night. They started breaking into homes, and even attacking in daylight.

On one such evening, a demon had wandered into her home, and she thought she and her mother were done.

Until she heard faint singing.

She didn't know how, but three girls suddenly appeared in beautiful clothing. They sang their songs, and at the same time they protected the people. The demons were gone.

She ran up to one of the women to say thank you, to which she took her hand and danced with her.

Something happened that day, she didn't know what, but the demons stopped attacking.

Zumi was taken in by a kind travelling merchant after her mother passed, and soon she found herself travelling all over Joseon with her new family. A lot of people thought she was from Nippon, because her name sounded like it came from there.

And now, after almost a decade, she found herself travelling with her merchant family into the palace where her brother disappeared. She walked through the gates where she had once been turned away.

She wondered if she would see him. Her eyes darted around excitedly, wondering if he would even recognise her.

"Zumi, we are here to present to high ranking officials," her adoptive father reminded her. He knew about her history, but he could not allow her to wander the castle grounds looking for someone.

"Yes, ahjussi." Zumi mumbled, but her eyes still darted around.

"Don't draw attention to yourself." Her adoptive mother added.

"Yes umma."

The merchants displayed their wares to the castle grounds occupants. The guards, generals, their families, and even some servants came to check what they had available.

Zumi shouldn't have, but she wandered into a garden. She leaned over the pond, watching the fish dart around.

"Who are you?"

Zumi whipped around, but lost balance. She waved her arms, reaching for anything, before the boy managed to grab her before she landed in the water. She landed face first onto the grass, right next to him.

"Ow..." she mumbled.

"You're welcome by the way."

She faced him, "yeah I just ate dirt, thanks."

He shrugged, "better than drinking pond water."

She pushed herself off the grass, and the boy helped her up.

"Why are you here? I haven't seen you around." The boy said, trying not to stare.

She is incredibly beautiful.

"My family is here selling things." Zumi responded, "we'll be out of your hair in like a week, depends on how well we sell."

The boy nodded, "oh, well then welcome. I'm Baby."

Zumi raised a brow.

"I'm serious." He said, "Baby, Bastard, whore's child, it's the least offensive thing my step mum calls me."

"Your step mum?" Zumi said, "so what does your real mum call you?"

Baby shrugged, "I don't remember her."

"Oh." Zumi whispered, "are you sure you want to be called Baby?"

"It's all I know." Baby answered, "how about you? What are you called?"

"Zumi." She smiled.

Gears turned in Baby's head, then he started speaking in a different language. It took a bit for Zumi to realise he was speaking the language of Nippon.

"Oh," Zumi waved her hands, "I'm not. I'm from here. My mum just gave me a Nippon name."

Baby raised a brow, "really?"

"Yeah," Zumi said. "Are you like a general or something here?"

Baby realised that Zumi and the merchants probably did not know who he was, not that that mattered anyway. He was only the spare, and not even a full blooded spare. The crowned prince was paraded everywhere.

"Uhh... no I'm a servant."

Zumi snorted, "you expect me to believe a man dressed in expensive cloth is a servant?"

"Yeah, I'm an important servant." He lied, "I'm the prince's double."

Which wasn't a complete lie.

"Really," Zumi pondered, unsure if he was trustworthy or not, "I don't know if I trust you."

Baby flashed her a smile, "you'll just have to then."

"Well, I need to go back now." Zumi said, "my family's probably looking for me."

"Will I see you again?" The words left Baby's mouth before he could catch them. Zumi looked at him with a smirk.

"Maybe you can swing by the stand, I might be there." Zumi said, "or not."

Chapter Text

Modern Day

"Oh we need a contingency!" Bobby wailed.

Rumi laughed, "keep it together Bobby! The comments seem to eat up this rap battle."

Bobby continued rambling on social media statements and getting stories straight. Rumi excused herself as she continued sorting through Bobby's rant, leaving Mira and Jinu alone.

"Prude." Mira taunted, throwing a piece of popcorn at him.

Jinu coughed out the water he accidentally inhaled, "people were not this forward back in the day."

Mira's lip curled in to a smirk.

"I'm going to make a wild guess that you've never touched a woman."

Jinu's face turned a fiery shade of tomato red. He stared at his lap, fiddling with his fingers. "I didn't... really have the time to get to know anyone back then."

"Really?" Mira said, "no ex lover?"

Jinu shook his head.

"So this is your first then?"

"I had a... friend." Jinu said carefully glancing at Mira, unsure if she would react negatively. "It didn't really... she was engaged to a general."

"Tough luck." Mira said, "have you guys even kissed yet?"

"Yes!" Jinu answered proudly.

"Meant smooch, with tongue. No space for Jesus." Mira elaborated. He turned a deeper shade of red.

"We've held hands?"

"Wow, how scandalous. Next you'll tell me you've shown each other ankles."

Jinu stared at the screen as a new set of rappers faced off, but the comments were still talking about Zoey and Baby.

"Oh you guys were made for each other. Both walking disasters."

"We're just... not rushing things is all." He said.

Mira shrugged, "well, as long as you're both consenting to it, I don't see why not. Your relationship." Mira paused, "you are in a relationship... right?"

Jinu fiddled his thumbs.

"Oh my god you guys aren't even official?"

"Look, Mira, I came from a time where boyfriend and girlfriend wasn't a thing. You either like each other or not, you gave her and her family gifts, and then you propose marriage." Jinu explained, "things are a bit different now. I don't know how things work."

Mira threw her head back in a huff, "oh my gooooood. Have you even asked her out yet? Like on a date?"

Jinu gave her an awkward grin.

"Didn't you men have concubines?"

"Not me!" Jinu screeched, "I'm too poor!"

"So if you had money?"

"No, never!" The redness in his face was returning.

Mira laughed, "oh boy, you're practically begging for help."

Jinu forced a weak smile, running his hand through his hair. "I just... I don't want to mess this up."

"You won't." Mira answered, "because if you do, you'll wish it was Gwi Ma torturing you."

Jinu laughed.

"Ask her out." Mira advised, "and by the way, your old style method of giving gifts to the girl and her family, still in style. A bit old style, but excellent option. Just don't propose marriage immediately. Try mixing your old school methods with modern day, it'll show who you are. And it doesn't hurt to ask. Zoey and I can tell you what not to do."

Jinu pondered this, "alright. I will. Thank you, Mira."

They sat in a comfortable silence, and then Jinu spoke.

"Are you still having those nightmares?"

Mira looked at him absently, and Jinu wondered if he shouldn't have asked. It wasn't a secret that she had been having sleep issues, but she refused to tell anyone what the nightmares were about. Slowly, she nodded.

"I don't understand why I have them."

"Have you told anyone?"

Mira stared at the ground, then slowly shook her head. Jinu sighed. Rumi had brought up how concerned she was about Mira's recurring nightmares, but more so the fact that she did not want to tell anyone what the dreams were about.

"Why haven't you?"

"It's... it's not that I don't trust the girls..." Mira mumbled, "it's just... I don't want them to worry. This is my problem, not theirs."

"Honestly, Mira, I think not opening up is making them worry more." Jinu pointed out.

Mira shot him a glare, "don't act like you care."

"Don't change the subject." He countered, "and you're Rumi's best friend, of course I care."

Mira pressed her lips together, "I just... it's not a very good dream, and I don't want them to worry about it."

Jinu nodded, "I understand, I'm not going to press, but I believe talking helps."

Mira fiddled her thumbs, debating internally. Jinu's eyes never left her. After a couple moments, she looked in the direction Rumi went, then back at him, "it's... I kill myself... in the dream."

Jinu tried not to look too shocked, "oh... okay I understand why you don't want them to worry."

"But I swear I've never been suicidal like that or anything." Mira added rather quickly.

"And this entire time, it's this same dream?"

Mira nodded, "ever since."

"Maybe it's a warning?" Jinu suggested.

Mira scoffed, "of something that will happen in future? I was wearing a hanbok and running through a hanok!"

Jinu looked right at Mira, who looked away embarrassed. She didn't mean to tell him more details.

"Perhaps it's trying to tell you something." Jinu offered.

Mira snorted, "yeah I figured."

They both sat in silence.

"You know what, fine." Mira leaned forward, "since we're already here, and I don't care about you anyway, but tell anyone and you're dead."

Jinu put his arms up, palms facing her, "I didn't hear anything."

Mira exhaled shakily, "it used to be a happy dream. I was on a roof with two boys. I never saw their faces, but I think we were close. We were laughing, joking around. I think maybe I had a thing with them? I don't know."

Her eyes darted toward him, checking if he was still listening. His eyes looked intently at her, while simultaneously deep in thought.

"Then, a couple weeks ago," she continued, "it stopped being so happy. It would start the same, on the roof with the boys, but then it would shift. I would be running down an old hallway, and there's this voice I hear. It's a familiar voice, but I don't know where I've heard it before. He says they're dead because of me."

"They?" Jinu asked, "the two boys? Is the voice from them?"

Mira shook her head, "no, definitely not."

The puzzle pieces were fitting in Jinu's head. Or perhaps it was just a huge, huge coincidence that this dream was very similar to an occurrence 400 years ago, where it was also a coincidence that said event involved his two old friends who no longer remember him, and a girl who had the exact same name as ongju Mira. What are the odds that these things lined up? It was starting to freak him out.

"I would run into my bedroom, and..." she gulped, "I tied a rope to the ceiling."

Jinu listened intently. That last part was where his knowledge of events was different, as he had been told the ongju had managed to run away.

But maybe she didn't. And Jinu had a feeling he knew who those two boys were.

"Have you told Romance?" Jinu asked before he even thought about it.

Mira's face turned a fiery shade of red, "I... why WOULD I?"

"Sorry," Jinu muttered, "I just thought-"

"You thought wrong." Mira snapped, but there was a little less venom than normal.

"He cares a lot about you, you know."

Mira sighed, exhaling loudly.

"That scares you, doesn't it?"

Mira shot him a nasty glare, "didn't know you're a therapist now, Mr Jinu."

Jinu chuckled, "I'm just observant."

"Fine, I did tell him, but not completely. I told him the ending of the dream." Mira confessed.

"Why not tell him everything?"

Mira paused, she didn't like the answer that came to mind.

because I don't want him to worry

"Because I don't want to." Mira said.

If Jinu saw through that lie, he didn't say anything. Instead, he said, "take your time."

The livestream they were watching ended.

"Rumi's going to come back in a bit." Jinu said, changing the channel settings to Netflix. "What are we in the mood for?"

"When Life Gives You Tangerines." Mira said, "so you have some pointers."

Jinu turned red, "hey!"

They both laughed.

Despite how they started off, Mira was starting to accept him as part of her own little family. He was her best friend's... well, not yet boyfriend but... would be. It's not even a question of if.

"Thank you." Mira said softly, silently hoping he wouldn't catch it.

Jinu looked at her, "people care about you more than you think."

They were five minutes in when Rumi walked back in. "You guys didn't fight while I was gone?"

"Oh we definitely did." Mira said nonchalantly, "I called him an ugly ass dick and he threw a brick at me."

"Okay, I wouldn't do that!" Jinu said, which got laughter from the girls.

"Well, Bobby sorted it out. The fans are obsessed with the rap battle, so now... the label is suggesting a duet. Maybe even just their battle professionally rerecorded."

"Not a bad idea." Mira said.

"Also, some public appearances together." Rumi said.

"Soooo... dating as a publicity stunt?" Mira assumed.

Rumi shrugged, "that's the suggestion. We need to speak to Zoey... and Baby. She said she's on the way home with him."

"Cute." Mira chuckled, "two maknae rappers... hey, since demons don't age, is he the actual youngest?"

"That depends," Jinu answered, "he made a deal with Gwi Ma for eternal youth, which was essentially just him agreeing to become a demon at an early age. Physically, he is the youngest, but chronologically, Mystery is actually younger."

"Interesting." Rumi said, "and that's pretty much what most people would make a deal for nowadays."

"He was ahead of the curve." Jinu joked.

Zoey and Baby arrived at the tower an hour after the end of the gathering. They were giggling and chasing each other, peppering each other with kisses and winks. It was like watching teenagers in a romcom.

"Had fun?" Jinu asked when she stepped into the lounge area, giving Baby a polite nod.

With everything, Baby was the only one among them who kept his original memories, but he never knew Jinu. He didn't remember the palace performances, or anything from Jinu's time. He wasn't allowed to interact with most people 400 years ago.

"It was okay." Baby answered, subtly pinching Zoey's side. Zoey blushed.

"I see you two had fun." Rumi raised a brow. Were they always that close?

"Yeah I definitely enjoyed being told I smell." Baby said.

Mira wagged her brows, "oh I bet you did."

Zoey's face turned a darker shade of red.

"Anyway, we need to talk to both of you." Jinu said, "sit."

Baby and Zoey sat on the couch between Mira and Jinu. The way Baby's hand found itself resting on Zoey's back while they walked, and then on her lap when they sat was not missed by the others.

"Are you guys dating now?" Jinu said, staring at the hand on Zoey's lap.

Zoey's back straightened with panic. "Uhh... we-" she looked at Baby. The panic and confusion in her eyes was quite evident. They haven't actually talked about that. Baby gave her a reassuring pat.

"We'll talk about it." Baby answered, to both Jinu and Zoey.

"Well that makes things a bit easier." Mira answered.

"What do you mean?" Zoey asked.

"Your rap battle," Rumi explained, "it went viral. The label and management held an emergency meeting."

Zoey looked guiltily at the ground, while Baby glanced at her. He found her hand and locked their fingers.

"They want you two to appear in public together." Rumi continued, "doesn't have to be all the time, but at least photographed together. Casual walks on the town or award shows, your call. They prefer casual though, makes it look less staged."

Baby's heart jumped. It would be a lie to say he didn't want this, but this was not the way he wanted it to go. Zoey was still staring at the floor.

"And a duet." Rumi said, "they even suggested having your rap battle professionally recorded."

"Okay." Zoey said finally, squeezing Baby's hand.

Baby nodded, "is that all you wanted to discuss."

"Yes." Rumi said.

"Okay." Baby stood, leading Zoey to her room.

"Hey!" Mira shouted after them, "use protection."

"We're just going to talk!" Baby shouted after her.

Mira chuckled, looking at Rumi and Jinu, "that's a fucking lie."

Baby locked the door behind him as Zoey walked almost robotically to her bed, sitting on the edge.

"Hey," Baby said, kneeling in front of her, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean for this to happen."

"Are we-" Zoey mumbled, "are we dating because management wants us to?"

"No, nothing like that." Baby said, grabbing her shoulders in a gentle squeeze, "I promise you. I want this, I've wanted this for so long, but this wasn't how I wanted it to go."

"You should have just asked me out before." Zoey whispered, "then this wouldn't be a problem."

Baby pressed his lips together. He did want her since the signing they crashed. He always thought she was pretty, but that's when he actually managed to have a good look at her. He found himself stealing glances, but she had her eyes all over Mystery.

She was just his type.

"I'm sorry." Baby whispered, "really."

Zoey nodded, "it's... well, we can't do anything about it now." She places her arms on his shoulders, wrapping around his neck. She plants a gentle kiss on the edge of his mouth.

"God, I thought you'd hate me." Baby exhaled shakily.

"I wouldn't." Zoey said, "I'm sorry I never looked at you."

Baby leaned in and gave her a kiss on the mouth, then another, then another. He couldn't get enough. He looked into her eyes for permission, then fully leaned into her, crashing his lips on hers. Zoey fell back onto her bed, Baby trailed gentle kisses down her neck and up her ear. She groaned.

"You can look at me all night." Baby whispered.

Mira was brushing her teeth, preparing for bed. She recalled the night before, how comfortable she was in Romance's arms, how she had the best sleep she's had in months.

Just had to mess it up.

But anyway, he's a demon. It wasn't right. Mira thought to herself, it's not like Zoey or Rumi.

She crawled into bed, finding herself glancing at the balcony. Oh this is stupid. She turned her back to the balcony, facing the wall on the opposite end.

Sleep eventually found her.

Mira found herself on the hanok rooftop again, laughing with the two boys.

"Stop!"

"It's the captain of the guards!" Mira hissed, "run, I'll handle this!"

The boys darted from the roof onto a nearby tree branch, and then down the wall.

"Ongju," the guard called, "what are you doing on the roof?"

"Just catching some air." Mira lied, "stuffy inside."

The guard quirked a brow, then shouting.

"We've caught them!"

No no no no. Mira scaled down the hanok, darting after the guards. The boys got caught.

"Leave them!" Mira ordered.

The captain shook his head, "ongju, these boys are thieves."

"Nonsense!" Mira stood between the captain and the restrained boys, "they were just walking!"

"One of the guards held a boy's satchel, he emptied out the contents onto the floor. A glistening gold bracelet, adorned with jewels, clattered onto the dirt.

Mira's eyes widened, the guard who held the now empty satchel smirked.

"That's not-" one of the boys shouted, voice increasing in familiarity. "That wasn't in there earlier!"

"Robbing the royal family is punishable by death." The captain said, "take them away."

"No! Mira!" The boys shouted, "believe us, that wasn't in there! We wouldn't!"

Mira stared at the bracelet, a sinking feeling in her stomach. She made eye contact with the guard, who had his lips quirked in a curl.

It was a set up.

Mira dashed toward the boys who were being dragged away by the scuffs of their necks, guards dashed to grab her.

"No! They're innocent!" Mira wailed, "they're innocent!"

Mira thrashed around as she got restrained. Her eyes darted around, trying to find an escape. Her eyes landed on a single boy who was hiding in the trees, watching them. She pointed in the direction of the figure, who quickly hid. "There's someone there! It must be them!"

"Ongju," the guard said, "there's no one else here."

"No!" Mira cried, "Romance!"

Mira's eyes snapped open. There was a cool breeze in the air. She found herself staring at Romance, who had let himself in. He had his hands on her shoulders.

"Breathe," Romance ordered. He took one of her hands and laid it flat on his chest. He breathed carefully, Mira followed the pattern.

"Why are you here?" Mira mumbled.

"I promised you I'd watch over you, remember?" Romance reminded her.

"But-" Mira's voice faltered, feeling guilty.

"I forgive you." Romance said gently, "I can't stay away from you, not for too long anyway."

Mira exhaled shakily, and that's when she realised they were holding hands. But she didn't pull away.

"You... said my name." Romance said carefully, "in your sleep. Different dream?"

Mira shook her head, "same dream."

"I was in it?"

"No," Mira lied.

"So you just... called for me?" Romance said.

"I'm sorry." Mira mumbled, she hated how her voice cracked. "I messed up."

"Shh..." Romance caressed her shoulders, "no, don't cry."

She pressed herself into his chest, his arms locking in a tight hug around her, still gently stroking her hair.

"I'm here for you, always." Romance said, pressing his lips gently on the top of her head. She sighed. "Was that okay?"

"Yes." Mira mumbled into his chest.

Mira breathed carefully as Romance stroked her hair. She thought back to the dream, how different and yet the same it was.

Her eyes widened at a sudden realisation, thankful she was in Romance's arms so he didn't see the expression on her face.

The boy in the trees.

It's Jinu.

Chapter Text

400 Years Ago

"Zumi, you have a correspondence."

Zumi trotted over to her mother, who handed her a letter. "Thank you umma."

Her adoptive mother raised her brows teasingly, "is this from your mystery boy?"

Zumi's cheeks turned a dusty pink, "umma!"

A couple months ago, they had set up shop at a port area in Pusan. Zumi didn't get out much, and used a fake name. The area was notorious for raids by Nippon pirates, and as such there was a bit of anger toward anyone who even seemed slightly Nippon. Zumi learned this the hard way when she was out looking for items to buy in bulk when she told a shopkeep her name. It got her kicked out of the shop. The keeper screamed slurs after her, even after Zumi insisted she was from Joseon and not Nippon.

She was afraid at first that word would go around that the travelling merchants were harbouring a Nippon girl, but as she picked herself off the ground, a young boy slowly exited the shop.

"Are you still there?," the boy called out gently.

Zumi was annoyed and confused. She was right in front of him, but his hair was over his eyes. His head wasn't turned downward where she was, "I'll go okay?" Zumi murmured, getting off the dirt.

The boy's head turned in the direction of her voice, he's blind. He knelt in front of her and helped her stand.

"Sorry, my mother has a thing against your people. My father was killed in a raid."

Zumi mumbled, "I'm not... I'm from here..." she was close to tears. She loved her mother, truly, but she wondered why she had been given a foreign name. It was like a curse, with people thinking she wasn't a local, too foreign.

"That's okay, you don't have to lie to me." The boy said, "those pirates just happen to be from Nippon, but not everyone from there is a pirate, right?"

"But it's true." Zumi whispered, "I was born here... my mother is from the capital. I don't even speak Nihonggo."

"Okay," the boy said, "you do sound like everyone else here, but best not to tell anyone your name. A lot of people here have lost someone to a raid, and I've never seen you around here either. That's not a good sign."

Zumi nodded, lips pressed in a thin line.

The shopkeeper's voice called out from inside the shop, "where are you, little shit? Get your ugly ass here!"

"I need to go," the boy said, "take care, Zumi."

He carefully rushed back into the shop before his mother could say anything more, and Zumi rushed back to the merchants. Her adoptive brother Kaesong had just finished delivering letters, one of her adoptive aunties was laying out nice fabrics for display. She told the entire family about the lady, and the boy who had helped her.

"Do you want to leave?" Her adoptive brother asked.

Zumi shook her head, "we don't have to. This is a big port, and we'll get a lot of customers and a lot of good wares to sell."

"Yes, it is." Her adoptive father said, "but what's important is you're safe and comfortable."

"It's okay ahjussi." Zumi said, "I'll just keep a low profile."

"And don't go around by yourself." Her adoptive mother ordered, "Kae will go with you."

For the next few days, Zumi didn't leave the stall. She assisted in sales, spoke to customers, but never wandered. They all started calling her Mi, generic enough to avoid raised brows. She hid behind the curtains when a too curious man asked for everyone's names, fascinated by their tradition of naming everyone after a place.

Then one day, Zumi noticed that same boy wandering by himself on the street. She was impressed he was confident enough to walk around by himself. When he got closer she called out to him and gave him a friendly wave. The expression on what she could see on his face shifted from calm to fear upon recognition of her voice. He quickly ran at her and pulled her behind the stall.

"What are you-!" She began, but the boy covered her mouth.

"My mother is here." The boy whispered, "she's a few blocks down looking for fabrics to make new dresses. I just went ahead, and good thing I did."

Zumi's eyes were wide, and she nodded. The boy removed his hands, but was quickly met with a punch.

"Kae!" Zumi screamed, stepping between them. "No, he's okay! He's a friend!"

Kaesong's eyes narrowed at the strange boy on the ground, groaning in pain.

"Sorry, that's my brother." Zumi said, "does it hurt? Can I-"

"Wait no," the boy started, but it was too late. Zumi had parted his long fringe, revealing the mismatched eye colours behind them. Zumi gasped, she had never seen anyone with one brown eye and one grey eye. The boy shook his hair back into his eyes, "sorry. I'll go."

"Wait!" Zumi tried to grab his hand, but he ran off, people dodging him as he went. She stomped her foot, glaring at her brother, "look what you did!"

"He grabbed you!" Kaesong argued, "what was I supposed to think!"

"He was warning me!" Zumi answered, "his-"

She realised telling him about how the woman who was cruel to her on their first day was the boy's mother would not help her case.

"His?" Kae said, raising a brow, "his what?"

"His... neighbour," she decided, "was the one who shoved me out of the shop. He was the one who helped me."

The gravity of what he did registered in his mind as the protective, fierce look in his eyes softened to embarrassment. He realised he had just tried to beat his sister's saviour.

"He was telling me he saw the neighbour around today," Zumi continued, "which is why he grabbed me and brought me here."

"Oh..." was the only thing Kaesong could say. "I'm... I'm embarrassed. I'm sorry for assuming."

"You were just protecting me." Zumi said, "thank you, but I think he's a little hurt."

Kae nodded, "I'll... apologise to him."

Thankfully, the cruel shopkeep hadn't walked down where the stall was set up, but Zumi stayed inside anyway to be safe. Kaesong went out to buy food, then returned at night.

"Mimi," Kae called, "something for you."

He handed her a letter.

"You expect me to believe this is from a blind boy?"

Kaesong shrugged, "maybe he asked someone to write it for him?"

She opened the note. It started with a brief explanation on how he managed to produce the letter, like he knew she would be doubtful. He explained he was completely blind in one eye, and partially blind in the other. He could still see, but barely, and with difficulty. He then apologised for running off, then apologised for the horrible handwriting.

And that's how the correspondence started. Her and him, with Kae delivering the letters. Despite this, neither had mentioned what Zumi saw under his long hair, but she couldn't stop thinking about it. She had never heard or seen anyone with mismatched eyes, perhaps that was the cause for blindness? On their last day in Pusan, while the men in the family were packing up the stall, and Zumi was helping with brushing the horses, he showed up.

"Mimi," her auntie whispered, "there's a boy at the entrance of the stables."

"Oh, I know him." Zumi answered, dropping the brush and approaching. "I'm here."

His head whipped toward the direction of her voice, "last day?"

"Yeah." Zumi answered.

"Can we talk?" He asked.

Zumi nodded, glanced over to the ladies, and then walked with him.

"About... what you saw..." he began, "it's not what you think."

"Do you mean your eyes?" Zumi asked, "how did that happen?"

"Born like that." He explained, "I wasn't always blind, but I was born with different coloured eyes. My mother, she believed it was a sign of a curse. So I was always hidden, and people believed I brought ill intent."

He exhaled shakily, "when I was ten, a raid happened here. Raids from pirates were common, but this one was different. I was in the store with my father when the pirates barged in."

"Oh," Zumi whispered.

"My father gave them everything, but then they saw me. They saw my eyes, I was unnatural, a freak, ugly... one of them threw a container of water at my face." He swallowed hard at the memory, "only, it wasn't water, and my father stepped between us. I don't know what it was, but some got in my eyes. My father screamed, and I can still hear him. He went silent after a few moments, then my mother cound us. She screamed that I melted him, I still don't know what she means by that, I couldn't see anything anymore. She said it was my fault. It's ugly, I know."

Zumi looked at him, "well, I don't believe you're cursed, and your eyes are really pretty."

Her eyes widened as she realised what she had just said, with his own eyes similarly wide under all the hair.

"T-thank you." He said, "you're the first to say. And you're the first to... not be afraid of me... after seeing my eyes."

Zumi smiled at him, then brushed his hair out of his face. He let her.

"I don't think you're ugly."

She quickly glanced around, making sure no one was looking, and then gave him a quick peck on the cheek. He was taken aback, blushing hard. His fingers felt where her lips had touched his face.

"You know," Zumi said, "it's been a week, and I still don't know your name."

He was quiet for a moment, then with a bit of embarrassment, "my mother calls me Misery."

She frowned.

"I'm serious."

"Well, I'm not calling you that." She said, "that's just cruel."

She pondered a bit, "you know, my family has a tradition of naming after places they were born in."

Misery nodded, "yes, I remember. Like your brother was born in Kaesong."

"I wasn't, because I have a different mother, but I would have been named Hanyang."

"I would be Pusan then." Misery said, "I'm... I don't like that."

Zumi laughed, "okay... something else then?"

Zumi looked at him intently, "Mystery... you're a Mystery."

"Are you naming me Mystery?" He asked. "Well, it's okay, I guess."

"It works, until we figure out a different name." Zumi smiled. "I guess... I'll see you around?"

Zumi turned to walk back, but Mystery grabbed her wrist. She saw him squint, lips pressed together with effort. She wondered what he was doing, then realised.

He's trying to see her face.

Then he said "I... I was hoping maybe... we could keep writing... if you want to, of course."

Zumi beamed at him, "I would love to!"

•

Modern Day

Mystery had retained a handful of his original memories. Not all of them, but a good amount. He didn't remember any family, or what he used to do, but he did remember he was born in what is now Busan, and he remembers a girl with a Japanese name that he became penpals with.

But he wondered why his human memories were so... dark... like a film camera that was not developed properly.

Not that anyone knew, of course. He was a man of few words, so he never really told anyone.

But when he met Zoey, something in him resonated. He had always had a better olfactory sense than the other boys, and could smell it on her, so he was a hundred percent sure.

Zumi had reincarnated in this lifetime as Zoey.

He had a studio session with Zoey that afternoon. After the Namsan Incident, he had chosen a life out of the spotlight. He never wanted to be famous anyway, but he did enjoy the music. So he joined Romance in becoming a songwriter, and occasionally a backup vocalist. The difference was Romance had an active social media presence, while Mystery was basically non existent online.

He had cowritten three tracks already with Zoey for Huntr/x's next album. Today, they were finishing a fourth.

He stared into his own eyes in the mirror, both brown.

He teleported into the Huntr/x building, spotting Rumi and Jinu in the kitchen. They were always in there, as Jinu enjoyed cooking for her, and by extension everyone else.

"Mystery!" Jinu called out, "writing session?"

Mystery nodded.

"Really liked that last one. Zoey will let you listen to it later." Jinu said, "I added some things to it, make it slay."

Rumi choked on her coffee.

"What?" Jinu asked, wondering if he had used the term wrong, "slay means cool, right?"

Rumi nodded, laughing, "yes it does. I just didn't expect to hear you use it."

"Where's Zoey?" Mystery asked.

"Still in her room," Rumi answered, "eat first."

Mystery approached, taking a bite of the roast beef set on the counter. When he turned, Zoey had stumbled out of her room hand in hand with Baby.

Mystery's eyes quickly darted to either of them, then their hands locked together. He turned back to the counter, eating. If it bothered him, it didn't show.

"Do you..." Zoey's voice echoed in his mind, "maybe, wanna go out later?"

"No." Mystery had answered, deadpan and with no explanation.

Even though he did want to.

But as Zoey and Baby piled into the kitchen, he quirked a small smile.

He was happy for them.

Baby glanced at him, noticing the slight curl in his lip. He decided they needed to speak later.

Meanwhile, Mira woke up alone. She reached over her bed, feeling for Romance, but he wasn't there.

"Looking for me, princess?"

Mira shot up. Romance was sitting on a chair on the balcony, watching her sleep.

"Why did you get up?" Mira asked.

"The last time I stayed in your bed, you kicked me out." Romance answered, "I'm just making sure you're comfortable."

Mira's face turned a slight pink, staring at the sheets with her lips trembling. Why was this so hard for her?

Romance noticed her sudden change. He stood to approach, "hey, what is it?"

Mira looked up at him, and Romance was absolutely caught off guard by the pouty, almost teary puppy eyes she was giving him. "I'm sorry... I... this is hard for me..."

Romance shuffled awkwardly, until Mira held her arms out for a hug. He sank onto her bed, embracing her.

"I think," Romance began, "you're too used to being strong. You don't know softness, do you?"

Mira didn't say anything. He was right.

"W-why haven't you left?" Mira mumbled, "I-I keep pushing you away."

"I can't stay away from you."

"Why?"

"I just can't." Romance answered.

Mira pulled back from the embrace, facing him, "but-"

"Because I love you okay! I-"

They froze, Romance realising what he had just admitted. He panicked internally, realising this might be too fast, too much for her.

"I-I'm sorry... I shouldn't have said that..." Romance mumbled, "it's... well it's true, but-"

He was cut off by Mira's hand lacing in his.

"It's okay Rom, it's fine." She said silently.

Romance's heart did a flip, his stomach felt like it was going in circles. "It's... is it okay? That I said that?"

Mira slowly nodded.

Romance couldn't help but smile, "I- I love you. You don't have to say it back, Mira, but... I just..."

"Since when?" Mira asked.

"I don't know, you creeped up on me." Romance admitted, "I've always found you beautiful, but... I feel like... I've known you for so much longer."

Mira played with his hand in hers. Silence enveloped them, but it was a comforting silence.

"I'm difficult," Mira mumbled, "I'm a problem, I'm a wild child, I'm hard to love... I'm a headache... you- are you-"

"Then you're my favourite headache." Romance answered, "and I don't want to hear you talking bad about yourself. I didn't have a hard time falling."

Mira looked up at him with teary eyes. Romance cupped her cheek, wiping the tears with his thumb. "You- you're lying... you say that now... but-"

"Is it so hard to believe?" Romance asked, "I know you have doubts, I'm a demon after all, but I promise you Mira, it's different. And... and if I lied, you can stab me."

Mira cracked a small smile, "I definitely will."

Romance smiled back at her, caressing her cheek slowly. Mira started leaning toward him, and he didn't pull back.

The kiss was soft and gentle, like they didn't want to break the other. Mira tangled her fingers into his hair, and Romance held her nape.

He let her take control.

When Mira broke the kiss, she giggled, which got Romance to giggle too.

"You know how long I've wanted that?" Romance whispered.

"I'm sorry to keep you waiting," Mira smiled.

"No, you're not." Romance answered.

They spent that morning in each other's arms, cuddling and kissing. Then, Mira remembered she had something to ask Jinu.

"Do you want to eat?" Mira asked, "Jinu is probably cooking something right now."

Romance nodded, "I could eat."

When they left Mira's room for the kitchen, they found Rumi choking on instant ramyeon, Zoey laughing, and Jinu looking horrified. Mystery was eating a cookie and Baby had his arm around Zoey.

"Oh Mira!" Zoey called out, then she raised an eyebrow, "and... Romance... didn't expect to see you."

"Mira," Rumi choked out, "tell Jinu the proper use of chopped."

"What?" Romance was confused.

"Tell them what you said!" Zoey cheered.

Jinu was embarrassed, "I- I said Rumi looked chopped."

Mira's eyes widened and jaw dropped, "you did NOT!"

"I thought it meant delicious!"

"IT MEANS UGLY!" Mira screeched, grabbing a pillow and throwing it at Jinu's face.

Jinu looked positively mortified now, he looked at Rumi, who was still cackling, "I'm sorry, you are not chopped. The opposite of it. Unchopped?"

Baby sneezed the water he was drinking, "oh you're gonna kill me."

Zoey smacked tissue onto Baby's face, "told you you need a bib."

"Don't think I forgot you said I look like laxatives!" Romance said.

"Now that's chopped!" Zoey shot back. Mira cackled.

Zoey, Baby, and Mystery left after eating. They were planning to write and rewrite the rap battle, and probably record it if they were happy with it, leaving Jinu, Rumi, Mira, and Romance.

"So," Rumi began, "didn't know Romance was in your room."

"Uhh..." Mira stuffed her face with cookies. Romance laughed, resting his palm on her lap. She twitched and glared at him.

Okay... not the PDA type of girl. Still, he poked at her hair.

Then Mira's eyes darted toward Jinu, who felt the fire in her eyes. He didn't know what it was he did, but now he was afraid.

Rumi's phone rang. Jinu picked it up, being the closest to it. He checked the caller ID.

It was Celine.

Jinu held up to phone toward Mira, who's face crinkled in anger. Rumi was still washing the dishes.

"Who is it?"

Jinu and Mira nodded, a short understanding.

"It's Celine."

A glass dropped, and Rumi winced. Jinu and Romance smelled the blood.

"Are you okay?" Romance called from across the counter. Jinu put down the still ringing phone and dashed to Rumi's side. Mira ran to the cupboards to grab the first aid kit.

Jinu moved Rumi to the counter, hand still covered in blood as Mira opened the kit. Romance moved to the sink, cleaning up the shards of glass and wiping the blood off the counter.

"It's okay, I'm clumsy." Rumi laughed it off.

"It's not deep, you'll be fine." Mira said, after inspecting the wound. She dressed the cut.

"You're off dishes duty for the time being." Jinu joked.

After the cut was bandaged, they insisted Rumi rest and not take any calls from a certain someone. Mira even confiscated her phone to make sure, insisting any important calls, she would answer and relay to her in the evening.

"I'll make kimbap, she loves that." Jinu said, "oh but we're out of seaweed."

"I can get that." Romance said, "is that all you need?"

"Get some snacks and ramyeon too." Mira answered. Romance nodded and disappeared into a cloud of pink.

Jinu moved to the counter, starting on the kimbap.

"I swear you're trying to fatten her up." Mira joked.

Jinu laughed, "I just like cooking for her."

Silence.

"I saw you in my dream last night."

A fork cluttered onto the counter, he looked at Mira, "what?"

"And... I called one of the boys Romance's name." Mira added, I was... the boys were being dragged away. I was being restrained. And then, I saw you in the trees."

Jinu knew exactly what she was talking about.

The day in question, Jinu and his friends were planning to raid the kitchens for food, but the boys got a little side tracked. They told Jinu to wait for them, because they just wanted to say hello, but they took so long than Jinu fell asleep in the trees. He woke up to screaming.

"Jinu," Mira noticed his demeanour change, "what do you know?"

Jinu stood quietly, chopping ingredients, debating if he should tell her.

"What are you not telling me?"

Jinu leaned on the counter, breathing deeply. "You're not going to believe me."

"Try me."

Jinu looked at her, scanning her eyes, "remember I told you about my life 400 years ago?"

Mira nodded, "yes, your mother and sister. I remember."

Jinu nodded, "details I didn't share... I didn't think they were important. And... don't tell anyone."

Mira nodded, "of course, we're in this together."

Jinu chuckled, "yeah... uh... there was... in the palace, a princess. Her name was Mira."

Mira's jaw dropped, "what?"

Jinu nodded, "she was the daughter of the emperor and a concubine. She was... she was rebellious. She had two friends who she shouldn't have been friends with."

It clicked, "Ro?"

Jinu nodded, "yes..."

"But... Romance doesn't remember anything... and you didn't tell him?"

"I didn't think he wanted to know... he paid with his human memories to become a demon."

Mira looked shocked, "he?"

Jinu nodded, "or at least, that's what Gwi Ma told me, so debatable. Still... I believe this is confirmation that you're remembering your past memories."

Mira stared at him, almost frozen. "There's... there's no way..."

Romance reappeared in the kitchen with a paper bag. Mira shook herself and sat on the couch. Romance looked at her sudden change, and glanced at Jinu, who shrugged.

Chapter Text

400 Years Ago

Baby looked over the travelling merchants from the tower. Since meeting that strange girl, Zumi, he had been watching them from the watchtower, not daring to approach.

Soon, one week was over, but the merchants did not pack up to leave. They had extended their stay.

"Looking for a concubine, brother?"

Baby turned to see the crowned prince standing there, arms crossed. The expression on his face was unreadable.

"No seja, I was just people watching."

Baby did not like the crowned prince, and the feelings were mutual. He supposed it made sense, since his mother failed to produce a spare. The crowned prince had around six full-blooded sisters, and his mother had passed upon delivering the last one. Baby was relieved when she passed, but of course he couldn't let anyone know that.

Thus, since he was the second-born male, he became the spare. And effectively, a threat.

And now, the crowned prince would regularly come up to him to check on him like they were brothers. They were, of course, but Baby couldn't help but feel there would be a knife to his throat given the chance.

But Baby was not interested in the throne.

"Why not?" The crowned prince asked, "you've come of age years ago, are you trying to save your womanly virtue?"

There it is.

"I'm just not interested." Baby mumbled, which earned him a snort, turning walking away muttering about how he isn't a real man.

It didn't bother Baby.

Their father was currently very ill, which meant the prince was being micromanaged all the more. Still, the prince found time to annoy Baby, which was dedication.

But he had a feeling the prince's first move as emperor would be to dispose of him.

So he had to have an exit plan. Anyway, he had other younger brothers who could take his place as the spare.

On the second week of extension, Baby snuck out of the palace at night to catch the merchants.

Zumi recognised him upon seeing him, even though he had a hood on. She had taken one look at his eyes and knew.

Zumi didn't ask questions, but she did raise a brow when Baby started showing up nightly in the same get up.

What was originally supposed to be just a week at the grand palace ended up being extended. The sales were really good, and a lot of other travelling merchants were passing by, which was an excellent opportunity for trading wares from different municipalities and even countries. Her adoptive father had mumbled that this was the exact reason he did not like going to the capital, as it upset their travel plans. They were supposed to be in Kaesong, and then up to Hwangsong. In a few months time, they were to enter the territory of the Qing. Or rather, that was the plan.

She passed a letter via the army's official messenger, who was travelling to Pusan to pass official correspondence from the general. It was a bit sad that the letter exchanges started becoming farther and farther apart the farther she journeyed from Pusan, but it is what it is. The official messenger returned after two weeks with nothing for her. She figured he couldn't whip up a letter fast enough, so she could wait.

On the third week, Baby noticed that she ran into the stall crying.

It had been two months in the capital. Sales were good, but Zumi had not received a new letter since arriving. Her adoptive father enforced a strict this-is-our-last-week-here-we're-leaving order.

She eventually stop worrying so much. If Mystery wanted to write, he would write... but she couldn't help but shake a feeling that something happened. Maybe his mother found out.

"When are you leaving?" Baby asked, "and where are you going?"

"Kaesong," Zumi answered, "tomorrow morning."

Baby nodded. They had met up nightly for a couple weeks now. The guards eventually discovered he had been sneaking out, but let him be. He lied and said he was looking to ask her to be his concubine.

Which, she was excellent, but he did not want her as a concubine.

"Can I ask something?" Baby said, and then when Zumi nodded, he continued, "are you happy? With your family I mean?"

Zumi nodded, "of course. I'll always be grateful they took me in. They treat me like I'm blood. They taught me how to read, to write, defend myself, everything."

She exhaled, "I'll always be grateful... but the travelling is a bit difficult."

"Do you ever miss them? Your mother and brother?"

"Yes, I think about them all the time." Zumi whispered. She had confided in Baby about her brother being a bipa player. Around the third week they were there, Zumi had stumbled upon a man holding a bipa. She asked if he knew his brother, but upon saying his name the man turned pastey white.

No one had seen her brother in years.

"I'm sorry." Baby said.

Zumi shook her head, "if Jinu ran away from here, I hope he's safe wherever he is."

They sat in a comfortable silence.

"I have something to tell you." Baby whispered, "I... I haven't been honest with you."

Zumi quirked a brow, "really?"

Baby took out an elaborate ring from his pocket, "can I give this to you?"

Zumi's face turned pink. "I-"

"I'm sorry, it's very forward, but we only have tonight left together." Baby mumbled, trying hard not to stumble over his own words. His face was turning pink as well.

He slid the ring onto her ring finger. It didn't fit, it was too loose.

"Okay, uh come with me." Baby said, standing.

"Where are we going?"

"The forge." Baby explained, "they can make sure the ring will fit you."

Zumi walked with him in silence.

"What is this?" Zumi asked, "why are you giving this to me?"

Baby stopped, grabbing her wrist, "I..."

Why was it so hard to speak?!

Both a comparable shade of red, Baby cleared his throat, trying to force the words out.

"I'm... I'm the son of the emperor." He began, "but... my mother was a concubine."

"So you're the prince?!"

"Not the prince, but a prince." Baby corrected her, "and... well... it's a bit complicated..."

"Wait, wait... so when you said your step mum mistreats you-"

"The queen... yes." Baby answered, "my brother is the crowned prince, he has no full blooded brothers, the next oldest boy is me."

"So you're next after him?"

Baby nodded, "and they don't like that. I have to leave."

"Why? Don't they need you?"

Baby looked around, then in a hushed tone, barely even a whisper, said, "it's political. I'm a threat to his throne... my own father disposed of his own full AND half blooded brothers after he was crowned."

The gravity of his words was registering in Zumi's head, but it was a lot to process.

"I'm sorry, it's a lot to process. But let's have that ring resized first."

Later, when the ring fit perfectly on her ring finger, they stopped and sat on the grass in the garden where they met. Zumi couldn't stop staring at the precious ring, yes her family had handled jewels, but she had never owned something so marvellous.

"Why me?" Zumi whispered. "I'm not... I'm just a poor girl."

"You just don't know the effect you have on me." Baby grinned, "poor or rich, I don't care."

"And... you're leaving all of this behind..."

"Yes," Baby answered, "if it makes you feel better, I was going to do it anyway, with or without you."

Zumi nodded in a daze, "that... yes it does take a bit of pressure off me."

"This is my promise to you," Baby said, "I will find you. You said you'll be in Qing in around six months? I'll get on a boat, it takes only a few weeks to get there on boat from here. I'll meet you there. I promise you, I will find you. I will always find you."

He gave her a chaste kiss on her forehead.

The next morning, Zumi and her family left for Kaesong. The crowned prince found Baby walking around the palace grounds, and made fun of him for not getting the concubine.

"She said no." Baby answered.

The prince laughed, "why did you give her a choice, you dumbass."

That night, the emperor's health deteriorated. The palace was on emergency mode, and the crowned prince was suddenly overwhelmed with how real it all was.

Baby threw a few things in a small sack. Some money, jewels to sell for money in case, and his most basic clothing (that he stole from some of the higher end servants because he knew his actual clothing would identify his actual standing).

In the chaos of the night, he slipped into the forest.

His instinct was right, because the emperor passed that night. The crowned prince was declared ruler. But even while coronation was pending, he had guards sent to Baby's room.

They found it empty.

The crowned prince was angry. He had Baby declared an enemy of the state, and a huge bounty put on his head.

But Baby was long gone, hidden in a ship for the Qing territories.

But the trouble was only beginning.

A week later, he arrived in a port harbour in the Qing territories. Due to his extensive knowledge, and fluency in many languages, he quickly found work as a translator for a large shop on the pier. The owner offered him a small room above the shop for lodging. He told people he was a travelling merchant from Joseon, and was currently in the Qing territories because he was thinking of settling there with his wife. He had gone ahead to the port harbour to check it out, with his wife to follow.

And so he waited.

Until he got word that the new Joseon king had the borders closed

indefinitely

He was extremely angry, at both his brother and himself. He should have known his brother would pull something like this. Is Zumi safe? Would the crowned prince go after her?

"Brother, are you okay?" The merchant asked him, noticing he was particularly bothered after speaking with a customer.

"He just told me the Joseon borders are closed indefinitely." Baby mumbled.

"Your wife..." The merchant said, understanding what Baby was feeling. "I'm so sorry to hear that."

Meanwhile, Zumi was trapped in Kaesong with her family. She knew when the guards started checking travellers more that Baby had managed to slip out.

She could only hope he was safe, wherever he was.

She had told her family about Baby, and thus with the news spreading, they were afraid the royal guards would be looking for her.

So they hid her every time someone checked, and each time they tried to get clearance to travel to Qing, but each time they were denied.

Her adoptive mother stitched a small silk pouch for the ring, explaining that it might be recognised. She agreed and kept it in the pouch, fastened to her waist under her clothes, only wearing it in private.

Months and months went by, and still the borders were sealed shut, with permissions to travel outside Joseon still denied.

Zumi sat in her room in the inn they were staying at in Kaesong. They had definitely overstayed, and her adoptive father was losing his mind. The travel plans were a mess.

Just outside the inn, a familiar figure appeared in pink smoke, his hair covering his eyes.

He had a lot of explaining to do.

Zumi's instincts were right, his mother did find out about the letters, and she was furious. Slurs were said, things were broken... and eyes were plucked.

Mystery had no way of writing any more letters, and god she must hate him. It ate him alive imagining how much Zumi must hate him now. Months passed with no correspondence.

Then one night, Mystery heard the voice in his ear.

I can help you

And he made a deal for his eyes back.

It took him some time to find Zumi, but now here he could smell her scent in the air. He had found her.

He disappeared once again, following the scent, and appeared in a cloud of pink in the shadows of her room.

There she was.

She was sitting at a desk, writing a letter. Mystery couldn't help but crack a smile, but he was also afraid. It had been almost a year since their last correspondence.

And then he spotted it.

The elaborate ring on her ring finger. It was too fancy to be just a normal gift, the stones in the setting were enough to buy a small house. And the scent... it was almost like a slap. It was a very faint scent, overpowered by Zumi's, which just told him she had been wearing the ring for months now. The ring came from a man, who was not in her family unit.

She... she was engaged... or already married.

Either way, he was too late.

He disappeared in another cloud of smoke just as Zumi turned around, feeling eyes on her.

•

Modern Day

"Are you alright?" Baby asked him later after the studio session.

Mystery nodded, "why wouldn't I be?"

"I just... because me and Zoey..."

"I rejected her, it's okay."

"Are you sure?" Baby asked.

Mystery nodded, "I always knew."

Baby stared at him, "what?"

Mystery smiled, "I knew you liked her."

"You... you rejected her because you knew?!"

It wasn't a complete lie, just not a whole truth. Mystery pieced that Zumi had reincarnated into this life as Zoey, and then later it clicked.

The faint scent he smelled on Zumi's ring.

It was Baby.

At the apartment he rented, Baby opened a drawer. In the drawer, a soft, silk pouch.

The ring.

It was almost a curse that he retained all his human memories. He remembered when the voices started plaguing him, he was afraid he would never see her again.

He told Jinu and the others he made a deal for eternal youth, but that wasn't the truth.

He made a deal to see her.

He was intelligent enough to know making deals with the devil had a price to pay, so he made sure he called all the shots. He didn't care about his own soul, he just wanted her.

But of course, there was a slight thing he overlooked.

Immediately after he made the deal, the world went black, and then he opened his eyes. He found himself in front of a small countryside hanok, the scent in the air thick with sickness.

He entered the hanok, following his nose to a wrinkled old woman lying on a cot. Was she alone here?

The woman's eyes opened, and glanced over at Baby. Recognition flickered in her eyes as she slowly sat up.

Baby was a little confused, until he saw the ring on her finger.

His ring.

"Baby?" The woman rasped.

His heart dropped to his stomach. There was no way this elderly woman was Zumi?

"You found me," the woman smiled, "it's been fifty years."

Tears started falling from her eyes as Baby held her hands. Fifty years.

Had he been gone for fifty years?

"What took you so long?" The now elderly Zumi asked.

"I'm sorry Zumi," Baby answered, "but... I'm here now."

Zumi smiled sadly, "we never got married."

"I'm so sorry, Zumi." Baby sobbed.

Zumi wondered why he looked exactly the same as he did fifty years ago, but at that point she didn't care. She never got married, never even looked at another man. They told her she was foolish for holding onto a promise that was most likely broken.

And now, he stood here, fulfilling his promise of finding her.

Only, he was a little too late.

Zumi's heart fluttered, and not in a good way. Baby sensed it and grabbed onto her.

"My last wish was always to see you again."

Baby shook his head, angry tears falling from his eyes, "no, no, Zumi I just got here. I'm sorry, please."

Zumi smiled at him, and gave him a small peck on the cheek, she slipped the ring off her finger and into his hand, "you'll just have to find me again. I'll be waiting for you... don't take too long this time."

Baby nodded, "I promise you... Zumi, I promise. I'll find you, I'll always find you, no matter where you are."

Zumi smiled one last time... and then she stopped breathing.

Something in Baby cracked as he cradled her body in his arms. He peppered her grey head with kisses, then gently lay her on the cot. He gently folded her arms, and closed her eyes.

He gave her a gentle kiss on the forehead. "I love you, Zumi... I'll see you again, I promise."

Then he sank onto his knees, kneeling on the floor in apology. "We'll get married in the next life... for real this time."

Baby found the silk pouch on a small table, where he slipped the ring. He turned to leave, but then looked over his shoulder. One last look at her.

Then he vanished in a cloud of pink smoke.

Chapter Text

Modern Day

All the information was hitting her at once.

Mira stared into her coffee mug, registering. Romance tried not to stare, but he worriedly glanced at her every so often.

He's lying Mira told herself. An elaborate story Jinu made up somehow.

And yet somewhere in her bones, it made absolute sense.

"Ro."

Romance looked at her immediately, like he was waiting for her to call him.

"Do you... remember anything... from when you were human?"

His face twisted in a mixture of confusion and something else. "I promise you, I've tried. If I remember something, you'll be the first to know."

Mira didn't look very convinced or happy with that answer. Romance's eyes flitted to Jinu, who was still at the kitchen area. Jinu watched them silently, slicing ingredients.

"Why did you ask?"

Mira shrugged, "I just thought of it."

She moved her knees closer to her chest, resting her mug on them. Romance could sense her hesitation and reluctance.

"Hey...." he took her mug from her and set it on the coffee table, "I'm not hiding anything from you." He took her hands in his, "I swear. If you ask, I'll tell you the entire truth, even if it means you'll hate me for it."

Romance tilted his head, trying to catch her eyes, which were still fixed on her knees. "Hey? Mira?"

Mira's eyes flicked up to meet his. She was close to tears.

"Hey, you're okay." Romance opened his arms in an embrace. She leaned into him as he stroked her arm soothingly. "I'm sorry I can't remember, but I promise you I'll try."

Jinu awkwardly stuffed two rolls of kimbap in a tupperware and trotted off to Rumi's room, leaving the two alone. Romance and Mira watched him leave.

"What brought this on?" Romance asked.

Mira pressed her lips into a thin line, debating if she should tell him.

"Hey, you can tell me."

Mira curled into him, breathing him in. She inhaled and exhaled slowly.

"I... I think you were in the dream."

"Okay," he said gently, "what happened?"

"I don't know." Mira answered, "it's... I never actually see your face... but... in the dream I have friends... and I call one of them your name."

Romance nods, "okay."

"Jinu said it might be a past life memory." Mira continued, "that's why I asked... maybe... maybe you remember something... if it's true..."

"Okay." He answered, "I'll... I'll see if I can remember anything, but I don't know."

Mira nodded, "it's fine..."

Romance pressed his lips on her forehead, she found herself closing her eyes, feeling his lips on her skin. She breathed easier.

"Thank you, Ro." She looked up at him with those same eyes that made him weak in every which way.

They stayed on the couch the entire morning. When noon hit, Romance asked if she wanted to eat.

"Sure." Mira said.

"You want take out or you want to eat somewhere?"

Mira eyed him suspiciously, "are you asking me on a date?"

Romance flashed a toothy grin, "maybe."

"Smooth." She rolled her eyes, but she was still smiling.

"Are you my girlfriend now?"

"You wish I was your girlfriend."

"True."

Mira playfully punched his shoulder.

"Whatever you want to call this," Romance said, "as long as I'm with you, it's okay with me."

They eventually settled on take out.

Later that afternoon, Zoey and Baby arrived back at the tower, Mystery trailing behind them. He was effectively third wheeling. Zoey and Baby were walking together like teenagers in love. They had just recorded the rap battle, Mystery adding a little bit of flair to the mix. They would drop it tonight to maximise on the popularity of the ship.

Mystery sat down on the couch across from Mira and Romance. Baby had just posted a cryptic shot on Instagram of Zoey in the sound booth. 'Tonight' was the single word in his caption. If you didn't know it was Zoey in the shot, you would never know given he purposely moved his phone around so the shot was blurry. But of course the fans knew, and they ate it up.

Zoey was about to post her own cryptic shot, but hers was a collection of photos. Shots of her in the studio (that would make the fans connect the dots), a photo of her boots and his shoes, and a photo of a bib. Hers would have the caption '9pm.'

The management wanted them to go on a very public date to have people talking about the new drop. Zoey went into her room and changed into Baby's sweater, that would have people talking.

Baby went to the candy bowl on the kitchen counter, browsing through the selection of sweets. He eventually settled on a watermelon lollipop.

"Okay let's go!" Zoey stepped out of her room wearing his pink sweater. Baby turned to face her, having just put the candy in his mouth. When his eyes saw her, he straightened a bit. Something flashed in his eyes, and it made Zoey blush. He bit back an insult, as he did promise her he would lessen his toddler-like hair pulling attitude.

Baby held her hand as they walked into the lift.

"Ugh it was like they didn't even see us here." Mira mumbled as the elevator doors close, "HAVE FUN KIDS, USE PROTECTION!"

Zoey choked, and Baby gave her a side eye glance.

"Too late for that." Baby grinned, and Zoey looked at him appalled. She swatted at him.

After the mild teasing, Zoey sighed, "I just... is it okay that our first date is for PR?"

"No." Baby answered absently without looking at her, "but it is what it is."

Zoey stared at her shoes, kicking at nothing. The elevator seemed to take forever. Baby glanced at her.

"I'll make it up to you tonight." Baby promised, "not... like that... but maybe... I'll just find a way to make it up to you."

"Okay, I look forward to it." Zoey smiled.

They walked hand in hand out the lift. On today's agenda: be spotted out the town together. They stopped by the large Baskin Robbins in Hongdae, which drew a lot of attention. A photo of Zoey laughing at Baby's brain freeze went viral as soon as it was posted.

Back at Mystery and Romance's apartment, which was basically a solo living situation considering Romance spent his nights at Mira's, Mystery lay in bed watching the date through twitter. It was nice to see Baby had found his wife again, he figured.

He remembered when he first met Baby, it was when Jinu was putting the band together. Baby didn't know him, but he recognised his scent. He wasn't sure at first, given when he had first picked up the scent it was overpowered by Zumi, but when one night he saw Baby fiddling with the exact ring he saw on Zumi, he was sure.

"I stole it from an old lady." Baby had lied when Mystery asked where he got it, then "okay okay FINE it was my wife's! Leave me alone!"

It got awkward when Zoey fixated on him. It boosted his ego of course, knowing she still liked him, but he saw the pain behind Baby's eyes. Baby had put up a front, acting like he could care less while mercilessly making fun of her. He scoffed at Zoey's affections toward Mystery, and even went as far as bullying Zoey for liking 'the dog.' Zoey hated it, but Mystery saw through the act.

So he backed off.

It broke Zoey's heart, but Mystery did not want to be the one to take someone else's wife. Marriage meant her soul was already tied to Baby. He was perfectly content standing off to the side.

Well... not really, but he will be.

Anyway, he had his chance. He essentially ghosted her, if ghosting was a term that existed back then.

A small smile quirked at the end of his lip, seeing Zoey so happy with Baby. But it was bittersweet. A tear slid down his eye, and he wiped it off on the back of his hand.

He loved her. God, he loved her. He would love her in every lifetime. And he would continue loving her until every star fell from the sky.

But he could not have her.

He jumped when his phone suddenly rang.

"What?" He muttered miserably. Maybe his mother was right naming him Misery.

"I need a love song."

"Huh?"

Jinu was frantic, "obviously I'm not going to ask you to write it by yourself, but I need a love song stat."

"For the new Huntr/x?"

Jinu shook his head, "no, for me."

"Are you releasing a solo album?"

"No no no," Jinu hissed, "I-- I'm just trying to ask Rumi on a date."

Mystery scoffed, "then ask her?"

"Yes! Yes," Jinu toned himself down, like he was afraid someone would overhear him, "I just need the perfect gift. I've never been good with speaking."

Mystery understood, "so you want to confess through music."

"EXAC- ehem exactly." Jinu said, "you get me."

"Okay, when do you need it?"

"I'll send you some ideas, and then a chord progression." Jinu answered, "see what we can do from there."

"Okay."

"Who are you talking to?" Rumi called sleepily from her bed. She had been sleeping and woke up to Jinu yelling in the bathroom.

"Just... I'm just clarifying on a new track mix!" Jinu answered, then he hissed into the phone, "I'll text you, okay?"

"Okay."

Jinu ended the call. When he opened the door, Rumi looked at him suspiciously.

"What?" Jinu asked, voice just a tad bit too high pitched.

Rumi knew him well enough to know he was hiding something, but she didn't pry. He placed his phone on the nightstand and joined Rumi in her bed. He put an arm around her, and she lay on his chest.

Jinu stared at the ceiling, wondering if he should tell Rumi the complete details of his human life, and her possible involvement. He could sense it would blow open soon, with Mira starting to gain those memories. But then again, he still wasn't sure Rumi and Rumi the General's daughter were the same person, and he wasn't sure how. He knew some demons could smell souls, as those ones were extremely valuable to Gwi Ma. Mystery was one such demon. He knew each soul had a unique scent, and thus it was one way to track reincarnations. But the issue with this was he did not have anything that had Rumi the General's daughter's scent on it, and even if he did it had been 400 years.

And on top of that, he still had to figure out how he was going to ask Rumi to be his girlfriend.

A lot to think about.

"You seem deep in thought." Rumi traced her fingers over the fabric of his shirt, "are you okay?"

"Just a lot to think about." Jinu answered.

"Care to share with me?" Rumi suggested, "I can share the burden."

Jinu chuckled, "I'm not sure I want to tell you yet, princess."

Rumi looked up at him, pouting. Jinu wanted to combust on the spot.

"That's not fair." Jinu whined, "you know what that does to me."

Rumi giggled, "fine, keep your secrets from your girlfriend."

"No, just... surprises." Jinu corrected her, "no secrets."

Rumi nodded, "no secrets."

It took a beat before Jinu's face turned a bright shade of red.

Did she-?

"What did you just say?" Jinu pulled away.

Rumi looked at him in confusion. "What? No secrets?"

"No, no, before that." Jinu said, the heat pooled on his face.

"Keep secrets from your girlfriend?"

Jinu froze.

"Jinu?"

Jinu gulped, "girlfriend?"

Rumi's face fell, "am I not?"

"I-... no I... I mean I like it yes! But-... we've... we never..."

The heat started pooling in Rumi's face when she realised he was right. They actually have never had that talk. Rumi had just made the assumption after everything.

"I'm sorry." Rumi tried hard not to cry, but her voice was pitched and cracking, "I just... after you gave me your soul and... everything... I just assumed-"

"No, no it's okay." Jinu said, "I just..." he rubbed his nape sheepishly, "I was... just preparing to ask you out."

Rumi stared at him in shock, then the laughter tumbled out of her. "Oh you old man!"

Jinu smiled at her, "I'm sorry I'm... I was really nervous and... I didn't know how these things work nowadays."

Rumi nodded, "that's okay, I like who you are."

She leaned in and kissed the corner of his mouth. It was the closest they've gotten to lips. Jinu's face turned a deeper shade of red.

"Is that improper, old man?" Rumi teased.

Jinu nodded, "yes... I mean no... I mean... back in my day no one touched each other but... it's okay, I like it."

"Okay." Rumi said, and planted another corner lip kiss on him.

Jinu hid his tomato red face in her shoulder. "God, you don't know what you do to me."

Rumi fell asleep on his chest while he gently played with strands of her hair. Her injured hand lay on his stomach.

Then, he received a text.

Why is Rumi not answering my calls?

Celine.

After the Namsan Incident, Rumi had told the girls and Jinu what had transpired between her and her aunt. The girls were angry, and rightfully so. It was only him that was more open to communication. Maybe because he didn't know her all that well, but he believed she did the best that she could for Rumi, even if it wasn't the greatest. Rumi had expressed that she was fine with Jinu being cordial with Celine, in fact she preferred it. She still loved her aunt of course, but she preferred if communication was limited. It was okay that updates were provided via Jinu. Celine didn't really like him, but he made Rumi happy.

Jinu: She doesn't want to talk, auntie.

Celine: i really do want to talk to her

Jinu: Give her time.

Rumi stirred a little in her sleep, but settled back. Jinu remembered Mira's nightmares, with one issue (asking Rumi out) out of the way, he could now think about the other.

Jinu: Auntie, can I ask you something?

Maybe Celine knew something about this, and Mira really needed help anyway. Those nightmares were not doing her any favours.

Jinu: Do you know anything about past lives and reincarnation?

There was a tentative pause, and then Celine answered.

Celine: i know a thing or 2

Celine: why?

Jinu considered calling Celine, but hesitated. Doing so would mean stepping out, which meant getting Rumi off his chest, which he had no intention of doing. He also had a feeling Celine would ring his phone if he mentioned what was happening with Mira.

Jinu: There's a little situation right now that I believe is connected to it. I'll call you later, auntie. Rumi is here.

Celine: okay. take care.

It can wait... he decided, pulling Rumi in a tighter embrace.

"Mmm..." Rumi mumbled, sleepily hugging him tighter.

Later than evening, the two groups sat together in the living area for the release of Zoey and Baby's freestyle. It was 8:55pm, five more minutes. Zoey and Baby were hosting a joint live on WeVerse, feasting on a whole pile of snacks on the kitchen table while answering questions.

"When are we getting a new Huntr/x single?" Zoey read off the comments.

"Soon!" Mira yelled from the couch.

"When are we getting a new Saja Boys song?" Baby mumbled, then he grinned, "let's just say the new Huntr/x tracks are joint efforts."

Zoey jumped, clapping her hands, "oh yes! You guys it's basically a collaboration! Minus the singing of course. Mystery and Romance are great lyricists, and Jinu has basically taken the reins on the album sound."

They tried hard to ignore the comments asking about Abby.

"The songs we have so far are very classical," Zoey answered, "we've sampled a lot of classic instruments, like the bipa."

"Yes, this new track will be featured as a bonus track on the album." Baby said. "And this is Zoey's first release without the girls."

He sucked on the lollipop in his mouth, then came across a comment that made him smirk:

are you guys dating?

He nudged at Zoey, "hey Zo, read this."

Zoey looked at the comments, "are you guys da-"

Her face flushed an intense pink and she hid behind her fingers. Baby watched her with a smile on his face, entertained.

"Well? Are we?" Baby teased, poking her elbow.

"I-" Zoey stammered, "no personal questions please!"

Mira cackled from the couch.

"She's literally wearing his sweater!" Romance called out.

"Okay okay time check 8:58." Zoey said quickly. Baby laughed, grabbed her by the waist and planted a kiss on her temple.

On live.

The comments section went nuts, and Zoey burned a deeper shade of red.

"Oh my god Baby!" She swatted at him, and Baby grinned, rather pleased with himself.

"You're cute." Baby mumbled in her ear, loud enough for the live to pick it up.

"Okay okay kids come on!" Mira approached them, taking the phone and moving it to the television, "it's 8:59!"

Everyone moved to the living room, where the television was playing a live countdown from YouTube.

The countdown hit ten, then five. Zoey trembled with nerves, but then she felt a hand lace itself in hers. She looked beside her, Baby standing there, looking at her softly. His gaze lacked the usual snarkiness he had.

"It's out!" Mira screeched as the intro of the song started playing. The screen changed to the cover of the track, which they had never revealed anywhere. It was a photo of Zoey giving Baby the stink eye, and Baby with his tongue out at her. Very playful. They had added more verses, and Mystery's back vocals made the sound smooth. Management had spent the entire afternoon trying to clear the sample that they freestyled over.

"And you still didn't shout me out!" Jinu screeched, feigning offence. Zoey cackled.

There was a small, playful argument on the live when someone asked what they thought was the most devastating bar. Most of them agreed it was the one about Abby, but Jinu argued being left out was more devastating.

They ended the live, settling on a small celebration of the new release. It immediately charted.

"Lucky Abby isn't around to hear what you said about him." Romance joked, "he would cry."

Then silence.

Abby was still the only Saja Boy who hadn't returned, or if he did already he hadn't tried to find them.

"Well," Baby said, cutting the tension, raising a cup of beer. Everyone followed suit, toasting to the successful launch.

"Proud of you." Jinu gave Zoey a tight hug. "Great job!"

The night settled. Mystery and Romance said goodbye and returned to their apartment (though Romance would probably be back in Mira's room later). Jinu and Rumi cleaned up with the help of the maids, and Zoey and Baby retreated into her room.

Zoey was surprised to see her room decorated. Her stuffed toys were neatly aligned, balloons in the air, and a snack pile on the ground.

"I told you I'd make it up to you." Baby said, as Zoey's face blushed. He took her hand and lead her to the picnic set up on the floor. "Consider this our actual, real first date. No cameras, no paparazzi, no PR."

Zoey hopped on her toes, excited. She threw her arms around Baby, squeezing him in a tight hug. Baby's hands found her waist. "Thank you."

Baby kept his neutral expression, but his cheeks made a slight pink colour.

They sat together, eating snacks and just talking. It was perfect.

"Will you stay here tonight?" Zoey asked.

Baby waved her off, smirking, "ugh... but okay fine since you asked so nicely."

Zoey curled up in his arms, sighing contentedly.

"How's that for a first date?" Baby grinned at her.

"Perfect." Zoey smiled.

Chapter Text

Modern Day

"How's Rumi?"

"Hello, auntie." Jinu said on the phone, "she's doing okay."

Celine breathed easy on the other end, "alright... now what is this about reincarnation you ask me?"

Jinu scratched his head, figuring out how to open the discussion, "auntie... umm... so Mira has been having these recurring nightmares."

He recounted how she's been having them for months, and how he just recently discovered that he knows what she's talking about.

"So Romance and Abby are involved in these past life dreams?" Celine repeated, "but Mira only recalled Romance recently and not Abby."

"Yes, auntie." Jinu answered, "and... I don't know but... I also knew a Rumi when I was human. It might be her."

Celine considered the information, "with the Rumi you knew, they might just share a name, so we can set that information aside for now. But with Mira... it does sound too similar to be a coincidence. You're sure you've never told anyone?"

"Never." Jinu answered.

"Well, if it is indeed her past life trauma coming back to her, she'll need to find a way to make peace with it and it's connections to her current life." Celine answered, "it's a painful process, but it will get the nightmares to stop."

"What needs to be done?" Jinu asked.

"From what I understand, her memories are coming to her, but slowly and repetitively." Celine said, "once she has the full memory, she can work on unpacking it."

"So she needs to dream about it more?"

"Yes," Celine said, "but she can also try to uncover the memories on her own, that way she's in control of what she sees."

"How can we do that?"

"There are multiple ways. Regression is a popular one, although admittedly I'm not sure how to trigger a past life regression. I'll look in the texts if I can get anything."

"How about Romance?"

Celine furrowed her brow, "that's a bit more complicated, Jinu. The methods we can try recall past life memories, he's still in the same lifetime, however we can try the same methods. Wouldn't hurt."

"Okay, thank you auntie."

"I'll let you know if I find anything."

"Oh and auntie," Jinu pressed his lips together, unsure, "should I... tell them?"

"It would help if you shared your own memories, yes." Celine answered.

"Okay, thank you."

"Anytime," Celine said, "take care, Jinu."

Jinu ran his fingers through his hair, realising he'd have to tell everyone some things he's been keeping from them.

He stepped back into Rumi's room, careful not to wake her. He closed the sliding door to the balcony, then carefully tiptoed back under the covers. Rumi hummed contentedly, and snuggled into his side.

"I missed you." Rumi mumbled into his chest.

Jinu laughed, "I just made a phone call."

"You were gone too long." Rumi frowned, eyes still closed.

"Hmm..." Jinu hummed, patting Rumi's shoulder.

Rumi seemed to sense his discomfort, so she lazily opened one eye. "Are you okay? Is something bothering you?"

"Truthfully, yes." Jinu admitted, "and you... you need to know... I just... don't know how to say it..."

"Wow, what could be so difficult to say?" Rumi wondered.

"It... honestly doesn't really involve you, at least at the moment." Jinu sighed, "but... those nightmares Mira's been having... I might have an idea."

Rumi sat up, staring at him, "how?"

"I don't know for sure." Jinu admitted, "but... she said something to me, and god she told me not to tell anyone, but she said some things... and I realise... I know what she's talking about. The dream she had... from when I was human."

"From when you were human?" Rumi repeated, "so you mean... Mira is dreaming about something that happened when you were human?"

Jinu nodded, "yes... and... it involves Romance and Abby."

"How?"

"I knew them when I was human." Jinu answered, "they were my only friends."

"At the palace?" Rumi asked.

Jinu shook his head, "not really."

Rumi stared at his face, and he could see her trying to fit the puzzle pieces together, then her eyes widened.

"Wait... you knew when you were-" she gasped, "is Mira-?"

Jinu nodded, "I believe so, it's too much of a coincidence to think otherwise, but of course I'm just speculating."

"No way." Rumi whispered, "were you friends with her?"

"Not really," Jinu answered, "I was friends with Romance and Abby."

"And they don't know?"

Jinu nodded, "when I met them in the underworld, they didn't recognise me. Romance doesn't remember a single thing, and Abby has some vague ideas but he doesn't recall specifics."

"You never told them?"

"I never thought it would be necessary." Jinu answered, "I wanted to have my memories erased because they were too painful, Rumi. I figured if they don't remember, it's because they didn't want to remember."

"Right..." Rumi guessed. "So... when are you telling?"

Jinu shrugged, "I don't... know how to start... and I don't know who to start with."

"Maybe Romance?" Rumi suggested, "since he's still in the same lifetime? And you have more memories with him."

Jinu nodded, "that would make sense, yes. Thank you."

Rumi pecked his cheek, "you're welcome."

"Alright, time to get up." Jinu said, "make breakfast for everyone."

On the walk from the bedroom to the kitchen, Jinu was internally debating what to put on today's menu. Should he cook something traditional? Or modernised? Or experiment with recipes?

"Oh! Jinu look!" His thoughts were interrupted when Rumi showed him her phone screen. Zoey and Baby's rap had topped the charts overnight.

Jinu smiled widely, "that's great!" It was very clear that the man had a soft spot for Huntr/x's maknae. Rumi found it adorable how brotherly he was toward Zoey. "Alright, to celebrate, I'll make an American breakfast."

Rumi laughed, "do you know what an American breakfast consists of?"

"I'll need to search what that is on the internet first." Jinu answered, pulling out his own phone.

Jinu had basically become everyone's (but more specifically Rumi's) private chef. He mastered a lot of traditional Korean cuisine, but recently started learning how to make Western dishes, like spaghetti and burgers. With that in mind, Jinu liked his ingredients fresh, with no added preservatives or whatever modern groceries put in their food. He liked making things from scratch that Zoey called him Nara or Jinu Smith.

Meanwhile, Mira and Romance were cuddling in her bed. Mira snorted when she received a photo in the Huntr/x group chat of Jinu typing on his phone like a grandfather (with one finger, and face way too close to the screen).

"Don't tell me you type like this too." Mira showed Romance the photo.

Romance shook his head, grinning, "I've actually adjusted to life with technology."

"Hmm," Mira rolled her eyes.

"Like for example, I have bookmarks on my Instagram and TikTok app for restaurants I'd take you on a date." He wiggled his brows.

"Ugh, you wish." Mira chuckled.

"Aw c'mon we're basically dating already!" Romance whined.

"Fine, show me your suggestions and then maybe I'll consider."

Romance got giddy, and grabbed his phone from the nightstand. Mira didn't miss that his lockscreen and homescreen were photos of her from various shoots.

"Creep." She smirked.

"Dedicated." He corrected her. He opened a bunch of saved posts on Instagram and TikTok, from an album named 'FIRST DATE WITH MIRA IDEAS.'

"You have it all planned out huh." Mira teased.

"Of course," Romance said as she scrolled through his selection.

After about twenty minutes (he saved so many restaurants) she had rejected all of the ones she had seen so far, and was still rejecting them. Romance wasn't sure if she was actually uninterested, or if she was just playing with him at this point.

"Aw c'mon Mirrrrr." He whined, pouting.

"Not my fault your ideas suck." She stuck her tongue out.

Romance threw his arms up, "alright, alright, I'll come up with better ideas."

Mira slid out of bed, arching her back and stretching on her toes. Romance didn't even try not the stare at her. Mira tossed her hair over her shoulder, seeing him.

She winked.

And walked out of the room.

"Ah fuck." Romance grunted, heat pooling in his gut.

After he took a few moments to calm down, he followed the scent of bacon from the kitchen.

"I had to search on the internet what an American breakfast is," Jinu explained, "but I got so many results that I made all of them."

Cereal, bacon, sausages, sunny side up eggs, scrambled eggs, hash browns, toast, waffles, they all sat in the counter. The finished dishes were already plated, but there were still some that still needed cooking.

"How about I cook for you?" Romance suggested, "for our date?"

"No."

"Alright then."

Rumi raised an eyebrow at the both of them.

"Mira said she'll go out with me, but only with approved date ideas." Romance grinned.

Rumi chuckled, "good luck with that."

"How about shopping?"

"No."

"Spa date?"

"No."

Jinu and Rumi made eye contact, gesturing toward the two, and a conversation passed between them without saying anything.

Rumi set the cooked food on the table, and there was a lot. Jinu was almost finished with everything, so Rumi went to go wake up Zoey. Jinu sent Mystery and Baby a text if they wanted to come for breakfast.

In a moment, Rumi came back.

"What is it?"

Rumi was both amused and traumatised, "Baby spent the night."

"Oh?" Mira smirked.

Jinu was a little less thrilled, but shrugged. "Are they coming out?"

"Zoey is still asleep." Rumi said, "and... I should ask Bobby to order a new mattress for her."

Mira choked on a hashbrown, Jinu dropped a bacon, and Romance sneezed the juice he was drinking. Romance quickly blew into a tissue and smacked Mira's back with his other hand.

Rumi eyed Jinu and Romance, which made the two demons uncomfortable.

"Are we going to have to deal with destroyed beds every time with you guys?" Rumi asked, jokingly but at the same time serious.

"One way to find out." Romance winked at Mira, who flipped him off.

"Wait," Romance realised, "you and Jinu haven't had sex yet?"

Rumi and Jinu's faces turned red.

"Oh god, Jinu lives with you guys!" Romance snorted.

"Ro, they aren't even boyfriend and girlfriend." Mira said cooly.

"EXCUSE ME?!" Romance screamed.

"Ok no, we cleared that up last night." Rumi said.

"Just last night." Mira repeated. "Ask him when was the first time she's show him ankle."

Romance smacked his own forehead.

"Okay!" Jinu said loudly, "I'm calling Mystery!"

He made a show of pulling his phone out.

Mystery was still at his table, writing and rewriting. He'd been waiting for Jinu's ideas all night, but he never received anything. Well, he figured, he could just work on this now and Jinu can figure it out.

He was stuck, but after receiving a weird butt dial from Zoey, he got hit with inspiration. He ended up writing and composing an entire love song by himself, and then scratching it out. Crumpling the paper and throwing it in the trash.

It was too obvious the lyrics were directed toward one raven haired girl with wide eyes and space buns.

When Jinu's caller ID came up on his phone, he exhaled in relief.

"Mystery," Jinu said, "have breakfast with us?"

"Sure, but I'm still writing your song."

"Oh right, that." Jinu said sheepishly, "I'll send you my ideas and chord progression later."

Mystery quirked his brow, "... do you still need this song?"

"Yes, of course!" Jinu whispered, "but not for it's intended use anymore. Apparently, this entire time we're boyfriend and girlfriend, and I didn't know."

"Wow, mind blowing." Mystery said sarcastically.

"Right! Anyway, come on, food's ready."

Mystery nodded, "alright."

He ended the call. He was about to teleport into the Huntr/x apartment when a familiar scent hit his nose.

He sniffed the air. It was very faint, almost too faint, but it was there. And it was a couple blocks away.

He dashed out of the apartment, following the scent. It got stronger, and stronger until

There, in a heap on the ground.

Mystery ran up to the man collapsed on the dirt, shaking him awake. His pink hair was extremely faded, almost orange and dark at the roots. He opened his eyes.

"Abby?"

•

400 Years Ago

The pain should have been unbearable, and yet he didn't feel anything. No longer did it shoot up his body, and it should have, considering the guards were dragging his knees on the ground, fists in his hair.

He was thrown onto the floor of another chamber, ropes tied around his wrists and ankles. He breathed quickly, cheek still resting on the ground.

Abby didn't realise he had passed out until he woke up, ragged and bloodied. His knees were scraped to oblivion, crusted with dirt and dried blood, and he had patches on his head with less hair than the others.

"Good, you're awake."

He groaned in answer.

"Get up."

He didn't.

"I said get up."

He still din't move.

Movement, then the ropes pulled as he was forced onto his knees. A hand grabbed onto his face and forced him to look up.

"Hmm," the man looked at his face carefully, "I see why my sister likes you."

Abby's eyes flickered in confusion, then realisation. The crowned prince laughed.

"How unfortunate that you have no land, no title," he sighed sarcastically. "You know how many times the advisors have tried matching her? Who know she liked skinny poor boys?"

He shook his head in dismay, "I don't know what you see in her... but of course... it's always an honour to get the attention of the princess, isn't it? Even if she's not the queen consort's, am I right?"

He leaned forward menacingly, "is that it, peasant? Did my sister promise you riches?"

Silence.

The prince stalked around him, gazing him up and down, "you do understand that because you had a... connection... with a princess, you are a liability, right?"

He didn't react, but his eyes followed the prince's movements.

"Hmm..." he grabbed his chin, forcing him to look, "what has my sister shared with that pretty little brain of yours?"

Abby stared into his eyes, not backing down.

"Alright," the prince smirked, moving backward, "I just want to talk like civilised gentlemen, but I realise, it's hard to talk civilly when the person you're talking to is so... uncivilised."

He extended his hands and snapped. A guard approached holding a long, black rope. Abby's vision was a bit blurry with the blood and sweat and hair in his eyes, but he saw the guard unfurl the rope and move behind him.

"Oh but where are my manners?" The prince exclaimed, "introductions are in order! I'm the crowned prince, next in line for the throne, and Mira's older brother." His face moved at that last part like it was an admission he did not like, and he probably didn't.

Silence.

"Ah, but I need to know your name if we are to talk properly." The prince grinned.

Still nothing.

The prince's smile cracked, but he forced it back on. He nodded at the guard behind Abby. A cracking noise echoed throughout the chamber, along with a grunt of pain. That was when it registered in Abby's mind: the guard wasn't holding a rope, it was a whip.

"Perhaps that loosened your tongue a bit," the prince sneered, "name?"

"I don't have a name." Abby answered.

The crowned prince raised a brow, then cackled, "oh an orphan, of course! How pitiful. But now we are in a predicament!"

Abby stared him down, "you never said your name either."

The prince's face contorted once again into a sneer, and the whip went down on him again. This time, Abby was prepared. He flinched, but no sound came out of his mouth.

"You street rats do not deserve to know or speak my name." The prince hissed.

The scent of fresh blood filled the air as the two whip marks on Abby's back dripped with crimson.

"Alright, I'm done playing nice." The prince declared, "did she tell you anything about the throne?"

"No."

*crack*

"Anything about Baby?"

"No."

*crack*

"Plans to take over?"

"No."

*crack*

After what felt like hours, Abby had all but collapsed on the ground, only held up by the ropes on his wrists and ankles. His back was mangled, flesh and blood dripping in shreds. The prince had interrogated him on anything Mira had shared, but Mira had never shared anything about the royal family. She wanted out of the palace and her own life away from royalty, but the prince seemed to be chasing an admission of usurpation.

Abby spat blood at the crowned prince's feet, landing just in front of his toes.

"Hmm... not talking huh." The crowned prince exhaled, a thumb wiping his brow like he was the one exhausted, "I like you."

The prince nodded at the guard, who slicked the whip of blood and curled it back into his hands.

"Do you think your ugly little friend will tell us more?" The prince asked, "or maybe we're interrogating the wrong person. Perhaps Mira trusted him more."

Abby held his gaze and the prince stalked away with the guards.

"We're not done with you, peasant." The prince said over his shoulder, "but I'm not completely merciless... as long as you stay here, alive, we will not touch your friend."

Then they left, leaving Abby tied and bloodied. He collapsed on the ground, weak from blood loss.

The next few weeks were a blur of whips and tongs. Servants were sent to wash and clean up his wounds, just to make sure they would be slightly healed enough to whip open the next few days. He was fed just enough to survive, but not enough that he was full.

When his back was far too mangled to be whipped, the prince had his fingernails pulled, and then the toenails. Once all nails were pulled, he proceeded to have the actual digits chopped off, but Abby was still not talking. The torture continued until Abby passed out from exhaustion and pain, but even still the prince would have the guard whip at his unconscious body to make sure he wasn't faking the collapse.

I can help you

"What do you want?" Abby whispered weakly.

You don't have to endure all this pain, I can get you out of this.

"Why do you want to help me?" Abby muttered.

"Your majesty, he's delirious." The guard said.

I can give you strength, that's what you want right? To be strong?

Abby nodded absently, "y-yes... for M-Mira."

The crowned prince cackled, "he's about to crack."

it's a deal

Then Abby passed out.

The next day, the prince and the guards were surprised to find Abby's back was completely healed. He screamed at the servants for doing their job too well, then went back into the whipping.

And this continued. Day after day, no one could figure out how Abby's back was healing overnight, and he seemed to be getting bulkier too. The prince was getting frustrated, unable to get the answers he wanted.

"How are you doing that?"

"Doing what."

"Healing so fast." The prince murmured, "there is absolutely no way."

"Your people do their jobs well, your majesty." Abby grinned.

After another few weeks, the prince was at his wit's end. Despite telling Abby he would keep Romance out of the torture chamber, he never promised to keep him away from execution. After one particular torture session, where Abby did not even flinch at the cracking of the whip, the prince decided to pull out his final card.

"By the way, peasant, my sister is now engaged." He smirked.

Abby glared at the ground, his body stiffening.

"And your friend is dead."

Abby's head shot up, staring dead at the prince. The prince was taken aback at how his eyes suddenly turned yellow, skin turning a slight purple shade. "You- you said..."

"Desperate times call for desperate measures." The prince said, "did you really think either one of you was safe?"

Abby's eyes suddenly slotted serpentine, fangs grew in his mouth, and the stubby fingers that had been cut off had regrown into claws. In a split second, he charged forward, ropes snapping. The royal guards did their job well, protecting the prince. The prince managed to escape the chamber alone, abandoning all his men. He locked the heavy doors, the sound of screaming and carnage inside.

In the chamber, Abby stood surrounded by dead bodies, the scent of despair thick in the air. Then he managed to disappear in a cloud of pink.

He needed to see her, tell her he's okay.

By the time he had materialised in her room, he was too late.

Mira hung from the ceiling, an ornamental rope around her neck.

"No no no, wait, Mira, please." He slashed the rope with a claw and collected her in his arms, trying to force her to breathe. But her lips were already blue, the harsh bruises angry around her neck.

"I'm sorry, Mira." He sobbed against her body, cradling her head and giving her gentle kisses, "I'm so so sorry."

He gently lay her body on her bed, folding her hands on her stomach and tucking her under the blankets. He gently kissed her forehead, then he screamed. The pain in his heart was unbearable, more than the whips and the nails.

"I want another deal!"

what is it?

Abby's hand found the stone he and Romance had gifted Mira, pressing it against his fingers. "I want... I want these memories erased. I'll do what you want, anything. I just... I want the pain to stop."

anything?

"Anything." He exhaled. Outside Mira's room was a chaotic noise. They were trying to force the door open.

I have a village for you to raid, the voice said, just outside the capital

"Deal." Abby whispered.

He disappeared in a cloud of smoke, just as the door burst open.

Chapter Text

Modern Day

Jinu, Rumi, Mira, and Romance sat together, eating the feast that Jinu had prepared. Romance continued pestering Mira with his date ideas, and each one Mira turning down.

"C'mon! They're all great ideas!" Romance whined, pouting.

"Mid." Mira deadpanned. Rumi tried hard not to laugh.

"You're doing this on purpose." He complained.

Mira shrugged, "maybe."

"Rumi help me!" Romance said, looking to her for assistance. Mira gave Rumi a look.

"Sorry." Rumi shrugged, "you're on your own."

Romance groaned, "okay, it's fine. It just has to be perfect."

"Mmm hmm..." Mira hummed.

He continued exclaiming ideas while they ate, and each one Mira continued turning down. By the time Baby and Zoey come out for breakfast, they had moved to the couch.

"Good morning!" Zoey cheered.

"There she is!" Jinu cheered.

Mira looked at her knowingly, "you're chipper today."

"Topped the charts overnight!" Zoey beamed.

Romance snorted, "not the only thing topped overn-"

He grunted when Mira elbowed his stomach. Baby had that smug look about him, as he always did, making loud smacking noises with his mouth at his cola lollipop. Zoey seemed to turn red.

"Stop doing that." Jinu grumbled.

Baby grinned, "no, this is my favourite flavour."

Jinu's eyes narrowed at the two, then decided he didn't want to ask. Rumi pushed two plates at them. "Jinu cooked an American breakfast to celebrate."

"Aww!" Zoey beamed, looking at Jinu, "thank you!" She ran in for a hug, then she pulled her phone out to take photos.

"Also," Rumi began, "about your... bed."

Zoey squeaked as Baby's face settled into a large grin. Jinu's jaw tightened as he glared at the food he was preparing, his hand twitched, wanting to land a clean one on that smirk.

"I'll get her a new one." Baby snickered, "my bad."

He didn't miss Jinu's reaction. He leaned back smugly, "what?"

"Nothing." Jinu grumbled. Zoey silently ate her bacon, face red. Baby cooly swirled his lollipop around his mouth, filling his own plate with whatever Zoey put on hers.

Romance watched the two, then looked at Mira, "could be us, darling."

Mira snorted, "if only you could ask me out properly."

Romance grinned, "I'll get that yes soon. How about a nice cruise?"

"No."

Rumi nudged Jinu, who was still glaring at Baby. Baby pretended not to notice.

"Relax, Jinu."

Jinu unclenched his jaw, rubbing his chin.

"Protective are we?" Rumi teased.

Jinu had never talked about his sister, not even to Rumi, but he thought about her a lot. He never saw her grow up, and the guilt took over daily. Did she hate her after he left? Did she ever get married? He hoped that maybe one day, somehow, he would make it up to her.

But for now, he couldn't deny he saw something in Zoey that reminded him of her... a little too much.

He glanced at Rumi, wondering if she would think he's crazy for thinking that. His gaze went back to Zoey, soft and steady, and hardened at Baby. He didn't really have a right to feel that way.

Jinu was still glancing at Zoey and Baby when he received a text from Mystery. His eyes widened as he jumped off his seat.

"Something came up with Mystery, I'll explain later." He gave Rumi a quick kiss and disappeared in pink smoke.

Jinu appeared a few moments later in Mystery and Romance's apartment. Abby lay on the couch, hand on his stomach. He was still fairly weak.

"Abby?" Jinu approached him.

"I found him on the street." Mystery said, "doesn't know how he got there."

"We'll keep him here for now while he recuperates." Jinu said, "how are you?"

Abby put on a thinking face, "hmm... like I want to tell off a certain hunter."

Jinu chuckled, "and you'll have time to do that. What do you remember?"

His face contorted, "too much."

"What do you mean?"

Abby looked at Jinu's face, with something between a scowl and confusion. "How about we raid the trash bins, like old times?"

The way he said it wasn't inviting, or even wanting to do what he just said. It seemed experimental, like he was testing if Jinu would understand what he just said.

And Jinu? His eyes widened.

Abby snorted, "so... you knew and didn't tell me."

"I'm sorry." Jinu apologised, "I wasn't sure if it was something you want to remember."

Abby stared at his face in silence, and then he spoke. "Understandable. To be fair, I only remember your face and raiding the palace disposal. I think there was one other person there? I don't know."

Jinu's jaw tightened. Abby was starting to remember, and to what extent he would remember, he didn't know.

For Abby, it was a flash of memory. The last thing he remembered was the hunter slicing up his abdomen.

Then darkness.

Then a flash of memory.

Jinu's face. Rotting food. Palace kitchens. Stealing money with a friend. Rooftop talks. A kiss with someone special.

And then he woke up to Mystery shaking him.

"I'll let you rest for now." Jinu said, "do you want to eat? I could probably grab a plate for you at the Huntr/x building, it's all American food though."

Abby nodded, "that's fine."

"I'll be back." Jinu said. He looked to Mystery, "catch him up on everything." He teleported back to the Huntr/c kitchen. Baby and Zoey were still eating, while Rumi, Romance, and Mira were seated on the couch. He grabbed a couple Tupperware containers.

"Where are you taking those? Is Mystery okay?" Zoey asked him.

"Mystery is fine." Jinu said, "he just can't join for breakfast."

He filled the containers with leftovers.

"Why not?" Romance asked from the couch. Everyone looked up at him scooping mashed potatoes.

Jinu exhaled, "Abby is back."

Romance's jaw clenched, glancing at Mira, who looked at her hands.

"Wonder what he'll think of your insult." Baby said, nudging Zoey, who had accidentally inhaled her scrambled eggs.

Rumi jumped up, "how is he?"

"Not exactly well," Jinu answered. "He's still weak, but no injuries or anything. We'll keep him at your place for now." He said to Romance.

Romance nodded, "he can stay in my room." He said, with a hand reaching for Mira's. Mira was staring at her fingers, until his hand snaked it's way into hers. She looked up at him, and he gave her a small smile.

"Don't blame yourself." He mouthed.

"Mira," Jinu said. Her heart leapt into her throat. "Don't beat yourself up."

Mira swallowed, "is... he's not mad is he?"

Jinu shook his head, "not from what I can tell."

He set the containers to the side, then looked at Zoey, "Zoey, can you come with me later? I need to get some things for Abby."

Baby's hand tightened around Zoey's waist, giving Jinu the stink eye. Jinu gave the same look back.

Then, Jinu made eye contact with Rumi, who seemed to understand what he was asking. She stood up and went to her room, Jinu following.

"What is it?"

"He remembers." Jinu said, "a few details, but he's starting to remember."

"How?"

"I don't know, and I don't know how much he'll remember."

Rumi nodded, "alright. Maybe you should start with him, since he's already starting to recall."

"Yes," Jinu agreed. "Mystery is catching him up as we speak, I'll try asking more about what he remembers and work from there when he's feeling better."

On the couch, Romance squeezed Mira's hand comfortingly. The entire reason Abby came back so late was because she actually succeeded in banishing him.

She also found him insanely hot, but that was definitely unrelated to why she was embarrassingly red in the face.

Definitely unrelated.

Back at the apartment, Mystery was showing Abby the rap freestyle Zoey and Baby made when Jinu materialised.

"Who the hell is Drake?" Abby asked, "what does she mean? And what's Make-a-Wish?"

"Not important right now." Jinu said dismissively. He didn't know how negatively Abby would take the insult once he understood it.

"Eat. I'll find you a phone, and everything else." Jinu said. "I'll be back."

He disappeared once more. Mystery and Abby ate the leftovers straight from the containers.

Later that afternoon, Jinu and Zoey walked around Myeongdong. Jinu had a baseball cap on and hoodie, while Zoey had her hair down. They had just bought a new phone for Abby and were looking to buy clothing.

"Are you sure he'll like these?" Zoey asked. "Isn't his style more... Hongdae guy?"

Jinu chuckled, "in the band, yes, but he's actually a huge loser in real life. He doesn't know how to flirt to save himself."

Zoey laughed, "really? So he's a dork trapped in a hot bod?"

"Yes." Jinu laughed, "let's just get him maybe three or four sets of clothes while he rests. He can get his own clothing when he's better."

Zoey nodded, tossing plain black tees into the basket.

"So," Jinu started, "you and Baby, huh?"

Zoey blushed, "sorry."

"Hmm?"

"About... this morning."

Jinu chuckled, "as long as you're safe."

Zoey found herself smiling. She had never had any siblings, as her parents divorced when she was younger. Her mother moved to Burbank, and her father stayed in Seoul. She spent most of her childhood moving between countries, by herself. Right before she moved back to Seoul after being scouted, her mother married an American man who had two older sons. She was excited to have two older brothers, but she never really saw them. They were cordial, and she'd met them on a few occasions. She knew they were proud of her, but they never really had that sibling bond. Her father remarried recently, but that union had not produced any children as of yet.

"I'll check out, you can go ahead." Jinu suggested. Next stop, the grocer's.

Zoey nodded and trotted off to the next door grocer, holding a list of items they needed. She didn't know what food items Jinu would want, but she knew exactly what snacks should be readily available in the pantry.

A few steps out from the store, her senses heightened. Demon? No, not this time.

"You by yourself?"

A man.

"No, I'm with a friend." Zoey answered without looking, walking stiffly in a straight line.

"Aw c'mon honey, let me come with you."

"No thanks." Zoey huffed.

The man wouldn't leave her alone, matching her brisk walking pace. Tell him off? Might make a scene. Run? Might run after her. Ooo maybe she can turn into an alleyway, away from the eyes of the public and deal with him there. But then he'd just think she was down to have public sex. She decided to try and circle back to the clothing store to look for Jinu, but as she made a u-turn, the man grabbed her wrist.

"Where you going, baby?" He grinned, and that's when she had a good look at his face. He wasn't old, but he was definitely not handsome. He looked like a twisted version of men you would see walking down Hongdae at midnight.

"Please let go of me." Zoey hissed.

"We're just having fun, babe." His grip tightened.

Before Zoey could react, a figure moved between her and the creep. The man fell backward.

"You have a problem with my baby sister?"

Zoey's eyes widened. Jinu stood in front of her, seething. She couldn't see his face, but he could see the blood vessels on his neck, and his patterns flashing with anger.

"That's not a baby, man." The creep put on a charismatic smile.

"Are you testing me?" Jinu snarled. Zoey could only assume what facial expression Jinu made, because suddenly the smirk was gone from the man's face as he stumbled back.

Jinu grabbed Zoey's wrist, firm but protective, "did he hurt you?"

Zoey shook her head, "I'm fine... oppa ."

Something flickered in Jinu's eyes, and the tenseness in his neck softened. He looked at the creep, who was now trying to make an escape. He went to confront him again when Zoey grabbed his hand.

"It's okay, I'm okay."

Jinu sighed, running a hand through his hair. He pulled Zoey into a tight hug, which surprised the girl.

They walked back toward the store, hand in hand. A bit of a distance away, Zoey spotted paper bags on the street, and only then did she notice that Jinu was not holding anything.

They stopped to pick up the bags, thankfully all items were complete.

"Let's get back." Jinu said.

"But the groceries-" Zoey began to protest.

Jinu shook his head, "it's fine, we can do that another day." He eyed her up and down, looking for any bruises, any injuries, "are you sure you're okay."

They walked back to the Huntr/x building. In the middle of the walk, Zoey realised she was still holding his hand. It wasn't a romantic, fingers locked hand holding by any means, no this was different.

Jinu stared at the ground as they walked together, vaguely aware of the small hand in his.

I'm fine... oppa

It had been something she said to play the part, but it echoed in Jinu's mind. When he stepped in, he wasn't thinking. He had called Zoey his sister without thinking about it.

"I'm sorry."

Jinu glanced at Zoey, who was looking at him with guilt.

"What?"

"We didn't get to go buy your groceries."

"That's not your fault." Jinu answered.

Zoey squeezed his hand. "You are like my big brother, you know."

Jinu gave her a soft smile, "I guess I am."

"Is that why you keep looking at Baby like you want to kill him?"

Jinu snorted, "perhaps."

Zoey laughed, "that's fine. I wish you were my big brother."

Jinu's heart did a flip, then it sank when he realised Zoey probably didn't know anything about his own sister.

"Thank you." Jinu whispered.

"Can I call you that?"

"Hmm?"

"Oppa." Zoey said, "will that be okay?"

"Of course, Zumi."

They both froze.

"I mean-" Jinu pressed his lips together, "I'm sorry."

"That's okay." Zoey gave his hand another squeeze.

"I don't want you to feel like I'm making you a placeholder," Jinu explained, "but... I see my sister in you. I never... got to spend time with her or... watch her grow up..."

"And I don't want to replace her." Zoey answered, "I can be your other little sister."

Jinu smiled, "yeah, I guess you can."

Jinu dropped her off at the Huntr/x building, and then teleported to the apartment. He dropped the shopping bags on the floor. Abby was walking around the living space, already feeling a lot better. He changed into one of the shirts and a pair of grey sweats.

"I see you're doing better." Jinu observed.

Abby nodded, "yeah, just needed to rest up."

"Where's Mystery?"

"He went to the building." Abby answered.

"Okay," Jinu moved to the desk where Mystery usually writes his work. "Hmm?"

He uncrumpled a balled up piece of paper, then stuffed it in his pocket.

"Collecting trash? Old habits die hard." Abby teased.

"About that," Jinu exhaled shakily, "I need to talk to you."

"Is this about what I remember?"

Jinu nodded. They moved to Romance's room.

"That's really all I remember for now." Abby said, "your face, raiding trash, a friend I don't remember, a kiss with a girl."

"Do you... want me to tell you what I know?" Jinu asked.

"Can you do that slowly?"

Jinu nodded, "okay... uhh... we were born poor. You and your friend, you two were my only friends."

Abby smirked, "loser."

"You two were hanging out with this girl from the palace."

"A princess?"

"Yes," Jinu answered, "daughter of the emperor with a concubine."

"Were we?"

Jinu shrugged, "I don't know if she's the one you remember kissing. I was never around you guys when you hung out with her."

Abby nodded, processing the information.

"Did I live happily ever after?" Abby asked.

"You know the answer to that, Abby." Jinu whispered.

There was no way anyone who lived happily-ever-after would become a demon.

"Do you know... what happened to me?"

Jinu stared at him intensely.

He did.

"What happened?"

"I think," Jinu said, "that's enough for today."

Abby frowned, but nodded.

Later that night, Abby scrolled through his phone when someone knocked.

"Abs?" It creaked open. Romance peeked inside.

"Yeah?"

"Someone is here to see you."

He opened the door wider. Mira stood behind Romance, staring at the floor. No, glaring at the floor.

Mira stepped into the room, not looking up from her shoes.

Silence.

Romance clicked his teeth, "I'll leave you guys."

Mira looked back at him with wide eyes. Before she could protest, he shut the door. She gulped.

Abby watched her from the bed as she stared at the closed door, then slowly she turned to face him.

"Are you okay?" Mira whispered.

Abby nodded, "better."

"How's... your abs." Her face blushed.

She didn't see it, but Abby blushed too, "they're okay."

Silence.

"Okay." Mira said quietly.

Silence.

Abby stood up from the bed and approached her. She didn't back away, but she kept glaring at the floor. This was not the Mira he knew. The Mira he knew was a flame, a fire that could never be put out. She was a rebel, and she was intense. She would stab you and look hot while doing it.

"You haven't looked at me once since you stepped in here."

Mira glanced up at him. He was standing right in front of her.

"Why are you here?"

"I'm sorry." Mira whispered.

Abby stiffened. He didn't realise how much guilt Mira carried. "Mira, don't apologise. You were doing your job as a hunter."

Mira nodded.

"Besides," he continued, "it was an honour."

Mira's eyes shot up at him.

"I-..." Abby stammered, "I mean... not that I liked you killing me... I mean...- I just-"

If there was one thing Abby remembered, it was how absolutely gorgeous Mira looked in their final battle.

And how thirsty she was for him.

"Are you sure you're okay?" Mira whispered.

Abby nodded, "never better." He patted his stomach, "you want to see?"

The blood drained from both their faces.

"What the fuck Abby?"

"No, I just meant-!" He scratched the back of his head, "sorry."

Mira rolled her eyes, which made Abby smile.

"What?" She said.

"There's the Mira I know."

Her nostrils flared, "should have cut you up more."

"Aren't you here to apologise?"

"I take it back."

"Ow." Abby laid a hand on his chest, "that hurt."

Mira found herself smiling, but then caught herself. She looked down at his stomach.

"Can... I see? Just to check, I mean! Nothing... nothing weird or anything!"

Abby inhaled sharply, but nodded. His hand went down to the hem of his shirt, he looked at Mira, then lifted it over his head.

Perfect, clean chiseled abs. No cuts, no scars.

Mira relaxed, "okay. That's perfect... I mean, not perfect... I mean-"

They were both extremely red in the face.

"You can put your shirt back on."

Abby nodded, and he turned around.

Mira inhaled sharply. She saw the lines on his back, faint white scars. He quickly turned around, facing her.

He had never walked around shirtless because of the scars littering his back. He didn't know where they were from, or how they came to be. No one knew about them.

But now, Mira knew.

"Where did you get these? Did Gwi Ma do this to you?"

Abby shook his head, "I've always had them."

Mira pressed her lips into a thin line, "do they know?"

"No one knows."

Mira approached him slowly, eyes locked in his. She stopped right in front of him. "Can I see them?"

Abby hesitated, but then slowly turned around. She pressed her fingers onto the scars. Heat pooled where she touched and Abby let out a breath.

"What happened to you?" She said shakily, tracing her hands on the lines.

Normally, Abby would have more control over his human form, but he was still recuperating. His patterns flashed.

Mira stepped back, "sorry, did I hurt you."

Abby shook his head, "no, you didn't."

Slowly, slowly, Mira's hands snaked around his waist. She rested her cheek on his back as her arms met on his stomach.

He stared at the arms holding him in an embrace, heat rushing up to his face and south.

When she pulled back from the hug, Abby pulled the shirt back on. He looked into her eyes.

And then a memory flashed in his mind.

He saw her. Mira. But it was not Mira. She had dark hair, she was dressed in a hanbok, and she was laughing.

"Maybe we can run away together, princess." He said, smirking.

Mira laughed, "maybe we will."

He inhaled sharply.

"Abby?" Mira whispered. "What is it?"

Abby managed to collect himself, "nothing... it's nothing..."

Mira nodded quietly, then turned to leave. "I'll see you around, Abby."

"Thanks for coming to see me." Abby said, "I'll... I'll go to you when I'm at full strength."

Mira smiled, then it changed into a smirk. "I'll throw a knife at you if you try."

Abby grinned, "I expect no less from you."

In the room next door, Jinu held a wrinkled paper in his hand, Mystery glaring at the floor. He should have torn that page when he threw it.

"Mystery," Jinu said gently, "is this... for Zoey?"

Mystery didn't speak.

"It's beautiful," Jinu continued, "but... you broke her heart."

"I had to."

"Why?"

"She's Baby's." Mystery said quietly, "I don't deserve her."

Jinu sighed, "what do you mean you don't deserve her? Is it because she tried to kill you? Listen, I actually like you better for her than Baby."

Mystery perked up, "thank you, but... she was never mine. Not now, not before, not ever."

"Oh you martyr." Jinu joked, "you could have at least tried."

Mystery swallowed. "Jinu... I had never told you... about... my human life."

"And I've never pried." Jinu said.

"And... this is related to that." Mystery said carefully, "there was this girl who was so nice to me, but I wasn't there for her. I abandoned her. And when I came back, she was already married."

"To Baby?" Jinu asked.

Mystery nodded, "he doesn't know I know, I just smelled it on her ring. I was upset but... she was happy. I couldn't ruin that for her by suddenly showing up."

"But that was in the past. Don't you deserve happiness now?"

Mystery shook his head, "no Jinu, you don't understand. The girl... she is Zoey. I can... smell it."

"Oh." was all Jinu could say. The pain that Mystery felt seemed to crawl all over his body. "I'm so sorry."

"Zoey is also happy with him," Mystery sighed, "so I am happy too."

"Are you sure?"

Mystery shrugged.

"What was her name?" Jinu asked, "you want to talk about her?"

Mystery looked at Jinu carefully, "please don't tell anyone."

"Of course." Jinu promised.

What Mystery said next made Jinu freeze on the spot.

"She was the most beautiful merchant daughter, but she was adopted. She came from the capital, and I was a poor, abused boy from Pusan. She never knew her biological father, but her mother died of tuberculosis.

Her name was Zumi."

Jinu's eyes widened, "what?"

"Zumi," Mystery repeated.

And just like that, he knew he was going to kill Baby.

Chapter Text

Modern Day

Baby stalked the streets of Myeongdong with a vengeance.

The sun was about to set, but he hadn't found his prey

yet

Zoey had told him what happened like it was something to laugh about. She smiled uncomfortably and waved it off like it wasn't something to be concerned about.

"Are you seriously telling me you got harassed and you think it's not a big deal?!" He had screeched, frustrated.

But what made him far more uncomfortable was what Zoey said Jinu did. He knew Jinu had this weird, protective thing going on. He also knew the man had a sister he missed out on. He thought maybe it was just one of those things where he saw his sister in Zoey.

But then Zoey said the name.

It wasn't like he didn't know. Baby had long suspected it, and was absolutely sure at one point. But how did Jinu know Zumi? They had walked into the building hands together, and Zoey was calling him oppa.

Was Zumi... his Zumi... Jinu's little sister?

It made his face burn with embarrassment, and he swore under his breath. There was absolutely no way.

And yet... if it was... the horrifying realisation sunk in. If Jinu's Zumi was the same as his Zumi, that meant he had been openly dangling their sexual activities in front of her spiritual older brother.

If his soul could leave his body, it would have already.

Baby looked quickly at the faces of every man he encountered in Myeongdong, looking for a specific creep. His sense of smell was not as developed as Mystery's, but he managed to sniff Zoey's wrist when he kissed it, picking up a faint scent of cheap cigarettes and body spray. He would have asked Mystery to accompany him, considering Mystery had a more refined sense of smell than he. It would definitely be a lot easier, and Mystery would have caught a scent by now, but Jinu had whisked him away for a conversation.

So now he was hunting. Alone.

He circled the clothing shop, sniffing subtly, trying to pick up a scent trail he could follow. He moved toward where Zoey had said she was stopped.

There! He inhaled the sharp scent he sniffed on Zoey. It was a lot stronger. A smile tugged on his lip, unsettling and horrifying to see.

"Got ya." Baby huffed, following his nose.

He found himself at a police station. The scent drifted inside, and then back onto the road. Ugh, this asshole had the audacity to report the incident when he was the problem? Typical.

Baby didn't waste time and continued down the road, but then two officers stepped out of the station.

"Did you hear that crazy guy earlier?" One of them chuckled, "said something about a lizard man attacking him along the street."

That got his attention. He followed them into an alley, where they stopped for a smoke.

"Really?" The other laughed, "damn, hear crazy shit every day."

"Yeah! He insisted the guy looked like a less handsome version of the guy from the Saja Boys. Said he saw his eyes turn into lizard eyes."

"From the Saja Boys? So you're telling me there's a lizard person here walking around with the skin of a Saja Boy? Which one?"

"The leader." The officer said, "the one dating Rumi. We showed him a photo and he pointed at him."

The second police officer laughed, "crazy! Damn, the interesting cases always come in while I'm on break!"

"He insisted the guy attacked him for no reason, but he practically begged us not to check the street security footage."

"Sounds like an addict. Did you guys breathalyse him at least?"

The first police officer shrugged, "he ran off when we even suggested a sobriety test, which tells us ev-" he paused, noticing Baby. "Hello sir! Can we help you?"

Baby turned and walked off. Well, he had learned everything he needed to know.

"Too many creeps today." One of the officers muttered, exhaling smoke.

Baby found the scent again, and followed. The sun was completely set at this point, and he found himself in the shadow of the Namsan Seoul Tower.

The scent was stronger, like it was slapping him. He's close.

Then his phone rang.

"Hello?"

"Baby!" Zoey's voice filled the line, "where are you?"

"I just went on a walk." Baby answered.

He head Zoey's tongue click, "liar."

"What? No!" He made a raspberry noise with his lips.

"Baby," Zoey said gently, "you don't have to hunt him."

His fist clenched, "but-"

"Come back, right now." Zoey ordered, "and I mean at this moment."

"Zo-"

"Baby. I'd be really disappointed."

Baby snorted in displeasure. "Fine... whatever." He whispered.

"Good, now come back. Mira has jalapeños for you."

At the Huntr/x kitchen, Mira had an entire bowl of jalapeños and concoctions of spicy tequila. After her talk with Abby, Zoey called her and practically begged her to prepare spicy drinks to keep Baby sated. Usually, this ended in a tolerance battle between Mira and Baby. Spice queen on the job.

"Drink this entire cocktail and I might just go out with you." Mira said, handing Romance a cocktail she just mixed using tequila and a bunch of hot sauces.

Romance immediately downed the drink, but started choking, just as Mira expected. He ran into the common bathroom, face red and retching.

"Weak!" Mira screamed after him.

Baby appeared in the kitchen soon after. Zoey squealed and ran at him, throwing her arms around his neck. His eyes widened, and half a genuine smile appeared on his face before he forced it into that smirk.

Jinu eyed Baby from the couch, wondering if he should confront the guy for banging his sister. To be fair, Zoey was not his sister in this lifetime, but he didn't care. Baby wouldn't make eye contact, which he found odd from the same man who was literally dangling love bites in front of him.

"Mira, Romance is passed out on the hallway floor." Rumi appeared from the hallway, dropping next to Jinu on the couch.

Mira rolled her eyes, "he'll live, unfortunately."

She set two shot glasses on the counter for their tolerance battle. Baby eyed the glasses, a devious flash in his eyes. With Mira having an insane tolerance, the battle always ended with Baby so drunk that Jinu or Mystery would have to drag him out before he destroyed anything. Zoey had always thought he was an angry drunk, but as it turned out, they were dragging him away because he was a horny drunk.

"Zoey, are you sure?" Mira had asked.

"Listen, I know he gets extremely violent when drunk but-"

"Zoey," Rumi cut her off, "he only starts clawing at the others because you guys weren't dating."

"Huh?"

Mira and Rumi had smacked their faces when Zoey looked at them all confused. It started to click after that - how Baby would start glancing at her after a certain amount of liquor, how Jinu and Abby would flank her once Baby started getting mouthy, how he would scream and swear at only her once drunk.

And now that they were together, he might actually get his drunken way.

"It's okay..." Zoey had answered, "he's my boyfriend."

Mira and Rumi looked at each other, but couldn't say anything more. Zoey had consented.

And the thought of being absolutely railed by an angry, horny Baby pooled in her panties.

Jinu glared at the shot glasses as they started their tolerance battle. Rumi patted his thigh soothingly.

"She consented, and she wanted this. It's okay." Rumi whispered.

Jinu's jaw tightened, imagining a hundred different ways he wanted to skewer Baby.

An endless amount of bottles later, Baby was still going, and he had not glanced at Zoey once, eyes locked with Mira as they took shot after shot.

"That's strange." Jinu muttered, "he should be leaping at her by now. Not that I'm against it."

Meanwhile, Zoey spotted the painful bulge in his pants, desire pulsing through her. She drank a few shots too, to join in the fun.

But now she was wondering why he was acting different.

"Hmm... hitting a new level of tolerance, are we?" Mira teased, drinking another shot.

"Maybe today's the day I defeat you." Baby slurred.

He spoke too soon.

After taking the last shot, he dropped onto the floor, unconscious.

"Well, that's new." Rumi chuckled.

Zoey and Mira helped him up. He wasn't completely blacked out drunk, still a bit present but his eyes fluttered. Mira and Zoey flanked him, arms supporting as they moved him to Zoey's room. His eyes found Zoey's, fluttering and with an expression that would have made Zoey moan on the spot. He flashed her a grin, fangs visible, then suddenly his face contorted in an attempt to control it. While they basically dragged him to Zoey's bedroom, he kept glancing at Jinu, who noticed his not so subtle looks at him.

this little shit Jinu thought, fists clenching. Is he trying me?

That wasn't the case though, as Baby had a new level of concentration. With his recent revelation, he was suddenly hyperaware of Jinu.

The three of them reached the hallway, stepping over Romance. Zoey opened the door to her room, and they plopped Baby on Zoey's bed.

"I'll move Romance." Mira said, "good night."

Baby fell into a deep slumber a few moments after Mira left. Zoey was a bit disappointed - after Rumi and Mira's warnings, she expected to get absolutely railed by a feral Baby.

She lied down next to him and pulled out one of her notebooks from the table, thoughts running at high speed. She just couldn't help herself. She ended up writing an entire song in ten minutes right next to him.

Mira approached Romance on the floor. Unlike Baby, who was still awake but barely, Romance was snoring. She grabbed his ankled and dragged him to her own room. She wasn't very gentle, basically throwing him onto her own bed, and yet he was still knocked out.

She sighed, chuckling.

And before she could even think about it, she pressed a kiss to his cheek.

He wouldn't remember this anyway.

She walked back into the living area, where Rumi and Jinu had started cleaning up. She washed the dishes with Jinu, as Rumi's hand was still healing.

After they were cleaned up, they all said goodnight.

And Mira stood in her room once more, staring at Romance in her bed.

She looked at the balcony, half expecting someone else to be there.

She glanced back at Romance.

She thought about Abby, and the conversation they had earlier.

An idea started forming in her mind, and she knew it was a bad idea, but...

She went on the balcony, sneakers on. Her parkour skills were excellent, being a hunter and all. She ran at a neighbouring roof, landing soundlessly.

And she jumped up to the next balcony, throwing herself onto another rooftop, then a pole.

Until she found herself on another balcony. She adjusted her glasses, then moved to knock, but then hesitated. Before she could bring herself to actually knock, the curtain behind the door parted.

•

Romance woke up the next morning with a bad headache. He slowly got up, rubbing his temples. His blurry eyesight came to while he reached out next to him, realising he was lying in Mira's bed, alone.

He'd gotten quite used to waking up next to her these past few days.

He trudged out of bed, trying to make sense of his surroundings (and waiting for everything to stop spinning).

"Okay..." he muttered to himself, "bad idea. Note to self, Mira likes spicy shit."

He'd seen Mira and Baby drink against each other previously, but had never actually tried the drinks they mixed for each other. The hit was insanity. The last thing he remembered before waking up was the corridor.

He concentrated hard, trying to teleport into his room. For a moment, nothing happened.

Then when he opened his eyes, he was in the living room of his and Mystery's apartment. Close enough. His headache was crazy.

Mystery, from the dining table, handed him a glass of water. He downed it in one gulp.

"Thanks." Romance muttered, trudging toward his room to get a change of clothes to shower.

Mystery watched as he walked, thinking if he should say anything. When Romance reached for the doorknob, a cough escaped Mystery's lips.

"What?" Romance asked.

"I think Abby is naked in there."

Romance raised a brow, "now how would you know that?"

Embarrassed, Mystery stared at his cup.

"Uh huh..." Romance quipped, wondering if Mystery had a secret he wasn't sharing. He continued into his room.

And there, on his bed cuddling, was Abby and Mira.

"Aw come on!"

Mira and Abby cracked open their eyes. Romance stood in the doorway, jaw dropped, headache forgotten.

"Did you seriously have sex on my bed?!" Romance screamed, "you didn't even bother to call me!"

"You were passed out drunk." Mira grumbled, "calling you wouldn't do anything."

Abby grinned at him sheepishly, Romance was extremely annoyed.

"Okay! You got laid, big deal!" Romance grumbled, "at least change the bedsheets!"

He turned to Mystery, "you didn't say anything!"

Mystery shrugged, "I tried?"

•

Later that morning, Mira found Romance sulking in her room. When Mira entered, Romance grumbled, turning his back to her.

"Ro?"

"Abby's not in here." Romance muttered.

Mira tried her hardest not to laugh. He looked like a child throwing a tantrum.

"I'm here for you."

Romance sat up, glaring at her, "well, I don't wanna talk!"

Mira flashed him a smile, which made his glare falter. She sat down on the bed right next to him, taking his hand in hers. "I'm sorry."

Romance stared at his hand, then she looked up at her. She was leaning in close, hand trailing from his hand to his chest and lower. His eyes fluttered as her breath ghosted his lips, but then he pulled away. He grabbed her wrist before she could palm him.

"No." Romance muttered.

Mira looked at him, a little confused.

"Mira, I want to do this properly." He explained, "I want to take you out on a proper date."

Mira's cheeks dusted pink. "We've been sleeping together the past few days."

Romance's face turned an equal shade of pink, "not sex! Look, you needed comfort and I gave it to you!"

"I'm sorry." Mira whispered.

"No, look you don't have to be sorry." Romance said, "whatever you have with Abby is your business, I just want a part of you."

Mira's mind was a mess, running at high speeds. Romance was the first man (technically demon) who rejected her sexually. Most men just wanted that from her. She was too headstrong, too vocal, too intimidating for them, so they 'loved' her then left her behind. She had heard it all, all the phrases and words they used just to get in bed with her. She eventually got desensitised to it.

"What are you thinking?" Romance asked, looking in her eyes.

"Why are you doing this?" She whispered.

"You know the answer to that."

She did. And that's what scared her.

"But I'm not-"

"Hey," he cut her off, "didn't I tell you to stop talking bad about yourself?"

Mira pursed her lips, but nodded.

"And listen," he said, "I'm not mad about Abby, like I said whatever you have with him isn't my concern, but I'm just a little... you know? Because you only started talking to him yesterday."

Mira nodded.

"But, that's okay. I'm sorry for how I reacted." He gave her hand a gentle squeeze, "but you're still changing my bedsheets though."

Mira laughed through teary eyes. Romance pulled her into him for a hug, her head tucked under his chin.

"So... you still want to go on a date with me?" Mira whispered.

"Yes." Romance answered, "but only one you'll enjoy. Don't give me a pity date, Mira."

"Okay, I'll just keep rejecting your date ideas then."

"Okay maybe a little pity." Romance teased, planting a kiss on her head. After a beat, he exclaimed, "so you were just rejecting my ideas?!"

Mira started laughing.

"Oh you are evil." Romance smiled at her.

"It's fun." Mira teased.

"Okay then, of my many wonderful ideas, which one is your favourite?" He asked.

Mira thought back to the many ideas he had thrown at her. She did have a few favourites, but there was one that stuck in her mind.

"I'd like a stroll... by the Han." She answered.

Romance was a little surprised. He expected her to say she wanted the lavish 5 star dinner, or a cruise. It was a really simple date idea that he threw together. Stroll down the Han, eat some street food or take out on the benches, talk and people watch.

But Mira was very used to extravagance. She wanted the simple things, small gestures that showed how much one cared.

"Okay then, princess." Romance answered, "it's a date."

(The smut/what Mirabby did is here:

https://archiveofourown.info/works/70377921 )

Chapter Text

Modern Day

"Maybe try changing the tune of that last bit." Jinu instructed Zoey, "can try to add a little strings on that part."

It was another day of songwriting and demo recording for Zoey. After a couple hours browsing her notebooks, writing and rewriting lines, trying chords and basic beats, they had managed to have the framework of a possible demo.

Jinu was working the mixer, while Mystery checked how the words flowed together. It was usually the three of them during these kinds of sessions, with Romance occasionally coming in (but he was more a writer for ballad type beats). Once in a while, it would just be Zoey and Mystery. Eventually, Baby started tagging along.

Today though, it was the three of them. Jinu would have to leave in around an hour though, he had a date. They all screamed when Rumi broke the news that he finally made plans.

But that was for later, right now, they needed to finish this record.

They needed around twelve demos to present to the label for the new album - nine songs and three extras in case the others didn't make the cut OR could be added to the deluxe version. They already had six demos ready to go, and needed the rest within a month to present.

"Okay let's take a break." Jinu said, "Zoey, are you okay?"

Zoey seemed a bit more off recently. The drinking session she scheduled for Baby and Mira had been last week, and since then the couple had been very tense. Baby seemed to lay back more, and when Zoey asked what was up, he didn't give proper answers.

If Zoey blamed him, she didn't give any indication. It made Jinu a bit guilty, thinking that maybe he got a little too overprotective. He was worried Zoey would hate him, as Rumi told him a couple days ago that Zoey wasn't happy. He didn't consider himself a good older brother, in fact far from it. He never really got to watch Zumi grow up, and now that he had a second chance he was afraid he was screwing it up.

He had not confronted Baby on the information he acquired from Mystery a week ago, and wasn't sure if he wanted to. He didn't know if Baby knew, but it seemed as if the boy gained more restraint since.

"Did you threaten him?" Rumi had joked when she told him.

Jinu shook his head, "I just find it annoying that he dangles their private life in my face. But Zoey is grown enough to make her own choices."

"Well, whatever it is, Zoey's not really happy."

He had also not opened up to Rumi about what he discovered. In fact, he didn't even tell Mystery that he knew who he was talking about.

He didn't know how to.

"I'm okay, oppa." Zoey said, "just a little tired."

She removed the headset and exited the booth. "I'll make a bathroom break."

Jinu nodded as she scurried out the door.

"She's not okay." Mystery whispered.

"Did something happen?" Jinu asked.

Mystery shrugged, "I don't know."

Jinu sighed, reaching for Zoey's book bag. She would bring an entire collection of notebooks to their sessions, each page with varying stanzas, sometimes entire songs, but mostly just rambles she thought of.

His eyes spotted a notebook he was sure they hadn't checked yet.

And maybe he shouldn't have, but this was Zoey's book bag. She had said it was open for their creative output.

"New notebook?" Mystery asked when Jinu pulled it out of the bag.

"Seems like it." Jinu answered, turning the pages. He set the note book on the table and pushed it toward Mystery.

"These lyrics don't really fit the image we're going for." Mystery said. "Listen to this:

Let me be your freak show, I could be your favorite monster
Lock me up, don't let me out 'cause you know I can't help myself."

"Wait." Jinu jolted toward the laptop, "give me that."

A beat started forming in his head, and he started scribbling chords into her notebook. She'll be furious, but the beat in his mind was too delicious to pass up. He'd deal with her blow up later.

Zoey returned with a bottle of water from the vending machine. "So where were w-"

She spotted the notebook and the blood went rushing to her face.

"Oh oppa! Uh... that's... that's not really my... Huntr/x notebook."

"Let's set aside the demo." Jinu said, "listen to this."

He played a sample beat for the lyrics he took from the notebook. It was a simple progression, but it was haunting and dark.

"That's... great. Really, oppa, it's great." Zoey said nervously, "but it doesn't fit the-"

"Are you thinking of going solo?" Mystery asked.

"No! No, of course not!" Zoey exclaimed. Was the room warm all of a sudden? "I just write everything I think of is all! Some things won't be usable, it's all part of the process!"

Jinu nodded, "absolutely, but you're sitting on an absolute gold mine."

"Thank you, oppa." Zoey said shyly, "but really, these don't need to be-"

"You're hitting a block, Zoey." Jinu said, "I don't know what's going on with you, but maybe doing this will help."

"What?"

"Let me produce this." Jinu explained, "let's record a demo. It's not going on the album, at least not if you don't want it to. This record is for you."

He gestured for Zoey to sit next to him as he played a sample beat for the lyrics.

Within an hour, the entire song had been written, all that was left was to record. Jinu had to leave though, so that left Zoey and Mystery.

"Something's missing from this." Zoey said when they did the first run through, "I don't know what it is."

Mystery looked at the screen of the laptop, "maybe try changing your pitch?"

They did another run, and then recorded another couple takes for vocal layering, but it still wasn't hitting the way they wanted.
Something was missing.

"Let's circle back to this." Mystery suggested. In saying so, he went and turned the pages of Zoey's notebook. Zoey panicked internally when he landed on a specific page with lots of angry scribbles.

I'm a good girl, I don't talk shit
But I'ma tell everybody what you fucking did

I never did you wrong, I never did you bad
I'm gonna do it now, so you should go and tell dad
You want my attention, you want my obsession
You should take your medicine and maybe learn a lesson

Mystery's face was blank, but deep inside a rage was building. What the hell did Baby do?

"Oh that's-" Zoey grabbed the notebook, "just expressing my feelings!"

Despite his hair covering his eyes, Zoey could feel the prickling sensation of being seen right though.

"Zoey." Mystery said gently, and his deep voice shot right through her.

The thing was, Zoey didn't know what was wrong. Baby seemed to withdraw from her, and he wouldn't tell her why.

She didn't realise she was crying until she felt the tears rolling off her cheeks. "I just... I don't know what I'm doing wrong! He's been... avoiding me... distant... maybe he likes someone else??? I don't know..."

Mystery remained expressionless, and then approached her slowly. He pulled her into his arms, and she just melted into the warmth of his arms.

•

It had taken a few strings pulled for Jinu to be able to reserve the entire restaurant.

He had wanted to take Rumi out on a proper date, but they never have the time. That aside, they'd also have to worry about paparazzi. So, he made some phone calls and managed to reserve an entire restaurant for a private event.

Word had leaked to the media that a luxury hotel's rooftop restaurant was closed for a "private event", thus they should expect a few paparazzi in the area and a few fans. Shouldn't be an issue, as he made a few calls for security as well.

Jinu was putting on a suit in Mira's room. As he lived in the Huntr/x penthouse, he stayed in Rumi's room. But with such a grand date tonight, he wanted Rumi to be able to get ready without his prying eyes. So Mira lent him her room while she helped Rumi prepare.

He sat down on the sofa next to the door, not wanting to lie down on Mira's bed. He leaned back, trying to control his breaths.

Tonight is about him and Rumi, no one else.

So when his phone starts ringing and the caller ID reads 'Auntie Celine' his blood runs cold.

"Hello?"

"Hello Jinu." Celine says warmly, "I'm sorry to call you tonight of all nights."

"No worries, auntie. I'm not doing anything right now." Jinu answered.

"Oh please, all the tabloids are talking about your date." Celine laughed, "anyway, about what we talked about last week, I might have found the method we need. I'll send you scanned copies of the text, after your date. Did you speak to any of them?"

"Abby." Jinu replied, "but not completely. We hadn't revisited the conversation."

"Okay," Celine said, "like I said, this method is mainly for past lives. Don't know how effective it will be on your friends, but we can try."

"Okay," Jinu said, "thank you, auntie."

"Good luck tonight, Jinu." Celine said, "take care."

After Jinu and Rumi left, Mira dashed into her room and threw on her casual attire. When she was satisfied with how she looked, she sent a text.

Mira: they left

Immediately after it sent, Romance materialised in her room wearing jeans and a hoodie. He had a canvas tote bag with him.

"Absolutely genius to plan this stroll on the night of Jinu and Rumi's date." Romance said, eyes sparkling.

They had almost planned their date a few days earlier, but after the leak of Jinu's dinner plans, they realised going on a date on the same night would mean all eyes would be on what they deemed 'KPop's Royal Couple'. Meaning less prying paparazzi on their stroll.

Mira held onto Romance's arm as they poofed out of the room and into a secluded part near the Han river. There was a netted area with what looked like a tennis court, and under the bridge were container vans with toilets. No one was around.

When they found a good spot, Romance pulled out a picnic blanket from the tote bag and gently lay it on the grass. He took out two bottles of juice (apple and orange), one entire plastic platter of sushi, two cups, and chopsticks.

"I need advice on how to carry a bottomless tote." Mira joked, wondering how he got everything into the tote.

Romance gestured for her to take a seat on the blanket, and then he sat across her. He opened the sushi and the juices.

"Apple or orange, m'lady?" He asked her.

"Orange." Mira giggled.

Mira dug into the assortment of sushi. Despite the simplicity of it all, consider her impressed.

She wouldn't say that out loud though.

They went into conversation, the typical things. Likes and dislikes, favourites and least, dreams and aspirations. Mira liked spicy food (no surprise there) while Romance had a sweet tooth (she thought Baby had the sweet tooth but apparently the boy only liked lollipops). Romance didn't like horror movies because he found them incredibly boring ("after living centuries in the underworld, nothing phases me anymore") while Mira didn't like them because the characters were incredibly stupid most of the time.

"Do you think you'll be an idol forever?" Romance asked.

"No," Mira laughed, "look, I love the girls, I love the fans, and I love music, but I think eventually, I'd like to have a quiet life away from it all. Maybe once in a while, I'll do modelling, just as a proof of life."

He could see that. Mira had that supermodel vibe. She had walked Paris Fashion Week for a luxury brand once and did not look out of place among the roster of models at all.

"You know," Mira said, "Versace offered me an endorsement deal after Fashion Week."

"No way, really?" Romance gasped, even though he had absolutely no idea who Versace was or if that was a big deal. "Did you take it?"

"Nope." Mira answered, stuffing her mouth with another sushi, "I kind of want a deal with a different luxury designer."

"Which designer?" Romance asked.

"Hermes."

"Any particular reason?"

"My mother collects Birkins." She said softly. She actually could care less about Hermes, but becoming the face of the brand would absolutely ruin all those bags her mother had collected over the years. Imagine the daughter you rejected was now the face of your favourite brand. Delicious. The very thought scratched an itch in Mira's brain.

Romance nodded, drinking his juice. He didn't know what a Birkin was and how that tied into Hermes, but seemed important. As for her mother, he had a vague idea, but he never pried into Mira's family life.

"You've never asked me." Mira said, as if hearing his thoughts.

"About?"

"My family." She was looking directly at him. Most guys would ask, and then make a weird attempt at giving advice she didn't ask for. Some 'they're still your family' bullshit.

Romance shrugged, "your secret to tell. If you wanted me to know, you would tell me."

That shouldn't have made Mira feel things, but it did.

the bar is in hell Mira thought to herself, feeling things just because she was respected for once.

"You can ask me," Mira said, "anything. About them. Tonight. I'll answer. If I don't want to, I'll tell you."

Romance searched her eyes, but she was serious.

"Okay." He said finally. He racked his mind for anything he could ask, "what are they like?"

Mira snorted, "such a safe question."

Romance grinned, "easing into it."

Mira giggled, and then she breathed heavily. "My father was the typical no nonsense type man. He inherited the family business from his father. He didn't like not getting his way.

My mother was from an equally well off family. She was trained her entire life to be the perfect wife, and expected me to be the same. I wasn't going to inherit the family business, I was going to be someone's wife. I was only sent to school because they believed a wife sometimes had final say when decisions got hard in business, so it was important she had an idea how it worked.

My younger brother, he would inherit everything. We were never close, my parents never really allowed it. They feared I would influence him."

They sat in comfortable silence, Romance never took his eyes off her.

"Do you... miss them?"

Mira snorted, "not really. Like with Rumi and Zoey, I would actually look for them if they were gone a while. With them? It's more of I miss what I should have had."

Mira stared absently at her cup, she didn't notice Romance moved right next to her. He put an arm over her shoulder.

"Smooth." Mira teased.

"You look like you need some comfort." Romance grinned.

Mira let him embrace her, and she tucked herself into his arms.

"Do you think they're watching?"

"I know they are... even if they don't want to." Mira whispered, "I feel it."

•

The flash of cameras greeted Rumi when she exited the car.

The leak had reached so many media tabloids that they were all present, as well as a few fans. Rumi gave everyone polite smiles as security escorted them to the rooftop restaurant.

"Sorry." Jinu said, sheepishly, "I don't know who leaked our plans."

"It's okay." Rumi answered, "let's not let it ruin the night, now that we're clear that this is in fact a date."

They were greeted by the maitre d, who guided them to their table. A waiter expertly poured champagne for them.

Since the entire restaurant was reserved for just them, they didn't have to wait very long for service. Jinu had thought about everything, as he had placed specific orders before they even arrived. The menu lay nearby though, in case Rumi wanted to order anything else. There was a live band too, who played classical music. Jinu specifically requested no Saja or Huntr/x tunes.

When dessert came, Jinu gestured at the band, who switched up the music.

"That's new." Rumi said, not recognising the song the band was playing.

"It is." Jinu grinned.

Neither of them wanted the night to end, but alas.

"Time to go home, princess." Jinu said as he escorted her out of her seat.

Despite the hooting and hollering of the crowd when they got into the car, the car ride home was comfortably silent.

Rumi kicked off her heels once she stepped into the penthouse. The lights were dim in the living area, with a view of nighttime Seoul.

Jinu walked up behind her, locking her in a back hug. He twirled her as soft music started to play.

Rumi raised an eyebrow, "is this the song from the restaurant?"

Jinu smiled sheepishly, "surprise."

•

Zoey huddled under the weighted blanket on the couch.

After the session, she insisted she didn't want to go home yet, so she tagged along with Mystery. They got take out from McDonald's.

Abby was still in Romance's room, and Romance had disappeared into God knows where. Mystery sat on the couch next to her, feeding her fries.

"Has Baby said anything to you guys?" Zoey asked.

Mystery shrugged.

Zoey sniffled a little, and Mystery poked another fry into her mouth.

On the television, a mukbang from a popular YouTuber was playing.

"You know what I realise?" Zoey said bitterly, "we've never even been on a date."

She angrily bit into another fry.

Mystery nodded, not really knowing what to say. He continued feeding her.

"Have you tried talking to him?"

Zoey scoffed, "yes. He just... doesn't."

"Do you... want us to say something to him? Mystery volunteered.

She shook her head, "no, I can handle this. For now, anyway."

When the fries were finished, she collapsed dramatically on the couch, "ughhh."

Mystery chuckled. "You can sleep in my room tonight, if you want. I can stay on the couch."

"Noooo!" Zoey said, "I can sleep on the couch."

"I don't need sleep, Zoey." Mystery reminded her.

"Right." Zoey mumbled, curling into his side. Mystery stiffened. It's not like he didn't like it, but he just... it felt wrong.

"Then... just stay with me?"

Mystery nodded, "okay."

Zoey looked up at him, and sighed. She was almost upset he rejected her, he would have made such a perfect boyfriend. Was it wrong that she wanted to kiss him right now?

Mystery, on the other hand, was having an internal crisis. He did not want to be in this position, but he could not find it in himself to turn Zoey away.

"Whatever Baby did, he's an idiot."

Zoey looked at him puzzled.

"I don't know what he did to you, but he shouldn't have done it." Mystery whispered. "You're amazing, perfect, you gave him a hit. He's an idiot."

Zoey blushed, "thank you."

"You should get some rest, Zoey." Mystery mumbled, "you're tired."

Zoey nodded, snuggling deeper into his side. "Thank you." She mumbled as she fell into a deep sleep.

Chapter Text

Modern Day

Despite the ability to teleport back, Romance and Mira decided to walk home.

There weren't much people out today, and the few people they ran into were glued to their phones for any dates on Jinu and Rumi's date. They did end up taking the subway a few lines down to shorten the walk. It was Romance's first time on any train, he looked adorable tapping his hands and toes like a child. When they got off at the station nearest the penthouse, Romance was a little upset when he found out he could not keep the tickets.

Mira laughed, mentioning he could purchase another ticket without using it. He pouted and said he wanted one that had the hole punched, so they went to the guards stationed there. They were accommodating, allowing them to keep their tickets.

The cool autumn breeze swept through the empty streets as the pair walked side by side. The cusp of summer and autumn meant for a cool night that was neither cold nor warm.

Romance found himself sneaking glances at Mira, who was absently walking next to him. She was talking about her experiences modelling, like how she was absolutely devastated to have to decline a SavageX show because she was on tour (the blush on her face was very clear when Romance asked what kind of clothes she would have modelled for that show), how she encountered animal protesters on a runway in Milan, how her heel broke walking a show in New York (she even showed him the video), Romance was all ears.

But he couldn't help but keep glancing downward. He couldn't figure out how to casually hold her hand. Should he have to ask? Would it be weird to ask? Should he just go for it?

"If you think too hard, your head is going to explode." Mira suddenly said, snapping him out of his thoughts. She was just talking about how she almost got robbed in Paris during Fashion Week, how she sent the thief to the emergency room with nothing but a hair clip and a baguette. "French bread is really hard okay?"

Romance chuckled, "I don't doubt you, Mira. I bet you could have sent him packing with your bare hands."

Mira laughed.

"I was just... thinking..." he inhaled and exhaled deeply, "can I... hold your hand?"

Mira gave him a look that seemed to scream are you serious? and then burst into laughter.

"What?"

"Ro," Mira laughed, "we've slept together and that's what you're worried about?"

Romance's face turned red, "okay can you stop saying that? We literally sleep as in sleep next to each other!"

"I never said it wasn't that!"

"But it doesn't sound right!"

Mira held her hand out, and the idiot stared at it like he wasn't just asking her for permission to hold her hand.

"Well?"

Romance grinned, "hehe..."

He carefully, gently laced his fingers in hers.

"Careful, princess." He teased, "looks like you're falling in love with me."

"You idi-" before she could complete that thought, something flashed behind Mira's eyes and she froze, mouth slightly open, face expressionless. It was the craziest feeling of deja vu.

"Careful, princess." He had dark hair, and was wearing historical garb. There was a twinkle in his eye as he teased her. "Looks like you're falling in love with me."

"You idiot." Mira laughed, "you wish!"

A memory, but she didn't recognise it as her own. It lasted for a split second, until she looked down and saw their hands laced together.

"Are you okay?" Romance was concerned, "is this okay?"

Mira shrugged it off, forcing a smile, "yeah, I'm okay."

She gave his hand a reassuring squeeze. They fell into a comfortable step, the Huntr/x building in sight, with their fingers interlocked. After a moment, Romance started playfully skipping, swinging their arms in the air all giddy. Mira rolled her eyes, but started skipping with him. After a few skips, Mira looked at him mischievously, dropping his hand.

"Race you." Then she made a mad dash toward the tower.

"What? You didn't say go!" Romance whined, laughing.

They chased each other to the tower. Romance was a little bit taller than Mira, so his strides were slightly longer, but Mira was faster.

Right before they reached the front, Romance disappeared from behind Mira and materialised in the lobby.

"Hey!" Mira heaved, catching her breath, "that's cheating! And someone could see you!"

Romance grinned, "never set any ground rules, princess."

Mira swatted at him, "cheater."

"What do I win?" He teased as they entered the elevator.

"You don't, you cheated." Mira said, sticking her tongue out. "I win by default."

"Awww..." Romance pouted, "I was just utilising my skills the same way you were."

They bickered over whether or not Romance won or he was disqualified for teleporting. They stepped off the elevator playfully shoving each other, stepping over the shoes carefully set by the shoe rack. Rumi and Jinu must have gotten home earlier, as she spotted the heels Rumi left in on the floor.

"Look." Mira laughed, pointing at Rumi's heels on the floor.

Romance was confused, "what? Heels?"

Mira rolled her eyes, "noooo! I mean they're Rumi's! And they're on the floor, not on the rack!"

Mira knew Rumi well enough that she never left her shoes on the floor, they were always neatly in the shoe rack or cabinet. Provided they were neatly set on the floor next to the shoe rack, but still. It was only Zoey who left her shoes scatted next to the rack, and Mira was usually the one who left her shoes on the floor.

"Must've been some date." Romance said, not fully understanding how groundbreaking this was to Mira, who was now taking a photo of the heels and sending it to the Huntr/x group chat.

They went on the balcony, watching the city lights.

"Fine, since we didn't set any rules." Mira said finally, facing him with her arms crossed. "But, I'm definitely winning next time."

Romance had a twinkle in his eye. "I know what I want."

Mira didn't pull back when he kissed her.

•

Baby stared at his laptop screen in the darkness of his home studio. The lyric video of their rap battle, officially titled Zoebaby's Rap, playing back on the speakers.

He had been avoiding Zoey for about a week now, and somehow he couldn't stop himself. It was stupid, really, buthowdoyoutellyourgirlfriendthatsheisyourleader'slittlesisterbutinapastlifewhichmeanshewasbeinganabsolutemenacetoherolderbrotherthethoughtismakinghimveryuncomfortable.

He thought about speaking to Jinu about it, but then that would just vindicate Jinu's feelings of brotherliness toward Zoey, and would probably unlock something that he didn't want unlocked.

Is Jinu the type to beat my ass? Baby thought, running his hands through his faded hair. The thought scared him, not because he was scared of Jinu, in fact he would willing get into a fist fight with him. The issue here is now he knew Jinu was Zoey's older brother, and he wasn't willing to beat her family unless they were hurting her. No, Jinu was just looking out for her.

But still, the way Jinu looked at him made him extremely uncomfortable, like he knows but isn't saying anything.

He checked his phone. 99+ unopened texts. All from Zoey.

Heck, Jinu would actually beat his ass now, provided he started avoiding her literally two days into their relationship. He was officially avoiding her for most of the relationship.

The day after his drinking battle with Mira, he woke up in Zoey's room. She had fallen asleep in his arms. He vaguely remembered being carried by Mira and Zoey, but also the gaze of Jinu.

Thanks to his demon physiology, he didn't have a headache. He stared at the peaceful, sleeping form of Zoey. He had smelled her arousal the night previously, but couldn't allow himself to let go with the way Jinu was staring at him.

He had carefully moved Zoey from him, and disappeared before she woke up.

He received sad emoji texts when she did wake up, upset that he didn't stay in as he usually did. He had responded at the time.

And then he stopped staying at her room.

Three days into avoiding her, she showed up at his apartment demanding an explanation. He couldn't find it in himself to give her one, neither could he come up with an excuse. Instead, he just stood there silently as she asked if there was someone else, and then accused him of only wanting sex.

"What did I do wrong?" She had screamed. It hurt him to see her like that, but he just couldn't bring himself to say anything.

And then the texts and calls started coming. She would send him messages ranging from cursing him out to apologising to asking if he had eaten that day.

Zoey: did u eat today?

Zoey: u no wat, fuck u

Zoey: y wont u talk 2 me??????🥺

Zoey: 🐢

Zoey: y u fuk up the energy???

Zoey: i dont know what to do

Zoey: baby???

Zoey: r u serious rn???

Zoey: jinu and i finished another demo today yeeeyyyy😀😌

Zoey: can i call u?

Zoey: youre digging urself a grave baby

Zoey: 🥺🥺🥺

Zoey: you know what? Fuck you

Zoey: hey pls talk to me

He had a notebook open in front of him, trying (and failing) to write down what he wanted to tell her.

And oh, they were scheduled to film a music video for the Zoebaby Rap, no pressure at all.

He exhaled, hands grabbing at his hair, not knowing what to do, or who to go to.

Meanwhile, in Mystery and Romance's apartment somewhere across the city, Zoey woke up on Mystery's bed. She was still in her clothes from the day previous, tucked until her chin in the blankets. Her eyes were tired and puffy from crying. Mystery sat at a desk nearby.

"Good afternoon." Mystery gave her a smile.

"Did you carry me here?" Zoey asked.

He nodded, "you fell asleep on the couch."

"Oh, okay." Zoey mumbled weakly.

Mystery didn't say anything as he poured her a glass of water.

"Thank you." She whispered.

"I told Jinu where you are." Mystery said, "he said he can come pick you up later."

Zoey nodded, "okay...

"He said maybe we should take a break from the studio today. I sent him what we recorded so far. Maybe he can figure out what's missing."

Zoey nodded, focusing on the water.

"Hey," Mystery took her hand reassuringly, "you'll be okay."

Zoey's lip trembled, "thank you, Mystery."

•

Jinu, Rumi, Mira, and Romance read through the scanned images Celine sent him. They were entries from the diary of a second generation hunter.

They had slept in, but still woke up around lunch. Jinu had explained what he requested from Celine to Mira and Romance, who were a bit skeptical, but anything to help.

He still didn't mention anything about what he knew.

"Okay, so Mira, which method of recall do you want to try?" Rumi asked.

There were three methods detailed in the entries: an elixir, a meditation, and a meditative ritual.

The ritual required specific items and a space under a blue moon. This was supposedly the most effective. Unfortunately, the next blue moon would be in about a year, so that was out.

The elixir was the easiest to do, with specific herbs, plants, and fruit mashed into a paste and blended together. The individual would start to dream about their past lives. The downside was this would mean ALL the person's past lives, unlike the other methods where the person could reach out to a specific life using memories.

Meditation would require strong mental clarity, and specific thoughts and affirmations. This was the most difficult method.

They all decided the elixir was the best. It would just be a regular drink, and Mira was dreaming about the memories anyway.

Before Jinu went to pick up Zoey, he dropped by the farmer's market to pick up the things he needed for the elixir.

He didn't ask Zoey what happened when he did come pick her up, he didn't need to. He saw how puffy her face was and immediately knew he wanted to sock Baby.

Jinu: What the hell did you do, Baby?

Jinu: I know you can see my messages.

Baby didn't respond to him either. Rumi, Mira, and Romance huddled with her on the couch while Jinu prepared her favourite ramyeon and snacks.

"Did he break up with you?" Romance asked.

Zoey shook her head, "just... nothing."

"Little shit." Romance huffed, "no wonder Jinu looks like he wants to beat him up every time."

"Ro." Mira warned.

"What?" He said, "you can't convince me you don't want to slap the shit out of him."

Zoey snorted, "he's right, Mira. You would."

Mira grinned, "well..."

"Do you want us to talk to him?" Romance asked.

Zoey shook her head, "he should be the one to talk to me."

Rumi nodded, "hmm... yes but, perhaps a little prodding will help?"

Jinu set the ramyeon on the coffee table and gave Zoey a gentle pat on the head. He returned to the kitchen to check on the cheese he was melting, and then went to cut the potatoes into fries.

Rumi got a little distracted when he rolled up his sleeves to squeeze the oranges for juice and prepare the elixir. He noticed her watching and gave her a wink, which made her feel all sorts of things. He gestured back to Zoey, as if to say focus.

Zoey sighed, "you guys are so cute. It's like you have your own Nara Smith. And Mira has Romance, it's literally his name. Meanwhile, I didn't realise Manchild is the actual theme song for Baby."

Mira snorted, and it was Romance's turn to elbow her.

"Hey wait, don't you have a music video to film with him tomorrow?" Rumi asked, checking her calendar.

Zoey nodded, sipping the ramyeon soup.

"How's that gonna go?" Romance asked.

Zoey shrugged, "I don't know... but he hasn't cancelled yet."

Jinu set Mira's elixir on the coffee table, along with the fruit juice for everyone else.

"Oh by the way, Zoey." Mira said, waving her cup, "Jinu figured out a way to decipher my dreams."

They explained everything to Zoey.

"Oh that's cool!" Zoey exclaimed, drinking her own juice.

"Hope this works." Romance murmured.

"Well, if it doesn't, we can try something else." Rumi answered, taking a cup from the table.

That night, they ordered pizza for everyone.

When Mira went into her room, she found Romance already in bed.

"Oh what the hell." Mira snorted, "thought you didn't want to sleep with me."

Romance grinned, "I never said that, and I have to be here to prepare my girlfriend for her trip."

Mira laughed, "didn't know your girlfriend is here. She must have poor, poor taste."

"Didn't I tell you to stop talking bad about yourself?" He said.

She crawled into bed, right next to him. "I'm... honestly a little scared."

Romance nodded, "that's okay." He planted a kiss on her shoulder, "I'm right here with you. I'll wake you up."

She nodded, laying an arm across his chest.

She didn't dream of anything else except the constant recurring nightmare. She woke up, saying the elixir didn't work.

But the elixir did work. Just not on her.

Because she wasn't the one who drank it.

Chapter Text

Modern Day

Zoey woke up that morning extremely tired. Not the right time to be reliving your past lives when you have a music video shoot in a few hours with the guy who's supposed to be your boyfriend.

I must have accidentally drank Mira's drink she realised, rubbing her temples. It was an insane journey. She saw life through the eyes of a peasant during the French Revolution. She lived as one of Genghis Khan's soldiers. The most recent (and first one she relived) was one where she overdosed on hallucinogens in the 80's.

But the most insane one was when she saw Jinu. Everything Rumi had told them about Jinu's life as a human, she saw through his sister.

I'm... his actual sister... she realised.

Then, she met Mystery, and the shit ghosted him. Ugh, seriously? She got a little riled up.

And then Baby. He... he threw everything away for her... and he came back... but it was too late.

If anything, it made her feel worse.

"He's been waiting for me for centuries and he's ghosting me? At least Mystery learned!" She yelled at no one in particular.

The whiplash of the wisdom of a hundred lives hit her all at once, and she stared at her ring finger, where she once had a brilliant ring from her beloved. That was lifetimes ago, literally, but still.

They had this chance now, to get it right. They never got married then, and maybe this time...

She wouldn't waste this chance. Not again. Not when Baby was finally around, screw him! She was going to get him to talk!

She quickly showered and got dressed. The shoot would be at a warehouse in Incheon, the concept of the music video was simple: rap battle. They were basically going to recreate the actual rap battle, with inter-spliced clips of them goofing around.

Mira, Rumi, Romance, Mystery, Jinu, and even Abby joined to support. They all knew there was something up, and just wanted to be there in case things went south. Since they were all already there, they were written in last minute for cameos.

Zoey went straight to hair and make up as Bobby documented on his phone for Zoey to post later. It was a simple look: a black long sleeve top with a chain around her neck, grey sweatpants, and white sneakers. Baby's wardrobe hung next to hers.

Call time was 6am.

6am came and went. Baby wasn't there.

"Does he know it's at 6?" Mira asked.

Zoey nodded, "I mean he should! We talked about this!"

Jinu's brow furrowed. It was nearly 8, and no sign of Baby. Bobby started making phone calls, but Baby wasn't answering. Zoey started feeling restless. Rumi and Mira glanced at each other as they tried to soothe her. Romance started swearing under his breath.

Abby approached Mira and whispered something in his ear, which made Mira's eyes widen. She whispered it to Rumi, who was equally shocked. They both spoke to Bobby, who nearly fainted.

Rumi went to Jinu, who's face went red with rage upon being told. He excused himself and went outside.

"Baby, where are you?" Zoey was nearly screaming, her voice trembled as her call went to voicemail again, "listen, I know we have issues but this was scheduled! Everyone's here, we're all waiting for you! Please call me."

She felt a hand on her shoulder.

"Zoey." Rumi mumbled, "Abby went to check on him."

"And?" Zoey said too eagerly.

But Rumi just shook her head, "I'm sorry."

Zoey broke down in tears as Rumi kept her steady. They all huddled around her, giving her comforting pats.

"What's wrong with me?" She stammered, "I don't know what I did wrong!"

What had she done that made him give up on her in three days when he had been waiting for her for centuries?

Romance handed her a bottle of water and Abby brought tissues.

"He's an idiot." Mira muttered, "and not worth your time."

Mystery watched from behind them, eyes twitching with rage. How could one be so heartless to his own wife?

"He should have said he wouldn't turn up." Zoey murmured, "I just wasted everyone's time."

The hair and make up artists shuffled uncomfortably, with the camera crew absently checking their equipment like they didn't care what was going on.

Jinu entered the set with Bobby, who ran toward Zoey. Jinu held his laptop under his arm, a determined look on his face. He made eye contact with Rumi, and she seemed to understand, backing away to give him space to approach.

"Zoey!" Bobby said, "you didn't tell me you were working on a song with Jinu!"

Zoey looked at him surprised, her upset momentarily forgotten, "what?"

He looked at the girls, "to be clear, Zoey told me she has no plans to go solo, but I think you guys understand she is way too creative to not have other ideas."

Rumi nodded, "of course. It's part of the creative process, you end up scrapping some ideas when they don't fit."

"Zoey," Jinu said gently, "if you don't mind, I mixed the song we did. You said it was missing something, and you were right, because it's a duet. I added my own vocals. Do you want them to hear it?"

Zoey looked at everyone nervously, but they all nodded.

"Yeah, let's hear what you cooked up." Mira grinned.

"Okay," Jinu opened his laptop, connecting it to the bluetooth speaker. "To be clear, the vision I had for this is one singer is the ringmaster, and the other is the attraction. I also had Mystery add some of his vocals."

Zoey looked at Mystery, who blushed a little.

----

FREAK

Jinu
Welcome to our freak show, come meet my monsters
Oh, such a fine collection of stranger things

Mystery
My patience running thinner on this melting clock
Cerebrum jailed with thoughts, most would consider rot
To think you're any different from an animal
A creature sick as you should be put down
But I can't help myself

Zoey
Oh-na-na-na-na, oh-na-na-na-na
Oh-na-na-na-na, oh-na-na-na-na

Jinu, Zoey
Welcome to our freak show (oh-na-na-na-na)
Come meet my monsters (oh-na-na-na-na)

Mystery, Zoey
Oh, such a fine collection of stranger things (oh-na-na-na-na)

Mystery
Please, don't hide your imperfections nature
Took two tries to make the man in white
No, I don't mind, you are a beauty
Not temptation, you're my creation

Zoey
Freak o' Friday night, know I'm the main attraction
Basket acrobat, they wanna see some action
Tinkering with my design, twist and turn my feral mind
Play with me 'til you've found another toy
Let me be your freak show, I could be your favorite monster
Rattle my whole cage, remind me why I can't be fostered
Let me be your freak show, I could be your favorite monster
Lock me up, don't let me out 'cause you know I can't help myself
Oh-na-na-na-na, oh-na-na-na-na
Oh-na-na-na-na, oh-na-na-na-na

Jinu, Zoey
Welcome to our freak show (oh-na-na-na-na)
Come meet my monsters (oh-na-na-na-na)
Oh, such a fine collection of stranger things (oh-na-na-na-na)

Mystery
You're wasting, you're wasting all
Of your time finding a cure when there's no disease
You're wasting, you're wasting all
Of your talent on an audience who sees a freak

Zoey
Oh-na-na-na-na, oh-na-na-na-na
Oh-na-na-na-na

Mystery
Can't help myself

Jinu, Zoey
Welcome to our freak show (oh-na-na-na-na)
Come meet my monsters (oh-na-na-na-na)

Mystery, Zoey
Oh, such a fine collection of stranger things (oh-na-na-na-na)

----

"YOU WERE SITTING ON THIS?" Mira screamed, "IT'S AMAZING?"

Zoey blushed, "it's... okay."

"No, it's brilliant!" Bobby clapped, "look, I know it's last minute, but we need a music video out by next week as promised. We can do this one, with your permission of course. If not, I'll figure something out."

Zoey nodded, "how about the concept?"

"Well, we can't do the warehouse rap battle for this." The director answered, "but... the lyrics talk about a freak show, so the concept should be such. Circusy, you know?"

"I'll make some calls." Bobby said, "Zoey?"

Zoey wiped her nose, "okay, let's do it."

Everyone cheered.

The video was a hit. It was released a week later, Bobby really pulled all the stops to make sure it would come out on time.

It opened with Romance buying a ticket to Zoey's Freak Show from a very bored looking Bobby. As soon as he sat down, the lights went out and the music starts. Jinu appears as the ringmaster.

Welcome to our freak show, come meet my monsters

It cuts to Mystery as a circus trainer, cracking a whip while Rumi hissed at the camera as a demon. They had to find a way to convince production that Rumi's one yellow eye was a contact lens, and her claws were just really good SFX (Jinu was trying so hard not to laugh).

Strong man Abby made a cameo too, as well as Mira who played a contortionist who goes up to Romance and seduces him.

It cuts to Romance following Mira, who gives knowing glances to ringmaster Jinu and trainer Mystery. She reaches the back of the circus tent, where Zoey sits in a cage as a snake woman.

Freak o' Friday night, know I'm the main attraction

Romance is forced into the cage, and it cuts away. The next clip is Mira smirking, and then Zoey smiling at the camera, with blood dripping on the side of her mouth.

Lock me up, don't let me out 'cause you know I can't help myself

The video ends with Jinu welcoming the audience once again to Zoey's Freak Show, the back of the head of a person with teal hair sits in the crowd.

Baby probably contributed to 50% of the video's opening streams, as he repeated the video again and again and again. He knew the end was supposed to be him, but at the same time it was probably so fans wouldn't wonder why one of the Saja Boys wasn't included in the video.

Jinu had sent him multiple angry texts and voice messages for what he did, and yet he still couldn't find it in himself to say anything. He was supposed to go on a game show tomorrow with Zoey to promote Zoebaby Rap, but he figured they'd probably promote Freak instead.

Well, it was a good song.

He opened his phone and typed a text:

Hey, congratulations on the song.

Backspace

Great hit

Backspace

Didn't know you had this in you

Backspace

He gave up, setting his phone down, and going back to replaying the video. The ring on his desk seemed to mock him.

At the penthouse, Jinu made a toast to the successful surprise drop of Freak.

"We should be thanking that little shit." Mira joked, "otherwise, we wouldn't have a hit."

They all laughed.

"Thank you so much, you guys." Zoey mumbled, almost pathetically. They all embraced her in a group hug.

"And thank you especially to my oppa," she beamed at Jinu, who grinned at her.

I wonder if he knows? Zoey thought to herself. Either way, she was grateful they had found each other again, even if it had been centuries. She remembered being separated from him, having to grow up not knowing where he was, going back and finding out he was missing. Her lip trembled.

"You okay?" Jinu asked, wrapping an arm around her shoulder.

"Never better, oppa." She smiled.

There was something different in the way she called him that now, something that JInu couldn't quite put, but he wasn't against it.

"Amazing!" Bobby clapped, "the label loves this way more than the Zoebaby Rap!"

"As they should!" Rumi nodded.

"Hiding any more hits?" Mira teased.

Zoey blushed, "not... well..."

Mira laughed, "don't worry Zoey, I have a solo venture in modelling. Whatever you want to do with your creativity is your call."

Rumi nodded, "we support you."

Zoey smiled, "well, I'm not going solo... but I really loved this process."

"Am I hearing Zoey solo album?" Romance teased.

Zoey shook her head, "nooooo."

They all laughed.

"Not ready for that yet then." Jinu said, "that's alright."

"We can still feature on the new record." Rumi said.

They all started talking about music and solo ventures when Zoey noticed Mystery was missing. She excused herself to find him.

She found him in her room, reading the notebook they found Freak in.

"Mystery?"

Mystery looked up, "sorry, I couldn't stop thinking about this."

Zoey nodded, "it's okay."

Mystery closed the notebook, setting it back on the table. "He's an idiot."

"Heard that one before."

"Yeah, well he is."

Zoey smiled, "thank you, Mystery, really. I don't know what I would've done without you."

Mystery didn't say anything, but approached her when he noticed her voice started trembling.

"Sorry, I'm just... very... hehe..." Zoey sputtered, wiping her eyes with her sleeve.

Mystery nodded, cupping her face. "You'll be okay."

Zoey blushed, "thank you."

He moved past her to exit her room, but not before she grabbed his wrist. "Wait!"

Mystery looked back at her, and her face was extremely red. She looked like she was in an internal debate.

And then, she looked at him determined, and closed in.

She planted a light kiss on his lips.

Mystery was shocked, not that he didn't like it, but shocked.

"But... Baby-"

"Is not talking to me." Zoey grumbled, "he hasn't spoken to me in two weeks, that's equal to a break up in my opinion."

She reached to part his hair, looking at his soft brown eyes. She was surprised to see them in the same colour, but then again, he used to be blind.

"Tell me to stop." Zoey whispered, leaning in again, trailing kissed along his neck.

He shuddered under her touch, there was really nothing he wanted more.

But...

It took all of his willpower to gently push her away. Zoey looked at him, pouting.

"Let's... talk about this... when you're ready..." he said, trying to ignore the tent forming in his pants.

She pushed her lower lip further, poutier, but she nodded. "Fine."

"Let's go join the others." Mystery said, opening the door.

"Okay."

Chapter Text

Modern Day

"I don't think it worked." Mira told Romance, rubbing her temples after the recurring nightmare.

Romance kissed her shoulder, "that's okay. We can try something else. Didn't they say the drink isn't the only method?"

"Yeah." Mira nodded. She sighed and collapsed dramatically on his bare chest, wrapping her arms around his neck. His hand slid around her waist, pulling her close. "I'll tell Jinu later."

They wouldn't be able to do anything about it today though, since they were going to accompany Zoey to her video shoot for the Zoebaby Rap. Still, it needed to be discussed so they can form a proper plan.

Mira rested her head on Romance's shoulder, inhaling him deeply from the crook of his neck. The sensation of her breath on his neck sent tingles throughout his body.

Mira... was not used to this...

She had been sleeping next to Romance for weeks, even before their first date, and yet he had not made any inappropriate moves. He hadn't tried, and when she started getting handsier after their date, he would stop her.

To Mira, who was used to being sexualised, and thus subconsciously saw her value in how much people would fall all over her, it was confusing and impressive all at the same time. Men usually pounced on the chance to get laid. Not him. Her thoughts alternated between 'does he not want me?' to 'he's such a gentleman.'

It didn't stop her from testing his limits though.

She ghosted her nails on his chest, gently placing open mouthed kisses on his neck. He inhaled sharply, but quickly grabbed her wrist.

"Mira." He warned, voice deep.

Mira looked at him innocently.

"Don't."

She pouted. "Fine."

She lay back on his chest, the confusion building in her own.

"Ro." She lifted her head to look at him, "do you... not... want me?"

Romance was very confused at the question, "what? What the hell?"

His expression softened when he realised Mira was serious, and a little scared. He sat up.

"Do you... think I don't want you because I keep rejecting sex?"

Mira stared at her hands, nodding slowly.

Romance chuckled softly, "hey..." he lifted her chin to meet his gaze, "I promise you, you are everything I could ever want. You're sexy and gorgeous and it's taking everything in me not to rail you into next year."

Romance tried hard to ignore the scent of arousal that shot through Mira. His mouth was suddenly dry, and he tried swallowing.

"But Mira, I don't want to have sex with you just because you think it's what I want." He laced his hand in hers, "I want it when you're ready."

Respecting her as a person? Ironic coming from a literal demon. She hated how literal basic respect turned her on when it should be the bare minimum.

"I want both of us to be ready, not just me." He continued, "and when you're ready, I promise you I'll give you all of me."

He softly brought her knuckles to his mouth, leaving a gentle kiss.

"Y-you..." Mira stammered, a blushing mess.

"I'm not going to be like everyone else, Mira." He promised, "I actually want you. And that includes the messiness, the headaches, everything that you think makes you so unlovable. You are perfect."

"S-stop." Mira whined, hiding her face in her hands. She didn't know if she wanted to laugh or cry. "Why are you like this."

He pulled her close, planting a kiss on her forehead, "because I love you, Mira."

She leaned into him, hands still covering her face.

"You okay?" Romance asked, rubbing her shoulders.

"I will be." She mumbled.

He grinned. He knew going in that Mira had a lot of walls, but he also knew she was worth scaling them.

"So does this mean I'm officially your boyfriend?"

Mira leaned back, slapping him playfully on his shoulder. But she didn't correct him. She curled back into his arms, tucking her head under his chin.

"I love you, Mira." He repeated, running fingers through her hair, "you can take all the time you need. We'll take it a day at a time."

Neither of them wanted to get out of bed, but they both promised to support Zoey on this.

"Morning!" Jinu said, frying bacon when they finally got out of Mira's room. Rumi was next to him, packing snacks into Tupperware containers. They glanced at Mira.

"It didn't work." Mira said pointedly, "at least, I don't think it did."

"Oh." Jinu's jaw tightened, "well... let's try the other methods then. Or maybe I didn't make it right?"

"Let's just... shelf this for now." Rumi waved him off, "today is about Zoey."

"Right." Jinu said, transferring freshly cooked bacon onto paper towels. Romance put one in his mouth, and then started choking.

"You idiot! You didn't let it cool first!" Mira screamed.

"It smelled so good!" Romance whined, running cold water over his tongue.

Call time at the warehouse was 6am, it was currently 2. Jinu got up extra early to cook breakfast for everyone (as he usually did), Rumi joined him moments later to help.

The venue was in Incheon, which was around an hour away. They had to leave by 4. While the demons could easily teleport to the venue, Zoey and Mira did not have that luxury.

At around 3, Zoey walked into the living area, already showered and dressed. Her eyes landed on Jinu, and her lip trembled the slightest bit, but then she put on a cheery smile. "Good morning!"

"Slept well?" Jinu asked.

"Yeah..." she said weakly.

At around 3:45 Bobby showed up in the penthouse.

"Ready to go?" He called, "bus is downstairs!"

Rumi packed the Tupperwares into a tote bag and they all went down to the waiting mini bus. Once settled, Rumi and Jinu passed the containers around for breakfast. Zoey made quick work of her bacon and eggs.

Mira noticed Zoey kept glancing at Jinu, but she didn't say anything.

They got to the venue a little past 5. Zoey went straight to hair and make up while the rest of them lounged near the snack table. The director asked them if they wanted to be in the video for small cameos, which they agreed to.

"Where the hell is Baby?" Mira asked Mystery, who just entered with Abby from a back door. They shrugged.

At around 6:30, Zoey started to become restless.

"Does he know it's at 6?" Mira asked her.

Zoey laughed nervously, "I mean he should! We talked about this!"

7 came and went, still no sign of Baby. The director decided to go ahead and shoot a few b rolls for the video. At around 8, Abby approached Mira.

"I'll go check on him." He whispered. Mira nodded.

Abby walked to the back door, making sure no one was following or could see him.

In the blink of an eye, he materialised in Baby's apartment.

"What are you doing here?" Baby screamed, jumping from his desk.

"What are you doing here?!" Abby roared, anger flooding his veins. "Your girlfriend is waiting for you, we all are!"

Baby huffed, sitting down again and turning back toward his laptop. He had a programme on for music mixing.

"What the hell are you doing?" Abby said.

"Recording." Baby said nonchalantly.

"And the shoot?"

Baby shrugged.

"I will beat you." Abby threatened.

Baby turned to face him, slowly, menacingly, going toe to toe, "go ahead, big guy."

They stared at each other for a few moments, neither one daring to make the next move. Then, Abby exhaled, disappointed.

"Zoey deserves better and you know it." He said, right in his face.

He knew that.

And he agreed.

But he couldn't find it in himself to do anything.

Baby turned his back once again, sitting back down on his chair.

"So that's it, huh." Abby huffed, "I've seen the way you looked at her, back when we were under Gwi Ma. I saw how you reacted when she tried to flirt with Mystery."

"You saw wrong."

"You can't even break up with her properly."

"I'm not going to." Baby mumbled weakly.

"So what do you call this?"

Baby didn't react.

"So, are you going or not?"

Silence.

"Alright then. I'll tell them." Abby said, giving him one last glance. "You do know that if you do this, you've essentially broken her heart."

Baby didn't react.

When he disappeared, Baby cracked. He screamed, hitting and slapping himself over and over.

what the hell is wrong with me?

He yanked at his own hair, tufts of faded blue and black roots in his fingers. He grabbed a mug and threw it at the wall, screaming.

"Stupid!" He yelled, punching a mirror. It cracked on his knuckles, leaving little shards of glass in his skin.

He eventually collapsed onto the floor.

•

"He's not coming." Abby whispered in Mira's ear.

Mira looked at him, eyes widening. She rushed over to Rumi.

"What? Why?" Rumi asked.

Mira shrugged, "being a dipshit."

They approached Bobby, who was still trying to call Baby.

"Hey Bobbyyyyyy!!!" Rumi said, almost too sweetly.

"Soooo..." Mira said, too chipper for her, "Abby just spoke to Baby... on the phone."

"He's not coming." Rumi continued.

Bobby nearly dropped his phone, "oh... I need a moment."

Bobby quickly ran outside. Rumi and Mira looked at each other, nodding in understanding.

The next person they told was Jinu.

"Jinu, your patterns." Rumi warned when his eyes flashed gold. He coughed and excused himself.

Rumi wanted to follow him, but Zoey needed her more right now.

Outside, Jinu dialled Baby. His call went to voicemail.

"What the fuck do you think you're doing?!" He screamed into the phone, "What is wrong with you?! That's my-"

He choked a bit on the words 'that's my sister you're fucking over.' He didn't know if it was right to say.

"-that's your girlfriend, imbecile!" He seethed, "if you don't get your ass here right now, I better never see your face around here or around her again!"

He ended the voicemail, shoving the phone into his pocket and running his hands through his hair. When he stepped out, Zoey wasn't aware of the situation, but she definitely knew now. He didn't know if he was ready to see her crumble.

There has to be something he could do.

He spotted Bobby approaching from the bus, extremely stressed. Bobby's eyes lit up when he saw Jinu.

"Jinu!" He exhaled, "this is a disaster! The label invested in this and now we have nothing to show for it! What do we do? Ohhhh no... what do we do? I'm freaking ouuuutttt!"

Jinu's ears perked.

"You just thought of something." Bobby noticed.

Jinu nodded, "yes... I did."

He pulled out his phone and opened the voice memo app.

"The label wanted a music video right? We can give them one, but not for the rap."

"Do you mean one of the demos?" Bobby asked.

Jinu shook his head, "we could do one of the demos, but Bobby, this is supposed to be Zoey's. I think we can give her what she deserves, without Baby."

"Oh?" Bobby said, raising a brow.

Jinu showed him the raw voice memo of the demo Zoey had recorded.

"Are you guys trying to record a solo album?!" Bobby screamed in outrage.

Jinu shook his head, "no Bobby, Zoey loves Huntr/x, but you know her. She's creative, she writes everything down. A lot of her lyrics don't go into songs."

"Right... you're totally right." Bobby said, "sorry, I'm just... freaking out right now."

Jinu played the song for Bobby, who absolutely loved it.

"This is a different vibe for her, and definitely more into a Your Idol moment, but I like it!"

Jinu went back onto the bus to get his laptop. Together, Bobby and Jinu entered the warehouse.

It took a few calls and strings pulled, but Bobby managed to get a new wardrobe within the hour. A few set pieces from an abandoned theme park were also brought in, as well as a large bird cage.

The make up artist called back up, who arrived within minutes. Initially tasked with just a natural beat on Zoey, they were now painting intricate scales onto her body and gluing a fake scale covered chest onto her body.

Everything else, well Jinu crossed his fingers for post editing to come through.

Somehow, they managed to film all the scenes in one day. Bobby even had his little moment as a ticket salesperson. He was a little concerned at the scene where Mira seduces Romance, but the look on his face as Mira touched on him told them a little too much.

"Wait, won't people talk when they realise Baby isn't in the video?" Bobby said.

Mira rolled her eyes, "then we can tell them what happened."

"Absolutely not!" Bobby screeched, "look, I know it's his fault, but him standing us all up could easily be twisted as a power move on his part."

"He's right." Jinu sighed, "we need to think of something to explain why he isn't here."

"And an excuse as to why we're dropping a different song and video." Bobby added.

The director considered this, "we can film the back of someone's head, no face seen, so it just looks like he's in the video."

"Put him in the crowd?" Rumi suggested.

"Feed him to the Zoesnake." Romance snorted, which earned him a laugh from Mira.

"That's it!" Zoey jumped, "how about the last part of the video, before it ends? It pans to the ringmaster reeling in the next victim of the Zoesnake."

"Genius." Bobby said with pride.

"That's not going to completely satisfy the fans, though." Rumi muttered.

"It's good enough." Bobby said, "we can't really do anything about it, and it would look weird if we tried to involve him in the video more than this little snippet if he decides to tell the world that it isn't him. We're just going to look desperate."

"At least this way, it's a statement." Jinu said, "fuck with us, we feed you to the Zoesnake."

"And we can just say he was too busy to come. Which is true." Mira suggested.

They all had a small argument as to who would put on the teal wig, and eventually they slapped it on a cameraman who had a similar build to Baby.

They wrapped filming very late, with Bobby running in with catering. The snack table was soon filled with dinner.

The ride home was silent. Zoey couldn't find it in herself to be upset. Well, she was, but she was more excited.

She opened her Instagram and posted a cryptic story of her scales. She put the black and white filtre on it before posting with no caption or music.

The first person to view the story was Baby.

Baby got a notification that Zoey had posted on her story. Without thinking, he opened it.

is she calling me a snake?

He threw his phone across the room, staring at the ceiling. His knuckles still had shards of the mirror and dried blood.

Why was this so difficult?

He lay on the floor, staring absently at the ceiling. Missed calls and texts from Bobby. Missed calls and texts from Jinu. Oh boy, he'll never recover.

He didn't even realise he had fallen asleep until he heard knocking on his door. He tried to ignore it, but it got extremely insistent.

Definitely not one of the boys or Rumi, they can just poof in. Could it be Zoey?

He rushed to the door, hoping to at least see her. But it wasn't Zoey.

His heart sank when he saw Mira standing in front of his door. She had her glasses on, no make up, a cap, and a hoodie on. It was strange that she didn't have a scowl on her face.

But whatever.

He turned to walk away until Mira called out.

"Baby? It's Mira. I got your address from Abby. I can hear you walking."

He froze.

"I'm not here to fight you. I just want to talk. Seriously."

He didn't move.

"If you don't let me in, I will break this door."

He exhaled shakily, scanning his entire apartment. Glass shards and a whole lot of mess littered the floor.

"It's a mess in here." Baby responded.

"It's alright. I'm used to mess."

A beat.

Then he opened the door.

He half expected her to immediately summon her weapon and point it at his neck, but she didn't. Instead, her eyes scanned him up and down, and then behind him.

"You look horrible."

"Gee, thanks. You too."

"You know that's a lie." Mira snarked.

Baby rolled his eyes and moved away from the door to let her in.

Mira carefully stepped into the apartment. It was maybe a quarter of the size of the penthouse, with one bedroom and a makeshift studio in the living area. Shards of broken mirror and what looked like a mug littered the floor, along with torn pieces of paper. She spotted wads of hair on the ground, eyes flitted to his head and she spotted bald patches where the hair used to be on his head. He had bruises and his knuckle had shards of mirror and dried blood.

While Mira was extremely tempted to strangle him, she could also sense that he was going through something.

Not that it excused his behaviour, absolutely not, but everyone else already wanted to beat him up. Looking at him now, she knew he just needed help.

And a lot of therapy.

Wordlessly, Mira grabbed a broom and started sweeping up the shards from the floor. After that, she mopped up the dried blood. Baby stood in the entryway, unable to move as he watched her.

Once she was done with that, she approached him and gently checked his face. He swatted her away at first, but Mira looked at him sternly.

She dampened a towel and wiped at the blood on his face, then she carefully picked out the shards of mirror in his knuckles.

Baby stared at her as she moved. He had never, not once in his life, been taken care of. His mother disappeared before he was old enough to remember, and he was tasked to be cared for by maids. Still, his own brother had it out for him, just because he was second in line for the throne. A throne he didn't even want.

He could, at the back of his mind, remember having an older sister. He didn't recall much about her, because she disappeared, but he remembered how gentle she was with him. it was obvious though that she didn't want to play mother. He hated her at the time for abandoning him, but after a while he understood. She was forced into that position, and she did not abandon him. In fact, she would be around when he needed her, cleaning his knees from scrapes or defending him from his older brother. She was rough around the edges, but she was kind.

Mira reminded him of her.

It's too bad he can't remember her name.

He hissed when she poured cool water over his knuckles.

"Hurts?" She asked.

He nodded quickly.

She patted his knuckles dry, making sure there were no more glass shards left.

"Why are you doing this?" Baby whispered.

Mira looked at him, "oh I actually really want to strangle you right now." She exhaled, "but... I know what it's like to feel like you have nobody, to be unable to open up. And now? I can see whatever it is is eating you alive."

Baby stared at her, wondering how she was able to read him.

"That doesn't excuse what you're doing though. I know you love Zoey, it's very clear, but you're destroying your relationship with her. I don't know if it can even still be repaired after the stunt you pulled today."

"You should stop running, Zoey only wants you to talk to her. You're pushing her away."

Mira grabbed the trash bag with the shards that she swept up. Baby's eyes followed her.

"I'd say take your time, but I fear you're running out of it. You're losing her. I hope you know, the more you run from this, the more you can't turn back."

Before she stepped out the door, before he could control himself, he stood up. "Wait, Mira."

She looked at him over her shoulder. He was standing awkwardly next to the table.

"Is she... how is she?" He said hoarsely.

Mira's expression didn't change, she just looked at him with a neutral look on her face. "Devastated."

She locked the door behind her as Baby slumped onto the ground.

•

Hey, congratulations on the song.

Backspace

Great hit

Backspace

Didn't know you had this in you

Backspace

The ring on his desk seemed to mock him.

The new song Zoey released with Jinu and Mystery shot to number one faster than their rap did. It was, after all, Jinu and Mystery's first song since they did Your Idol, which was never even professionally recorded. No one had a copy, but people talked about it.

The comments section loved it. They ate up the individual cameos too. Some fans said it had the same vibe as Your Idol, others arguing that Your Idol sounded nothing like it. Then there were a handful of people who wondered where he was. Why was his cameo only the back of his head?

He didn't miss the subtle diss. But he deserved it.

He opened his phone. The last text from Zoey was from the day of the filming.

Zoey: wru?

Zoey: hello?

Zoey: r u coming or not?

Zoey: look i know we have issues rn but can we talk about it later?

Zoey: baby?

At the penthouse, Zoey went to follow Mystery out of her room until she received a text message that made her freeze.

Baby: I'm sorry.

Baby: Can we talk?

Zoey stared at the screen, unable to form words. What the hell?

"Zoey?"

Mystery was looking at her from the doorway.

She shoved her phone in her pocket, "yeah, okay let's go."

Chapter Text

Modern Day

After the celebration on the success of Freak, Zoey returned to her room. She gestured subtly for Mystery, making an excuse that she wanted to speak privately.

She closed the door behind her.

"Can we talk now?" Zoey asked.

"I don't think you're ready, Zoey." Mystery said, "I don't... I don't want to be a replacement."

"You wouldn't be." Zoey answered, "I liked you first, remember? You rejected me."

Mystery scratched his head sheepishly, "sorry."

"Why did you reject me anyway?" Zoey asked, "did you just... not like me?"

Mystery looked at her through his fringe, "I did... it was... the hardest thing I ever had to do."

Zoey smiled at him, but then the gravity of what he just said hit her.

hardest thing I ever had to do

Had to do?

She raised a brow, "had to do? What do you mean had to do?"

Her phone started ringing.

"Someone's calling you." Mystery said.

"Ignore it." She said, letting it ring. "What do you mean had to do?"

"I just had to okay?"

"No no no! You're explaining to me what you mean by that!" She cancelled the call coming in, but the phone started ringing again.

"Whoever that is really wants to talk to you." Mystery said.

Zoey ended the call again without looking at the ID, "I'll answer it once you tell me what you mean!"

"Look, can we talk about this another time?"

"No!"

"Just answer the call."

Zoey put her phone on mute. "What are you not telling me?"

"Nothing!"

"The fuck you mean nothing?"

"I'm not hiding!" Mystery said weakly.

"Stop lying to me!" Zoey screamed.

Mystery couldn't find the words to speak. Zoey was breathing heavily now, red from anger.

"Why is everyone hiding shit from me? First Baby and now you?"

"I just had to." Mystery repeated weakly.

Zoey approached him, very close. She stood face to face with him, Mystery leaned back uncomfortably until he was trapped between her and a desk.

"What. Do. You. Mean." Zoey repeated.

Mystery swallowed hard. He searched her eyes, then he considered teleporting out of there.

"Don't." Zoey seethed, seeming to understand what he was planning. For the first time since Namsan, the light of the Honmoon reflected on her fingers. She held a blade to his throat. "Answer me."

"You..." Mystery stammered, "you were married to him."

Zoey raised an eyebrow, "what?"

Mystery tried to nod without moving his head into her blade, "in... when we were human... I... I didn't want to... take someone's wife... even if-"

She stared at him, dumbstruck.

"When I was human." He began, "I... I wrote you letters... it was hard but... I tried... and then my... my mother..."

He couldn't continue what he was about to say, but Zoey understood.

Her blade disappeared into the Honmoon and she took a step back.

oh

"I didn't mean to disappear." He started to ramble, "I just... and then I heard Gwi Ma in my head and I... I made a deal. I went to you... but you were... already married... you had his ring..."

Zoey took a careful step toward him, taking his hand in hers.

They stood there in silence, staring at each other.

And then Zoey felt herself get pulled backward. She fell onto the carpet, and then she heard a hiss and a loud punch.

Zoey saw Mystery on the ground in front of her, holding his cheek in pain.

"Baby?"

"Seriously, Zoey?" Baby seethed, "him?"

Zoey quickly got up, "you're one to talk! At least he stuck around! Where the hell have you been?"

"And you took that as an excuse to go canoodling and recording duets with another man?" Baby yelled.

"Two weeks, Baby!" Zoey screamed, "that's equivalent to a break up. Two fucking weeks of nothing from you!"

"Zoey? What's g-"

Jinu had checked up on her after she heard yelling.

"Oh, perfect." Baby said, sarcastically. "The older brother is here!"

"That's rich coming from you!" Jinu yelled, "didn't I tell you to never show your face here again?!"

"Keep your helicopter bullshit away from me!" Baby yelled.

"Oh, I'm sorry no one ever loved you enough to be protective!" Jinu answered, "that's my fucking sister you're talking about!"

"She's not even your real sister so quit it!" Baby screamed.

"You don't know what the fuck you're talking about!" Jinu answered.

"STOP!"

All three of them looked at Zoey, who had started crying.

"What the fuck is WRONG WITH ALL OF YOU?"

"Zoey." Mystery approached her, but she shrugged him off.

She pointed an accusing finger at Baby, "you... you promised me... I told you to find me in the next life... and you... you left."

She pointed a finger at Jinu. "You... Rumi told me you felt extremely guilty about abandoning me with mum... but that doesn't mean you get to police my relationships!"

She turned to Mystery, "and what the hell do you mean I married him?" She pointed at Baby, "I never married him! He gave me a ring and disappeared!"

"Guys?"

Mira, Rumi, Abby, and Romance were in the doorway now, behind Jinu.

Zoey stormed past all of them, but stopped for a moment to speak to Mira.

"I think we accidentally switched drinks." Zoey said flatly, before walking out of the penthouse.

They all stood in tense silence.

"What is she talking about?" Rumi asked, "Jinu?"

Jinu seemed to wake from his daze, looking hard at Rumi. "I think she drank the elixir."

"Elixir? You were spiking my girlfriend?" Baby yelled.

Rumi gave Baby a glare, and that immediately silenced him.

"So... it worked." Mira whispered, looking at Romance.

Jinu walked past all of them, following Zoey's path. Baby disappeared in a huff, followed by Mystery.

Chapter Text

Modern Day

"She's with Jinu." Rumi said out loud, looking up from her phone.

"Oh thank god." Mira said, falling back on the couch, her worries easing.

Romance brought the girls cups of water, while Abby massaged Mira's shoulders.

"Did you know?" Mira asked Rumi, "she said something to Jinu, about abandoning her with mum."

Rumi shook her head, "she... I think she's Jinu's actual sister."

"That makes a lot of sense." Romance said, rubbing Mira's temples.

Silence.

"What did she mean about Mystery and Baby?" Mira asked, looking at Romance.

Romance shrugged, "I don't know anything about their pasts, they don't talk much about it. Especially Mystery."

"But do you guys know anything?" Rumi asked.

"I don't... not really." Romance scratched the back of his head, "I promise. I don't even remember my human life."

Silence.

"Do you guys think our human and past lives are intertwined?" Abby suddenly said.

Mira looked at him, "what do you mean?"

"I just..." Abby coughed, "when... when I came back... I remembered some things from... my human life. I knew Jinu."

Mira looked at him in shock, "y-you knew Jinu too?"

"Too? What do you mean?" Rumi asked.

"The nightmares. Past life memories." Mira said, "I saw Jinu in one of them and..." she hesitated.

"Me." Romance continued for her, "Mira told me she saw me in one of the dreams."

Rumi looked at the three of them, hands on her hips, "is everyone except me looking into their past lives?"

"I'm not." Romance grinned. "They're just seeing me."

"Ugh..." Rumi muttered, "and they say I lack communication."

"You did though." Mira answered, "demon patterns."

"Well, I LEARNED!" Rumi snapped. "You guys have a lot of explaining to do!"

"I think that's more Jinu." Abby said, "I just saw glimpses."

"We should also speak to Mystery and Baby." Mira said, "what do they know."

"I'll get Mystery, we're flatmates after all." Romance said, disappearing. He reappeared not even five minutes later, holding Mystery by the scruff of his neck.

"We're not mad." Rumi said gently, "we just want answers."

Mystery's lip trembled, then nodded slowly.

•

"I never got to know my little sister." Jinu said, "I was always too busy for her. I don't even know what her favourite colour is."

Rumi squeezed his hand gently, "you were busy trying to survive, she'll understand."

Zoey didn't know where she was going, but she wanted to be anywhere but here.

She walked for what felt like hours.

After she relived her past lives, she wondered if Jinu knew, or if he could at least sense it. He probably did, considering he accidentally called her Zumi a while back.

And then Baby... after what he did at the shoot, she figured... maybe he didn't know it was her? Or maybe he just... stopped loving her? It's been centuries. Maybe he fell out of love.

Or maybe he was planning to come back when she was on her death bed, like before.

And Mystery... to make such an assumption... to offer her up to Baby... force her in that direction...

But then... as it turned out... he didn't ghost her on purpose... it was his hag of a mother...

It was all way too confusing.

So she kept walking.

She walked by empty streets, convenience stores, clubs, houses, buildings.

After what felt like hours, she paused and looked up. She had managed to walk all the way to Ikseon-dong Hanok Village. She leaned against a wall, eyes blurry with tears.

She should probably tell the girls where she was, but she reached into her pockets to realise she had not brought her phone.

Great.

In the low glow of the street lamps and Honmoon, she cried pathetically.

"You couldn't leave me alone?" She said when she sensed a presence nearby.

"I'm sorry."

Jinu towered over her, but kept a good distance away.

"Zoey..." he opened his arms, not very wide, like he wasn't sure if he should be doing this.

Zoey trembled for a moment, and then ran into him.

"You-" she sputtered into him, "left... mum left... I didn't have anywhere to go."

Jinu stared at the sky, trying hard not to let his own tears fall. He held her tightly, soothing her.

"But then... when I went to the palace... they said... they said you disappeared..." she continued, "what happened to you?"

Jinu placed a gentle kiss on her hair, "we have a lot to talk about."

Zoey nodded.

Jinu took her hand in his, and she followed.

They found themselves in a small eatery that was still open at that time of night. Jinu texted Rumi that Zoey had left her phone at the penthouse, but that she was with him.

"Hello!" The waitress gestured to the almost empty restaurant, "sit anywhere, I'll be with you shortly! Are you celebrating anything?"

Jinu and Zoey looked at each other.

"I'm just... catching up with my brother." Zoey said, "we haven't seen each other in forever."

"Oooo lovely!" The waitress grinned.

The waitress helped them settle and then took their orders. Over their snacking, Zoey told him what happened after they got dragged from the palace.

"We were stuck here for a few days, we couldn't go back home. We didn't know how to." Zoey explained, "you were the only one who made the journey."

She told him how they had to ask directions and got lost so many times before they finally made it back.

She told him about how their village was attacked by demons, and how the first hunters saved them.

She told him about how their mum died, and how she got picked up by a family of travelling merchants. She told him about her adoptive parents, her adoptive older brother Kaesong, their tradition of naming after places.

She told him about how she met Mystery in Busan, and how he disappeared. The vein in Jinu's forehead made itself known when he realised she was fucked over by TWO of his boys. But Zoey clarified that it wasn't Mystery's fault.

Then, she told him about when she returned to the palace. She tried to look for him, but they told her he had gone missing. She told him about Baby, who gave her a ring, who made promises.

She told him about when the king died, and the chaos that followed.

She told him about how her adoptive mother passed while waiting for the travel ban to be lifted. She told him about their funeral customs. They cremated her on a pyre, then threw the ashes in the sea. She told him how Kaesong held her as she collapsed in grief, losing her second mother.

She talked about how she waited until the travel ban was lifted after five years, and then the family continued on to the Qing territories, as promised.

She mentioned how Kaesong eventually took over as the family patriarch, and met a woman from Rus.

She then recounted how she broke away from the family, and settled in Qing, as promised, waiting, hoping, for Baby.

She talked about how she got a job as a merchant by the harbour, and how the shop keeper mentioned having a boy who only ever talked about his wife from Joseon, who disappeared suddenly one day.

She recounted how she waited.

And hoped.

And how she never looked at anyone else, even if they tried turning her head.

Kaesong now the head of the merchant family, would visit her when he was in the area. He married the woman from Rus and they had three beautiful children.

The days turned into weeks into months into years.

Until one day she was so frail she was moved to a house outside the city, she was in around her 60s - a longer lifespan than average of anyone from that time period, especially someone who grew up in the slums.

And how, on her deathbed, Baby showed up, and how she made him promise to find her again.

Jinu felt a mix of admiration and anger after she recounted her life. He felt gratitude toward the merchant family, toward Kaesong, toward the shop keep, toward the hunters.

But most of all he felt anger and guilt. He missed her life, he wasn't there to comfort her at her worst times.

He thought about Kaesong, who filled his shoes as her older brother. He wondered if, under different circumstances, they would have been friends.

Zoey gave his hand a gentle squeeze, "oppa, it's not your fault."

"I'm sorry." Jinu trembled, "I should have stayed with you and mum. I should've-"

"They would have killed you." Zoey said, "you didn't have a choice."

Zoey went in and gave him a tight hug. They stayed like that for a while.

"Did... did you hate me?" Jinu whispered.

Zoey looked at his face. There was fear, he was afraid of what she might say.

"Oppa, I was what? Eight? Nine?" Zoey said gently, "I didn't know what was going on."

"Did you hate me?" He repeated.

Zoey's lips pursed into a thin line, then she exhaled. "Yes, I did."

Jinu broke down into a fit of sobs, choking out apologies. "I left you, I shouldn't have... I'm so sorry."

"Oppa," Zoey held him, "you didn't leave us... I didn't understand, but eomma... Eomma always told me you didn't have a choice, and that I shouldn't be mad. When I got older, I understood."

Jinu wiped his face pathetically, endless apologies coming out of his mouth.

"Eomma never hated you."

Jinu looked at her in shock, "she-?"

Zoey nodded, "she was very proud of you oppa. You made it into the palace, you got a better life than we did, even if we weren't part of it anymore. She never spoke ill of you."

He trembled, another break down threatening to spill from the cracks. Zoey soothed him until his breathing calmed.

"Did you... miss us?" Zoey whispered.

Jinu laughed, placing a gentle kiss on her head, "there wasn't a day I didn't think about both of you."

They walked back to the penthouse, the air cooler around them and a weight lifted from their shoulders. They still had to talk to the others, of course, but for now, the brother and sister walked next to each other on the empty streets of Seoul, unable to do such in a previous lifetime.

"Oppa."

Jinu glanced at his sister, who was looking at him with a sparkle in her eye.

"Do you think, if eomma could see us now, what would she think?" Zoey whispered.

Jinu smiled at her, "she would be very proud of you, Zoey. I know I am."

Zoey grinned, but she shook her head, "no, oppa, she wouldn't be proud of me."

Jinu raised a brow, ready to argue, but Zoey laughed at his expression.

"She wouldn't be proud of me," she continued, "she would be proud of us."

Chapter Text

Modern Day

"I don't remember much from my human life." Mystery told them, "I can remember glimpses? But it's like a camera where the lens is broken, everything is blurry and I don't know why."

"Did you know Jinu?" Rumi asked him, and Mystery shook his head.

"I didn't. I never met him."

"But you knew Zoey?" Romance asked.

Mystery nodded, "her name was Zumi, Jinu's sister. I- I knew from the moment we ran into you in the alley... before we debuted Soda Pop."

"Each soul has a unique scent, and it's how we can recognised reincarnated people. Mystery has the best sense of smell out of all of us." Abby explained when he saw the girls' confused expressions, "some souls will smell similar, and to us with a weaker sense of smell, we might confuse similar smelling souls. With demons like Mystery though, he can identify down to the atom."

"So you knew she was Jinu's sister from the start?" Mira asked.

"No, I didn't... or rather, I didn't know Zumi was his sister." Mystery responded, "I didn't... I didn't get to know her well enough to know... and Jinu never talked about her... I just knew he had a sister but not the details."

"Okay." Rumi said, rubbing her chin, "and... what did Zoey mean when she said... assuming she married Baby?"

Mystery's body noticeably straightened. "She..." a lump formed in his throat, which he forced down, "when... when I turned into a demon... I went to see her... but when I saw her... she was wearing a ring. I didn't know who, but... when I met Baby, the ring smelled like him. So... so I just thought..."

Mira gave him a gentle pat on the shoulder, "that's a valid assumption, Mystery."

Rumi gave him a mug of hot chocolate to calm himself. She checked her phone and saw Jinu had sent her a text that he and Zoey were catching up, so they would be out for a while.

"We can talk more when Jinu comes back, but for now let the siblings catch up. It's been 400 years." Rumi said, "you guys get some rest. The couch is free for anyone who wants it."

"How about the interview?" Mira pointed out. Ah right. There was supposed to be an interview the day after the music video release to promote the video. They had asked the channel to change the interview from Zoey and Baby to Zoey and Jinu.

"The interview is in the evening," Rumi said, "they'll figure it out."

"What will we do about Baby?" Abby asked.

"Let's think about that another time." Rumi answered, walking to her room.

Mystery was still slowly sipping the hot chocolate, tiredness creeping in his bones. Despite not needing sleep, he might actually fall asleep right now with how drained he felt.

Mira glanced at Abby, and then at Romance, almost as if she was unsure what to say. She turned her heel and walked into her room, both boys following.

In Mira's room, Abby and Romance stood at the foot of her bed, and she stood next to it.

"... we need to talk." Mira mumbled.

"That we do." Abby agreed.

All three sat down on her bed, fair distances from each other. None of them said a word.

Romance was a little bit more relaxed than Abby or Mira, who both fidgeted and toyed with their hands. Well, the talk was more important for them anyway. Mira and Abby hadn't revisited what they did the first night of Abby's return, they were too embarrassed to.

"Mira..." Abby cut through the silence, "did you only have sex with me because you thought it's what I would want."

Mira stared at her hands, not know what to say. She didn't want to think too hard about it, but the thoughts did crawl into her mind after Romance's declaration of abstinence until she was ready. Did she want sex with Abby then because she was guilty and figured that was the only way to gain his favour? Did she even want it? It was almost routine to her, make up sex was pretty much expected of her from previous boyfriends and situationships, especially if she was the one who messed up (or if it was really them that messed up but they somehow managed to convince her into thinking it was her).

Abby seemed to take her silence as an answer, and just slowly nodded to himself, "I see..."

"It's not like that..." Mira mumbled, "I am... I am attracted to you... I really am... but I just... I didn't..."

"You don't need to explain yourself, Mira." Abby said, "I'm sorry I took advantage of you like that."

Mira's eyes widened, "no, don't say that! I wanted it too!"

"You did, and I did... but... just because we both wanted it doesn't mean we should have done it." Abby said.

Mira had no response to that.

"And..." Abby faced Romance, "I'm sorry we did it on your bed."

It irked him more than he would like, but Romance forced himself to shrug. At the end of the day, Mira didn't owe him loyalty. They weren't even dating, as much as he would like to change that. But he wanted to move according to Mira's comfort, and if she found it comforting to sleep with other people, he would find a way to be okay with it.

Mira stared at him intensely, which made Romance the slightest bit uncomfortable. It was like she was staring right into his soul, like she could sense that his shrug was less than sincere.

"It's all cool." He said nonchalantly, "like I said, what you have isn't my concern."

"You were pretty mad though." Abby pointed out.

"Because that was MY bed!" Romance scoffed, and Mira cracked a small smile.

"Sorry." Mira whispered.

"Mira," Romance looked at her, "at the end of the day, we aren't closed off. Not really."

Mira didn't miss how his voice subtly cracked at that, like it hurt for him to say.

"I do want to date you, and to eventually be your boyfriend, but I want you to be comfortable." He continued, "so I really don't care if you sleep with Abby, or anyone else... as long as I'm part of your life, I'm okay with it."

"What?" Mira said, shocked.

Romance nodded, "Mira, I love you. I really do... and... what you have with other people, I don't care... I just want a little bit of your heart, I can't handle not being part of your life. Even if I get a small part, it's okay."

Mira swallowed the lump that formed in her throat, "Ro... that's... not fair to you."

"I don't care." Romance declared. He knew that this declaration might be too much for Mira, who once shut him out after showing softness, but once the words started coming out, he couldn't stop them. Her eyes darted to the patterns on his skin, illuminating a faint lavender.

"You can push me away all you want, build your walls higher and higher, but I promise you, I will always come back, as long as you will still have me." He said, voice trembling. "I will only stop when you tell me you don't want me anymore."

The blush that formed on Mira's face was very prominent. After years of being told she was too much, too wild, too difficult, she never imagined being told such things.

"Well..." Abby said awkwardly, "I think you guys have some talking to do... I'll go join Mystery on the couch."

He gave Mira a gentle kiss on the forehead, and Romance a pat on the shoulder, then he walked out of the room.

Mira and Romance sat in silence. Romance reached over to take her hand, fingers locking. He brought her knuckles to his lips.

"You saw me in your memories," Romance whispered, "I don't know what that means yet, but... I can feel it in my bones. I loved you then, and I love you now. Mira, I promise you, I will love you in every lifetime."

Mira didn't even notice she was crying until Romance reached over to wipe a tear from her cheek.

"Sorry, too much?" Romance asked. A gasp left his lips when Mira suddenly grabbed his wrist.

"No... it's perfect." She gently pulled him in, pressing her lips into his.

It was a gentle, chaste kiss with no heat. She held his face with her hands, before enveloping her arms around his neck. Romance positioned his hands on her waist.

When Mira broke the kiss, he searched her eyes for any signs of discomfort.

"You deserve more than just a small bit of someone's heart, Ro." Mira whispered, "I don't want to do that to you."

"Mira," Romance said, "even just a small bit of your heart is worth everything."

Mira was fully sobbing now, wiping at her eyes with her hands but the tears just kept flowing. "No one... no one's ever..."

"I will." Romance promised. "I don't even have to be your boyfriend."

Mira giggled through tears, "but... you are."

Romance's eyes widened, and he couldn't help but feel a little giddy. "I... I am?"

"You are... and... you don't deserve a small piece of my heart... Ro... I-" she swallowed, finding it difficult to say what she wanted to say. "You... you deserve all... all of me..."

Tears started to form in Romance's eyes upon hearing Mira's words.

"I'm sorry I slept with Abby." She stammered, "and don't say it's okay... it's not. It won't happen again."

Romance nodded, the smile on his face still wide.

"I'm just... I'm afraid of messing up. Or you... you might get tired of dealing with me."

He shook his head, "I could never get tired of you... and I'm not asking for perfect. I want the mess, the headaches, your imperfections."

"What if I mess up?"

"I'll pick up the pieces and help you clean up."

Mira sniffled, "you're... how do I know you're not just saying that now?"

"You don't." He admitted, "you'll just have to trust me, and I'll show you every day that I mean it. I won't lie to you."

"You're crazy." Mira mumbled.

"Say what you want, but you can't run from this, from us." Romance said, "and if you try, I'll run after you."

The words formed in Mira's throat, and before she could stop them

"I love you."

Romance was taken aback, like he didn't expect her to say it. Then, he smiled wider, and cried harder.

"I love you." Mira repeated, the words easier to say the second time around.

"I love you too." Romance said, sniffling, "I love you so much, Mira."

Mira finally let herself melt into his arms, finding peace with him. Romance couldn't help the large grin that formed on his face. It was a step, and it would be difficult, but it would be worth it.

For Mira, everything was worth the risk.

•

Mystery sat on the couch, holding the mug of hot chocolate. Rumi had wrapped him in a nice weighted blanket, and he was oh so tired.

He didn't even realise he was falling asleep until someone grabbed the mug that was about to fall out of his hands.

"Oop!" Abby exclaimed, grabbing the mug. Drops of hot chocolate splashed on his fingers.

"Sorry." Mystery mumbled, setting the mug carefully on the coffee table. Abby took some tissues and wiped his hands, passing the box to Mystery.

"So..." Mystery said, "how are things with... Mira?"

Abby shrugged, "I'm pretty sure we were just a one time thing."

They both leaned back on the couch, staring at the ceiling.

"What are you going to do about Zoey?" Abby asked quietly.

Mystery exhaled loudly, "I don't know."

"You guys should talk."

"I know."

They stared at the ceiling again.

"This is fucked." Mystery said under his breath.

"Agreed."

•

Zoey and Jinu shared more stories about their lives since, then agreed to show each other the places they explored and stayed at. They also promised to return to their old home outside Seoul.

"Do you think we've met eomma? Or will we meet her again?" Zoey wondered aloud, "do you think she reincarnated into this time period?"

"I don't know." Jinu admitted, "I'd like to meet your family though. Kae was his name, right? Yeah, have to thank him properly for taking a headache off my hands."

Zoey swatted his shoulder as Jinu grinned. "Okay, I take it back. I'm grateful the palace took you."

"I'm just a better musician than you." Jinu teased.

"At least I had a life." Zoey stuck her tongue out.

They entered the elevator to the penthouse. On the floor landing, they found Mystery fast asleep on the couch, with Abby sitting next to him scrolling his phone.

"You guys should rest, it's like three am and you have an interview tonight." Abby said without looking up from his phone.

"Right." Zoey mumbled.

It was strange to them, being closer in age than they were before. Zumi was maybe eight when Jinu stopped aging at 25, and now Zoey was 22. Still, Jinu looked at her like he could still see the bright eyes that looked up at him 400 years ago.

Jinu walked her to her bed, and tucked her in.

"Wait." Zoey stopped him, "oppa... can you... sing?"

Jinu was a little surprised, but then his lips formed a small grin. "You still remember that, huh?"

Jinu was 17 when she was born. Their father had just passed a few months prior.

Their eomma collapsed on the floor of their house, blood dripping between her legs. They had no money for a proper birth, she would have to deliver at home.

With Jinu.

It was dangerous, and Jinu was afraid. There were too many risks, and he heard stories of women dying in childbirth. The amount of blood scared him.

Miraculously, the baby was born. It was a girl, and his mother passed out from the pain immediately after birth. He took the newborn infant to their only supply of clean water and cleaned the blood off her. After that was done, he cleaned up their mother.

The baby girl wouldn't stop crying, so he did the only thing he knew.

He sang.

He made up a lullaby for her, humming, adding words, and changing beats.

The baby girl stopped crying, and fell asleep in his arms.

"It's my lullaby," Zoey reminded him, "how could I forget? Did you?"

He didn't.

Of course he didn't.

He remembered how she would wake up from a bad dream, or she couldn't sleep. She would crawl up to him and curl into him, asking him to sing the lullaby.

it scares away the bad guys she had said, eyes twinkling.

And he would cradle her in his arms, rocking back and forth, singing the lullaby until sleep claimed her.

He remembered when she got sick at three years old, and he was extremely afraid that she would not make it. He held her tight, refusing to allow their mother to come closer in case it was contagious.

Jinu did end up catching whatever the illness was, and still he cradled her every night, signing the lullaby through hoarse vocals.

And now, she looked at him with the same twinkle in her eyes.

"Okay." He sat down next to her on the bed, and she leaned into him.

It was a strange feeling, holding her in his arms again.

And he started to sing, and rock her back and forth, like old times.

She didn't fit in his lap anymore, so she sat next to him, with his arms wrapped around her body.

She tried her hardest to stay awake, but sleep claimed her just as Jinu finished the lullaby. He gave her a gentle kiss on the temple, and tucked her in.

He hesitated before leaving her room, like if he walked out the door, he wouldn't see her again for another 400 years, but he shook off the fears and let her rest. He closed the door gently behind him and moved to the couch, where Abby was still scrolling.

"Not staying with Rumi?" Abby said, looking at him briefly.

Jinu shook his head, "she's already asleep, I might wake her."

"Welcome to the couch." He said, patting the cushions.

"Mystery is out cold, what happened?"

Abby shrugged, "I guess he was just extremely exhausted."

"Right."

They sat in silence, the glow of Abby's phone in his face. He looked up at Jinu, putting his phone down.

"Jinu, I want you to tell me the truth," Abby said, "did... did we know Mira and Romance?"

Jinu was silence for a beat, and Abby thought he wasn't going to answer.

But then he nodded slowly.

"We all need to talk." Jinu whispered.

Abby agreed.

Chapter Text

Modern Day

"We've got an extra special show for you guys today!" The host beamed at the camera, "just yesterday, they released a new single that topped the charts within hours. It's Zoey from Huntr/x and former Saja Boy Jinu!"

The studio audience applauded. Screamed of 'I love you!' and whistles echoed.

"Alright so, tell me, what was the process behind the song? Zoey, you're your group's lyricist, so we're all used to hearing a specific tune and style from you. Freak is a bit different, but very similar to something we heard from Jinu before. Did you guys get together to write it? Was that intentional? What was the thought process there?"

"Well, I'm Huntr/x's lyricist," Zoey answered, "so I just write down everything I think of. I keep a lot of journals."

"She does." Jinu chuckled.

Zoey swatted at him, "when we did Freak, we were actually working on a different song for Huntr/x," she winked at the camera, which earned her screams from the studio audience, "and when we do these song sessions, I always bring my notebooks with me."

"Yeah we weren't really getting anywhere," Jinu continued, but then he couldn't control himself from laughing, "so when Zoey took a break, and I'm definitely saying you guys should never look in a girl's diary-"

"OH! PAUSE!" The host screamed, and the audience laughed, "you looked in her diary?!"

"He did!" Zoey laughed.

"Okay, it wasn't really!" Jinu chuckled, "it was in her stack of notebooks, and Mystery and I noticed we had never looked in it before!"

"Maybe because it's her diary." The host said plainly, which made the live audience crack up.

"We found a bunch of lyrics in there that she had never showed any of us before," Jinu said, "a lot of them didn't fit the vibe we were trying."

"Wait, wait, wait, let me rewind that." The host said, "so you and Mystery, two boys, looked in her diary?"

Zoey nodded, "they did!"

"And it was filled with scrapped lyrics?"

"Not really," Zoey explained, "it was more... you know... songs and lyrics that don't fit the Huntr/x vibe."

"So scrapped lyrics?"

The audience laughed and Zoey snorted, "okay, yes scrapped lyrics."

"So, I'm assuming Freak wasn't the only song in those pages?" the host wiggled his brows, and the audience cheered.

Jinu and Zoey looked at each other goofily as the audience freaked out.

"So going back," Jinu said, "Mystery and I were going through the pages, and Mystery reads out a stanza and a hook just starts playing in my head. It's the part that goes let me be your freak show, I could be your favorite monster."

"So the beat came to you." The host surmised.

Jinu nodded, "that's pretty much how it went."

"Yeah," Zoey agreed, "I had the lines in there but I didn't really have a beat for most of them. Oppa was the one who came up with it."

"So, we got this hit because you were doing a sneaky sneak." The host teased, and the two laughed.

"Prior to this, you released a recorded version of a rap battle with a different Saja Boy. Tell me, what was it like working with them?"

Jinu looked at Zoey with masked concern, searching her face for any discomfort. Zoey lightly touches his shoulder, "it's definitely different. Baby and I, we're rappers, so we definitely go harder. The track we freestyled on was also a sample of a different beat. There wasn't much of a writing process there because we just said what comes to mind. With oppa and Mystery, it's a more traditional songwriting session."

"Interesting!" The host said, "and you managed to get the Saja Boys out of the woodwork too! Have you worked with the others too?"

Zoey nodded, "we have sessions with Romance too, but he's more of a ballad writer. I haven't gotten to work with Abby yet, he just got back. I mostly work with oppa and Mystery."

"So what I'm hearing is, Huntr/x and Saja collaborate a lot?"

They both nodded.

"That's crazy! You guys were rivals once upon a time!"

"It was always just a competitive, friendly moment." Zoey elaborated.

Jinu nodded, "yeah, nothing personal. We loved seeing them succeed."

"We can see that, can't we folks?"

The audience applauded.

"And with that in mind, Jinu, you were the leader of the Saja Boys. Freak is the first time we've heard any Saja sing since Soda Pop... officially..." he winked at the camera, "can we expect a comeback anytime soon?"

"Well, I'm happy with my position now, and most of us are happier behind the scenes. We consider Huntr/x's next album our comeback." Jinu said.

"Alright! Now, you guys, I noticed, what's the relationship here? Zoey, you called Jinu oppa multiple times. Are you guys related? Is this a bond going on? What's the tea here?"

Jinu and Zoey laughed.

"We're like... soul siblings." Jinu said carefully, "we just click."

"It's like we were brother and sister in a previous life or something." Zoey beamed.

A bunch of awwws came from the audience.

"Alright, and before we play the new music video for Freak for our viewers, I have one last question for Zoey. I think a lot of our viewers want to know."

Zoey nodded.

"You released Zoebaby Rap and Freak without your Huntr/x sisters. How was that conversation, and! And!" He paused for dramatic effect, "are you planning on going solo?"

The audience went silent, waiting for her response.

"They were extremely supportive." Zoey chuckled, "in fact, Rumi and Mira are in the audience right now!"

The camera panned to Rumi and Mira in the front row of the live audience, clapping and laughing. They blew kisses to the camera.

"As for going solo? It's not in my plans as of yet." Zoey explained, "I love being in Huntr/x and I don't want it to end, it just so happens that when I write, I write a lot."

"So no going solo?" The host confirmed. "But how about solo projects?"

"Yes!"

The audience burst into laughter because the resounding yes had not come from Zoey, but from Rumi and Mira themselves.

"She's very talented!" Mira shouted.

"Okayyy so we got the answer to that!" The host laughed, "okay ladies and gents! That was Zoey and Jinu with us tonight! And we got their new music video for Freak coming up next!"

The cameras cut as the music video played for the viewers. Jinu and Zoey exited the stage.

•

Mira jumped from one rooftop to another.

After the interview, they went to celebrate back at the penthouse once again. While they all knew there was a conversation that needed to be had, tonight was not the time.

Mira excused herself from the festivities, claiming a headache.

But in reality?

"What are you doing here?" Baby hissed through his door, "aren't you supposed to be celebrating?"

"Open the door." Mira deadpanned, with no room for question. He was greeted with a fist to the face when he opened the door.

"Okay, fine I deserved that."

"And more." Mira huffed.

"Did you just come here to beat me?" Baby whined, rubbing his face.

"That, and to talk." She said, voice monotone. She stepped over the threshold without asking permission, taking in the absolute horrid state his apartment was in. "I'm not cleaning this up this time."

"Sad, thought I'd get a free deep clean this time." Baby snarked.

"Ha ha." She said, eyes narrowing. She moved around the broken glass and porcelain on the floor, noticing there weren't any dirty dishes in the sink. The waste bin was empty too, but there was a pile of crumpled paper surrounding his desk.

"Done judging?" Baby said, watching the way her eyes flitted around his apartment. She didn't even see the state the bedroom was in.

"Nope." She responded, "but you'll answer my questions anyway."

"I'm not promising."

"You'll find it best to answer properly." Mira sneered.

Baby rolled his eyes, "fine... whatever."

Mira pulled out a chair from the dining table and sat down. She gestured for him to join her.

"Alright... let's start the interrogation." Baby grinned.

Mira wasn't impressed. "Tell me about your life, starting from when you were human."

Baby's grin got wider, but she spotted the discomfort in his eyes. "Straight to the juicy bits?"

"Answer it. And answer it truthfully."

"Or what?"

"I'll strike you where you stand."

"I'm not standing though."

"You know what I mean."

There was a tense silence as they stared at each other, Mira with anger in her eyes and Baby trying to match her energy. They were essentially having a staring contest.

"Start with what you're comfortable sharing." Mira said, still with bite but a little bit gentler.

Baby narrowed his eyes at her, but broke the stare. He shifted uncomfortably, moving his gaze to the wall. "Fine."

Mira tried not to sound too triumphant, but Baby glowered at her.

"Well?" She said, leaning back.

"Give me a minute!" Baby snapped, breathing shakily, "it's not that easy, okay!"

Mira nodded, her angry face relaxing into something more neutral.

Then he started talking.

"I was born into the royal family." He said, hating how he stared at his hands while talking. "My mother was a concubine, and I was the second born son of the emperor, which meant I was a target."

He peeked at Mira, who was still looking at him. "Go on."

"My mother was disposed a little after my birth, so I don't remember her at all. I had an older sister who took care of me. She wasn't the best but... she stuck around... then she disappeared suddenly."

He looked up at Mira, who nodded encouragingly.

"I don't even remember her name. I was ten when she disappeared, and they stopped saying her name in court. I didn't understand she was gone, permanently, so I kept crying for her. That was the last time I ever cried over anyone."

"You must be close."

Baby shook his head, "barely. She only checked in to make sure I was eating, breathing, still alive. She would snap at me sometimes, but... she was my only family. The only one who even bothered to care."

He told her about life growing up in the palace, how he was groomed to be the spare, how his older brother and the empress constantly targeted him.

Then he told her about Zoey, or rather, Zumi at the time.

"Wait... so... you only started doing all this," she waved her hand around, "because you realised she's Jinu's actual sister and you started to feel uncomfortable?"

He nodded.

"And you decided to start ghosting her instead of talking to her?"

"Pretty much, yeah."

Mira didn't know if she wanted to slap the shit out of him or strike him where he stood.

"I know, okay." Baby said, watching her glare daggers into him, "I get it. Zoey deserves better, I know. I just... I don't know what's wrong with me. I can't."

"You were able to talk to me." Mira pointed out, "provided I threatened you first."

"That's different." He said defensively.

"How is it different then?"

"It just is... and anyway what's the point? I've already lost her."

Mira's face contorted in what he believes is disgust, "seriously? So you'll just let her go? Like that?"

"I never deserved her." He mumbled, sinking his head into his hands. He didn't want her to see him cry.

"You're not even going to try and be someone who deserves her?" Mira said, disappointment lacing her voice.

"How do you suggest I do that?" He whispered, looking up at her pathetically. But his tone was genuine.

"Oh, I don't know... maybe TALK?!" Mira screeched, and she noticed him flinch slightly. Remembering his past, she composed herself, "sorry... but you should start with talking. She deserves an apology AND an explanation at the very least."

Baby nodded, looking down at his hands once again.

Mira stood up silently, walking over all the broken shards toward the door.

"You remind me of her."

Mira froze. She looked at Baby over her shoulder, who was looking back at her.

"My sister, I mean." He clarified.

Mira didn't know what to say to that, and Baby did not know why he even bothered to tell her.

She silently continued toeing over all the shards on the floor, until she made it to the door.

"Goodnight, Baby." she said, walking out the apartment.

Chapter Text

Modern Day

"Hello Auntie."

"Hello Jinu. How's Rumi?"

"She's doing alright, auntie." Jinu answered, looking back at Rumi from her balcony. She looked at him from her bed, smiling faintly.

Even though she agreed that it would be best that Jinu would be the in between person for her and Celine, it was still a little uncomfortable for her seeing them talk. Especially after everything Celine had taught her about demons.

Jinu was updating Celine on what had transpired with the elixir, the effects, and what Zoey remembered. Rumi could see him laughing, talking so relaxed and casually. It was a little unsettling for her to see Jinu so relaxed, not that she didn't like that but... why couldn't she have that comfort with Celine?

Jinu told her Celine was put in psychiatric care after the Namsan incident, and was discharged around two months after. Celine was doing well, supposedly, but Rumi wasn't ready to speak to her. Once in a while, Celine would get manic and start bombarding her with calls to talk. She was grateful that Jinu was always around to tell her off for that.

She was so deep in her own head that she didn't notice him return to the bed until the mattress dipped and his hands circled her waist, lips planting gentle kisses on her shoulder.

"Hi." He said, grinning.

"Hi." She smiled, pecking his lips.

"Are you okay? What are you thinking?" He asked, resting his chin on her shoulder.

"I'm okay." Rumi answered. She ended it there, not answering his second question.

Jinu raised his brow, but didn't pry.

"Anyway," Rumi said, "I think you have some explaining to do."

He nodded. There was a lot of talking that had to be done, specifically with Mira. He had already cleared things up with Zoey.

He had asked Mira the night before if she wanted to drink the elixir, so they could have her memories in when they talked. She agreed and he actually made sure this time that the drink went to her.

After the drink and celebrating (she made fun of Jinu on Zoey's live), she claimed to have a little headache and excused herself to bed. Zoey whined that it was only 7pm, but Mira was decided. Romance went to follow, but she asked if she could spent tonight alone. He pouted a little, but nodded and went back to the festivities.

She was actually planning to drop by Baby's, but ended up taking a nap beforehand.

Unlike Zoey, who had multiple lives before this one, Mira only relived two.

The first life she experienced, she died on the streets of Paris during the French Revolution at the age of 17.

And then she relived the one she had been dreaming about, hanging herself at 16.

She woke up a little past 11pm, the sounds of laughing still coming from outside her room.

Due to only having lives two prior lives, she didn't feel as overwhelmed as Zoey did. It did slightly concern her that she died young in both, but she was now in her mid 20s, older than any of those lives lived. It was a small victory.

But now, she needed to speak to Baby.

She debated with herself if she should tell him what she now knew, but decided to keep it to herself for now. Would he know? Did he know?

"You remind me of her." He said, and she wanted to smack his face. yeah, maybe because I AM

The penthouse was silent when she returned. Figuring the party was over, she slipped into the kitchen to get a glass of water.

She found Abby and Romance on the couch, talking. They looked up at her when she stepped into view, and by their expressions, she guessed they were talking about her.

She tried not to look at Abby, who was shirtless.

She tried not to think of her past with them. Well... she had no way to confirm if it was really them, but it would be a huge coincidence if it weren't.

They both definitely changed a lot since. Abby used to be scrawny, skin, and bones. He started getting some meat on them when she snuck them food on their nightly escapes.

Romance changed the most. While Abby just got beefier, Romance looked like he'd visited a doctor. But like all good cosmetic procedures, you could still somehow see him if you knew him well enough. His features weren't so different, rather they were more defined. It was like make up - cute without, hot with.

"Are you okay?" Romance said first, looking her up and down.

She blinked out of her thoughts, "yeah just... wanted a cup of water."

"Okay." He got up and moved to the kitchen.

"Ro, I can get it myself." Mira protested, following behind him.

"I got here first." He teased, handing her the cup of water.

When she finished the water, he put his hand out for the empty cup, but she ignored him and put it in the sink herself.

He chuckled, shaking his head, "princess, let me take care of you."

Mira tensed up.

"Mira?"

She looked him in the eye, "are you sure you don't remember anything from your life?"

Romance was taken aback by the sudden question, and Abby coughed a little from the couch.

"Nothing?" Mira asked, the look on her face curious, determined, and a little disappointed. It made Romance extremely weak.

"Mira... what did you see?"

She pursed her lips, looking at him and then over his shoulder to Abby, "do you remember anything?"

"Nothing much, princess." Abby responded.

Mira looked at her feet, a little disappointed.

"Do you want to talk?" Romance asked her.

Mira shook her head, "maybe in the morning."

He nodded, taking her in an embrace. She sunk her face into his chest, taking in a generous whiff of his scent.

"Do you want to lie down?" He asked, noticing how she sucked in a breath. He was a little concerned, not realising she was actually just taking him in.

She looked up at him, "I'll stay with you."

She moved away from him and to the couch, sitting down just across from Abby. She looked at Romance and patted the space next to her.

Abby and Romance made eye contact before Abby nodded subtly. Romance sat down and Mira curled into him.

The two men tried not to look at each other (but kept accidentally glancing). Mira didn't notice, curled up into Romance's side with her eyes fluttering shut.

"So, are you guys exclusive?" Abby had asked him after the others went to bed.

"I guess so." Romance answered.

"Oh." Abby said silently, "so..."

...

Romance glanced at him, "I mean... I told her I was okay with it."

"Are you?"

"Yeah!" Romance said, "especially with you because I know you!"

Abby shrugged, "well... she chose you."

That little fact made Romance's heart swell, but he didn't like seeing Abby upset. Heck, he knew they BOTH liked Mira.

"She said something about how I don't deserve to share." Romance whispered, "she... I think she thinks I'm settling."

"You didn't clarify?"

"She was expressing her feelings okay?" Romance said defensively, "she never does that! I couldn't interrupt!"

"Well... whatever she decides, I respect." Abby said.

"Maybe you should talk to her." Romance suggested.

"Eventually... maybe." Abby said. "But... maybe she just doesn't like me that much, and that's okay."

Romance shook his head, "you know that's not true."

While Romance was open to poly (which he constantly referenced), he couldn't deny he definitely enjoyed being Mira's one and only. Still, he was well aware there might be issues with Abby, especially with how helpless he looked right now.

"You're in love with her too." Romance whispered.

Abby's silence told him everything.

"Maybe... we can test the waters... see if it works... and what works..." Romance suggested, "but... we can't spring it on her right away. She's still not very receptive to it I think."

"It's okay." Abby assured him, "I can respect it."

"But we can try."

"We don't have to. It might ruin what you have."

They sat in silence for a moment, until Romance said, "when the time is right."

When the sun rose, Mira woke up to the smell of bulgogi slapping her nostrils.

It was already lunchtime. She found herself lying down on the couch, Romance and Abby (who was no longer shirtless) sitting on the floor playing on the XBox while Zoey sat on the end of the couch on her phone. Jinu and Rumi were in the kitchen, as usual.

"Good morning!" Rumi said when she saw Mira's head peek up from the couch.

"Did it work?" Jinu asked as he transferred beef into bowls.

Mira smirked at him, "you have a lot of explaining to do."

"I'm taking it worked." Rumi surmised, not noticing how Jinu turned a little pale when Mira's eyes started darting between him and Rumi.

The table was set and all six of them sat to eat, with Mira told them the story of her past life over bulgogi and kimchi.

"I was the daughter of the emperor and his concubine." She began, then she pointed at Abby and Romance, "you two were in it," then she pointed at Jinu, "as were you," and then at Rumi, "and... maybe you."

Rumi looked at Jinu in shock, who stared at his hands in embarrassment.

Mira continued talking, telling them about life in the palace, and then she got to the part that she had regular nightmares about.

She had been dreaming about Abby and Romance this entire time.

She didn't tell them about the regular nightly escapes - those felt extremely personal. She also decided not to tell them how they died - or rather how she thought they died. She looked at the two men, who were watching her carefully. They seemed to understand.

They didn't push when she refused to talk about those things.

"So... that answers your nightmares." Rumi said thoughtfully, "you think they'll stop now?"

"Maybe." Jinu said, "she might have to come to terms with certain things, like things she couldn't do back then."

Zoey was next. She told everyone about her past life, and how she knew Mystery and Baby.

"Baby was the son of the emperor and a... concubine-" Zoey's eyes widened as she realised the implication. All of their gazes landed on Mira, who shifted uncomfortably.

"He's your-"

"Yeah..." she said silently.

"Does he know?" Rumi asked.

"He's never said anything to me." Zoey said.

"He doesn't know." Mira said, looking up at them. "I went to see him last night."

All eyes were on her now.

"After... after I woke up... I just needed to talk. So I went." Mira explained.

"What did he say?" Zoey asked.

"He told me about his human life. He doesn't... remember me..." Mira whispered, "he was too young."

Jinu added to the story when Zoey was done talking, explaining that he did, in fact, know Abby and Romance prior. He also added that he wasn't sure if they wanted to remember.

"Okay... that's all settled." Jinu said, hand settling on Rumi's, "anyone have any questions?"

•

Zoey walked with the hoodie over her head.

She needed to talk to him. If he wasn't going to come to her, she would.

Okay, to be fair he did, but she was caught up with Mystery... he wasn't wrong when he made an assumption, but still.

The sun was covered with clouds and it was threatening to pour. She tightened the hood and kept walking.

She had been to his apartment once before, knowing which train station to get off of, but that's where it ended.

She got hopelessly lost at some point, just walking around in what felt like circles. She cursed out loud at the situation, now why was she doing this when he should be the one apologising? It's crazy.

She accidentally bumped into someone while walking, "sorry!"

She kept walking.

At some point, she recognised the area. Oh! Baby's place should be around here somewhere!

And then she felt the hand circle her wrist.

It was the man she accidentally bumped into earlier.

"I see your brother isn't with you this time?" He smirked. "Did you come here to find me?"

Zoey's eyes widened. Great, it's the pervert from last time. "No! Let me go!"

"Wow, you're strong. Let's test that." He said as Zoey managed to shake off his hold, but he tried to grab at her again.

"Stop!" Zoey screamed.

"C'mon darling, I won't tell your brother if you won't."

When Zoey felt the shift in the air, she knew. Before she could say anything, the man shot into the air and landed ten feet away from her.

"Stay away." Baby hissed, standing between him and Zoey.

"Ah fuck, another lizard person." The man said, picking himself up and limping away, hand cradling his side.

Baby wasn't done with him, but before he could make another step, Zoey held his wrist, her voice cracking.

"Can we talk? Please?"

Chapter Text

400 Years Ago

Rumi had gotten off the boat from Joseon two days ago. She was fortunate enough to be given an exemption to the travel ban the new emperor imposed on Joseon, as her marriage had already been planned.

Or maybe, she theorised, the new emperor was just very keen on eliminating anyone who was connected to his sister.

Her new home here in the Qing territories was at a bayside. Her new husband was okay, to say the least. He was a lot older than her, and seemed uninterested in her completely.

She was greeted at the dock by a maid, who helped her settle in her new room. She assumed she would be sharing a room with her new husband, but her husband was intent on having separate bedrooms.

Day one of her new life in Qing, she decided to explore the shops. She silently thanked her father for teaching her basic Manchu.

While the locals were very friendly, and kind to her, she heard other whispers.

"That's general Bi's new wife? Does she know?"

"I don't think she does."

"Maybe she does!"

Rumi tried hard to ignore it, but the lingering stares were a bit frazzling.

On the third day, as she was preparing for a bath, she decided to ask the maid.

"The people... are saying things about the general." Rumi began.

The maid inhaled sharply.

"What is it?" Rumi asked.

"There are... rumours, madam." The maid said, washing Rumi's back in the bath, "forgive me."

"No, it's okay." Rumi muttered.

The maidservant smiled at her gently, "General Bi is friendly, and he pays no mind to the rumours... but they are true."

Rumi raised a brow.

"I'm sure you've noticed," the maidservant continued, "but General Bi is open to discussion about them. We all know... we just don't talk about it, especially to those who won't understand."

"I... I don't understand?" Rumi was confused. She had just got here! What rumours?

The maidservant helped her out of the bath, wringing her hair, "I'm sure it would be best if General Bi tells you himself. Forgive me, mistress."

Rumi nodded, as she got dressed in a simple robe. Meals were usually the only time she spent with her husband.

"Ah, my wife!" General Bi greeted her, giving a gently kiss on the cheek. He was shorter than her, so he had to tip toe and she had to lean down, "come! Dinner is here!"

Rumi sat down across from him, the table filled with Qing cuisine.

"How are you adjusting?" The general asked, biting into a dumpling.

Rumi nodded, "it's okay, the people are nice."

The general nodded, "you should eat more Rumi! This entire feast is for you!"

"Oh, general-"

"Bao." The general corrected her, "first names, remember?"

Rumi bowed her head, "of course, Bao."

"And stop it with that!" Bao waved it off, "I'm a general, but you are not my soldier! No need to treat me with such reverence."

"But... you are my husband..."

Bao chuckled, eating more duck, "relax! Tell me, did you go shopping today?"

Rumi nodded, "yes. I bought new clothes."

Her husband's eyes sparkled, "what kind?"

"Some robes... new slippers... shoes."

"Silk?" Bao gleamed, "purple would look great on you, darling."

Rumi looked at him, "you think so?"

"Oh dear... I know so!"

Rumi laughed. General Bi... he was less like a husband and more like a father.

"Umm... Bao... forgive me for asking..."

Bao hummed, looking at her from his drink of tea.

"I... heard a few things... from the people..."

Bao's eyes filled with a mix of emotions, "ah... that." He sighed, "forgive me, my wife, I should have been honest with you from the start, but the nature of our engagement and married did not give me much room."

Rumi nodded, "that's alright, Bao."

"I must confess, you are absolutely gorgeous, and I am honoured to be your husband... but..." he seemed incredibly nervous, glancing at her like he was checking if she would react negatively, "the... I was given an order... to get married to a woman..."

She drank her own tea.

"...because I was... I was caught with a man."

She spat the tea.

"I'm sorry! I'm sorry!" Bao passed a napkin, checking her face for any disgust. "I should have been honest with you, but I... I understand you must feel disgusted..."

When she got ahold of herself, she smiled gently at him, "I'm not disgusted, but I am a bit confused... I never knew that was possible?"

Bao was a little relived, sighing into his tea, "thank you. Anything you want to know, I will tell you. Anything at all."

"So... everyone here knows?"

Bao shook his head, "just the servants here in the house. Outside? Rumours."

"So... what does that mean for us?"

Bao breathed quietly, thinking about his next words before speaking, "Rumi... you are beautiful but... I just... like men... and I am too old for you anyway haha! If you want children, I can try but... no promises. I understand if you want to take a lover or something like that. In fact, it might be best... any children you might have, I will take responsibility. I'm sorry... I understand this is not the set up you might have envisioned for yourself in marriage..."

"I understand." Rumi smiled, "this... this was supposed to be my friend's set up, and honestly, I think she would have loved this."

She tried not to cry thinking of Mira. This set up would be perfect for her.

"You are like my daughter." Bao smiled, "in a strange, weird way because we are married..."

She laughed.

And so she settled in her new life in Qing. Bao was very doting, spoiling her and giving her everything she wanted. He told her she was like his own personal doll. He loved buying her clothes and shoes, dressing her up, putting on cosmetics.

He wasn't keen on dressing himself, Rumi had thought men who were attracted to men wanted to wear cosmetics and dress like women, but not Bao. Bao was flamboyant, but dressed like a man. He was well respected in the military too, the way he commanded his men was inspiring.

Their home quickly became a safe space, which was what Bao had always wanted for anyone who came in. Rumi was free to feast on as much food as she wanted, sit with her legs splayed or on the chair, burp as loud as possible.

"So... Rumi." Bao began one night at dinner, "since you... you know... were arranged to marry me all of a sudden... I must ask... did you have a lover back home?"

Rumi chortled, "none of the sort. You didn't steal me from anyone, don't worry."

She didn't like how she suddenly thought about one specific bipa player.

"I know that look," Bao said, "you didn't have a lover, but you wanted to! So... what's his name? Is he cute? If you want, I can send for him. Hire him as my personal guard so we live in the same household."

Rumi laughed, "I swear there was no one."

Bao gave her one last look of playful suspicion, "if you say so... but the offer is still up."

"Thank you." Rumi giggled, then she sighed, "okay fine... I did like someone but... he disappeared."

"Oh, I'm sorry to hear." He mumbled.

"I still don't know what happened..." she sighed, "he just... disappeared in front of me... I don't..."

Bao nodded solemnly, "we don't have to talk about it."

She silently put noodles in her mouth, slurping up the soup. "And... I don't think you'd be able to take him here either... he was a court musician."

"Ooo what did he play?"

"Bipa." Rumi said, her face showing fondness.

Bao noticed, smiling, "you're in love with him."

She was shocked, "I-... no! I- I mean-"

He laughed, putting a dumpling in his mouth, "I know that look." He sighed, "just unfortunate what happened... maybe in another lifetime, you'll meet again."

Rumi snorted, "you believe in that?"

He nodded, "I do. Love is wonderful, beautiful. Not just romantic, familial and platonic too. Soul bonds are made with it... we'll probably meet in a future lifetime, and I'm hoping we don't have to get married. And then maybe, you can be with him."

Her lip trembled, "o-oh... thank you."

That night, Rumi let herself imagine it. A future maybe, where she was with Jinu. A time where their social classes wouldn't keep them apart. How many years into the future would that be? She thought about her husband, who probably loved someone else. Maybe in the future, he could be with who he really wanted to be. And she would be around, not as his wife but as a friend.

•

Modern Day

"Rumi!" Bobby said when Rumi answered the phone, "I know we said you guys are on break, but with Zoey's releases, a lot of networks are asking for interviews or performances."

"No worries, Bobby." Rumi answered, "we can just reject those we don't want."

"Phew." Bobby sighed, "I did actually already reject more than half, but the best one so far is Waterbomb, though they're mostly asking for Zoey."

"Oh that's great!" Rumi answered, "I'll speak to her."

"Thank you." Bobby said, and then he hesitated, "umm... Rumi?"

"Yeah?"

"I... can I be free tonight?"

Rumi raised a brow. Their manager never asked for days off, in fact they had to force him to take breaks. "Sure... what for?"

Bobby was sweating nervously, "nothing! I just... I'm going to... dinner..."

Rumi squealed, "AHHH NO WAY! Okay yeah! Take as long as you want!"

"Rumiii!" Bobby whined, embarrassed. "Don't tell the others yet."

"Hehe.." Rumi teased, "I won't. Enjoy your night. I'll speak to Zoey."

Rumi got up from bed to go to Zoey's room, a little giddy from the news. Her excitement faded when she couldn't find Zoey.

"Mira? Did you see Zoey?"

"No?" Mira answered from the couch. "She's not in her room?"

Rumi shook her head.

"Jinu?"

Jinu, who was in the kitchen making ice cream from scratch, shook his head.

Meanwhile, after the altercation by Baby's apartment, Zoey had managed to convince Baby to talk. She found it strange that Baby absolutely refused to let her into his apartment, but it was a start.

So now, they found themselves on a bench nearby. Only then did she finally get to have a good look at him.

His hair was completely faded now, and he looked absolutely frail. His cheeks weren't the chubby little things fans were used to seeing, as they were pretty much sunken in. Had he been eating?

"Are you okay?" Zoey whispered, gently touching his cheek.

He tried to take control of himself, but upon Zoey's touch, he just melted.

"I'm sorry." he muttered, "I-... I love you, Zoey."

He tried to reach for her hand, but she recoiled.

"Baby... I'm sorry." Zoey said gently, "but... I need time... what you did... the shoot... you left."

"I understand." He tried not to show how hurt he was. "Are you... with Mystery?"

Zoey shook her head, "no."

"But... you like him?"

Zoey couldn't answer.

Baby nodded, like that was all the confirmation he needed. "Zoey... I'm really sorry. I know I have a problem I just-"

He was silenced when Zoey went in to embrace him. He couldn't help but let the tears fall.

"Let's just... start again." Zoey suggested, "you and Mystery."

He nodded, "thank you."

"I do like both of you," Zoey admitted, "I think... let's just see how things go."

"Okay." Baby's lip trembled.

She left a gentle kiss on his cheek. "Rumi's aunt has a therapist that knows about all this... maybe she can help."

"Okay... and Zoey?"

"Hmm?"

Baby shuffled a little, like he was unsure if he wanted to speak, "no matter... no matter what... even if you... don't choose me in this life... I will always love you."

Zoey returned to the penthouse a little lighter. She'd have to talk to Rumi about Celine's therapist and if they'd be willing to take on Baby.

When she got to her room, she found Mystery.

"Mystery?" She asked, a little shocked, "why are you here?"

"I wanted to talk..." he muttered, keeping a respectful distance from her.

She nodded, "okay."

He stood there in silence, shuffling a little on his feet, like he didn't know what to say.

Or he was trying to figure out what to say.

"I'm sorry." He finally said, "I should have talked to you."

Zoey shook her head, "I'm sorry I got mad."

Mystery gave her a gentle smile, and then "how are you and Baby?"

There was a tenseness to his question that wasn't missed by Zoey. Mystery probably realised he was keeping himself away for nothing. She and Baby were never married.

She shrugged, "we're okay... but... we agreed to start again... see where things go."

Mystery stood there silently, taking in all the information. Then, before he could stop himself, he strode over to her in five steps.

Zoey was confused, but then his hands circled her waist, firmly at the small of her back.

"I'm sorry." He said right before he pressed his lips onto hers, gently, carefully, like he wasn't sure yet if she would be okay with this.

And then Zoey leaned into him, wrapping her arms around his neck. She nipped at him, and soon they were touching tongues, heat forming in their bodies.

Then, Mystery pulled away.

Zoey whined a little, chasing his lips for more, but Mystery held her firmly.

"I'm sorry," he breathed heavily, "I just... needed to do that... at least once."

He released her and walked out of the room wordlessly, leaving Zoey dumbstruck, the feeling of his lips and his hands on her lingering.

Chapter Text

I didn't want to have to post an entire chapter update for just an author's note bec I don't like it when my fave fics have updates and it's just a note, but it looks like I have to. So sorry for getting y'all excited for a new chapter, just for it to be a note.

Anyway, I did note in one of my Street Rats side stories (The Thermometer) what actually transpired and why I haven't been updating this fic. Essentially, I lost the last few chapters because my device broke, and it's unrealistic to have it repaired so I just got a new laptop.

You are free to express disappointment, but imagine what I feel. Not only did I lose the last chapters of Street Rats, I also lost the Zoestery chapter for Juno, and three chapters of a new fic. I'm a writer IRL (degree in scriptwriting, which is probably why I've v dialogue heavy) but my job is unrelated to writing, so I release my creativity on here. Anyone who writes knows that when an idea hits you, you write it down. And then it just becomes something else. Siren was like that for me. It was just a fic for Zoestery week that I suddenly got so many ideas for, which is why I made Siren Stories, so I can lore dump without having to write an actual full fic.

I never once said Street Rats is discontinued, so don't go on my other fics shitting on them bec I started writing for those more. Idk if it's the same person leaving all these disrespect comments on Siren Stories (Guest commenter) but I've had to turn off comments from anyone who doesn't have an Ao3 account on there, purely because actual users who leave comments about Street Rats are genuinely asking, not making blatant assumptions and disrespectful remarks.

Funny thing is, after the latest update on Siren Stories, I decided to go back to this one. But then someone left such a disrespectful comment on the newest chapter. Had me feeling some way.

I'm grateful I've written something that you all look forward to, but please if y'all gonna be nasty then just leave me alone.

Chapter Text

Modern Day

Abby twiddled his thumbs as he toyed with the phone Jinu gave him. His mind was racing, and he didn't know who to call.

He cycled through the same three contacts on his phone.

Jinu

Romance

Mira

Jinu

Romance

Mira

Realistically, he was a tad bit hurt when Mira chose Romance over him. But there wasn't much he could do about that - Romance had been with her longer. Which was... kind of her fault, but he didn't want to blame her.

He had been attracted to Mira since before the Namsan incident, as was Romance. He thought he had a better chance considering Mira had expressed nothing but disgust toward Romance and some form of attraction toward himself.

He didn't know what happened while he was gone, but whatever it was... good for Romance.

And on top of that, he started being plagued with memories from his life as a human.

With them.

He didn't know why his memories were starting to come back, but it might be due to Gwi Ma's defeat. Yeah, that's probably it... but that didn't explain why Romance was still pretty much oblivious to everything.

Speaking of Romance, he looked a lot different in Abby's human memories. He retained a lot of features that told Abby that was still his best friend, of course. He had more muscle and fat on his bones, which would be because they were no longer living off scraps, but... his nose was sharper, his face narrower. Maybe he made a deal with Gwi Ma for a better face? It made sense, it wasn't unlike the deal he made for strength.

The three of them went to Mira's room after they had a meeting with the others about Mira and Zoey's past lives. Mira delved further into the moments they had shared together, moments that were too private to share with the others. The rooftop escapes, stolen kisses, flirtatious banter.

But her breath hitched when she was asked how it ended. She refused to answer that one. He and Romance surmised it was probably really bad, considering she did hang herself, so neither pried.

They were right.

He clicked the name on his phone before he could think further. The line rang twice before it picked up.

"Abs?"

"Ro? Where are you?"

Romance poured hot water into Mira's ramyeon cup, "penthouse. Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I just... I need to talk to you."

"Okay, I'll be there in a bit."

He put down his phone and brough the cup ramyeon to his girlfriend, who was seated on the couch. They had a live on Weverse for later that evening, so Mira was trying to figure out how to do her hair.

"Thank you." Mira smiled when he set the ramyeon down, planning a kiss on his cheek, "who called?"

"Abby." Romance told her, "he wanted to talk."

Mira looked at him with concern, "is he okay?"

"Don't worry about it, should be fine." He assured her, planting a kiss on her temple, "I'll be back in a bit."

"Take your time." Mira said softly, "I can go live with Zoey or Jinu."

He disappeared in a cloud of purple, reappearing in his room in his apartment.

Abby sat on the edge of the bed, clearly thinking about something.

"What is it?"

Abby looked up at him, "remember when I said my memories were starting to come back?"

Romance's jaw dropped slightly, before he caught it. "You remember everything now?"

Abby nodded, "I think so."

"Okay." Romance said slowly, approaching him on the bed.

"It's... bad... really bad."

Romance nodded understandingly, "pretty much a given."

"I think..." he began, "the reason they're coming back is because... I made a deal to have them erased."

"Oh... that bad huh." Romance said somberly, "we don't have to talk about it."

"I want to." Abby said rather quickly, "I mean... you guys have to know."

"Though, I just want to say, that doesn't explain why my memories haven't returned at all." Romance said, very confused.

Abby chuckled, "well... it's just a theory."

Romance chuckled in return, "so... what about it do you want to talk about?"

Abby's eyes hardened, thinking deeply. He began by talking about his childhood, or rather their childhood. He grew up with him and Jinu on the streets, begging for money or food.

But then one day, a man from the palace dropped a bag near the trio. Abby scrambled to pick it up. It was filled with gold.

Jinu insisted they return the bag to the gentleman, but he and Romance had other ideas. They split the contents between the three of them, he and Romance using the money to buy good food.

Jinu, ever the good guy, donated the stolen money to a nearby shrine. He refused to live off of dirty means.

And so, the duo roamed the streets, pickpocketing and stealing, rarely getting caught. If they ever did, they managed to easily slip away or feign innocence by discarding the evidence.

Then, his breath hitched when he got to talking about Mira.

•

400 Years Ago

"You guys are going to get caught." Jinu muttered, eating a pear that fell off the back of a trading cart.

"It's the kitchens, Jinu." Romance assured him, "I've been watching them for days now. They throw away excess food in the back."

Jinu's face twisted. They were starving in the streets, and these rich people were throwing away good food?

"Exactly." Abby said, noticing the scowl on his face, "these rich fuckers eat and eat and stuff themselves to the fucking brim."

"Still, that's the palace." Jinu muttered, "we get caught, we're fucked."

"That's where you come in." Romance said smoothly, "we do the dirty work, you be the lookout."

Jinu sighed, "now why would I do that?"

"Because you make the perfect whistling sound of a bird." Abby pointed out, "that's our signal if you see anyone."

"C'mon, Jinu!" Romance pouted, "we'll get enough food for a week, for everyone! Even for your sister and mother."

Jinu was still unsure of the plan, especially because he had never participated in such heists. Still, the thought of getting food for his family enough for a week was too tempting to pass up.

"Fine."

Abby and Romance dug through the discarded food at the back of the kitchens, holding bags they filled with anything they found remotely edible.

Jinu sat hidden a good distance away in a bush, he had a view of the entire kitchen and dining hall building and the pathways leading up to it.

He was extremely nervous, eyes darting at every movement as his friends dug through the trash and seemed to be taking their sweet time.

Inside the dining hall, two girls sat next to each other, eating bread and fruits. The taller one wore purple and had a baby in her arms.

"I swear that bitch is so uptight." The one holding the baby muttered, gently cradling the infant in her arms.

"She's the queen, it's her job to be." Said the other one who wore pink, mouth full of fruit. "Mira, are you sure you don't want me to hold your brother?"

Mira grumbled, "I'm fine, Rumi."

Rumi was doubtful. She knew Mira didn't like children, and yet she was weirdly protective of this one.

She was also the only one who could get the baby to stop crying.

Just then, they both heard a rustling sound. The two of them looked at each other, then Mira handed off her baby brother to a nearby maidservant.

"I'll be back." Mira instructed, and the maid bowed.

At the back of the kitchens, Abby and Romance had started their raid, already managing to collect some stale bread.

Abby and Romance were just about to leave when a girl in an expensive purple hanbok blocks their exit.

Shit! Where the fuck is Jinu?

The duo freeze on the spot, dropping their sacks of food. The girl looks over both of them, and then the bags on the floor. She looks around tensely, then at the thieves.

"Hungry?"

They glance at each other.

Mira really shouldn't be feeling sorry for them.

And yet she knew that, given a change of circumstances, she would be out on the streets with them.

"Princess?"

She could see them tremble at the voice that started to approach, or perhaps because they just realised they were face to face with a royal family member. Still, Mira turned her head to see the maidservant holding her baby brother.

"Please bring my brother back to my chambers." She said carefully, "I have guests."

The maidservant bowed and scurried away.

She turned back to the dirt covered boys, "follow me, please."

She turned and walked to the dining hall, looking back to make sure they were following. When she noticed they hadn't moved, she jerked her head toward the entrance.

And the boys had no choice but to follow.

In the bushes, Jinu had a wide view, and yet he didn't notice the girls exit the dining area. He was too focused on a group of guards walking in the general vicinity.

By the time he noticed the girl in the purple hanbok approaching the disposal area, he pouted his lips to make a bird whistle.

"Who are you?"

He sucked in a breath, bird whistle alert aborted. He didn't dare speak, nor make a sound.

Perhaps if he didn't move, the person would go away.

"I can see you, you know."

Rumi stood behind the bushes, staring right at the back of his head. She had noticed a rustling when she and Mira went to investigate the disposal behind the kitchen, and thus made a wide walk around to behind the bush.

"Sorry, I promise we won't come back." He muttered weakly, too scared to turn around, "just spare us please. I have a mother and sister."

"You don't have to apologise to me," she said gently, "but you do need to leave before someone sees you."

"We will." He promised, staring at the ground.

"You guys do this all the time?" She asked.

"No," he answered, "I just play the bipa."

"On the street?"

"Yes."

"What's your name?"

He hesitated.

"Oh, that's alright if you don't want to tell me." Rumi said gently, "but you really do need to go."

He looked up, Abby and Romance were gone. He turned and found whoever he had spoken to had left.

Thinking they went ahead, Jinu carefully snuck out the bush and ran for the edge of the palace grounds.

Inside the dining hall, Mira encouraged Abby and Romance to eat the bread and fruit she and Rumi were just eating.

"C'mon," she said, sitting across them and eating bread.

They sat down slowly, carefully picking at the fruit.

It was the best they had eaten in ages.

"I'd get you guys meals, but the chef is out right now." She smiled.

They should have known it wasn't the food that would have them coming back for more.

It was that damn smile.

•

Modern Day

Abby and Romance sat in a tense silence as Abby recounted his human memories.

And the reason he made a deal with Gwi Ma.

Who knew the very girl that killed him once was the same girl he made a deal for?

"I should've known she would go for you." Abby joked, nudging Romance on the shoulder.

"She does like you too, you know." Romance said softly, "I can see it."

"I think it might be much to have two," Abby said, "you did say she just started opening up. Adding me might overwhelm her."

"Maybe eventually."

They sat in a comfortable silence.

"Just show her you care."

"Of course." Abby whispered, "even if... we don't end together... as long as she's happy. We can be friends."

"Speaking of." Romance pulled out his phone, "she should be going live right now on the Huntr/x WeVerse."

He and Mira planned to go live together, mukbang a few snacks and then jam to a few songs. They toyed with the idea of going public with their relationship, but agreed to keep it secret. He wondered who she got to do the live with her.

They opened the live and found Mira, Zoey, and Jinu eating ramyeon and chips.

"By the way you guys, if you have any songs you wanna hear from us, let us know." Zoey said, pointing down at the comments section.

"I wonder what hamburger noodles taste like." Abby said, looking at Zoey's cup.

"Forget that, what the hell does Superstar flavour even mean!" Romance joked.

"Mira's is really spicy though." Abby said, recalling the night he and Mira went out for a snack run and returned back to... do some activities. "But it was really good. I liked it... by the way, have you ever tried that soda shit we did? Nasty as fuck."

Romance chuckled, "yeah, Mystery and I bought some to try once. He seemed to like the fizz."

On Romance's phone, Mira slurped up her noodles and then grabbed another cup from off screen.

"She's slurping those up, I literally just gave her some noods before I came here." Romance said, brow raising. Not very healthy.

Abby raised an eyebrow, "her what?"

"Noods. Like I gave her her noods?" Zoey had once called the ramyeon noodles 'noods' and he found it pretty funny.

Abby's face heated up as he imagined... he shook his head. "Uhh... sure but... why would you give her her own? Shouldn't you be giving yours?"

"I meant noodles!"

"Okay!" Mira said on the live, "not much song suggestions on here."

Jinu's face turned pink, all the way to his ears. The comments section was less song suggestions and more freaking out over Jinu eating Rumi's ramyeon.

"Oh! Here's one! Oh shhhhhheet of paper." Zoey sputtered as chips flew from her mouth.

"Have some decorum!" Mira chided, playfully slapping her shoulder.

Zoey wiped her mouth as Mira and Jinu fell over laughing, "well, I saw someone suggest We Can't Be Friends. I think this old man doesn't know Ariana Grande."

"Hey!"

"Relax gramps, let's get you back to bed." Mira teased.

When they decided who was going to sing what, Jinu got his bipa and started strumming a similar melody.

Romance looked at Abby, who was staring at his phone as Mira sang the song.

Wait until you like me again
Wait for your love

"Are you going to tell her?"

Me and my truth we sit in silence

Abby shook his head, "no... no, I don't think I will."

Chapter Text

Modern Day

Zoey walked down the snow covered streets.

It had been around two months since Mira drank the juice. Life settled quietly. Both Huntr/x and the former Saja Boys were closer than ever.

Well... except for one member.

Zoey's heart twisted at the thought of Baby, who she heard through Mira was doing well in therapy. Still, he hadn't spoken to her all this time, only getting together for public PR appearances.

The fans noticed, of course, because they always do.

Gone were the gentle, fleeting touches and casual banter. Fans noticed how posed and scripted everything felt. How they couldn't seem to look each other in the eye, how awkward their photos had become.

The theories started going crazy. She read through a lot of comments and Reddit posts about their relationship:

1. It was a real relationship, but somewhere in between, they broke up for real. Now, the relationship was just for appearances and PR.

2. There was also another popular theory that Baby had used Zoey for clout, and she fell in love. Now that he got what he needed, he didn't have to keep up appearances.

And finally the theory that got her cackling:

3. Baby is secretly gay and Zoey was his beard, he was dating Mystery while Zoey was dating Abby.

Funny.

And though she had a nice, gentle relationship with Mystery, she still waited for him. Every morning, she would check her phone, look at her balcony for a puff of pink smoke, heck she was even checking the mailbox if he decided to send actual mail or a scroll or whatever.

Mystery was everything Baby was not.

He was gentle, kind, and had more self control. Where Baby was rough around the edges, Mystery was smoother. Even Mira liked Mystery more for her, explaining that she needed a calm soul by her side, not the rapid fire that was Baby.

Still, her heart ached for him... especially knowing he waited centuries for her.

Provided he fucked it up in less than a week, but Zoey was always a little too soft. She found his reason was a little too stupid and could have been fixed with a simple conversation.

But that was what therapy was for. According to Mira, he would develop a panic whenever he thought he had to talk to anyone about anything. The therapist told her it's probably due to his upbringing, where he was forced to keep everything to himself, lest anyone he cared about suffer the consequences. He would see the face of his step mother, the queen consort, whenever he was in a panic.

And yet... she wished he would talk to her somehow... eventually. It's not like she's not over it, of course not. It's just... she couldn't believe it happened.

She was taken out of her thoughts when her phone rang.

"You out for your walk?"

"Yeah." Zoey answered, "just needed to clear my head."

"Want me to join you?"

"Not this time, Mystery."

Mystery wasn't dumb. He knew what ate at Zoey's mind, even though she constantly reassured him she was over it.

Not that he didn't believe her, of course, but since the relationship with Baby didn't end properly, he figured Zoey was just in desperate need of closure. A proper conversation with Baby.

"Alright. I'm cooking hamburger steak tonight." Mystery said.

Zoey's stomach grumbled, "you're tempting me."

Mystery chuckled softly, "I love you."

"I love you."

Since Romance was basically at the penthouse all the time, his room at the apartment had now been claimed by Abby. But even then, Abby was also attached to Mira at the hip, which left Mystery by himself a lot. Zoey would come to the apartment and stay over when things weren't too busy, and when she knew he would be alone.

She told herself it was just so he wouldn't be so lonely.

She looked over at the setting sun across the Han river, sparkling on the frozen water. She sat down on a bench.

She jumped a little when someone sat next to her, arm stretched toward her, holding an ice cream cone.

"Baby?"

Baby wasn't looking her in the eye, he just stared at the ice cream he was holding out.

Was he trembling?

"Sorry I... I saw you and thought..." He muttered, "I remember you said you like ice cream and-"

That was the moment Zoey threw herself at him, embracing him in a tight hug. The ice cream cone fell to the ground. Normally, Baby would have snarked at that little fact, but he exhaled shakily, wrapping his arms around her.

He had wanted to talk to her, of course. It was just too difficult to start. Then one day, Zoey burst into his place, tailed by Mira. All the word vomit spilled out of his as he bared his heart and soul.

Only for Mira to say "great, now say that again to Zoey."

As it turned out, the Zoey she came with was Romance.

Right... demons can shapeshift.

"I'm sorry." Baby muttered, "Zoey, I'm so sorry."

He pulled back from the hug, trying his hardest not to cry, but seeing her wide, doe eyes did things to him.

"I... I know I'm not the best... and it's too late for us... but I'm sorry. For what it's worth, anyway. I'm sorry I didn't talk to you, I'm sorry I didn't show up for the music video, I'm sorry I... I didn't do it right."

Zoey nodded shakily.

"I've... I've been improving though, I think." He said, suddenly a little bit hopeful, "the therapist really helps, thank you."

"That's good." Zoey smiled.

They pulled from the hug and sat in a cordial silence. Hands next to each other on the bench, but not quite touching.

"Does he treat you right?" Baby asked softly.

Zoey nodded, "yeah... yeah, he does."

He nodded approvingly, "that's good."

He stared at the melting cone on the ground, "I got that for you, you know."

She laughed, and it made Baby's insides flutter. "Sorry, I just really missed you."

"I missed you too." Baby said, then he looked at her with more seriousness, "but... I don't think..."

Zoey's lip trembled, anticipating what he was about to say, "don't."

"I'm sorry I couldn't be what you need." Baby said, "I'm sorry I couldn't make you happy."

He gently brushed her hand with his fingers, "something my therapist told me, perhaps last time I fell in love with you because of proximity. You were the first person to show me affection and kindness, we only knew each other for a few weeks."

He gently kissed her gloved knuckles, "I know you waited for me your entire life... but she also told me... we don't really know each other. We didn't get to court and date properly. We... we didn't know if we were actually compatible."

That hurt... but he was right.

"I'm sorry you wasted all that time on me." Baby murmured, "I'm sorry I wasted your time."

Zoey shook her head, "no, that was my choice. I could have moved on with my life, married someone else... but I didn't. That was completely my choice. I don't regret anything."

"And I'll always love you for that." Baby declared, "I never deserved you, Zoey."

"Please don't."

Baby looked at her with misty eyes, "I'll coordinate with PR that we've broken up."

She couldn't believe it... even though it was true, it made it a little more real.

"I'll always love you, in this life and the next." Baby smiled, "hey... maybe I'll get lucky in the next one. Who knows, right?"

Zoey giggled, "yeah."

"Oh... this is yours, by the way." Baby took out a small pouch from inside his jacket pocket and gently closed it in her palms.

Wait...

"What?" She stammered, recognising the feel of the fabric and the weight, "no, Baby this is yours."

He shook his head, "no, I gave it to you. It's always been yours."

Zoey choked out a whimper, "you... I... are you saying goodbye?"

"If you want to keep me around, that would be nice." He said, "but... I understand if you don't want me around anymore."

Zoey wiped her face, eyes incredibly wet and red, "I do want you around... I do love you... but... maybe just not in the way you want me to."

"And that's completely valid." Baby said, resigned, "and that's good enough for me."

He gave her a tight, warm hug, and pressed a gentle kiss on her forehead.

"I love you, Zoey." He said.

"I love you, Baby." She whispered.

He gently stood up, giving her hand one final squeeze, before walking away. While walking, he received a text.

Mystery: how did it go?

Zoey stared at the luxury pouch in her hands, gathering herself together. She wiped her face of tears and tried to slow down her breathing.

She slowly opened the pouch, taking out the intricate box inside. She knew exactly what was inside that box.

She opened it and saw the engagement ring Baby had given her so many years ago.

She traced the intricate jewel with her finger, remembering how it kept her alive. Thinking that one day, Baby would come back for her, as he promised. She refused romantic advances from everyone, even though people told her she was crazy.

From the sound of the crunching footsteps on the snow, she knew exactly who had just showed up without looking up from the ring.

"Did you guys plan this?" Zoey asked.

Mystery shrugged, "not really, no. It was more Mira's plan, really."

She chuckled, "of course it was."

She fiddled with the box in her hands before putting it back in the pouch.

"Will you wear it?"

Zoey snorted, "are you okay with me wearing my engagement ring from another man?"

Mystery grinned, "it's a nice ring alright! And it's still a piece of jewellry."

She giggled, "maybe for special events or something." She looked up at him, "you guys are crazy."

Mystery smiled at her, then jerked his head toward the bench, "can I sit?"

She nodded.

He took his place next to her, and she leaned into him. He wrapped an arm around her shoulder.

"Will you be okay?"

She nodded, "of course. It was a good talk, and I think he's doing well. I'm happy for him."